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Number 9 Summer 2009 EtThe magazine for formercetera pupils and friends of Glasgow Academy and Westbourne School

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Contents Editorial

Douglas Anderson (1944) and two second year boys discuss what it 3 The downfall of Authority was like to be a pupil at Glasgow Academy during the war years. 4 Not the retiring kind? ‘Young people nowadays are 7 Favourite teachers remembered only interested in what’s 11 Academical Club Section going on now. They have no 15 Polo-playing for beginners appreciation of history!’ 16 Arts-etera I heard someone make this 18 Westbourne Section observation the other day. He obviously hadn’t visited 22 Get-togethers and Reunions Glasgow Academy recently! 24 Announcements You only needed to be 30 Enhancing opportunities at The present a few weeks ago when – for three days in a row – the History Glasgow Academy Department played host to groups of Academicals from the ‘War Years’. Each 32 From our correspondents visitor was looked after by a small, eager posse of 14-year-olds who took them off and quizzed them about what it was like to be 14 in the 1940s. Colin Hope’s letter to us after the event perhaps gives a flavour of their discussions and of their enthusiasm: ‘Please thank most sincerely Clemmie, Catriona, Finlay and Oliver, who guided me in unrecognisable territory as far as I was concerned. (The last time I was in the main building was almost 60 years ago!) Also thanks to Lauren and George for their charming letters which arrived today – my 85th birthday! I did enjoy meeting them and hopefully answering all their questions in a reasonable manner. …And, yes I did miss bananas during the war!’ Copy deadline for next As Simon Wood, Head of History, remarked, ‘The pupils learned that History is not just about books. Real people experienced real events.’ edition 5 October 2009 Real people experiencing real events is very much the theme of A S chool a t Wa r, a new book Do we have your e-mail address? which will be launched on 3 September – 70 years to the day since the outbreak of war. It’s how we communicate best! Written by Andrew Wylie and illustrated by Douglas Anderson, the slim volume is as much a reminder for those – like Andrew and Douglas – Keeping in touch who lived through the events as it is an attempt to answer some of the questions posed by eager The External Relations office is situated in students of History. As our excerpt on page 3 Colebrooke Terrace. Former pupils are always welcome to pop in and have a chat. shows, it looks at school life very much from a Just give us a call to arrange a time. Our schoolboy’s perspective and with a schoolboy’s address is Colebrooke Terrace, Glasgow G12 sense of fun. 8HE and you can contact us on 0141 342 And when it comes out, the authors are very 5494 or at [email protected] much hoping that any profit the book makes will The Glasgow Academical Club, 21 Welcome to Joanna Lennox who Helensburgh Drive, Glasgow G13 1RR go to provide a lasting reminder to the pupils of joined us in April as a replacement today of their link with those who have gone for Hazel – so you’ll see her name President – Jimmy McCulloch before. on many of the External Relations E-mail: [email protected] e-mails in future Secretary – Kenneth Shand And we do know they’re interested! Tel: 0141 248 5011 E-mail: [email protected] The Academical Club pavilion is available for functions. Please contact Ken Barron at [email protected] for details. Academical Club’s London Section Malcolm McNaught, Secretary – David Hall, 20 Cadogan Place Director of External Relations London SW1X 9SA [email protected] Tel: 020 7235 9012 0141 342 5494 E-mail: [email protected]

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The downfall of Authority

3 September 2009 sees the publication of Seventy Years On: an energetic First XV having replaced the rugby ball with The Glasgow Academy 1939-45 – A School at War by Andrew the pickaxe were enthusiastically digging up the tennis Wylie and Douglas Anderson. In the following extract, the courts to install an air raid shelter. In fact this bit of realities of a school at war are just beginning to sink in: excavation was a mere gesture to the prevailing emergency, Preamble – The Phoney War initiated more by enthusiasm than know-how because it did not meet official regulations and had to be rebuilt. But it In the autumn of 1938 when pupils returned to school to served the purpose of raising everyone’s awareness of the start the new academic year the news was not good. implications of a declaration of war. Neville Chamberlain had returned from his meeting with Although the air raid shelters were never to be seriously Herr Hitler brandishing a piece of paper that he assured an used in a time of aerial bombardment, whilst they were ecstatic crowd ‘ensured peace in our time’. He did not being constructed in the summer term of 1938 they were convince everyone. Winston Churchill had declared Britain the scenes of a potentially serious accident. It was a sunny to be ‘lamentably unprepared’ for what he saw to be an day and Coleman Smith was holding an outdoor gym class. inevitable conflict that an appeasement policy could only To the delight, and anticipation, of his class he began to delay. But there were the faint stirrings of some sort of walk backwards energetically conducting, as was his wont, preparedness among people, and within institutions, that his overheated students. Quite suddenly, but oh so recognised that life was going to be very different. The inevitably, he disappeared into an open trench. He indications of fundamental change were to be seen much emerged, shaken and very angry, and lectured the class on closer to home. codes of decency and honour, and rightly so. But could At the Academy the first militiamen, the name of the very schoolboys have been expected to shout a warning and miss first conscripts, were parading on the school playground and the downfall of Authority?

Following in Donald Dewar’s footsteps

Academy debaters Cosmo Grant (left) and Allen Cosmo and Allen have achieved the of the Parliament.’ Farrington have beaten over 130 schools to win pinnacle of their debating success in the Law Society of Scotland Donald Dewar what is their final year at The Academy. We are sure that Donald Dewar, a prominent Memorial Debating Tournament, the final of It was particularly pleasing that the Presiding member of Glasgow Academy’s Literary and which was held in the debating chamber of the Officer compared Cosmo’s dry wit to that of Debating Society in the 1950s, would have Scottish Parliament on 11 June. Jan Fulton Donald Dewar himself and commented that his been delighted to know that the standard of (pictured), who runs The Academy’s Debating three-minute summation was one of the best debating at The Academy is as high now as it Society, commented: ‘I am delighted that that he had heard in the ten-year history has ever been.

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Not the retiring kind? All good things must come to an end – – whose results in Greek as well as and so it is with the careers of much- Latin have been second to none over Along with Vic have gone two well- loved teachers. After 33 glorious years the years – has always spurned known names from the Modern teaching Classics, Vic Hadcroft has technical wizardry in his classroom, Languages Department. A number of finally declined his last declension. knowing that a smile and a joke are former pupils reminisce here about Vic Many of Vic’s former pupils felt that worth a thousand interactive with a sprinkling of memories of ‘something should be done’, as Colin whiteboards. Raymond Latimer and Liz Semple, who Kidd explains below: also retired in June. At the retirement event Ryan Kohli Classics Reunion was an eloquent and amusing master of Very sad to hear that Mr Hadcroft, Mr During the winter of 2008-9 a group ceremonies. Colin Kidd reminisced Latimer, and Mrs Semple are all calling of plotters came together to plan a about the school as it was in 1976 it quits. All were excellent. when Vic first encountered his mentor devious conspiracy. The Ides of March I recall the many Classics outings with James Jope, from whom he would came and went. But on 16 May when great fondness that Mrs Duguid and inherit the Gavel Club; and Johnathan Vic Hadcroft made his way to the Mr Hadcroft took us on and I Cockayne entertained the audience Accies Clubhouse for a quiet drink happened to find an old Chronicle with an appreciation of Vic’s pastoral with his son Michael, the plot came to recently that had the Classics London role, paying special attention to the fruition. At Accies Vic did indeed find trip to see Antigone (or something of Classics trips he organised to Italy and his son Michael, but also a few familiar that sort). I had a good chuckle at Greece, which are equalled in legend faces – seventy of Vic’s former pupils that. On arrival, we were informed only by those of Jason and his and teaching colleagues in Classics, that the hotel had a leak. This meant Argonauts. Vic and Liz received who had come to honour his thirty- three girls were squeezed into a double various presents from former pupils three years of service to the school. bed; the boys were luckier as there was and colleagues, with contributions a room with a double and a single (I The conspiracy had surfaced in full from many who could not be there on demanded the single) but the hotel view of the web-viewing public on the the night. The highlight was, perhaps, said that the teachers had to go and Facebook site devoted to his former the symbolic gift of an England stay at another hotel down the road. pupils’ fan-worship of Vic, which goes football shirt, signed by everyone at the The look of total panic spreading in under the title ‘Veni, vidi, Vic’. dinner. The evening ended with Vic Vic’s face was a sight to behold. However, those who knew their old himself, who delivered a wry, off-the- Latin teacher guessed – correctly – that cuff speech about his years at the After much panic-ridden faffing and a retirement dinner publicised on the Academy. Vic retires knowing that he is delays, we then had the fun of trying web was as secure a way as any of not only esteemed in his profession, to get to the theatre during London’s keeping the secret from him. For Vic but genuinely beloved by his former rush hour. Again the fear easily pupils. identified on Vic’s face was a great Vic – with Catriona (left) and Laura Brown – enjoying his surprise Classics Evening Colin Kidd (1982) amusement at the time, although when I nearly didn’t get off the subway on time I was slightly less amused. His screams when the doors started to close on me, though, did cheer me up. Anyway, we did get there just before the play started, but the play was nothing like as much fun as the journey there. I did see Mrs Semple at her daughter’s 21st – although she may wish to forget what she saw of me that night. Quite accidental and one of the risks of wearing a kilt and doing a too vigorous Eightsome Reel. Please send my best to them all. Greg MacDougall (1997) The only teacher that is retiring who taught me was Mrs Semple. All I can think of when I think of her are spotty tights – she always wore them. Katrin Bjornsson (1998)

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Congratulations on Etcetera – an enjoyable and interesting read. One wonders whether prospective contributors are put off by the thought of having their submissions red- pencilled and returned...? (Apparently not. Ed) Best wishes from Warsaw Adam Chazanow (1989) In the early 80s Ray Latimer used to cut a dash with an array of suits sporting loud checks! He was one of the new/young teachers then. Bryan Thomson (1981) Within about two hours of Mr Latimer’s first class he had earned the nickname ‘Smate’ – see me at the end. Does he still say that? Colin McCash (1984) Raymond Latimer and Liz Semple at Prize-giving – their last day at The Academy Vic Hadcroft – what a superb teacher! What other reason can there be for my I had the privilege of being taught Latin Vic Hadcroft taught an immensely ‘A’ Band 1 in ‘O’ Grade Latin followed by Vic. It was a small class and we had a enjoyable year of Latin in S1. I still rue 18 years later by my daughter’s teacher range of students including the pre- that, for arcane syllabus-related reasons, during our time in the US eminent Niall Ferguson. I was forced to choose between the commenting upon my ability to help (surely complementary?) subjects of I do recall one student, Jimmy Samantha with her homework. I think German and Latin from S2 onwards. Monteith, was frequently in trouble. I managed 70% in the end of year The brevity of my Latin schooling However Jimmy managed to turn this exam! I also think my daughter notwithstanding, ‘ego sum Caecilius’ situation around and became one of thought I was mad as I enunciated and ‘amo amas amat...’ are still etched Vic’s most favoured students. How did ‘Flavia est puellae romanae,’ in the into my slowly-aging grey matter. he do this? He briefly thought about finest Hadcroft style. Any teacher who knuckling down, improving his attitude My story about Raymond Latimer could weave his love of Pink Floyd, and working hard but quickly stems from a chance encounter outside cricket and joie de vivre into Latin discounted this idea. Instead, being a school. We ended up across a table- classes borders on both genius and resourceful fellow, he managed to secure tennis table from each other in madness, but such a mix resulted in two FA Cup Final tickets for Vic for the Bishopbriggs Sports Centre. I recall hugely enjoyable and effective 1979 final between Manchester United losing several games, but was amused learning. Dic has a duc with fer on its and Arsenal. It was a classic game with to witness Mr Latimer’s Russian fac; fero, fere, tuli, latum; Rex Arsenal winning 3-2. Jimmy never language imitation of John McEnroe Cogidubnus and Caecillius remain looked back and cruised his Latin when an attempted smash shot went imprinted on my memory as does the Higher the following year. wide. Admittedly, ‘yob twoyu mat’ is a eventual explanation as to why Arthur wee bit stronger than ‘you cannot be Lane’s nom de plume was Arnold! I In the Higher, there was an optional serious’... wish Vic the happiest and longest of paper translating English into Latin. Vic retirements and thank him for helping encouraged us all to try it which we Finally, my anecdote about Liz Semple me achieve what is still my best ever did but with appalling results – other is not from the distant 1980s, but from exam result. than, of course, Niall Ferguson who two years ago, when I dropped in to passed with flying colours and even show my daughter The Academy. We Raymond Latimer, well, that’ll be pointed out a few grammatical errors happened to meet Mrs Semple, who SMATE to my peer group! Having in the exam paper! proceeded to reel off embarrassing and rather undersold myself in 1st year presumed long-forgotten character then not entirely applied myself in 2nd Happy days! Wishing Vic a long and traits from those bygone days with and 3rd years, I arrived in 4B with the happy retirement. incredible fidelity (‘So, Adam, are you lilting tones of Mr L leaving me in no Stuart McCaffer (1981) still listening to heavy metal, then?’). doubt that I should study with more When I consider the number of vigour to ensure that I achieved what I students that have passed through Mrs was capable of. Wise words indeed Sad news indeed – these retirements Semple’s classes, I can only hope that which, after a few ‘See me at the ends’ mark the end of a fondly-remembered my memory will be half as good as eventually struck a chord with my golden era of language teaching at the Mrs Semple’s at retirement age! teenage brain and made some sense! A Academy.

