Number 29 Autumn 2017

Exciting beginnings Editorial Contents Changes, changes… 3 Latest news 4 The First World War and The Anyone who has had a look at our website at www.theglasgowacademy.org.uk over the past Glasgow Academy couple of months will have noticed that it doesn’t look the same as it did. 6 Prize Giving But it’s not just the looks that have changed. The website has been completely redesigned and rebuilt to make it much more informative and user-friendly for parents, 12 150th Sports Day pupils and, of course, former pupils. 14 Ricky Munday - Everest Diary There’s a new Alumni section which contains a host 16 Exciting beginnings of useful former pupil information. For example, there’s a Reunions and Events section as well as a 25 The Queen’s Birthday Honours List gallery of photos of past events, the most recent of which was the Westbourne Grand Reunion 26 Announcements in May. 30 Obituaries You may find our Publications archive section 34 Recognising your support particularly useful. There are copies of the Chronicle dating back to 1899 and the Westbourne magazine going back to 1928. There are 35 Open Events even back copies of Etcetera so that, if this is your first, you can see what you’ve missed in previous editions. …and that brings me to another change that is coming over the horizon. For the past 11 years we have been sending you copies of Etcetera at a rate of one roughly every 6 months. It’s a great privilege to be able to tell stories about this great school and about all the fascinating and inspiring people who have attended it over the Do we have your e-mail address? years. It’s how we communicate best! And the evidence is that you rather enjoy reading it. How do we know? Because you keep telling us, that’s why. Someone was kind enough to describe it as ‘an incredibly wonderful publication’ after the last edition. Keeping in touch However there’s a new piece of legislation that will come into force in May 2018. It’s The External Relations office is situated in called General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). You’ve probably heard of it or Colebrooke Terrace. Former pupils are always read something about it. welcome to pop in for a chat and look around the school. Just give us a call to arrange a time. It is prompting us look to again in more detail at our privacy policy and the ways in which we communicate with our school community. Our address is Colebrooke Terrace, Glasgow, G12 8HE. Over the years we have worked hard to ensure that we keep your personal information secure and we will never share it with third parties without your express permission. You can contact us on 0141 342 5494 or at That is not going to change. [email protected] The Glasgow Academical Club We want to continue to send you Etcetera, to tell you about forthcoming events, 21 Helensburgh Drive, Glasgow, G13 1RR dinners or reunions, to send you information about international rugby tickets etc. So we are looking closely at anything more that we will need to do in the future to carry President: John Mason on doing that. Email: [email protected] The Academy Club pavilion is available for How can you help? functions. Visit the Contact pages of The Academy website and complete the Alumni Contact Academical Club London Section Details form to update your details including your email address, phone number and President: Alex Gray how you would like us to contact you. Alternatively you can put pen to paper and Email: [email protected] write to us using the address opposite. We are proud of all that has been achieved with the help of the Academy community. Like us on Facebook; join us on LinkedIn The most recent example is the award-winning Saunders Centre. Without your support and encouragement that wonderful building would not have been built. That’s the kind of thing we hope will never change. With best wishes

Malcolm

2 Etcetera Record Higher pass rate at The Glasgow Academy – again!

The Rector, Peter Brodie, said: “I am delighted for all our pupils who worked hard and gained the results they wanted - and for the teachers who did all they could to support them. I am particularly encouraged by our series of record Higher pass rates, which are all the more impressive given that we have an open entry policy and present pupils for a significantly higher number of Highers (averaging around five per pupil) than many schools. “The rounded nature of our school is evident in our record number of ongratulations to Glasgow Academy pupils on their record pass sports internationalists this year, a rate at Higher - 97.2%. The best in the West of Scotland. This is record performance at the British Cthe third year running that Glasgow Academy pupils have gained rowing championships, record entries record results at Higher. and awards achieved for the Duke of Edingburgh award, and a series In contrast, nationally the Higher pass rate entries gained A grades (compared of outstanding dramatic and musical fell this year, from 77.2% to 77.0%. to 37.1% nationally). Amongst events. Our pupils who toured Canada (rugby) and Holland (hockey) 40 Academy pupils gained 5 or more high-performing departments, Drama, in August and those on leadership straight A grades at Higher. Hospitality and Latin gained 100% A grades. training in the Lake District have 66.5% of Academy Higher entries certainly earned a good time and I At Advanced Higher, 51.1% of were awarded A grades this year congratulate all pupils across the years Academy entries were awarded (compared to 28.7% nationally). who did their very best.” A grades (compared to 31.7% At National 5, 71% of Academy nationally).

Two Gold medals at he Glasgow Academy has had its most Tsuccessful British Rowing Championships British Rowing Championships ever with our crews winning two Gold medals, one Silver and one Bronze. Special mention goes to the Girls J18 quad of Holly Wicklow, Louise Miller, Holly Allan and Jenny Olney who took their race by the scruff of the neck and took on Henley Rowing Club to take Gold. In doing so, they reversed the decision of three years ago when The Glasgow Academy four of Wicklow, Rankin, Somerside and Neilson took Silver behind Henley RC in the same event. Alex Milne continued to dominate the J16 field with commanding performances throughout the regatta and took a well-deserved Gold. Olney and Wicklow also took Silver in the Girls J18 pairs and Kitcher and Colley Bronze in the Girls J16 pairs. Very well done to all our rowers who took part.

Etcetera 3 The First World War and The Glasgow Academy

Simon Wood, Head of History and Academy Archivist, considers the events of 100 years ago and sheds some light on school life during one of the most important years of the First World War.

y 1917 the first world war had active sports programme, academic prizes, Russell who were both killed in 1915. entered its third year. The impact school debating and all the activities Bof the war on the school was being of a busy educational establishment. The school was very active in identifying keenly felt. The Academy Chronicle was Yet the war intruded in a number of Academicals who served and fell. As the published four times a year and, amongst ways. The Officer Training Corps was year ended the following was soberly its varied content, it recorded those increasingly professional in its approach to stated: ‘On December 13th, 1917, the who served, those who gained honours training and descriptions of the training number of Academicals who have ‘fallen during the war and those who fell. The at Barry show the boys being prepared on service’ amounts to 262.’ casualty lists and dates tell their own story. for leadership and fighting in trench Simon Wood, Head of History and There are particular clusters of casualties conditions. The boys were also involved in Academy Archivist between April and May as well as towards forestry work in the Schoolboys Timber the end of the year. This fits with two Camps that operated to provide valuable major actions undertaken by the British wood for trench construction. The boys Donald Mackintosh army. The first was the Battle of Arras and were based in Aboyne and Banchory remembered the second the Battle of Passchendale. By in Aberdeenshire with other Glasgow 1917 the British army had evolved into schools during the spring and showed Glasgow Academical and First World War a formidable fighting force. Lessons had a competitive edge when trying to cut hero Lieutenant Donald Mackintosh, who been learned from the Somme and the down and prepare the most timber. The received a posthumous Victoria Cross, was action at Arras illustrates the importance school also made a worthy contribution remembered at a special ceremony on of planning and integration of action by producing Fearnought gloves for the Tuesday 11 April marking the centenary of between infantry, artillery, armour and the navy. The formidable Miss MacCallum his death. air force. The Battle is seen as a success by organised this and the archive contains a His valour was honoured with the historians and Academicals were heavily number of letters from naval commanders unveiling of a WW1 VC centenary paving involved. Of particular interest is the thanking the school for these warm and stone by Glasgow’s Lord Provost Sadie presence of Academicals in the Canadian dry gloves, which were welcomed by Docherty, beside the Glasgow Academy military forces. This illustrates the sailors. War Memorial at the end of Colebrooke importance of Empire for the Academy. Street. Many left Scotland for the dominions However, in terms of the history of the in order to find work. The Canadians school the importance of 1917 also lies His nephew, Donald Blair, attended the were tasked with taking the important in the fact that it was in June 1917 that poignant ceremony with his wife Ros and and heavily-fortified Vimy Ridge during Peter Rintoul’s letter was published. members of his extended family. the Arras battle. They did successfully, Early in the year, the school had opened At the ceremony Donald said: ‘Of course though two Accies serving in the up a debate on how to remember and I am very proud. However, we are not Canadian Army fell. They were William commemorate the services of Academy only remembering my uncle but all his Mackissock, a sergeant, and W Gardener boys who had served during the war. comrades that died with him in that Benzie, a second Lieutenant. The battle Rintoul’s letter stated that, ‘To this writer terrible battle and all the lost Seaforth of Passchendale was not such a success, it seems that the most suitable memorial Highlanders in successive regiments. As grinding to a halt in the mud of Flanders. would be one which aims at securing the well as all the men from Glasgow Academy Many Academicals fell in both battles. permanency and extending the influence who gave their lives.’ The Academy increasingly included of the Academy itself.’ It proposed buying short eulogies for those who had paid the out the shareholders who owned the He recalled how the family came across a ultimate price, but it gave over a whole school and reconstituting it as a Trust. The cache of letters that had been sent to his page for Lieutenant Donald Mackintosh idea that would lead to the formation of grandmother following her son’s death. of the Seaforth Highlanders who was the War Memorial Trust originated at this He said: ‘They were all kept in a tin and awarded the Victoria Cross for his actions time. never referred to. She could never bring holding his troops together and attacking herself to look at them. My grandparents Many of the school prizes also originate the enemy. His sergeant described him and my mother found it very difficult to in 1917, with the gifting of legacies to as being, ‘One of the bravest, the men talk about. It was an earth–shattering event provide both academic and sporting would have followed him anywhere at in their lives. Particularly, my grandfather, a prizes. The Elliot-Laing, Russell and any time.’ Members of staff who served distinguished medical man, on the death of Murray Prizes all originated in 1917 as also fell during 1917, with J M Sutherland his only son threw himself into his work. commissioned in January 1916 in the memorials to the sons who had fallen; Royal Scots, but killed in action on 23 Alexander Elliot at Gallipoli, Arthur Lang ‘I’m very pleased to be able to round off a April. at the Somme, Alexander Roxburgh duty I felt I had in my life to my mother Murray of the Highland Light Infantry and also my grandparents in remembering The life of the school continued with an and for the brothers Tom and Stewart my uncle on the centenary of his death.’

4 Etcetera His Colonel wrote: ‘It is with most sincere regret that I have to announce to you the death of your son. He fell while gallantly leading his men into action yesterday morning. It may be some consolation to you to know that all ranks here mourn with you in the loss of such a brave fellow and such a true comrade. Will you please accept our heartfelt sympathy.’ ‘We pray that after a while you may find solace in the sure and certain knowledge that your dear son, though his life has stopped so soon, has not lived in vain, even as in God’s mercy the sacrifice he has made so willingly – so willingly; I knew him! – will not have been in vain either.’ (A Glasgow Academy Master) ‘…he told me his wish was to be a medical missionary…’ (Another Master) ‘…one of the best athletes in the Academy of recent years… a member of the [rugby] XV and the [cricket] XI two years ago… he won the Masters’ Prize in 1915, and was a prefect…’ (from the GA Chronicle) ‘I shall miss his strong, kind face, with its eager interest in all one might say on a Sunday…’ (Rev John A Hutton DD, Minister, Belhaven United Free Church) ‘What a beautiful confidence it gives one to Donald Blair proudly shows off the new stone in the company of his grandchildren, Jenny and know that although often unfaithful to Him in James the past, He is ready to forgive, and will shield my head in the day of battle, if the purpose of my life is as yet unfulfilled. It takes away the sense of fear and danger to know that One more powerful than the enemy Alexander Roxburgh is there.’ Murray (extract from his last letter home, written Alexander Roxburgh Murray was on the eve of battle) born at Chungking, West China, ‘And when the fight is ended, on Christmas Day 1897. By 1916, By Him so well begun, Alec was a Second Lieutenant What joy for me, His face to see in the 17th Battalion, Highland And hear Him say, ‘Well done!’ Light Infantry. Having left Lord help me ere I finish, school without having heard And lay mine armour down, of him, I happened to come To win for Thee the victory across a book about him in the And gain from Thee the crown.’ depths of the New College Library in Edinburgh. The (extract from lines found in his Bible – book had been published by E W Hornung) his grieving family after he was I find myself profoundly moved to killed in action aged 18, on read Alec’s story, just over 100 years the Somme, on 18 November since his death and re-told it to a 1916. From that book, here are congregation on Remembrance some quotations. Sunday. At this summer’s annual Army “Just as I am, young, strong, and free, Cadet Force camp I shall be telling To be the best that I can be his story again to our Cadets and Adult For truth and righteousness and Thee, Volunteers. Lord of my life – I come.” Alen McCulloch (1980) - Chaplain, (from lines found in his Bible) Alexander Roxburgh Murray Cornwall ACF

