Number 13 Autumn 2010

The magazine for former pupils and friends of Glasgow Academy and Westbourne School

Scottish Military Skills Champions, 2010

ETCETERA 13.indd 1 09/11/2010 10:57 Editorial Contents Let’s get creative! 3 Tuck Shop Memories 5 The Laird of Ulu Entabia I’ve just returned from a conference. Although ‘conference’ seems a curiously dull word when describing such a lively and interesting event… 6 The Boys from the Boarding House Every year for the last 10 years, the Governors of Glasgow Academy together with 7 Academical’s new novel - at age 93 the Senior Leadership Team and members of the teaching staff have gone off for 24 The Kelvin Foundation hours to consider the direction in which the school is heading. In previous years we’ve debated subjects like the wisdom of building a new Prep School, the desirability of 8 Anec-dotage starting an External Relations department and whether Drama should be given a place 9 Accie Mountain Goats on the timetable. (The answer was ‘Yes’ in each case, by the way.) 10 Announcements This year, delegates at the ‘Governors’ Away Day’ were looking at creativity at The Academy and especially its place in the curriculum. And – in a particularly creative 12 Updates move – a group of pupils was invited to attend for the first time. 16 Deaths What a good idea that was! 19 Much-loved teachers remembered Suddenly we were no longer considering educational theory in the abstract – we were 20 Events and Reunions talking practicalities with the people that matter most in the educational process: the children. Although, once again, I have to stop myself and ask if the word ‘children’ is 22 Business Etcetera remotely appropriate for people who were able to discuss and reason with just as much 23 Moving up, moving on… maturity and a great deal more immediately relevant experience than any of the adults present. 24 2009 - 2010 Regular Giving Appeal Final Report Glasgow Academy is a vibrant and exciting place to be. I have the privilege of showing visitors in and out of classes most days and they always come away impressed at the 25 2009 - 2010 Regular Giving friendliness, the confidence and the sheer exuberance of the pupils they meet. Benefactors Those of you who were pupils even 10 years ago would be hard put to recognise much 26 Westbourne Section that goes on here nowadays. But the nice thing is that some things haven’t changed. 28 Academical Club section Take that group on the cover, for instance. They recently won the prestigious CCF 31 From our own correspondents Scottish Military Skills competition by undertaking a range of military disciplines that every pupil who has passed through the CCF would recognise. 32 TGA Shop It’s the first time that an Academy team has won the competition – and it’s not the only competition the CCF has won this year. The remarkable thing is that – now that the CCF is entirely voluntary – it’s blossoming. Although cadets have to stay on for Do we have your e-mail address? an extra hour at the end of a long school day, there’s a greater enthusiasm, a greater It’s how we communicate best! creativity and a greater pride in what they are doing than for many years. It’s a great school - and one well worth celebrating. Keeping in touch With best wishes The External Relations office is situated in Colebrooke Terrace. Former pupils are always welcome to pop in for a chat and look round the school. Just give us a call to arrange a Malcom McNaught, Director of External Relations time. Our address is Colebrooke Terrace, [email protected] Glasgow G12 8HE and you can contact us on 0141 342 5494 or at [email protected] The Glasgow Academical Club 21 Helensburgh Drive, Glasgow G13 1RR Sponsor Etcetera President – Lindsay Crawford E-mail – [email protected] Secretary – Kenneth Shand Etcetera is now firmly-established as a quality publication, hugely Tel: 0141 248 5011 popular with our community and delivered free, three times a year, to all E-mail: [email protected] Academy and Westbourne former pupils. The Academical Club pavilion is available The magazine is sent to 5000 homes worldwide and to over 4000 homes for functions. Please contact Ken Barron at [email protected] for details. in Scotland! Would your business like to reach the Etcetera readership Academical Club’s London Section through advertising or sponsorship? Secretary – David Hall, 20 Cadogan Place To find out more about this unique opportunity, please contact London SW1X 9SA Tel: 020 7235 9012 [email protected] 0141 342 5494 E-mail: [email protected]

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ETCETERA 13.indd 2 09/11/2010 10:57 Reminiscences Tuck Shop Memories

Whenever I read of ‘celebrity chef’ Jamie shortage of hungry inmates clamouring invariably supplemented by a hot pie Oliver’s attempts to promote healthier for such delicacies as buttered rolls, hot from Jean and Ina anyway. eating in schools, I smile when I recall (boy, were they hot!) pies, Mars bars, When quizzed on returning home as the delicacies dished out, with such macaroons (never a favourite of mine, but to whether I had enjoyed my packed gusto in my days at the Academy, by that they seemed to disappear like snow off a lunch boiled egg and banana, the trickle formidable tuck shop duo, Jean and Ina. dyke) and crisps, all washed down with of congealed pie fat clinging to my tie ‘real’ coca-cola, from ‘real’ coke bottles. Dispensed from a dark corner of the would be the damning evidence that I school Well, I don’t think that any of the I was, from time to time, encouraged by had, yet again, yielded to those two tuck offerings produced by that ‘good cop, bad my mother to take in a packed lunch shop temptresses. cop’ pairing could ever have been rated as or to have school dinners in the dining In the nearly fifty years since I last tasted a ‘healthy’. hall. The only acceptable offering to me tuck shop pie, I have never eaten another there was the gooseberry pudding with Young Jamie Oliver’s feet would not have one which came close to matching custard, of which I once, by cunningly touched the ground on the way to the the taste, texture and mouth-burning circumventing the then ‘hi-tech’ table door, if he had asked Jean (bad cop) for a temperature of a Jean and Ina offering. call-up system managed to obtain five pasta salad, yoghurt or a piece of fruit. The helpings at one sitting. If only Jamie Oliver could turn his talents only healthy ‘wrap’ he might have got to re-creating such a gastronomic treat, I would have been one around the ears! Ina However, all parental attempts to might become a fan! (good cop) might have advised him ‘Take encourage me to do what, at that time, my advice, pet, this isn’t the place for you.’ passed for healthy eating failed as dining Jim Shearer (1964) hall meals or packed lunches were At the tuck shop, there was never any

The Glasgow Academy difference ENTRANCE can be dramatic… EXAMINATION ‘an unforgettable production…’ ‘a community like no other…’ Anna Smrckova, on Seamus McGuigan, winner of Scottish ‘Les Miserables’ schools debating tournament FRIDAY 21 JANUARY 2011 Please call 0141 342 5494 for details

THE GLASGOW ACADEMY For our new Prospectus and to arrange Where children come first a visit, call Suzanne on 0141 342 5494

The Glasgow Academy is an educational charity: Charity number SCO 15638 www.theglasgowacademy.org.uk

Etcetera 3

ETCETERA 13.indd 3 09/11/2010 10:57 The staff list was stacked with ‘characters’ and - as a result - this could quite easily become a lengthy refection. The penultimate row includes Mr Welsh, whose French classes were always good humoured, but could occasionally be silenced with a simple question: ‘Do I hear Herbert knocking on the cupboard door?’ (Herbert was a certain native of Lochgelly!) Mr Horrocks was rather good with a Van der Graaf Generator – but where would the school show have been, without him playing the role of a pantomime dame? My ‘musical career’ reached a high point (literally) under Mr Ritchie’s instruction, when I sang as a soprano with the school choir in Glasgow Cathedral: ‘My soul doth magnify the Lord …’ Moving forwards, Mr Jope was deadly with a piece of flying chalk, but he was also an absolute master of the ‘patter’. Former pupils can only wonder whether he spoke in the same way when addressing colleagues in the staff room. Poor Dr Shirley ‘Paddy’s’ Picture had the unenviable task of ‘enlightening’ teenage boys: it was all Many memories will have been stirred by the staff photograph, covered in Biology back then. which was submitted by Pat (Paddy) Dorman and printed in The Prep School ladies were no less unique. Thanks to Miss the Summer edition of Etcetera. I am fairly sure that the picture Black, I can probably sing every song that was ever written can be dated to the school year 1975 to 1976 and that it was about any Scottish island. The Prep School was led by the probably taken to mark Mr Chapman’s arrival as Rector of the greatly respected Miss McIntosh. I still compare her visits to school. By then I was in First Year, but in the previous session I the playground with ‘messianic arrivals’: we flocked to her, like had been a pupil in Mr Dorman’s form class, ‘Transitus A’. willing disciples, usually to be sent forth again to collect stray The back row of the photograph includes Paddy himself – litter! and also the former Scotland Rugby internationalist, ‘Big After seven years at Glasgow Academy, I moved to Jordanhill Ian’ MacGregor. (In virtually every lesson Mr MacGregor College School. At times I haven’t been sure which school to mysteriously sent a boy to collect a bottle of Coke from the claim as ‘my own’, but I am now very comfortable to claim Tuck Shop.) John Cummings had just arrived in the school and them both. In time I discovered that more than one thread of soon initiated the ‘Junior Drama Club’. His enthusiasm for this continuity was following me through the corridors of Jordanhill. knew no bounds and he was also very tolerant of our mischief. There was a photograph of Miss Black as a Jordanhill primary Also in the back row is Mr Wayne, an echo of whose voice must teacher… and a photograph of Paddy Dorman as a pupil! surely still be resounding around the gym. George S Cowie (1981) ‘I couldn’t look…’ The short-term memory is fi rst to go... On page 5 of the Summer 2010 edition … that is why we can still recall our school days so well. ‘Is this the work of the of Etcetera is a photograph of some of the pavement street artist?’ rings in my ears when I write my books. Mr Jope always ensured honesty in our endeavours. staff at the Academy during the 1970s while I attended the senior school. When ‘M Hamel était monté dans sa chaise et dans une voix douce et grave, il nous dit… mes I first saw the photograph I immediately enfants, c’est la dernier classe…’ Yes, it still comes back in Mme Fade’s French class and it is from her class I recall a frivolous moment when PJ Stoker arranged for his French turned the page… a memory I wasn’t pen pal to join us at the Academy for a week before the Easter holiday. sure I wanted to have and to see again even after 33 years. Mme Fade entered her classroom with her gown flowing assuming the boy nearest the door would close the door behind her. She mounted her dais and focused her gaze on The assembled gathering of ‘gentlemen’ the open door. Seated nearest the door was Stoker’s French penfriend, perplexed by can be divided into two groups. The first, Mme Fade’s stare at the door. Stoker placed his hands over his lips and whispered to total thugs with no teaching ability who Pierre. ‘Fermez la porte, Pierre.’ would have done better being wardens in Pierre stood up and approached the door but turned to listen to Mme Fade’s cutting a borstal. No names from the photograph remark. She said it slowly, loudly and directed at the unfortunate Pierre. will be mentioned… ‘It took a long time for the penny to drop,’ she declared. The second group, they were the true On hearing this unfortunate remark, young Pierre adopted the stance of Hanz Lott as teachers who really inspired us as they he searched the floor for the missing penny. This was too much for Mme Fade. She was were passionate about their subject and being made a fool. But Pierre survived through PJ Stoker’s timely intervention. also their pupils. All power to those guys ‘He’s French, Madame.’ and to a few female teachers that I also Never have I seen rage turn to such charm as Mme Fade turned her full attention on remember from then who are in the Pierre and conversed with him for the whole lesson, occasionally clarifying what we photograph! understood… Neil Garland (1977) Miller Caldwell (1969)

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ETCETERA 13.indd 4 09/11/2010 10:57 George Mackenzie (1959) on the tale of the Glasgow Academy schoolteacher who brought a little piece of Scotland to the Sarawak jungle… Dateline: 3rd Division, Sarawak: Late 1963

fter several sightings of small quickly, became a flourishing business. or so, we returned to Battalion HQ, in groups of armed and uniformed As the nearest doctors were miles away, Sibu. However, after discussing my trip AIndonesians prowling around he set up a dispensary. Then he found an with the CO and telling him about John the Entabai area, the task for George Iban, who had spent four years training Wilson, it was decided that we should Mackenzie and his men was to establish and working in London hospitals. helicopter a mini-pipeband into Entabai a ‘listening post’, in case they were an The dispensary expanded to become to entertain them. It would be good for advance party for a larger force. something akin to a ‘field dressing station’, ‘hearts and minds’ and serve as a ‘thank but better. His ‘dresser’ was brilliant you’ to Mr Wilson and all the locals for …It was time to meet and introduce and the locals gave him lots of practical their help. It provided an amusing finale. myself to Mr Wilson - ‘Tuan’ of Ulu experience. Frankly, he, almost, deserved Entabai. No sooner had the band broken into to be a member of the Royal College of the ‘Barren Rocks’ and ‘Scotland the Surgeons. John Wilson was a red-haired, bachelor, Brave’, than all the schoolchildren started Scot. He was a tall, lean, fit-looking While the above was going on, Wilson dancing the ‘Dashing White Sergeant’. man in his late forties, who had been in built and opened a school in which he After that, it didn’t seem to matter Entabai for about 15 years. Despite being was the teacher. After a few years, he what tunes they played. Be it for a ‘Gay the only European for miles around, he selected his brightest pupil and shipped Gordons’, strathspey, or eightsome reel, seemed perfectly happy and sane. A pair him off, back to Scotland, where Wilson’s the children knew them all and were up of faded, red shorts was all he wore, with aunt looked after him, while he attended there - prancing about like professionals. the result that his fair, freckled skin was Nairn High School. On completion, the What our astonished men didn’t know dry and hard after years in the tropical lad returned to Entabai, where Wilson was that Wilson had provided them with sun. He was a quiet, clever, methodical groomed him further, before setting him an old, wind-up gramophone and a pile man and, although he tended to keep to up as the teacher in another small school of Jimmy Shand records and, of course, himself for much of the time, he was a he had set up. By the time I arrived, they had all been taught by the Scottish friendly sort. He was one of those chaps his successful system was an on-going ‘Tuan’ and his team of ‘Caledonian-Ibans’. who had a mission to accomplish and got production line. There were, already, To say that the Pipe Major was on with it. A quiet achiever. four or five former pupils of Nairn High ‘boggle-eyed’ would be an School, who were all head-teachers of the Before the 2nd World War, Wilson had understatement! several other schools he had established been a schoolteacher, in Scotland, and - up and down river. This explained our I often wondered what became of John had, for a brief period, even taught at The welcome. Like the one at Entabai, most Wilson. His only concern was that his Glasgow Academy. When war broke out, were small schools, where pupils boarded, new Malaysian masters might try and he joined the RAF and spent most of his but could return to their longhouses for torpedo his unfinished work – despite service in Bomber Command. This had harvests, or weekends, if need be. his battle cry: ‘I’ve got a charter from the a deep effect on him. After the war, he Raja!’ So, I did some investigating, decided that, as he’d probably bombed His goal was about ten schools, so that and killed many innocent people, he’d they did not get too far away from his Reliable sources report that Wilson like to give something back to humanity. paternal control. The fact that all his was able to, more or less, complete his That, briefly, is how he ended up in ‘jungle lads’ returned from the so-called project, before receiving his ‘We need Sarawak - in the service of the last of ‘good life’, of the modern world, says a lot you no longer’ letter, after which he the famous ‘White Rajas’ of the Brooke for Wilson and the loyalty of his pupils. returned to Scotland. Sadly, he died a few family. He decided that the Ulu Entabai Perhaps, they just preferred the simple, years ago, but I was informed that John area would make a good base for his new happy life, back in the Entabia area, where Wilson’s legacy lives on, in Ulu Entabai. life so, armed with his ‘charter’ from the Wilson appeared to be, very much, like Apparently, the Ibans still speak their Raja, ‘Project Officer’ Wilson set to work. the wise and popular ‘Laird’ of the manor. Dyak with Scottish accents! Money would be required, so he opened Alas, there was no more excitement George Mackenzie (1959) a small shop - like a village store. This, on the soldiering side so, after a week Etcetera 5

