Number 16 Autumn/Winter 2011

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

Laura Duckworth on a recent tour of duty in Afghanistan Editorial Contents Not bad for survival! 3 Right of reply I always enjoy lunching with the Gasbags. It’s a great privilege for one so young. 4 Business Etcetera Gasbags? That’s Glasgow Academicals Slightly Biased Against the Governors, for those 5 Anecdotage not in the know. The society was founded in 1947 and has been meeting regularly 6 The Academy in the 50s and 60s ever since. It’s rather an odd acronym given that Russell Bruce, one of its founder members, was 10 Reunions and get-togethers actually a Glasgow Academy Governor at the time of its foundation! Russell told 14 Academicals Abroad me a number of years ago that – as one of the younger Governors at the time – he felt that the old men on the Board had been there rather too long and had become 16 Hill walking in the 1960s complacent. He and his co-founders felt the school needed a bit of a shake up! 17 Profile Although each of the Gasbags left Glasgow Academy before 1945, there is no sense today that it is a gathering of old men. They are as sharp today as they ever were. 18 Academical section At some point in the proceedings, the Rector will update them on what has been 22 Westbourne happening since their last meeting and they are never happier than when they hear about new things happening at The Academy. 24 2010-2011 Regular Giving Appeal Final Report There is, however, one new thing that they don’t like the sound of… They have no intention of opening their membership to youngsters. And when one is privileged to 26 Family announcements be in their company one can easily see why. They’ve always met in this way and each member of the group is valued for his contribution over many years. 28 Obituaries 30 There’s no business like show business… 31 Picture Post

Do we have your e-mail address? It’s how we communicate best! Keeping in touch The External Relations office is situated in Colebrooke Terrace. Former pupils are always One regular attender at Gasbags’ functions is Andrew Howie (1941) one of our welcome to pop in for a chat and look round the school. Just give us a call to arrange a Honorary Governors. On 22 August this year, Andrew and his wife Joan celebrated time. Our address is Colebrooke Terrace, their Diamond Wedding Anniversary with not one Glasgow G12 8HE and you can contact us but two parties to mark the occasion. The two on 0141 342 5494 or at [email protected] photographs above show the happy couple in the same wedding attire with 60 years separating the The Glasgow Academical Club two events. As Andrew himself comments, ‘Not bad 21 Helensburgh Drive, Glasgow G13 1RR President – John Taylor for survival!’ E-mail – [email protected] Someone else who celebrated her wedding in Secretary – Kenneth Shand August of this year was our own Joanna Lennox. In Tel: 0141 248 5011 marrying her groom, Andrew, she not only became E-mail: [email protected] a very happy and very lovely bride – she became The Academical Club pavilion Joanna Wallace, the name by which we’ll know her is available for functions. from now on. Academical Club’s London Section We wish them as many happy years together as the Secretary – David Hall, 20 Cadogan Place Howies have known. London SW1X 9SA Tel: 020 7235 9012 E-mail: [email protected]

Malcolm McNaught, Director of External Relations Front cover: Laura Duckworth (2001) serving in [email protected] Afghanistan

2 Etcetera Right of reply

Dear Malcolm came in with a cup of coffee and biscuits for Mr Preston. There was nothing for us, but I don’t think we expected anything, so I would like to take you up on one or two points in your we weren’t disappointed. After he’d drunk his coffee, the real Editorial where there are some inaccuracies, not only in fact, business of the morning commenced as Mr Preston called us but in your underlying assumptions. As the Second World all outside so he could indulge his passion – cricket! We had War fades into history, it seems necessary for those who lived a knock-up game which was interrupted occasionally when through those days to correct these errors while they can. we stood aside so that a car could be driven past. We waved The First XV did not dig up the tennis courts. Thanks to a to the driver and he waved back. It was like that in those days. unique moment in history, Glasgow Academy was the only While all this was happening, contractors were again called in active school in Glasgow – due to DORA and foresight. The to dig up the tennis courts and replace them with shelters. As Defence of the Realm Act, enacted early in 1939, laid down these were completed, we were recalled to Colebrooke Street. that all urban schools must have air-raid shelters for all their My agreeable spell in Giffnock lasted about ten days, I think. pupils and staff. Whether the foresight came from the Rector, A strange sight met me on my return. Some of my friends had Roydon Richards, or the Governors, or both, I cannot say, but disappeared as their parents made other arrangements and were it was decided that after the Highers were over, the Fifth and replaced by boys from the High School and Hillhead etc. as Sixth forms should spend the rest of the summer term digging well as girls from Park and Laurelbank. Ancient rivalries were a shelter. This was not where the tennis courts were, but on a set aside and the girls huddled like cowboys surrounded by piece of waste ground to the left as seen from the main building redskins closing in for the kill! I expect there were Westbourne looking south, near a flag-pole. (Was it replaced?) No doubt girls there too, but I don’t remember them. By October, the some elderly chap was appointed gaffer or foreman to supervise other schools – like Craigholme – had either migrated to the work, but I’d guess he spent most of the time telling the country hotels or had built their own shelters, and so, in ones boys tall stories about his time in the Army during the Great and twos, these exotic people went their ways, and life in War of 1914/1918, because all that they had to show for their Colebrooke Street settled into what passed as normal ‘for the efforts was a muddy ditch! During the summer, contractors duration.’ were called in to finish the job. You say that the tennis courts were dug up needlessly. This is When war was declared in September, Glasgow Academy had not how it seemed at the time. Thanks to DORA, the shelters a shelter with accommodation for some 60 people. Meanwhile, were a legal requirement. No one was to know in 1939 that ‘village schools’ were set up in various suburbs. It was a period Glasgow would be the least-bombed city in Britain. We had a of fine weather, and I enjoyed cycling out to a house in Brier three day ‘blitz’ in March 1941 but most of the bombs fell on Road, Giffnock which was the home of a boy named Thomson, Clydebank. There were a few ‘alerts’ during the following years who was a year or two younger than me. There were some when some bombs fell but none of these raids occurred during twenty boys in the class, none of whom I can now remember. the day, so far as I can remember. We had occasional drills when The morning was divided into two periods. During the first the janitor rang his bell to call us to shelters, but even these we did English followed by maths. This order was reversed next lapsed after a time... day, and so on. These proceedings were overseen by George Preston whose subject was History. At half-way, Mrs Thomson Douglas Alexander (1944)

Etcetera 3 Business Etcetera clients. Discretion is clearly of crucial The Admirable Johnny importance and Johnny does not like to name names. ‘Suffice to say I have a in south London, is a hive of activity. black book of contacts that Tatler would All of the units are bustling with work die for.’ While he is both loyal to – and for the firm Johnny founded with his thoroughly in tune with – his rich, business partner, Rolline Frewen, thirty famous and powerful clients, Johnny years ago. He recalls that ‘in those first stresses that behind the glamorous six months, when the phone rang, I jet-setting, the company’s success is insisted we were too busy to take on primarily due to hard graft. Getting contracts’. This tactic clearly worked started and staying at the top of a because, when The Admirable Crichton competitive market is in many ways did start running events, they were about ‘working really hard, all day, day hugely in demand: ‘being unavailable had after day’. convinced potential clients that we were exceptionally good!’ Learning to work hard and be self-reliant is something Johnny notes of his time at Johnny admits that in reality they had school. He was one of many generations a lot to learn in the early days, even to of his family to attend The Academy. He the extent of not being sure how many excelled in Art (and remembers Wallace people could be seated at a 6-foot round Orr fondly) and also enjoyed his studies After thirteen years at Glasgow Academy, table. Nevertheless the success of the in Maths and French. In addition to followed by training as an accountant firm in the early 1980s was fantastic, with being involved with the Globe Players, and a spell working in international exponential year-on-year growth. While the Dramatic Society and the Gavel Club, copyright law with some of the there is considerable talk of recession he was a Leading Instructor in the Naval leading pop acts of the 1970s, Johnny at the moment, Johnny points out that Section (‘because the uniform was the Roxburgh (1967) found his niche currently ‘the wealthy have never been most comfortable!’) so it seems Johnny when he co-founded The Admirable wealthier’ and recent events seem to thrived on a busy life at school, too. Crichton. Often described as a ‘party prove it: over the summer the company maestro for the super-rich’, Johnny is a built a moat and boathouse-styled Fortunately, as well as jet-setting around gregarious and energetic businessman marquee for a party for 400. This sounds the globe organising around 400 private who has established a company which ambitious until I learn that several and corporate parties a year, Johnny organises some of the most glamorous years ago a film premiere bash involved does get the chance to take a break and and decadent events in – and out of – building three waterfalls, an entire forest spend time at his home in Norfolk. There this world. and a trout stream stocked with 70 he and his partner enjoy entertaining rainbow trout. In short, no theme or idea friends, playing tennis and generally I am lucky to meet Johnny on his return is too ambitious; ‘amazing and fantastic’ is taking a break from the demands of from overseeing Dunhill Cup hospitality the norm with The Admirable Crichton. work. I suspect they find time to throw at St Andrews, just before he flies to one or two amazing parties, too! visit clients in Florence, Venice and Abu The company has a Royal Warrant Dhabi. His company’s HQ, tucked away and a long list of happy, regular Mark Taylor Ian Barrie (1999) David Fraser (1981) Until May this year I was a Following success in the UK, Dr lawyer. Having found myself on David Fraser (1981) has brought a treadmill towards 5 years PQE out an international edition of his (post qualified experience) and book Relationship Mastery: A Business another gruelling so many more Professional’s Guide published by Visual ahead, I stopped talking about wanting to do something I Impressions Publishing in the USA. love and went for it. I am now the founder of Glacius Travel, David’s book makes accessible an a specialist ski travel provider aiming at the discerning client insightful approach to effectiveness (for example – the Accie!) wherever they may be based around with people, in both professional the globe. We strive to understand the exact needs of our and personal life, and is especially customers, whether they be a family of four or a corporate of relevant in challenging times. In the words of Harry Reid, 100 people. I am lucky to have ample experience of what both former editor of The Herald, the book is ‘Very positive, helpful, types of clients require and, so far, the Glacius approach has and enlightening. Always pertinent and balanced, and even been a refreshing experience to our initial clients who have profound. Invaluable.’ www.drdavidfraser.com booked through Glacius this year. They include investment bankers, city law firms, ex-pats in the Middle East and families Grant Mitchell (1990) in and Glasgow. Our raison d’être is to deliver an Grant Mitchell, co-owner of ROX, has been celebrating unrivalled level of service and, of course, a holiday to match. after the company was named Scottish Retailer of the Year You can find us on www.glaciustravel.com and I very much at the prestigious Scottish Fashion Awards 2011 in June and look forward to hearing from as many readers of Etcetera as Independent Retailer of the Year at the UK Jewellery Awards possible. 2011 in July.