Etcetera 5 He was not pleased. Prize-giving “Some of you boys disappointed me today. When I shake hands with a man, I The guest at this June’s School Prize-giving was Sir Jeremy Isaacs. We were try to do two things; to take an impression delighted to welcome him back to his old school in the city of his birth - both of him and leave an impression on him. I places that hold happy memories for him. can only do that if he will look me in the eye. Some of you did not!” I personally had looked him in the kneecap. He made a strange speech too, warning us that, in the world we’d be working in after school, ‘we would meet base ingratitude.’ What he meant, I suppose, was that he’d hoped to be Viceroy of India, and couldn’t forgive Winston Churchill for passing him over. Churchill knew better. Years later I got my come-uppance in a Glasgow accent when, in 1987, hoping perhaps to follow John Reith’s footsteps, I applied to become Director General of the BBC. At the interview, across the boardroom table at Broadcasting House, one of the governors, John Boyd (General Secretary of the Amalgamated Engineering Union) delivered the fatal blow. “Mr Isaacs, you don’t seem to me to ood morning. I am happy to be (l to r) Sir Jeremy Isaacs with Graham Scott, Chairman of Governors, and Peter Brodie, the be a person who takes very kindly to back in the city of my birth, and Rector discipline. Now I see by the smile on your especially happy to be here in the G face that you take it as a compliment, but school in which I spent six good years, 1946 - 1951. played for the love of the game. Many congratulations to Filip Petrov, this year’s Dux Medallist. Filip has achieved his offer from I owe a great deal to the teaching I had • Professional footballers, even the best, Fitzwilliam College, Cambridge to study Natural here. The teachers were exceptional: earned the same low wage - £7 per Sciences Chris Varley, Baggy Aston, George week - as the fans who crowded the Preston, Frank Batchelor and others, rain-swept terraces to watch them. including the Rector, Frank Roydon Not a Porsche, nor a Lamborghini in Richards. I remember them vividly still. sight. And I owe my love of the arts to this • Glasgow pubs were male preserves, city, its galleries, its music, its cinema, sawdust on the floor and no woman its theatre. And its humour. I remember seen in them. pantomimes at the Citizens Theatre • The only females here in Colebrooke with two great dames, Duncan MacRae Street were the Rector’s secretaries, and Stanley Baxter ‘hinging oot the and the dinner ladies. windeas’ and in the powder room of the Barrowland Palais with Macrae saying, Look at us here now, boys and girls; of all “Here, Bella, take my partner, will you: the changes for the better we have seen I’m sweatin.” going co-educational was surely the best of all. Happy days, long, long ago. In 1951, my last summer, John Reith, The world was different then. Lord Reith of Stonehaven, the founding • There was no TV, and only one managing director of the BBC, presented Dimbleby - Richard, father of David the prizes, not here but in St Andrews and Jonathan. Halls, burnt down after a boxing match some years later. Reith, on the platform, • Glasgow had trams. towered over us, sitting below. We went • The ‘rugger-buggers’, at Anniesland up some steps, took the book he offered, or Murrayfield, were amateurs. They shook his hand, and came down again.

6 Etcetera I can assure you that I, and others here, Head Girl, Holly see it as a criticism.” Wicklow, and Head Boy, Fraser Gordon, SQUELCH! with the Indian Trophy at Prize-giving At this point, I want heartily to congratulate the prize winners, and indeed to express my good wishes for fulfilment, in school and after it, to all the pupils here today. This is a good day, for all of us, but for those of you who are leaving school tomorrow, it’s rather more than that - a milestone, a sort of watershed in your lives. It’s a time to do a Janus, to look back and forward, almost simultaneously. First of all, I suggest, you look back with gratitude to the parents who have seen to it that you were educated here. They cared; you benefited. And you can look back gratefully to the teachers who schooled you, with skilled explanation and Another Rectorial speaker on now, and they saw too little of me. People persistent enthusiasm. Gilmourhill had a very different message say, easing or crashing out of demanding on 28 April 1972. He was Jimmy Reid, jobs that they ‘want to spend more time I think parents and teachers deserve a who had worked in the ship-building with their families’. But we should spend round of applause. yards on Clydeside. A trade unionist, he more time with our families, not just on By the way, count the friends you made fought, when the yards were threatened leaving a job, but while we’re actually here and keep in touch with them. with closure, to keep them open. At doing it. School friends can be friends for life. sit-ins, he warned the others ‘Keep off I was very struck the other day by the the bevvy; this is serious.’ He’d been a Looking to the past is easy enough; words of a footballer newly arrived communist once, but he more and more peering into the future is more complex. in England’s Premier League. He was endeared himself to many more who We simply don’t know what it will hold. asked why he had wanted to leave a fine cared for Glasgow’s greatness. continental club, where he played good Wordsworth wrote of the French He was an eloquent speaker and a great football. He said, ‘I wanted to move on Revolution: leader. Glasgow students elected him and up, to improve my game. I’m not ‘Bliss was it in that dawn to be alive, Rector. In his speech he took issue with interested in playing adequately well; I But to be young was very heaven.’ the line that Birkenhead had taken: the want to improve.’ And he went on to say, struggle to get to the top, he had said, was remarkably: ‘I want to improve not just as None of us could say to you who are a rat race. a footballer, but as a son, as a brother, as a leaving this year or next year - no one father.’ could say that the public future you will ‘The rat race is for rats. But we are not face will be heavenly. Far more likely, it rats; we are human beings.’ That man is an example to us all. will be bleak and sombre. Difficult years He went so far as to quote the New All of us, I think, need to improve our lie ahead. Testament: performance as citizens. We need to be a Will we come through it? Of course we better Britain, with no more horrors like ‘What does it profit a man if he gain the will. We will have to keep our cool, grit the shameful fire-trap at Grenfell Towers whole world, and suffer the loss of his our teeth and plough on. At some point, in Kensington. soul.’ not too far distant, things will improve, As of now, it’s down to today’s our spirits rise, our hopes be fulfilled. But The New York Times printed the entire Government, and today’s citizens - the how should we live meanwhile? lecture, word for word. (You can still read mothers and fathers in in this hall to it today; he has words for our present On 7 November 1923, FE Smith, Lord share responsibility, to build our society problems.) Birkenhead, a formidable lawyer and together, not to see it divided. That’s now, politico, was elected Rector by the but very soon, certainly within ten years, Two different ways forward. How to students of Glasgow University, and in his the responsibility will fall on younger choose... rectorial address told them: people, on you who are today leaving I’m for a bit of both. When you find out, school and on others who will follow ‘The world continues to offer glittering when you know what you want to do, go you. prizes to those who have stout hearts and for it with mind and heart and soul. But sharp swords…’ keep other people in mind also. Our future will lie in your hands. Be ready for that when it comes. Seize the In other words, success is what matters I say that as a self-confessed workaholic. opportunity, and enjoy it. most; go for it, if necessary cut your way For three years, making The World at War, to the top. I saw too little of my children, I know Good luck!

Etcetera 7 day, leaving home at 7:15 in the morning Anecdotage and returning home at 5.30 - a long day for a 12-year-old. I know I should’ve used that time profitably doing my homework Going for a Spin but I also know I spent most of the time just looking out of the bus window. Going for a Spin is the very entertaining autobiography of Professor Gordon Sharp in Because I had not been at the Academy which he tells the story of how he became a leading prior to the war, I was never allowed to aerospace medical specialist. Professor Sharp was one eat lunch in the school dining room, of the men who pioneered a series of improvements which now seems a very strange and to pilot systems in the 1960s and 70s which helped rather unfair decision by Royden to reduce accident rates and aircrew stress and injury. Richards, the Rector. However, with my He was also involved in researching the medical shilling for lunch and two ha’pennies for aspects of space travel and worked with NASA the tram, I managed to travel into town to contribute to the Apollo space programme. for lunch at the Ceylon Cafe at the top As he makes clear in the early chapters, some of of Renfield Street where my favourite his teachers at Glasgow Academy were highly waitress always gave me two helpings significant… of pudding. Sometimes I bestowed my custom on the City Bakeries at St Soon after the war I progressed to the senior school. Teaching was not good at the time. George’s Cross where I became very Old, tired schoolmasters had held the school together when the younger ones were partial to a strange dish of mince which away at war. I did however make many friends with whom I have remained friendly all came with rice, was coloured bright my life. We would make fun of some of the masters, as boys do - I remember ‘Shorty’ green and was known as curry. Gilmour, ‘Dick’ Tate and ‘Baggy’ Aston. Later a younger gym master joined the staff, Henry U’ren, who did not need a nickname. On the downside, Wilfred Emery, who was head of music at school and organist One teacher we did not make fun of in senior school was Katy ‘Lentils’ Gentles. She at Glasgow Cathedral, had a distressing was a formidable mistress who taught younger classes in senior school. She wore a habit of telling me to play the piano to black academic gown and had a tawse (Scottish leather strap) hanging beneath her the rest of the class from time to time. I gown, and used it liberally on our hands or bottoms for almost any misdemeanour. know I certainly did not want to do this However I owe ‘Lentils’ a great deal for the teaching methods she used, which became and I am equally sure that the other boys the basis for my scientific and research career. She took us out on visits to factories, did not want to listen to me. Gradually I carpet works, haulage contractors and many others in the days before out-of-classroom suspected that the rather frightening Mr activities became commonplace. She insisted on our return that we must investigate Emery wanted to go outside for a quick all aspects of the work carried out in these workplaces to see what was involved in and furtive smoke during my unwanted every task, using the books and encyclopaedias in the school library bookshelves. Then performance, and I rather think he had we had to write up a short essay or report on what we had observed. I became quite to hide this activity from the even more skilled at taking information and writing a précis, and because of this I won a class frightening Miss Wilson, the Head of the prize for my visit reports. Primary School. Again the slant I took was the human aspects of the workplace. My ability to précis I left Glasgow in 1945 and did not information stood me in good stead for my later lecturing and broadcasting work. It return to live here until 1980. For some was also the groundwork for what was to come later and my early introduction to the unfathomable reason I remembered that almost unknown field of occupational medicine - my final goal. Miss McEwan lived at 72 Novar Drive and I soon went there to thank her for Favourite teachers remembered: Miss McEwan turning my life around all these years I spent my first three years of education academic gown which, like her fingers, previously. When I rang the doorbell, a (1936-1939) at Jordanhill College School, was always coated with chalk dust but I little old lady appeared and I announced learning remarkably little. This lack of learned enough in the course of that year myself as being a member of her class in knowledge only became apparent during to win a prize. 1939. She looked up and I immediately the early weeks of the war when the recognised my former teacher although schools were closed and I was taught at For the next three years I was evacuated at she no longer smelt of chalk. Buchlyvie in Stirlingshire where I hugely home by my mother. She was so appalled Without hesitation she greeted me: “Yes, enjoyed going to the village school. There, at the extent and depth of my ignorance I remember you very well and that your thanks to Miss McEwan, I was Dux of that when Glasgow Academy opened, a aunt taught along with Dr Steel at Allan the school - not an astonishing academic bit late that year, I was enrolled in Miss Glen’s School. You did manage to win a achievement. McEwan’s class. I wasn’t the least bit class prize that year but, really, you should worried, probably because I didn’t notice, But when it came time to go into the have been top of the class. Come in and that I was obliged to REPEAT Primary 3 Upper School I returned to the Academy have a cup of tea.” because I was so far behind my peers. for the last two years of the war, travelling Sic transit... During 1939-40 I spent many hours up at by Alexander’s unheated Bluebird bus, an Miss McEwan’s desk admiring her black hour and twenty minutes each way each Iain McGlashan (1949)