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After 33 years, Mr Vic Harris Tweed Hadcroft is retiring – and his desks are makes fashion calling it a day too. Since he has long comeback at been a supporter of Yorkhill hospital, we Geographers’ decided to auction his desks for the charity. convention! Desks which have been here for Geography teacher David Humberstone and generations fetched former pupil Alistair Donald meet up for the up to £150 each – first time in 35 years and almost £1400 was raised for The Bridge Inn, Ratho supplied real Yorkhill. ale and steak pie. An Academy staff Higher French ‘B’ is thanks to him and photograph from the mid ‘70s was the I can still ‘parlez’ with enough clarity Truly the end of an era! A most likely main visual aid while David to get my message across. Indeed at a apocryphal – and probably unpublish- Humberstone and Alistair Donald recent NATO meeting in Brussels I able – anecdote that exemplifies Vic’s (1974) provided the sparkling was cracking jokes with my French dry and self-deprecating good humour conversation that ranged from 1969 to counterpart in his mother tongue mais came from John Crawford (1979- 2009, from Humbie Road via Geoff on a bu quelque verres du vin rouges! 1986), one of his ‘A’ Level Latin class Payman’s Jungle, Jungle with a cast of Best wishes to Raymond as he follows of 1986. thousands to a Geology field trip on a shortly after Alan Hutchinson – bet Examining the ‘artwork’ on one of the Royal Wedding Holiday. there’s a soiree planned somewhere en desks, Vic was heard to comment France with no pupils to look after! ‘What a surprise, someone loves Anne With so much ground still to cover, it was agreed to meet again in rather less Great teachers were The Academy’s Coleman. Normally all you ever read than 35 years time. strength and I am sure that skills honed is ‘Vic is a *****!!!’. over 40+ years of teaching are shared A long and happy retirement to them David Humberstone’s ‘Transitus in the around the staff room ensuring that all. Very well earned! Campsies’ pictures are still available on today’s pupils benefit in the same way Picasa at http://tinyurl.com/5fvw73 that I did. Paulo Capanni (1986) Newly unearthed photos of an Easter Iain Breckenridge (1984) 1968 trip with Geoff Payman and some third formers to Achnashellach can be found at Iain MacLeod http://tinyurl.com/d7b5zc One of the great teachers who is also retiring this year is Iain MacLeod, the Deputy Rector for the last 12 years. Iain joined The Academy in 1984 as Head of the English Department. At the time of the merger with Westbourne he became Assistant Rector, with particular responsibility for First and Second years, before becoming Deputy Rector in 1997. Iain’s time with us greatly enriched The Academy. He was a man who possessed high standards for himself, for the staff and for the pupils: a disciplinarian to those who needed it, but a man with a kind heart and great generosity of spirit. He will be greatly missed. Older readers of Etcetera will perhaps know Iain MacLeod best as the author of The Glasgow Academy:150 Years. With not a word wasted, Iain traces The Academy’s first 150 years in 200 extremely readable pages. Before he retired, Iain produced an excellent index to the history. (It proves what many had suspected: there is hardly a mention of him in the whole book, typical of his modesty.) We are delighted to make the index available – by e-mail – to anyone who would like to use it. Please send your request to [email protected] If you would like a copy of The Glasgow Academy:150 Years, please contact the External Relations office.

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Favourite teachers remembered Atholl Prep School was the usual Every morning at Prayers, or Assembly Roydon Richards venue for this. It was, however, in as we might call it now, the Rector music-making that I came to know would keep a careful watch on the ‘I hope that when you meet your new Roydon Richards best. I would find standard of singing – sometimes, if I headmaster you won’t stand like that – myself playing the piano accompani- remember correctly, playing the Reed with your hands in your pockets.’ ment for duets or string groups in Organ himself. One occasion stands Thus spoke the Rector of Glasgow which he himself would take a lead. out in my memory when he had the Academy (we didn’t call it The Then at Christmas he would organise whole school, minus the choir, back Glasgow Academy in those days) to and lead Carol parties visiting during break to sing their special this eleven-year-old boy who was neighbours’ houses. ‘congregation-only’ verse again, it saying an official ‘goodbye’ on leaving having been less than satisfactory I remember being told how every for an English boarding school in earlier on. 1942. evening when he returned from school he would relax by playing one of The Rector was held in high esteem, It was, however, in later years that I Bach’s Forty Eight Preludes and Fugues clearly, by boys and staff. He was was to know Roydon Richards rather on the piano. He was a truly devoted respected yet was approachable. better. His son Michael was a pal of practical musician although, as far as It was only in recent times that I learnt mine and in the holidays from school executant powers were concerned, he from Michael, his son, how on the first and in vacation from university I was would never have claimed to be more night of the great Clydeside blitz often out at Milngavie where the than a keen amateur – his Batchelor of Roydon Richards was doing his Richards lived. They were a lively and Music degree was by its nature an routine Fire Watching duty on the roof colourful family with a resident pet award for academic achievement. donkey very much part of the scene. of the Academy. His family at When tea was served in the garden My own father, who was no mean Milngavie saw the scenes of fire, you had to be quick to drain your musician himself, pointed out to me at destruction and havoc over Clydebank teacup or you would find that a certain an early age what a fine school song and the West End of the city and four-legged creature had done it for we have from Roydon Richard’s pen – naturally feared for his safety, there you. from the point of view of both words being of course no mobile phones or and music. My father drew attention any other means of communication in The Richards family organised dances to how well the cadences in the music those days. The family had to wait for the many young people they knew fitted the Latin word endings. I was until well into the next morning and gathered together at Christmas; able in later years to admire the before they could learn of his safety. Roydon Richards and his wife with some Senior impressive and exciting build-up and Roydon Richards saw the Academy pupils on the occasion of his retirement. sense of climax in the music.

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morning hoping to speak to him. He beckoned me in with a smile and a mild enquiry as to what I wanted, and I poured out my apologies for mucking things up the previous evening. He thanked me, then assured me that everyone thought it was his fault, and with a happy smile added that his back was broad enough to bear it! He told me to say nothing about it to anyone and to think no more about it. I went out like a condemned man reprieved! Joe Brooks had the task of teaching me physics from nothing to ‘A’ level standard (we took the Oxford & Roydon Richards with a group of Seniors. But source of amusement, amazement and Cambridge Board exams) in two years what are their names and what was the year? admiration to all who listened to him flat. We got on pretty well, and at morning assembly. You would note managed to cover the syllabus, the various subordinate clauses including practical work, and in the building up in ever more complex end I got a respectable ‘A’ level. There safely through the war, arranging local patterns, and you would think – he’s was a humorous twist to that tale: by evacuation (to Milngavie) while the really got lost this time! – but, no, mistake I was entered not only for the air-raid shelters were built. The without fail he would unwind the ‘A’ level physics papers but also for the dangerous position of the Academy clauses, each in its turn, and the Scholarship-level physics paper. When next to the busy Kelvin Bridge made it sentence would come to a triumphant I found myself down to take this paper necessary to have a barrage-balloon and perfectly grammatical conclusion. I knew (and Joe Brooks knew) that it permanently stationed on site. was a mistake, but I sat it anyway. I first visited the Academy in the early Come the day, I read through the ‘S’ I’m sure we all have happy memories summer of 1948 for an interview. My level paper and knew at once that of the Rector – those of us who were mother and I waited in the Secretary’s there was only one question I could there in his time. For my own part, I office. I needed the lavatory. No attempt, although for full marks you treasure my special memories of his sooner on my way than I realised I had were supposed to do four, two from hospitality and music-making at home no idea where to go. Approaching me each half of the paper. I just had no with family and friends. came a very distinguished-looking idea what the other questions were Martin How, 1939-42 (Class of 1949) personage in a flowing gown. He saw about. The one I could do, however, this lost small boy, gravely asked if he was a straightforward applied maths could help me, and then courteously problem more than a physics one, and In the recent edition of Etcetera there directed me to my desired destination. I was able to polish that off with no was an article remembering Dr Frank A little while later I was ushered into trouble. Having read over my solution Roydon Richards. We were invited to the Rector’s office, and there was my to that, and yet again carefully read send in our own personal recollections friend of the flowing gown! I enjoyed through the other questions just to be of him, and I do so, very gladly. I’m the interview, and never lost my liking sure, I got up and handed my paper in afraid in my enthusiasm I have run on and regard for the Rector. and prepared to go. Chris Varley was a bit with various anecdotes, but I Years later Roydon Richards was my invigilator that morning, and I was enjoyed recalling these memories, and playing the piano to accompany the the only candidate. He was deeply all my dealings with the man himself, choir during the concert at the end of concerned at my finishing early, and for whom I had great respect and the spring term, and I was turning the begged me to reconsider. I tried to affection. music pages for him. At one point I explain the circumstances, but he was terribly bothered (not realising the true As well as the personal items that missed turning back a page for a situation). I left anyway. At the end of follow, I have two other comments. In repeat. The Rector made a grab for the summer holidays I had a phone addition to his immense classical and the page but it was too late, and the call from the Rector giving me news musical abilities, his leadership and concert came to a grinding halt. In a of my various ‘A’ and ‘S’ level results. organisational skills were never more moment, after a quick glance at Mr He also told me that he had been rung apparent than at the time of the fire in Coulthard who was conducting, the up earlier in the holidays by someone 1954 and its aftermath, although I fear Rector got things going again, and from the Examining Board in a panic. that the stresses and strains of that time there were no more hiccups. I was so They had lost my answers to the probably led to his subsequent heart ashamed, and went home at the end of second part of the physics ‘S’ level attack. On a different note: stemming the evening much distressed. After a paper! I laughed, and told him what no doubt from his command of Latin, bad night, I waited outside the had happened, whereupon he laughed his oral sentence construction was a Rector’s office first thing in the

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too, and said he had suspected as much. his gown in place on his shoulders – it As the head of English, Walter was invariably half way down one arm, Barradell-Smith taught at the Academy Back in Glasgow after my first term at if not two. Then there was his playing from 1907 to 1945. A most likeable university I was surprised and of the double bass seriously in the man, very modest and with a keen delighted to be invited to join the school orchestra, and in quite a sense of humour, I seem to remember Richards family on Christmas Eve, different pop-group style at school that in some quarters his methods were singing carols round their piano. It concerts. disparaged as old-fashioned. He was a very happy evening, and I introduced me to many books which I remember feeling totally exhilarated as These few recollections – all of them much enjoyed, from the works of I cycled home through a beautiful cold happy – may contribute to the Victorians to the novels of Dorothy L and starry night. corporate memory of a well-respected Sayers. Surely to inspire a love of Head. With best regards – and my thanks for reading is an important, perhaps, the Etcetera, which I always enjoy reading. Alastair Porter (1947) most important aim of teaching English. John Walker (1956) John Horrex He wrote a number of school stories, published under the name of Richard Roydon Richards was, of course, I have just been reading the online Bird, which were most acceptable Rector throughout my time and I version of Etcetera Autumn 2008. In presents on birthdays and at Christmas. believe that it was the fact that my the section entitled ‘How we learned father (who was the Rector of Irvine back then’, I was delighted to see a Perhaps a brief anecdote will give Royal Academy) knew him through contribution from John Horrex. some flavour of the man. Because of headmasters’ meetings, that the choice his florid complexion, certainly for no was made of Glasgow Academy for my He says ‘[ I ] cannot say anything about other reason, he was affectionately secondary education once I had passed ‘How we learned back then’ and known as ‘beery’. One day, when through the primary stage at Irvine. cannot remember much about ‘How I reading a passage aloud to the class, he Father and I were united in the view taught back then’’. mis-read a sentence. Quickly that I would be better off in a school I can certainly remember how he correcting himself he remarked ‘old where there would be no taught back then – wonderfully. I age makes the eyes grow bleary’. Then parent/teacher conflict of interest. remember when trying to get across looking straight at the class and with a Interestingly, Roydon Richards’ sons the idea of ‘energy’ he climbed onto mischievous grin he added very slowly did attend the Academy during his his desk and declared ‘There, I’ve just and distinctly, ‘I said “bleary”.’ Rectorship but I never regretted the used up a cornflake’. I remember the Frank Batchelor, always known as move to the Academy for myself, even glass-legged stool we had to stand on ‘Batchie’ also had a good, somewhat though it meant daily travelling to and before we laid hands on the Van de donnish, sense of humour. A highly from school with all the Graaff generator, the blue and white sensitive man, he had survived the inconveniences of the wartime and gelatine to demonstrate diffusion, the immensely traumatic experience of post-war period. Father and Richards, cloud chambers illustrating Brownian serving as an infantry officer in the incidentally, often shared anecdotes motion, the stroboscope freezing war, something which I believe greatly about corresponding with educational droplets falling on the back of your affected him, as it did others with a and other institutions in England who hand. I also remember his enthusiastic similar educational background and assumed that, since they were styled participation in the school’s shows (a temperament. It was, in the ‘Rectors’, they must be Anglican forerunner to Hinge and Bracket circumstances, much to his credit that clergymen! springs to mind as well as a hilarious he was able with such success to He was always referred to rendition of the soliloquy from command the OTC and coach the affectionately as ‘the Dick’. I saw quite Hamlet). shooting teams. a lot of the man because I was a Lovely stuff, John. You were the best An impressive classical scholar, it was classicist and marked out to try for an teacher in the place. unfortunate that much of his life was Oxbridge place. In the upper reaches taken up with teaching Latin to many of the school, I was one of only two or Best regards, who had little interest in the language. three who would go to him for Latin Michael Wilson (1978) I hope and believe that he much or Greek tuition to help us with (in enjoyed the periods he spent, in a my own case) Oxford entrance and Walter Barradell- relaxed tutorial atmosphere, with the once he felt that travelling daily from small Classical Sixth. Irvine was not helping, he not only Smith and Frank suggested that I should board for my Batchelor Because it was not until the final days final year under the kindly eyes of the of 1939 Summer Term that my parents Coleman Smiths but also had me to As it will shortly be 70 years since I acceded to my wish to leave school, stay for a week of intense preparation, left the Academy, I would like to pay Batchie was unaware that I had left in his home during a school holiday. short tributes to two masters whom I until the new session began in September 1939. I was deeply One abiding, if insignificant, memory particularly liked – Walter Barradell- touched because he found time, amid was of the Dick’s total inability to keep Smith and Frank Batchelor.