4 Etcetera remark after watching a marching display by the RAF’s renowned exhibition Anecdotage drill platoon, ‘Son, I could do better in an hour with a squad of Marines’, and A letter from an old chap in the new world... knowing his history, he probably could! I read the Etcetera with relish: names recognised, faces remembered. A monumentally A keen interest in rugby and cricket, encouraging revelation considering I have been away from Glasgow, indeed , probably at the expense of my scholastic for the past 65 years (well almost). I’m now 80, still healthy, reasonably vital. I do not studies, brought me the honour of rise from a low chair as sprightly as in years past, but, without embarrassment, I can representing the school at underage still manoeuvre around/across most obstacles and mental challenges. levels up to the 1st XV, and the unbeaten 1 under 13 /2 XV shown in the attached It is tempting to propose publication of my recollections of the Academy. I am photograph, includes four members who obliged, however, to recognise other contributors draw upon longer Academy went on to be part of the very successful attendance and write better than I. As an alternative, I wish to thank those who 1st XV of 1952-53 which lost only have taken the time and expended the effort to write their pieces. I wish also to two of their 19 matches in that season. congratulate the editor(s) for a task well performed. I am happily led to remember The record at cricket was not quite as details of my experiences and to regain a sense of the school. Some days were better successful, the 1st XI of 1953 winning than others, but none was without worth. only three of their nine matches played. Incidentally, and with all due respect to my fellow former pupils, Morrison was, and I The photograph of the members of the presume continues to be, the premier house/room... or whatever was its designation. boarding house shown on page 6 of Not all is well remembered after 65 years. Issue No 13 (Autumn 2010) shows an Time to take my pills. unnamed lady sitting on the left of Mr Stan Verdi (1947) Aston. She was Mrs Netty Wilson, the assistant matron and boarding house nurse, who occupied the room at the top of No 13 in which there was always a A ‘boarder’ from Ireland welcome and brightly-burning gas fire. In the same picture the unnamed boy on just another indication of the personal On 17 September 1945, I was presented my left was, I believe, Steven Braid. by my mother to Mr and Mrs Coleman interest taken by the Coleys in each of Smith at 12 Belmont Crescent, to their charges. I continued to be in touch with the commence eight years of attendance at Coleys until Jack’s death some years after My interest in sailing also brought Glasgow Academy as a boarder. I left, the Coleys having retired at the end my immediate application to join the of 1953. I will always remember with Naval Section of the CCF as soon as Both of my parents were Scottish, but gratitude, the pastoral care provided in it was formed, which brought me into had lived in Ireland since 1929 when my my day for all the residents of 12 and 13 contact with the unforgettable Chief father, a Glasgow Chartered Accountant Belmont Crescent. with Craig Gardner, had been sent to Petty Officer Hoskins, a man of huge Dublin to rationalise the Irish transport experience and ability who was heard to Alan C Stewart (1953) companies, and having completed that task, was asked to become the Traffic Manager of the new national transport company. To the best of my knowledge, I was and remain the only pupil to attend the Academy as a boarder who came from Southern Ireland, and the subsequent eight years required more than 60 crossings of the Irish Sea as I returned home at Christmas, Easter and in the summer as well as the long Christmas half term holiday. (I was allowed two extra days for travelling!) Unlike many boys, I can say without hesitation that my school days were extremely happy and satisfying, not least because of the superb care and consideration provided by Jack and Ethel Coleman Smith. I still retain with great pride a book by the famous yacht designer Uffa Fox presented to me by the Coleys when I left in 1953, the selection of that book being in respect of my great interest in sailing and the sea, and

Etcetera 5 Maurice Lindsay, the Scots poet and man of letters and Academical who died a few years ago, might have been responsible for one of the best things that happened to me in my time at the Academy—the Poetry prizes. He or somebody else gave the school Maya number glyphs in Yucatan. It is ‘At once she consentit, and gie’d me prizes for the boys who learnt by heart inscribed to me for work in Latin in class her air’m / Ne’er a word in her mou’, the greatest number of lines of verse. No IIA in 1947-48, by ‘F.B.’, that wonderful but a smile in her ee. / She appeared limits: contestants could choose whatever teacher Frank Batchelor, who simply like an angel in feature and for’m / As they fancied, in any language, any metre, awarded his own prizes. Thank you, we walked side by side on the road tae any length of line. To prove they knew please. .’ their stuff they had to recite it, to a Chris Varley wanted five evenings a Experts have since assured me this comes long-suffering member of staff, book week if he was to get me to Cambridge from no printed version. It must have in his hand to check off the total lines in French and German. The left over passed from illiterate throat to illiterate learnt. And this was in the poor man’s evenings I spent with my girl-friend. ear for maybe two centuries. coffee break or lunch break! It’s a wonder Peter Cairns had been quite wrong the Rector Dr Roydon Richards didn’t I finished my two years’ national service to rebuke me for day-dreaming in his have a mutiny on his hands. as a second lieutenant in the Royal French class ‘Isaacs, has some blonde got Scots Fusiliers in Churchill Barracks, My rivals learnt great chunks of the big into your blood?’ She was a brunette, and (now demolished, the site occupied by a thick English Parnassus. The whole of is now my wife of 53 years. We met at a swimming pool). I trained as a teacher in The Ancient Mariner, or Gray’s Elegy, or French play in the Citizens Theatre, Le order to return to East Africa, but not to both. Milton’s Lycidas, and L’Allegro, and Docteur Knock, attended by fifth-formers Kenya. Some of my very bright students Il Penseroso. I went for Housman, and for of both sexes. Those were the days at the Government School Tabora Burns. I could imitate Ben Aston’s broad of segregated education. When the Tanganyika (near where Stanley found Gloucestershire accent—near enough Livingstone) tried their hand at poetry. to the Shropshire of Housman’s Lad. Peter Cairns had been quite Mesmerised by the huge bulldozer And thanks to the Second World War wrong to rebuke me for clearing bush for a sports ground, one lad the Lallans was no problem. Evacuated wrote: to , I spent four years at a day-dreaming in his French two-teacher village school where English class ‘Isaacs, has some ‘Hot work in the shimmering was spoken only in the classroom. But blonde got into your blood?’ heat, toppling the termite towers. more of Burns later. I don’t suppose But at night I can lean on you, touch older readers recall the nursery rhyme of She was a brunette, and is your steel blade, and it feels cool.’ the three little foxes, who ‘went to the now my wife of 53 years. The Poetry prize memory training came fair, where they all won prizes, / Three in useful when I was running schools plum-puddingses and three mince pieses, Academy’s sixth-form cultural society, the in Tanzania and had to learn every / And they all won coconuts at coconut Humanists, served cider for refreshment student’s name, in Dodoma over 600 shyses’. We outdid the three little foxes, at an inter-school function (that’s one boys and girls, black, brown, and a few for there were six poetry prizes annually, with girls), there were indignant protests white. True, all the Ismaili Moslem boys substantial book prizes, and books of our at such debauchery. The scandal reached were Diamond, having been born in the own choice—a sensible liberal idea of the the Sunday papers! late Aga Khan’s diamond jubilee year. Rector! But at the Prizegiving in the St National Service found me a private And fairly memorable were Nehemia Andrews Hall Lord Reith picked up the soldier in the Black Watch, at the tail end and Habakkuk, on the one hand, and decadent red-leather bound volume I had of the Mau Mau uprising. Sitting quiet Illuminata, Graziella on the other. selected in the second hand department all night in freezing cold grass high up One child, born to a mother who had of John Smith’s in St Vincent Street on Mount Kenya, a poem I had learnt lost several babies, bore the disarming and his huge eyebrows really bristled. I years before and only half understood name Sikustahili Elirehema—I did not thought he was going to refuse to hand came back to me, and I began to bless deserve it God have mercy on me. An it over. It was Charles Baudelaire’s Les the anonymous donor of the Poetry order from Dar es Salaam that every Fleurs du Mal. Prizes. And from one of my tent-mates secondary student had to receive two It’s still on my bookshelf today. So is a in the platoon camp I discovered that hours weekly religious instruction was a copy of Anne Terry White’s Lost Worlds: you don’t have to have Scottish Highers great challenge. There were thirty-nine Adventures in Archaeology, with stories of or English A Levels to know poetry. An religions not counting mine. Five sects the Palace of Minos, Egypt, Ur of the illiterate itinerant agricultural labourer— of Islam, Hindus, Jains, Parsees, and Chaldees, and pictures of Schliemann’s aka bothy boy—knew dozens of ‘Bothy (thanks to a century of competitive wife wearing the jewels of Helen, Ballads’ and I was a practised learner. missionary activity) many varieties of and of the gold mask of the boy King His version of The Road and the Miles tae Christians. I called a meeting of pastors Tut-Ankh-Amen, and of mysterious Dundee included this verse: who hadn’t spoken for years, and a

6 Etcetera timetable emerged. Eventually only little Dunstan (from Malawi) was left in the corridor, clutching his large black book A life beyond the Academy and refusing to join the small Church of Scotland group. He was ‘Free...’. I left the Academy in 1953, post Highers, four-and-a-half grandchildren. We live After ten years in Tanzania, and an MA but still only sixteen. The memory dims in Pinner (North-west London, for the in linguistics, my next job was with the but I do remember some contemporaries information of any unreconstructed Scots British Council. My wife and I held – although I have lived in England for who profess ignorance of everything Burns Suppers in various lands: Ghana, nearly fifty years. south of Carlisle) with the family all within commuting distance. Cyprus, Iran, South Africa, and finally Names that spring to mind include Burma. (By the way, a handy recipe for Ian Dunsmore (recently pictured in his More recently, I have been repairing my bashed neeps in a land without turnips official glory) Hector Kirsop, the Cannon previous lack of tertiary education – to is mashed kohl-rabi coloured with twins, Sandy Ferguson, CD Mitchell, date I have completed a BA (Hons) in carrots.) In Cyprus and in Ghana most the other red-head (Topping) and of History and about half a BSc (Hons) in folk were familiar with haggis, but in less happy lands like the Shah’s Iran, Vorster’s course various members of staff – ‘Baggy’ International Development that I hope apartheid South Africa, or the Generals’ Aston, Mr Ogilvie, Coleman-Smith, to complete in the next three years. Chris Varley, Mr U’ren and the Rector – Burma, Burns was the poet of liberty, Never having taken to organised sports at Roydon Richards. champion of the people and against school, I am somewhat surprised to find their oppressors. The streets of Rangoon In the intervening period I worked for that running a few marathons seems to twenty years ago looked like Glasgow. Marks and Spencer in stores and in Head have inspired four of the next generation They were full of Scottish Victorian and Office and then for a major supplier, to do likewise – and am gratified to find Edwardian buildings designed by the finishing up eventually (and briefly) on my past efforts are still quicker than their same architects and housing the same the board of what became Coats Viyella. recent efforts at younger ages! Creaking Glasgow shipping forms and insurance firms. The largest inland waterways After that I ran my own business as a joints have meant that tennis is now my company in history, the Irrawaddy Headhunter and held various outside preferred antidote to academic study (and Flotilla Company, had recruited its consultancy roles till I retired about four sometimes the escape from a surfeit of young probationers exclusively from years ago. grandsons, all wanting me to fix broken toys!). two schools—the Glasgow High School In between, I married a Glasgow girl and and the Glasgow Academy. At our Burns we now have three married children and Tony Markson (1953) Evening in Rangoon Bill Buchanan, an international civil servant with one house in the Perth of his birth, and another in Perth West Australia, stood resplendent in the black and yellow Buchanan tartan, dirks and all. But when Joyce the Voice, a staff member of the Cough up! British Embassy, hit the high note in Ca’ Can anyone name the miscreants in this photograph taken the Yowes tae the knowes, he needed his at Blackwaterfoot on Arran in 1963? And who was the tartan handkerchief and a soothing Athol mystery photographer? brose. During my rendering of Tam O Shanter the strangest thing happened. Tam Detentions all round for the culprits. spying on the witches dancing in Alloway Auld kirk-yard, admires the form of one sparsely-clad young witch: ‘…and roars out, “Weel done, Cutty-sark!” / And in an instant all was dark.’ At that precise moment all the electric lights in the house went out. The guests thought it a stage trick, but it was just the Rangoon Electricity Authority. Thanks to the Academy poetry prize training, I just carried on in the dark. A blind Burmese man, sitting beside my wife asked her what had happened. When she explained, he offered to entertain us with the Scots songs he had learned from his Scots boss from when, as civil engineers they had worked together on the early stages of the M6 motorway. All learnt by heart! Ralph Isaacs (1953) Etcetera 7 The Academy in the 50s and 60s Tangible mementos