8 Etcetera That photograph…

Opening the Etcetera, I immediately turned to the Obituaries and - having found that my name did not feature - I continued to flip through the pages. Suddenly, there was my shining, youthful face smiling at me from a 1955 class photograph sandwiched between the mercurial, but sadly no longer, Martin Brolly and my cousin John Olav Kerr, now Lord Kerr, but for ever ‘Joker’. The photograph had been submitted by Kennedy in support of his article. Now was not that Kenny, with whom I won my only award at an Academy Sports Day – second place in the Transitus Three-legged Race? The challenge, of course, was to name brush or a daring cigarette. Well, it made a I was interested to see the photo of class that class, commanded by Mr Engledow; change from sneaking for a smoke behind 2A of 1955, as I joined 3A in Sept 1955 below I made a valiant effort, but have the RAF hut! Some might unkindly as a new boy, and I think I recognise a to confess I failed to complete the task say that I am long past the peak of my number of my class mates! So here goes! and apologise to those whose names are declining years and that looking back Back row: Jim Kernohan, Hugh Hopkins, John wrong or I did not recall. “Could Do should be done only fleetingly, but such Young?, Jock Fleming, ?, Tony Girdwood, William? Better” is a phrase which comes to mind, early experiences are defining moments Coutts, Campbell Macniven. one oft repeated on my school report on which future careers are built. After Second back row: Bernard Jefferies, Brian Parkes, forms. over 30 years of coaching rugby at the Scott Bisland, Gordon Dunlop, David Calder, local state school - with three daughters Douglas Murray?, John Garland, Peter Bannatyne, Mixed memories came flooding back of I had to do something to avoid Saturday Godfrey Taylor. rugby games won and lost, subjects liked morning shopping trips! - coaching and disliked, friendships made and lost, Second front row: Campbell Sayers?, David which included eight rugby tours Salmond, ?, Iain Christie, Mr CW Engledow (form behaviour good and bad and influential to Canada, I look fondly at the close master), Martin Brolly, Hamish Good, Lord John teachers like Messrs Cowper, Miles, friendships these tours created and which Olav Kerr of Kinlochard, Peter Price. Parkes, Carruthers, Waine and Holden. are sustained today at the annual reunions. Front row (legs crossed) David Donaldson, Harry All their combined efforts managed to As I look again at the class photograph, Draffan, Ronnie Low, John McGhie, Kennedy equip me with only an average leaving with the exception of Martin Brolly and Howden. certificate and, indeed, but for Mr Ronnie Low, who I know are at peace, I Holden’s timely intervention, I would Henry Murray Humphreys (1959) do wonder where the rest of you are and not have gained an entry to Aberdeen if your Academy experience gave you, University and my life might have taken a I always enjoy reading Etcetera, which too, a good start in life and if you were very different direction. Following good underlines how The Academy has able to build well on it. parental advice, I managed to gain an changed since the 1950s. I was, however, undistinguished, but at that time relatively As to the names, can you fill in the gaps, slightly disappointed in Graeme Orr’s unique, qualification in both teaching and correct the mistakes? description of ‘dread Geordie Preston’. social work leading to 30 years’ service in I enjoyed George Preston’s classes over special education rounded off as the Head Class photo taken in 1955 many years; the love of history which he of Education to Lothian Region’s Secure Kernohan, ? , McClure, Fleming, Good, Christie, inculcated in me has lasted to this day. Coutts, McNiven Provision for those under 16 years of age. When I read the reminiscences of fellow I fully accept that this post was probably Jeffrey, Parkes, ? , Dunlop, Calder, Murray, Accies in Etcetera, I am struck by the fact gained less through academic prowess Garland, Bannatyne, Taylor that many teachers, who certainly helped more by way of the theme poacher Young, Salmond, Hopkins, Cowper, Engledow, me, are rarely, if ever, mentioned. Teachers turned gamekeeper! Brolly, Thom, Kerr, ? such as AR Munday, Bruce Chalmers, Of time at the Academy – PE was Donaldson, Draffin, Low, ? , Howden Josh White and Brian Reardon all played incessant passing of the rugby ball up and a role in ensuring that I passed Higher down the playground, lines of poetry Ian A J Thom (1961) ian.a.j.thom@ Latin and Greek and deserve a public completed for petty misdemeanours, btinternet.com thank you. The Academy had some fine prefects with the authority to cane and teachers in the 1950s who, recognising for myself, latterly, an escape to the CCF that promotion prospects were limited, armoury where I could waste away the moved on. Summer Term either with paint and John Marshall (1958)

Etcetera 9 The Odyssey of a Canadian Academical

arrived in Canada on 8 March 1967 and was promptly refused “Sourdough”. So when I finally bade farewell to the Yukon and Ientry. moved to Vancouver it was with a heavy heart and, even after forty years, I still look upon Whitehorse as my Canadian home. Along with the other new immigrants I had been ushered into a room in order to receive my entry papers. Names were called Once again living in a city was a major re-adjustment. There was out in alphabetical order and after Mr. Zywicky had departed an over-abundance of vehicles not to mention humanity. A sense and I had remained, it was obvious something was amiss. of urgency which I had happily abandoned while in Whitehorse After about half an hour of intense waiting, the bureaucratic returned with vengeance. Commuting three hours every day ‘powers that be’, determined that my immigration papers had between home and office soon became a labor and certainly been inadvertently removed from the aircraft at Montreal, not one of love. Having said that, we thoroughly enjoyed our consequently, when I arrived in Toronto, there was no record stay and appreciated the numerous recreational opportunities of me, never mind my status. A further half hour passed as they available in what must be one of the most beautiful cities in had to recall the doctor to ensure that I was not carrying some the world. However, when the time came to leave we did not deadly disease and after the customary cough he deemed me fit experience the same wrenching feeling as we did when we left to be inserted into Canadian society. It was rather frightening Whitehorse. at the time; however, I can now see the funny side of my Our departure from Vancouver was brought about by a further predicament. corporate transfer to Calgary. I found this city to be the happy My Canadian odyssey and education began when, a few minutes medium between the carefree environment of Whitehorse and later, I was finally reunited with a very patient Tony Kozlowski, the urgencies of Vancouver. Calgary is the hub of the West and a longtime friend and fellow Academical, who became my the home of the world famous Calgary Stampede. Although it tour guide, tennis partner and “go to person” for any number has experienced a rapid increase in population, both human and of newbie problems. Over dinner he introduced me to the fact corporate, it has managed to retain the atmosphere of a frontier that whiskey did not mean Scotch, but Rye, chips were in fact town. We remained there for another fifteen years and I would potato chips and the use of the word rubber could land me in definitely rate it as the most friendly and relaxed city in which I considerable trouble with the fairer sex. have ever lived. After a relatively short stay in Toronto, which had acted as my To celebrate the millennium, I decided to take early retirement. baptism into the Canadian way of life and an even shorter My wife and I moved to Taber, a small, quiet Southern Alberta stay in Grande Prairie, Alberta, I moved to Whitehorse in the farming community. As a result of several forays into community Yukon. Now if you don’t know where Whitehorse is, get a map service, the title of “the old curmudgeon” has been conferred of Canada and go as far west on the lower mainland as you can upon me. I carry it with a great deal of pleasure. It is also much and then turn right and go north for over nine hundred miles. more acceptable than “Auntie Flo” which Jock Carruthers In 1971 the only direct road into Whitehorse, entirely over christened me with. Canadian territory, was the Alaska Highway. The majority of If asked to choose my favorite memories of my life in Canada the 918 miles from Dawson Creek to Whitehorse was gravel or they would include, visiting Expo ’67 in Montreal to celebrate packed snow depending on the time of year you were travelling. Canada’s centennial; visiting Tuktoyaktuk on the shores of In fact it was safer to drive the highway in winter over packed the Beaufort Sea and in the ‘Land of the Pingos’; running in snow and minus 20C than it was at any other time of the year. Vancouver’s Stanley Park every Friday after work; walking the My Yukon education started only a couple of days after my wind-swept shores of Waterton Park in Southern Alberta and arrival when I learned the hard way that television was piped enjoying the beauty and solitude of Kluane National Park in the into the area on a seven day delay. Consequently I unwittingly Yukon. lost a bet on a hockey game that I had already seen the previous Saturday in Grande Prairie. Yet another learning experience. It is the diversity and vastness of Canada that continues to captivate me. If I want to enjoy mountains, prairies, oceans, lakes It was in Whitehorse that I finally found my career, although or no matter what, I know that I don’t have to be burdened it commenced in a rather un-Academical fashion. I became a by having to carry a passport or be concerned with foreign collector of bad debts for a finance company which was one exchange rates. I have it all in my backyard, albeit a rather large step above wielding a baseball bat and being called Guido. Much backyard. to my amazement I enjoyed it as my proficiency improved. However, after being ushered off a debtor’s property at the Sandy Ferns (1960) point of a shotgun, I decided to commence a search for a more responsible and approachable clientele. Over the following twenty years, my humble beginnings led me to Vancouver and Calgary and a senior credit position with a major food The Glasgow Academy Foundation Canada wholesale/retailer. In the working environment, the relative If you live in Canada and would like to support Bursaries isolation of Whitehorse had its advantages. bureaucratic requests from Head Office for useless information could be safely shelved or developments at The Academy in a tax efficient way, for a more convenient time, which would not interrupt more please contact Steven for more details: personal activities e.g. a curling tournament. [email protected] or call 0141 342 5494. It was in Whitehorse that I met and married my wife and where our first daughter was born, making her a bona fide

10 Etcetera The Rector invites you to this year’s Dallachy Lecture by

Professor Muffy Calder OBE FREng FRSE

Vice-Principal and Head of College of Science and Engineering, University of Glasgow

on the theme

‘Think like a computer: it’s good for you.’

The lecture begins at 7.00 pm on Tuesday 24 October 2017 in the Cargill Hall followed by drinks and canapés

Free admission, but booking requested, please call 0141 342 5494 or email [email protected] 11 150th Sports Day he first Glasgow Academy sports day was held at Burnbank field on 2 TMay 1868 under the auspices of the Glasgow Academical Club. As the sports have been continuous ever since, this year’s sports day - held on 14 June - was the 150th Sports Day. Throughout the afternoon, there were acknowledgements of the history of the event. Distances were calculated in imperial measurements, for example, and several long-forgotten events were revived for one day only. Staff were even encouraged to support the event by wearing period costume. How faithfully they did this can be judged from the photographs below.

12 Etcetera The early sports days included a number of novelty events like the three-legged race and the sack race over hurdles. It’s not clear whether today’s Academy pupils coped any better with these races than their predecessors!

We were delighted that a number of guests were able to join us for the 150th Sports Day. At Mr McAslan’s suggestion, some of our guests presented prizes.

Around 1960 some early Glasgow Academical Club Sports Day medals (left) were discovered in a school cupboard. They were the inspiration for a new Glasgow Academy Sports Day medal produced around the new millennium. This year’s version (front of picture) carried the legend ‘150th Sports Day’.

Mr Douglas Murray Middle-distance legend Hugh Barrow (1962) came along to present the was able to be with trophy for the mile. us to present The Murray Cup. The Cup Past winner at Sports is presented for the Day, Campbell Ogilvie high jump and was (1968) was on hand to given to The Academy present the cup to the in 1923 by the parents winning House - Fraser. of Alexander Roxburgh Murray in memory of their son who was killed in action on 18 November 1916. Since the merger with Westbourne, there Mr Murray also has been a noticeable brought along several disparity between the miniatures of cups number of trophies won by members of available for girls when the Murray family. compared with those These miniatures for boys. Seeking to were presented to help put this right, early winners as the Rector, Peter a keepsake. This Brodie, donated two beautiful miniature of new trophies for girls’ the Waddell Challenge throwing events this Trophy was won by JWR year - The Grace Brodie Murray in 1925. Cup for Discus and The Eric Brodie Quaich for Cricket Ball. Both were won by Taylor Bradley (S5).