ETCETERA 13.indd 5 09/11/2010 10:57 This photograph of the occupants of the boarding house in 1946 was sent in by Alan Carlaw (1949). He and Jimmy Watt (1949) provided most of the names. Can anyone supply the names of the two missing boys? It was so interesting to read about Nick an inner-city environment. This is where Back row - Jeremy Thomson, Ian Thomas, Utechin’s time as school captain. I boarding schools like Glenalmond and Donald Gebbie, Henry Gebbie, Tom Howie, remember him well; he was an excellent Strathallan had an advantage with acres Sandy Manson, Jimmy Watt, Graeme Thom, AG Barr captain. Also, in the last edition you of open space in the country. Tensions had a photo of Alistair Gillespie (1961) often ran high, bullying was endemic and Upper middle row - ????, Ian Baird, Alastair receiving his honorary degree at Heriot beatings were frequently given for trivial Carnegie, Neil Brodie, Stuart Fraser, Andy Watt university. I attended that ceremony things such as an untidy desk or going to Innes, Ian Jekyll, Eric Wilson, Stanley Verdi, Richard Armstrong as it was also my son’s graduation bed two or three minutes late. A ‘beating’ day. Alistair was my lecturer in pure consisted of being bent over a chair and Seated - Richard McGowan, Alistair mathematics at Edinburgh University being given anything from three to six McKirchan, Ian Winning, Mrs Coley, Mr Jack in 1969! (Nicholas Jewell (1969) was whacks on the bottom with the sole of Coleman-Smith, Mr B G Aston, J C G Thomson, Douglas Brown, Donald Cunningham also in that class.) I had a chat with him an outdoor shoe. (Frank Parkes never afterwards; he was a wonderfully inspiring administered corporal punishment Front row - Keith Dunn, Robert Lightbody, Ian lecturer - and to this day I am still himself; it was always carried out by the Saint-Yves, Forbes Hepburn, Alan Stewart, teaching Maths at Marr College, Troon. head boy or his deputy.) Even night time ????, Colin Jekyll, T Orr wasn’t sanctuary: the same punishment I was a boarder at the Academy from 1960 could be carried out bent over a bed with p.m. (or earlier depending when bedtime to 1969. Very little has been mentioned only your pyjama bottoms for protection. was) doing homework. A similar hour of about the boarding school in Etcetera so Happy days! However, I don’t look silence was enforced on Sunday mornings I’d like to redress the balance. In 1960, back at that part of my life with any ill when we had to write letters home to I managed to pass the entrance exams feelings. People have short memories. our parents. in Baghdad (yes, Baghdad!!) and at the For countless thousands of young boys tender age of 8, I arrived at 12 Belmont (and girls) across Scotland in the fifties Anyone reading this so far will probably Crescent. The boarding house took 40 and sixties, if you misbehaved at school or have the opinion that prison would boys and sprawled across numbers 12 and at home you usually ended up with a red be preferable! Not so. As we had to 13. In 1960, I can remember the two hand or a red bottom. It was the way of spend much of our time indoors, we deputies were David Fleming and John the world at that time. It certainly taught became highly skilled in indoor games Hunter with ‘Wagsy’ Walker being the you to be independent and to look after such as snooker (on a half-sized table), head boy (a firm but fair leader). The yourself because no one else did! table tennis, table football, pontoon, teacher in charge of the boarding school 3-card brag, chess and bridge. (Later At meal times, you had to eat everything at Edinburgh University, I made lots of was Frank Parkes, a Maths teacher from that was put in front of you. (I couldn’t Ireland. He had a strong personality, with money from my card game skills!) Many stand macaroni and cheese - smothering of us were excellent swimmers, not only controversial opinions. He was, however, it in tomato sauce was the only way I an excellent Maths teacher and it is from our frequent visits to the Western could get it down.) For living quarters, baths, but because our parents usually mainly because of him that I wanted to we were split into three different rooms teach Maths myself. worked abroad in hot climates and we according to age (senior study, middle learnt to swim before we could walk. I The boarding school was not without study and junior study). We had to sit used to fly out to Iraq or Iran (they were its problems. It was not easy for 40 boys at our desks in silence every evening very friendly countries in those days!) aged from 8 to 18 to live all cooped up in Monday to Friday from 6.15 p.m. till 8.45 two or three times a year. An advantage

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ETCETERA 13.indd 6 09/11/2010 10:57 of being a boarder was that you were of who was and who was not put in allowed to leave early and arrive back late the team I was assured by a small, smart when you were flying abroad at holiday assertive chap called Bannerman that time. Nowadays, you can fly non-stop there was no chance of me ever getting on Emirates from Glasgow to Dubai into the team. Up to this point I was but in those days, flying to the middle wondering how to get into the team for a east meant four or five stops often with reason I have forgotten now. Bannerman an overnight stay somewhere. For one told me (as we read the notice in ‘The Christmas holiday, I remember leaving a Well’) week early. ‘See you, Hanlin. You’re never going to Each of the upstairs dormitories had a get into the team!’ small attic area which was accessed from I recall thinking about showing him that a cupboard at the side of the room. This he was so wrong. Oh, I was going to get was an ideal haven for the smokers. The into the team and from that moment this area was full of paper and wooden beams was a constant meditation. and other flammable material. I’m amazed that the whole place didn’t go up ‘Is that right?’ I thought. ‘I’ll show them!’ in flames. Frank Parkes discovered this Johnny Macnab one day and all hell let loose. However I imagined that if I scored tries all the the practice started up again after a few The Smithyman brothers – Paul (1968) and Tony time I’d get in. I remember asking months. As you moved up the ranks in (1966) – on a recent visit to the school. They a contemporary at one practice in the boarding school you rarely became a had fond memories of their time in the Boarding Anniesland how many tries he had scored House senior prefect at the Academy itself; it was and though he looked non-plussed he enough work at the boarding school. The told me he had scored a few. I had scored best head boy at the boarding school for none at that stage. I remember being me was undoubtedly Les Monaghan - a encouraged by Lachlan Robertson of star rugby player who scored the best try Skye and the Paratroopers that a man I can remember against the old enemy from ‘The Highlands’ should be playing Glasgow High School in the mid sixties. better. It is the nature of man to need to Tragically, he died when he was still a prove something to himself and I was set young man. in my mind and heart to be in the team. Thus it was that practice match after I myself reached the dizzy heights of vice practice match I literally ‘upped my game’ captain during the 68-69 session. Head as they say. boy that year was David McCracken (we all called him Dad due to the initials took over the running of the boarding A new teacher from Northern Ireland of his first names, a bit like Dodo the school. He had a 12-year-old daughter started to take over our 5th practice team. geography teacher). The swinging sixties called Julie. She had great fun living There came a day for me in which I was were in full swing and beatings were with 40 boys! I left in 1969 and my so psyched up, so to speak that I managed being phased out. I was furious: after younger brother David left in 1973. By to score not just one, nor just two, but all those years of suffering when it was this time the Academy was struggling three tries (one of them between the my turn to dish it out it was being taken to attract 40 boarders and the boarding posts). The Northern Irish teacher taking away from me! It didn’t take me long school eventually closed down for good the practice said, to realise that times move on and it was around 1975. It was the end of an era. I ‘Keep you playing like that Hanlin and for the better. Sadly I never excelled at look back at the sixties with more good we’ll have to be putting you in the team!’ rugby, but I did represent the school at memories than bad. swimming and chess. The chess club was Well, you know, this was music to the To end, I’d like to quote the last sentence ears - I was getting there. Eventually, my run by the Little twins for many years. I of Nick Utechin’s excellent article: ‘It was remember winning the junior school name was on the notice board at the back undoubtedly the most powerful position I of ‘The Well’ to say that I was in the team. chess championship by beating a boy have ever held!’ named Turnbull. After playing the big enemy, ‘Glasgow Johnnie Macnab (1969) On Friday evenings, Kenny Miles (an High School’ at Anniesland and always English teacher with the hardest belt in bumping into the other side in the line the school called the ‘viper’) supervised Something to prove out and a few other games, when it the boarding school to give Mr and Mrs came to playing Hutchesons’ Grammar In an excerpt from a longer article, another School I was sure I could get a try if I Parkes a night off. I’ll never forget the former resident of the boarding house night when it was my turn to prepare his held onto the ball long enough - turning remembers his attempts to make a name for team effort into a simple - and personal pot of tea and biscuits. I forgot to put the himself in rugby… tea in the pot. I can still remember him - attempt at glory. This turned into shouting down the stairs at me – ‘This Though not being particularly keen on abject failure in as much as the other side tea’s rather weak!’ sports, I was fascinated by the challenge of got the ball and scored against us. That how one got into a team that played other was me out of the team. However, as Frank Parkes died suddenly in the early schools. By this stage in my schooling I I thought about it later, I had proved I summer of 1967. I was about to sit was in what was the 5th Practice, where could get into the team... Higher Maths and it affected me greatly. all the recalcitrant rugby players were Nigel Kirk Hanlin (1961) Jimmy Cowper (another Maths teacher) placed. Then, upon reading the notice Etcetera 7

