ETCTHE MAGAZINE FOR FORMER PUPILS ANDETERA FRIENDS OF THE GLASGOW ACADEMY AND WESTBOURNE SCHOOL

WONDERFUL WESTBOURNE REMEMBERING THE WONDERFUL WORLD OF WINTON DRIVE 34 2021 SPRING NO NURSERIES & KINDERGARTENSKINDERGARTENS LocalLocal council funding availableavailable from age 3

THE GLASGOW ACADEMY

KELVINBRIDGE | MILNGAVIE | NEWLANDS KELVINBRIDGE | MILNGAVIE | NEWLANDS THERE’S SOMETHINGSOMETHING FORFOR EVERYONEEVERYONE

ExcitingExciting and and inspiring outdoor outdoor SmallSmall class class sizes withwith specialist specialist teachers teachers learninglearning experiences.experiences. forfor French,French, MusicMusic and and PE. PE.

First-classFirst-class resources and and ComeCome and and meet meet our our children children and and staff andand see award-winningaward-winning facilities.facilities. The Academy’ssee The Academy Pre-Schools for yourself. for yourself.

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TheThe GlasgowGlasgow AcademyAcademy is an educational charity registered in Scotland: Charity Number SC 015368015368 SPRING 2021

CONTENTS EDITORIAL

hen I wrote my first introductory letter for Etcetera in 04 18 Autumn last year I did not expect to write the second NEWS WESTBOURNE Wfrom my kitchen table, back in lockdown. Being rather more MEMORIES optimistic by nature I had hoped, as many of us did, that we would be further on in the journey back to normality than KELVINBRIDGE | MILNGAVIE | NEWLANDS 06 we are now, but the speedy roll out of the vaccine and the GLASGOW 20 lengthening days should give us great reason for hope that ACADEMICAL CLUB MEMORIES OF this upward trajectory will now continue. UPDATE THE MERGER Despite the hardship and losses of recent months it is wonderful to see the resilience and ingenuity of our young people in these days. I hope you THERE’S SOMETHING will take a look at the lockdown publication ‘QuaranTimes’ on the school 08 22 website, written and produced by pupils as a reflection and positive spin on ALL AT SEA ANNOUNCEMENTS lock down. Despite the disappointment of missing out on much of their usual co-curricular experiences we’ve seen pupils continue to exercise, FOR EVERYONE perform and engage with their CCF activities digitally and under their own steam at home. Families outside The Academy also continue to be 10 26 impressed by the education, nurture, opportunities and support pupils JORDANIAN IN MEMORIAM receive, reflected in a successful admissions season that sees the school ADVENTURES going forward in remarkably robust health. This issue marks the 30th anniversary of the merger between The Glasgow 32 Academy and The Westbourne School for Girls. Without doubt the merger 12 WESTBOURNE forever changed both schools and it is with great pride that we remember ANECDOTAGE HISTORY the legacy and impact of Westbourne on the lives of the young women who were pupils. It is also important to note the way in which the introduction of Westbourne women (and the values they brought with them) changed The Glasgow Academy for the better. It has been heart-warming to read the affectionate, humorous, honest and detailed accounts of Westbourne, or perhaps more accurately, the people of Westbourne. The close, family atmosphere of Westbourne made the school very special and in particular the good relationships between staff and pupils radiate sincerely from the words of those who sent their reflections. KEEPING IN TOUCH Although we don’t presently know when we will be able to gather together again, I am very much looking forward to seeing you all when we can celebrate our freedom! Please do let me know if you missed out on a reunion in the past year and would like to reschedule when restrictions ease up. The External Relations office is President: Peter Brown situated in Colebrooke Terrace. Email: [email protected] I was very much encouraged by the positive feedback on the new design of Former pupils are always welcome The Academy Club pavilion is the last edition of Etcetera and hope this one also lives up to expectations to pop in for a chat and look available for functions once – please let me know your thoughts. Please get in touch with your news, around the school. Just give us a restrictions allow. updates, photographs and archival material for the next edition of Etcetera. call to arrange a time. Academical Club London Section This magazine is nothing without your input and we always love to hear your Our address is news and reflections. Colebrooke Terrace, President: Alex Gray Glasgow, G12 8HE. Email: As I sign off, the words of Julian of Norwich come to mind (not a Westbourne [email protected] girl, but a trail-blazer in her own right, in that she was the first woman ever in You can contact us on 0141 342 5494 Like us on Facebook; join us print) as we look to the future, ‘All shall be well and all shall be well and all or at [email protected] on LinkedIn manner of things shall be well’. May that indeed be our reality in the months to come. The Glasgow Academical Club 21 Helensburgh Drive, Glasgow, G13 1RR

Serva Fidem

Please note that views expressed inEtcetera are author’s own and do not necessarily Jillian Fletcher 0141 342 5494 | theglasgowacademy.org.uk represent those of The Glasgow Academy. Alumni Relations and Development Manager The Glasgow Academy is an educational charity registered in Scotland: Charity Number SC 015368 03 ETCETERA NEWS

A FRESH START Shahlin Mahal reflects on a very in person. On hearing this I jumped at the different Fresher’s Week experience opportunity, eager to make the most of Freshers week. On arrival at the University I at Gilmore Hill. was surprised to find that the atmosphere I had been looking forward to Freshers week was still lively, despite the restrictions that since the moment I decided I was going had been put in place. It was strange to see to University. Friends and family had told a ticketing system controlling the number me about their amazing experiences, from of students on campus, being surrounded meeting countless new friends to exploring by everyone wearing facemasks, and being the fayres, buzzing with excitement. However, physically distanced from my fellow students. when Covid-19 arose, I knew this year However, this didn’t stop the Freshers fayre wasn’t going to be the same as those gone from being a huge success. We still had the by. I started receiving emails titled “Virtual opportunity to take part in traditional Freshers Freshers” and worried about how I was going activities such as exploring the clubs and to meet my new classmates. Moving from societies on offer, participating in taster school to University was already a daunting sports sessions and even getting a bag full of prospect for me and this added challenge freebies. didn’t help with my nerves. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this year’s Luckily, by the time Freshers week arrived, Freshers fayre even if it wasn’t quite what I was restrictions had been eased and the expecting. University managed to organise a select few events for prospective students to attend Shahlin Mahal (2020) WESTBOURNE MEMORIES The most important gift that Westbourne property; hula hoop and (swiftly forbidden, as I choreographed a new work, OUR PLAY IS, gave me when I left in 1982 was the feeling deemed to be too dangerousl) whirly tubes in for Tanzcompagnie Giessen in November that young women could do anything, if the main playground; and then the escapes and have just received the fantastic news into the infamous ‘Jungle‘, a wild mess of that I have received a large funding package they wanted to, and applied themsleves. rhododendron bushes, definitely off-limits to develop theatre work with professional Since then, and even to this day I’ve come - or rainy breaks spent indoors, mostly disabled artists in Nuremberg in 2021. up against much chauvinistic behaviour hanging-out in the cloakrooms with thrilling Looking back, perhaps it was all those creative games like ‘making yourself faint‘ (not to be and met so many women who regard playground games that set me up for a life as a recommended) or trying to catch the school themselves as inferior to men, that I have (theatre) player. phantom. come to realise that the Westbourne experience stood me in very good stead. I think most of my Westbourne classmates considered me a bit of a swot, but from the I really did enjoy most of my 13 years at age of about 12 my overriding passion was Westbourne and look back with fondness ballet and contemporary dance and that’s what at being taught in small classes, sometimes I finally went on to do professionally, after a by inspiring teachers, being encouraged to languages degree at Oxford University. Since produce creative, individual work. However, 1988 I have been working as a professional my overriding memories of Westbourne will contemporary dancer in Germany and since be of breaktimes and a gamut of traditional 1998 I have had my own company; Curtis & playground games, make-believe stories, Co. – dance affairs in Nuremberg, for which fashionable fads and forays into ‘forbidden‘ I choreograph regularly, while taking on territory while at the Junior School (1969 choreographic assignments for many theatres – 1976). Each game seemed to have it’s throughout Germany. Since 2004 I have also designated area: ‘Red Rover‘ between the worked as a hospital clown. Despite the huge hockey pitch and the wall of the Ann Fraser blow to the arts caused by Covid19., I consider Hall; ‘Froggie, Froggie‘ between the two low my 2020 to have been a very lucky one: I Susanna walls of the original Victorian driveway; Slinkies won the Wolfram-von-Eschenbach Cultural Curtis down the original stairs of the once Victorian Prize of Middle Franconia in July (see photo), (1982) 04 SPRING 2021

RIPPLES THROUGH ETERNITY An article in Etcetera Spring 2017 revealed the life and career of a remarkable physicist and Glasgow Academical, Ronald W.P. Drever (1937 - 50). This serves as an update following Ronald’s death that year.