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the turmoil caused by the outbreak of where his roots were and was most always seeming relaxed, the latter often war, to send me a note, written in the insistent that I should call on him if I tense. What they had in common was familiar green ink which he always was ever in that vicinity. I can still that they were both gentlemen, kind used, expressing his regret that I had hear him calling after me in his and considerate. Looking back, I left and wishing me well. customary staccato fashion as I left the realise how much I benefited from tram ‘last house in the village. their encouragement and example. I met Batchie only once after I left, a Remember. Last house in the village.’ very brief encounter one bitterly cold Alistair McAlpine (1939) Sad to relate, I think he did not live night not long after the war on a tram- long after he retired. car in Great Western Road. He was then soon to retire to, if I remember Barradell-Smith and Batchie were very correctly, the Coupar Angus area, different in temperament, the former

Russian, though he did admit to John Anthony finding Mandarin something of a (Academy staff 1973-1996) challenge! He was a widely-travelled John Anthony was a gifted person, with Europe (both Eastern and mathematician and teacher, who was Western), China, Russia and the USA Head of The Mathematics Department amongst his destinations. He was an from 1973 until his retirement in avid reader and loved classical music, 1995. but was also a great fan of Bruce Springsteen! He was a noted cat lover, What many colleagues may not have and his cats revelled in such names as known was that John’s love of train Osiris, Ozymandias and Aristotle. One travel stemmed from the fact that his of his favourite cats, Obsidian, named father had been stationmaster at after a naturally-occurring black Plymouth, and he often referred to the volcanic glass he first came across in joys of travelling as a boy on ‘God’s Yosemite National Park, came from Wonderful Railway’ (GWR or Great The Cats Protection League, but for Western Railway to you and me). him the diminutive ‘Sid’ was sufficient. John was a pupil at Plymouth College Not surprisingly, a lifelong passion was before winning a scholarship to St the Times crossword and for many John’s College, Cambridge, from which inequality it was only after subtly years he was involved in a friendly he graduated with a first-class degree testing them to ensure they knew their rivalry in the common-room to see in Mathematics. Initially, he took up a stuff! who could complete it first. post as a Research Assistant at John was a very talented sportsman: Liverpool University before realising The arrival of the first BBC computer in schools in the early 1980s opened rugby, squash and cricket were his his true vocation was in teaching. main sports, but he could turn his Before taking up his post at The up an entirely new branch of mathematics for John – Fractal hand to anything. At university, he Academy, John had taught at Rugby played rugby and cricket for his and had spent a year as ‘Visiting Geometry. Even before the concept of a Computing Department had been college and in his early days at The Teacher’ at Groton School in Academy he regularly played cricket Massachusetts, USA. He had fond thought of, John was teaching BASIC programming to his senior classes and for the Academicals’ 1st XI. He was memories of his year in the States, was noted as being a hard but fair regularly in contact with his ex- inspiring them with the wonders of Koch Curves and Sierpinski Gaskets. competitor, but pity help any umpire colleagues and visited whenever he who failed to raise the finger after could. The two computers in his room were regularly left on overnight, running a John had made an appeal for what he John took a pride in his mathematics program to generate images of the considered to be a plumb lbw! A few teaching and in the results of his Mandelbrot Set and woe betide the years before his retiral he joined Department. There is no doubt that janitor who switched off the power! Buchanan Castle Golf Club and he was a hard task-master, but there are When the school eventually acquired developed a fanaticism for the game many Academicals who benefited from an Apple Mac with the processing that was almost maddening. his strict regime and love of his power to generate the curves quickly, John did not enjoy good health in his subject. He was, first and foremost, a he was less than impressed because the later years, but his sharp intellect stayed mathematician and there was no challenge of programming it himself with him to the end. He died after a mathematical topic of which he did had gone! short illness in Gartnavel Hospital at not have a good understanding. the age of 68 years. Although he was happy enough to let In addition to his mathematical ability, younger colleagues impart the niceties language had a fascination for him. Andrew Evans of Markov Chains or Chebyshev’s John had a very good working knowledge of French, German and

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Academical Club Section A fitting tribute… At the beginning of June, almost a year after his untimely death, Gordon Mackay’s family, Academicals and friends came together in the Cargill Hall to celebrate his life and his legacy. They ensured that the Gordon Mackay Dinner and Dance was a fitting tribute to one of their own and in the process raised a considerable sum for a specific project at New Anniesland for the benefit of all sections. Jimmy McCulloch – new Club President Jimmy McCulloch started at The Accountants of Scotland in 1979. A Academy in 1962, leaving in 1973 and three-year sojourn to work for moving on to Stirling University to Coopers & Lybrand in Houston, Texas study for a degree in accountancy, was followed by a return to Glasgow business law and economics. His years to join Speirs & Jeffrey where at school were punctuated by a variety following in the footsteps of three of legendary characters on the teaching other notable Academicals – Herbert staff including Chick Varley, Morty Waddell, Robin Waddell and Alan Black, Jimmy Jope, but he perhaps Waddell – he is currently Chairman of benefited most from the sporting the only independent firm of before moving to Texas. He has influences of teachers such as Ken stockbrokers in Scotland. previously served as a Governor of The Waine, Ian MacGregor and Lachie Academy for nine years, firstly under On leaving school he played for the Robertson. He was fortunate to be the late Forrest McLelland and then Accies 1st XV in the first year of the picked to play for the Scottish under Billy Mann. official leagues. His final full season Schoolboys in his final year and played before departing to America was as The interests and activities of three in the last London Scottish Schoolboys captain of the 1st XV which included daughters were never going to allow a vs. Richmond Schoolboys match on such Club stalwarts as the Ker great deal of time for involvement New Year’s Day in 1973. brothers, Iain Jarvie, Allan Howie and with activities at Anniesland, but he Following his time at Stirling an up-and-coming young John Beattie. looks forward in his year of presidency University, he joined Coopers & He played at every position in the to supporting and encouraging Lybrand in Glasgow becoming a pack for Glasgow Under 23 and for Academicals in a range of activities – member of the Institute of Chartered one season in the full Glasgow XV both at Anniesland and elsewhere. Professor Niall Ferguson speaks at London Annual Dinner In March, The Caledonian Club saw a historian specialising in financial and commencing in September 2009. record attendance at the London economic history. (Fund-raising for the London Section Section Annual Dinner when over 100 Bursary has been extremely successful, In line with tradition, Hugh Barrow and Accies and guests enjoyed a three- but if you would like to contribute, Peter Brodie provided their audience course dinner in the beautiful please contact [email protected].) with comprehensive accounts of the surroundings of the Johnnie Walker activities of the Club and the School, At the end of the dinner, our President Room at the Club. Particularly pleasing respectively. Hugh Barrow’s speech Mr Peter Marr, handed over the badge was the turn-out of 26 former pupils was full of typical Glasgow humour and of office to his successor, Mr Anthony who left the School after 1995. was much appreciated by the audience. Frieze, who in turn welcomed Mr Our guests for the evening included the Gordon Low as his Vice-President. Professor Ferguson delighted everyone Rector of The Academy, Mr Peter with his fascinating insight into the We were extremely pleased to welcome Brodie; the President of the parent current economic situation as well as many new Accies to our dinner, from body, Mr Hugh Barrow; Director of reminiscing on his school days in both ends of the age spectrum. If you External Relations, Mr Malcolm Glasgow. Professor Ferguson also took know of any Accies currently living in, McNaught; Deputy Director of the time to encourage everyone to or who are moving to, the South-East, Development, Mr Mark Taylor and the support the new London Section please pass on their details to us. main speaker, Professor Niall Ferguson, Bursary. This Bursary will be awarded Professor of History at Harvard David Hall (1961) to a pupil entering the Sixth Year, University and award-winning Scottish

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lead to many The Academicals London Section host points being lost the Glasgow Academy team for dinner or even to a shot during their annual schools missing the target competitions in July at the National completely. Shooting Centre at Bisley, near Woking, Surrey. South Africa won the main team The sport would always welcome new match followed by members so, if anyone is interested, USA, England, please get in touch with any of the Ireland, Wales, above for more details. Scotland and Alastair Marr (1974) Channel Islands. South Africa had the same number of points as USA (1,800 max) but won because they had more centralised bullseyes. Although New Scotland Rifle Team Scotland were disappointed with sixth for 2009 place overall, it was gratifying to know Three Accies and one former Glasgow that Scotland, Ireland and Wales were Pure silk Academy Shooting Team Coach have all within three points of each other. recently returned from South Africa as Academical ties part of the Scotland Rifle Team tour to Hamish, Alastair and Lindsay started £15 celebrate the South Africa Bisley shooting with the cadets at Glasgow (including p+p in UK) Union’s 80th anniversary in Academy and have all (including Allan) Please contact External Bloemfontein. They were Hamish previously represented Great Britain Relations office for Hunter (1968), Alastair Marr (1974) and Scotland, between them touring further details. and Lindsay Peden (1970). Allan countries such as Australia, New [email protected] Mabon was Coach for the Academy Zealand, Canada, Germany, Kenya, Shooting Team until 2005, and is still Zimbabwe, Malaysia, Hong Kong, the actively involved with the school’s USA, West Indies, Falkland Islands and shooting. Allan was Captain of the the Channel Islands. touring team and Hamish the Vice Lindsay, recently appointed as Captain Captain. of the Scotland Team for the next 127th The target rifle events were for three years, won the pinnacle shooting Academical individuals and teams shooting over event, the ‘Queens Prize’ competition, various distances between 300 and 900 in 1982, as well as many other major Dinner Bisley trophies over the years. metres. International teams took part The 127th Academical from England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Amongst these was the Daily Telegraph USA, Channel Islands as well as the Trophy in 1977, which Alastair in turn Dinner will be held in hosts, South Africa, culminating in very won in 1987, competing against about the Cargill Hall of The intense competition with over 400 1,200 other shooters. Lindsay has also Glasgow Academy at competitors in all. been one of two target rifle 7pm on Friday 6 representatives for Scotland in the Despite the long distance from the Commonwealth Games, in 1994 in November. More detailed targets, these matches were shot with Victoria and 2006 in Melbourne, information about the rifles with standard, not telescopic, finishing just out of the medals at event will be sent out in sights. However, the key to success fourth position on both occasions. was not only accuracy of firing, but September. In the mean Hamish and Allan have also taken up time, all enquiries should also judgement of the wind speed and management roles for Scotland in direction. Hamish, Allan and Alastair’s recent Commonwealth Games. be directed to the Dinner role in the team matches was as ‘wind Convener, Alastair It is interesting to note that Glasgow coaches’ and they had to make the Frood, at decisions relating to the allowances to Academy has produced many target be made to the rifle sights for the rifle shooting internationalists over the effect of the wind and when to tell the years. Another fact is that men and [email protected] various shooters to fire. At the long women shoot on an equal basis (i.e. no distances this was a challenging task as handicapping) and can continue for the winds were highly changeable and many years in a competitive wrong decisions by the coaches could environment.