ETCETERA 13.indd 7 09/11/2010 10:57 ‘Anec-dotage’ Shakespeare told us that there are seven I have been clearing up a pile of papers environment of the school today, my ages of man. Naturally, we agree and saved for attention ‘later’ and have reread Academy was slightly basic if not would venture to suggest that - around some of the recollections of Roydon primitive, but one still had a sense of the sixth age - we enter what has been Richards (Etcetera, Summer 2009). It may embarking on something big. be too late to say so now but Roydon called our ‘Anecdotage’. In this edition, I loved the Academy, and loved Fridays Richards, ‘the Dick’, was rector during we proudly introduce a new series open to when one put on the Army cadet my years at the Academy 1940-1949. He those who left school in 1960 or earlier. uniform, and proudly saluted the was always a slightly distant and vague memorial and secretly hoped that some Contributions can be on any school-related figure to me until I was carpeted on the girls from Park or Laurel Bank were subject or any inspired by Etcetera and unlikely charge of throwing a rotten witness to your military bearing. will not normally exceed 500 words. egg into the janitor’s hand bell. This We are sure that it will quickly become drew a well-deserved caning which was The masters were all figures of affection, required reading… accompanied by a quiet discourse on particularly those who had little personal the obligation to respect members of quirks. ‘Dodo’ Ogilvie flinging open the school staff no matter what position the huge windows on the first floor Again you have produced a most they held. ‘The Dick´s’ words struck me if a boy sneezed, ‘Baggy’ Aston on interesting read in the Summer 2010 as both fair and true and he achieved a his bike, ‘Basher’ Ainslie (ex-Arnhem edition of Etcetera… Something struck positive result in that I was thoroughly paratrooper), ‘Bing’ Crosby in tattered me as not quite right in the article ashamed of my wayward action. On gown, unflappable ‘Pop’ Cairns, lounge- ‘Memories of Academy Staff 1938-45’. another occasion, I was called into the suited Coleman Smith (Coley), Brigadier My clear recollection is that Coley’s Rector’s study on a disciplinary matter. I Engledow and brilliant artist, gentle Sunday name was Captain J Coleman had seen fit to have a bow tie made up in Wallace Orr and cricket mad George the school colours and sported this with Preston. ‘Jock’ Carruthers came late Smith. I presume he was entitled to use a suit which my father had brought back to the school, I think from Newcastle, this rank; but maybe not. from the US immediately after the end of but very quickly made it his own. All Coley as well as being master in charge the war. Again Roydon Richards pointed the teachers had character and most of physical training and sport at the out to me quietly but persuasively the inspired affection. There was to my mind Academy also sought to improve the sartorial traditions of the school and a definite ‘Mr Chips’ ambience which Nation’s health during the war by his the error of my ways. I left his study maturity now makes more significant. daily radio broadcasts ‘Up in the morning converted and conscious of a great respect I loved being at the Academy and early’. for the man. He was obviously not one remember everything in retrospect with to bear a grudge as he later appointed me When I was in form III, I constructed a pleasure - even reserving a hot Scotch pie prefect and head of house. two-valve radio which incorporated an from Ina in the tuck shop for my lunch, alarm clock so that I awoke each morning Whilst on the subject of corporal taken in the Morrison house common to Coley’s dulcet tones exhorting listeners punishment the latest Etcetera has room. to perform their daily exercises to the memories of Mr RC Wylie. ‘Creeper’ I hope the Academy of today with its sound of music. Wylie never taught me but one painful sophistication and high-tech equipment day he saw me from his Room L pick up Bill Gemmill (1943) will provide such memories for today’s a cap and throw it into the well below. pupils. I was told to report to him in the gym The only tiny piece I have for you is in where he laid into me with a gym shoe. Harold S Couts (1953) reply to Alan Diack who asked, in the At the time I thought the punishment summer number, for news of the activities excessive nor was it accompanied by a The wedding announcement of McAslan of certain Masters ‘After Demobilisation’. sermon and all it achieved was a lasting - Lovett Turner in the recent edition of One of those referred to was Mr dislike of RC Wylie. How unlike the Etcetera brought back memories of my Shepherd. I expect this was Harvey humanity of Roydon Richards. own wedding day. Shepherd, who I remember teaching us Maths. He used to include some ‘Mental Jack Ross (1949) My wife and I were married in Arithmetic’ in almost every lesson. I Whitehorse, Yukon in early November remembered many of his questions and As I approach my seventy-sixth year, I many years ago. As a result, the welcoming used to try them out on my own children, look back on my life with a somewhat weather conditions we experienced and on a young man who worked for me critical eye. I feel extremely fortunate upon exiting the church were somewhat many years later! that I was educated at the Glasgow more severe. We faced a howling blizzard Academy. I did not excel at anything which was accompanied by a temperature I did meet Mr Shepherd about 1953-6. in particular, but thoroughly enjoyed reading of -30 F. At that time he was working (I believe those activities that appealed to me: the In spite of our chilly start, we spent an in charge) at an Adult Education CCF, the Globe Players, 3rd XV rugby. additional five years in the Land of the establishment in Somerset - probably at, Academically I think I just coasted along. or near, Ilchester. Klondike. Over time we actually became I look back on the Academy with huge used to, and enjoyed, the 20 hours of James M Anderson (1946) affection. Compared to the high-tech darkness in winter and the 20 hours

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ETCETERA 13.indd 8 09/11/2010 10:57 of sunlight in the summer. I actually Richards was in 1946 after the war, leaflets floating down from above on organised a tennis tournament on the when he agreed to let the school hold both teachers and pupils alike, but the longest day. It commenced at 10 p.m. and its own ‘General Election’. There were laughter was not shared by the Rector. ended at 2.30 a.m. At no time during play the traditional candidates plus a Scottish Lunch times were punctuated by political did we require any form of artificial light. Nationalist (with his personal piper) and speeches from the steps of the Junior However, as I recall some of the line calls the last, and by far the most enterprising, School, and the Communists even were somewhat questionable. was the Communist candidate. I think provided professional Party speakers. The he was a sixth former, and the son of climax to these events was the Hammer We left Whitehorse as the result of a a Glasgow University Professor. This and Sickle flying proudly from the school transfer to Vancouver followed by yet candidate had the full support of the flagpole, and a picture of this appearing in another transfer to Calgary where Glasgow Communist Party which was the then Glasgow Herald. Needless to say, my working days came to a close. At very active at that time as ‘Uncle Joe’ to the best of my recollection, there were that time I was the Director of Credit Stalin was still held in some affection. no further ‘General Elections’ held. Administration for Westfair Foods, a major food wholesale/retail corporation. Morning assembly in the school well JCW Macdonald (1948) Eight years ago we retired to Taber, a was interrupted by numerous ‘Red’ small farming community in Southern Alberta. Sandy Ferns (1960) Accie Mountain Goats Colin Tennant (1998), Stuart Low (1998), continental divide and involves more than Although not quite old enough to qualify for and Robbie Low (1993) recently ‘ran’ 12,000ft of elevation gain along the way! this distinguished group on his own merits, our into each other in Denver, Colorado. Overall, Robbie finished 10th and next contributor gets in on the grounds that Colin had just finished ‘the world’s Stuart 13th. A notable success when you he is largely quoting his father who left The hardest half-marathon race’; a gruelling consider that Stuart’s training involved Academy in 1927… 13.1m uphill assault on Pike’s Peak, a no more than irregular appearances for massive 14,000ft mountain in the Rocky My father, Daniel Ure who left the the Hawks’ 2nd XV and a single 8-mile Mountains. He overcame severe altitude Academy, I think, in 1927 used to tell me training run from Paisley to Hyndland. sickness to achieve this remarkable (I left in 1965) that the English master Likewise, work and family commitments athletic feat. Colin arrived from his Peter Couper, whose staccato, meticulous in Hartford, Connecticut kept Robbie sea-level home in Seattle, Washington just dictation exercises were famous (see page from any serious mountain training. Our hours before the start. Next year, he plans 108 of Iain Macleod’s history), made such photo (below) shows Stuart and Robbie to acclimatise first before running! an impression on former pupils that, one mid-race at 12,500ft after completing a night in the trenches, a Glasgow voice Meanwhile, the Brothers Low embarked 4,000ft climb up Hope Pass. was reciting (to remind himself of home, on an equally-improbable adventure by In 2012, these three runners are plotting no doubt) a Peter Couper exercise and competing against leading amateur and to race each other Rim-to-Rim-to-Rim to his amazement was answered with professional athletes from around the 50 miles across the Grand Canyon its continuation by another Academical world in The GoreTex Trans Rockie (down-up-down-up). Other Mountain voice further down the trench... Who Run - a multi-day 60-mile trail-running Goats are welcome! knows? Maybe apocryphal. race that transcends the North American I was taught English in Room D by Ben Aston. Room D, I was told, was also Peter Couper’s room. It looked ancient. According to my father another Couper exercise was parsing a very complex sentence. One, based on a real instance, apparently began, ‘Did not that drummer boy enter this room right quietly...’ The sentence might not have terminated for weeks. Another Great War-related story from my father was of the Rector Edwin Temple ushering into a classroom a wounded ex-serviceman to allow him to sell trinkets to the boys. The respect shown by the middle-aged Temple for those who had fought - but now were paupers - was deeply moving. David Ure (1965)

One of the very rare ‘errors of judgement’ made by the Rector Dr Roydon

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ETCETERA 13.indd 9 09/11/2010 10:57 Announcements

Mikela Fraser Alice Elizabeth Mary McAslan

Top: Magda, Samuel and Dylan Bannatyne Above: Olivia, Joanne, Richard and Lewis McKnight

Births

Ben Bannatyne (1989) Please find attached photo of my wife Magda and our 4-year-old son, Samuel, together with the latest addition, Dylan Ray, born in Warsaw on 31 June 2010. Dylan has not yet managed a trip to Scotland but will be returning with us on 11 December when we Sarah-Lynn Ballantyne and Yaw Ofori Nyadu head back to Glasgow to celebrate former pupil Ian Morrison’s 40th Birthday. Marriages Joanna Cram and Michael Brown Michael Currie (1995) Hazel and I had a son called Robert Currie born on Sarah-Lynn Ballantyne 6 June 2010 in Paisley. (2000) Bruce Fraser (1999) Sarah married Yaw Ofori Nyadu on 24 July 2010, at Rosmery Calixtro-Villegas, wife of Bruce, gave birth Glasgow University Chapel. to a daughter, Mikela, on 13 January 2010, in Lima, Peru. Joanna Cram (2000) Ian McAslan (1992) Joanna and Michael Brown married on 1 August 2010 at Ian and his wife Emma are delighted to announce Dunkeld House Hotel. the birth of Alice Elizabeth Mary McAslan on 7 September 2010 at Edinburgh Royal Infirmary. Graham Fraser (1995) Richard McKnight (1995) Graham married Irina Fedirina in Bangkok, Thailand, Richard and Joanne McKnight are delighted to on 18 January 2009. They announce the arrival of Lewis Johnstone on 10 have returned to living in August 2010 - a little brother for Olivia. Stavropol, Russia.

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ETCETERA 13.indd 10 09/11/2010 10:57 Andrew Hosie as the Groom… and as the rugby referee

Andrew Hosie (1996) Panel in January. This season, I was Strang (1972), the Best Man - Murray appointed to referee England Counties vs. Strang (1999), to the Matron of Honour On 7 August 2010 in Toronto, Andrew Ontario on their recent tour to Canada - Stephanie Hutton (2002) (nee Wright). Eric Ross Hosie, elder son of Allan and was also appointed to referee in and Fiona Hosie, Ayr, to Laura May Portugal at the World University Sevens Owain Williams (2000) Richardson, younger daughter of Archie this past July. and Stanley Richardson, Lindsay, Ontario. Owain married Angela on Saturday 5 Jenna Weir and Grant Strang June 2010 at Our Lady and St Mark’s Andrew’s brother, Malcolm (1999) was RC Catholic Church, Alexandria. one of the Groomsmen. Their mother (2002) Fiona (Gillanders) Hosie (1963) was Grant Strang and Jenna Weir (both of at Westbourne while Inez (Comrie) 2002) were married in Ayrshire on Murray (1969) was one of the guests - so 20 August this year. It really was an Westbourne and The Academy were well absolutely fantastic day from beginning to represented. Andrew is now refereeing end! It was also a highly ‘FP’ affair, with rugby at a high level - like father, like son! no fewer than 11 former pupils of The - and is currently a Vice-President Risk Academy and Westbourne (not including Manager with Marsh, Toronto. the Bride and Groom) playing a special Andrew adds: I was also appointed to part in the day, with their roles ranging Rugby Canada’s National Refereeing from the Minister - Grant’s Uncle, Martin

Above: Owain Williams and Angela

Jamie A Wright (2000) 18 September 2010 at Old Basing, Hampshire, Jamie married Emily Blount and was well supported by his two best men, his brother Craig (2003), his cousin Ross Weir (2000) and his ‘baby’ brother Kerr (2007) was chief usher!

Left: Jamie A Wright and Emily Blount

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ETCETERA 13.indd 11 09/11/2010 10:57 Neil Dowers (2005) McCann (who was MD of Hiram Walker, Scotland) told me years ago that one Updates I graduated with first-class honours in doesn’t change citizenship like changing Law and German language from Glasgow one’s shirt. I certainly followed that University last summer, and am currently Kay Bartlett (2006) piece of advice. With tongue in cheek, studying for a Master’s in law at Cornell I also remarked that when you’re over Many congratulations to Kay who has University (Ithaca, NY). I am here 55 years of age you’re exempt from the recently been capped for the first time in with the help of a scholarship from the citizenship test. Finally, since judgeships the full Scotland Ladies’ hockey team. generous St Andrew’s Society of the State are federal political appointments, I stated of New York. that I thought we finally had some of Morven Cameron (2000) the right stuff in Ottawa. She nodded Al Fleming (1962) I graduated from the University of enthusiastically in agreement. So there Manchester with a first-class honours I can let you know that after immigrating you have it. degree in Neuroscience (2005), and went to Canada more than 40 years ago and In 1966 when I sailed to Canada on the on to complete a PhD in Neuroscience spending almost that entire time in Empress of Canada (which I believe concentrating on rhythms in retinal Canada, broken only by an eight-year became the founding ship of Carnival function. I then moved to Sydney stint in the USA, I have just become Cruise Lines) I shared a cabin with fellow University in Jan 2009 where I worked a Canadian citizen. The application Accie David Hall. We remain in close for a year on visceral pain, before taking process began just over one year ago communication although David returned up my current position at the University and culminated with the hour-long to the UK in the 70s. Canada’s rugby of Western Sydney working on the ceremony that took place on 13 October programme has no doubt been the poorer Australian Bionic Eye Project aimed in Windsor. for that. at restoring vision through electrical You may be interested to learn that there stimulation of the retina. are two such ceremonies held each month Stuart Grant (1986) I got engaged to Neil Rae in March 2010 in Windsor alone and dozens more across Stuart and his wife Antonia and and we plan to marry on the shores of the country on the same schedule. At four-year-old daughter Serena are Loch Lomond on 6 August 2011. mine, there were 32 new citizens sworn returning to Hong Kong in November in from 19 countries. Only one was from 2010. Stuart has worked for The David Cockburn (1966) Scotland! The ceremony was particularly Blackstone Group in London since 2000 friendly for me since I am on first name I feel dreadfully embarrassed but after and will co-head their real estate private terms with the citizenship judge as a announcing my award from the Air equity business in Asia. Stuart and Antonia result of our involvement supporting League in the last issue, I am apparently lived and met in Hong Kong in the 1990s the Windsor Symphony Orchestra. to receive the James Martin Medal for and are looking forward to returning to Afterwards - at a ‘photo op’ - the judge outstanding work in aviation safety from the Far East. Stuart’s sister, Claire Locking, enquired why it took me so long to apply the Guild of Air Pilots and Air Navigators who went to school at Craigholme also and I told her: I now get a lump in my (GAPAN) at the Guildhall in London on lives in Hong Kong with her husband throat when I hear or sing Oh Canada; 21 October. Tom and two boys. I now have more family here than in Scotland and a sage old Scotsman, Steve Al Fleming