In 1921 Albert Einstein in his Theory of General Relativity made a precise description of time and space, gravity and the evolution of the universe. Although described by Einstein, these tiny ripples of gravitational waves had not been Professor Anton Moljk and a young Ronald. detected and the LIGO (Laser Interferometer Gravitational - Wave Observatory) was developed are not awarded posthumously, it is recognised at CALTECH, where Drever formed part of the in the scientific community that, had he lived, team. Gravitational wave detection is now opening he would have been a recipient. In the Royal up an entirely new way of observing the universe, Swedish Academy of Sciences announcement QuaranTimes is a pop-up TGA recording collisions of black holes, even looking and background of the 2017 Prize in Physics, publication written and edited back in time closer to the Big Bang than ever recognition is given to Drever, Thorne and Weis as by pupils which reflects on the before. In 2015, gravitational waves were first pioneers in gravitational waves and that “Drever times of Covid, provides practical recorded by LIGO but by then, Emeritus Professor was able to experience their first discovery before advice on living well through Covid Drever, had returned to live in Edinburgh suffering passing away at his home in Scotland in 2017”. and personal insights into being a with dementia. In 2017, the work on LIGO was The only Academical Nobel Laureate to date is Sir teenager today. being considered for the Nobel Prize in physics William Ramsay in 1904 for the discovery of inert Links to all editions are available and Drever’s colleagues Kip Thorne, Rainer Weis gaseous elements in air. on the Covid section of the school and Barry Barish were awarded the Prize following website. Ron’s death in March 2017. Although Nobel prizes Kerr Chatfield (1954)

WESTBOURNE TO ELECT OR NOT ELECT? FACEBOOK While still firmly in the grip of the Covid my lifetime, despite historically lower than UK GROUP pandemic, I have found unhelpful average participation in general elections (50- 60% in the US vs 70-80% in the UK) and being from the beginning the language of as adversely affected by Covid as the UK. In ‘essential’ and ‘non-essential’. When addition, this election also saw the introduction the country should be pulling together of elective postal voting for the first time. Despite the challenges, the people of the US we have the language of winners and spoke and were heard. losers, the worthy and the worthless. Democracy requires validation each and How can this language create a every five years by the people for whom climate of togetherness that allows our democratic process exists to serve. everyone to feel their daily sacrifices In a multi-party electoral system where are worthwhile in overcoming this 40% of the popular vote wins one party the election, accepting defeat with good grace dreadful illness? The Westbourne School for Girls group on and consenting to be governed by those one Facebook is where former pupils and teachers Of particular concern is that the definition of did not vote for is the default position of the can keep in touch and share their memories non-essential may be extended to whether majority rather than the minority. Any less is an of our school. We are now nearly 600 strong we should exercise our fundamental right abdication of our responsibility to ourselves to and have proved an ideal forum for organising to choose who governs us. Some contend elect those we deem fit to govern us. reunions both large and small. We love to hear it would be unsafe to ask the public to go to your news, see your photos and even have the polls as scheduled in May. I would counter Mark Cummings is the father of, Georgia a few videos popping up now and then. So that we are seeing technology transform the (Prep 2) and Francesca (Kindergarten), please join us and dig out some of those dusty way we live. It surely cannot be too much to who attend TGA Milngavie. In 2007 Mark school photos hiding in the loft or show us any ask for those advances to be used to ensure founded Invicta Public Affairs, a leading UK memorabilia you have kept from school days. a participatory democracy be delivered in public affairs practice based in Glasgow that We were so lucky to be part of the Westbourne May. America has just witnessed the biggest operates at Westminster, devolved and local story and this helps us keep it alive. demonstration of democratic participation in government level across the UK. 05 ETCETERA

GLASGOW ACADEMICAL CLUB UPDATE

as many former pupils as possible and are encourage all former pupils and particularly particularly interested in making contact with school leavers to get in touch. You would be those whose details we do not have. If you warmly welcomed. A brief update on each of do know of any former pupils who are not in the sections is noted below. contact with the school, please do ask them to get in touch. I am especially keen to develop our connections with our international community. While the numbers of internationally based alumni appear to be lower than I originally anticipated, if you do happen to be reading this note from some distant part of the world, we would really like to hear from you. For former pupils, and particularly recent school leavers, to be able to look to the support of other Academicals should they find themselves in such locations would be a real benefit and we would like to develop these relationships and networks further. Please do get in touch. RUGBY irstly, I am delighted Unfortunately, like most social events over the Glasgow Accies Rugby Club celebrated its to write to you as the last 12 months, the pandemic has put paid to 150th anniversary in 2016 and was a proud member of the first clubs that created what we Club’s new President. the Academical Dinners that would normally have taken place in Glasgow and London. We know today as the SRU. It is a rugby club that The Academical and are hopeful that we will be better placed to is based on the ethos that the game is for all levels of skill but with an ambition to develop Westbourne alumni community arrange something for later this year and hope that as many of you as possible will be able to those skills to their maximum. Off the pitch remains a hugely important attend. We will also be looking at other events we enjoy the company of visiting teams and Fpart of the school in promoting (COVID restrictions permitting) which will allow believe that being an open club means that us to engage with Club members. We will keep there is a warm welcome for all. its interests and maintaining you posted. We have a top coaching team with British and the former pupil network, Irish Lion, Ryan Grant heading up his team Peter Brown (1989) something we are keen to and currently supported by Ruaridh Jackson (formerly of Scotland and Glasgow Warriors) grow and develop. and Stuart Simmers and Frazer McCready The Club’s objectives of promoting the GLASGOW ACADEMICAL who look after our 2nd XV. We also have an up Former Pupil community both at home and to date SRU standard weights gym, strength abroad remains unchanged and, now under SPORTS CLUB conditioning coach and strong medical support The Glasgow Academical Sports Club remains the supervision of The Academy’s External with our resident physiotherapist and doctor. an integral part of the Glasgow Academical Relations Department, is in very good We train on Tuesdays and Thursdays starting Club and continues to operate from New hands. I was interested to learn that External at 7.00pm and physio appointments from Anniesland. Sadly, most sporting activities Relations keep the contact details of almost 6.00pm. The 1st XV are currently playing in have been curtailed in recent months with 6,000 alumni from both The Academy and National 2. perhaps the exception of the mini rugby and Westbourne, ranging from year groups dating golf sections and with very restricted levels of If anyone is interested in joining the club please back as far as the 1930s to the current day. training permitted for senior rugby, hockey and contact Donald Reid on 07901 792 916 or Quite a number and age range I’m sure you’ll cricket. Despite this, the Sports Club is in good agree! shape and is looking forward to restarting its One of the strengths of the Academical Club activities as and when restrictions allow. The over the years has been its enormous sense Sports Club is always looking for new members, of community. The Club would quite literally be social and playing, and following a significant nothing without its former pupils and I would refurbishment of the kitchen, the Sports Club encourage you to keep in touch with the school is also able to offer a fantastic venue for most and to update your details as appropriate. We social events for members and school parents, would like to be able to communicate with with bookings taken via the school. I would 06 SPRING 2021