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few years practising as a junior doctor in I had a dream – Lions at Wimbledon the Gorbals, he joined the navy in 1906. As we recall the channel-hopping part of He toured with the British Isles Team ‘In 1909, Greig entered officer training at the summer trying to keep up with the (the term ‘Lions’ was introduced only in the Royal Naval College, Osborne, exploits of the Lions and Andy Murray, the 1920s) to South Africa in 1903 where he met Prince Albert, later just imagine if you had the ability to be playing 17 times. During this period, George VI, and the two served together both a British Lion and playing tennis at Accies – who had played at Old in HMS Cumberland, where Greig was Wimbledon. What a combination! – a Anniesland since 1883 – were in the posted as a surgeon. He was transferred combination that very few could aspire process of moving to New Anniesland to the Royal Marines in 1914, and was to. which was officially opened in 1905. captured at the fall of Antwerp, spending eight months as a prisoner of war. One such athlete was JPR Williams of To understand how this rugby player Wales and the Lions who once beat a from Anniesland ended up playing at ‘Released by a prisoner exchange, Greig certain David Lloyd at Wimbledon and Wimbledon in the Men’s Doubles as a joined the company of HMS Malaya in another was surprisingly a Glasgow Accie partner of the future King George V1 June 1917, rejoining Prince Albert, and who played his rugby on both sides of read on: helped cure the Prince of the severe the Anniesland fence – a certain Louis peptic ulcers from which he suffered. Greig, a quite remarkable sportsman for ‘Group Captain Sir Louis Leisler Greig, During the next seven years, he was any generation. KBE, CVO (17 November 1880 – 1 extensively in attendance on the Prince, March 1953) was a British naval surgeon. receiving an appointment as an equerry Louis, a half-back, played his rugby for The son of a Glasgow merchant, Greig to the Prince in 1918. Prince Albert and Glasgow Accies in the decade leading up was educated at Glasgow Academy and his Equerry both joined the Royal Air to the First World War and was capped Merchiston Castle School before Force in 1919 (Greig rising to the rank many times for Scotland including their studying medicine at Glasgow University. of Wing Commander), and the two were historic 6-0 defeat of the mighty Academically gifted, Greig was also an partners at Wimbledon, an event which Springboks at Hampden Park in 1906. excellent rugby and tennis player. After a brought Greig’s influence with the Prince into public light. ‘When in 1922 King George V, Glasgow Accies Rugby accompanied by Queen Mary, opened the Church Road ground, the Prince of 1st XV Fixture List 2009-2010 Wales (later King Edward VIII and Duke of Windsor) and Prince Albert (later Date Against Venue Kick Off Duke of York and King George VI) were Fri 7 Aug Hawks Inter Club Old Anniesland 1900 present. In 1926, on the occasion of The Tournament Jubilee Championships, the latter Fri 14 Aug GHK (Dave competed in the Gentlemen’s Doubles event in partnership with Louis Greig Gilmore Trophy) New Anniesland 1900 (later Sir Louis Greig, Chairman of The All England Lawn Tennis Club), but they SHE National League Division 2 were well-beaten in the first round by 29 Aug Lasswade Home 1500 HR Barrett and AW Gore.’ 05 Sept Newton Stewart Away 1500 The Glasgow Accie/Wimbledon story 12 Sept Cambuslang Home 1500 doesn’t end with this epic, however, 19 Sept Caithness Away 1500 because Brian Simmers’ grandmother 26 Sept Greenock Wands. Home 1500 Charlotte Cooper won the Ladies Singles 03 Oct Highland Away 1500 on five occasions between 1895 and 1908 and a certain Ronnie Low also 10 Oct Waysiders Drum. Home 1500 graced SW19. 17 Oct Stewartry Away 1500 24 Oct Hawick YM Home 1500 Hugh Barrow (1962) 31 Oct Kilmarnock Home 1400 07 Nov Preston Lodge Away 1400 Rugby tickets – Autumn Tests 14 Nov Lasswade Away 1400 Tickets for the games can be 21 Nov International Murrayfield ordered through the Club: 28 Nov Newton Stewart Home 1400 05 Dec Cambuslang Away 1400 Scotland v Fiji, on Saturday 14 12 Dec Caithness Home 1400 November at 2.30pm 19 Dec Greenock Wand. Away 1400 Scotland v Australia, on Saturday 21 26 Dec Accies Exiles Home 1400 November at 5.15pm 09 Jan Highland Home 1400 Scotland v Argentina, on Saturday 16 Jan Waysiders Drum. Away 1400 28 November at 2.30pm 23 Jan Stewartry Home 1400 30 Jan Hawick YM Away 1400 Please phone Alastair Lockhart on 04 Feb SHE 1st Round Shield 0141 223 8704 20 Feb Kilmarnock Away 1500 Last date for orders is Monday 06 March Preston Lodge Home 1500 15 September Dates for Cup Ties still to be arranged (All games at Murrayfield)

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National League Calling! The 2008-9 season started well with managed to retain their title with a It was a fantastic season which will be the Ladies’ Hockey section convincing 7-1 victory against hard to top! Thank you to everyone comfortably fielding two full squads of Western, another great result. It was who has helped us along the way, to players. Despite the chilly weather, the such a great season that the decision to our umpires, supporters and club attendance at training was excellent enter the National League was finally committee members; your support has and with the help of our coach Elaine made. This is another first for Accies been invaluable. Brierley the teams went from strength and one that will hopefully attract new If anyone is interested in coming along to strength. players of all abilities, which could to play, please contact myself at result in Accies fielding a 3rd team! The 2nd XI, captained by Steph [email protected] or on 07843 Barnett, had been promoted back in to We also entered two indoor teams 488 526. All abilities welcome. the West District second division and with games being played at the Lagoon Training is held every Tuesday night at has had an excellent season. They Centre in Paisley, a vast improvement Windyedge from 6:30pm to 8:30pm so finished second with the possibility of from previous years at Holyrood. please come along and play some great promotion to the first division – a The captains, Rhona Pole and Simona hockey and socialise with the club. It’s great achievement considering they Bilbe, had a tough season but the not to be missed! Training starts back were demoted to the third division results were to prove otherwise with on Tue 11 August 2009. last season! the 2nd team winning the Indoor Jen Mason League! The 1st XI, captained by Tricia Haughney, also had a very successful season finishing top of the West District first division and also making it to the final of the Scottish District Cup, a first for any Accies team! The final was held at Peffermill and was an exciting game but unfortunately Accies were beaten 4-3 by Inverurie Ladies. Thank you to all our supporters; it was a great day. The season did not finish on a low as the 1st XI had made it to the final of the West District Cup for the third year in a row. They

Golf The annual match between the Academicals and the Academy took place this year at Killermont on 24 June. As the smiles on the boys’ faces suggest, the Deighton Quaich was retained by the school. After a successful summer outing to Shiskine, the golf section are planning a week-end at Elie on 10/11 October. Contact Robin on rhopkinsarchitect@ hotmail.com

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Polo-playing for beginners

From bungee jumping to walking the genuinely adrenaline-fuelled game, and West Highland Way, people are always I am fanatical about learning every pushing back the limits of human trick in the time allowed to me. endeavour in aid of a good cause. This My fellow polo challengers comprise an time, however, Ross Aitken seems to interesting mix of characters from have gone a little too far… hugely varied backgrounds. Our match ‘Do you even know how to ride a will be a Pro-Am prelude, to The horse?’ Festival Cup itself, which this year sees Scotland host Argentina, arguably the Such was the nature of this recent world’s best polo-playing nation. As challenge, that the initial response of disparate and random as our teams are, those nearest and dearest, usually with on the night of 15 August, we will ride a look of good-humoured disbelief, was out into the spot-lit arena at a polite enquiry as to whether I had Gleneagles and will be competing in completely lost my chukkas. three chukkas of furiously-paced saddle I initially held a certain amount of gripping polo, with such gladiatorial trepidation about the adventure myself, throw backs that Vic Hadcroft himself however, now fully committed with the There’s no denying that Ross looks good on top would be hard pushed to keep his chair deadline of 15 August fast- of a horse. It’s what he looks like with a horse on the night! on top of him that’s keeping him awake at approaching, this impulsive nights. With less than three weeks to go until I commitment to a sport I have still not face a packed stadium of polo seen played live could cover me in missed competing in a team sport. enthusiasts, my apprehension has now either glory or plaster cast – with any Forced to give up rugby in the final been replaced by a driven desire to luck nothing more serious. year of school due to a fairly serious perform at my best in an arena which To explain the background to my neck injury – and an unfortunate lack since before 600 BC has been the present predicament, I don’t come from of any discernible talent – it was with a playground of Kings and moguls alike. a particularly ‘horsey’ heritage. In fact sense of real enthusiasm that I It would be great to see some fellow one of my good friends (who shall of immersed myself in our training and Academicals in the crowd, and all course remain nameless), on discussing fitness regime. I realised very quickly support is greatly appreciated. the requirements asked quite frankly if that working behind a desk for ten On the back of this experience, I would ‘I knew how to drive one!?’ Ah, Wilson! years is no preparation for the requirements of a polo match, but my strongly urge anyone to make the time I first became involved with the aching body is quickly adapting. As to learn a new sport, at any stage in Festival Cup Polo when, one wet soon as I can finish a training session life. The distraction of the exercise and February afternoon in the office, I was without moseying back to my car while intense focus required has meant I now thumbing through The Scotsman when whimpering like a young Aled Jones, approach every aspect of my working a headline caught my eye. It read I’ll feel much more prepared! life with the same passion and drive. I ‘Tired of endless weekends on the golf have found a renewed passion in polo, course? Looking for the next big The sport of Polo is infinitely more which I feel will keep me involved (as a challenge?’ I should point out (as complicated than I had allowed for, not fascinated spectator if nothing else), Messrs Mitchell and Chassels did at the quite the ‘hockey on a horse’ I had for some years to come. I have time) that I can hardly hit a golf ball expected. The strategy of the game is relished every moment of the challenge with a solid stance, and fair breeze. harder to grasp than the mechanics of to date and – even if we are defeated Straddling a galloping Argentinean actually playing. The crucial concept is on the night – I will have a new skill, a pony and adding three feet onto the based upon the ‘Line of the Ball’. The great group of new friends, and in all length of the club was never going to ball, in its direction of travel, creates likelihood a permanently-altered improve my game. an imaginary line after being struck, walking gait – none of which I will look and the striking player has a right of back on with any regret. As I work in corporate communications, way along this line. This is not to say however, I am perhaps more likely than they can’t be attacked, from almost More information can be found at most to evaluate meaningless content every direction, but defending players www.polochallengescotland.org We are (not just write it). I therefore must keep to the other side of this line, hoping to raise money for two charities presented myself at Gleneagles to avoid head-on collision and injury to through the event, which are also Equestrian Centre two weeks later as player or pony. One is allowed to ride detailed on the website, and if you feel instructed, and after subsequent panel another player off the ball, but only this is a cause you are interested in, interviews, and some very thorough when travelling shoulder to shoulder, then please link through to donate. questioning, I was short-listed for a at the same speed. I have the bruises Ross Aitken (1995) final team of six. to show for my first attempt at this I had not appreciated just how much I manoeuvre. It is a fast-moving and

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Arts-cetera The camera never lies? Billy Campbell (2004) has won a because we’re using an actor for the prestigious Scottish BAFTA Award for main part – and in a way exploiting Sticky! his short film Life of a Pigeon. Recently the viewer too. Film is technically a Steve Butler (1977) visited The he came in to The Academy for a chat. lie. When you start playing about with Academy’s Prep School recently to the perceptions of the audience, it gets Billy Campbell is a young man quite at enlist the help of Prep 3.2 in a interesting.’ ease with himself. As he re-acquaints recording session. Steve is the brains himself with some of his old Academy Film-making is something that Billy behind the very successful ‘Sticky haunts, he has a quiet confidence that has come to recently; he didn’t even Music’ label and Prep 3.2 will be belies his 22 years. He is back at his take art at The Academy. ‘I was quite singing on their latest Sticky Kids old school as something of a celebrity, the lad. Captain of the rugby team, CD – Rattle and Shake – which will having recently won a Scottish BAFTA that sort of thing.’ Except, of course, be avialable in the autumn. award for one of his films. that film-making is in the blood, his dad, Douglas, having worked all his Our impromptu interview starts days as a film and television disconcertingly when I ask him if he cameraman. minds being misquoted. ‘No, not at all. Make up my quotes. I’m sure you His next project? Well, he’s can see from my work that I’m not working on all the jobs that he can, too bothered about lying to an gaining experience – doing audience.’ everything from T in the Park to a documentary in Canada – while he With an opening like that, you suspect considers a number of options of his that Billy Campbell doesn’t take own. And… he’d like to get funding himself too seriously – and you also for a feature film, something big. wonder whether you’re ever really going to get anywhere near the truth. And with his quiet confidence and the film-making talent that so clearly Getting near the truth is the theme of courses through his veins, one suspects Billy’s award-winning film Life of a that it won’t be too long before that Pigeon which examines the exploitative happens. relationship between a documentary Malcolm McNaught maker and his subject, a down-and-out who bears a striking resemblance to a Billy with actor Owen Gorman (left) – who pigeon. Billy Campbell himself is, of played the part of the down-and-out in Life of course, the ‘documentary’ maker – a Pigeon – after winning the Award. You can ‘except it’s more of a “mockumentary” see the film at www.billycampbell.co.uk

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Breakfast with Anna West-end producer Colin Ingram (1987) is putting on a new production of Breakfast at Tiffany’s starring Anna Friel. The show, at the Theatre Royal, Haymarket, from 9 September, comes almost half a century since Truman Capote’s New York society girl was famously incarnated by Audrey Hepburn in the classic 1961 film.