Etcetera 13 Ricky Munday – Everest Diary

Ricky Munday (1994) was the May 20 at 12.46pm: It was a blistering decision to make. He’ll be sorely missed. main speaker at this year’s London hot day on the ascent to the North Col We have three more huge efforts to make Academical Dinner in March. There in - the sun was burning all day and we now to fulfil our common dream of front of a rapt audience he unveiled had no breeze to cool us down. I was standing on the highest point on earth. his dream to climb the North Ridge of wearing Primaloft leggings and Gore-tex Everest in Tibet between 6 April and 4 Salopettes so heat management was an May 22 at 3.29am: Reached Camp 2 June, seeking to become one of only issue. yesterday after an almighty battle 900m a handful of people who have climbed uphill. I am very low on energy and Everest and have completed the As usual, I walked and climbed with struggling to eat to refuel. The only way Marathon des Sables - the toughest George - his steady pace was great; not I reached C2 was to increase my oxygen footrace on earth. too slow, not too fast… flow rate to 2L per minute. However, I don’t have enough O2 to sustain this. The Ricky told his audience that, in We toiled all day, stopping at crampon current forecast for 23rd begins to look climbing the world’s highest mountain, point, then the base of the head wall to unfavourable. I’m very concerned about his aim was to raise funds for rehydrate. We had two stops on the head my ability to maintain my current level of Macmillan Cancer Support in memory wall; at the second stop just before the last effort and get up and down safely. A safe of his twin uncles, both of whom steep section I pushed ahead just to avoid descent has always been my top priority. were treated by Macmillan Nurses. being caught in a Sherpa traffic jam. He talked of this being the most As Ricky waited at Camp 2, oxygen challenging expedition he had ever I arrived at the North Col at 16:20, six mask strapped to his face, he made a attempted, and acknowledged that the hours after setting out. Since then, we’ve momentous decision… north side was significantly colder and been collecting and melting snow, I ate May 22 at 1.03pm: As I lay awake last windier than the south. “If I reach the some olives that I had stashed (delicious) night in my suit inside my -40C sleeping top, it will be amazing!” and we’ve been sorting kit for the big bag, and with my oxygen mask strapped Fast-forward to the middle of May and move to Camp 2 (7,900m) tomorrow. We to my face, I came to realise that my low the climax of the expedition itself. will sleep on O2 tonight on a low flow energy levels put me at serious risk of an Ricky takes up the story as the team rate, and we’ll use oxygen from now on. emergency situation if I pushed further prepare to take on the summit… up the mountain the following day. Sadly, one of our group decided not to make the summit push, which after more My appetite was severely affected by than six weeks must have been an awful the altitude. After a big 10-hour, 900m

On a clear day, Everest is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places on earth. When the weather closes in - as it did this May - it can be absolutely terrifying.

14 Etcetera climb - climbing from the North Col to knowledge that coming home alive and While Ricky was descending the Camp 2 (7,900m) - all I was able to eat with all digits intact is far more important mountain, however, the rest of the was a handful of peanuts, a protein bar than any summit. I dropped down to the team were huddled together at Camp and two mini Babybel cheeses. I could North Col on unsteady legs, but with 2 having lost two tents to some of smell George’s freeze-dried meal and I oxygen. I then continued slowly down to the worst winds ever experienced on almost vomited. For two nights, I had ABC, where I’ll wait for the team. Alan is Mount Everest. very limited intake. This lack of calorie also here - he had turned back a couple intake was completely unsustainable, but of days ago from the North Col when he That weekend no fewer than four I couldn’t force anything more down. had some AMS symptoms. climbers lost their lives on Everest as I made the difficult decision not to I’d like to say a huge thank you to a combination of altitude sickness and continue with the team, and to descend. I everyone who has donated, sponsored atrocious weather took their toll. was unwilling to put my life at risk or to or otherwise supported me, and I’m become a burden to the team. incredibly grateful for your support. We heard on the radio that a climber had Thank you also for joining me on this passed away on the south side yesterday journey - I’ve seen and experienced and we sent our condolences to their things that I will never forget, and it has family. been a privilege to share these with you. I This morning, there was another hope I haven’t let you down. conversation at camp about weather Please hold the boys up at 7,900m in your as the Dutch forecast Dave was paying thoughts as they prepare to make their for showed unacceptable wind speeds summit push. on 23rd, so a decision was taken to stay a second night at 7,900m, move up Everyone who knows Ricky will realise tomorrow to 8,300m and try to summit that decision will not have been taken on the morning of the 24th. lightly. He will have considered not just himself, but the effect that his I told Dave I was descending regardless weakness was likely to have on the because I would just have become weaker rest of the team. He gave up his own and weaker. quest to allow the others to have the I descended without regret, sure in the best shot at making the summit.

Etcetera 15 Exciting beginnings

The Glasgow Academy expansive grounds that offer an and build strong relationships. Newlands Nursery opened its outdoor environment rich in natural This exciting new development at TGA doors on Wednesday 23 August 2017. beauty. Such a space is perfect for Newlands was made possible thanks The former Newlands bowling club little feet to run around, little hands to to the generosity of Ian Carswell has been transformed into a first-class touch and hold, little eyes to observe Hood (1947) who bequeathed a gift pre-school facility for children aged their world and little ears to listen to specifically earmarked for a significant 3-5. the sounds around us. project. A commemorative plaque will What more could a child wish for than There is also ample opportunity to be unveiled at the Kelvin Foundation a safe and exciting place in which to explore in our purpose-built indoor event on 5 October at the Newlands grow, learn, experience and develop? spaces, encountering many new Nursery as a permanent reminder of Ian’s legacy. Our playrooms lead straight onto skills that help to promote greater independence, develop social skills

16 Etcetera Every gift to The Academy makes a difference Every gift is sincerely appreciated. Gifts large or small make a big impact on the quality of our facilities or the reach of our Bursary fund. They soon add up to ensure that, collectively, we can make a massive difference to the quality of the education provided at Kelvinbridge, Milngavie and Newlands. For further information about our plans for the future or if you would like to visit The Academy, please get in touch with our External Relations team on 0141 342 5494.

Etcetera 17 Westbourne Section Third Grand Reunion Updates There was great laughter and chat as Westbourne Old Girls Susan J Gilchrist (Westbourne, There was a gathered for their third Grand Reunion at Glasgow’s Hilton 1974) tremendous buzz DoubleTree on Saturday 20 May 2017. After nearly seven wonderful years on the all evening as old island of Koh Yoa Noi in the Andaman school pals met up Organising committee member Christine Abercrombie (1983) Sea, we decided that we needed a change. and reminisced. welcomed guests who had travelled from across the UK and More photos from Well even paradise can eventually get the evening can further afield to catch up with old friends and former members boring! We came back to Scotland in be found at www. of staff, as old school photos flashed across the big screen and September 2016 and - after previously theglasgowacademy. the ladies pored over yearbooks and memorabilia. A very happy deciding we weren’t ready to live in org.uk/academy-life/ evening! galleries/ the cold and wet - we are now in the traditional Andalusian town of Velez Rubio, Almeria, Spain, where very little English is spoken. We came here in the November and have just come out of the coldest winter here in twenty years! It was nice to see snow again after all those years…

Kate Richards (1980) Congratulations to Kate who has been elected Chair of the Standards Committee of the Council of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons. Kate has been a member of the Council for the past two years.

Donna (Logan) Smith (1986) I have been working in NHS Highland for over 12 years now, and was appointed as the Head of Planning and Performance at the end of November 2016. I am the Internal Meet Secretary for Nairn District Amateur Swimming Club, which is a very successful small competitive swimming club. We are fundraising to take 10 swimmers (aged 9 to 16) to Repton School in August to be coached by Mel Marshall (the British Olympic Swim Coach) and her team. The swimmers will also get the opportunity to spend an afternoon with Mr Adam Peatty (Gold Olympic Medalist and World Record Holder). The Swimming Club is actively fundraising for this event and as such my daughter Abi (13) and I are swimming the equivalent distance from Nairn Leisure Centre to Repton School – a total of 417 miles or 26,837 lengths in a 25 metre pool.

18 Etcetera Deaths

Susan (Hamilton) Binns (1981) and service, and this remained with her Marriage to Carrick MacGregor in 1955 and indeed was the hallmark of her life. and the birth of three children inevitably Peacefully, at St Margaret of Scotland She was devoted to her family, and to interrupted her career and she decided to Hospice, on 23 July, 2017, Susan, wife of her church - first Wellington, where she train as a secondary teacher at Jordanhill Ian and daughter of Kathleen and Jim. served as an elder, and then in Bearsden. College of Education. Her earliest years A tribute to Susan will appear in the next She was untiring in her kindliness and in teaching were spent in Williamwood edition. thoughtfulness towards the older ladies in Junior High School: but in 1972 she was both churches for whom she provided a appointed assistant teacher of English Miss Margaret Cumming ‘taxi service’ to and from Sunday services and of History in Westbourne School for 14 August 1929 -25 December 2016 and the Guild. Girls. In 1979 she succeeded Mrs Jean Ross as Head of History, a post she held In her retirement she thoroughly enjoyed Miss Margaret Cumming, who died until her early retirement in 1985. peacefully on Christmas Day, was an gardening (cutting her own grass until outstanding and much-loved teacher of fairly recently) and sport (now as a To her pupils she brought her genuine mathematics at Westbourne School for 33 spectator) and travelling in Canada and love of learning and her enthusiasm for years. in the Western Isles, often with the her subjects. She expected, and elicited, late Rachel Teggart. She had a gift for the highest standards from them. As head Margaret was born in Broomhill. She friendship, a real sense of humour, and of department she was efficient, wise and attended Laurel Bank School as did her an enjoyment of the absurd. She had that considerate. In the staffroom her wit, her older sister Mary. There she excelled wonderful quality of being young at heart sense of humour and her kindliness were academically and on the sports field, - and that never left her. greatly appreciated by all. becoming School Sports Champion and playing hockey for the Western Margaret enjoyed good health until a few Retirement brought many happy District. From Laurel Bank she went to months ago, and so her sudden illness years of travel, blossoming family life, Glasgow University where she gained an and death in December was a shock to and the opportunity to enjoy reading MA, specialising in mathematics. After her many friends and former colleagues, and music at leisure. She and Carrick teaching for three years in Maryhill and and of course, most of all, to her family. continued their involvement in the in the Gorbals area, Margaret joined the Her sister Mary predeceased her, but life of Netherlee Parish Church. They Westbourne staff in 1956 and remained to her brother Robert and to all her had frequent holidays abroad, and time there until her retirement in 1989. wider family, whom she loved so well, together in the peace and tranquillity of we extend our deepest and warmest their house at Loch Eck. After Carrick’s She was an excellent teacher - lucid, sympathy. death May continued to devote her thorough, patient, and kindly, with Mrs May MacGregor time and attention to their much-loved the ability to explain mathematical grandchildren and to her many friends. Mrs May MacGregor, who has died after concepts through a clever use of language She was committed to the work of a long illness on 30 June 2017, was a and examples. She devoted herself Cancer Research and, for as long as her member of the English department and wholeheartedly to her pupils, and their health permitted, took on responsibility later Head of History at Westbourne progress and development. Her deep for the Books section in the Cancer School. She will be remembered by her interest in their welfare made her a Research shop in Victoria Road. natural choice for the role of Guidance pupils as a superb teacher of English and and Careers Mistress; and she continued History and by her fellow-members We have lost a valued colleague and to chart the progress of former pupils of staff as a popular and well-respected friend: and to Susan, to Stephen, to over many years, delighting to meet colleague. Katherine, and to her six grandchildren, we extend our heartfelt sympathy. them and to read of their achievements May MacGregor was born in 1927 in the Herald and elsewhere. Her strong in Netherlee, where she grew up. She Christian faith led her to take a lively excelled at school and was a diligent interest in the Scripture Union at student of music and academic subjects. Westbourne and here also her influence She was dux of Hutchesons’ Girls was profound and long-lasting. Grammar School and thereafter studied at Margaret’s family had long connections Glasgow University for four years. There with Glasgow Academy. Margaret’s she gained an honours degree in History brother, Dr Robert Cumming was an and English and won a scholarship to Academy pupil, and her great grandfather, Cambridge University which she was Major Peter Couper, who was a member unable to take up. Subsequently she of the staff of the English department, was decided on a career in the Civil Service, the first Commander of the school Cadet and in the entrance examination she Force. achieved third place in the United Kingdom. She moved to Edinburgh and Margaret was a fine person. In her worked in the Scottish Office, which she parents she witnessed a sense of duty very much enjoyed.