(teamwork, responsibility, determination and play in Dunbartonshire Province and Scottish how to confront challenges head on). Wanderers matches throughout the (winter) season. The season starts in September and runs through to March/April depending on the age For the last 20 years we have enjoyed playing of the kids and the fixtures for any given year at Braehead Ice Rink. Sadly they didn’t enjoy it but new members are welcome to join at any quite so much and due to ongoing losses and time. not in any way due to Covid-19 they decided to close the ice rink in March 2020. The highlights of the season are definitely our home tournament where we invite 10-20 local We managed to organise ourselves to play clubs to New Anniesland and the P7 tour which at Greenacres, near How wood but sadly this in recent times has included trips to Inverness season has not happened on account of the and Belfast. ice rink being closed due to the pandemic. We hope to restart our season at Greenacres If you would like further information or to get in September. Many thanks to Academical, in touch, please visit our webpage at www. Richard Harding at Greenacres for being so glasgowacciesrfc.com/minis. accommodating although sadly to no avail. I would be delighted to hear from anyone HOCKEY interested in joining our section as new The Glasgow Accies Ladies Hockey section is a members (of any standard) would be very fun and welcoming club with over 50 members welcome. playing across three teams in West Divisions T. W. Gemmill : Secretary 1, 2 and 4. We also play in cup competitions, 81 Bath Street, Glasgow G2 2EH and currently hold the title of West District Cup [email protected] champions. Our season runs from August to April with training on Tuesday evenings, indoor hockey on Thursday evenings and matches on Saturday afternoons. For those that don’t GOLF [email protected] who will be happy to want a summer holiday we also play mixed Although there is obvious uncertainty about point you in the right direction and you will be hockey during the break and are heading back whether or not gatherings can take place later made very welcome. to Holland on tour in 2021. this year, dates, as detailed below, have been set in the hope that restrictions will be lifted. If Our website is www.glasgowacciesrfc.com If you are interested in finding out more, then you would like further information, please get where you can get all the information on send us an email at [email protected] in touch with any of the Convenors and put the club. or find us on Facebook and Instagram. the dates in your diary – we look forward to We feel it is essential for the Club to reach welcoming you. out to those who need our help, such as The Pershal Trust for the homeless, The Wooden CRICKET ‘Scratch’ Team Tournaments 1) Queen Elizabeth Coronation Schools Spoon Society and Marie Curie through The club now runs two Saturday league Tournament . .17 - 19 Sept at Royal lunches at the Clubhouse or by a bucket teams, a Sunday friendly XI and a Burgess. collection for Marie Curie. But playing and Midweek T20 XI, with Junior teams at Contact - Alastair Frood amfrood@ making friends is what it is all about. U11, U12, U14,and U16 ensuring that googlemail.com / 07885 813 639 all levels are catered for with Vedam 2) Grafton Morrish - Finals: 1 – 3 Oct at Hariharan being the Senior Club Coach. MINI RUGBY Hunstanton and Royal West Norfolk. The mini rugby section trains most Sunday The season is due to start at the Contact - Dougie Hunter dougiehunter@ mornings at New Anniesland and plays games beginning of May and outdoor nets are hotmail.co.ul / 07976 533 120 held on Wednesday evenings from the and tournaments with other clubs in the wider Match vs Kelvinside Academicals at middle of April. For up to date news and Glasgow area. Prestwick GC on Sun 29th Aug - Two rounds information - go to the Cricket website with lunch. There are currently around 90 children www.glasgowaccies.cc Contact - Mark Kitson [email protected] participating across 5 age grades (P2&3, P4, Contact Details: / 07798 856 088 P5, P6, P7), with many currently attending Seniors : David Holloway 07921 142013 Glasgow Academy as well as a strong Autumn Meeting at Pollok GC on Sunday 10th [email protected] contingent from the surrounding areas. October - Lunch followed by Golf Juniors : George Paton 01355 302248 Contact - John Taylor [email protected] / Games and training are non-contact for [email protected] 07928 299 771 P2&3 and concentrate on teaching kids the fundamental skills but mostly having fun. Winter Knock-out Competition Controlled contact is introduced in P4 and If you would like to be included in the draw developed through the remaining age grades. CURLING for Winter ‘21/’22 competition, please email The over-riding message is fun whilst teaching The Curling Section is in good heart with a Gordon Wilson with your contact details. the kids the life lessons associated with small but enthusiastic membership who play Contact - Gordon Wilson wilsongb@ team sport in general and rugby in particular an internal league competition and we also btinternet.com / 07595 218 497 07 ETCETERA SEAFARERS: THE INVISIBLE KEY WORKERS IN CRISIS

WE ARE, HOWEVER, THE LUCKY ONES. THE PANDEMIC HAS CAUSED SEAFARERS TO BE STRANDED ON VESSELS LONG AFTER THEIR CONTRACTS HAVE ENDED IN SEPTEMBER 2020.

08 SPRING 2021

e have become As I write this, I am onboard MV Atlantic single vessel by almost 50%. Can you imagine Star, a 296m long, 37m wide, 100,430 tonne in any other industry, having your contract accustomed to the heavy combination ro-ro/container vessel extended like this without having any say in term ‘key worker’ to carrying containers and vehicles between the matter? Europe and North America. Prior to joining This crisis is having an untold impact on recognise those whose jobs the vessel, I completed a two-week isolation seafarers who are being held captive on Ware seen to be essential to the and testing, so although from the outside it vessels whether it be at sea or in port. Poor might appear that a ship is the safest place mental health has always been a real problem running of the country, but to be during this pandemic, that is far from within the maritime industry, but the current the truth. Although whilst at sea, except for there is a group of key workers situation is exacerbating an already volatile social distancing and twice daily temperature situation. Seafarers are more likely than any that remain all but ignored. checks, life may appear normal, every time other profession to experience depression. Every Thursday for weeks we clapped for our the vessel enters or leaves port, our bubble is carers, but what have we done to say thank infiltrated by potential carriers. If a member of Less than four miles from The Academy’s you to the people who have kept international the crew were to become infected, it could be gates lies the King George Vth Dock where trade moving? They have worked endlessly catastrophic: onboard there is a hospital but three cruise ships are laid up. The ships may to bring us PPE and medical supplies, food, no medic; only the crew, the Ship Captain’s appear empty but there are 70 crew, mostly and electronics but sadly little has been done Medical Guide, and the radio for medical Filipinos, still onboard the three vessels to show appreciation to the Merchant Navy advice from ashore. continuing to work and live. Port Chaplains which is responsible for bringing us 95% of from several organisations including Sailors We are, however, the lucky ones. The our imports. Society and Stella Maris (founded in Glasgow pandemic has caused seafarers to be in 1920), have been looking after both the In 2009, Admiral Sir Johnathon Band described stranded on vessels long after their contracts spiritual, physical, and emotional needs Britain as suffering from “sea blindness”, a have ended. In September 2020, the of stranded crews, but are themselves tragic situation considering we are an island International Maritime Organisation revealed at breaking point trying look after these nation. It is not the Suez or Panama Canals that as many as 400,000 seafarers could forgotten key workers. that hold the title of the world’s busiest be stranded, forced to work beyond their shipping lane, but the Dover Straits. According contracts. Many of these seafarers will have Adam Stockman (2018) to Seafarers UK, the charity responsible for already completed lengthy contracts working looking after members of the Royal Navy, up to 12 hours a day, 7 days a week for up Merchant Navy and the UK’s fishing fleets, as to 12 months, away from their families. At many as 120,000 Britons work at sea. But why the start of the pandemic, the Panamanian is it that Britain is so blind to one of its biggest Maritime Authority, which has the largest industries? In 2019, Microsoft made $36.6 number of ships registered to it, agreed with billion in profit, but Maersk made $39 billion in the International Labour Organisation (ILO) N. B: the above representation is my personal profit. So why is it that everyone recognises to extend the maximum amount of time a views and does not represent the views of my Microsoft but not Maersk? seafarer can be employed on one vessel from employer V. Group UK, Grimaldi Lines or any 12 months to 17 months, legally extending other organisation named above.