As promised, I enclose copy of my only tangible memento of my seven years at the Academy. Graham U’ren – who is on the extreme left of the second row – tells me that the teacher is Miss Anderson which I think places the photo as of her Class 4 in 1955/6. I am third from the right of the third row. Campbell Smith is third from the right of the back row, Michael Sadler extreme right on the first row and Jimmy Mackintosh is third from the left on the back row with Jim Shearer to the immediate right of him. From then on I am struggling – although I think that is Roderick Cordiner second from the left in the third row and John Evans third from the left of the second row. Bruce Patrick (1963)

Miss Lilburn’s class Character building with Charles One of the most vivid – and indeed happiest – recollections Wilberforce I have of my Academy days is centred on Miss Lilburn’s I suppose the good old CCF is responsible for preparing pupils Primary 3 class. From the moment we entered her classroom for character requirements in later life. in September, our thoughts become increasingly focused in the direction of the puppet show which, if I remember correctly, I shall always remember when the SSI – Charles Wilberforce took place at the end of the Christmas term. (assistant janitor) – used to fire live ammunition over the heads of the 1st Year CCF recruits – ‘Heads down, boys!’ – a For several weeks before our performances, we would start command that was instantaneously obeyed. ‘Now you know collecting string which would be used to control the puppets what it feels like “under” fire!’ and newspapers from which we would create papier-mâché heads, not to mention all the other parts of the puppet’s Would an assistant janitor/CCF SSI ever get away with that anatomy. Eventually – under the patient guidance of Miss today? I think not. Today he would have been sent straight to Lilburn – we were able to transform these simple everyday jail for his character-building methodologies. items into something magical. After many frustrating hours, Recently I have been working in the near shore waters as a our labours were rewarded when we succeeded in making our construction manager in the offshore oil industry – just off Al creations walk and move their arms in motions which could be Basra in Iraq – a very dangerous place indeed with thousands of vaguely recognised as human. tonnes of UXO (unexploded ordnance) and other nasty little During our performances, no matter how careful we were, bits of explosives plus a smattering of anti-social locals who inevitably a couple of puppets would become entangled and occasionally take pot shots at our pipe-laying teams. have to leave the stage in true Peter Pan fashion. Their removal Wearing my flack jacket one evening after yet another incident, was usually accompanied by the not too silent comments of at I was recalling ‘Wilby’ over coffee – to another expat Scot one least two performers. of our ex-SAS security people – and his preparation of GA I only wish that I had kept one of my puppets to show my two boys for later life. daughters that, at one time in the dim and distant past, their Strange old world. father possessed a modicum of creativity. Best regards Sandy Ferns (1960) Willie Hunter Smith (1968)

8 Etcetera A few reminiscences

I have been reading the articles on myself or fellow pupils – it was more the view that the Academy had been contributed by former pupils in previous often than not when they felt or knew a great school for those who had been issues of Etcetera with great interest. we simply weren’t trying! Firm, but fair! high achievers, whether in the classroom, I enjoyed studying Pat Dorman’s the sports field or any of the other main I loved Nick Utechin’s tale of his photograph of the Academy staff circa school activities. But for the ‘also rans’ attempted peaceful ‘coup’ over the 1975 recognising many faces of those on they believed that they would have been long-outdated rules on cap-wearing! the staff who had been there when I left just as well educated overall in any one of Johnnie Macnab described Nick as a school at Christmas 1968. I certainly did Glasgow’s or the West of Scotland’s many fine school captain which I am sure he NOT recognise Neil Garland’s scathing other schools, grant-aided or state sector! was. He was a deeply-civilised and wise description of some of them in Issue 13! I remember having near apoplexy at this chap even as a schoolboy! Nick in turn ‘heresy’! A right ‘ding dong’ argument As Johnnie Macnab rightly pointed out described my own brief time as school ensued. We begged to differ in the end! in his most interesting recollections of captain as being ‘a very strict regime’! life in the Boarding House in the 1960s, Well, yes... maybe, as I had to follow I have often pondered that argument discipline for schoolboys was a whole my great friend and classmate, Graeme over the last near 40-odd years. Of this different game than it was to become Mitchell, who was a very fine school much, however, I remain quite certain. a decade later and even more so since. captain – a born leader, a big strapping, Over these last 40 years or so since, I Physical punishment (if necessary!) was excellent rugby player and captain of the have run across many fellow Academicals ever-present in school as it was at home. 1st XV, a very good all-rounder and a who, like me, attended the school in the As part of our upbringing and education hugely-respected and well-liked chap. A 50s and 60s. Some were, undoubtedly, in its widest sense, we learnt that there raised eyebrow or finger from Graeme, ‘high achievers’ at school. But many were ‘no excuse’ offences (double yellow and even the surliest Fourth Former more were very much ‘ordinary foot line – automatic fine!). The world is full came to heel! Yours truly, on the other soldiers’ in their schooldays. Yet, with a of these wherever you go, nowadays hand, was of diminutive stature and an very few sad exceptions, they all have more than ever! If you don’t learn how embarrassment on the sports field. As been a total credit in whatever careers to live within such rules at school, where such, I had to fall back on my ‘absolute or jobs they chose. All have been a credit else do you ever learn? powers’, the rather strict and outdated to their colleagues, neighbours, friends rule-book and the powers of summary and families. Most of all, they have been As we all go through life, one of our enforcement given. I hope I wasn’t too a credit to themselves! And, while that more frequently committed ‘sins’ is much like Heinrich Himmler! doubtless reflects on the way we were when we fail to give whatever we are brought up by our mums and dads in the doing or supposed to be doing ‘our best Finally, I do remember, very clearly, an fifties and sixties, it equally reflects on shot’. We then let ourselves and usually occasion a few years after I left school. I our time at the Academy and especially others down, sometimes very badly! My was on holiday with a few Academical on the Staff (with all their foibles!) and recollections of the stricter disciplinarians friends and school-day contemporaries the whole general ethos of the Academy at the Academy in the 1960s is that – when we got reminiscing about our in those years. when they did come down very heavily times at the Academy. They put forward Vivian Clement (1968)

Where are they all now? Whilst recently rummaging in an old tea chest, I came across this photo of the 1st XV rugby team. I am not sure of the year (circa 1957). I am the wee fellow front left. Where are they all now? After school, I went to Edinburgh to study medicine and after a year in a house job in Dumfries went to work in Napier Hospital, New Zealand. I returned to General Practice in Dumfries and now am blissfully retired! I am pleased to say there are a few Academicals here in the South West. Serva Fidem! David Evans (1957)

Etcetera 9 Reunions and Get-togethers Gasbags Lunch The Gasbags (Glasgow Academicals Slightly Biased Against the Governors) gathered for a very pleasant and jolly annual lunch at Anniesland on 28 October. It was, as always, a great chance for old friends to catch up and reminisce. The Rector, Peter Brodie, and this year’s GAC President, John Taylor, addressed the company on the state of the school and the Club; it was clear to all that both are in very good heart. The Gasbags will meet again on Friday 26 October 2012.

Classes of 1951, 1952 and 1953: 60-year Reunion We are pleased to let you know of a reunion proposed for Friday 14 September 2012 – for those who left The Academy (or would have done had they completed school at Colebrooke Street) in 1951, 1952 or 1953. Norrie Judd (1951), Bill Mann (1952) and Ronnie Douglas (1953) are planning the event and hope a large number of their former classmates will join them for a number of events Class of 1991 – including lunch here at the reunion school. Friday 30 September was the All those we are in touch with date set for the Class of 1991 should have already received an reunion. A select group returned initial letter with outline plans. to The Academy, some for the Final details and formal invitations first time in 20 years. After an will be sent in the New Year – but afternoon spent remembering please do save the date in your the last year before this school diary. opened its doors to young ladies, the group went on to their reunion dinner held in Glasgow’s Grand Central Hotel.

10 Etcetera GA 100 Can Diary of Events – The second GA 100 business event took place on Wednesday 21 September at 2012 you lend a the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland hand? (formerly the RSAMD). The evening GA 100 Business Breakfast was a great success with around 50 Thursday 23 February We have a number of reunions Academicals, current parents and friends 135th Anniversary Westbourne Grand in attendance. A range of fields were Reunion planned for next year, but no details represented from law and accountancy to Saturday 19 May confirmed yet. If you would like to art galleries and ski tour operators! Prep School prize-giving help out with the organisation of your The evening was very informal with Wednesday 27 June year’s reunion, please contact Joanna the main focus on networking. The Senior School prize-giving at [email protected] Conservatoire’s Principal, John Wallace, Thursday 28 June welcomed the group and Peter Queen Class of (1991), of Thomas Johnstone Ltd (the Class of 1972 Westbourne Reunion Saturday 25 August event’s sponsors), spoke about the recent 1986-1988 refurbishment of the Conservatoire’s Class of 1951/1952/1953 Reunion reunion Friday 14 September* Class of Speirs Locks Studios. 1976-1980 Our next GA 100 Business event is Kelvin Foundation Lunch reunion scheduled for Thursday 23 February Thursday 11 October Class of and will be an early morning business Gasbags Lunch 1966-1969 breakfast. Details of the event and how to Friday 26 October reunion Class book will be e-mailed in the new year. Remembrance Service and Parade of 1992 The last business breakfast was extremely Friday 9 November 2012 20 year popular and sold out very quickly so reunion we’re hoping for a great turnout at The 130th Academical Club Annual Class of 2002 the next one! If you are interested in Dinner Friday 9 November 2012 10 year sponsoring the event, please contact reunion Mark via: [email protected] *date to be confirmed

The Kelvin Foundation This year’s meeting of the Kelvin Foundation took place on 13 October at The Academy. Twenty members attended for lunch and were delighted to hear such a positive and upbeat report from the Rector. Glasgow Academy has continued to flourish in terms of academic results, sporting achievements and, indeed, in all aspects of curricular and non-curricular education. This probably explains why, despite the downturn, numbers at the school (unlike at all other independent schools in the West of Scotland) have continued to grow steadily, year on year. Membership of the Kelvin Foundation is by invitation and includes members of our community who indicate their intention to bestow a legacy gift to the Still swinging after all these years? school. If you would like to know more This photograph of the golf team in 1948 was sent in by JC (Euan) Macfarlane (1948) about Kelvin Foundation membership, who wonders how many of the team are still playing golf. please contact Mark Taylor on: mark. [email protected] or 0141 342 5494. Back row: MP Grant, CA Robertson, PM Gemmill, AM Stewart Front row: RS Gray, RH Gibb, Mr ATL Forster, JC MacFarlane, MN Ferguson

Etcetera 11 1961-1965 Reunion, Friday 7 October Joanna Wallace (Ex Rel), Ewan Cameron, Jim Shearer, Hugh Thomson, Ian Todd, William Gilmour and Alastair I’anson (all 1964) enjoy lunch at the 1961-65 Reunion An Old Boy Returns When I joined Miss Turnbull’s Prep 5 class from Atholl I did not anticipate that, nearly six decades later, I would write an article for an Academy magazine and not the Chronicle. I certainly never could have guessed that I would do it on a flat screen and without using a fountain pen. How things change! Change was much in evidence when I was warmly welcomed, with other 1960/65 leavers, to visit the school on 7 October, 2011. Several changes occurred while I was a pupil – the top floor of the main building It’s a fair was renovated following the fire, the cop! Dining Hall was built, the Cargill Hall That photograph on with its new Tuck Shop then appeared page 7? on the old Dining Hall site, followed Gilmour, Le May and by the ground floor of the Physics Lab. Coulthard own up. These were the principal developments But who were the that I recall. others? Now the Physics Lab has sprouted another floor, the tenement Houses have been dramatically remodelled, there is a completely new Junior School, the playgrounds and Colebrooke Terrace have been resurfaced, a Biology Lab Academicals visit from near and far... has replaced the Gymnasium changing Bryan Thomson, who was School Captain in 1981, paid a flying visit from Shanghai, China with his rooms, while a magnificent new Sports family in early October. As captain, he should have been presented with the Indian Trophy 30 years ago – but it was officially ‘lost’ during that period so the presentation didn’t actually happen. By Hall and Music Department have way of compensation, we took this photograph and the whole family got in on the act! displaced the Naval Hut above the Kelvin. The Main Building has not changed quite so dramatically: the Well is now the Library and the use of some classrooms has changed. However it was all still familiar, as were the faces of my old fellow pupils, and I was surprised by how much detail I began to recall of who did what in which room. Perhaps the most important change is not just in the excellent modern facilities and broadened curriculum, but in the warm, positive, encouraging atmosphere that now pervades the school. I thoroughly enjoyed my visit and was very impressed. My father Grant, my son Stuart (1990) and daughter Nicola (Westbourne 1994) all attended at Colebrooke Street – maybe my grandchildren will too. Nigel C Kelly (1963)