Graham Fraser and Irina Fedirina (see page 10)

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ETCETERA 13.indd 12 09/11/2010 10:57 Stuart Hardie (1964) I’m currently working on a little adventure proposed for 2011. Between 15 March and 23 April, I’ll be running from John O’ Groats to Land’s End. That equates to 40 marathons in 40 days... all done in the expectation of raising £1,000,000.00 for Wooden Spoon, the rugby charity for children. See details at http://www.jogtole.co.uk

Colin Hope (1943) I have been very lucky since I left TGA. 1 Firstly, in 1942, I survived 4 /2 years in the RAF Regiment - serving in the UK, Sicily, Italy and back to the UK from July 44. I suffered from malaria, both types picked up in Sicily and Italy (non-malignant and malignant) not to be recommended! Landed in York Military Hospital with a temperature of 106 Degrees but was then graded 3 UK only Scotland as MD, joining the main board which lasted till VE Day. Then to RAF in another year. All went well for eight Regiment HQ - Grantham and RAF years or so when it was decided to close Catterick, eventually rising to SNCO I/C the Glasgow Office (the only profitable Holding squadron in orderly room when one!) and send us all to Manchester, not on leave! Learned one-finger typing which three of us refused to do. I joined - never realised how useful it would be GT Senio on a part time basis for a when computers were invented!! further two years before retiring aged 59. After demob in 1946 and the worst I have survived 27 years of retired life, winter for goodness knows how long, lucky indeed, and recently celebrated a I started in Insurance brokers A R diamond wedding with my dear wife Jean and Etcetera - it’s always great to see these Stenhouse & Partners Ltd and became who has put up with me for all that time. coming through the letterbox. a Director in 1949 (had advantage Our one sadness was to lose our eldest at of nepotism - my Dad was a director 52 years, after having had four different but qualified as a Fellow of Chartered types of cancer, just a year before her Donald MacLean (1944) Insurance Institute). I held various jobs in son graduated with honours law degree My ‘biog-blogs’ (www.the-life-of.me) this organisation, being director in charge from Edinburgh. Fortunately our son which featured in an early Etcetera, are of Leicester, Dundee and Aberdeen and his three survive, as does our younger now being read by several hundred new before being appointed vice chairman of daughter and her family. visitors a week from every corner of the our Lloyd’s organisation with a view to globe, and I have a growing ‘fan-club’ ... moving to London and almost buying Neil McGhee (1987) reminding me of the now-long-ago days a 4-bedroom house in Moor Park for I am now in the role of Regional Guards when I produced the ‘McFlannels’ weekly £14,000! and Revenue Protection Manager for ‘soap’ in Scotland and the first ‘Come Dancing’ programmes on TV in London. Then the spoon was stirred and I was sent First Great Western. Currently leading on a once-in-a-lifetime trip to see our a team of 11 managers, responsible for Oz and Kiwi companies and came back a team of approximately 200 on-train Jon McLeish (1999) via New York and sailed back on the Old colleagues. My region includes I spent over six years working as an Queen Elizabeth to Southampton, all at Paddington, Reading, Redhill and Account Manager for a leading Scottish company’s expense. Very good indeed! Worcester. I have been doing this job for Advertising Agency on accounts as varied Little did I think I would visit Oz 15 nearly two years now, having previously as Rocco Forte Hotels, Kronenbourg, more times and NZ seven more times, carried out various roles within Central Gala Bingo, Coca-Cola and VisitScotland. not to mention 13 trips to South Africa Trains and then London Midland after Specialising in creative advertising, we and South Rhodesia as MD of Stenhouse spending twelve years working for produced a number of award-winning International and vice chairman of National Air Traffic Services. campaigns in TV, radio and press overseas companies for years between Outside of work I continue to be happily advertising. The experience of this gave 1962 and 1968. When it was decided to married to Dee (14 years now!) and we me a thirst to develop my knowledge move our HQ from Glasgow to London, have a fabulous daughter, Tamzin, who is of the marketing industry on the client I refused to go and was side-lined into 8 years old. side (or the dark side as it’s affectionately travel for six years. At the end of 1973, called in advertising) and so I worked I resigned and joined Norman Frizzell Trust all is well with the old school. Keep as a Brand Manager for Bulmers Cider up the good work with the Chronicle Etcetera 13

ETCETERA 13.indd 13 09/11/2010 10:58 and Regional Marketing Manager for SUBWAY Scotland. I decided to leave the industry in late 2009 to pursue a life-long ambition of working in sport. I was fortunate to work as a consultant for football teams in the UK, scouting matches across the UK and Europe and have even travelled as far as South Africa and Israel to watch players. This role has led to working as an intermediary between clubs, players and agents helping to develop relationships which have resulted in the creation of player transfers, club team tours and sponsorship agreements. In October 2010, I agreed to join the Irish-based sports agency Platinum One to head up their operations in the UK as a Senior Executive. Platinum One specialise in athlete representation, organising team events and tours and creating PR and Sponsorship deals for events and clients. Gregor Andrew Charles Meek and Stephanie We currently represent Rugby players such as the Irish Rugby Union stars Jamie Heaslip, Gordon D’Arcy, Johnny Sexton with BEng (Hons) in Naval Architecture another ten miles to Kirkliston. And and Luke Fitzgerald as well as working with Small Craft Engineering. Since then it was the final terrifying ten into closely with Real Madrid and Barcelona graduating from University in 2004, Edinburgh... whom we have brought over to the UK Gregor has had a highly successful career and Ireland in recent years for pre-season I think runners call it ‘hitting the wall’... it as a Marine Engineer Officer in the tours and matches. certainly felt like it! Having felt the initial Merchant Navy with P&O Cruises and joy of ‘WOW only 10 miles left!’, this If any Accies that have made it in the has been working onboard MV Oceana was soon overtaken by aches, pains and sporting world are interested, please for the last 5 years. He has recently been fatigue and I found myself asking, ‘Jeeeez, give me a call! I also have a business promoted to 1st Engineer Officer which when will this end? That has to have been supplying luxury golfing packages to the is extremely rare for someone of Gregor’s ten miles by now?! Surely they’ve made a Augusta Masters. Our website is www. age, even more so given the fact that he mistake...!’ They hadn’t. augustamasters.net and I will happily has been with the company for such a supply an Academy discount for anyone short time and is testament to Gregor’s Suddenly being in second gear was that may be interested - but be quick as professionalism. feeling strenuous and the end was not in demand is very high! sight. But I powered through and crossed Stephanie and Gregor met on Oceana the finish line having taken around 4h whilst Steph worked on board. Fraser Meek (2002) 20mins to complete the route. I’m very On another note, I am also in the happy to say that I did not dismount at Gregor Andrew Charles Meek (2000) Merchant Navy and am working as a 3rd any point despite numerous Everest-esque married Miss Stephanie Banks on July Engineer Officer for P&O Australia. We challenges along the way. It was a great 30 2010 at Orchardhill Parish Church, both know we owe a huge amount to the experience and very well organised. Giffnock. I was honoured in being his education we received at The Academy best man. The reception was held at I felt surprisingly fresh the next day. Those - it has helped us to get where we are. the Crutherland Hotel in East Kilbride, padded Lycra numbers were a god send! Please can you pass on our regards to all and was well attended by plenty of I would just like to thank all those who the teaching staff, most notably the maths Academicals. Grant Strang (2002) also sponsored me. I have managed to double department (especially Mr Evans!) and let played a big part in the day by being the my target of £300 and think I may even them know how we are both getting on. piper, and put in a sterling effort. (No manage to cross the £600 mark with doubt the Strangs will have something to Elizabeth Robertson (2006) some late arrivals. FABB (A Scottish write for the next issue of Etcetera also!). disability charity) would also like to thank Gregor and Steph want to say thank you I completed the 51-mile cycle route you; your support will fund vital services to everyone who made it such a special from Glasgow to Edinburgh on Sunday for many lives of young disabled people da y. 12 September. The weather was perfect across Scotland, particularly our week and and the atmosphere buzzing! The first 30 weekends away next summer! Gregor and I attended The Glasgow miles went well, much to my surprise, Academy from the ripe old age of 4 years I am contemplating signing up again next with a stop at Avonbridge for some home old, and left in 2000 and 2002 respectively. year… anyone interested? baking and finishing with a lovely lunch Both of us attended the Universities of in the sun at Linlithgow Palace. Then Strathclyde and Glasgow and graduated

14 Etcetera

ETCETERA 13.indd 14 09/11/2010 10:58 Nick Rogers (1956) In September, my wife and I visited with family in Scotland and England. For additional excitement, I ran in the Glasgow half-marathon – ‘The Great Scottish Run’ – and thoroughly enjoyed that experience (perhaps some year the organisers could have the race routed along Great Western Road, past the end of Colebrooke Street!). My running career actually started at Glasgow Academy - I seem to recall that, when it was too wet to play cricket, we were instructed to go out on a 3 or 4 mile run (or perhaps the gymnastic teacher didn’t know what else to do with us). After that I was with the Glasgow University Hares and Hounds, and eventually a participant in mass running events once these became popular. I’ve been in the Minneapolis/Twin Cities area (in Edina, an inner suburb) for over 30 years - and we’re lucky to have our three grandchildren close by. Professionally I’m still active, mostly based at the Hennepin County Medical Center (teaching hospital for the University of Minnesota). I do very much enjoy Etcetera - it’s a very attractive publication, so different from the old stodgy Chronicle!

Eunah Shin (2003)

After stints in Edinburgh and Manchester Grant Strang and Jenna Weir (see page 11) during her training contract, Eunah has returned to the Big Smoke to qualify as an energy solicitor in the London office of McGrigors. She has recently Chance meetings - discovered that being an Accie brings with it recognition - imagine her shock any takers for a new series? to be asked by a partner in the firm if David Dow (1969) she was in The Academy’s production of The summer edition of Etcetera described an encounter between two Academicals Joseph... some eight years ago! who had not met for 67 years. That made me wonder if this could be the start a Iain Smith (1971) series of items on chance meetings. To start the ball rolling, I found myself standing beside Sydney harbour one day My third child, Michael (2003), after in the early 70s, waiting for the start of a tour of historic Sydney on foot. Looking graduating in Politics from Edinburgh in around the assembling group, I spotted a tall, dark-haired man who, despite the 2009, went on the Mongul Rally with sunglasses, looked familiar. He clearly recognised me. On the removal of the a friend in the summer of 2009 (Prague sunglasses, I realised that it was Colin Black, who taught in the Academy from the to Ulan Bator, the capital of Mongolia) late 60s until the mid 70s. This was July, and it transpired that his regular practice raising money for Mongolian charities was to leave Glasgow as soon as the summer term ended, fly to Australia and take and having fun in the process. He has a supply teaching job through the Australian winter. He was then back at the a few tales to tell which included a car Academy for the start of the autumn term. I never discovered if his colleagues crash on the Russian - Mongolian border, knew of his parallel career down under! in which he was seriously injured. He has made a nearly miraculous complete I kept in touch with him for a few years thereafter. When I last heard of him he recovery. He is currently in the middle had settled in Australia and was the headmaster of Camberwell Grammar School of one year teaching English in Tokyo in Melbourne. I don’t know if he spent the Australian summer holidays doing (TEFL). supply teaching in Scotland!