AS I WRITE THIS, I AM ONBOARD MV ATLANTIC STAR, A 296M LONG, 37M WIDE, 100,430 TONNE HEAVY COMBINATION RO-RO/CONTAINER VESSEL CARRYING CONTAINERS AND VEHICLES BETWEEN EUROPE AND NORTH AMERICA. the duration a person can be at sea for on a

09 ETCETERA

A MEMBER’S TRAVELOGUE STEPPING BACK INTO JORDAN’S FASCINATING HISTORY

s foreign travel has proved elusive for us all this year, come instead on a journey of the imagination to the Middle East Afollowing in Roger Trythall’s pre- pandemic footsteps My start at The Academy came during the post War years, a time when affluence was a foreign concept. It was the time of ration books and my parents sacrificed to put myself, my brother and sister into decent schools to give us a chance in MY START AT THE life. I think it paid off. So while at school, travel was confined to ACADEMY CAME Scotland during holidays. Only when I got to University did the wanderlust start but in those days it was hitch hiking through DURING THE POST WAR Europe where we visited Spain, Greece, Yugoslavia etc. These journeys took us through France, Germany, Denmark, YEARS, A TIME WHEN Switzerland, Italy and Sweden. Upon graduation, which was AFFLUENCE WAS A the time of Harold Wilson and I despaired for the prospects of the UK. I found a job in Basel, Switzerland that took me to Asia, FOREIGN CONCEPT. North America and ultimately Africa. I have always had a great passion for exploring new and interesting places around the globe because I am fascinated by people, culture and history. This has led me to explore locations such as Iceland, to study and photograph the fascinating Northern Lights; the Pantanal of Brazil home of the Jaguar and paradise for ornithologists; and Ethiopia, to learn about the Suri people - a pastoral tribe, remote from modern life that inhabit the mountains of the Great Rift Valley and who pride themselves in scarring and decorating themselves with paint and flowers.

10 SPRING 2021

Jerash - Temple of Artemis

Street of Façades in Petra approaching the Theatre

One of my latest travels took me to Jordan least the South Theatre - the larger of two theatres, which can seat up to 3,000 people which is seen as a stable oasis in the Middle Over Wadi Rum from a Balloon East, its government often playing the role of and is used for concerts, performances and mediator between neighbouring countries even the occasional chariot race. and factions. After our experience at Jerash, it was difficult When my three regular travel friends and I to imagine anything equal or better until arrived in the capital city Amman, we were we arrived at world-famous Petra with its delighted to find Jordanians – from taxi drivers countless temples, tombs, theatres and and policemen to the person you ask for other buildings all magnificently carved into directions – are extremely friendly, helpful and the rock face of the valley. It is also called the also very keen to speak English. ‘Rose City’ due to the colour of the stone From Amman it was on to Jerash, often and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site referred to as the Pompeii of Asia and said since 1985. We attended a Lantern Evening to have the best-preserved Roman ruins where different colour lights showed off the outside Italy. This ancient Roman city enjoyed magnificent contours of the Khazneh (The Petra - the Treasury from above great wealth and importance largely due Treasury) façade. to the area’s then very fertile lands with year-round fresh water supply and trading Petra was discovered by Jean Louis links throughout the region. However, Burckhardt, a Swiss scientist, while travelling an earthquake hit the region in 749 AD between Damascus and Cairo around 1812. destroying huge areas of the city and leaving The city is accessed through a 1.2 km long the ruins buried in sand until 1806, when a gorge called the Siq, leading to ‘The Treasury’ German explorer discovered them. - the most elaborate temple in Petra. Its name is based on a legend that an Egyptian pharaoh These ancient remains are well preserved had used this temple to hide his treasures. and appear so rea’ we could almost ‘feel’ the presence of the people living there, allowing Our next stop, Wadi Rum turned out to be us to be part of their daily life - from going another highlight, and not only because we shopping and socialising to visiting the took the opportunity to go on a spectacular temples and worshipping their gods. balloon trip one early morning. Set on a high Camel herdsman at the Wadi Rum plateau at the western edge of the Arabian Jerash is a real treasure trove of antiquity with Desert, this protected desert reserve is the Hadrian’s Arch, built in 129 AD to mark the often called the ‘Valley of the Moon’ and is of hikers and climbers to the massive rock ancient city’s boundaries; the Hippodrome, a known for its red-pink sands, stunning natural formations, also offering camel and horse restored Roman stadium; the Forum which is arches and mountains as well as prehistoric safaris that include camping under the stars. surrounded by 160 Ionic columns; the Cardo, rock engravings. It became well-known for a 600 meter long colonnaded street running Although a desert today, Wadi Rum was a rich its connection with the British officer T. E. the length of the city; the Temple of Artemis and fertile land for the Greeks and Romans. Lawrence, who passed through it several (the name appropriately selected for the next For us to experience it as a desert after a times during the Arab Revolt of 1917–18, moon shot planned for 2024 as Artemis was mere 2000 years highlights the significant later immortalised in the award-winning film the twin sister of Apollo- the name given to and rapid effects of climate change and the ‘Lawrence of Arabia’. the mission, which landed on the moon 50 potential disaster that awaits mankind in the years ago); the Agora, once the city’s main Wadi Rum is home to the Zalabia Bedouins not too distant future, if the matter remains food market and public meeting place; the who have successfully developed eco- un- addressed. Nymphaeum, an ornate public fountain adventure tourism as their main source of decorated with lion heads; and last but not income, attracting an increasing number Roger Trythall (1962) 11 ETCETERA ANECDOTAGE

ome of my fondest memories of my time at Glasgow Academy were Shiking at the weekends. The Cadet Corps at that time had an army truck– I still remember sitting on the very hard floor and trying to avoid the hard rivets when going over bumps.

The truck is pictured here stuck in the mud in Glen Rosa, Arran, during Cadet Corps Arduous Training in Spring 1966. Our affable gym teacher Mr. Davenport used to drive us into the Highlands on walking trips, where we experienced Scotland’s rapidly changing weather, and spectacular mountain views when the mist lifted, the rain or snow cleared, and the sun came out. A particular memory was a trip to Glen Shiel, one long G. Horne, J. Boyd, R. MacKay, Chris Jefferies, Andrew weekend in November of 1966. I don’t recall where we stayed, but I do Chambers, Chris Little, H. Watson remember the beauty of that area, and a wonderful circuit of the Five Sisters of Kintail. My identical twin brother Chris and I later traversed the Cuillin Ridge in Skye; Chris became a prominent maths teacher and a quite accomplished climber, taking many of his own school groups to the Alps. Now living in the States, I continue to enjoy hiking, recently scaling Arapahoe Peak in the Colorado Rockies with my sons, David and Andrew.

Rod Little (1967) [email protected]

Does anyone have the number for the AA?

Rod, David and Andrew Little on the top of Arapahoe Peak, Colorado 12 SPRING 2021