12 Etcetera 2001 Reunion, Friday 30 September Friday 16 September saw The Academy play host to the ten-year Reunion of the class of 2001. Old classmates were treated to a champagne reception and tour of the school, bumping into many current and retired teachers... and even re-living old chemistry experiments with Mrs Macdonald... before dinner and drinks at Accies. Turnout was good with over thirty of us enjoying a fantastic night of catching up. The after-party raged on well into the small hours, and there were certainly a few fuzzy heads the morning after! Many thanks to Joanna Wallace for doing an absolutely sterling job organising things and keeping Jane and me on the right track! Here’s to the next reunion! Murray Will (2000)

Robin (1961) and Ian Lang (1964) visited the school (with Ian’s son Robert) in September. For both Robin and Ian it was their first proper visit to the school in over forty years. Robin is well known in GAC circles through his involvement in the club through the seventies and eighties. Ian left Glasgow, firstly for South Africa, before settling in Zimbabwe where he has run his own dairy farm for many years. Ian’s son, Robert, who now lives and works in Sydney, was also keen to see the school he had heard so much about while growing up through regular Chronicle updates.

Laura Duckworth (Class of 2001) Laura was disappointed to have missed her 10-year Reunion which took place while she was serving in Afghanistan this summer. She was working in the Lashkar-Gah District of Helmand Province with the Highlanders: 4th Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland. Laura joined the Army after gaining a BSc (Hons) from the University of St Andrews and working as a Chalet Girl in France. She is now a Captain in the Royal Engineers and has served for 6 years, completing tours of both Iraq and Afghanistan. She sends her best wishes to all of the Class of 2001.

Etcetera 13 Academicals Abroad

In the last issue we launched ‘Academicals Abroad’, a section detailing Academicals living overseas who are happy to become Academy reps in their country. If you are thinking of visiting or moving to the country, why not call on their expertise to get an insight into life there? If you are already living there, why not get in touch and arrange a mini reunion, which Philip Tam did recently in Sydney. We’d love to feature any get-togethers you arrange – so do let us know and send us any photographs. We’ve had a great response from the last article with many more countries now covered. If you live overseas and would like to be an Academical representative in your country, please contact Joanna – [email protected]

SINGAPORE Richard Inglis (1999) Work e-mail: [email protected] Personal e-mail: [email protected] Mobile: +65 9796 9857

HONG KONG Graham Boyd (1978) E-mail: [email protected] Cathay Pacific Airways Training Captain, Hong Kong Based for past two years. Would be delighted to be contacted by other Accies/those moving out here.

Bobby Tsang (1991) Ian Lochtie (1944-1948); Dr Philip Tam (1980- E-mail: bobby.tsang@thegateworldwide. 1990); Turner Massey (1945-1953); Scott Massey com (1977-1989) – nephew of Turner, and visiting Australia and New Zealand. I was at the Academy between 1985 Kathleen, and two sons, and and 1991. I have been living in Hong Here is a sunny snap of a little Brian in 1975. I had been offered the Kong now for more than a decade and get-together for the fledgling ‘Accies opportunity of helping to start a new I am responding to Etcetera’s appeal in Sydney’ social at the North Sydney Podiatry Course at Curtin University. for overseas support for Academicals, Rugby Club.Anyone wishing to contact When we arrived in Perth we thought who might be in town whether for job Philip can do so using the details below. we had died and gone to heaven. We have opportunities or just visiting. been living in heaven ever since! I have MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA been retired for ten years and like many I am the Business Development Director retirees I don’t know how I found time for an advertising firm – The Gate David Carnegie (1982) to go to work. We live in Glendalough, a Worldwide – which is headquartered in Email : [email protected] small suburb of Perth, about ten minutes the UK but has offices in Hong Kong, from the CBD and, provided we are not Shanghai and Singapore in the APAC SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA off travelling somewhere, we would be region. We are part of the Mediasquare Philip Tam (1990) pleased to welcome any Academical who plc group that is listed on the London E-mail: [email protected] comes to Western Australia. AIM. If any Academicals are in the region I am quite happy to take an Susanna (Pairman) Bradley LUXEMBOURG e-mail and assist in any way possible. (1973) Leonard Tam (1993) DUBAI E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] Iain Higgins (1994) PERTH, AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND E-mail: [email protected] Tel: +971 4 3828800 Arthur Hill (1957) Hamish Douch (1992) E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] My official title is Head of Conduct Because of its great size it is obviously and Ethics and Company Lawyer at the sensible for Australia to have several SWITZERLAND International Cricket Council. Basically representatives, if possible, based in the Ijeoma Aghanya (1991) this means I am responsible for dealing with regulatory and integrity issues and various States and Territories. I came to E-mail: [email protected] challenges of a legal nature that are faced Perth, Western Australia, with my wife, Tel: +41 0583232053

14 Etcetera by the ICC in its role as the organization responsible for the governance of international cricket. I’ve been in Dubai (with Melissa) for three years now and live in Dubai Marina. Melissa (Gilchrist, 1993) runs her own on-line style and philanthropy business, www.frontlinef.com

ATHENS, GREECE Stewart Crawford (1991) E-mail: [email protected] I moved to Greece in 2000 and am working in the marine transportation sector. If anyone wants any information on living/working in Greece, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

SAUDI ARABIA Roddy Strang (1987) Tel: +966 (0) 500 162 701 After leaving in ‘87 I did three years at Glasgow College of Building and Four generations: one school Printing, graduated as a Graphic Designer and started work with Merson Signs in Jean K Watson, who died in June, had a long association with East Kilbride. Eleven years seemed to The Academy spanning four generations. slip by, then as Key Account Manager – and still with Merson Signs – I moved When Jean’s father, John MacGill, entered Glasgow Academy to Manchester for five highly-enjoyable in 1895, he began a connection with the school that has lasted years. A spell of four years then followed well over a century. John was a member of the legendary in Tunbridge Wells still with Merson Glasgow Academical XV which lost only one game throughout Signs (there’s a pattern emerging here), both the 1903-04 and the ‘04-05 seasons and went on to be an latterly as Key Account Director. Now, international rugby referee, eventually becoming President of with my wife Isobel (nee Skene, Hutchie the Scottish Rugby Union in 1936. 87) we’re cooking nicely in the oven of With this sporting pedigree, it is perhaps no wonder that Jean Saudi Arabia... but no surprises who I’m became an outstanding golfer who represented her club and still working for. country with distinction. During the war years, however, she I’ve been lucky over the years with was posted to Suez where she met her future husband, John Merson to have had a great amount Watson, a stationer from Glasgow. They married in 1946 and of freedom to pursue what I do and set up their home in the west end of Glasgow, their daughter get results my own way. International Susan attending Laurel Bank School and their son John Development Director is probably a entering Glasgow Academy in 1953. By the time young John vague enough title to cover the many joined his father’s stationery business in St Vincent Place, Jean facets of what I do now. What still was well-established as a fine amateur golfer who was club amazes me is that throughout it all every champion of Douglas Park GC six times and represented day has been different enough not to and Argyllshire Ladies for no fewer than 25 need or want to move companies. There years. is a very strong sense of motivation One by one, Jean’s four ‘Glasgow grandchildren’, Angus, within a company when people don’t Sandy, Fergus and Finlay, have followed the tradition begun by need or want to move and I’m happy to their great grandfather, John MacGill, in attending Glasgow continue to be a part of that. Academy. Although educated at St Leonards in St Andrews, It would be an understatement to say Jean maintained a strong interest in The Academy and could that Saudi Arabia is a ‘challenge’ and often be seen on the touchline watching the boys play ‘rugger’ exhausting, sometimes physically, mostly whatever the weather. She also took a personal interest in her mentally, but then not many things in life grandchildren’s golf development and they enjoyed ‘a game are easy and I can think of more difficult with Granny’ whenever the opportunity arose. places to live. So, in some ways maybe Nothing would have given Jean greater pride than to see this I’ve got it easy, certainly looking forward photograph of herself surrounded by her boys printed in this to my first ‘winter’ in the sun – no snow magazine. here! If you’re in Riyadh, give me a call and we’ll meet for a coffee. Etcetera 15 Hill walking in the 1960s

On top of Ben Lui This photograph of a group of Academy CCF boys at the top of Ben Lui was sent to us recently by David Dow (1969). David comments: ‘The photo was taken at the summit of Ben Lui. I’m the one at the top at the back in the green jumper. Yes, that is Ken Waine on the left.’ Does anyone who recognises himself from the photograph have a story to tell about that or similar expeditions? Torridon trip 1968 I read with interest Jim Gibson’s at home within, I think, the last two or the week-end we spent climbing in the Classical Reminiscences (Summer 2011) three years. Torridon range. and his appreciation of the hill-walking I remember vividly the long drive in experiences offered by Geoff Payman and I was well aware of the success of the the mini-bus with all the pupils sitting Ian Davenport. As a new member of staff, hill-walking expeditions offered by sideways (as pupils had to in those days) having joined GA in Sept ’68 – Transitus Geoff and Ian Davenport, who had been – no seatbelts of course! The hostel and English Dept – I was very grateful succeeded in the PE Dept in Sept ‘68 by at Achnashellach nestled at the foot for Geoff Payman’s advice, friendship John Perry. I only mention that it was of Liathach and the first meal was an and support, as Head of Department. My actually John Perry and I who organised eye-opener – a stew from an on-going wife and I were very upset and shocked the trip to Torridon in November (not pot into which everything seemed to to learn of his relatively recent death, October?) 1968 because your readers have been chucked, left-overs and all! especially as I had popped in to see him may be interested in the photos I took of The next (first) day we tackled Liathach, climbing straight up the steep side from the hostel. I seem to remember that someone’s rucksack rolled part of the way back down the mountainside. We traversed along the ridge in what I recall were very hostile conditions, with wonderful views being obliterated in seconds by snow showers. The photos I have are in slide format which I shall have transferred to jpeg and forwarded to the editor of Etcetera. Perhaps they may be displayed in a future edition. Certainly Jim Gibson appears in quite a few and I was delighted to read that he has since bagged all the Munros with his wife. Incidentally am I right in thinking that another GA pupil, Craig Caldwell, was for a time in the Guinness Book of Records for completing all the Munros (and Corbetts?) in the one ‘go’ and/or doing them all for a particular charity? Pat Dorman (former Academy staff)