‘Westbourne girls’ take on America Fiona and Morven Kennedy, series of the same name. The five-day Scottish music and highlights new daughters of singers the later Calum run of the show – in which Fiona is compositions such as Phil and Anne Kennedy and former pupils joined by a hand-picked young cast – Cunningham’s ‘Raise the Flag (for of Westbourne, are ready to take on takes place in the Eden Court Theatre, Scotland)’ and Beth Neilson Chapman America with a new show. Fiona and Inverness from 28 July to 1 August and Fiona Kennedy’s ‘The Kist’. Morven’s latest venture is Highland before their coast-to-coast tour of Heartbeat, a live stage musical America begins on 1 September. The cast of Highland Heartbeat – ‘a unique production following on from the Highland Heartbeat is a unique crossover crossover between traditional and American success of the television between traditional and contemporary contemporary Scottish music’

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Westbourne Section

A Grand Affair!

Interest in the Westbourne Grand Reunion Dinner has exceeded all expectations! Hundreds of Westbourne ‘girls’ have booked tickets to attend on 24 October at the Hilton Glasgow Grosvenor. The event has been so popular that the function suite was set to burst at the seams and there was a lengthy waiting list. Thankfully, we have secured additional space in the hotel so that everyone who wanted to come along, can. Westbourne memorabilia will be on display on the night. If you plan to bring along any photos, uniforms, yearbooks etc., please get in touch with Joanna on 0141 342 5494, [email protected]

news. Even though name badges had whose organisational skills are amazing Forty years on – been provided, we all agreed that they – compiled an update booklet, with and still fabulous! were not really necessary – no-one had names and addresses for all the old girls This was the third reunion of the Class changed a bit! The weather was kind we could trace, and a summary of of ‘69. The turnout was impressive: 25 and we all enjoyed drinks on the roof what we have all been doing over the ‘Old Girls’ attended, travelling from as terrace before sitting down to a last ten years. So, if there are any far afield as Tasmania. Thirteen old wonderful lunch. Eating was, however, members of the class of ‘69 who have girls with whom we did make contact secondary to the main activity of the fallen off the radar, but would like a were unable to be with us – and day – talking, which continued non- copy of the booklet and would also thirteen could not be contacted at all, stop for four hours. Even then, we all like to be contacted for the 2014 despite the amazing efficiency of the agreed that the only fault we could reunion, then e-mail one of us at an FP grapevine. find with the whole event was that it address below. It would be great to see was not long enough. Everyone also you in five years’ time. The reunion day started with a tour of agreed that the next reunion should [email protected] the present Junior School attended by take place in five years’ time rather [email protected] several of the FPs, who then made than ten – when we will still be able [email protected] (Inez Murray) their way into the centre of Glasgow. to recognise former classmates without [email protected] The 29 Club in Royal Exchange the aid of name badges. Sheena (MacBrayne) Innes Square rang with shrieks of welcome, For those who attended, and those (Class of 1969) laughter and a constant buzz of talking who could not be with us on the day, as we all caught up with ten years’ Muriel Walker (nee MacDougall) –

Westbourne Class of ‘69 Back (l to r) – Anne Baird, Morag Gillies, Christine (Waddell) Brown, Moira (Sutherland) Carter, Fiona (Watson) Somerville, Jean (Macrae) Sinclair, Lyn (Nairn) Thain, Inez (Cormie) Murray, Linda Marsh, Vivianne (Samson) Ferndale, Liz (Barry) McCormick and Margaret Schofield

Middle (l to r) – Sheila (Ash) Lovie, Joyce (Bell) Williamson, Rosanne (Clarke) Brown, Sheena (MacBrayne) Inness, Beryl (Finlayson) de Mussanden Leathes, Katie (McLay) Macara, Christine (Elder) Taylor, Anne (Fraser) Jackson and Maysie (Murray) Reid

Front (l to r) – Rosemary (Gratton) Black, Muriel (McDougall) Walker, Annette Potts and Anne (Pearson) Drury

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Creamer – born 1 June 2009, mother Daphne, husband Paul, sister weighing 9lbs 14oz, at Aberdeen Mandy and brother-in-law James, Maternity Hospital. Wee brother of brother Simon and sister-in-law Hazel, Max, 6 and Ella, 4. nieces and nephews Stephen, Katie, Libby and James and god-daughter Joy. Wedding Vicky will be remembered by her friends whose lives she touched. Karen Dinardo (1983) (left) Stefanie Johnston (1989) Karen Dinardo married Lt Col Blair Mary (Anderson) McIndeor (1972) Cunningham at Glasgow University 1956-2009 Chapel in Aug 2007. They have since moved to Killearn. Mary McIndeor (nee Anderson), who has died suddenly of cancer aged 52, attended Westbourne as a senior pupil Deaths until 1972, where she excelled at Victoria Lucy (Merrills) Scrutton athletics, representing the school on (1989) many occasions. Births Vicky was born on 27 December She re-located to the island of Islay Morag (Gall) Gibb (1984) 1971. Spending her childhood in almost thirty years ago where she Lanark, she joined us at Westbourne in made her home in the village of Port On 3 April 2009 to Stuart and Morag Senior I. Vicky was an excellent skier, Charlotte, becoming one of the first Gibb (nee Gall) a son Murray Joseph a fine swimmer and a member of the people in Scotland - and the only one Cran, brother for Sarah and Alexander. Westbourne Swimming Team. She was on Islay – to farm llamas. Susan (McGuffie) McGill (1993) a very talented singer and throughout Mary is survived by her husband school took part in many shows, On 29 November 2008 to Stuart and Alistair and her three children, Steven, including Guys and Dolls, performed Susie McGill (nee McGuffie) a Jen and Sandy. Her last sixteen years with The Academy. After sixth form, daughter, Gail Elizabeth. Our little were spent dedicated to caring for during which time Vicky was a GEM! Sandy and promoting the case for Prefect, she left Westbourne to better support for cerebral palsy Victoria (Lumsden) Macleod complete a year at finishing school in sufferers. (1994) Switzerland. Susan J Couper (1984) To Victoria Macleod (nee Lumsden) Vicky and I kept in touch and in our and her husband Euan, a daughter, early twenties we headed off to Aspen, Keeping in touch… Maisie Vivien Elizabeth, born on 11 Colorado to spend a season skiing. Rachel (McLeod) Blair (1995) May 2009, a little sister for Tilly. Deciding to stay on, Vicky trained to teach children to ski and was offered a I am more than happy to update you Clare (Mackintosh) Creamer job by the prestigious Aspen Skiing on my news, although it is quite dated (1989) Company. It was in Aspen she met her now! I completed a BA(Hons) in Law Karl and Clare Creamer (nee husband Paul Scrutton. After with Administrative Studies from Mackintosh) are delighted to announce returning to Edinburgh to complete Glasgow Caledonian University. Since the arrival of Magnus Ruairidh her teacher-training and thereafter a 2001, I have practiced in employment short spell in San Francisco, Vicky and law and returned to university to Victoria Lucy (Merrills) Scrutton Paul moved to Las Vegas. She complete the LLB on a part-time basis continued to teach in the city’s oldest in 2004. junior school until diagnosed with I married Stewart in 2003 and my brain cancer. Vicky fought a brave bridesmaid was Jenny Atack – also a battle for almost two years. She passed former Westbourne/Glasgow Academy away on 27 May 2005. pupil. Our son Ruairidh was born in Along with good friend Stuart January 2006, half-way through my McRae, I attended Vicky’s funeral in LLB! I successfully completed the Pennysylvania – the theme was pink! LLB in 2007 and commenced the A memorial service was held Diploma in Legal Practice at Glasgow simultaneously in Scotland by close Graduate School of Law later that year. friend from school, Jackie Swan. Having completed my Diploma, I Vicky’s family would like to give their commenced my traineeship exclusively thanks to Vicky’s friends from in employment law in June 2008 and I Westbourne who sent thoughts and am en route to fully qualify as a flowers. solicitor in June 2010. Vicky is remembered with love by her

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Marion (Wilson) Craig (1974) Marion Wilson (now Marion Craig, and in the middle of the photo) was skip of the Scottish Ladies’ team which took part in the World Senior Curling Competition held in Dunedin, New Zealand between 26 April and 2 May 2009. ‘We reached the semi finals but unfortunately didn’t get a medal. The other interesting part of this story is that I played Jackie Dallas (now Crawford) in the finals of the Scottish at Lanarkshire Ice Rink in February. Jackie is also a Westbourne girl and we were both in the same year. It was a very close game and went to an extra end.’ Penelope Curtis (1979) I have not been engaged, neither married nor pregnant, neither Victorian urban development but am Western Isles and NHS Grampian. It promoted nor on the move... however, considering a PhD around middle-class involves a weekly trip in Fly Be perhaps I could bring to your readers’ eating in Edwardian times but I just (Logan Air) to Stornoway which just attention a book I have published wonder if I have enough time left to now is fabulous – given the warm spell (Patio and Pavilion: The place of sculpture complete it. I am very interested in that we have been experiencing. It in modern architecture, Getty/ wine and food and was Chairman of seems really strange, as it was my grand Ridinghouse, 2008) and a great show the London Branch of the uncle who started Logan Air way back which we are opening in October International Wine and Food Society then, and now I have the delight to be (‘Sculpture in Painting: From Titian to for a number of years. Politics played a flying rather than car/ferry. Still Today’, at the Henry Moore Institute, significant part in my middle years. I awaiting the flight down to Benbecula Leeds, from October 10 to January was Chairman of the Kensington and which of course lands on the beach. 10). Chelsea Conservative Association for a Currently training for the Glasgow time and was fast-tracked onto the list Inez (Cormie) Murray (1969) Half Marathon on 6 September – so of approved candidates but never got a really happy to catch up with any old The Lord Provost came to open my seat to fight. Westbourne Girl who is also running. third nursery, Four Seasons at Skypark, Just finishing is my aim, but would in March. Donna (Logan) Smith (1986) love to be in under the two hours, but I have just started a new job as only time will tell. Sheila Robertson (1964) Corporate SLA Performance and Really looking forward to the Re- Sorry, no engagements, marriages or Partnership Manager for NHS union and have already got my ticket. children… Highland working mainly with NHS My parents having died, I moved to London shortly after leaving Westbourne. Another year has passed and it’s I studied journalism and became Head almost time for our next Golf GALS GOLF of the Press and Publicity Department Outing! Last year we had a beautiful ‘09 of the Women’s Royal Voluntary day, one of the few last summer. This Service by my early twenties. I owned year we are going to Kirkintilloch Kirkintilloch Golf Club a restaurant for a time and studied to GC where we hope that, once again, become a ‘Blue Badge’ tour guide and the sun will shine for us. Friday 21 August 2009 have continued to guide for many years, interweaving this with academic Last year’s group was of mixed Tee Times 9.45-10.30am studies. I have a BA (Hons) in History golfing ability, including one or two and History of Art, an MA in London ‘holiday’ golfers and everyone Non-counting Studies, a Diploma in Victorian enjoyed themselves! It would be Stableford Competition Studies, a Diploma in Garden History lovely to see some new faces this and most recently Anthropology – all year, so please do join us. for the from London University. In the past Elaine (Hall) Horner (1970) Catherine Cousland Cup my specialist field of research has been

20 Etcetera 83387 ETCETERA:83387 ETCETERA 24/7/09 10:33 Page 21  Westbourne Girl

I am a little Westbourne Girl Recalling Westbourne’s sunny days Those years ago, the teachers seemed My five years gave me a thrill We put on lots of super plays To be so old with years we deemed I went in 1958 With Heilbrons in the staring role But if you think about it now My age you’ll guess if you just wait. They both achieved their acting goal Younger than me, as I stand now

Miss Bruce, Miss Melville, Mrs P. We didn’t have our own sports ground In our day – houses there were four Cumming, Bishop, don’t you see At Westerlands we raced around Stuart, Windsor and Tudor They taught us all, I learned to cook And hockey played at old Balgray Hanover as well you know And for a prize? – a rotten book To see a boy just made our day Green red and blue and bright yellow

I wore the good old stockings black Domestic Science was my thing Now us old girls get everywhere Coat belt so tight, looked like a sack Miss Bruce she taught us all to sing There’s quite a few in sunny Ayr Beret perched upon the head Miss Bowes took hockey and PE And now our kids are best of chums A raver? No – more like a ned In navy nicks a sight to see No school girls – now we’re Accies mums

A lot of rumours fly around We cooked in cellars dim and dark My children find it very odd ‘Bout those suspenders, I’ll be bound And sewed in attics, what a lark That I am now an Accie bod The only thing I do recall And then I left and – crivens! Jings! I’m sad that Westbourne isn’t there In winter how the thighs got caul’ New kitchens built between the wings! But fine that Colebrooke we will share

We had a very simple life We climbed three floors to hang our stuff I loved my days at Winton Drive With Mrs H. our only strife To do it now would make me puff And when I left I really cried But great excitement one fine day The food I mind was really great But all I learnt has stayed with me A flasher passed down Winton way My figure showed how much I ate This verse, the praise to Mrs P.