ith forty-one years of hindsight, I can now see that some of the best teaching eorge (Geordie) Preston was a Wcame from the slightly terrifying Mr Anthony, wonderful history teacher at The Head of the Mathematics department. I rapidly GAcademy. When I first met him he said to improved in Sixth form under Mr Anthony’s me “I remember your father. I beat him guidance, and ended up earning a PhD in and no doubt I shall beat you”. Neither the subject seven years later. He genuinely was true; he was the kindest of men. changed the direction of my career, and I wish I E. B. C. Thornton (nicknamed (The Man) had more than just a year with him. was an inspired mathematics teacher. He was a Cambridge man of independent means who taught as a hobby and BIOLOGY WAS loved mathematics. Once when I had Up, up and away committed a mathemtical indiscretion he ALWAYS FUN. said (it was winter), DR SHIRLEY “SCOTT, RUN WAS BOTH oes anyone remember trying to launch one of these at Anniesland? I guess it DOWN TO THE ENTERTAINING Dwould be around ‘63 or ’64. PLAYGROUND AND GOT THE AND BRING IDEAS ACROSS, SHADES OF ME BACK A MAKING IT EASY THOSE DARING SNOWFLAKE”. TO DO WELL. YOUNG MEN IN Baggy Aston taught my father English, Having elected to follow the science stream, but not me. He was a cricket umpire. One history and all other arts subjects were THEIR FLYING of the chaps who was a boarder, Keith abandoned after the third form, but by then MacNeil, was a fast bowler who played for I had learnt the basics of conversational MACHINES… GA 1st 11. Whilst playing cricket against French and a little German. Music was no loss, some minor public school from Edinburgh especially when the teaching consisted of he ran up to the crease and the backing copying out a textbook by hand for the entire I believe it was called a Lowe Wylde training up batsman left the crease when MacNeil term. machine. It was a bit like an IKEA flat pack whipped off the bails and appealed for Perhaps the strangest obsession was sport. which was assembled on the upper playing “out”. Technically he was correct but In the 1970s, the only physical activity fields when needed. The chassis was pegged unsporting as you should warn them. sanctioned by The Academy was compulsory to the ground and a long bungee rope laid Baggy Aston said “McNeil if you ever do rugby, and twice a week a fleet of buses would out in a “V” in front of it. Two teams of 10 or that again you will never play cricket for appear at 2.30 to take us to Anniesland. so cadets took a side each and walked away The Academy again. Not out!” I had two problems with rugby. The lesser was until the command was given at which point When I was at The Academy and we had that nobody ever explained what the rules the “pilot” released the peg, the glider was to clean our rifles on certain days in the of the game were; it was one of those things catapulted forwards and, if you were lucky and CCF. I thought I would be a smart-alec you were Expected to Know. To this day, the skilful, airborne for about 60 yards or so at and cleaned my rifle a day earlier than I purpose of a scrum or a line-out eludes me. around 8-10 feet off the ground. In practice, should have. Therefore, I was punished However, I have survived quite happily into it was difficult to know how much pull on the and spent a Wednesday afternoon my fifties without this information, so please joystick was required with the result that a few lugging ammunition from A to B and don’t write and tell me. cadets got a few feet off the ground while the back from B to A for three hours. I always rest simply slid along the grass. It was actually thought this was unfair until it was The other, more serious problem was seeing quite scary perched on top and being lurched pointed out to me that if there was a war what was going on. I have worn glasses full- forwards – particularly when the two teams on my life might depend on obeying an time since the age of seven, and of course started to run and increase the tension before order. I was wrong and never made the these were not allowed on the field. The result the whistle was blown! same mistake again. was that everything was a muddy blur for the I often wondered what happened to it as, I 90-odd minutes of play. So not knowing the recall, I only saw it once and that was enough. John Scott (1970) rules made no difference, and the best one Incidentally, I was one of the majority who could do was to follow the shouting, without simply slid along the ground. any expectation of ever taking part. Chris Hancock (1964) 13 ETCETERA ANECDOTAGE

After five years of this (and some pressure was interested in the Then & Now Article from my parents when they realised what was about 1939-40 in the most recent issue going on) the authorities relented and laid In memory of the late Iof Etcetera and have very clear memories of on swimming classes at the Western Baths Colonel Lachlan Robertson that time. I was 15, about to enter 5th Form. off Byres Road. In the pool, poor eyesight is There was always political discussion at not such a handicap and I acquired several s far as I can recall, this rugby XV had home and I recall my Dad saying after Munich lifesaving qualifications, which came in useful an unbeaten record at least until that war was now inevitable. The German later when I learned to scuba dive. AChristmas, ‘73. It may be 6thA XV, and invastion of Czechoslovakia in early 1939 and not the 3rds. Chamerlain’s hesitation in criticising Germany Outside school, I was becoming a regular were very distressing and we were not hillwalker, and had ticked off about half the Standing, left to right. convinced that, when it came to the crunch, Munros, in every possible weather, by the time -John MacAuley, John Braida, Jeremy he would abide by the guarantee given Poland I left for university. This taught me far more Rowbury, John Niedermair, Donald Clark, later that Spring. than pretending to play rugby – and was Philip Brewin, James White, Donald much more fun. Leggat. The German/Soviet Pact in August and the I wonder if anything has changed? invastion of Poland on 1st September brought Seated, left to right. the climax and I recall very clearly the Sunday Andrew Colin (1979) Fraser Thomson, Douglas Black, Laurie morning when war was declared. For me Mill, Paul Harrison, Andrew Ritchie, there was a sense, not only of dread but also Nicholas Fraser, Ian Donald. of relief. Ground, left to right. The main immediate effects were the black- out and the delayed re-opening of the School, -James Argo, Alastair Gray. which resulted in special provision being made for those of us in the School Certificate year. Paul Harrison (1975) We were summoned on 14th September

1214 SPRING 2021

to be told that we would be meeting in Memories of Colin Bayne- at Work Act was years in the offing. Risk teachers’ houses for the next few weeks. assessment? What does that mean…..? We enjoyed that and, I believe, learned more Jardine I still use this technique and have perfectly than in our normal classrooms. I was certainly he name, Bayne-Jardine, grabbed my sharpened pencils – using a Stanley knife. disappointed when we returned to the School. attention as I browsed through “Etcetera” TIssue 33 and came on this obituary. He was David McLeod (1965) one of my more memorable form masters, somewhat larger than life and hugely INCIDENTALLY, enthusiastic. I would have been 12 or 13 years old, in second or third form in 1959 or 1960. Reflections of The Glasgow WHEN WE I was interested to learn that his subject was Academy, 20 years on... history because I had no memory of what he will never forget my first day at The Glasgow RETURNED WE taught – apart from a very useful skill that I Academy, in Prep 5 - I felt completely at ease still use today – viz infra. His room, I think, was Iand welcomed into my new environment. It on a landing half-way up the stairs, not to be DISCOVERED did not matter that we were all at different key confused with the staff room with its thick learning stages (this was the year girls began incense of Three Nuns pipe tobacco and Old A BARRAGE at the school and many children in my class Spice. It was the room inherited by Jimmy where newbies). Our teacher quickly devised Jope and his pet extramural pursuit, “The BALLOOM IN THE a starting point from which we could all begin Toasties”, membership of which I suspect was our learning journey together, and the rest is a by invitation only. The cultural switch from PLAYGROUND happy history! Bayne-Jardine, the tall Oxbridge bombast, to BUT I DON’T JJ, the wee, Glesca man, could not have been My years at The Academy are remembered more marked. as being full of laughter, adventure and opportunities. I am always amazed when I RECALL THAT To return to Bayne-Jardine, the black, slightly meet people who tell me they ‘hated’ school, tattered plimsole that he kept on his desk it’s inconceivable to me with the experience THIS GAVE US AN was dual purpose. Its routine use was as a I had. Of course, I realise I was very lucky to blackboard duster, but it’s secondary role attend the school I did, meet the wonderful ADDED SENSE OF was as his personal weapon of corporal friends I met, have the inspiring teachers punishment. The process was as follows – an I had...but I also knew that one day in the SECURITY. offense would be committed and the shoe future, this was the school career I wanted for would be thrown forcibly at the miscreant who my own children. would be commanded to retrieve it and bring Moving on, I don’t recall any feeling of despair it forward. The shoe would then be brought after the fall of France. There were those down on the culprit’s trousered backside however, including some very influential resulting in a massive cloud of chalk dust and people, who thought we should have accepted a sound I could only describe as the explosive Hitler’s offer of negotiations. It was only the report of a 12 bore shotgun being discharged Blitz, one of Hitler’s biggest mistakes, which indoors! Strangely, the punishment wasn’t put an end to these views. particularly painful. Referring briefly to Bunk Johnston’s teaching in the physics When the Blitz started, fire-watching duty department weight of the missile should have began. I was on duty the night after the been much less critical than the velocity of Clydebank Blitz in April 1941. We were not impact – so why was it not more painful? I can alerted, but I recall a new school rule the only assume that much of the kinetic energy following Monday or Tuesday: “It is forbidden to must have been converted to sound energy bring unexploded incendiary bombs to school”. – in any case, the whole thing made a perfect My own family found an incendiary bomb in our spectacle pour encourager les autres! garden which I put out with my stirrup pump and bucket of sand. Compiling this article I suddenly remembered On my 17th birthday I joined the Home Guard that it was Bayne-Jardine who taught me a and occastionally wore my Home Guard very useful skill that I subsequently passed uniform to school, but I don’t think my military on to my own children – not, I hasten to (or other) activities were any great contribution add, the above. It was “the correct way to to the national war effort. sharpen a pencil”. He did not believe in pencil sharpeners. He insisted that the only way to get a good point was with a very sharp knife – Michael Morris (1942) in fact he taught us to use a (partly guarded) razor blade. Well – the Health and Safety