Etcetera 15

ETCETERA 13.indd 15 09/11/2010 10:58 but full of pride’, records a pupil after world championships. Colin served as a hard day on Ben More. Last of these vice-president (‘83-’87) and president Deaths principal areas was Alan’s editorship of (‘87-’89) of BADMINTONscotland Alan S Andrews (1959) ‘The Morrisonian’. He saw it primarily as and as deputy championship director of Alan Andrews passed away suddenly in a record of the life of a lively school. numerous international tournaments. Colin continued to serve as a senior January 2006. A number of his Glasgow This is by no means a comprehensive member of the management team as chair Academy school friends have noted account of what Alan gave to Morrison’s of the finance committee and Convenor their wish that this tribute to him be Academy (remarkably he didn’t miss a of the West of Scotland Badminton reprinted here, by kind permission of The School Sports Day in 32 years); but surely Group until his death. Morrisonian Club. the point is made. He will be missed.’ ‘Alan was, in large measure, a Glasgow Colin was rightly recognised as one of man. A former head boy of The Academy, those unassuming heroes who quietly he attended Glasgow University. served others; he received a lifetime Graduating in 1963, he trained as a achievement award from Glasgow City teacher at Jordanhill, and then taught Council, the International Badminton English for six years at Kelvinside. In Federation meritorious service award and 1969 he upped sticks and moved to a Sports Council for Glasgow 30-year Crieff, as head of the English Department volunteer service award. at Morrison’s Academy Boys’ School Colin and Moira celebrated 35 years until 1979, and from 1979 to 2002 at of happy marriage in September and the linked school. During his 32 years he was a beloved father to Hilary and there, Alan served under five rectors and Michael (who was also a pupil at Glasgow saw many changes. Colleagues came Academy from ‘86 to ‘99). Colin will be and went; a multitude of pupils passed greatly missed by all who knew him. through the school gates. Lindsay Crawford (1972), GAC President As a teacher, Alan was notable for his clarity of thought and elegance of Colin M Atkinson (1957) Alastair B Carnegie (1950) expression, in speech, on paper, and 17 June 1939 - 13 September 2010 even on the blackboard. He valued 31 December 1931 - 20 August 2010 Colin was born in Edinburgh before these qualities in his pupils, especially if The most kindly, witty and generous of moving with his family to Glasgow. He they were accompanied by a touch of men, Alastair was a friend of everyone attended Mearns Primary and Glasgow humour or a flash of wit. He relished the he met. He was a natural ball player. A Academy before going on to gain a BSc interpretation of great literature, and had member of the 1st XI for three years, he in agriculture from Glasgow University a special empathy with the poets of the shared an unusual distinction with his and returned to The Academy in the 1914-18 War, whose values he greatly son David (1982). Both slow left arm 1990s to serve a full, six-year term, as a respected. Yet what was most distinctive bowlers, they each took a hat trick in Governor of the Trust. about Alan’s professional career was his school matches. Alastair captained the contribution to school life. On leaving school, he joined the Glasgow Academicals in 1956. Not built for rugby, Over 32 years he voluntarily gave his time Academical Club and remained one he was a skilled hockey player for Western, and talents to four main areas of activity. of its most dedicated supporters. He being close to international level. captained the first team in cricket, served For 25 years he coached rugby at Colts After service in the 1st HLI, he served as president in 1998-99 and was the level, insisting always on high standards of in the Glasgow Highlanders for many current chairman of the Sports Section. effort and on-field conduct, and deriving years. A lawyer of the old school, he was Colin was also a keen golfer, being a satisfaction from the successes of teams greatly respected as a gifted draftsman, member of the Eastwood and Boat of and individuals as they came along. specializing in corporate contracts, Garten golf clubs. His love of all sports Cricket didn’t suit him temperamentally, conveyancing and licensing agreements. and the city where he grew up were but umpire it he did, of course. Over the Those who remember his handwriting encapsulated in his role for the past three years music at Morrison’s benefited from must have admiration for those members years as Chairman of the Sports Council his skill as an accompanist on piano and of his staff tasked with helping to produce for Glasgow. organ, be it at major musical events or on these complicated documents. And for less formal occasions. The School’s Carol As a civil servant in the Department of a lawyer of the old school, he had an Services he helped instigate, and they Agriculture and Fisheries, Colin rose to unexpected interest in modern jazz. embodied his love of music and love of the post of principal agricultural officer Alastair gave to his community through language, in the kind of formal setting he within the Scottish Office. It was while years of service to St Luke’s church, enjoyed. posted to the north with the department Milngavie (an Elder for forty-three years that Colin first became well known as a He helped initiate the School Climbing and Session Clerk for sixteen), Abbeyfield leading badminton player in Inverness and Club in 1972. Camps were held in the Society, Western Hockey Club, Bearsden Dingwall leagues. Later he moved into Cairngorms, Glen Etive and Glen Nevis, and Milngavie Sports Club, Glasgow badminton coaching and administration. and there were regular single-day trips Old Folks Society and the Tannoch Loch He coached many international players to local peaks. A school magazine of that Association. era tells of such a day: ‘we were flakered, and managed the Scotland team in two JS Murray (1950) 16 Etcetera

ETCETERA 13.indd 16 09/11/2010 10:58 James W Cordiner (1963) Stirling Districts, served as president of was a Prefect, a Colour Sergeant in the Falkirk Rotary Club and as an honorary CCF and a member of the School 1st 16 March 1946 - 9 August 2010 vice-president of Grangemouth Rugby XV of 1964-65. I was one of his team James Wilson Cordiner was born in Club. mates then and I remember him forming Coatbridge and attended Glasgow probably the smallest second row unit in Academy between 1953 and 1963, of Stuart M Fraser (1949) 1st XV history with John Hardie. Despite their lack of height, they turned out to which he had many fond memories. 5 November 1932 - 9 September 2010 James studied medicine at Glasgow be a formidable combination and played University and graduated in 1969 Suddenly at Crosshouse Hospital, a large part in the success of that team. I before becoming a leading consultant Kilmarnock, after a long illness, patiently know it gave him great pride, as it did me, obstetrician who took on many borne, Stuart Matthew Fraser CA, to watch our sons Graeme and Richard administrative and advisory roles at local, formerly a partner with Ernst and Young, 30 years on, in 1994-95, replicating their national and international levels. dearly-loved husband and best friend of fathers’ efforts in the School 1st XV. Jean, dear dad of Martin, Marjorie and He went on to become a Chartered James died suddenly while on holiday in Alan, a much-loved father-in-law and an Accountant serving his apprenticeship Carradale. He was a beloved husband of adored grandad. Carolyn, loving father of Matthew and with Nelson Gilmour & Smith, before Ruth, proud father-in-law to Alison, loyal John C Goudie (1938) moving to French & Cowan, then his brother to Robert and much-loved uncle, own company and latterly spending 19 cousin and brother-in-law. He will be 25 December 1919 - 20 September 2010 years as a Partner at T B Dunn & Co. Bruce served the Academical Club as its sorely missed by all who knew him. Peacefully, in his 91st year, at home, Treasurer between 1996 and 2000. He Rev John Carrick Goudie CBE, MA, was a keen supporter and sponsor of Brian Fairgrieve OBE (1945) RN (Retd), formerly HM The Queen’s all things Academical and also helped Principal Chaplain to The Free Churches 21 February 21 1927 - 8 August 2010 manage an experimental under 19s in the Royal Navy. A dear brother, Rugby Team. Brian was born in Cambuslang. He beloved uncle and dearly-loved friend attended The Glasgow Academy He loved his fishing, rugby, curling and between 1938 and 1943 before going Donald C Lorimer (1949) especially his golf. He was a life member on to graduate MB ChB from Glasgow of Pollok Golf Club where, at the time 26 February 1932 - 2 August 2010 University. His career was interrupted by in 1988-89, he became the youngest ever national service as 2/6th Gurkha Rifles Peacefully, at the Beatson West of Scotland Captain. He had also recently joined medical officer, initially in Kluang, Johore, Cancer Centre, Glasgow on Monday 2 Western Gailes Golf Club. He played his on the south Malayan peninsula and later August 2010, Donald Cameron Lorimer, golf with the same steely determination in Segamat. beloved husband of Hazel and a dear that he approached most things that he On his return to Scotland, after surgical father of Pauline, Peter and Jane, much did. In fact I was told that the night posts at Killearn Hospital, the Western loved grandad of Adam, Emma, Kirsty before he died he had won a semi-final Infirmary and Stobhill Hospital, Brian and James. tie at Pollok winning on the 14th hole. went to Falkirk Royal Infirmary on With the final not able to be played, it a temporary basis in 1957. He was A Bruce B Mitchell (1965) was decided unanimously that the trophy should be shared and his son Graeme appointed general surgeon there three 4 November 1946 - 31 August 2010 years later and stayed until taking early recently accepted this on his behalf at the retirement in 1987. During the 1960s, Alistair Bruce Boyd Mitchell was born in Prize Giving Dinner. 1946, the second-eldest of four sons, his at the invitation of Scottish Central All your many friends will miss you, brothers being Graeme (1968), Wallace Police, he was instrumental in setting Bruce, but none more so than your wife (1970) and the late Robin (1961). At up one of the country’s first mobile Dodie, daughter Lindsay and son Graeme. accident units. He also gave up his time the age of 5 he started at The Glasgow to lecture the emergency services on the Academy where he remained until he Graeme McKnight (1965) latest techniques, became a member of completed his education in 1965. He the Council of St Andrew’s Ambulance Robin B Pollock (1959) Association and was regularly invited to lecture and examine at the Scottish Police 27 March 1943 - 7 August 2010 College at Tulliallan. Peacefully, after a short illness, Brian’s outstanding scouting service, Robin Boyd Pollock, of Gatehouse, which eventually led to serving as a Kirkcudbrightshire, formerly of Trigony county, area and region commissioner House Hotel, Thornhill and of Kemnay, and area president, had begun as a youth Aberdeenshire, loving husband of Thelma with the 138th Glasgow Scout Group in Ann and brother of David. Cambuslang. Awarded the Scouts’ Silver Wolf in 1983 for services of the most Matthew U Sim (1936) exceptional character over many years, 16 June 1918 - 8 September 2010 an OBE followed in 1987 for services to international Scouting. Brian also became Peacefully, at the Royal Alexandra a deputy lord lieutenant for Falkirk and Hospital, Paisley, Matthew Urie Sim,

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ETCETERA 13.indd 17 09/11/2010 10:58 MA, LLb, formerly of Pattison & Sim Geoffrey Payman (Former Head of Solicitors, Paisley, beloved husband of English) Peggy, much loved father of Rosemary and Graeme and devoted grandfather of I first met Geoff Payman when I joined Stuart, Fiona, Matthew and Julia. Will be the staff of the Academy in 1975. He was sadly missed by all family and friends. Head of the English Department, and, as a historian, I had for some time little to do Douglas K Stirrat (1930) with him. However, when one day in the Common Room I happened to mention 23 September 1914 - 3 October 1910 that, unusually, I had taken my family Douglas Kerr Stirrat attended Glasgow up Ben Lomond, he appeared to take Academy between 1922 and 1930 and notice, and shortly afterwards invited me became a member of the territorial army to accompany him up another mountain, there before enlisting in the regular army, Ben Lawers. though he had always to be careful. where he became a major in the 77th So began my initiation into serious hill Geoff combined a formidable intellect Highland Field Regiment. During the walking, in all conditions, and I could and a sharp wit. The Times crossword second world war, he served in various scarcely have had a better mentor. I held few terrors, and a small group in the campaigns in France, Greece, North learnt that Geoff had already climbed Common Room would put it rapidly Africa, Egypt and at Monte Cassino in all the Munros (3000 feet plus), and had to the sword daily. His wit was usually, Italy. He was a survivor of Dunkirk and stravaiged far and wide on mountains but not always, of the gentle sort, but was awarded the Military Cross in Tunisia overseas (though he was never a technical nonetheless effective; I remember his in 1943. climber with ropes, pitons and so on); in comment on a very abstrusely-written After the war, he resumed his his younger days he had thought little of scholarly book was that he enjoyed the employment with a well-known Glasgow covering forty miles in a day on foot. quotations best - he could understand them! metal merchant, R M Easdale, where Over the following years, Geoff guided he became Managing Director until he me expertly on very many forays in the He was an inveterate traveller - most of retired in the late 1970s. In 1967 he was Highlands. I was far from being his only his discretionary spending was on foreign elected President of the British Secondary pupil in that field, however: he introduced holidays, and it is difficult to think of Metals Association. numerous Academy boys to the joys many attractive destinations he had not Sport - tennis, squash and golf - were of the Scottish mountains, taking small visited. When he had arrived, he would important pastimes. He was a member of groups to remote destinations in his own walk, sometimes with a dedicated group, Glasgow Golf Club and played golf nearly campervan. Many of these will be grateful as in the Himalayas, sometimes on his all his life until an injury at 90 meant his to him for enlisting them in a sport which own, away from the popular resorts he visits to the club became more sedentary. can be enjoyed for a lifetime. reached under Saga’s auspices in his later years. He curled at Partick Curling Club, where On our walks together, and later, when he became president in 1976-77 and later we were both retired and met fairly He did not, in his retirement, feel enjoyed the occasional game of bowls at regularly for a blether, I learnt more comfortable with groups, particularly at Titwood Bowling Club. about him. With a First at Oxford, Geoff functions like parties; this was because of He spent his last few months at Erskine could well have pursued a vocation as a his increasing deafness, which left him in Bishopton where he was well looked university don, but the remoteness of the a little isolated. With no family nearby, after. ivory towers did not appeal - he preferred he relied on the society of a handful of daily contact and interaction with young friends, who enjoyed his humour, his He was very happily married for over pupils, and, in addition to taking people encyclopaedic knowledge of the Scottish 60 years to Catriona, who pre-deceased into the hills, he involved himself with mountains, his shrewd take on current him in 2009 and is survived by his many of the school pantomimes, as well affairs, and his help with crossword clues. I younger brother, Ian (1934), his daughters as putting on more serious dramas - a also valued his literary guidance - though Sheila and Fiona, his son, David and five Macbeth was one production which we agreed to disagree about the merits or grandchildren. particularly pleased him. otherwise of Wordsworth’s ‘Lucy’ poems - and, although ill, only a few weeks before David Stirrat (1970) Geoff ate frugally, drank little if any his death he put himself to the trouble of alcohol, and climbed mountains, so it making a list of poems by WB Yeats that was astonishing and unfair when he W Smith Syme (1950) he thought worth my attention. suffered a heart attack in, I think, 1994 or 25 October 1932 - 12 June 2010 thereabouts. This, unfortunately, greatly All this will, I hope, help to remind William Smith Syme passed away restricted his mountaineering, which people what kind of man Geoff was. It peacefully, surrounded by his family, at had included treks in the Himalayas and was, however, a former pupil - no angel home in Galloway. A beloved husband other exotic ranges. Ironically, it was this at the Academy - who summed him up of Judy, much loved father and a devoted episode which increased his consumption more succinctly and at least as accurately: Grandpa. of alcohol: he heard that red wine is ‘He was a nice man, and an inspiring good for the heart, so he began to have a teacher’. small glassful each day from one of those Could there be a better epitaph? ghastly wine-boxes. It seemed to work: he didn’t have another cardiac episode, Donald Buchanan, Former Academy Staff

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ETCETERA 13.indd 18 09/11/2010 10:58 Much-loved teachers remembered