We caught a bus, a number 3 We all admired the older ones And as I speak before you all And KA’s boys we’d wait to see They seemed like gods to us, the bums Old school days that I recall And even more excitement, look And now I’m old, I never can I’m always very glad to say The Accie boys from old Colebrooke Recall the girls, me younger than A Westbourne girl now and alway.

Hockey was the game we played Some years ago we had a bash Fiona (Gillanders) Hosie I hated it, it must be said So over old times we could thrash (Class of 1964) With chappit legs and stupid sticks We squealed and yelled as each we met In knickers blue, we looked like hicks But ‘neath the years, old school mates yet

Guest Speaker at Prep School Prize-giving Professor Elizabeth (Maclaurin) Treasure (1974), Dean of the School of Dentistry at Cardiff University, was the guest speaker at The Glasgow Academy’s Prep School Prize-giving in June. Professor Treasure, pictured with Rector Peter Brodie (left) and Head of Prep School Tony Brooke, gave an address that was perfectly pitched to appeal to children and parents alike.

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Get-togethers and Reunions

Pictured (l to r) RNY Wyper (1938), JH Smith 1944/45 Leavers Reunions (1936), JMD Milree (1938), AL Howie (1941), FS Berkley (1942), RF Lochhead (1935), JH Members of the Class of 1944/45 met Young (1934), TO Goodall (1933). at Kelvinbridge on 2 April. After The Classes of 1969, 1959, 1998 and coffee and a tour of some old haunts indeed all ‘Classes’ pre-1948 have held and our new buildings, there was reunions over the last year. The Class 1930s Visit plenty of time to reminisce and look of 1999 are planning an event for through memorabilia. December. If you would like to Former pupils who attended the arrange a reunion for your year group Stewart MacEwan wrote afterwards: school in the 1930s came back to visit or would be prepared to help, please ‘The reunion you kindly organised was on 1 May. The weather cleared up just contact us in External Relations on most enjoyable. The school is in great in time for the group to enjoy a tour 0141 342 5494 or via e-mail: shape. I was shown around by a of the school, the familiar parts of [email protected] gorgeous young lady who has a curling which they remembered well – but in blue. Makes my time seem rather We would be particularly interested to some cases had not seen for over 70 medieval. hear from pupils who left in 1949, years! One part of the school new to 1989 and 1979 who would like to help everyone was the roof garden of the When I joined Transitus in 1936 there arrange or come along to events later new Prep School building where this was no space for me in the dining this year. photograph was taken. room. The school rules stated that no boy could leave the school during the lunch hour. But for those boys who (Back l to r) S Pearson, DJH MacLean, JM McLellan, IS MacEwan. (Front l to r) AG Diack, RB McIntosh, LL Tuke. JCG Greig also attended but managed to avoid the photograph! could not be accommodated in the dining room, special dispensation was granted so that they could dine at Walter P Hubbards restaurant nearby. Sadly it has long gone but the Art Deco façade is preserved. There were about half a dozen boys who ate there. The two-course school boys’ lunch was a shilling and we each had a small account notebook at the restaurant that was marked each day and settled from time to time by one’s parents. Fortunately the manageress, a Miss Fellan, welcomed us and we were well looked after. Bill Maclay and I lunched there every school day until we left in 1943. When fire watching at the school, we slept in room Q and I would then have breakfast at Hubbards. Please convey my thanks to all who made my visit so enjoyable.’

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Back in touch

The reunions this year have been a great chance for those who could and could not attend to get back in touch. This was the case with 1946 leavers JM Crombie and JC Young (1946). As John Crombie (who now lives in Australia) writes: ‘John Young and I were at The Academy together during the Second World War. We became friendly, and I used to bicycle to his house in Bishopbriggs to visit. We did also go Youth Hostelling around Loch Leven, on foot. I became aware that he was still around from a list of ex-pupils invited to a reunion. There are two L to r: TF Gilmore, JM Boyd, RWG Johnston, remarkable things about John Young: 1946/1947/1948 Reunion RC Robinson, ADS Rolland, WE Aiton, HH Members of the Classes of 1946, 1947 Gebbie, TS Mann, JA Duncan. Firstly we share the same birth date and 1948 visited The Academy on 18 and secondly John still lives in the Also able to attend but not pictured above: same house that I used to visit during June. A number travelled from far GM Robin, WA McNicol, IC Hood, HD MacEwan, and wide across the UK to meet up ARW Porter, AF Ferguson, GS McNaught, GCC the war! We have exchanged letters, with classmates. It was simply an Duncan, D Mason and MD Goodwin. but our lives during the last seventy informal chance to catch up, look years were so different that I have lost through old school photos and my belief in horoscopes!’ reminisce. After an excellent lunch and tours of the school with senior pupils, the group was summoned to Get Connected! the Rector’s Study – to be served Logon to http://glasgowacademy.web-intouch.com/ with coffee, not a punishment! More photos from recent Glasgow Academy former pupil events can be viewed online at Glasgow Academy’s own ‘pupils reunited’ site – GA Connected. You 1959 Reunion should have received your login and password details for the site via e-mail The Class of ‘59 met to celebrate 50 in March. years since leaving the school. A If you would like to log on to the site to see photo albums of recent events or series of events was held on 26/27 have more photos you would like to add to the galleries, please contact: June including a Dinner at The [email protected] Western Club.

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Announcements

Births Rhona Murray (1998) pretty hectic, but I am training to be a Rhona and Richard Murphy GP now instead of a surgeon so the announce the birth of Gregor James future should be more child-friendly! Paul Brown (1996) who arrived on 23 April 2009. Paul and Paula are delighted to Robert Ross (1990) announce the safe arrival of a boy, Steven Mitchell (1989) I am pleased to inform you that Oliver, on 10 July 2009. Steven and Morna (nee Taylor) are fiancee Jillian Curle and I have delighted to announce the birth of recently had a little baby girl called Angie Carter (1997) their son Fraser David on 28 Jessica on 16 December 2008. She is a To Angie and Nick Ridley a girl, November 2008 at the Southern wee cracker. Holly, on 14 December 2008. General Hospital. A little brother for Katy. Alison Kemp (2000) Photo Christopher Cockburn (1984) To Joel and Alison Caldicott – Nathan Chris and Lindsey Cockburn are Katrin Bjornsson (1998) Samuel, born 9 February 2009, delighted to announce the birth of My announcement – a bit late – is the weighing 8lb 9oz, and 53cm long! their third son Kerr Christopher born birth of my wee boy Steinarr (Finlay) He’s keeping us busy, and is a fantastic on 14 October 2008. A brother to on 9 October 2008. His dad is my wee lad. Gregor and Matthew. fiance Alan Finlay. Life and work are Colin Ingram (1987) Our daughter, Sophia Melia Ingram, was born on 2 December 2008 at Portland Hospital, London.

Left: Holly Ridley

Below left: Kerr Cockburn

Below: Nathan Caldicott

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Engagements and will attend the College of Law in York Glasgow Pistol Club, of which he was next year before starting work in president for a time. Weddings London with Withers LLP in 2010. He is survived by his wife Shirley, daughter Delia and grandson Alex. Callum Campbell (1995) Fabrizio Marchetti (2005) The engagement is announced Fabrizio graduated in June with a first Fred S Berkley (1942) between Callum D Campbell (1988- class honours degree in Accountancy 1995), elder son of Mr D A and Dr C with French and was presented with M C Campbell, Strathaven and Angela, the ‘Johnstone Smith Prize’ as the most elder daughter of Mr and Mrs J Hair, outstanding accounting honours Torrance East Dunbartonshire. graduate of the academic year. ‘I’m obviously delighted and intend to Ross Chassels (1995) make the most of what will be my last I am getting married on 21 August this long summer holiday before I start at year in Mallorca to Emma Calder, Ernst & Young at the end of August.’ sister to Steven, (1994) and daughter to David – another Academical (1960)! Jeni Mills (2005) Best man is my brother Scott, with Having graduated with a BA in Acting Graeme Mitchell, Ross Kennedy and at University of West of Scotland, Jeni Paul Allan my ushers (all Accie boys – has gained one of only thirty five how sad!) Obviously looking forward places at Mountview Performance to that but not as much as my 12-day Academy in London and continues her trip to South Africa with Scott, studies in September. Graeme and Andy McGeoch to watch the Lions play. Andrew Platt (2001) (Hope you don’t now regret that last Andrew graduated in July with a PhD Charles Russell Bruce statement, Ross. Ed) in Immunology from Glasgow Charles Russell Bruce (1935) University. Starting a post as a Andrew Hosie (1996) 25 April 1918 – 17 April 2009 postdoctoral fellow at the Mount Sinai Russell Bruce, who has died aged 90, Andrew ER Hosie to Laura School of Medicine in New York in was best-known as a fast and elusive Richardson in Toronto, Canada. October this year. centre three-quarter and stand-off half Jenna Weir (2002) and Grant Strang for Glasgow Academicals and Scotland (2002) in the immediate post-war period. His Jenna Weir (2002) and Grant Strang Deaths best year was in 1946, when he played (2002) were engaged in April 2009. in the home and away Service Everyone is very much looking Arnold Berkley (1947) Internationals, Scotland beating New forward to the wedding in August of 3 July 1928 – 4 June 2009 Zealand, Wales (twice), Ireland and next year. Arnold Berkley was born in Glasgow, England. The following season he was raised in Prestwick and died aged 80 captain of Scotland for the English after a 13-year battle with Parkinson’s game at Twickenham. During the War, Disease. Graduations he captained the Army several times Arnold attended The Glasgow and in 1949 captained the Barbarians. Academy from 1940-1947. He Mark McLay (2003) Russell was commissioned into the enlisted in the Army, joining the Graduated at Glasgow with a 2.1 in Royal Artillery prior to the war rising Cameronians (SR) for two years in History and next year is doing a to Major in the Searchlight Regiment. Masters in American Studies. 1947 and served in Trieste and Gibraltar. He then returned home and He was mentioned in dispatches for his part in the ingenious ‘artificial Mike Faulds (1965) studied Law at Glasgow University. Whilst there, he was in the University moonlight’ which his regiment Last November I graduated MA Boxing Team. Later, he joined his provided at the Rhine Crossing. On Screenwriting at Edinburgh Napier brother in the Law Practice, which completion of his war service he University. Screenwriting has been an became well known in Glasgow under joined his father in Redpath Bruce & interest of mine for some years and the their names. Miller, the respected firm of Glasgow opportunity to undertake the MA house factors and valuers. part-time, at the age of 60, appealed to Arnold was a keen skier on both water me. and snow. In his enjoyment of these About this time he became a JP, and sports, he was joined by his late son served as a Governor of Glasgow Lorenza Frame (2000) Clive, who was tragically killed in an Academy and as a member of the After completing her education in avalanche in Switzerland. Arnold was council of the Property Owners and 2006 at the International School of a founder member and Life President Factors Association. He was in Florence, Lorenza has been awarded an of Newton Mearns Hebrew demand as a highly-humorous after- upper second class honours degree in Congregation. He was also an expert dinner speaker. Russell was also a Law from Durham University. She shot and long-time member of golfer of some ability, playing in the