15 ETCETERA ANECDOTAGE

The Lesser Dispersion have been the order of the day, even for one I AM OF THE CLASS Kelvinside pupil and the hats of Park and Laurel n the Autumn edition of ETCETERA in bank were also evident. It would be a shame OF 2000, SO 2020 the article entitled “Then and Now”, I not to identify Hugh Barrow at the extreme left SHOULD HAVE Iwas interested to read about “The Great of the photo! Dispersion” and the preparations Roydon Damage to the building was extensive, but BEEN OUR 20- Richards and his team made for the safety despite this my education barely missed a beat. and wellbeing of the pupils and staff at The Roydon Richards and his team, with his earlier YEAR REUNION... Academy following the outbreak of War. experience, once again came to the rescue. As a small boy entering “Transitus” in The Lesser Dispersion was under way. My WHO WOULD September, 1954, little did I know that I would recollection is vague and I have no idea about become part of what you could term “The the lines of communication, but I do remember HAVE THOUGHT A Lesser Dispersion” only a few months later. that for the the next term or possibly two School had broken up for the Christmas my intellectual wellbeing was fostered in the PANDEMIC WOULD Holidays earlier in the week, but on Friday, 24th Masonic Hall at the top of Wilton Street, a large HALT THE WORLD? December (I always thought it was a Tuesday painted eye watching over the proceedings. but Google has put me right!) news spread, It must have been quite a logistical exercise. I literally like wildfire, that The Academy was presume others were cast to various parts of ablaze. Plumes of smoke were clearly visible Nonetheless, school was at the forefront of the City and it would be interesting to learn of from my home on the far side of Kelvingrove my mind. Our own 2 children had been happily their recollection of events. Park. Arriving at the end of Colebrooke Street enough attending our local Village School an impressive throng of pupils had gathered and so our plans to change them to TGA kept as the photograph testifies. Despite being on Douglas Mack (1962) getting pushed back. vacation school uniform and caps seems to Until Covid-19 happened and everything changed. Their education took a backseat, and they moved around different hub-schools whilst my husband and I were working. During the summer, we made our decision to move the children and they began in Prep2 and Prep4 August 2020.

Within the first week of school we could see the children were happy, nurtured, learning well and making new friendships. Of course, things still were not ‘normal’ and many extra- curricular activities could still not happen. But the environment at the school was just as I remembered it - positive, energetic, and dynamic. Now we are back in a situation where the children are being part home-schooled and spending time also at the Kelvinbridge Hub. This time however, although still far from how we would like them to experience school, we feel abreast of the school’s objectives, the children remain engaged with their learning and most importantly, although missing their new friends and teachers, they are settled and full of smiles every day. Thank you The Glasgow Academy, for my own experience and for the many fantastic years we look forward to spending with you with our children.

Joanna Brown (nee Cram) (2000)

16 SPRING 2021

A Day to Remember

ew will remember what we were doing, Captain. Reports indicate that the Scots ran This victory he witnessed was the fourth in a on Friday, 1st January 1965. One who the ball at every occasion and only kicked row for the Scots in a series first played in 1928. Fcan, is Academicals’ past-President, Robin defensively. Eight days later Academical stalwart, a certain “Hoppy” Hopkins. He was playing Full Back for Brian Simmers, won his first International cap London Scottish Schoolboys against their Recalling the occasion, Hoppy was informed against France, at Colombes. Although losing counterparts, Richmond Schools, in a match of his selection by Ian MacGregor waving the 16-8, Scotland’s second try was memorable that the Scots won by the astonishing score Selector’s letter in Jean and Ina’s tuck shop and followed a break by Brian from his 25. line, 57-0. during morning break. Mention of his selection was made by Gordon Carruthers at the end of Taking a return pass from his winger Elliot who It is typical of the man that he plays down his that years’ final pantomime performance. worked a scissors with centre Brian Henderson, personal contribution of 21 points; a penalty Simmers sent the ball out to Henderson who and nine conversions, from his “trusty boot”. From the off, the team showed their intent, scored out wide. Unlike the modern Professional era where the after 26 minutes, the score line read 26-0, by Halcyon days indeed in 1965, for Glasgow cult of the individual prevails, contemporary half time it was 29-0 following Robin’s penalty, Academy and Academical rugby. rugby ethos dictated success on the rugby and a further 6 tries were scored in the 2nd pitch was always the ‘teams’ effort. half; in total, 9 goals, 3 tries and a penalty. The Times match report can be viewed at The “Somehow”, The Times Correspondent Times Archive. The Scots had a strong team that day with an commented, “the previously infallible Hopkins, especially large second row, a marauding back contrived to miss a conversion”. row allied with two tall, strong centres in John Frame and Alastair Biggar and ball supplied by Amongst the interested touchline spectators Brian Barclay (1971) the outstanding Colin Telfer, Stand Off and that day was panto supremo, Carruthers. 17 ETCETERA WESTBOURNE

MEMORIES OF THE CLASS OF ‘94 remember when much of the school went to assembly with their uniform on inside out Iand back to front. The formidable Mrs Murphy, Deputy Head, was apoplectic with rage... I think she tried to give the whole school detention. A memory which still makes me laugh out loud was when P5 or 6 were asked to dance 6th Form Photograph in 1972 a pixie themed ballet at the Glasgow Garden Festival. It was wet and we were warned to be would never be allowed today!). A group of us on our best behaviour. In the rain, wearing little CLASS OF ’72 less enthusiastic runners would wait till they leotards, wispy chiffon skirts and ballet pumps have many memories of great teachers weren’t looking, climb over the wall into the someone slipped, bringing down about four at Westbourne. Miss Hunter taught Latin, churchyard, hang around for what we thought others. Being Westbourne girls we jumped up Iinstilling a love and respect for the language. was a reasonable length of time and then pop and continued dancing, but then the same girl She was well known for her eccentric sayings out onto Beaconsfield Road, pretending to be fell again, this time bringing more girls on top “I didn’t come sailing up the Clyde on a Tea utterly exhausted after our long run. of her, and we all lost it. Never have I laughed as Biscuit” when she thought someone had Being Deputy Head Girl gave me my first much in my life, as we struggled to get up. The an implausible excuse and “You have roses experience of leadership Judith Black (Head girls who remained upright had to jump over falling from your chaplet” said with such Girl) and I would meet with Miss Henderson us, then fell trying to help us up. Our teachers disappointment, when one of us didn’t come to discuss improvements. One success was kept loud whispering “Girrrrls, pull yourselves up to her high expectations. getting an upstairs cloakroom converted into together...” The crowd found it hilarious. Mrs Pollock was our English and form mistress a sixth form common room. We all thought the primary school was for at least two years. She introduced us to I think my year were the first to want to study haunted. I was often first in the school (with Shakespeare, drilled us in English grammar Physics and were very grateful to Miss Laing Tricia Thompson) and we’d wander in the and was one of the best teachers. for taking up the challenge to teach us. I attic, daring each other to go into the smallest I also have vivid memories of our PE sessions went on to do a BSc in Computer Science at rooms. One day I saw in the large mirror which with Miss Bowes (Mrs Robbie) and Mrs Edinburgh University. faced down the stairs what I thought was a lady Carruthers. I was never very good at hockey in a Victorian high-necked dress on the top Our 40th reunion in 2012 produced a great balcony, but when I turned and looked, no one and spent most of the time running round turn out from all over the world. It has been the pitch in the freezing cold. They also made was there. I spent weeks after that refusing to suggested that we try for a 50-year reunion go into school early. us train for cross-country running where next year so I may be in touch. we all had to run a half-mile round the block I adored Westbourne and have such fond at Kelvinside House in our gym knickers (it Lesley Brewin (nee Watson) (1972) memories - I’ll never forget the slightly musty