Glasgow Academy Staff 1938-39. Miss Reid is third Miss WH Reid 1898-1993 from left in the front row. My late Aunt Winnie – Winifred Helen Such was the affection in which Miss Reid was held Reid – taught in the Junior Classes that she was presented with this splendid plaque of The Academy from 1925-42, on her ‘retirement’ when she married Dr when she left to marry Dr Archie Hyslop. The inscription reads ‘1925-1942 W.H.H. Faithful service well and truly done. Hyslop and moved to Melrose with C.D.J.’ him. She lived there for the rest of her long life, although Archie Winnie taught in Melrose Academy died suddenly, less than a year after after she was widowed, and resisted their marriage. I recently gave at least one attempt to persuade her the school the plaque which was back to The Glasgow Academy. She presented to Winnie to mark her lived in the beautiful Tweed House, service at The Academy, and in overlooking the river, surrounded case any of the older former pupils by the wonderful collection of might remember her, offer this brief Scottish Colourist paintings put memoir of her life. together by Archie in the 1920s and 30s – bequeathed by Winnie She was born in Alva, the fifth of to Aberdeen Art Gallery as The seven children of William Reid, Hyslop Collection. She became then Headmaster of Alva Academy, one of the first female elders of the and of his wife Jessie Hunter. Winnie’s kirk in Melrose, and was a wonderful parents had both been pupil teachers, source of love and support, challenge and William in Maxwelltown, Jessie in Dalry, encouragement to her many nephews and and had met at Dundas Vale Church of nieces over the decades. Scotland Teacher Training College in Glasgow. They moved to Shettleston in She must have been a great teacher, and the early 1900s, for William to take on the The Academy was lucky to have her. men in the First World War. Winnie Headship firstly of Wellshot Public School gained a first class degree from Glasgow Euan Reid and later of Eastbank Academy. University, as did her eldest sister, Alison, Of Winnie’s three brothers, the oldest who later married Hector Hetherington, Should any former pupils taught by Miss became an engineer, the next a minister, Principal of Glasgow University from Reid wish to get in touch with Euan, he the third a doctor. After university and 1936-61. Their youngest sister, Dine, was would be happy to hear from you via the college studies, the girls all became Head of the Preparatory Department at External Relations offi ce at teachers, and Winnie and Jessie lost their Park School for many years. [email protected] Etcetera 19

ETCETERA 13.indd 19 09/11/2010 10:58 Events and Reunions Careers Evening The Glasgow The third Glasgow Academy Careers number of well-informed and articu- Evening was held in the Prep School Hall late pupils expressed a genuine interest Academy 100 on Tuesday 28 September. Over 150 S4, in engineering. If the pupils I spoke to S5 and S6 pupils made the most of the can get a fraction of the enjoyment and opportunity to talk to nearly 50 experts satisfaction from their career that I have from over 20 professions ranging from had in the first 25 years of mine, then dentists and doctors to osteopaths and they will have a great time!’ anthropologists. The event was very Al Brown (1979), Engineer informal with, simply, lots of opportunity to chat and fi nd out more; feedback has ‘Given the popularity of my cho- been very positive from both the careers sen career path I have over the years advisors and pupils who attended... participated in various careers events. Experience dictates that such events are ‘The pupils were very interested in extremely beneficial to those who in- medicine and the four of us were kept tend on studying Law at university. The very busy all evening. At one time there individual pupils I met at the careers was even a queue! The pupils asked evening were courteous and ambitious many well-informed and relevant ques- and I wish them all the best with their tions. Every pupil I spoke with was keen university applications.’ The careers evening was also an to maximise the opportunity the careers Gillian Ross (2000), Advocate opportunity for the GAC President, evening offered and found the discus- ‘By talking to people from different Lindsay Crawford, to promote The sions very helpful. I suspect Medicine GA 100 - a new organisation to has at least one recruit!’ professions the careers evening opened up job opportunities I had previously provide careers advice and support Allan Reid (1975), for current pupils and young Consultant Radiologist not considered.’ Anna Ross S6 Academicals. The Glasgow Academy ‘It was good to be part of the careers 100 will also arrange business and night and I was impressed with the ‘It was an experience which allowed me professional networking events for thoughtful questioning and the maturity to gain new insights into and broaden former pupils, parents and friends of of pupils interested in journalism.’ my knowledge of law.’ The Academy. The first networking Leona Armstrong (Current Parent), Megan Dunbar S6 breakfast is scheduled for Thursday Journalist ‘It was very useful and opened my 24 February. ‘The careers evening was a great success eyes up to new career options such as For more information on from my perspective and that of all of the psychology.’ The GA 100, please e-mail other engineers that I spoke to. A large Nicola Murray S6 [email protected]

The Dallachy Lecture: ‘From the West End of Glasgow to London’s West End – a Journey’

Former pupil Colin Ingram (1987) gave this year’s Dallachy Lecture in the Cargill Hall on Thursday 7 October. Over 250 pupils, parents, staff and friends of The Academy (as well as Colin’s wife and mum!) were entertained and inspired by the story of his journey from Kelvinbridge to setting up his own production company in London’s West End. Colin did stress to the S6 pupils that it was important to have the backing of a degree and a profession before pursuing one’s real passion in life; it was only after gaining a law degree at Edinburgh University and qualifying as an accountant that he moved south in 1996 to pursue his dream of working in theatre. Colin spent six years learning the ropes with Cameron Mackintosh, three years with Disney and two years at the Old Vic, working on such shows as Les Miserables, Billy Elliot and The Lion King. Since setting up Colin Ingram Ltd in 2006, he has produced a number of shows, including a sell-out stage version of Breakfast at Tiffany’s – an idea he credits to his wife Nadine. He Colin with Simon Jones, The Academy’s current is currently focused on his musical stage production of the Oscar-winning film Ghost. Head Boy The show opens in London next year and, judging by how the Cargill Hall audience enjoyed the sneak previews, it looks set to be Colin’s next big success.

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ETCETERA 13.indd 20 09/11/2010 10:58 The Class of 1990 Class of 1990 – 20 year Reunion After-dinner speaker Christian Bruce (left) and Robin Duff share a joke September 17 2010 was to be a pivotal A final beverage or two was imbibed moment - the 20 year reunion of The before various ‘splinter groups’ headed off Academy’s last ‘all-boys’ year – the into the night for more revelry. The day Class of 1990. This particular vintage of was a success all round and a strong desire Academical was characterised by a vast to repeat the experience was expressed by array of life, travel and career experiences, all in attendance. and represented by accountants, IT Special mention should go to Stuart experts, lawyers, property professionals, Young, the Academical that travelled military brass and professionals from a vast furthest (from Australia) to attend, and array of other industries. to Joanna of the External Relations The day began with a gathering at the Department for her sterling efforts. Rector’s office, where old acquaintances Robin Duff (1990) were renewed between teachers and former pupils alike, followed by a tour of the school’s excellent new facilities. The well-oiled party was then transported Forthcoming Events Glasgow Academy to Ibrox Stadium, home of Rangers FC, IVth Form of where Robin Duff had arranged a dinner 2010 reception in the austere surroundings of 1966-67 Class the main stand’s ‘Blue Room’. 3 December Class of 1980 Reunion at The Academy Reunion Dinner The group was initially treated to a pitch-side visit and later a champagne 7, 8, 9 and 10 December – a date for your reception in the illustrious Trophy Room. Fiddler on the Roof in The Cargill Hall diaries… Thereafter a sumptuous three-course (7 p.m.) meal was enjoyed, which began with a For those of you who were in 16 December welcome speech by Malcolm McNaught the above year at school, the next Christmas Concert in the Cargill Hall and mock ‘roll-call’ by former teacher, Reunion Dinner will be held in the (7 p.m.) Ken Milton. Absentees were duly noted. Clubhouse at New Anniesland on 17 December Friday 25 February 2011. This is the The dinner was topped off by an Class of 2000 Reunion at The Academy Friday before the Scotland v Ireland hilarious, poignant - and surprisingly Rugby International at Murrayfield musical - speech by Christian Bruce 26 December on the Sunday of that weekend. Esquire, the highlight of which was 2010 Leavers’ GAC Reunion at his falsetto reprise of ‘In the Bleak Anniesland I hope you can come to what is always an enjoyable and informal evening Midwinter’ from his prep days in Mrs 2011 MacKechnie’s choir. The laughter was of meeting up with old friends and to continue when Mr Tom Reid - a 24 February acquaintances from school. special guest from the decidedly more GA100 Business Breakfast in Glasgow Kenneth Russell, Brian Barclay and politically-correct Class of 2000 - 25 February I shall contact as many of you as delivered his patented stand up routine IVth Form of 1966-67 Class Reunion possible with more details very soon. featuring his imaginary stalker Mr Tim Dinner at Anniesland Rieyad. George McLaren (1970)

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ETCETERA 13.indd 21 09/11/2010 10:58 Business Etcetera

of being appointed a prefect for his final A helping hand from the right people… year at school. In the event he took what is now fashionably called a ‘gap year’ to Nowadays Nick Lander (1983) is a business trouble-shooter who - along with work as a debt collector. That year taught his brother - specialises in putting broken companies back together. Malcolm him some of the skills that he has come to depend on in turning around ailing McNaught meets the man he first met as a pupil at Glasgow Academy nearly 30 companies. ‘I had a lot of responsibility years ago. for a 17-year-old. I had the power to disconnect pub alarm systems, for example - something that landlords in the Nick Lander is in many ways something east end of Glasgow weren’t too keen on. of a contradiction: by his own admission I had to be decisive and look as if I meant a ‘low-key networker’ who is a ‘people business.’ person’ when it comes to business; a Although accountancy wasn’t his first man of sometimes outspoken opinions love at university, it led to a career who cares deeply about the opinions of as a Chartered Accountant with others; a hard task master who undeniably Coopers & Lybrand, thanks in part expects most from himself. to the encouragement of Gordon Along with his brother Jonathan, he now Jack (currently Glasgow Academy’s runs Volvere plc a company that in his Chairman of Governors). It was during own words is ‘good at sorting out messes’ his accountancy training that Nick - the kinds of messes that companies can fell in love with another accountant - get themselves into when the people at Lorraine, now his wife - who was ‘far the top have lost their way. Volvere offers more conscientious’ than him and who two kinds of help: financial encouraged him to persevere. investment and management Perhaps Nick’s biggest know-how. And the Lander opportunity came when brothers seem to be rather he was posted to a small good at it. They took on the subsidiary of APV, a food Vectra Group (a consulting equipment manufacturer in business) at a time when it was Eastbourne. At first sight, it making losses of almost £2.5 was a bit a mismatch: the firm million a year and within a was over 100 years old with short time it was returning a management team in their annual profits approaching 50s; Nick was 28. Although £1 million. In 2005 they it was a small business, they bought Sira - a petrol pump were leaking money and were certification company - for in obvious need of some new £1.4 million and sold it in ideas. ‘They seemed to like me 2009 for over £8 million. and asked me to stay as MD. These are only a couple of I wasn’t sure, but a colleague examples from an impressive ‘We have high expectations of the suggested I do it for a year.’ In the event, portfolio. people who work for us. We expect people to work hard and to achieve Nick stayed for four years and was able Rewind over 25 years or so to when we success. We’re supportive though - we to help the company turn itself around first met - in my English classroom - and don’t expect people to do things we and get back in the black. ‘It was such a Nick would be the first to admit that, at wouldn’t do ourselves.’ pleasure to be part of that success story,’ school, his passion for ‘justice’ sometimes he reminisces. saw him getting into unnecessary Nick is also keen to acknowledge the role And Nick’s part in that success story conflicts on a point of principle over of the CCF - something he initially hated was recognised too as he was one of some perceived injustice. However he’s - in helping him to develop skills he the finalists in the DHL Boss of the very grateful to those who took the didn’t think he had. There’s a photograph Year competition of 1997. It was only time to get to know him better and - from his fourth year at school of which when APV was taken over by a bigger ultimately - to help develop his potential. he’s immensely proud - of a smiling company that Nick felt that it may be The Deputy Rector of the day was one young Nick holding a CCF rose bowl time to move on and he joined Clyde of those who did. ‘Jock Carruthers saw presented for ‘Leadership Skills’. ‘That Blowers as Corporate Development a slightly different character and put his was an enormous boost for me. It said, in Director where, he says, ‘I learned a lot arm round me metaphorically and gave effect, “You are someone that people will from Jim McColl and Alex Stewart, me a bit of space... He used to punish me work for.” I needed that.’ amongst others.’ However, still feeling in a kind of just way - as if he understood.’ After that endorsement, he had hopes 22 Etcetera

ETCETERA 13.indd 22 09/11/2010 10:58 that there was more that he could achieve money where our mouth is’ and they Moving up, independently, Nick joined his brother now have a proven track record of taking moving on… Jonathan, also an Academical, in April over ailing companies and bringing 2000 to work with him in Jonathan’s them back to rude health. When Nick Neil Amner (1984) small investment business right at the describes their management philosophy, point when the dotcom bubble burst. ‘It you can almost hear the echoes of one Biggart Baillie, the leading Scottish was interesting times for any company of his ‘firm but fair’ teachers at Glasgow law firm, recently announced the looking to invest in technology businesses Academy: appointment of Neil Amner as the new but our investments performed well Head of its Infrastructure, Environment ‘We have high expectations of the people overall. We created Volvere in 2002 and Transport team. ‘These are who work for us. We expect people to to focus on distressed investments and challenging times both for clients and work hard and to achieve success. We’re turnaround and that’s what we principally for advisors; with challenges though supportive though - we don’t expect focus on today. I love the variety and the come opportunities for those willing to people to do things we wouldn’t do challenge.’ show initiative and commitment. I look ourselves.’ forward to leading the team in meeting In uncertain times the last ten years have Somehow you just know that ‘Jock’ the challenges ahead. In so doing I aim been good ones for the Lander brothers. Carruthers would approve. to build on our existing strengths and to As they say, ‘We’re prepared to put our seek out fresh opportunities.’

Jeffrey Chan (2006) Jeffrey has qualified with a Master Degree in Engineering - First Class with Honours from Imperial College London. He will be working for Network Rail from September 2010.