16 David Webster (1962) is, by the infamous Guinness in many ways, typical of share-support fraud. The so many Academicals of affair still clearly rankles his era. He is a charming with David because of gentleman of the old the missed opportunity school. His friendly to rebuild a great Scottish demeanour and impeccable company and to protect manners clearly belie a jobs north of the border, steely determination and not to mention the toll extremely sharp business it took on his business acumen, as becomes clear partners, both close and when he talks of his path valued friends. He still towards – and experience misses Gulliver and Grant as – Chair of two FTSE (who both died many years 100 companies. Over ago) and he notes that in several decades David business ‘it can be lonely at worked at the top of the the top’. supermarket industry In 1987 David and his and, since 2004, has colleagues had a new been Chairman of the challenge when world’s largest hotel chain, bought the UK division Intercontinental Hotels Tough at the top of Safeway from its US Group (IHG). owners. During his time At breakfast looking out running the firm, latterly across London’s Hyde Park from the the move to Kent came as a result of his as Chairman, David battled to ensure Park Lane Intercontinental Hotel on a father’s appointment as London editor Safeway remained competitive against the warm October day, we are a long way of The Glasgow Herald’s Fleet Street buying power of rivals Tesco and Asda. away from Colebrooke Street. When office. David is clearly proud of his When Safeway was sold to Morrisons David arrived at Glasgow Academy aged Scottish roots and he regularly holidays for £3 billion in 2004, he became the 11 from his Prep School in Kent, he north of the border with his wife, sons Non-Executive Chairman of IHG. He felt similarly far-removed from familiar and grandchildren. He also feels that oversees the group’s 4,500 hotels and surroundings. ‘I felt very English,’ he his ‘Scottishness’ has been beneficial in 350,000 staff. IHG opens a new hotel recalls. He soon made friends, though, business. Being a Scot has opened doors somewhere in the world every day and became immersed in Academy life. and often helps sustain conversation – seven days a week, many in China and David notes that the school gave him a ‘...across the globe one can almost always Asia Pacific and, despite the delays and ‘jolly good education’ and for that he is converse on golf, castles, whisky, haggis, problems – for obvious reasons – with ‘enormously grateful’. He remembers lochs or bagpipes!’ hotels in Egypt, Tripoli and Damascus with appreciation many of the best in recent months, he clearly thrives in known Masters of the day – GD Preston, After school, David studied Law at the role. ‘Baggy’ Aston and ‘DoDo’ Ogilvie. The Glasgow University and, following a Being Chairman of IHG and living Kelvin Run is not such a fond memory period with MacRoberts, he was given in leafy Hertfordshire is a far cry from and he admits to ‘often getting a stitch – the chance to join Samuel Montagu in Colebrooke Street and Glasgow’s West fast!’ the city of London where he worked in corporate finance. While there, he met End, but it is clear that David retains a While the move north was something of – and clearly impressed – James Gulliver strong sense of gratitude and nostalgic a culture shock, David clearly enjoyed the and Sir Alastair Grant. He joined them as affection towards The Academy and sense of liberation it brought. In contrast Finance Director to develop Oriel Foods his native city. He may have gone on to the somewhat claustrophobic South Limited between 1973 and 1976. The to live in a very different world to that East, Glasgow offered the opportunity trio formed Argyll Foods plc in 1977 of Kelvinbridge but he believes his to go ‘doon the watter’ and the sea, hills and went on to acquire a number of schooling helped to make him tough – and lochs always felt nearby, indeed they supermarket groups, most notably Presto, and that has clearly stood him in good were ‘ever-present along Great Western in the early 1980s. In 1986 Argyll hoped stead over the last fifty years. Road’. He was actually born in Glasgow; to buy Distillers plc but were frustrated Mark Taylor

Etcetera 17 Academical Section

(Left to right) Neil Dowers, Richard Andrew, Hari, Dr Alex Dowers, Colin Dawson, Sumeet Nag Cricket news Before he left to spend his ‘summer’ in warmer climes, a presentation was made to our cricket professional Vedam Hariharan – known affectionately as ‘Hari’ – to mark his 20th year with Glasgow Accies’ Cricket Section. We invited him to a ‘Curry Night’ at Balbir’s in Church Street at which we made a donation towards the cost of his MSc degree at Stirling University and gave him a plaque commemorating the event. On Friday 30 September we held our end-of-season Dinner and Awards Night in the Clubhouse with 59 senior and junior players plus parents, grandparents and friends attending. Dougie Lockhart and Moira Atkinson were guests with Dougie presenting the junior awards and Moira the senior awards.

Rugby news Old rivalries re-ignited and the brothers are on the march… On 17 September Accies played GHK for the first time in 15 years in a league competition. On that day three players – all under 18 – were selected: Cammy McCall (left) and Robert Beattie (right) left school last year and joined the club at the start of the season, and Harry Walker (centre) who is the current school 1st XV captain and playing for Scotland Under 18s. All made a major contribution to the day. The club is delighted to have such a strong representation from the school and – with several current schoolboys training with the senior players on a Thursday – it is hoped that the number of school leavers who will come to the club will grow. We are grateful to Peter Wright – the Academy’s new Player Development and Performance Coach – for his support in this. The picture (right) shows John Davidson and Jim Greenwood (SRU), Pippa Gibson (Gibson Pensions and Investments, David McGregor (RBS – League Sponsors), GHK president Ewan Cameron and Gordon Wilson (former president of the rugby section) at the GHK pre-match lunch. A great day was had by all.

‘Oh brother, where art thou?...’ September 24 was a remarkable day as Harry Walker was joined for the first time by his two big brothers, Michael and Jack, in the 1st XV – the first time in many years that three brothers have played in the 1st XV together. Mum and dad Walker can be justly proud of the family’s performance!

18 Etcetera Then there are the ‘The Wright Brothers’! On the same day Kerr (left) made his debut for the club following his brothers Jamie (centre) and Craig (right) in taking the club colours and scoring a try to boot! This is really a family club!

Meet the new coaching team Accies’ new coaching team of Elliot McLaren (player coach) and Ewan Smith have joined us and the results are already in with Accies lying third in the league after six fixtures having four victories under their belts already.

‘Smoothing and soothing’ A Jazz Night was held at the Clubhouse at New Anniesland on Saturday 15 October. About 80 attended what was a most convivial evening. ‘Berkeley Street Reunion’ was the band and it featured David Newton, renowned throughout the UK as a jazz pianist, his long-time mentor, Bobby Wishart on sax and flute, Andy Sharkey on bass and Sandro Ciancio on drums. Their music was superb and it made for a very enjoyable time. Many thanks to everyone who was involved: the Band, the catering team for a fine buffet, the President of the Glasgow Academical Club who gave the introduction, the organisers, Roddy Strang of Merson Signs for his sponsorship and all those who attended. George McLaren (1970)

as Emma will have met you and greeted you at our pre-dinner drinks reception. Emma’s other London Section Who’s that girl? responsibilities include organising and coordinating the London Section Who is Emma Jones? She is not an Committee’s bi-annual meetings, liaising Academical, but she does have over 300 between the Secretary and the President/ Accie names in her address book. Known Committee members on key issues, by name to many, but what does she do? producing the London Section Annual For the past 11 years, Emma, as Secretary Financial Report and liaising with to David Hall, has been deeply involved the school about the London Section in the administration of the London Bursary Fund. Section of the Glasgow Academical Club. Caledonian Club and for the organisers As previously mentioned, Emma In the early days (pre-email), she was of the Bisley Dinner and Scottish maintains over 300 names on the London responsible for arranging postal mailings Schools’ Golf Day, in ensuring that Section mailing list and this number is for the London Section’s events, but these events are well-attended and run growing, thanks to liaison with Joanna thankfully electronic mailing has made smoothly. From designing invitations, Wallace in the School office. We would her life that bit easier. producing mailings, confirming room layouts, co-ordinating menus and wine encourage any Accie living in the South What has not changed is the need to selections, to hand-writing name cards, of England to make contact with Emma chase members by telephone in the these are just a handful of the tasks ([email protected]), to find out more weeks leading up to events such as the performed by her. Those of you who about the activities of the London Annual Dinner and the Bisley Dinner. have attended the Annual Dinner may Section and hopefully to make contact Emma is also the main contact for The have been able to put a name to a face, with their contemporaries.

19 Glasgow Accies Ladies’ Hockey Club news News from the Pitch News from the Annual Tournament Sidelines A (non-rainy!) Sunday in August saw New Addition eight teams from across the Central Kirsten Fulton brought her new baby Belt descend on Upper Windyedge to boy, Archie, along to meet the club on play some great hockey and enjoy some tournament day. Well done to Kirsten – fabulous home baking. The tournament and we hope to see her back on the pitch was won by Hillhead ‘A’ who beat the before the season is out! new kids on the Accies tournament block, Stirling Wanderers, in the final. World Cup Breakfast Accies Blues reached the semi-finals and For the Scotland v England Rugby World are hoping to go two better next year to Cup game, the hockey social committee reclaim the winner’s shield. organised a breakfast to coincide with kick-off down at New Anniesland. The 1st XI – NL Division II event was well-attended and – until The 1st XI have not played a losing roughly five minutes before full-time season for about seven years and thus pm to 8.30 pm at Upper Windyedge). – the atmosphere was great. Sadly, the our promotion to Division II has come Schoolgirls over the age of 14 are result we were all hoping for did not as something of a shock to the system. encouraged to join – but if you are at the materialise and the Accies’ contingent Whilst playing some close games, Accies other end of the age scale and believe left well-fed but slightly broken-hearted have not yet found their form. Player your playing days are over, then perhaps (except for the Sassenachs amongst availability has proven an issue for the you’d like to get involved with hockey us). Thanks to Celia Hill, Jenna Strang first two months of the season but we again by becoming a qualified umpire? and the catering team for pulling this are hopeful that we will be able to build Assistance is also welcome in organising together. on the experience of the first few games our social and fundraising events, so if you have time to spare and would like and turn these results around. For those Support the Club who follow our results on-line or in to broaden your social circle, please Accies are always looking to strengthen the papers – no, that first result was not contact Club Captain, Erica Dickson on the club and new members are welcome a misprint! ‘Man of the Match’ awards [email protected] or 07703 at training (Tuesday evenings, 6.45 have gone to Helen Mills, Celia Hill and 120411. Helen Bell.

2nd XI – West Division I –The 2nd XI have fared somewhat better in their league games although the squad are donating players to the Firsts on a fairly regular basis. So far, the results have been a mixed bag with a couple of good wins evened out by a couple of sorry losses. We have progressed to the second round of the West District Cup after Irvine conceded following the game being rained off two weekends in a row. ‘Man of the Match’ awards have gone to Anne Norrie, Celia Hill, Linda Cameron and Jen Mason.

Jill Scott, Cara Owens and Gill Buchanan rest between matches

20 Etcetera .

Marathon men As a footnote to the ‘Britain’s Fittest at which the stations began/ended did Director’ story from Etcetera 15 I should I must confess ‘extend’ the further on let you know that on 2 October I I went. The first of four laps of the run completed the Challenge Barcelona, full course took just over an hour. Despite Iron Man distance triathlon comprising the respite from the intense heat with a 2.4 mile sea swim; a 112 mile cycle; sunset, however, subsequent laps took followed by a marathon, i.e. a 26.3 mile longer. With each lap, more competitors run. finished or otherwise dropped out and the run became more and more a Since deciding a year ago to take on question of will-power. the Challenge, I have notched up over 5,000 miles of training. Although I The support from the crowds along the had managed each component element route had been great all day but no more of the iron man tri at least once, I had so than on the run. The partisan support not previously tried doing them all in of family and friends of the handful of race conditions or back to back... So, Scottish competitors was a particular I decided to be realistic and adopt the help. My wife (Laura) ran the final 100 mind set of first-time marathon runners metres with me – finishing the marathon who take part simply to complete the in 4hrs 55mins – giving an overall time course but secretly hope they won’t get of 13hrs 04mins. passed by the person dressed as a banana. Family, friends, colleagues and clients A time of under 14 hours would be a have been very generous in their bonus. sponsorship. At the time of writing, the As things turned out, the swim was target of raising £1,000 for each of actually rather enjoyable and quicker Action Duchenne, Macmillan Cancer finishing the race in 8hrs 15mins before I than I had planned – taking me 1hr Support, Erskine and British Red Cross had even finished the cycle did not bode 14mins. The cycle was hotter (28 C) and has almost been reached well for the run. hillier than anticipated with freshening http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/ headwinds on the outward leg of each of I had planned all along to run between fundraiser-web/fundraiser/showFundraiser- the three loops. Nonetheless, I completed aid stations (roughly every three miles) ProfilePage.action?userUrl=NeilAmner that in the anticipated 6hrs 30mins. As but to take on drink and food whilst Neil Amner (1984) if fatigue was not enough, the sound of walking. I managed to keep to that plan, the fireworks for the first professional albeit (in true lawyer fashion) the point