‘TWAS SOME DAYS BEFORE CHRISTMAS… forget the precise year but House 1, Winton womanfully stitching tinsel and sequins on you could see Mr Lamberton in the drive Drive was abuzz that lunchtime. The dining to white tutus while Eira Gleasure, Liz Clarke loading the van while Carol Baird ran between Ihall was full of laughing, excited, purple-clad and Elsie Murray sat by the photocopier him and House 5 with boxes of props and set girls as the annual Christmas lunch was served. surrounded by haberdashery, sewing furniture. Bent over the big table in the centre Long tables were set out with white clothes, glittery embellishments to tops and head of the room were Betty Thomas and Rena glasses, crackers and napkins. The queue at dresses. Elaine McCallum was photocopying MacGregor counting seats and tickets. Rae the serving tables moved swiftly as John Cross programmes while Sheila Crawford moved Murphy, in academic gown, circulated with in his apron and Mickey Mouse musical socks from office to hall with carefully named wafts of positivity and support, ready to plug dished up traditional fare with a constant line in costumes ready to hang on rails. any gaps and cheer any failing spirits. Crossian banter. Elsa Hamilton and I circled the Passing through to the staff room, you would tables with top ups of Irn-Bru and Sprite while It was a typical Westbourne approach to our have spotted Carol Alston on the sofa in the Marjory Duguid played festive songs and carols impending production of ‘The Snow Queen’ at bay window having her lunchtime cigarette from the old piano in the corner. the Mitchell Theatre. Everyone was involved; and trying to calm Violet Baillie with camomile the whole school was focussed and good will If you moved through the Hall into the School tea and assurances that the girls would abounded. What larks, Pip, what larks. Office, the Secretaries, Carol Crook and undoubtedly sing out more on the night and Marion Bendoris, had replaced their desktop the violinists would manage to keep in tune. (Any, and there will be some, inaccuracies are computers with sewing machines and were Over their shoulders, through the window, a result of gaps in my memory so please 18 SPRING 2021 WESTBOURNE WESTBOURNE MEMORIES first went to Westbourne as an 8 year old in 1953 and needless to say these were very Idifferent time BUT very happy carefree times at Kelvinside House and I am delighted to say that most of my chums from those long lost days are still friends and we manage to meet up most years – even those who moved to far

A P6 visit to Scotland St School with Laura Brown, off places like Brora or Tiree. the first Head Girl at GA, followed by Jane Woods One thing I do remember is that if a Primary School pupil wanted school dinners they had smell of the gym hall, the buzz whenever to cross the road and go to the Big School, we performed a show, the Thistle Awards, all of which took time away from ‘Play Time’. folding over my skirt a zillion times to make it So, if like me or 6 or 7 others, like Pat Jonson remotely fashionable, the extra custard I got and Sheina DeVilliers you wanted to play and because I was bold enough to ask, the lovely took a ‘picnic’ lunch, you were told that you I rushed for help but there was no-one on lollipop lady who knew all the girls and the had to go to the ‘Rec’ (the old recreation hall site – so a very frightened wee girl gingerly wonderful belief that teachers instilled in me pre the Anne Fraser Hall), where you were crossed the main road (Cleveden Road), that anything was possible. unsupervised and everyone else vanished to something we were forbidden to do, then ran Winton House. up to the Big School main door and again, The warmth of the Westbourne family was against the rules, went in the main (teachers felt most keenly when I had to deal with my As you can imagine let loose we had fun – old only) door and found the school secretary to mum’s illness which started in 3rd year and fashioned fun! Nothing bad (honestly!) – hide report the blood bath across the road. ended with her passing when I was in 6th and seek, skipping and ball games. We had year at The Glasgow Academy. I’ll be forever ‘houses’ or dens in the rhododendron bushes, She got a couple of teachers to grab me and grateful for their kindness and support – the we played tig and much more – innocent we raced back to the Rec. to give First Aid teaching staff were wonderful with me and fun. If it rained or snowed we were confined and then summoned medical help and Pat my dad. Having attended the school since to the ‘Rec’ under fear of retribution, and we got stitches and taken home to be spoilt P1, the Westbourne teachers knew our almost never went outside - just in case! We while the rest of us had to go to class where family well. We were very private about what did explore the hall and attics which were concentration was at a premium and worrying was going on and they supported me hugely rumoured to have ghosts (no doubt a ploy by about Pat was all we could think of. behind the scenes. I will be forever touched by teachers to frighten us out of exploring!). I suspect that under modern legislation on the fact that many of the teachers attended One day Pat Wallace (the school games Health and Safety and Child Protection none her funeral and let my year attend too. captain in 62/63) was like the rest of us – of this could happen today and even if not I’ve also made friends for life. bored and stuck indoors on a wet day, so she supervised to expected levels the ever- Jayne Swanson, (nee Struthers) (1994) decided to start to slide on the polished floor. present mobile phone would summon help She ran in stockinged feet and slid across the almost before the first drop of blood had hit floor athletically but with such force that she the floor. Times change! collided with a heavy and sharp old fashioned radiator – head first! There was blood Fiona Risk (nee Cowan) everywhere and panic among the girls. (Westbourne Head Girl 1962/3) accept apologies for a smidgeon of poetic licence. The emotionally-charged, happy and excited atmosphere of that lunchtime remains vividly with me albeit some names and activities may have wandered.)

Maggie Price nee Dow

19 ETCETERA WESTBOURNE

MEMORIES OF THE MERGER Bill Mann, some n reading the last edition of consternation when we Etcetera I was astounded to pushed through a decision discover it has been 30 years since to start the Nursery/ Kindergarten. All was Rhona Murphy (nee Murray) (1998) the merger of Westbourne School for Girls ! forgiven when it proved O a great success. and the Glasgow Academy. How time flies At the time of the merger I was a new parent governor Looking back, it was not an easy time but one I am on the Westbourne Board, our daughter was in pleased to have been involved with. My mother found primary and I had been involved with the Old Girls it wonderfully ironic that her only daughter was blazing Club for many years, latterly as President. Although a feminist trail through her perceived chauvinism of I had extensive committee experience, nothing The Academy – all 4 of my brothers having previously prepared me for the lead-in to the merger. At the attended. My wish was to be able to provide the time Westbourne was struggling financially and the best education for all the pupils and incorporate the news that The Academy was going co-educational Westbourne ethos of care. Our daughter enjoyed a was the final straw. As a Board we decided it was far wonderful Senior school life with experiences that better to join forces to retain the name and ethos would never have been possible at Westbourne – of Westbourne and be able to offer our pupils a driving a tank for example! positive, long-term education. Without the benefit I know the older girls and the staff left at Winton of understanding the financial position, some Drive had a more difficult time being part of the joint families struggled with this decision and I had many venture, but it proved impossible to move everyone discussions with irate parents, trying to reassure them at once. that merging with The Glasgow Academy was the best course of action for Westbourne. In 2019, 50 years since we left Westbourne, I arranged for my year group to visit The Academy An enormous amount of background work went on as and was quite nervous as my class had nothing to the logistics of merging two proud traditions was not do with the school. We had a lovely reception with straightforward. The three female governors (Alison a chance to peruse memorabilia and take a tour Bruce, Alison Thompson and myself) who joined The of the school. Everyone was so impressed by the Academy board were allocated some interesting facilities and educational attainment. The fact that roles. We were put in charge of creating the new the Westbourne name, ethos and traditions were uniform which caused some of the older board embedded in the school was very apparent to members some degree of anxiety, as change was not my classmates. They were also not aware of The encouraged at that time. Imagine their horror when Academy’s proud war memorial tradition. the boys voted for the inclusion of purple in the school tie! We were also one of the first schools to introduce So my memories of the merger are a mixture of the tartan, again, predominantly purple, to continue the old and the new. I am proud to have played a small Westbourne tradition. I was also on the Education part of the joining of two educational establishments Committee and caused the chair of Governors, that has made The Academy the powerhouse it is today. I feel we managed to incorporate the culture, traditions, education and extracurricular activities from both schools to make ‘The Best in the West’. The Academy needed girls and Westbourne needed the support of The Academy. I believe we succeeded.