Ian Moar (1969) I left Glasgow Academy in 1969. I currently work in the US Department of Labor in Washington, DC, and I am the department’s senior counsel for workplace health standards. In November, I will start work as a policy adviser at the White House. I will be helping the Obama administration to review proposed regulations on health care.

Jack Perry (1972) I was awarded a CBE for services to business in the New Year Honours List 2010. I served for six years until November 2009 as chief executive of Scottish Enterprise and I’m now pursuing a career as an independent non-executive director. In March 2010 I joined the Board of Robert Wiseman Dairies PLC. On 21 October 2010 I was awarded an Honorary Doctorate in Business The Glasgow Academy Art Calendar Administration from Edinburgh Napier University. ‘Christmas Robert Ross (1991) After working in Estate Agency for the Cracker’ last 8 years, I have finally opened up my We are delighted to show off our young artists’ talent in our own Estate and Letting Agency based in East Kilbride called Ross Estates. I have 2011 Calendar, retailing at a bargain price of been open for the last two years and £5.00 each plus £1.00 P&P the business is going from strength to strength. I would welcome any business Contact Susanne Rae on 0141 342 5494 or at from any old school buddies; they should [email protected] drop me a line at robert@ross-estates. co.uk - or call me on 01355 266605.

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ETCETERA 13.indd 23 09/11/2010 10:58 2009 - 2010 Regular Giving Appeal Final Report

Thank you Regular Giving Results We would like to thank all benefactors Achieving our target for 2009-10 means who have supported our 2009-10 Appeal. the school has been able to purchase Most donors continue to choose to make a new rowing boat and kayak canoes a gift to ‘Whatever the Academy Needs as well as prepare for and schedule the Most’ and Bursaries. The pie chart below resurfacing of the long jump pits at shows which specific areas of school life Anniesland. New instruments and donors have chosen to support. A full list uniforms have been bought for the of 2009-10 benefactors is shown opposite. Pipe Band - with many thanks to John The Kelvin Watson OBE (1965) - and Regular Giving has also been able to make a Foundation Rowing and substantial contribution to Bursaries and The second formal meeting of Outdoor preparations for developing the tenement the Kelvin Foundation took place Education Pipes and Drums buildings the school now owns on on Thursday 23 September at Colebrooke Street and Colebrooke Place. The Academy. Eleven of the 34 Sport members of The Foundation were able to attend and – over lunch – 2010-2011 received a personal update from Our 2010-2011 Appeal has just been the Rector, Peter Brodie, about the Bursaries launched. We have decided to focus on many successes and achievements Bursaries again because many Academy of the pupils as well as a general families need help with fees in the overview of school matters. current downturn. Members were particularly pleased Whatever The We would also be delighted to receive to hear that, despite economic fears, Academy Needs support for the following projects: pupil numbers at The Academy continue to grow steadily and in line • Sport Performance Software with our Development plans; the • Benches on Colebrooke Terrace roll at the start of the new term in August was 1,288: the highest in the • A coxless pair rowing boat school’s history. Thank you again to all who have On target! Membership of the Kelvin contributed to the success of the 2009-10 Foundation is by invitation Our target for the 2009-10 appeal was Appeal. Should you have any queries and includes members of our £27,500 for specific projects as well as an about Regular Giving or wish to discuss a community who indicate their open appeal for support for Bursaries and donation to this year’s appeal please don’t intention to bestow a legacy ‘Whatever the Academy Needs Most’. A hesitate to get in touch. fantastic total of £78,685 (including gift gift to the school. If you would aid) was raised through Regular Giving Best wishes like to know more about Kelvin Foundation membership, please donations between 1 October 2009 and Mark contact Mark Taylor on: Mark. 30 September 2010. A further donation [email protected] from the Cargill Ball proceeds means that [email protected] or 0141 342 the Regular Giving total was well over 5494. £91,000 for the year.

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ETCETERA 13.indd 24 09/11/2010 10:58 2009 - 2010 Regular Giving Appeal Final Report

MR W ILLIAM E AITON MISS ELIZABETH K HENDERSON MR T SCOTT NELSON

MR HA DOUGLAS ALEXANDER MR GORDON HENRY MR HARRY M O’NEILL

BRIGADIER F ALLAN L ALSTEAD MR W NEILSON HERBERTSON MR ROBERT PATERSON

PROFESSOR ANNE ANDERSON MR R IAIN HIGGINS MAJOR GEN (RETD) RONNIE M PEARSON

MR A STUART BARCLAY MR COLIN JF HOPE MR JOHN S PHILLIPS

CAPTAIN (RETD) MICHAEL K BARRITT DR GEORGE HORN MR ALLAN AR POLLOCK

DR IAIN WM BAXTER MR MARTIN JR HOW DR RW ALASTAIR PORTER

MR FRED S BERKLEY MR ANDREW L HOWIE MR ALASTAIR M RICHMOND

MRS MARION BRODIE MR J GORDON JACK MR ALASTAIR M ROBERTSON

MR PETER BRODIE MR JOHN R JEKYLL MR ALASTAIR DS ROLLAND

DR CARL D BROWN MR ROBIN WG JOHNSTON MR CECIL R SANDERSON

MRS KAY E BROWN MRS ELIZABETH M KER MR GRAHAM W SCOTT

PROF J GRANT BUCHANAN MR ALEXANDER C KERR MR ANDREW G SERVICE

MR COLIN W BUCHANAN DR W ILLIAM R KERR MR ARCHIE E SHEARER

MR T HOMAS B BUYERS MR HC GREGORY KING MR CHRISTOPHER DW SMITH

MR KENNETH DM CAMERON MR HARRY A KINGCOME MR JAMES H SMITH

DR GORDON H CARRUTHERS MR J CHARLES D LEWIS MR EWAN & MRS JENIFFER STEWART

MR LINDSAY M CRAWFORD DR JINTANG LI & MRS RUI LIU THE LATE MR DOUGLAS K STIRRAT

MR JOHN A DEANS MR GORDON AL LOW DR C MURRAY & MRS NETTA C STUART

MR DAVID W DEAS MR PETER WC MARR SHERIFF ALAYNE E SWANSON

MR HUGH DIACK COUNCILLOR JL MARSHALL MR LEONARD GC TAM

MR BRYAN & MRS KATE DUNCAN MR SCOTT H MASSEY MR MIKE B TATTERSALL

DR ROBERT J & MRS JANICE M FERGUSON DR STUART G MCALPINE MR MARK G TAYLOR

DR ANDREW & PROF JULIE FITZPATRICK MR STEPHEN & MRS JULIE MCCANN MR NACERDINE T CHEIR

MR HUW M FOXALL DR DON S MCINTOSH, MISS RACHEL E TEGGART

THE LATE MR STUART M FRASER MR RONALD B MCINTOSH MRS DORIS C VAUGHAN

MR ANTHONY FRIEZE MR ROBERT H MCKENDRICK MR IAN M VEITCH

MR DANIEL L GARDNER DR GEORGE I MCLAREN MR ALAN AW W ADDELL

MR PETER M GEMMILL MRS JEAN H MCMILLAN MR JOHN G WALKER

MR T HOMAS W GEMMILL MR MALCOLM R MCNAUGHT MR RONNIE S WALKER

PROF DAVID J GOLDBERG DR CHRISTOPHER HB MEE MR GARRY S WATSON

MR A HAKAN & MRS H RANA GONENC MR ALAN G MICKEL MR JOHN M WATSON OBE

REV JAMES CG GREIG MR HAMISH A MILLAR DR GORDON A W EETCH

MR DAVID W HALL THE LATE MR A BRUCE B MITCHELL MR IAIN W INNING

MR W ILLIAM S HAMILTON MR FRASER S MONTGOMERY DR WN & MRS RJL WYKES

MR CHRISTOPHER J HANCOCK MR JE (IAIN) MORE MR GRAEME TG YOUNG

MR STUART M HARDIE LIEUT COLONEL IAN G NEILSON

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ETCETERA 13.indd 25 09/11/2010 10:58 Westbourne Section

Thank you to all ‘the girls’ whose whole-hearted participation in the event was the key to the afternoon’s resounding success. Biased? Yes, perhaps, but I think we all scrubbed up very well 50 years down the line! Davina (Struthers) Booth (1960)

Class of 1986 Westbourne leavers

Save the date of 10 June 2011. Get together planned in Glasgow. Watch this space for more details. Melanie McLean (1986) not in our day when decorum was an Reunions essential ingredient of our education! Class of 1960 reunion With reluctance we said our goodbyes Lesley (Mill) Scott (1974) June 7 2010 – a date of significance for around 4.30 p.m., friendships renewed, the class of 1960, for this was the day contacts exchanged and promises made Many thanks to Lesley for her helpful that 20 of us gathered at the Strathblane to meet again in 2012, to celebrate our detective work on the Atholl photograph Country House Hotel, 50 years after ‘three score years and ten’. names on page 31. leaving Westbourne. Although several of our number had maintained contact during the intervening years, there were others who had never met up during this half century. As a result, there were a few qualms for those of us who had volunteered - during an intellectual interlude - to organise this event, as we mentally checked the arrangements and kept our fingers crossed that everything would go as planned and that we were not about to spend an afternoon in an exchange of pleasantries punctuated by awkward silences. Within minutes of the first arrivals, it became clear that any misgivings on that score were completely unfounded. No champagne was needed to prompt an ever-increasing level of decibels as the years melted away and we were back once more in Winton Drive - aged 17 - sharing the different memories we had of our Girls’ Games Captains Board schooldays. As can be seen from the photograph above, the Hockey Captains board at We were summoned for lunch by the Windyedge - which honours both Westbourne School and Glasgow Academy bell - rung by Rachel, Head Girl for our girls - is now full. We want to continue to honour Girls’ Games Captains with year - and we filed into the dining room another board which acknowledges, as this one does, the continuation of the in orderly fashion. During the course of Westbourne tradition and spirit at Glasgow Academy. Please do get in touch if a delicious meal, the conversation did not you would like more information about sponsoring the new board. falter as the shouts of ‘Do you remember?’ E-mail: [email protected] echoed round the room. Such a level of tel: 0141 342 5494 noise would never have been permitted in the dining hall – at least, certainly

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ETCETERA 13.indd 26 09/11/2010 10:58 Class of 1978 reunion The Class of ’78 (The Westbourne School for Girls) had a most enjoyable reunion on Saturday 16 October 2010. The evening started with everyone meeting at The Glasgow Academy for a champagne reception. Despite it being over 33 years since some of us had met up, nearly everyone was almost instantly recognisable and the look of delight on faces to see old friends again was... well, priceless. Some ladies had travelled from afar as France, Norway and Ireland just for the event. How much noise can seventeen Fiona (Cameron) Murray, Lindsay (Brown) Howie, Margo (Cunningham) Holgersen, ex-Westbourne girls make? Ask Fiona (Howie) Malcolm Mark Taylor who had to drive us through the streets of Glasgow to the newly-refurbished Grand Central Hotel in the GA minibus! The noise, chat and reminiscing continued well through the night over a delightful meal and wine. Conversation turned to those who were unable to be there and also to those with whom we have all lost contact. Seven hours after initially meeting up - and all too soon - it was time to leave. We plan to have more reunions in the future, on formal and informal scales, with a lunch sometime next February in Glasgow. Watch this space for details.

Birth Samantha Scott-Angell (1994) My partner Craig and I welcomed our baby girl Evie Rose into the world on 29 April 2010, weighing 7lbs 11oz. We’re enjoying life as a new family.

Marriage Gillian Sinclair (1978) My sister Deirdre Sinclair (Class of 1976) married Peter McManus from Sydney, Australia in the garden at her family home in Lenzie on Saturday 4 September. After a honeymoon in Europe, Deirdre and Peter have returned to live in Sydney.