Stuart Hardie (1964) played Investments – who has been a huge rugby for Glasgow Accies in the sponsor of Accies rugby over many, 60s and 70s. Now aged 65, he has many years – has been the principal undertaken to run ‘40 Marathons in sponsor of Wooden Spoon’s annual 40 Days’. Glasgow Dinner. The photo shows the Accies who Stuart Hardie is to be congratulated turned out to cheer him on his on undertaking such a colossal way as he passed through Milngavie challenge, and it would be brilliant Station on his marathon 1048 miles if some of his old friends and from John O’Groats to Land’s End. contemporaries could recognise this, by sending him a message with Stuart has planned this challenge in a donation to ‘his’ charity. Details the greatest of detail. His support of Stuart’s run, with daily updates team is loaded with experts – a Stephen O’Donnell, Stewart Smith, Sandy Fitzpat- can be found on his site www.jogtole. doctor, a physio, a nurse, a driver, and rick, Rugby Chairman Gavin Smith, and Andrew Jackson cheer Stuart Hardie (front of picture) on com where there is a ‘Stuart Hardie’ family and friends who have run or his way section. cycled alongside him for most of the ex-rugby players, and supports a whole journey. Many of the team arrived and The ‘adventure’ was planned to finish range of projects designed to improve the departed at different points along the at Land’s End on 29 October. And quality of life for disadvantaged children way, but Stuart has been surrounded by on 2 November there was an official throughout the UK and Ireland. Over a very professional and committed squad ‘Welcome Home’ party on Guernsey, the years, its social and sporting events for the entire journey the main objective where Stuart and Sally now live. TV’s have raised millions of pounds that have of which to raise funds, principally for rugby personality John Inverdale, of the changed thousands of lives. the ‘Wooden Spoon’. The Wooden Wooden Spoon charity, will be the main Spoon charity was started by a group of Co-incidentally, Brian Gibson of Gibson speaker.

Etcetera 21 Westbourne

Births Jennifer Atack (1994) I’ve just started a new job as Communications Officer (Flooding) with the Scottish Environment Protection Agency based in Stirling. I got married last October and had a baby girl, Ruby Louise Chatfield right( ), last December.

Laura (Finlayson) Balfour (1990) On 17 August 2011 at Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge, to Laura (nee Finlayson) and Alasdair Balfour a daughter, Elizabeth Helen Mary, a sister for George and Catherine.

Suzie (Roxby) Gregg (1994) Suzie, Patrick and Harry were delighted to welcome Rory Alexander Gregg (right) to the world on 22 August weighing 10lbs 4oz!

Lorayn (Dunley) Kane (1990) On 25 September 2011 to Stewart and Lorayn a son, Ben MacDonald, a brother for Amy and Christopher.

Amy Primrose (1990) Amy is delighted to announce the birth of her twin girls, Stella and Layla (both below). All doing well, although keeping her very busy!

Moving up, moving I have also recently been accepted in the first wave of members for the on... Young Academy of the Royal Society of Edinburgh. The aim of the Academy Jane (Clews) Gotts (1994) is to bring together young leaders from Currently International Director at the across Scotland to stimulate creative ideas Scottish Council for Development and and collaborative working that will help Industry, Scotland’s leading independent address some of the key challenges facing economic development organisation. Scotland and contribute to solve some of I head up SCDI’s international team the global challenges of the 21st Century. to support Scottish companies to achieve their international ambitions. Carolyn Morgan (1991) The role involves working closely with Carolyn is now a partner at Harper the Scottish Government on its wider Macleod LLP, who have recently Congratulations to Miss EK Henderson who international strategy and enables me to announced becoming the official law was confirmed as an Honorary Governor of The visit some of the world’s most exciting firm for Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Academy at the Trust AGM in November. markets including China, India, Brazil Games. and the USA.

22 Etcetera Deaths Elizabeth C Lothian (1957) 23 February 1939 – 6 August 2011 G r a n d R e u n i o n Suddenly, but peacefully on her 46th to mark the wedding anniversary, Elizabeth Cousin 135th Anniversary of Lothian (Beth Stewart), beloved wife of Allister, devoted mother of Stewart and W e s t b o u r n e , Alison, proud granny of Cameron and 19 May 2012 Gregor and special cousin of Davina. Following the huge success of the Mrs Helen Stevenson inaugural event in October 2009, the (Former Westbourne staff, next Westbourne Grand Reunion will Modern Languages) be held on Saturday 19 May 2012 in Former Westbourne pupils who had Glasgow’s Grand Central Hotel. the privilege of being taught by her will be sad to hear of the death of Mrs The event will mark the 135th Helen Stevenson who taught French and Anniversary of Westbourne’s German at the school for many years Foundation in 1877. It is the hope of until she retired in 1981. the committee that Grand Reunions Helen was a quietly firm and excellent will take place regularly – every teacher, who was very gentle with a good 5 years – thereafter to mark key sense of humour. When I first knew her milestones since the school’s birth. Some Academy girls relax on one of our she lived in with her husband Westbourne benches Bill and son, Randall. Latterly they Those of you who attended the last lived in Edinburgh where I occasionally reunion will know what a success it visited them and where Bill predeceased was, so we advise you to put the date The lost pillow... her. She spent her last years in a nursing in your diary now and reserve home in Morningside. The last time I Greetings, Mr McNaught! visited her she was very frail and tired your places early. My name is Karren Wurster and I was and could hardly speak. Invitations will be sent out in the a student at Westbourne School for Girls in 1968. In Home Economics, Helen began her teaching career at New Year. Please make sure you keep my classmates and I made robes for Morrison’s Academy and lived in digs Joanna at The Academy aware of any ourselves and a quilted round pillow where for some unknown reason she changes to your contact details via: out of a velvet material. My family was known as Miss Martin, although [email protected] moved ten times in 14 years and – in her maiden name was Halley. Perhaps 1977 – I lost the pillow in a move she inherited her predecessor’s name! from Connecticut to Michigan. When Helen left Morrison’s, Miss EK Please is there an instructress or Henderson took over the same digs former student who may still have when she began teaching there. Westbourne 1972 the pattern for this? I would greatly A very notable and exciting time of Reunion appreciate duplicating the pillow Helen’s life was her war service at but need to know how to mark the reverse of the fabric. Some of my Bletchley Park in Buckinghamshire The date for the 1972 Reunion classmates were Lilly Shaw, Pamela where a team of men and women has been confirmed as Saturday 25 August 2012 and the Blysthwood Cook, Cora Jorgensen, and Rita worked to crack Axis codes and ciphers Cordianle. The Headmistress at the Hotel has been provisionally booked and translate the incoming messages. time was Miss Cousland. My class for dinner. Lesley (Watson) Brewin Helen was a translator from German to year was either 3A1 or 4B2. English. She did not speak very often is working hard to get in touch with Please let me know how to find about it, but I know that it was a very as many of the girls from that year the pattern, even just the name of it exciting time in her life. as possible. She can be contacted at [email protected]. We have 40 would help! She will be sadly missed by all who knew years to catch up on, ladies – so the Yours gratefully, her. more the merrier! Karen Marie Wurster, LVT R T Murphy

23 Thank you A great total! Place, provide more Bursary support Our target for the 2010-2011 Appeal was for Academy families in need of help We would like sincerely to thank all a modest £13,500 for specific projects, with fees and purchase a new coxless members of our community who as well as an open appeal for support for pair rowing boat. We have been able to supported our 2010-2011 Appeal. Once Bursaries and ‘Whatever The Academy buy all of the new benches we wanted again, Donors most often chose to make needs most’. A great total of £45,353 for Colebrooke Terrace. We have also a gift to ‘Whatever The Academy needs (including Gift Aid) was raised through refurbished benches and planters outside most’ and to Bursaries although there Regular Giving donations between 1 Westbourne House – including adding were a small number of significant gifts October 2009 and 30 September 2010. Westbourne insignia – thanks to the to rowing and for new benches. This figure includes the significant support of members of the Westbourne support for Bursaries provided by the community. Chart of gifts GAC’s London Section, for which the school remains very grateful. Legacy 2011-2012 Rowing donations to The Academy during Please support our appeal this year. The the above period came to £59,927 support of the community will make a – bringing total gifts for the year to huge difference to what can be achieved. £103,280. Every gift to The Academy – no matter how large or small – is important. Many Bursaries Regular Giving Results small gifts, when combined, can provide What The Achieving our target means the school a Bursary, support a project, renovate a Academy has been able to pursue plans for the classroom – or even build a building! Needs development of the two tenements on Colebrooke Street/Colebrooke Thank you Thank you again to all who have contributed to the success of last year’s appeal. Should you have any queries about Regular Giving or wish to discuss Benches a donation to the 2011/2012 Appeal please don’t hesitate to get in touch. Best wishes Mark Director of Development [email protected]

Regular Giving 2011-2012

Our appeal for this year will focus on three areas: exactly when! If 500 former pupils each contribute just £10 we can ensure that all former pupils can enjoy reminiscing over Bursaries their schooldays online. For generations, the school has given help with fees to enable gifted and talented pupils to benefit from an Target £5,000 Academy education. In the current climate, Bursary funds are even more important; tough Whatever The Academy Needs economic times mean that many existing Academy Most families need some help with fees, too. Your gift Unrestricted gifts are extremely will help ensure these pupils can complete their valuable; they allow the school to education at Glasgow Academy. allocate resources to where the need is greatest or where a new Target £50,000 opportunity has emerged. Currently the school is investing in the ‘Glasgow-Acadepedia’ feasibility of building a new Science By popular request, we decided that making all and Technology centre on the site of Glasgow Academy Chronicles and Westbourne the tenements on Colebrooke Street. School Magazines available on the school Your gift to ‘Whatever The Academy website should be our special project this needs most’ will help ensure we are best year. This will allow former Academy and prepared with great plans for this exciting Westbourne pupils instantly to look back new development. on their time at school to see who did, won and played what – with whom – and Target £10,000

24 Etcetera 2010-2011 Regular Giving Benefactors

Mr William E Aiton Mr A Hakan and Mrs H Rana Ms Melanie McLean Gonenc Mr H A Douglas Alexander Mrs Lorna McNaught Mr David W Hall Brigadier F Allan L Alstead CBE Mr Malcolm R McNaught Mr William S Hamilton Professor Anne Anderson OBE Dr Christpher H B Mee OBE Mr Christopher J Hancock Mr G Gordon Bannerman Mr Hamish A Millar Mr Stuart M Hardie Mr A Stuart Barclay Mr Fraser S Montgomery Mr Mohammed and Mrs Rebecca Mr Michael S Morris Captain (Retd) Michael K Barritt Hassan Lieut Colonel I G Neilson Dr Iain W M Baxter Miss Elizabeth K Henderson Mr T Scott Nelson Mr Fred S Berkley Mr W Neilson Herbertson Mr R Robin Paterson Dr Boston B Borthwick Mr R Iain Higgins Major Gen (Retd) Ronald M Mr Ian C Hood Mrs Marion Brodie Pearson