Etcetera 19 Tributes to Rachel Teggart

Memories of Margaret Cumming Miss Cumming, as I called her, until about 10 years ago when it became Margaret, on her insistence, was an amazing maths teacher. She taught me arithmetic as I was not allowed to do maths as I did not get high enough marks to be able to continue with the subject after second year. Needless to say Miss Cumming did not teach me algebra and geometry; perhaps I would have done better if she had done. I did manage to pass arithmetic with all of her hard work. Oh the joy of trying to work out: ‘A rectangular area 13ft 6in by 12ft is to be fitted with linoleum squares each measuring 9ins by 9ins. The selected pattern requires squares of 2 colours costing 7 1/2d and 9d respectively, 1 in 3 being the dearer kind. Find the total cost of the squares needed.’ She was a lovely Christian lady who ran the Senior School Scripture Union group and encouraged those in the achel Teggart (Westbourne 1960) for Rachel. But unknown to others, no group to go to SU camp which I did died in February after a short boasting and yet she never left you feeling Easter and summer for many years right Rillness. For the vast majority of beholden to her. She was not buying into my adulthood. I even followed in her life, Rachel was intimately involved friendship in any way - she was genuinely her footsteps and ran an SU group in in the life of two schools: Westbourne kind and really wanted to help and felt the primary school I taught at. What an School for Girls and Glasgow Academy. privileged to be in a position to do this. influence she had on so many girls. After Rachel was a big personality with a big You were her friends, her family. leaving school I kept in contact and even heart and will be much missed. Here we Margaret Tindall (former Academy staff) more so after I was married. We met up offer a flavour of her friends’ and former whenever I was in Glasgow and she was colleagues’ tributes to a remarkable lady. It was clear from our first days in the always interested in the life of one of her Preparatory Class that Rachel was Rachel Elizabeth Teggart was born on 7 ‘girls’ and we reminisced about all the destined to be Head Girl of Westbourne. March 1942, the only and much-loved teachers we knew and remembered and She was second in command only to child of Bryce and Betty Teggart. which ones were still alive! In my recent Miss Hastwell, always leading the line and past visits my daughter used to bring me Rachel lived her entire life in the one being given the responsibility of giving to meet up with Margaret and she got to corner of Milngavie. Yet her outlook on out the jotters. Most of us met in that know her too. life was not cribbed nor confined. She Preparatory Class, so we knew Rachel for When I heard of her death I was so sad. could laugh at herself. As we looked at the almost 70 years. Rachel was the lynchpin I had to come up from Bristol for her list of Head Girls she paused and smiling of our group, and when we got older she funeral. Needless to say my daughter added – ‘I have always been bossy!’ After always enjoyed organising opportunities came too. What a lovely celebration of her attending Pitt Street Secretarial College, to get together and have a good time. life it was. Rachel became secretary at Westbourne Amongst the thoughts given by some of and in 1989 was elected a Governor and her friends was that “Rachel was like the Thank you, Margaret, for your life and so she was in a unique position during big sister that none of us had”. She was friendship and for being the best maths the merger discussions in 1991. always that bit more mature than the rest teacher at Westbourne. of us and she admitted that sometimes she Acts of secret kindnesses hit the headlines was “a bit bossy”. Sarah (Aston) Chalmers (1966) and acts like this were a chief motivation

20 Etcetera …In later years all Rachel’s friends were course, thrive on the buzz of politics. current Rector if the school flag, which welcome at her house in Tobermory Acutely grateful for all that she did and my wife and I had commissioned as we and, when the guests outnumbered the had done for me, I was always delighted stepped down from The Academy, could bedrooms, they were housed in what when she came to Westminster in the be flown at half-mast and I was delighted she called her “extension”, the nearby summer – Rachel’s “London week”, as that he agreed. Rachel brought so much Western Isles Hotel, to be treated royally she called it, like some aristocrat doing to her position as Rector’s Secretary and I by her friends, Richard and Esplin, the the season. Margaret Tindall, another will be eternally grateful to her for this. hotel’s proprietors. Her generosity to her fantastic supporter, always came with David Comins (Rector 1994-2005) friends knew no bounds. her, and these two ladies had a ball. Ann Marie Menpes and Davina Booth When things looked so bad for Rachel I first met Rachel when I was an Assistant (Westbourne 1960) towards the end of her life, Margaret and Master in the English Department way I consoled each other with recollections back in the 1970s. She was wonderfully Classroom teachers do not have of the hilarious goings-on on the Terrace friendly to us young staff members and secretaries let alone PAs, so what was a of the House of Commons. There Miss was always ready to help us in any way new experience for me was anything Teggart held court, and, irrespective of she could… She was an extraordinary but for Rachel who had already had Party, all Academicals - and there were repository of all things Glasgow ten plus years with two rectors and one then quite a few of them then - came Academical and Westbourne, with an acting rector. There was nothing that she to pay homage. She duly rebuked John unfailing memory for detail. When I did not know about running a school; Maxton and Donald Dewar for voting was in post as a Headmaster myself, I although officially the rector’s secretary, against the Government the night before, appreciated just how central a part the she ran the school office and was in effect and her gales of laughter could be heard headmaster’s secretary plays in any success the senior school secretary. I am not sure quite clearly on the other side of the the school may have. Rachel must have whether Rachel would have used the Thames… been a godsend to her rectors from Basil term “gatekeeper” but there is little doubt Holden through to David Comins… We did have some incredibly enjoyable that she was a prime example of one. The times, and that’s the happy memory of Colin Black (former Academy staff) office geography was designed to facilitate Rachel that will always remain etched in that function; nobody got beyond first I started working with Rachel in 1989. my mind… base if they were not a member of staff. To many people she could be considered The door to the lobby was permanently Michael Hirst (1963) intimidating; however we became very open, as it should be seeing it functioned good friends and I found Rachel to be …When I took up office in September as reception. However, if anyone tried to the most generous, humorous and helpful 1975, it did not take me long to realise beat the system and approached the main person you could wish to know. The how crucial a part Rachel was of the door into the school they would hear Academy was the main focus in Rachel’s Glasgow Academy establishment. Indeed, “Can I help you?” said in such a way that life, and she was always available to assist that she and Gordon Carruthers had it conveyed two quite distinct messages, pupils, parents and staff in any way she effectively run the school for four terms revealing two sides of Rachel’s character. could. after Basil Holden became ill. Nothing Firstly, “You’re welcome, and what can I was too much trouble for her and her Rachel will be sadly missed by so many do for you?” and, secondly, “Don’t even back up for me could not have been and I am privileged to have had her as a think about going any further without bettered. Letters were immaculately friend. checking in with me!” typed and she won high marks for being Sheila McKenzie (former Academy staff) …Rachel’s protection of me was able to decipher my writing. She did not paramount and if she thought that I was welcome change to the way things had I commenced my duties as Assistant going to act rashly she would do all in always been done and there were odd Secretary on 5 March 1975 and so began her power to prevent me from making a moments when she lapsed into her Head my experience of getting to know and fool of myself. Typically this. She brought Girl of Westbourne routine, but she was admire Rachel. Because of her calm and me a note from a member of staff which quite prepared to laugh when I gently efficient manner, we got on well together I found impertinent and, being intensely pointed this out to her! in the Office and we did have fun. At the irritated, I screwed it up and threw it into start of the school session 1975/1976 …How she would have coped with the the wastepaper basket, stormed out of Rachel and I were in the office in the age of computers and mobile phones the room and went off to teach. When I days before the boys returned and we I can only guess. But for me she was came back 40 minutes later there was a were on our hands and knees tidying the ideal Secretary – before the age of cup of coffee on my desk, a biscuit and out a cupboard behind our desks. The PAs – and I will always be immensely the note perfectly smoothed out. No door opened and Rachel casually looked grateful. I was to have several secretaries words, but clearly saying just write a short over her shoulder and said, in her best after I moved to my next Headship, but acknowledgement. Academy voice “Can I help you?” We none could have coped better with a soon discovered that our ‘visitor’ was Colin W Turner (Rector 1983-94) new Rector charged with trying to move none other than the new Rector, Roy Glasgow Academy forward. …I recall, with enormous gratitude, all de C Chapman, so we then scrambled to the help that Rachel gave me over so Roy Chapman (Rector 1975-1982) our feet and tried to look dignified and many years. She gave freely of her time, efficient… …As a small token of Rachel’s immense energy and talents, to many causes, and contribution to The Academy, I asked the Margo King (former Academy staff) sought nothing in return. She did, of

Etcetera 21 Glasgow Academical Club

Simmers, Hawks rose to the challenge of Ally Common, Cammy Little and David forming a semi-professional club and has Wilson. A number of former Accies proved to be one of the most successful players made regular appearances in new clubs in the history of Scottish rugby. the 1st XV when not playing for an exceptionally strong 2nd XV. They have won the championship three Glasgow Hawks - times, played in the Scottish Cup final six In that first season Hawks won the 2nd times, winning the cup on three occasions Division at a canter and went on to beat the Glasgow Accies and playing in eight cup semi-finals. Add Kelso, another 2nd Division Club, and to the fact that 16 Players have gone on to lift the Scottish Cup in front of 16,000 connection win full Scottish caps and a further eleven spectators at Murrayfield. They also beat have played 7s for Scotland. No fewer Toulouse in a memorable game at Old than 53 former players have gone on to Anniesland. play the game professionally. It is perhaps off the field that Accies have In season 1997-1998 Hawks took the made the greatest contribution to Hawks place of GHK in Premier Division 2 success. Brian Simmers was the first hey said that it would never playing alternately out of New and Old Chairman of the Club and held this post happen - hell would freeze over Anniesland. The first Hawks team had for six years. Hugh Barrow was the first Tfirst. Happen it did. In 1997 a a number of Scottish Internationalists Secretary and has been a member of the number of meetings were held with including Glen Metcalfe and Derek Board throughout its history. From 2002 the Scottish Rugby Union and senior Stark as well as Tommy Hayes and Mike to 2004 Tom Howie succeeded Brian players of Glasgow Accies and Glasgow Beckham - both Cook Island players who and, under his leadership, the Club won High Kelvinside (GHK) to discuss the had come over to play for the fledgling the Scottish Championship twice and in advent of professionalism to the game Glasgow Warriors but chose to play for season 2003-2004 won the league and and its impact on Premiership rugby. Hawks when not required by Glasgow. cup double. During that period, Lindsay Presentations were then made to each They also had the towering second row Crawford was the Commercial Manager club and an almost unanimous decision of Chas Afuakwah and Steve Begley. The and the Club prospered. back row - consisting of Fergus Wallace, was reached to create a new club, Sadly the good times receded, especially his brother Murray Wallace, another Glasgow Hawks RFC. This allowed during the recession in 2008. A number Scottish Internationalist and Under 21 the founder clubs, Accies and GHK, to of major bank sponsors withdrew and the cap Gordon McKay - was formidable. continue in their present form, albeit at a Club struggled financially. In 2011 Brian The back division was equally strong lower level in the leagues, and retain the Simmers persuaded Alasdair Graham to and consisted of the above mentioned player numbers which would not have take over the Chairmanship and he had Glen Metcalfe, Derek Stark and Tommy been the case if a merger had not taken the unpleasant task of cutting the budget Hayes plus Stuart and Chris Simmers, place. Driven on by the vision of Brian to get out of the financial problems that were threatening the survival of the Club. Over the next two seasons he managed to attract a number of generous supporters to give assistance and, although the Club was relegated, it survived and the following season was promoted after only one season out of the top level. In 2013 Alasdair handed over the Chairmanship, now entitled President, to former Accies player and Coach Chas Afuakwah and he consolidated the position in the middle of the Premiership. After a successful two-year stint, Chas handed the baton to Stevie Winter, another former Accies player. Stevie is the current President and the Club is in good hands. Accies have made a major contribution to the success of Hawks in the first 19 years of its existence and continue to do so both on and off the field. Currently