Death Miss Vivian McInnes (Mrs Angus) at Canniesburn Care Home on 8 September 2010. Miss McInnes was teacher in charge of Music at Westbourne School from 1974 to 1984. Her love of Music and Singing inspired the girls at all times, and we remember with pleasure the high standard of musical productions for which she was responsible. She was for many years a member of the Glasgow Phoenix Choir. After her retirement she enjoyed cruising, including a round-the-world cruise. Etcetera 27

ETCETERA 13.indd 27 09/11/2010 10:58 Academical Club section Rugby Report The Club was delighted at the prospect miss the experience and bulk in the pack place in the league as the halfway mark of John Beattie returning as Head Coach, of a number of the ‘old campaigners’ approaches, and there is a real optimism and there was great anticipation amongst who had retired at the end of last season. for the second half of the season. The 2nd players and supporters for the new season. The up-side, however, was in seeing the XV, having been promoted at the end of progress and development of many of last season, continue to play well and are Nearly 70 Academicals past and present, the younger players. The arrival of John again in contention at the top of their and their guests, met in August for a Golf Beattie attracted over 20 new young league… so there is much to be pleased Day, to raise funds for the section. Niall players to Anniesland, but like many other about at this stage of the season. Campbell, a regular sponsor for many clubs, there has been a dearth of ‘front years, generously offered Accies courtesy five’ players. New scrummaging machine: The of his new golf course at Rowallan club is most fortunate to have been Castle, for a ‘Shotgun’ Competition. We have possibly one of the best back gifted a new scrummaging machine by The course and the Clubhouse facilities divisions in our league, National Division Iain and Sheena Graham, in memory were absolutely first class, and everybody 1, but it will take time to establish the of Iain’s brother Dr Ronald Graham, a enjoyed the experience enormously on pack to match. This season has seen much-liked Accies player and coach, who a perfect summer’s day. Gavin Smith was the 1st XV, as a result of injuries and died a few years ago. the organiser of the event, which raised unavailability of players, having played Boxing Day: There is to be a Boxing well over £4,000. nearly 30 players by the half-way stage of the season, which obviously makes Day lunch followed by the usual matches. When the rugby season got under way, it difficult to establish a consistency. Please contact Alasdair Graham for details and after a few good victories, it soon However, we find ourselves in fifth (0141-616 4056). became apparent that the team would

Ladies’ Hockey Club The Accies Ladies have had a successful are through to the Scottish District Plate Visit our website - www.glasgow-hockey. start to the season. All 1st XI league and they also find themselves in the West com - for more details. Home game games have been won and they are sitting District plate. Results will be posted on supporters are most welcome! our website! top of the league. The 2nd XI have had Become a fan of the Glasgow Accies’ a slower start to the season with many Social Page - www.facebook.com/ reschedules but are currently sitting third Join our Club glasgowacciesclans - and keep up to date in West District 1. Fundraising has begun As always, we welcome any former pupils with our social calendar. and there is a great social spirit at the or friends of The Glasgow Academy to Stephanie Barnet, Club Captain sports club. All GASC sections have put join our Hockey Club. Training is every [email protected] great effort into improving inter-section Tuesday night from 6.30 until 8.30 p.m. relations this season. Indoor Hockey We have just started our Indoor Hockey season and we are hoping to gain one of the top league positions. We have a much larger pool of players this season so are predicting better league results. Current Cup Positions and Results The 1st XI have made it through to the third round of the Scottish Cup after beating Grange, Edinburgh - who play two leagues above Accies in Division 1 - by 3 goals to 2. Grange play two leagues above Accies in Division 1 - and this was a fantastic result for the girls and the Club who are all very excited about the next round on 30 April 2011. The 2nd XI

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ETCETERA 13.indd 28 09/11/2010 10:58 The California tourists outside the clubhouse of Tarbet GC. California Dreaming Accies’ President Lindsay Crawford has had a busy year - there Accies’ tour to California in 1980 was the culmination of the most have even been times when to ask him to stop texting and pose for a photograph was to ask too much! successful season the Club had had since national leagues were introduced in 1973, and it is not surprising that it is so fondly remembered by those (l to r) Colin Guthrie (1948), Jimmy Smith (1940) and Iain involved in the rugby section at that time. Jarvie (1973) enjoy the reunion lunch On 2 October this year, 24 gentlemen from that era gathered to once again enjoy each other’s company with a game of golf over the delightful Tarbert course and a dinner at Stonefield Castle Hotel, to celebrate the tour’s 30th anniversary. Amongst our group we were pleased (well more surprised than pleased) to number the current Club President, Lindsay Crawford, and the next President, Johnny Taylor. We were also delighted to mark coach Guthrie’s 80th year with a special presentation, and most honoured to have Accies’ President of 1980, ‘Jimmy-the-Pie’ Smith, head the table. It was a fantastic weekend and - as well as an opportunity to catch up with old friends - a reminder that the values held by yesterday’s generation of players at New Anniesland remain a constant with today’s.

GAC Cricket Club Events Glasgow Accies Cricket Club would Calling all Academical Pipers! be delighted to welcome you to New Do you play or have you at one time played the pipes? Do you lack motivation Anniesland to two great events over the playing on your own or find your repertoire shrinking over the years? Are your coming months: pipes requiring some tender loving care and need brought up to scratch? Is Friday 3 December (7 p.m.) cranking them up at New Year or Burns Night too much like hard work? Family Storytelling Night I am looking to start an informal group of Accie Pipers who would like to play together from time to time for fun and possibly at the odd club function. I The theme for the evening is ‘Christmas is envisage some straightforward tunes to start with which everyone can play and coming and the goose is getting fat’ see how it develops from there. Tickets £10 for adults/£5 for children Playing with other like-minded folk will help you maximise your potential and Friday 7 January (7 p.m.) increase your enjoyment. I think the best way to make a start would be to meet Quiz Night under the umbrella of the well-known Glasgow Highland Club. It already has many Accie connections and has the same aims as ours; it meets - conveniently - Tickets £5 at the High School Pavilion. We meet in the upstairs hall every Tuesday night at 7.30 p.m. from October to May, festive breaks excepted. For more information about these events, please contact: For further details, please contact Iain J Smith (1971) at [email protected] [email protected] or telephone 0141 942 0612.

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ETCETERA 13.indd 29 09/11/2010 10:58 the firers in the team also shot in the last Academicals Shooting winning Scottish team 45 years ago! This for Scotland is a good demonstration of how age is not necessarily a barrier to participation at the 2010 has been a very successful year highest level in the sport. for Scottish shooting. Apart from the Commonwealth Games, in which In several other matches against England, the shooters in the various disciplines Mike Barlow, Hamish Hunter, Henry contributed 9 medals (including 4 Golds) Watson (1967) and Lindsay Peden either to the Scottish team tally, the Scottish shot or coached in the winning Scottish full-bore rifle team has won several team. In addition, both Henry and matches against England, in which Hamish toured with the Scottish team to Academicals featured prominently. Australia in September. The most important victory was in As part of ongoing initiatives led by the National Match, an annual match The trophy ‘carried off’ by the Scottish team is so Lindsay Peden in his role of Scottish between Scotland, England, Ireland, and heavy that it takes 5 men to lift it! Captain (a post held for three years), Wales and which was shot at Bisley in efforts are being made to try to retain July at distances of 300, 500 and 600 and the top score in the Scottish Team cadets in the sport of shooting after they yards. Each team comprised 20 firers, plus was made by Mike Barlow (1984), who leave school. In January 2010, there will five coaches and a main coach. Scotland recorded a maximum possible 105 ex 105 be a weekend training camp held for won this match for the first time in 45 with 17 central bulls out of the 21 shots. cadets from six Scottish schools at The years, narrowly beating England by one Hamish Hunter (1967) coached one of Academy, with the aim of improving point and – in the process – set a record the five targets and the main wind coach skills levels and - in the process, we hope score for Scotland at each of the three for the match was Allan Mabon, who -encouraging more cadets to continue in ranges. The Scottish team was selected is the regular coach and trainer for the the sport. and captained by Lindsay Peden (1971) current school team. Amazingly, one of Lindsay Peden (1971) London Section The London Section of the Glasgow Academical Club held its 2010 Annual Dinner at The Caledonian Club in London on March 25, 2010. Together with the regular attendees, we were pleased to welcome many new Accies to our very enjoyable and lively evening. We were also delighted to welcome the Rector of the School, Mr Peter Brodie, the Chairman of the Parent Body, Mr (l to r) David A Stirling (1968), Jimmy McCulloch, the Chairman of the J Gordon Jack (1966) and Peter WC Marr (1982) at the London Board of Governors, Mr Gordon Jack, Section Annual Dinner Director of External Relations at the Election. Readers of Bruce’s articles in a respectable score of 102, good enough School, Mr Malcolm McNaught, Deputy the national press would be accustomed for 4th place and more importantly, ahead Director of Development, Mr Mark to his forthright and provocative views of the High School team! Taylor and our Guest Speaker, Mr Bruce presented, on this occasion, with a dry Anderson, former editor of The Spectator, We also entertained the School Shooting sense of humour. who now writes for The Independent, Team at Bisley on Thursday 15 July 2010, and many of the other Scottish Schools’ The date for the Annual Dinner in 2011 yet again kindly organised by Henry Secretaries. is Friday 11 March,2011, which is the Watson and Crawford Alexander. weekend of the Calcutta Cup match As is tradition, Mr Peter Brodie and Mr I would like to take this opportunity to being held at Twickenham on Sunday Jimmy McCulloch gave us a fascinating ask any Accies living / staying in London the thirteenth. We would extend a warm review of the activities of the school and / the South of England and who have not welcome at the Dinner, to all Accies and the Club. Mr Gordon Jack then said yet made contact with us, to please feel friends who will be travelling to London a few words of thanks to the London free to drop me an e-mail (ecj@aralon. for the match. Section for their continuing generosity co.uk) or call (0207 235 9012), and we to the Bursary Fund, set up in the name The London Section was represented at would be delighted to add you to our of the London Section. Details of this the London Scottish Schools’ Golf Day mailing list. There is undoubtedly some fund are available, should you wish to held on Tuesday, 22 June 2010 at Denham movement from address to address, and contribute to this worthwhile cause. Golf Club. While not finishing in first if that is the case, please send us your place, the team of Gordon MacSween updated details. Our Guest Speaker, Mr Bruce Anderson (1984), Don McIntosh (1955), Chris provided us with an interesting insight David W Hall (1961) Smith (1977) and Ian Timpson (1957) had of the political landscape, pre-General Secretary / Treasurer

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ETCETERA 13.indd 30 09/11/2010 10:58 Back row: R Wattenberg, D Cowper, D Guthrie, W Spowart, K Caldwell, R Fraser, C Smart, C Morrison, N Ogilvie, D Hutchison, J Stevenson, T McCubbin, L Johnson, K Dickson Second-back: J Naismith, D Hunter L Mill, A Walls, E Cameron, G Duff, M MacGregor, C/R Galbraith, S Norton, C Carpenter, C Homfray, C Birks, E Philips Second-front: J Smith, J Fisher, R Philips, E MacLaurin, J Wittenberg, S Morrison, H Gaskin, L Mill, G Morgan, J McCubbin, I Phillip, J Garvie, F Carlow, A Dixon From our own Front: C MacGregor, J Holmes, C Homfray, J Galt, I Patrick, L Paul, T Johnson, A Robertson, A Morgan correspondents Absent: G Carlaw, C Boyle, J Jackson, I Fisher, V Smith, A Phillips, D Robertson, S Organ, C/R Galbraith, A Hetherington, M Fleming, A Elliott, D Imrie, J Dixon

Dear Sir Dear Sir Referring to the letter from Peter Lyon Atholl Preparatory School - 1963 originated at the school at the time as it in the latest edition of Etcetera, identifying includes details of those who were absent As a former pupil of Atholl who went the piper in the middle of the front rank as well as those pictured. on to Kelvinside Academy rather than in the pipe band photograph, I can name Glasgow Academy or Westbourne I have In these days we were all known by our another two or three. only just received a copy of your excellent surname most of the time and this is The pipe major was Alistair Oliphant, magazine. reflected in the list. I think the only one a man of many talents, piper, conjurer, I can expand on is Ewen Cameron in the Rosemary Fraser has done a great job ventriloquist and accordion player, I second back row between Walls and Duff. in identifying most of those in the was CQMS and on the left flank of the photograph but the attached copy of Hope this is of interest. front rank. The forehead that can be seen a copy of a (typewritten) list given to Regards, behind the head of the recently-identified me some years back should help fill in Angus McDonald is John Jex Long, Tom McCubbin the blanks. I assume the list must have undoubtedly the best piper of my generation. The rest unfortunately are blanks. Fun for 3-year-olds! George C Blake (1950) The Scottish Council for Independent Dear Sir Schools has released figures for the overall How extraordinary that you should print number of pupils at a class photograph of 1932-33 in the private schools for latest magazine. That was my first ever 2010/11. While the school photograph with Miss Walker statistics show a drop of giving me the start to my 13 years in The nearly 8% in Nursery Glasgow Academy. children nationally, I did so enjoy my years at The Academy Glasgow Academy has as a boarder at 12 Belmont Crescent been experiencing a under the guidance of the Coleman mini boom in Nursery Smiths. They moved to Gloucestershire numbers, particularly at in retirement, and after my years in the its Kelvinbridge site. Army I lived in Kew, so was able to keep The Rector, Peter Brodie, commented: ‘Our Nursery is flourishing, with numbers in touch with Mrs Coley right up to her up 23% this year. We believe this is a result of high levels of individual attention, death. an imaginative child-centred environment, a first-class staff that is committed Yours sincerely, to on-going training and strong parental involvement. This is reflected in our excellent Care Commission report.’ Iain Winning (1943)

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ETCETERA 13.indd 31 09/11/2010 10:58

Gifts for Christmas; gifts for all year round! Glasgow Academy and Westbourne School Merchandise

Trinket Box Academical Club Cufflinks Silver plated trinket box, Finish off the Academical look engraved with The Academy with these chain cufflinks in crest. Accies Club colours, with £12 crest. £5 ‘The Glasgow Academy’ by James Porteous Wood Only 350 of these quality, limited edition prints were produced; an ideal gift for Academical Silk Ties a former pupil, parent or Is your old school tie too old? grandparent. (62cm x 46cm.) Replace it with a 100% Silk £30 Academical Tie made by Toye, Kenning & Spencer. ‘Academy Blossom’ by £15 Fraser Stark (2010) Westbourne Pin Brooch Many of you will recognise Confirm you are an official the pink blossom which ‘Old Gal’ with this stylish falls over the entrance to the Westbourne pin brooch, school and is captured in complete with purple this beautiful print. (45cm x Westbourne crest. 32cm.) £3 £7.50

‘Seventy Years On, A ‘The Glasgow Academy – School at War’ 150 Years’ by Iain MacLeod Academical Umbrella This book by Andrew Wylie This excellent book is a You will be hoping for rain and Douglas Anderson is a chronicle and celebration of Academical Bow Tie with this brightly coloured remarkable insight into life at what The Academy achieved An Academical Bow Tie Academical umbrella with The Academy from 1939 - from 1845 to 1995. is ideal attire for that extra Academy crests. For collection 1945. Informative, humorous £10 special occasion. only. and nostalgic; a great read! £10 £15 £5

If you would like to purchase any of our merchandise, please send a cheque payable to: ‘The Glasgow Academy’ for the amount shown to External Relations, Colebrooke Street, Glasgow, G12 8HE. For other payment options or more information, please email [email protected] or phone 0141 342 5494. All prices are inclusive of postage and packaging, except for the Academy umbrellas which must be collected from the school.

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