Mr Peter Brodie Mr Colin J F Hope Dr Robert and Dr Kirsteen Percival

Mrs Kay E Brown Dr George Horn Mr John S Phillips

Prof J Grant Buchanan Mr Andrew L Howie Mr Allan A R Pollock

Mr W Colin Buchanan Mr H Murray Humphreys Dr Alastair R W Porter CBE

Mr Kenneth D M Cameron Mr J Gordon Jack Mr Alastair M Robertson

Dr Gordon H Carruthers Mr John R Jekyll Mr Alastair D S Rolland

Mr Lindsay M Crawford Mr Robin W G Johnston Mr Cecil R Sanderson

Mr John A Deans Mrs Elizabeth M Ker Mr Graham W Scott

Mr Hugh Diack Mr Alexander C Kerr Mr Andrew G Service

Dr Alexander N Dowie Dr William R Kerr Mr Archie E Shearer

Prof John C Dumbreck Mr J Charles D Lewis Mr Christopher D W Smith

Mr Marshall N Ferguson Dr Jintang Li and Mrs Rui Liu Mr J Douglas O Stewart

Dr Robert J and Mrs M Ferguson Mr F Graham Little Mr Ewan and Mrs Jennifer Stewart Mr David A Stirling Dr Andrew and Prof Julie Mr R Finlay Lochhead Fitzpatrick Mr Gordon A L Low Mr C Murray and Mrs Netta Stuart

Mr Ian W Fotheringham Mr D Gordon MacLeod Sheriff Alayne E Swanson

Mr Huw M Foxall Mr Peter W C Marr Mr Michael B Tattersall

Mrs Jean E Fraser Mr Scott H Massey Mr Mark G Taylor

Mr Anthony P Frieze Dr Stuart G McAlpine Miss Rachel E Teggart

Mr Daniel L Gardner Mr Stephen and Mrs Julie McCann Mr Nacerdine Tcheir

Mr Thomas W Gemmill Mr Ronald B McIntosh Mr Ian M Veitch

Mr Peter M Gemmill Dr Don S McIntosh Mr John G Walker

Mr Brian R Gibson Mr Robert H McKendrick Mr John M Watson OBE

Professor David J Goldberg Dr George I McLaren Mr Iain Winning

25 Family announcements Births Alison (Kemp) Caldicott (2000) We are delighted to announce the birth of Joshua Andrew Caldicott, born on 24 June 2011, weighing 8lb 9oz. Nathan is being a fantastic big brother and we are enjoying being a family of four.

Richard Lyle (1993) Our wee boy, Cameron William Lyle, was born on 24 August 2011. Elder sister Megan, 21 months, is already looking after him.

Fraser Lundie (1998) On 22 August 2011 Fraser and Claire welcomed their first child, Ruaridh Fraser Lundie, into the world.

Lesley (Bloomer) Stuart-Gammie (1998) Joel, Alison (nee Kemp – 2000) and Nathan Caldicott with baby Joshua James and I have welcomed a new addition to the family! Jessica Rose was born on 20 July 2011 and little Aulay is delighted by his baby sister (if maybe a little over-enthusiastic with the cuddles).

Euan Stubbs (1996) and Jennifer (Cargey) Stubbs (1997) This is Katherine (Katie) Ellen Stubbs born 23 July weighing 7lbs 11oz at St Joseph’s Hospital, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. Daughter of Euan and Jennifer Stubbs.

Owain Williams (1998) Conor James Robert Williams, born 24 October Cameron William Lyle with big sister Megan 2011 to Owain and Angela at The Royal Alexandra’s hospital , Paisley. 7 lb 9 oz. Born over the hallowed turf of Stradey. Ruaridh Fraser Lundie

Engagements Nicholas Frame (1994) The engagement is announced from Japan between Nicholas Roger, elder son of Mr and Mrs Roger CC Frame of Bearsden and Jessica Rose Stuart-Gammie Florence, and Ryoko, only daughter of the late Mr Kenji and Mrs Taeko Yoshimura of Kagoshima, Japan. The Wedding will take place on the 24 March 2012 in Kagoshima, Japan.

Conor James Robert Williams Hazel McNaught (2004) James Buncle popped the question on Elie beach earlier this year. Hazel happily accepted, and the pair are planning to get married in Scotland next summer. James and Hazel met at Newcastle University and are both now lawyers working in London.

Katherine (Katie) Ellen Stubbs

26 Etcetera Marriages Tammy Graham (2000) Tammy is delighted to announce that she and Pete Gilpin were happily married on 2 April 2011 in Ballydugan, Northern Ireland. Friends and family joined them on a lovely spring day for what became a very lively Scottish/Irish wedding celebration.

Sarah Wilson (2006) Sarah Wilson to Jonathan Goodwin, on 20 August 2011, at St Andrew the Great Church, Cambridge. After completing their Masters’ degrees at Trinity Hall, they have both now started PhDs at the University of Sheffield – Sarah in Criminology and Jon in Renewable Energies.

Moving up, moving on... Stewart Kinloch (1978) Imran Alam (1997) left Glasgow Academy in 2009 and is After moving on from the African Trade I took up my new post as a Health and currently studying Business Management Insurance Agency, I am now delighted Wellbeing Physiologist with Nuffield at Glasgow University. Greg is pictured that I am moving to take up a position as Health in Glasgow on 1 August after receiving his award from Eleanor a consultant to the African Development three-and-a-half years as Senior Health Lyall MBE who is the Scottish Chief Bank in Tunis. The Bank has retained Adviser and Exercise Physiologist with Commissioner for . me as one of two consultants under the Bupa Wellness. I also continue to work Initiative for Risk Mitigation in Africa with Third Division Football club Clyde David Miller (1976) (IRMA) which is intended to encourage FC as sports scientist, responsible for pre- I am still working as Vice-principal of the effective use of the Bank’s existing and post-season fitness testing, assisting International Christian College, a small and planned risk mitigation products physio on match days with massage and independent theological college based in (including insurance and reinsurance.) sports therapy. Glasgow. In autumn 2010 I completed and to serve as a catalyst for further my PhD, much to my surprise, in which investments in African infrastructure Greg Lawtie (2010) I studied conversion to Christianity in a projects. I will start work in Tunis on 15 was awarded his Gold Duke Japanese context, through the University October. of Edinburgh at the Palace of of Manchester. The gown reminds me of Holyroodhouse on 4 July 2011. Greg Joseph’s technicolour dreamcoat, and the Iain Saint-Yves (1954) achieved this through his work with hat just looks silly – probably designed to I have recently had my autobiography the 1st Elderslie Boys Brigade. Greg keep newly-graduated students humble. published and below is the cover.

Etcetera 27 academically and in sport, playing for the he was Dux, won The Academical Club Obituaries cricket and rugby first teams. Prize and prizes for English and Greek. In 1962 he took a Glasgow University After an Arts degree at Glasgow J Arrol Crerar (1936) management course in accountancy and University, Harry obtained a BD with 25 June 1917 – 3 August 2011 business studies. Over the next twenty distinction in Systematic Theology. He James Arrol Crerar died suddenly at years he worked in the publishing, book then spent four years as the assistant at home in Giffnock on 3 August. Born distribution, import/export and transport Cathcart Old, where he was ordained, and brought up in the Newlands area of sectors before creating a specialised before he was called to Lochgilphead. Glasgow, he left the Academy in 1934 computer transport business, Carry Five years later he was translated to Inch and started work in the National Bank of Gently, in 1984 which he continued to outside Stranraer where he became the Scotland’s Rutherglen office. grow into a highly-successful company Clerk to the Presbytery of Stranraer. On for the rest of his life. moving to Inchinnan in 1958 he spent Arrol was working at the bank’s most of his ministry there on the issues He married his first wife, Sue, in 1968 Sauchiehall Street branch when war surrounding the move to the building and they had two children, Sarah was declared in 1939. He served in the of the magnificent new Church on and Gavin. In 1997 he married the Royal Artillery (TA) as an anti-aircraft Old Road. This was followed actress, Patricia Brake. Michael was gunner and later in the Royal Corps by the most public ministry which he a consummate raconteur, bon vivant of Signals as a wireless operator before performed, in Iona and the Ross of Mull. being taken prisoner at Tobruk in 1942. and sports enthusiast: he was captain of Following three escape attempts from Clydesdale Cricket Club and latterly Harry had a wonderful, eclectic circle of camps in Italy and Austria, he was Richmond Golf Club, and he played friends who popped up from all round eventually repatriated and demobilised rugby for London Scottish. His sense the world. He provided support for in 1946. The same year he married Betty of humour and facility for universal many people and was a born storyteller; whom he had met in 1938 and who had friendship contributed to his indomitable people listened spellbound to his fund waited for him to come back from war. spirit with which he fought a succession of anecdote, wisdom and wit. He will They enjoyed sixty years of married life of serious illnesses during the last three be remembered as a musician, scholar together in Clarkston, Newton Mearns years of his life. and preacher. Above everything else he was an authentic human being whose and Giffnock until her death in 2006. He died peacefully in hospital in personality was illuminated by his faith. After the war, Arrol resumed his career Wimbledon in June and is survived by with the National Bank which eventually his wife, his first wife and their two Harry died peacefully, at the Royal became the National Commercial Bank children, and by two grandsons. Alexandra Hospital, Paisley, in July and is and then The Royal Bank of Scotland. survived by his niece, Agnes. He retired in 1977 as the manager of the Rev Harry G Miller (1932) St George’s Cross branch. 15 July 1914 – 23 July 2011 Ian Shearer (1961) 1 October 1943 – 14 May 2011 Throughout his life he maintained a Harry Galbraith Miller, who has died keen interest in golf and curling, being aged 97, was from a family which passed Ian (WJA) Shearer who died in May a Past Captain and Honorary President at least three things on to him: his skill at from myeloma, had a notable career as of Cathcart Castle Golf Club, a founder music, his intellectual rigour and his faith. a computer scientist and campaigner member and former President of He had a distinguished academic career for trade justice. He was instrumental Cathcart Castle Curling Club and a at Glasgow Academy. In his first five in introducing the first computers to long-standing member of Pollok years at the school he won the first prize India and Burma and throughout his Curling Club. on four occasions and in his final year life campaigned tirelessly for the World Development Movement, for Christian He is fondly remembered and his Aid and for democracy in Burma. company is sadly missed by all who knew him. His last years were tough following My memories of Ian go back to the the deaths of his daughter Lysbeth in autumn of 1953 when he joined 1992 and his wife Betty in 2006, but Transitus A. The unforgettable ‘Dodo’ his fighting spirit and jealously-guarded Ogilvie would have the class recite the independence never left him. He is names of the world’s rivers, mountains survived by his son, Rob, grandchildren, and most memorably the stations on the James, Scott and Julie, and great- Trans-Siberian Railway. On a visit to grandchildren, Kara, Joe and Maya. India forty years later Ian and I amazed our families by chanting together ‘Omsk, Rob Crerar (1972) Tomsk, Novosibirsk, Krasnoyarsk… Michael M Kennedy (1961) Vladivostok.’ 2 October 1944 – 13 June 2011 Ian sang treble in the choir, and was duly Michael Macqueen Kennedy was born ‘promoted’ to alto in 1956. Standing in , Glasgow to Mitchell, on the platform in the Well at morning owner of a successful timber business, and assembly we used to enjoy the hymn Agnes in 1944. Michael was educated ‘Jesus shall reign where’er the sun’ with at a local prep school and then Glasgow its lively alto part. Prescient words in Academy where he was successful both view of his subsequent travels.