22 Etcetera Brothers Robert and Kenneth Beattie regularly appear in the 1st XV and London Academical Section youngster Angus Neilson is showing great promise. He is already a member of the Thanks to all the Accies ‘down South’ so his intention is to remedy that now in SRU Academy system. Hawks provide an who were able to join us at the print! opportunity for aspiring young players Caledonian Club on Friday 10 March. We have been able to book the from Accies to try for professional rugby We were of course joined by a number Caledonian Club for next year’s dinner so and the highest level in the Club game. of brave souls who made the journey in please hold Friday 23 March 2018 in your anticipation of an upset at Twickenham Sadly Hawks no longer play at New diaries. Anniesland as the lack of floodlights and the following day. Unfortunately that the stand facility were deemed to be was not to be but at least the Dinner was unsuitable for Premiership rugby despite entertaining and, it is hoped, well worth the fact that the playing surface is still one coming down for in itself to meet up of the best in Scotland. with old friends. London Section Golf The Academical members of Hawks The Rector was of course on hand to We are pleased to report that the London are delighted that Accies have won their regale us with tales of Glasgow Academy’s Section tasted success in the annual way back to the National Leagues for continued success. Our main speaker was London Scottish Schools Golf Society next season and hope that they continue Ricky Munday, his speech benefiting competition held at Denham Golf Club to make progress as that will encourage by a presentation that brought to life in June and brought the Anniesland new players to come to New and Old his adventures and those ahead (some Trophy back to its rightful home. The Anniesland and offer quality rugby at two of which are expanded upon in another Trophy dates back to 1937, being levels. section). Thanks also to our other speakers originally “The Hector Morison Golf on the evening - Scott Bannerman with Challenge Cup” that was a competition Alasdair Graham (1959) his Toast to The Academy and David for London-based Academicals. Then Fulton with his Vote of Thanks. Those from 1962 until 1971 the trophy was Hockey who have delivered speeches over the awarded to the winning team in the years will appreciate the hard work that annual Glasgow Accies v Glasgow Accies Men’s Hockey have this year won goes into it so thanks to all and the great High FP match. From 1972 to1981, it Division 2 of the Glasgow West District team at the Caledonian Club for making morphed into an annual East (Heriot’s Hockey leagues. the evening such a sell out success. and Watson’s) v West (Accies and High School) match; however, for the last 35 The Mixed Summer Hockey matches On the evening there was a handover years, it has been opened up to all former have now started, and anyone interested of the London Section Presidency from pupils from Scottish Schools based in the in participating can contact Joanne Karen Greenshields to Alex Gray. In London area. This year 17 teams from 13 Hemmings, hemmings.joanne@gmail. his excitement of reaching the lofty different schools competed. com as organiser. heights of officialdom Alex neglected to thank Karen for all her hard work and The winning “B” team of Ian Galbreath, Paul Harrison dedication over the preceding two years David Hall, Ken I’Anson and Peter Marr were ably backed up by the “A” team of Gordon MacSween, Derek Morrison, Clive Thomson is RCCC President Chris Smith and David Stirling. The victory was long overdue because our last Clive Thomson, a member of the success came in 2004! Not content with Glasgow Academicals Curling section, just the trophy, Accies also walked away is the President this year of The Royal with the “nearest the pin” (David Hall) Caledonian Curling Club (RCCC), the and the “longest drive” (Peter Marr). We governing body of curling in Scotland. also triumphed over the High School in our annual side match. Clive has recently returned from captaining a team of 20 Scottish curlers As the LSSGS website says, “12 to who toured the USA to compete for 16 teams, gather in June to compete the Herries Maxwell Trophy. for the Anniesland Trophy, to renew acquaintances on the course and over The tour lasted 23 days and the teams a long lunch, whilst enjoying the fine played 30 games in 23 different cities or facilities on offer at Denham, a club with towns in eleven US States. strong Scottish connections.” We were Unfortunately - in the end - the USA fortunate to have two teams represented retained the trophy but the hospitality this year but would always welcome more received by the tourists was fantastic players ( Kelvinside had three teams in and it was a once-in-a-lifetime 2017!). If you are interested please contact experience enjoyed by all. Peter Marr ( [email protected]).

Etcetera 23 135th Academical Club Dinner

Friday 10 November 2017, 6.30 for 7.15pm Cargill Hall, The Glasgow Academy

Guest speaker: Colin Ingram (1987) West End and Broadway Producer

Tickets: £40 (or £30 if aged under 25) including drinks reception & dinner, available from External Relations at The Glasgow Academy T: 0141 342 5494.

The Glasgow Academical Club, c/o24 ExternalEtcetera Relations, The Glasgow Academy, Colebrooke Street, Glasgow, G12 8HE, Tel: 0141 342 5494, Email [email protected] The Queen’s Birthday Honours List

The Queen’s Birthday Honours List issued in May bestowed awards on not one, but two Academicals. Many congratulations to Bill Mann (1952) and Niall Dickson (1970) on their well-deserved recognition.

Former President of the Glasgow relief and rebates from Scottish authorities His unique contribution to community Academical Club, former Chairman with Alex, Bill continued the crusade on and amateur sport has already saved such of Governors and current Honorary his own which eventually led to Scottish clubs hundreds of millions of pounds. th Governor of the Glasgow Academy, Sports Minister Michael Forsyth agreeing Over time, his successful campaigns will Bill Mann, has been awarded a CBE in in 1989 that rates in Scotland should save our community sport clubs billions. recognition of his services to charity, be brought into line with England - so Niall Dickson (1970) was also recognised sport, recreation and the arts. the need to continue to campaign to in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List. local authorities for the continuation of Bill’s contributions to charity through His CBE was for services to patient discretionary relief was superseded. 135 The WM Mann Foundation are safety in his role as Chief Executive of outstanding. Since Bill established the In 1994 Bill was at the forefront of the the General Medical Council. Niall - Academical Club Dinner foundation with his late wife, Aileen, in campaign to ensure amateur sports club who oversaw the launch and three-year 1989, he and his fellow, family trustees membership subscriptions should be implementation of medical revalidation - have given nearly £2m to a range of exempt from VAT. HMRC was forced to stepped down from his post at the GMC Glasgow, Scottish, UK and international agree. Years of backdated refunds worth after seven years at the helm at the end of good causes in the fields of education, millions of pounds were another lifeline 2016. illness, disability, care of the elderly, for many sports clubs - on this occasion Niall was a pupil at The Academy war veterans, the arts, community his actions helped to secure the future of between 1962 and 66 and completed the development and sport. clubs across the whole of the UK. final years of his schooling at Glenalmond Friday 10 November 2017, 6.30 for 7.15pm In addition to Bill’s remarkable record Bill’s determination to support and before going on to study at Edinburgh of charitable giving, his involvement benefit community amateur sports University. Cargill Hall, The Glasgow Academy and belief in the value of sport at a clubs (CASCs) continued into the 21st A journalist by profession, he was the community level led him to undertake Century playing a key role in a campaign editor of the Nursing Times from 1983 a lengthy initiative with Alex Kilgour of to stop members of clubs (tennis, cricket, before moving to the BBC in 1988 as Kirkcaldy Rugby Club to persuade local bowling etc) selling their prime-site health correspondent, progressing to the government in Scotland to alleviate the facilities to developers for personal gain. position of social affairs editor from 1995. rates burden on amateur sports clubs. Without Bill’s repeated intervention This change allowed the clubs to plough He served as chair of the International and his successful campaigns to ensure that money back into essential grassroots Association of Medical Regulatory non-domestic rates relief, VAT relief and activities and allowed many otherwise Authorities (IAMRA) between 2014 tax benefits, many clubs, their facilities vulnerable community sports clubs to and ‘17 before taking up a new post this and societal benefits would have ceased continue to function. year as Chief Executive of the NHS to benefit their communities - the length Confederation. After winning the battle for discretionary and breadth of the UK - many years ago.

Bill Mann

Guest speaker: Colin Ingram (1987) West End and Broadway Producer

Tickets: £40 (or £30 if aged under 25) including drinks reception & dinner, available from External Relations at The Glasgow Academy T: 0141 342 5494.

Niall Dickson The Glasgow Academical Club, c/o External Relations, The Glasgow Academy, Colebrooke Street, Glasgow, G12 8HE, Etcetera 25 Tel: 0141 342 5494, Email [email protected] Announcements Updates Births Jacqui (Barr) Davidson (2004) Jacqui, a member of Bearsden Curling Andrew Brown (1999) Club, joined the Irish International Andrew and Nicola took delivery of Team for the World Mixed Curling Nora on 20 March 2016, a little sister for Championships in Kazan, Russia, last Fergus and Ivy. October. Although Jacqui’s rink did not Christian Bruce (1990) progress to the knock out stage, they Christian and Catriona Bruce of put up a good performance in a strong Cramond, Edinburgh are delighted to group that included finalists, Sweden. The announce the birth of their second son, championships were competed over a Guy Russell, a brother to Lochlan, on the 10-day period with representatives from 24 July 2017. 37 countries. Stuart McKnight (1997) Jacqui qualifies to represent the Irish Sophie Mary was born in London Curling Association in international on 5 September 2016. Now living in championships through parentage. She is currently preparing to compete Guy Russell Bruce Edinburgh with Mum and Dad, Lucy and Stuart McKnight (1997). in the 2017 Irish Mixed Curling Championships and, in May, she travels to Elizabeth (Gilchrist) Maitland Andorra to play in the European Curling (2000) Championships as part of the Irish Ladies My husband and I are delighted to Curling team. welcome Oscar Davidson Maitland into our family. Oscar was born on 15 Calum Graham (2001) September 2016, a very happy little I have recently started a new business brother for Isla, his very excited big sister! called Nimbus Property Management focusing on managing Airbnb and short-term rental properties in the Marriages Glasgow area, which might appeal to John Currie (1991) landlords looking at capitalising on the The marriage of John Currie to Vivien growing short-term rentals market. My Muirhead (Hutchesons’ Grammar website is www.nimbuspropertyman- School) took place on Thursday 22 agement.co.uk if anyone would like any December 2016 at Kelvinside Hillhead further information. Parish Church. This was followed by a reception at One Devonshire Gardens.

Oscar Maitland per Elizabeth Gilchrist

Sohie McKnight

26 Etcetera Robin Hopkins (1965) I am just back from San Francisco, meeting up with David Kernohan to celebrate our 70th birthday. We met on our first day in September 1952, starting prep school. We both played a lot of rugby and captained Accies. We both became architects and, whilst I stayed in Glasgow, David went to New Zealand where he remains to this day. He and his wife Christine own Gladstone vineyard in NZ. Normally I travel to NZ every five years, but on this occasion we decided to meet halfway!

Jacqui Barr

The two of us at MOMA, San Francisco.

F Graham Little - a.k.a. Bingo at 90 Family gathered recently to celebrate with Graham his 90th birthday. Graham taught French and German at the Academy from 1965 to 1988. He also was the Careers master for 15 years and introduced the Youth Enterprise programme. Since retirement, he has kept Liam Hadcroft busy with many activities and he still enjoys monthly walks with the West End Christian Walking Club of which he is a Richard Hadcroft (1995) founding member. He now limits himself Who would have thought it is time for school? to no more than 7 miles. His sons - Stuart William (Liam) Hadcroft (attached having fun with (1976), Andrew (1978) and Alistair (1981) Pluto) is the son of Richard Hadcroft (class of 1995.) - will be happy if they can walk that far if they get to 70. Now most of his Richard Hadcroft is the son of Victor Hadcroft who time is spent caring for his wife, Margaret, but Graham has managed trips was head of the classics department for over 30 years. to Germany each of the last three years to keep up his language skills and (Liam will not be attending TGA because we live explore areas of what was East Germany which he could not do when he in Seattle, WA, USA. He will be attending his local took hostelling groups of pupils to West Germany. Another trip is planned school.) for this year.