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Scottish Amateur Championship and help one and all. He could speak to consisted of soup and pudding, the 9d serving later on the general committee kings and commoners just the same lunch was soup and meat, and the of the R & A. He was president of the and went the extra mile to make 1/3d lunch was soup, meat and Rugby International Golf Society and things better. He was survived by his pudding. My parents gave me 1/3d, the British Rugby of Paris Scottish wife Heather who passed away herself but I always took the 8d lunch. At the Section, captain of the 32 Club and a a few months later, daughter Heather, end of the week I had quite a lot of member of the seniors. son, Alastair and two grandchildren. money to go and buy second-hand books. The first Penguin books that He was a modest man of even temper, David Duff (1988 – Class of 1993) came out only cost 6d in the 1930s, popular and loved by all who knew Suddenly, but peacefully, at his home in and so you can imagine that in the him. He is survived by his wife Ena, London on 25 March, 2009, David, early 1930s to have 7d a day for books whom he married in 1950. beloved son of Pamela and Robin, meant that as a boy I was able to Iain S Bruce (1950) dearly loved brother to Robin (1990) accumulate a lot of them.’ and Diana. Norman R Browning (1954) A boy who sacrifices the short-term 20 April 1937 – 27 May 2009 prospect of decent lunch in favour of John S Gilmour (1963) We shall all miss him very much, most the longer-term promise of a decent Sadly, at the Inverclyde Royal Hospital especially Peter and Catriona who library is an unusually-cultured lad. on 26 June 2009, after a long illness were very close to their Papa. Maurice Lindsay was to become one borne with unbounded courage, of the most prolific poets and cultural determination and dignity, John, dearly Alastair Buchanan Cameron proponents of the 20th century. He loving and caring husband of Sue, his (1940) was energetically devoted to the deeply loving and caring wife. He was 1 February 1923 – 19 January 2009 regeneration of Scottish literature and an affectionate family member to the Alastair attended The Academy from the arts for more than half a century, Gilmour and Christie families and 1935 to 1940. He was a member of and early in his career devoted himself special U.J. John lit up the lives of the School shooting team which won to making Scotland’s cultural many and will be sadly missed. the London Scottish Medals at Bisley distinctiveness more widely enjoyed in 1939. He left school in 1940 to and appreciated. J Gordon Hill (1949) study medicine at Glasgow University A former consultant obstetrician and Lindsay instinctively retreated from but soon chose to join the army and gynaecologist at Pembury Hospital, dogma, engaging in discussion across earned the rank of Captain during Tunbridge Wells, Gordon died on 21 the arts through his writing, service in the Chindit campaign in June 2006. After qualifying, he did his broadcasting and his promotion of the Burma. On his return, with the national service in the Royal Air Force work of others. He worked tirelessly in support of his future wife Heather, he in Cyprus where he met and formed a a variety of positions: in the War completed his studies at Glasgow. famous partnership with his wife, Office, as a journalist, a BBC Soon after graduation in 1951 they Nancy. As a consultant in a district broadcaster, programme controller at moved to Lockerbie. general hospital, he was exceptionally Border Television, director of the Alastair was a far-sighted General committed to teaching and research. Scottish Civic Trust, president of the Practitioner, initiating many ideas now He successfully applied conceptual Association for Scottish Literary taken as normal practice. For instance, research to clinical problems and Studies and honorary secretary general he made studies of some animal published works in a variety of fields. of the international heritage body diseases which could be transferred to He worked with his college as regional Europa Nostra. humans, played a leading role in adviser and with the training of Although he was well-known as a developing the approach to dealing overseas doctors. His adrenaline broadcaster – instantly recognisable with accident victims and served on addiction led to the discovery of sailing with his great mane of white hair and the Duke of Edinburgh’s Commission and skiing in retirement. He leaves often in flamboyant bow-tie, tartan on Accident Prevention. In addition Nancy, two children, and two trousers and mustard cord jacket – it is he was a founder member and Fellow grandchildren. perhaps his many published works that of the Royal College of GPs. are his major achievement. In one of Alastair was also a great supporter of Maurice Lindsay (1936) his last public appearances at the the Red Cross and eventually became 21 July 1918 – 30 April 2009 launch of The E dinburgh Book of Director of the Dumfries-shire branch. Although Maurice Lindsay has been Twentieth-Century Scottish Poetry (2005), His Red Cross work following the described as wearing ‘as many cultural which he co-edited with Lesley Lockerbie Air Disaster led to an MBE hats as Renaissance Man’, an early clue Duncan, his sense of achievement in a and the Red Cross Badge of Honour to his enduring reputation as a man of long life was palpable and justified. in 1989, and he was involved in many letters can be found in an interview he That anthology, at 420 pages, had other community and charity projects gave about his schooldays at The evolved through numerous revised and in the county. Academy: expanded editions from his first major contribution to making modern Alastair Cameron was one of those ‘When I was at school. Glasgow Scottish poetry more widely known, in post war General Practitioners who Academy offered three categories of 1946. gave freely of his work and time to lunch. The 8d lunch (old pence)

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But it is difficult to encapsulate the Chapel Hill, in 1967-1968. Thomas Forrester (1956) enduring legacy of a man with such a Professor Forrester achieved the status Professor Thomson’s scholarly wide range of cultural interests. (Indeed of Emeritus Professor of Pharmacology specialisation was in Latin literature he complained once of an inbuilt and Physiology upon his retirement in and textual criticism. He was widely Scottish suspicion that ‘if you do more 2006. known as the author of a critical than one thing, they think there must be edition (1978) of the poems of something wrong with you’.) An Iain Higgins (1994) Catullus and of a commentary (1997) excellent collection of essays published The International Cricket Council on Catullus’ poetry, and as the co- for his 80th birthday, however, confirmed the appointment of Iain translator of several volumes of the attempted to sum up his achievement: Higgins as Company Lawyer. Iain has correspondence of Erasmus. His works Dear Maurice: Culture and Identity in Late spent much of the past six years were published by the University of 20th-Century Scotland (1998), surveyed specialising in sports law in the UK, North Carolina Press, Cambridge his biography, careers, engagement with advising a number of high-profile University Press and the University of Scotland’s culture, poetry, architectural international institutions. A graduate Toronto Press. and artistic heritage. of Cambridge University, he is a Douglas passed away at his home in former professional rugby league player He is survived by Joyce, his wife of over Toronto in his 90th year. A dearly- with the London Broncos, has two 60 years, his son, Niall (1975), who loved husband of Eleanor and father of caps for the Scotland rugby league attended Glasgow Academy, and two James, Sarah and Jessica. team and played for Cambridge in the daughters, Kirsteen and Morven (1976), James Thomson 1996 Varsity Match at Twickenham, who attended Westbourne; another London. Commenting on the new daughter, Seona, died in 2006. appointments, ICC Chief Executive Moving up, moving on… Haroon Lorgat said: ‘I am delighted we Douglas F S Thomson (1938) have secured the services of Iain as he 13 October 1919-18 February 2009 Ross Aitken (1995) is an outstanding candidate from an Douglas Thomson attended The Ross has recently taken over the impressive list… highly qualified and Glasgow Academy from 1928-1938. Scottish operation of Radley Yeldar, a experienced with both passion and He was joint School Dux, winner of communication and design agency strong sporting connections which The Graham Jardine Gold Medal and specialising in annual reporting, makes him a great fit for the went on to study Classics at Merton corporate responsibility, digital media, organisation.’ College, Oxford. He rose to the rank brand strategy and online investor- of Captain while serving in Egypt, relations. Stewart Kinloch (1978) India and extensively in Burma before Stewart has assumed the Chief returning to Oxford to complete his Peter Blair (2001) Executive role of the African Trade BA and MA in 1946. Peter will be moving from Malvern Insurance Agency in an acting capacity. Douglas returned to Glasgow to teach College to teach English and Latin at at The Academy in 1948 before taking a Haileybury from September 2009 and David Miller (1976) position as Lecturer in the Department is hoping to continue coaching rugby, David has been appointed Joint Vice- of Classics at University College in the debating and croquet. President of International Christian University of Toronto. He taught there College, Glasgow. until his retirement in 1985. He also Colin M Brown (former parent and enjoyed a period as Visiting Professor at former Governor) Ricky Munday (1994) the University of North Carolina, Many congratulations to Colin who I thought I’d let you know that I am has been announced as Captain of The Professor Douglas F S Thomson taking a Career Break and have Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St accepted a 6-month contract with Andrews for the year 2009-2010. He Johanniter International Assistance (a will assume office later this year German humanitarian aid agency) as following the traditional driving in Financial Controller / Project ceremony on Thursday 24 September. Coordinator. Both of Colin’s son’s Alastair (1992) and Andrew (1999) were educated at I will be based in Nyala, South Darfur, The Academy. Colin is Chair of the Sudan, helping to deliver primary GAWMT Investments Committee. health care services to the population in remote areas. Hopefully this will Jonathan Fleming (1999) lead to other opportunities in the After a period of enquiry and aid/development sector in the medium application, I have been accepted as a term. I’ve set up a blog to record my Candidate in Training for Ministry of experiences at: http://south-darfur- Word and Sacrament in the Church of adventure.blogspot.com/ Scotland. After a successful first year, I I just want to thank you all once again will complete my academic for your support over the last few requirements in 2011 when I will years. enter my probationary period!

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Updates…

Madeline Burns (2003) On leaving University with a degree in Arabic and Islamic Studies, I took a position with the Scottish Refugee Council and represented them last summer at ‘Scotland’s Young Thinker of the Year’ which I won with a paper discussing the potential for reconciliation between Feminism and Islam. I then moved to Nottingham and was appointed as the agent for the Conservative Candidate there and have been down here for just over a year no w. Pamela Thorburn in action.

Gary Keaney (2002) order to raise as much money as I am currently a Partner at King Gary is now Product Manager for possible for the Scottish Community Sturge, where I head up CEE Ladbrokes online Bingo. ‘It’s a great Foundation. I managed to complete Investment work. industry to be in right now as current the course in 13hrs 48mins – my economic climate is not as harsh on longest and toughest challenge to date. Please send my best wishes to all staff the online industries so plenty of who had an involvement in helping opportunities...’ Euan Shand (2007) me in my younger days. I have very Euan has been part of the Scotland fond memories and am looking Adrian R Louden (1989) Under 19s rugby squad this past season forward to seeing you and The I have just completed the Cally and played at full-back against France Academy – which my father informs Challenge as part of Team Scotbeef. in April, at Dourdan, near Paris. me is looking great – some time in the We raised over £5000 for charity. The near future. challenge is over 54 miles starting Ward Stocker (1993) north of Fort William heading down I am married to a great Hungarian Pamela Thorburn (2003) (above) to below Tyndrum finishing at lady called Linda and – on 21 April Congratulations to Pamela who was Strathfillan. This is a wonderful event 2008 – we were blessed with a baby recently second in the Super G, the that is very well-organised. It is girl. Her name is India. We are all Super Combined and the Downhill at primarily a walking event but our well and enjoying life as the Stocker the British Championships in Meribel. team decided to run it this year in family in Budapest. In terms of work, Adrian Louden and the team after the Challenge.

28 Etcetera 83387 ETCETERA:83387 ETCETERA 24/7/09 10:33 Page 29

Happy birthday, John! Amongst many other friends and family, a number of former pupils joined John Meikle to celebrate his 80th birthday at the Uplawmoor Hotel on 17 April. Pictured (l to r) Sheila Collins (Westbourne 1974), Tom Gilmore (1948), John Meikle (1948), Andrew Meikle (1985), Alastair Reid (1959), Peter Ross (1954)

appointed an Officer of the Royal Norwegian Order of Merit as a reward for outstanding service to Norway. He has been an Honorary Consul to Norway for over ten years while working as a Partner in Deloitte in Wellington. (His nephew – also Graeme Mitchell (1995) – comments: ‘He was rugby captain and won the Scougall Cup (best all-round sportsman) in 67/68 – I Graeme Mitchell (1968) was rugby captain and won the Graeme (NZ resident and Accie Scougall Cup in 94/95. That’s where Representative in Wellington) was the similarities end, I’m afraid!’)

Frank Saunders (1923) Colonel Frank Saunders has been awarded the freedom of Stirling, the first time Stirling has conferred such an award since it received city status. Colonel Saunders, who has just celebrated his 103rd birthday, was given the award at a special ceremony in Stirling Castle. Afterwards he said he was humbled to receive the freedom of the Miller Caldwell (1969) city. ‘It is a civic Untied Laces – the autobiography of honour of great Miller H Caldwell consequence Described as ‘one of the most which I value heart-warming autobiographies to tremendously. I come out of Scotland for a very am very pleased long time’, this is Miller’s eighth to have been book and he promises a chapter awarded the about his schooldays. ‘Contact me freedom: I hope at www.millercaldwell.org for a I’ll be worthy of signed copy £10 + £2 pp. Or for it.’ Knowing mainland Europe and American Frank, we are friends 12.20 Euros or $14.95 at confident that he AuthorsOnLine.co.uk’ will be!

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Enhancing opportunities at The Glasgow Academy

The Regular Giving Fund was established in 2007 to provide an opportunity for the school community to support specific projects. Help us to achieve our 2008-2009 target – we’re nearly there! Our 2008-2009 target is £31,500. We have received gifts and pledges totalling £29,912 so all we need is a little more support. If around 100 members of the school community each donate just £15, we will be able to fund all five of this year’s great projects. This year’s projects This year we are focusing on: The new playground at Dairsie • Sport – enhancing our facilities for fitness/athletics (£15,000) - The Academy's Prep School in Newlands - was donated by • Music – extra electronic keyboards parents, friends and former for music lessons (£1,500) pupils of The Glasgow Academy • Library – more books for the through Regular Giving for the provision of scholarships and Transitus library (£2,500) 2007-08 bursaries. Those who have let us know • Playground – improving the play Thank you! they have made plans to support The area at the new Kelvinbridge Academy in this way automatically nursery (£2,000) become members of The Kelvin Thank you Foundation. The Foundation will We would like to take this opportunity • Bursaries – giving more children meet formally for the first time in to thank all benefactors who have the chance to come to The September. Academy (£10,000) supported The Academy. Most benefactors continue to choose to The London Academical The 2008-2009 fund remains open make a gift to ‘Whatever The Academy until 30 September. If you would like needs’. The pie chart shows which Bursary more information about the projects, areas of school life donors have chosen We are particularly grateful for this please contact Mark Taylor on 0141 to support. new initiative by the London Section 342 5494, [email protected] of Academicals. London members 2007-2008 update – How have given £3,935 (and pledged a further £14350) to support bursaries your gifts made a at The Academy. We would difference particularly like to thank David Hall Where you wanted your money to go: As a result of the success of the first for his hard work on this new fund Regular Giving campaign, we were which will allow more boys and girls Other Sport able to lay wonderfully colourful and to benefit from an Academy education. safe playground surfaces, create our fantastic digital recording studio, enable Tax-efficient giving more pupils to attend The Academy Gifts of stocks and shares are very tax through bursaries and scholarships and efficient. All such donations made progress with plans for a new building direct to a charity receive income tax 2020 Vision & for the Senior School. relief of 100% of their value. The Bursaries Whatever The Glasgow Academy always seeks to Academy Needs Legacies maximise gifts to the school through Most Some members of the school Gift Aid. There are also significant community prefer to help The benefits for donors who are higher- Academy through the gift of a legacy. rate tax payers. Gift Aid to The A notable example of this is Robert Glasgow Academy over the last three MacMillian who left a generous sum years has been worth nearly £60,000.