28 Etcetera completed his law studies and joined the law firm of Clark and Cameron. Later he accepted an offer of a partnership through an amalgamation with the firm of Archibald Sharp and Son. He remained with the firm until he retired in 1992. In 1950 Arthur married Doreen Sharp in Broomhill Church. They moved to Woodlands Drive where their children, Elaine and Brian, were born a few years later. The family enjoyed many holidays in and around St Andrews but, despite considering a move to the East Neuk of in retirement, Glasgow’s West End was to remain Arthur’s home throughout his life. He was an active member of Belhaven-Westbourne Church and both Ian was born on 1 October 1943 in Ian was a tireless campaigner he and Doreen were very involved as Kilmacolm as William John Alexander for Christian Aid, for the World players and in match arrangements at Shearer, the third child of William and Development Movement where he was Partickhill Tennis Club. They also enjoyed Elizabeth Shearer. All four children for many years a Council member, for regularly attending the opera at the inherited their parents’ musicality, and Ian the Burma Campaign UK which works Royal Concert Hall until Mrs Smith died was playing the organ at a local village for development and democracy, and for in 1984. church at the age of 11. From Glasgow local causes such as the St Anne’s library Arthur died peacefully at Gartnavel Academy, he went on to St Andrews garden. General Hospital in July, a dearly-beloved University where he took a degree in Music was a strong thread that ran husband of the late Doreen, a much- theoretical mathematics, while finding through Ian’s life. His greatest joy was loved father of Elaine and Brian and time to perform as a concert pianist. making music with others and his proud and loving grandpa of Blair and Mathematics led him into the then very sensitive musicality made him popular Lauren. new field of computing. with groups such as the Vivaldi Orchestra Early work at ICL took him in 1969 to for which he played the piano and J Colin White (1964) Delhi to teach computer studies at the harpsichord. He also sang with local 19 December 1946 - 21 July 20ll Indian Institute of Technology while choirs – he had a fine tenor voice. He James Colin White passed away in July waiting for a British-aided computer to was a keen hill-walker and kept his lean, aged 64. He was born in Glasgow and arrive which it was his job to see up and athletic figure right up to his final illness. attended The Academy from 1952 working. A posting to Burma followed, Ian is survived by Seetha, three children to 1964. After studying law at the where he worked with a Burmese and three grandchildren. He was a , Colin obtained team on the management of the census generous, gentle, and incredibly talented his Chartered Accountancy designation that was put on to the country’s only friend and companion over so many in 1974 from the Institute of Chartered computer. It was the start of a life-long years. Accountants of Scotland. He emigrated interest in Burma and its people. He to Calgary with his family in 1981 where Arthur Sanderson (1960) also worked in Edinburgh for two years, he continued to work as a Chartered where in his spare time he wrote and Arthur F Smith (1939) Accountant and joined the Institute of performed music on a portable Indian 30 November 1922 – 20 July 2011 Chartered Accountants of Alberta the harmonium with the Luckenbooth following year. Colin eventually went on Shadow Puppet Theatre. Arthur Forrest Smith attended Glasgow to establish and run his own accounting Academy from 1930 until 1939 and Moving to London in 1974, Ian met practice, specialising in tax advice. remained proud of his association with Seetha and the following year they were the school throughout his life. In the Some of his true passions included married in Delhi. Among the guests classroom and on the sports field he golfing, boating and touring with his was Indira Gandhi as Seetha’s mother displayed great ability. He was an ardent family and friends. Colin is survived by was her personal secretary. A spell in participant in the school Air Training a son and daughter-in-law, John and Zurich followed. Then in 1985 Ian Corps and on the cricket field he proved Denise; a daughter and son-in-law, Julie returned to the UK and settled with himself to be an outstanding spin bowler. and Byron; and three grandchildren, his family in Lytham St Anne’s. Here Amber, Sarah and Payton Mirinda-Anne he joined a team of systems analysts He studied law at Glasgow University White, all of Calgary. He is also survived working on the massive task of linking but in 1941 he interrupted his studies by his brother and sister-in-law Graham up the Department of Health and to join the RAF, qualified as a pilot and (Bish) and Mavis, of the Isle of Wight. Social Security offices in new computer served as a Flight Lieutenant. During his Colin was predeceased by his wife systems. He continued working with the RAF career Arthur had postings in South Barbara-Anne White. DHSS and its successor departments until Africa, North and East Africa, Italy and his final years. Yugoslavia. On his demob in 1946 he Etcetera 29 Last March, Malcolm McNaught undertaking a massive restoration met one of his former pupils who now project. works in London’s West End... ‘It’s a bit of a blank canvas, really. Douglas McJannet (1993) We can do anything in it. We may be in show business, but he’s build auditoria, put plays on far from ‘showy’. He speaks in a or we have a promenade show. gentle, slightly self-deprecating At the moment we’ve got a way as if he doesn’t take himself band on – sold out for the next too seriously. five nights. All sorts of people hopping around. Totally bonkers ‘I don’t usually go into too much but great fun!’ detail about my job because the illusion is probably better than Douglas helped raise £330,000 the reality. There’s a lot that’s for a huge volunteers’ scheme like any other job – coming to to get the project off the work in the morning, going ground. Part of its remit is to home – a general structure... I provide opportunities for young always describe myself as being unemployed people – working as on the business side of the stage. stewards, working on marketing, That’s what I’m interested in. In working on whatever’s needed – meetings, I usually stress than I’m and it has come as something of not a creative at all. It’s rather a a surprise to him that this is an disabling thing to say...’ aspect of his work that gives him a lot of satisfaction. ‘I honestly He started his company, Arden thought I would hate it. But we’ve had Entertainment, in 2006 along with 100 per cent success in getting our interns two business partners. ‘We started an into work or further education. This year affiliated general management facility I’m probably happier in my work than I for one particular show – a Take That have been for some time. It’s a long-term musical called Never Forget, which ran for project and there’s been lots of interest.’ three-and-a-half years on tour and six Meanwhile he has also been still working months in the West End. That was the on productions like the Sovremennik starting point. And I just felt slightly brave season of Russian Theatre at the Noel one day when I was leaving my previous Coward Theatre for Roman Abramovich, job and I phoned somebody I’d worked and that variety is one of the things that with and was offered this job as associate he enjoys. producer on the spot for another show, Dirty Dancing. I already had too much So to what extent was his time at school work and I had to start recruiting people... an influence in what he does now? and I did that for a couple of years.’ It’s a question that Douglas is wary of. ‘I wish you hadn’t asked me that... An Rather earlier than planned, I have to awful lot, an awful lot. Shortly after I admit my ignorance of the whole subject. to get away occasionally at weekends but the reality is that you’re on call 24 hours a went to The Academy I found myself in ‘So for the non-expert,’ I say, ‘what exactly the headmaster’s study. I’d just left my does an associate producer do?’ day. A year or two ago I was in Brighton for the weekend trying to hide away and I old school and I wasn’t very happy. I ‘It’s a mixture of things. There’s no had a call on the Saturday at 12 noon that remember the headmaster saying to me, rule book. On that occasion it was an there was a problem with the electrics “Your parents have paid for you to be Australian producer who didn’t have too in the theatre in London on a matinee here, your grandfather was here... so you’d much knowledge of the London market starting at 2.30. Nothing else to do but go better just get on with it. There must be so it was my job to represent his interests back... There was a derailment on the line something you like doing.” So I said, “Oh – if you like – in London. So you spend and it took two and three-quarter hours well, it’ll have to be drama, I suppose.” your time making yourself unpopular to get there and just as I was turning the I really didn’t like performing although by saying this isn’t right, that’s not right corner before reaching the Savoy I got everyone seemed to think I was good at – just adding a bit of local knowledge a message: “All fine!” And that was the it... At least I was audible! I always look really, doing all the creative contracts, cast weekend completely ruined... But, by the back on my schooldays as a very, very albums, recording agreements – oh and same token, I would have been hopping happy time. And you needed to be quite arranging the biggest first night party I’ve mad if they hadn’t called me and the show switched on in that school at that time; ever arranged in my life. It cost £175,000 had been cancelled. Because your job is to there were lots of talented people about.’ and took place at the Banqueting House ensure that the investors get their money Looking back on those days with a with food provided by the Ivy (restaurant). back and it all goes ahead as planned. That teacher’s perspective, I would have to It was amazing!’ is the job. You’re only as good as your last agree: there were lots of talented people at job, so you’ve got to get it right.’ As he tells me of all the projects he has The Academy in the early 1990s. Where I would part company with Douglas, worked on and is currently working on When I spoke to him in March, Douglas however, is that he was so clearly one of it occurs to me that Douglas seems to was Head of Tunnels Management for them. spend a disproportionate amount of time The Old Vic Tunnels www.oldvictunnels. working. ‘There’s an old adage that, when com The Tunnels is a vast space In a world where self-promotion seems you work on your passion, you really are underneath Waterloo Station made up of to be the norm, it’s refreshing to meet in trouble. And my passion is the theatre interconnected railway arches. Working as someone who has been successful without – always has been always will be. I do try part of Kevin Spacey’s team he’s currently feeling the need to blow his own trumpet.

30 Etcetera Picture Post

It was on the stage in the Well; the old hand-pumped organ was removed for the occasion. I think the English master was Mr Foster, but I’m not sure. I am sitting on the far right playing Capulet and next to me is Hamish Boyd as the Nurse. On the far left, sitting, is Kenneth McKenzie and the two tall guys in the middle of the back row are David Turnbull and Lex Dowie with Maclay and Diack on their left. Fourth in on the right, sitting, is R Reid and I think his younger brother was playing Juliet, but I’m not sure. We had fun (sort of), but I give full marks Don McIntosh (1955) and Bryan to the audience for their endurance in Mitchell (1955) have both been in sitting for two hours in that cold Well! touch to add some missing names to Jimmy Baird (1943) Michael Greenhill’s 1953/54 class photo which appeared in Etcetera 15 (Summer Dear Malcolm 2011, page 7): Firstly, may I congratulate you on another excellent issue of the Etcetera, Back row (l to r): Bryan Mitchell, Robert Burnside, Hugh Fenwick, Robert Turpie, Sandy McNeish, which is, as usual, extremely interesting John Thomlinson. and thoroughly enjoyable. 3rd row (l to r): Michael Greenhill, Martin Frame, Barry Niven, Iain Gardiner, AJ Alcock, Michael I note that you have been including OMG! Have just seen a photo of myself Roemmele, Douglas Miller. a number of class photographs from in your mag. It is in issue no 9 of Etcetera 2nd row (l to r): James Bolton, Alan Thomson, the past and I wonder if you would be – a photo of the shooting team on p31. Gordon MacPherson, Roy Burdon, ? ?, Quentin interested in the photo of my last year, Only a few team members are named. Jeffries, ? ?, Tom Forrester. 1938, in the Prep School. I am in the front row on the left of the Front row (l to r): Don McIntosh, ? ?, ? ?, Mr G photo. Must have needed a whole tub of Allman, Ian Mason, Lawrence Sellyn, James For- The teacher was Miss Gentles, and I Brylcream to keep that hair under my rester. think it was the final year of the ‘GA’ Glengary! I always have been a rebel! Don and Bryan can’t quite fill in all of school badge. the blanks but the other signatures on Those .303 rifles had some kick! We their photos would suggest the unknown Unfortunately I am able to name only a were good shots, though, and won few boys are: Angus McDonald, J U Marshall, few of my classmates as I left at the end trophies. I remember I won a decent cash J A H Taylor and Stuart D Mackie. of the following year to go to Strathallan prize at Bisley that summer. School in September 1939. Regards to all Dear Editor Alastair M Nicol (1944) Euan Cameron (1974) I am hugely enjoying the regular editions of Etcetera, especially the last one that Miss Gentles’ class in 1938 included Captain Barritt’s article, as our naval paths occasionally crossed. I also enjoyed the piece on the CCF Naval Section which I had the good fortune to lead as Cadet Cox’n in my final year. However, I write to correct a contributed piece on page 12: the photograph suggests that the Cadet Corporal may be Chris Ormerod; in fact it is Alastair James. I regret I cannot identify Chris with any certainty. Robert Howell (1962) Dear Malcolm In page 8 of the recent edition of Etcetera, Percy Brazil produced a photo of the Globe Players’ production of Romeo and Juliet and I agree that it was 1941.

Etcetera 31 97-99 Great Western Road, Glasgow, Scotland. G4 9AH • Telephone 0141 332 8989 • E-mail [email protected] • www.clive.com

CC_Scotland_EtceteraMag_SP_LH_Oak_Triple.indd 1 24/10/2011 10:23:09