Etcetera 27 Polish Ambassador to the UK, Arkady Internet and video-games Rzegocki (centre) presenting the Silver addiction in Adolescents Cross of Merit to and Children Antony Kozlowski. Polish Consul General Dr Philip Tam (1990) and Turner Massey in Edinburgh, Dariusz (1953) met in Sydney recently and chatted Adler, is behind the about their Academy school days in quite Ambassador. different eras before discussing Philip’s work in adolescent psychiatry. Turner takes up the story… I thought that Etcetera readers would be interested in the great work and research Philip Tam does in adolescent psychiatry here in Sydney, Australia. Having watched his video interview on the national broadcaster (ABC), together with his contribution to an article in the Australian Financial Review February Antony Kozlowski (1962) 2017 magazine, I am convinced that The President of the Republic of Poland, the Bronze Cross of Merit with Swords Philip is really keen to get the addiction Andrzej Duda, has awarded the Silver by the Polish Government-in-Exile for message out to the wider community. He Cross of Merit to Antony Kozlowski services rendered during the Cold War. is regarded as a pioneer in this complex for his outstanding work on behalf of Currently, Antony represents the Polish area, which has only recently begun to be the Polish diaspora in Scotland. The community as a member of the Board fully recognised, and is asked to give talks Honour was presented to Antony by the of Directors of the West of Scotland on the topic around Australia. Polish Ambassador to the UK, Arkady Regional Equality Council, as a member As a clinician dealing with the problems Rzegocki, at a ceremony held at the of the Scottish Parliamentary Cross-Party and damage done in mainly the 14 to General Wladyslaw Sikorski Memorial Group on Poland, as a member of the 16 year-old age group, Philip says that House in Glasgow on Friday 31 March. Polish Combatants Memorial Group, social media with its links, loops and It was hosted jointly by the Polish Social and as the Convenor of the Finance endless updates will show a big increase and Educational Society in Glasgow and Administration Committee and in addiction as more and more time is and the Polish Consulate in Scotland. vice-Chair of the Polish Social and spent on-line by younger generations. Antony was previously honoured with Educational Society in Glasgow. In recent years, Philip has received an increasing number of calls from very concerned parents and school-teachers Brian Lockhart (1960) about the excessive time that their child Sheriff Principal Brian Lockhart has sat as a judge (mainly male, but increasingly female for the final time, marking the end of a distinguished too) is spending online. He reports that legal career spanning more than 50 years. such children often stay up until the small hours of the morning, and in extreme To mark the occasion, Sheriff Principal Craig cases have dropped out of school due to Turnbull gave valedictory remarks paying tribute to their excessive use, and become violent his judicial colleague’s “significant contribution” to to parents when attempts are made to the Scottish legal system. Sheriff Principal Turnbull restrict their use. The most common said: “A judicial career that extends to almost 40 online activities which lead to such years is a remarkable achievement. You have made a behaviours are the multi-user role-playing significant contribution to our legal system and have games, where players can undertake done so in a robust, yet good-natured manner. Those complex missions with groups of other of us who have been fortunate enough to sit with players from anywhere in the world, but you have been truly privileged to do so. We wish you social media overuse is also becoming an Sheriff Principal Brian Lockhart a long and happy retirement.” issue, especially in teenage girls. Ayr-born Brian A Lockhart, 75, was Sheriff Principal of South Strathclyde, Dumfries We feel that the teenagers here are no and Galloway from 2005 until 2015, having previously been a sheriff in Glasgow for different from those in the USA, UK and 24 years, and before that a floating sheriff in North Strathclyde for three years. After Europe, and the more this addiction is retiring as a Sheriff Principal in January 2015, later that year he was appointed to the understood and recognised, the better we newly-created office of Appeal Sheriff to sit as a member of the Sheriff Appeal Court, will be able to tackle it and concerned which was created as part of radical reforms to the Scottish courts system. readers should “check out the Internet”, such as Philip’s website aimed to help Sheriff Principal Lockhart said: “It has been an honour and a privilege to serve on the parents and counsellors www.niira.org.au Scottish bench. I am now looking forward to enjoying the company of my family and to find out more. friends, the great outdoors and my new hobby of rail travel.” Turner Massey (1953)

28 Etcetera Upcoming Events & Reunions Tuesday 24 October 2017, 7.00pm Dallachy Lecture Cargill Hall Friday 27 October 2017, 11.00am Classes of 1940-1960 Coffee Morning Saunders Centre Friday 3 November 2017, 2pm Class of 2007 10-year reunion Glasgow Academy Friday 10 November 2017, 6.30 for 7.15pm 135th Glasgow Academical Dinner Cargill Hall March 2018 Business breakfast Saunders Centre Friday 2 March 2018 Ian Muir Spring Lunch Glasgow Academy Class of 1997 Reunion Friday 23 March 2018 On 16 June, 2017 we were delighted to welcome an GAC London Section Dinner Caledonian Club, London impressively-large group of former pupils from the Class of 1997. With people flying in from all points of the compass, including Friday 8 June 2018, 2pm from Sweden, Spain and Canada, it was certainly a popular and Class of 1998 reunion far-travelled gathering. Glasgow Academy

Etcetera 29 skills, nothing much would phase you in to the detection of gravitational waves, life. After a 30-year career of working in 2016 he was awarded The Special Obituaries 14-hour days managing his own business, Breakthrough Prize in Fundamental retirement eventually beckoned. Jim and Physics, The Gruber Cosmology Prize, Alan Bryce Carlaw (1949) Ann decided that the Oban area was The Shaw Prize in Astronomy, The Kavli 31 October 1931 - 6 July 2017 the firm favourite and settled on Dorus Prize in Astrophysics, The President’s Mor in Clachan Seil. Jim’s life was well Award from the Royal Society of Alan passed away at The Queen Elizabeth lived. His family loved and respected Edinburgh, The Smithsonian, American University Hospital after a short illness. him, his quirky nature and humour. His Ingenuity Award for Physical Sciences Alan, dearly loved husband of Audrey, children cannot recall an angry word ever and The Harvey Prize in Science and adored dad, father-in-law and grandfather being spoken to them, testament to his Technology. of the family. Alan attended The Academy self-control and gentle nature. He will be from September 1939 to 1945 and was Ronald is survived by his brother Ian, sadly missed, however his many legacies readmitted in 1948. Alan went on to niece Anne, nephews John and Douglas, and memories remain with us. study engineering at the Royal Technical and six great nieces and nephews. College and had a keen interest in Ronald Drever (1950) Neil Garland (1955) aviation, computing and railways. 26 October 1931 - 7 March 2017 8 July 1937 - 10 February 2017 Walter Sinclair Cockburn (1948) Born in Bishopton, Renfrewshire Neil was the eldest of three brothers, all 18 January 1931 - 26 October 2016 in 1931, Ronald was educated at of whom attended The Academy. He was Erskine Public School and Glasgow Walter passed away, at his home in popular and talented both academically Academy, where he excelled at a Edinburgh, after a short illness, on and in sports. He led a full life at school, young age in mathematics and science, Wednesday 26 October 2016, aged 85 becoming school captain, head librarian, particularly physics. His family have a years. Dearly beloved husband of Marion, captain chess team, chairman of the fond memory of him as a school boy loving father of Angus, Iain, David and Debating Society, captain of the cricket building a rudimentary television set Peter and a devoted grandfather. Walter’s X11, 1st XV rugby, CSM in the Corps. out of surplus items from the war and wife wrote to inform us and thanked Neil won an open scholarship to read pieces of junk he found in the family everyone at the school for keeping in Greats at Pembroke College Oxford. garage. The Drever family watched the touch with him. There too, he participated fully in the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II on extra-curricular life of the university, James Douglas Cunningham his invention in 1953. He graduated and played rugby for the College. After (1949) from The University of Glasgow with graduating from Oxford, Neil trained 3 January 1931 - 1 March 2017 a BSc (Hons) in pure science before as a chartered accountant. Believing in continuing his study there with a In Glasgow in the early 1930s Hamish Public Service, he chose to work in the PhD thesis, entitled Studies of Orbital and Elizabeth Cunningham had three NHS, working in various authorities Electron Capture using Proportional boys – James, Ewen and Ronald. James before becoming the Director of Finance Counters. By 1978, he had designed his (the eldest) became known as Jimmy and for Croydon Health Authority (which own Fabry-Pérot interferometer and thus set off on the big adventure called reputedly had a budget greater than NHS built one more than double the size of life, armed with his ‘Walter Mitty’ outlook budget for the whole of Scotland). anything that had been seen before. In for good measure. He attended Dairsie collaboration with Professor John Hall, In 1986 Neil married Eva Svindberg, House and then Glasgow Academy. After Professor Drever invented a new means (ex-Director of Nursing for Marie National Service he started to experiment of keeping the laser’s light pure and Curie), from then until his death living with photography. He took a seasonal steady. This technique was published as very happily together in East Molesey. job at Copeland and Lye department the Pound-Drever-Hall approach or RF Post retirement, Neil had time to indulge store in the toy department. Jim’s job Reflection Locking, which is now widely his lifetime interest in reading across an was to demonstrate toy Hornby trains. used in many fields. In 1977, Professor eclectic range of topics. He followed most Here he met Ann, his future wife. Jim Drever joined Caltech as part of an sport, particularly Scottish rugby. Neil then moved to working in a photography experimental gravitational wave group. was very involved in the local Art Club, shop in Sauchiehall Street where he In 1984, he was appointed as one of the and enjoyed working in his immaculate learned the technical aspects of cameras co-leaders of the Laser Interferometer garden. After 3 years of increasingly and photography. Ann and Jim became Gravitational-Wave Observatory project, debilitating illness, Neil died peacefully at engaged and he decided to move things along with Professor Kip Thorne and home. He is survived by his wife, Eva. up a notch and persuaded his father to Professor Rai Weiss, where he devised invest in a run-down school photography Thomas F Gilmore (1947) methods for increasing the efficiency business. Mansefield in Lennoxtown was 4 July 1931 - 24 March 2017 and power of the optical systems at the deemed to be a suitable place for Prophet heart of LIGO. His insights led to major Armed with a great education from The School Photography to be established, improvements in LIGO’s capability Academy, Tommy left school and pursued along with the newly-married Jim and that were essential in achieving the what became a long successful career as Ann Cunningham. In 1960 Cindy was required sensitivity and detecting the first an actuary, only interrupted by National born and Rory in 1965. Jim’s watchwords gravitational wave on September 14 2015, Service in the Royal Navy where he for child rearing and imparting wisdom proving a key component in Einstein’s gained a commission. He spent seven were ‘initiative and enterprise’. He felt theory of relativity.For his contribution years in London before moving back to that as long as you developed these

30 Etcetera Infirmary. He furthered his career in ENT drew three, making the Academicals at the Western Infirmary and Gartnavel joint champions for the first time since Hospital in Glasgow as ENT Consultant 1925/26. He is survived by his wife and also had private consultancy rooms Louise, daughters Sally, Marjorie, Kay and in Glasgow’s west end. Love finds some stepdaughter Pamela and family. folk later in life and Bill married Marjorie MacLeod in 1979. After his retirement in Bill Mann Kelso, in the blissful years of his marriage, Alexander Reginald Kettles he had great fun introducing Marjorie (1937) to fishing and golf. Bill and Marjorie’s 28 April 1919 - 30 October 2016 life together was full of fun, Marjorie frequently checking Bill with a CIS ‘cut Alexander Reginald Kettles was born it short’ and Bill defending himself with in Glasgow and was educated at The an STMG ‘sorry, too much gin’! Bill was Academy (1929-37) where he was devastated by Marjorie’s death in 2005 described as ‘An admirable type of boy… but managed to revive his enthusiasm and keen on games and school spirit’. He was humour with wonderful support from commissioned into the Cameronians in their mutual friends in Kelso and beyond. 1940 and was mentioned in dispatches for Bill succumbed in October 2016 to a service at Dunkirk. combination of dysphagia and pulmonary Reggie Kettles won an immediate problems in Borders District General Military Cross at Anzio, the controversial Hospital. He is survived by his younger Allied landing in Italy, demonstrating Thomas F Gilmore brother, Kenneth. courage and leadership fighting Glasgow with his wife and family. On Andrew David Innes highly-aggressive German troops. While retirement, he spent many hours on the 22 June 1933 - 9 June 2017 the landing took the Germans by surprise, golf course at Hilton Park. He devoted they reacted quickly. On March 21 1944, Well-known Glasgow Academical much time and energy to his charity the company under Kettles’ command Andy Innes has died at his home in Mil work at OPAS and other charitable was holding a sector of the beachhead Palmeras, Spain after a long illness. Andy interests. Always known for his ever perimeter only 40 yards from the enemy. moved to Spain a number of years ago cheerful disposition and positive outlook, For a week, he sustained his men during from Elie where he owned and ran the Tommy will be missed by many. He is relentless mortar fire and attempts to Station Inn for about 15 years. When at survived by his wife, Aileen, their three infiltrate his positions. When a nearby The Academy he played his full part from children, Lorna, Ronald and Gillian and position was overrun, he held the enemy being class captain in the Prep School to two grandchildren. in check. being a Prefect but he is probably best Christopher M Grossart (1976) remembered for his skills at both rugby Almost 20 years later he faced a challenge 26 May 1959 - 14 March 2017 and cricket. His father, also A D Innes, of a different kind when in command Christopher joined The Academy in must have influenced Andy’s interest of the 1st Battalion of his regiment, the September 1964 and won the Music in cricket. He played for The Glasgow Cameronians (Scottish Rifles), with the prize in 1970 and English Prize in 1974. Academical Club from 1913 to 1939 and British Army of the Rhine. Recruited Christopher was the much loved son of it was unusual to find him other than from Lanarkshire, his ‘Jocks’ had a Kenneth and Mairi Grossart and proud top of the batting averages having scored reputation for ‘looking for a fight’ when father of Iain, Alba and Amber, brother almost twice as many runs as anyone else. off duty. After one incident in Minden, 18 of Susan, Hamish, Sally and David and A D Innes Senior played for Scotland Cameronians were arrested. Seeking to enthusiastic teacher to many. over a number of years against Ireland raise the regiment’s reputation, Kettles set (six times) and scored many runs while about instilling a new sense of discipline. William Goudielock Hood playing for Accies and Andy followed in He met his wife, Rita Balance, at a ball in 11 September 1922 – 23 October 2016 his father’s footsteps by also scoring lots of 1942. They had three children: Alexander, runs for the club. In the four seasons 1959 Bill Hood was born in Glasgow and the an accountant who predeceased his to 1962 Andy was particularly successful, eldest of three children. After his early father; Pamela, who worked for MI5; scoring 2,626 runs at an average of 35.5, schooling at Bellahouston Primary, Bill and Lindsay, a beauty therapist. His wife and in May 1962 he broke one of his moved to Glasgow Academy where predeceased him. friends remember him principally for father’s records by making the highest his excellence at golf and swimming, score ever recorded for the club – 145 Patrick A J McDonald (1935) representing the school in both sports. not out against Edinburgh Academicals. 15 April 1919 – 10 July 2017 Academically, he was something of a Andy was also an exciting and skilful Patrick was born in Kelvinside, Glasgow ‘late bloomer’ but he left The Academy rugby player. Of course, he played for on 15 April, 1919 and resided there until bound for a medical degree. He was the Academicals 1st XV and did this 2014 when he moved to Antonine House enrolled at the Faculty of Medicine in St in Jimmy Thomson’s year as Captain, in Bearsden. He died peacefully on 10 Andrews University in 1941. In 1946 Bill 1954/55, when his very successful but July 2017. He attended The Academy graduated MB, ChB and his first post was quite young side, with four teenagers in from September 1926 until June 1935. ENT House surgeon at Dundee Royal it, won 19 matches, lost only three and On leaving he joined his father’s company