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GLASGOW ACADEMY BENEFACTORS (SINCE 2006)

MRS CHRISTINE F ABERCROMBIE MRS HILARY J GRIERSON MR A BRUCE B MITCHELL DR A JOHN ALCOCK MR COLIN M GUTHRIE MR FRASER S MONTGOMERY MR HA DOUGLAS ALEXANDER MR DAVID W HALL MR J B S MURRAY BRIGADIER F ALLAN L ALSTEAD MR ALAN J & MRS HAZEL A HAMILTON LIEUT COLONEL IAN G NEILSON PROFESSOR ANNE ANDERSON MR WILLIAM S HAMILTON MR T SCOTT NELSON MR DOUGLAS N ANDERSON MR MARK WILLIAM HAMMOND PROF. ROBIN G M NISBET PROFESSOR ANDREW D BAIN MR CHRISTOPHER J HANCOCK MR D MARTIN OLIVER MR G GORDON BANNERMAN MR STUART M HARDIE MR JOHN & MRS CAROLINE O’NEIL MR JAMES P BANNERMAN MISS ELIZABETH K HENDERSON MR HARRY M O’NEILL MR A STUART BARCLAY DR WILLIAM G HOOD MR RICHARD R PARK MR & MRS RONNIE A & MR COLIN J F HOPE PROF ERIC K PARKINSON & FREDA BARTLETT DR GEORGE HORN MISS LOUISE J CLARK MR FREDERIC S BERKLEY MR WILLIAM M HOUSTON MR ROBERT PATERSON MR A MARK R BISSETT MR ANDREW L HOWIE MAJOR GEN RONALD MATTHEW MR H MORETON BLACK MR THOMAS J HOWIE PEARSON (RETD) MR ANDREW F BOYD MR WILLIAM R C HOWIE DR ROBERT & DR KRISTEEN PERCIVAL MRS MARION BRODIE MR J RONALD I’ANSON MR WILLIAM H PERRY MR PETER BRODIE MR KENNETH W A I’ANSON MR JOHN H PHILLIPS MRS KAY E BROWN MR GILBERT J INNES MR ALLAN A R POLLOCK MR WILLIAM J K BROWN MR J GORDON JACK DR ALASTAIR R W PORTER MRS ALISON I BRUCE MR JOHN JEKYLL MR J GRANVILLE W RAMAGE MR C RUSSELL BRUCE MR ROBIN W G JOHNSTON MR WALTER M REID MR IAIN S BRUCE DR GEORGE D KAY MR ALASTAIR M RICHMOND MR WILLIAM REDPATH BRUCE MR MICHAEL M KENNEDY MR ALASTAIR MYRON ROBERTSON PROF J GRANT BUCHANAN MR DONALD & MRS MOYA KENNOVIN MR ROBERT C ROBINSON MR W COLIN BUCHANAN MRS ELIZABETH M KER MR ALASTAIR D S ROLLAND PROF. ROY H BURDON LORD KERR OF KINLOCHARD MR KENNETH G ROSS MR THOMAS B BUYERS MR ALEXANDER C KERR MR PETER A ROSS MR D JACKSON CARLAW DR WILLIAM R KERR DR ELAINE M ROXBY MR WILLIAM T CARNEGIE PROF. C OLIN C KIDD MR JOHN A RUTHERFORD DR GORDON H CARRUTHERS MR DAVID KING MR CECIL R SANDERSON MR ROY DE C CHAPMAN MR JOHN H LESLIE MR JOHN P SANDISON MR DAVID COCKBURN MR J CHARLES D LEWIS MR GRAHAM W SCOTT MR WALTER S COCKBURN DR JINTANG LI & MRS RUI LIU DR RITCHIE G A SCOTT PROFESSOR SAMUEL COHN & MRS NAOMI LIDWELL MR ANDREW G SERVICE DR GENEVIEVE WARWICK MR ROBERT M LIGHTBODY MR ARCHIE E SHEARER MR ERIC COOLEY MR D GORDON LINDSAY MRS KATHRYN E SKINNER BRIGADIER FRANCIS H COUTTS MR F GRAHAM LITTLE MR ANDREW F SLEIGH MR I JAMES COWAN MR R FINLAY LOCHHEAD MR CHRISTOPHER D W SMITH MR HUNTER R CRAWFORD MR JOHN J LONG MR SINCLAIR I SMITH MR JOHN S CRAWFORD MR GORDON A L LOW MR IAN SPINNEY MR LINDSAY M CRAWFORD DR WARREN M LUKE MR EWAN & MRS JENNIFER STEWART MRS SANDRA CUNNINGHAM MR IAIN G MACFARLANE MR GORDON E STEWART MR JOHN A DEANS MR SCOTT & MRS LEIGH MACFARLANE MR DAVID A STIRLING MR ALAN G DIACK CAPTAIN GEORGE MACKENZIE (RETD) MR DOUGLAS K STIRRAT MR HUGH DIACK MR ALEXANDER ORAM MACKIE MR N IAN C STIRRAT MR BRYAN & MRS KATE DUNCAN MR NEIL C MACLEAN DR C MURRAY & MR JOHN W DUNN MR D GORDON MACLEOD MRS NETTA C STUART MR MARSHALL N FERGUSON MR NEIL J MACMILLAN MRS ALAYNE SWANSON DR ROBERT J & PROF. S IR MALCOLM C MACNAUGHTON MR MICHAEL B TATTERSALL MRS JANICE M FERGUSON MR GORDON MACSWEEN MR MARK G TAYLOR DR ANDREW & PROFESSOR JULIE FITZPATRICK MR PETER W C MARR MR GRAEME C A THOM MR HUW M FOXALL MR BRIAN C MASSEY MR M SCOTT THOMPSON REVD DR ANDREW FRASER MR SCOTT H MASSEY MS M C THOMSON DR DAVID K S FRASER DR STUART G MCALPINE MR DAVID G URE MR STUART M FRASER MR STEPHEN & MRS & JULIE MCCANN MRS DORIS C VAUGHAN MR ANTHONY P FRIEZE MR PATRICK A J MCDONALD MR IAN M VEITCH MR ALAN C FYFE DR DONALD S MCINTOSH MR ROBIN VEITCH MR NEIL GARLAND MR RONALD B MCINTOSH MR W KENNETH WAINE DR HENRY H GEBBIE MR ROBERT H MCKENDRICK MR F M WALKER MR DUDLEY S GEE DR GEORGE MCLAREN MR JOHN G WALKER MR PETER M GEMMILL MS MELANIE MCLEAN MR GARRY S WATSON MR THOMAS W GEMMILL MR A EDWARD MCLEISH MR HENRY N WATSON MR WILLIAM F GEMMILL PROF. A LLAN G W MCLEOD MR JAMES C WATT MISS ANNE G GIBB MRS JEAN H MCMILLAN DR GORDON A WEETCH MR BRIAN R GIBSON MR GARY D & MR GERALD T & MRS JEAN P WHELAN MR JAMES W GILCHRIST MRS CATHERINE M MCMORRIN DR MURRAY G WILL DR ALASTAIR C A GLEN MR ANDREW R MCMURCHY MR CAMERON A WILSON PROF. DAVID J GOLDBERG MR MALCOLM R MCNAUGHT MR IAIN WINNING MR A HAKAN & MRS H RANA GONENC DR CHRISTOPHER H B MEE MR RAYMOND N Y WYPER MR JOHN M GOODWIN MR COLIN J METHVEN MR XIU-TIAN YAN & MS YOUHUA LI SIR MATTHEW D GOODWIN MR ALAN G MICKEL MR JOHN GILFILLAN YOUNG MR MICHAEL K GOOLD MR HAMISH A MILLAR

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Fish and Chips Commuting Skills – The My sister, June, was born in 1932 at Helensburgh Boys Gartmore. She was five years younger On that Monday morning in than me. That year my mother was September 1960, I found myself arranging with Dr Donald McKinnon delivered by a prefect, into the of Aberfoyle for her confinement at welcoming arms of ‘Morty’ Black in her parents’ house in Gartmore. Room K, Class 2C. The worry on my As a special treat, I was taken by my mind was getting home! Also on their mother to see a film in colour at the first day, were Charlie Curran and Stirling cinema, but before that we had David Young (later of BR in Scotland) lunch at a smart restaurant. The maid – all of us from Helensburgh. I was in the full uniform of that time came about to be introduced to the to take our order. ‘Fried fillet of challenges of commuting. plaice, with French-fried potatoes, Due to the vagaries of the railway please,’ my mother asked. ‘NO!’ I timetable, Helensburgh boys (including yelled. ‘I WANT FISH AND CHIPS!’ those from Cardross and Dumbarton) In spite of ruining the restaurant’s were allowed away at 3.40, while the quiet atmosphere, I was still taken to rest of school had to wait till 3.50. the cinema after lunch. This was a constant source of irritation Colour films in 1932 were pretty rare. to many masters when, on the stroke It wasn’t a Shirley Temple (my of 3.40, we rose as a group and headed favourite). I have attempted with for the door. No one seems to know Google to track down what we went how far back this arrangement went. to see that day, but without success. The logistics were demanding (try it From our own Can anybody come up with a for yourself!). Leave classroom, grab correspondents suggestion? bags/coats, down Colebrooke Street, John M Crombie (1946) across Great Western Road and down the steps to Kelvin Bridge underground. A 2d half to Buchanan Indian Trophy Street (3 stops) then a smart dash Just to say how much I enjoyed the Indian Trophy Mystery through Dundas Lane into Queen latest issue of Etcetera – I think you Solved! Street Station and onto the Low Level have got a very appealing quarterly At last the true story can be told… platform, just as the 3.57 (steam news magazine which is high quality Following our appeal for service) was pulling in – 17 minutes! and must be greatly appreciated by all information in the last edition, Ken If you missed this one, the next one those who receive it… Waine – Head of Games at The was 5.15 and very slow. Academy for many years – has I was very interested on page 11 about A less reliable method, was to catch an made contact to let us know where the Indian Trophy as I was one of 11, 11a or 57 bus outside Lawrence the Indian Trophy was hiding those who nominally ‘received’ the and Lang (the school book shop) and between 1938 and 1986. Surely trophy in 1954 as School Captain. head for Charing Cross. This bought there is a romantic tale to go with Actually I in fact missed the Prize you an extra three minutes and the such a magnificent trophy? giving in June 1954 as the Army fare was only 11/ d – (but you know insisted that I report for my basic 2 Sadly the truth is rather prosaic. what they say about the reliability of training to Berwick-upon-Tweed, The Apparently Basil Holden, Rector No 11 buses!). Regimental Depot of The King’s Own between 1959 and 1975, didn’t Scottish Borderers. I therefore left The All this fun came to an end in much like trophies and – when the Academy two weeks before the end of November 1960, when the Blue Trains jewellers in which it was being term, handing over to Bob MacLennan (Glasgow Electric) started, with a fast stored closed down and the Indian for this last short period. So I received 30 minute service. But – joy! Within Trophy ‘came home’ – he told Ken my Indian Trophy book selection, but two months, we were back to steam as to ‘Lose it’! never saw the Trophy itself – now I the new trains had an alarming habit know why! Some day it would be fun Obeying orders, Ken gave it to the of bursting into flames! This was all to do what other winners of the then SSI who put it in a cardboard resolved by November 1961, when we Trophy have been doing and have a box in the ‘dunny’ in the basement all ceased to be a special case. of the Main Building. There it picture with the great Trophy. Happy days! remained until 1986 when the new With kind regards and thanks again for Rector – Colin Turner – asked Ken Douglas Macnaughtan (1965) a very good issue of Etcetera. to revive it. Fortunately, it was [email protected] Allan Alstead (1954) still there in its box in the dunny!

32 Etcetera The Glasgow Academy is an educational charity registered in Scotland – charity number SCO15638