Etcetera 31 uses state-of-the-art helicopters rather than flimsy old Auster IVs, or indeed motorbikes. Lt Col Ian Neilson, DFC, gunner and pilot, was born on December 4, 1918. He died on January 20, 2017, aged 98 Andrew Graham Service (1935) 9 October 1917 - 15 July 2017 On 15 July, 2017, at Westacres Care Home, in his hundredth year, husband of the late Margaret, father of Richard, Sheila and Libby, grandfather of eight and great-grandfather of three. Lt Col Ian Tedford 3 June 1929 - 2 June 2017 John Galbraith Tedford, always known as Ian, was born in Glasgow and raised in Patrick A J McDonald Lt Col Ian Neilson Irvine and on Arran. He was educated P McDonald Ltd, Glasgow, Plywood medicine degree at the University of at Glasgow Academy and gained a place Importers. On the untimely death of Glasgow, would spend his lunch hour at university to read chemistry before his father in 1938 he became Managing as a solicitor’s articled clerk spotting National Service intervened. In 1947 Director and continued to work in the locomotives at the city’s Central station. he joined the Royal Scots Fusiliers, industry until his retirement in 1982. He His father had died when he was eight, later transferring to 1st Battalion saw active service during WW II in the and he and his younger brother, Hugh, the Cameronians (Scottish Rifles), RAF Air Sea Rescue Service and did grew up in straitened circumstances. commanding his platoon during the tours of duty in the UK and East and On the outbreak of war he progressed Malayan Emergency. North Africa. Whilst posted to Alexandria from the Territorial Army, which he had Tedford spent a spell at home before in Egypt he met and married his wife already joined, to 127 Highland Artillery being deployed back to Malaya and Poppy. On their return to Scotland he Field Regiment. Just after VE Day he seconded to the Gurkhas. He transferred took up the reins again at the family married Alison Aytoun, an artist from permanently to 7th Gurkha Rifles in company which flourished in the climate Birmingham, who for her war work the mid-1950s, where he served as of post war recovery, particularly in the trained as a medical social worker. They company commander, intelligence officer construction and shipbuilding industries. met when she lodged with his family and battalion second in command. He During retirement he was an active to work at Glasgow Royal Infirmary resigned from the army in 1974 with member of Killermont Golf Club and and would have two children: Hamish, the honorary rank of lieutenant-colonel enjoyed sailing off the west coast of who became a planner and landscape and began a second career, based on his Scotland. Pat and Poppy had two children, architect, and Catherine, an administrator, passion for horses, with the Royal Hong Rosemary, who attended Westbourne, and who lives in the United States. At the Kong Jockey Club (RHKJC). By this Glyn, who was at The Academy during war’s end Neilson’s studies made him the time he was divorced from his first wife, the early years of his education. Poppy man to be given charge, in the rank of Gillian, the mother of his sons, Alastair sadly died in 2014 and they are survived lieutenant-colonel, of Britain’s three war and Nicholas. His second wife was Lindy by their two children, five grandchildren crimes investigation units in Germany, with whom he had Joanna and Alexandra. and four great grandchildren. for which the prime minister, Clement Tedford worked with the RHKJC for Attlee, had called for officers “with drive more than a decade as official starter, his I Bisset Morrison (1951) and energy”. Neilson’s units compiled 18 February 1934 - 28 January 2017 military background having prepared reports for prosecutors and investigated him well for the tense atmosphere of the Bisset died suddenly at his home in crimes at Sachsenhausen concentration starting gate. He returned to Scotland Newcastle after a long illness. Husband to camp, using information learnt from two in 1986, managing Luffness New Morven, brother to Sheila, dad to Craig MI6 men held there throughout the war Golf Club, where his stewardship was (1990) and Fiona (1993) and Grandpa to after being trapped by German agents at defined by his organisational skills and Iona, Jessica and Sophie. He will be sadly Venlo in the Netherlands in November no-nonsense attitude. When, 65 years missed. 1939. Neilson was demobbed in 1946 after hoodwinking those rebels in Malaya, and worked for the Royal Institution Tedford faced odds he could not beat, he Lt Col Ian Neilson of Chartered Surveyors, but returned 4 December 1918 - 20 January 2017 dealt with terminal cancer in similarly to the air between 1948 and 1953 to stoic fashion - briskly issuing orders for The son of a solicitor from Glasgow, found and command 666 (Scottish) his funeral and taking betting advice from Ian Godfrey Neilson had loved model Air OP Squadron. He wrote a book, Carson on this year’s Derby. It ran on 3 trains from childhood, and even after Air OP — Action Remembered, and June, his 88th birthday. Tedford died the going on from school at the Glasgow took a keen interest in the successor to day before, having picked the winner, the Academy to take a law and forensic the AOPs, the Army Air Corps, which aptly named Wings of Eagles.

32 Etcetera Remembering Ronnie…

Ronnie Woods taught me modern Robin Duff (1990) was studies for several years while I was at The so impressed by Mr Academy and he was held in high regard Woods’ methodical approach to every and respected by his pupils. His various aspect of teaching eccentricities were brilliant, entertaining that he gave us one and they stuck with me through the years. of Ronnie’s many I still remember him picking out those handouts. We’re sure who had forgotten their hymn books that this document will serve as a reminder to at morning assembly. This was done Ronnie’s many former with great accuracy from a seemingly pupils of his sage impossible distance and the subsequent advice on writing exam smile and award of a “CWP 500” essay essays. Happy days! was made to those of us that did not manage to hide our lack of organisation. I learnt a great deal about current world problems during my time at The Academy! He actually managed to teach me to Prints of Dairsie remember facts and figures, which was House School by the not an easy task as my mind was generally well-known south elsewhere at that stage. side artist Stephen O’Neil have been His various teaching methods stay with commissioned by me to this day and I was very sad to the PTA. The Dairsie hear of his recent passing. He will be site will in future be remembered with great affection by known as The Glasgow Academy Newlands. myself and many other former pupils and The mounted (9x9”) it is very sad to hear of him going before prints can be obtained his time. from the External Relations Office. Lewis Pate (1987)

The Spring 2017 Etcetera is full of so many interesting items. I appreciated the lovely tributes to Ronnie Woods. I never interacted with Ronnie during his time at the Academy, but I did interact with him in the late sixties where we were sometimes working together in Scripture Union camps. Several of the appreciations mention the way Ronnie had helped the pupils grow in their Christian faith through his input in Scripture Union in school. His dedication as a teacher really puts me to shame! Colin Turner’s appreciation touches on 2 Timothy 2 v 15 ‘Do your best to present yourself to GOD as one approved, a workman who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.’ Ronnie certainly did that in both his History teaching and his work with Scripture Union.

Henry Murray Humphreys (1959)

Etcetera 33 Recognising your support…

The Glasgow Academy is extremely grateful to our community of former pupils, current and former parents who have chosen to support us. Our aim is to be the best all-round independent day school in Scotland. That means sector-leading academic, sporting, musical, artistic, cultural and pastoral excellence. It means doing the very best in every way for every child in our care. It means realising their potential by making certain they benefit from the richly-rounded opportunities and fulfilling education at our school. In short, in all we do, we aim for excellence. Your support will ensure we achieve our ambition.

Dr A J Alcock Ms A F Henderson Portlethen Pipe Band

Mrs M Alexander Mr S Henderson Mr R J & Mrs L Potter

Brigadier F A L Alstead Mr G Henry Mr R & Mrs S Reid

Professor A Anderson Mr W N Herbertson Mr B W A Ritchie

Professor A D Bain Mr R I Higgins Mr A M Robertson

Dr J P Ballantyne Sir M W Hirst Mr A D S Rolland

Mr A G Bannerman Mr H M Humphreys Mr S S Rolland

Mr G G Bannerman Mr H K Jackson Mr D A Roser

Mr A S Barclay Mr A C Kerr Mr C R Sanderson

Captain (Retd) M K Barritt Dr W R Kerr Mr K & Mrs E Sandford

Mr W D Blair Prof J H Lazarus Mr J Schrier & Mrs F Cammarota

Mrs M Brodie Mr C G Leggat Mr B M Simmers

Mrs K E Brown Mr J C D Lewis Mr D E K F Sinclair

Mr W M B Brown Mr W Li & Ms L Yang Ms G H D Sinclair

Mr R D & Mrs D Cairns Mr R Mackintosh Mr C D W Smith

Mr D N Carmichael Mr D G MacLeod Mrs M E Smith

Mrs J Carmichael Dr W R Macnab Mr A H Steel

Mr J L & Mrs N Collins Professor Sir D K Mason Mr C M & Mrs N C Stuart

Mr J A Deans Mr S H Massey Mr M G Taylor

Dr R N C Douglas Mr A & Mrs C Mathewson Mr M S Thompson

Mr J H Dover Dr S G McAlpine Mrs D Thornton

Dr J A Duncan Mr M R McNaught Mrs M A Tindall

Mr H M Foxall Dr C H B Mee Mr C W Turner

Dr D K S Fraser Mr T Menzies Mr I M Veitch

Mr H R Fulton Mr F S Montgomery CDR S N Verdi (USN Retired)

Mr T W Gemmill Dr B & Dr A Mukhopadhyay Mr A A W Waddell

Mr A H & Mrs H R Gonenc Mr T S Nelson Dr A G Wade

Mrs J Gotts Mr H M O’Neill Mr D J Wright

Rev T R Haggis Mr R Paterson Mrs J Wylie

Mr D W Hall Dr R & Dr K Percival Mr J H Young

Mr C J Hancock Mr R & Mrs L Pierotti

Miss S F Hay Mr A A R Pollock

We wish to extend our thanks and gratitude to those donors who prefer to remain anonymous

34 Etcetera THE GLASGOW ACADEMY Open Events We look forward to meeting you and your family at one of our open events...

Wednesday 4 October 2017, 9.30am - 11.30am & Tuesday 7 November 2017, 6.30pm - 8.30pm The Glasgow Academy Kelvinbridge Nursery (age 3 - 5), Prep (P1 - P7) and Senior School Colebrooke Street, Glasgow G12 8HE

Wednesday 8 November 2017, 9.30am - 11.30am The Glasgow Academy Milngavie Nursery (age 3 - 5) and Prep School (P1 - P4) Mugdock Road, Milngavie G62 8NP

Thursday 9 November 2017, 9.30am - 11.30am The Glasgow Academy Newlands Nursery (age 3 - 5) and Prep School (P1 - P4) Langside Drive/Newlands Road G43 2QQ

In addition to the above dates, prospective parents and pupils are most welcome to visit the school on a normal working day to see The Academy ‘in action’. If you would like to arrange a visit, or would like further information about entry to The Academy, please contact our Admissions Office 0141on 342 5494.

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