Inez Murray, (Westbourne 1969)

20 SPRING 2021

BOARDING AT WESTBOURNE Do you remember any Boarding House girls in your class?

estbourne’s boarding e.g.: excellent plain cook, although we were a lot house was not offically I - pronoun, 1st person singular less happy with the gruesome cinnamon absolutely - adverb, modifying verb part of the school, but concoction which was dispensed at the hated - verb transitive, past tense, 1st was run by two teachers - Miss end of a meal to anyone who had been person WBruce, who taught History, and spotted using a handkerchief. Miss Hastwell grammar - adjective, qualifying lessons was a great stickler for table manners and the Reception Class teacher, Miss However, the knowledge stood me in conversation and instilled in us the need to good stead years later studying Latin at Hastwell. They had a 3 storey look after our neighbours and pass them university. house at 15 Winton Drive and girls what they needed! It was a bit of a disadvantage that we who needed to, lodged with them, It was no Mallory Towers or Chalet School didn’t have school lunches or playtime but rather a fairly Spartan existence with Monday to Friday. Most came from with our contemporaries so we were a minimal facilities. One shared bathroom Lanarkshire although one girl came bit separate, regarded as oddities. After on the top floor and a separate loo on the school, boarders congregated in the junior from Skye. It is too long ago now to ground floor. In summer we looked out of school playground - the steps to the Hall know where she went at weekends. the bedroom window and if we could see were our base. We played skipping, tig, the Campsies, that was a sign we could Boarding was well established when I houses etc. - it had to be very wet before wear our purple-and-white striped summer started in 1956 (aged 8) but after I left we were allowed to go back early. One dresses. It taught me independence but it in 1961 it had only a few years left until it amazing summer we sneaked into the back was a bit short of the TLC I could have done closed, probably around 1964. There were of the hall regularly to watch rehearsals for with between the ages of 8 and 13. No about 16 girls ranging 7 to 17 and it was a the school play, J.M. Barrie’s The Admirable doubt it was of its time. great opportunity to get to know older girls Crichton. It was entrancing seeing how it all many of whom were extraordinarily kind. I come together. At about about 5 o’clock Claire McWilliam, nee Park - was always one of the youngest and shared we were allowed to return to the house for a sparse bedroom with 5 others - no tea and card or some other games (“Jacks” Class of 1966 (I left in 1961 at privacy, a single drawer (sometimes shared) were an everlasting favourite), before the end of 1st Year) for my clothes and space in a wardrobe to homework round the big table. No risk of hang up my uniform. I’m not sure I did that parental input then! Back row: Nora Yuill, Heather Calvert, Mary-Pat very often. McHarg, Nancy Strang, Sandra King Gradually it was bedtime with the youngest Middle row: Josephine Ormerod, Margaret Gibb (one At Assembly Mrs Henderson read regularly taking a very shallow bath under the eagle year older than me - class of 1965??) , Claire Park, (possibly the beginning of every term?) eye of Miss Meikle, the housekeeper. She Helen Strang, Alison Macfarlane from Ecclesiastes 3, “A time to be born, certainly wasn’t risking that we drowned - Front row: Margery Sinclair, Margaret Gibb (same year and a time to die; a time to plant, and a as me - class of 1966??) Marian Anderson, and all these years later, I am not certain we Pat Johnston, Eve Park time to pluck up that which is planted…” I each had fresh water! Miss Meikle’s great Photograph taken by : Elizabeth Ramsay (1941-2020) can’t hear those words now without being redeeming feature was that she was an transported back to Westbourne school hall. I also remember the total boredom of parsing words, age maybe 11, under the fearsome eye of Mrs Ramsay(?). The complete information had to be given in the correct order (which I no longer know!)

(Cecelia) Jan Chisholm (Westbourne, 1955), centre – wearing floral dress - other girls unknown 21 ETCETERA ANNOUNCEMENTS

DOUGLAS MAITLAND GIBSON West of Scotland. After working in the NHS UPDATES (1962) for over 20 years I relocated to Queensland, Australia with my GP husband and 2 sons. In a 50-year career as a Book Publisher in I am the Deputy Medical Director of an JOHN ALCOCK (1955) Canada, I published literally hundreds of books Australian not-for-profit reproductive health In 1955 I moved with my family to Toronto about Canada’s history and geography. I was organisation. When the aviation industry and enrolled in the electrical engineering delighted last month to have this recognised ground to a halt because of COVID-19 we program at the University of Toronto. In 2020 by The Royal Canadian Geographical Society, secured a grant used to charter a private plane I ended my Association with the National which elected me as a Fellow. I have also been to travel to our regional clinics. My commute Research Council of Canada after 55 years a tour guide for Adventure Canada, since I am for the past 9 months has been via a twin- with that organization. For some details about familiar with all three of Canada’s oceans, and propeller light aircraft. Since overcoming the years in between, it so happens that the from my Toronto home have travelled widely, my initial apprehension of travelling in what NRC Communications Branch wrote a story from coast to coast to coast. my colleagues have described as a “Skoda about me that appeared on the NRC website with wings”, I have grown to love flying in the early in November. I am also mentioned in RODDY MACPHERSON (1980) little plane and feel incredibly privileged to another story concerning the development Congratulation to Roddy Macpherson for have witnessed the most amazing scenery, of a new caesium fountain atomic clock, delivering the first digital Molendinar Lecture sunrises, sunsets, shooting stars and satellites ‘NRC Metrology Makes Time’, a project I was on 13th January 2021 at the Annual St Mungo while delivering essential healthcare to many involved in from 2014 to 2020. Festival yesterday evening, which was entitled vulnerable patients. ‘Coining & Coining it in Glasgow’. The event My mother Fiona Risk (nee Cowan) is a former NATHAN BECK-SAMUELS was inaugurated with a civic welcome from Head Girl of Westbourne (1962/1963) and (2017) the Lord Provost of Glasgow Philip Braat, keeps me up to date with all the old girl’s Nathan has recently graduated as an who is also a member of the Bonnetmakers news. She was due to visit in April 2020 but international student in China and South & Dyers Trades House of Glasgow. Both unfortunately her visit has been postponed Korea with a BA Hons in International Studies. current pursuivants of arms extraordinarily due to the pandemic. He is now a Postgraduate student at the are Glasgow Academicals - John B. Stirling University of St Andrews studying Legal and (Linlithgow) and Roddy (Falkland). Constitutional Studies, and has become PHILIP NIEDERMIER (1979) an Associate Editor of the University of St VERONICA MCBURNIE (1985) I sit on The Board of Historic Ships in Andrews Law Journal. I am very excited to be in the process of Baltimore and we were honored to host US opening a private integrative medical centre Navy Secretary Kenneth Braithwaite and MILLER CALDWELL (1969) near Park Circus - actually opposite what his team, on board the USS Constellation, After many years contemplation, in my 70th was Park School! It’s called Westbourne when he announced in December 2020 year, I have decided to tell my own story, Medical Studios... inspired by my much-loved that the first FFG(X) guided-missile frigate which serves as inspiration for my latest novel old school. We will have yoga and nutrition would be named Constellation, making the “Caught in a Cold War Trap”. Another novel, and general well-being services as well as a announcement from the second ship to bear Lingering Crime, has been bought by Daniel creative arts space! that name: USS Constellation, a sloop-of-war Guardino, a NY Film producer and should be launched in 1854 and decommissioned in available in two years. 1933 that is preserved as a National Historic MELANIE PATERSON (2011) Landmark in Baltimore, Md. Congratulations to Melanie on her admission PIPPA CRERAR (1994) as a solicitor. She now works as an Associate Many thanks to the United States Navy for Pippa won Scoop of the Year at the British Solicitor for Pattison and Company honoring the legacy of the USS Constellation, Journalism Awards in December for her story “Fair Winds and Following Seas” to all who sail on Dominic Cummings breaking lockdown on this new class of war ship! rules. She also received an honourable mention in the Journalist of the Year category. LESLEY RALLS (NEE HUMBLE, There will be no let up this year! WESTBOURNE 1974) I spent most of my adult life working STEHANIE FRASER in London, but as I approached 60 and (WESTBOURNE 1986) retirement years, my husband and I decided I thought you might like to hear the news to embark on a new adventure. We moved that I was appointed to the House of Lords in to France where we bought an old Maison de December 2020. I will take up my seat on 8th Maitre and converted the stables and loft into February and my new title is Baroness Fraser CATRIONA MELVILLE, NEE a 4 bedroom, 3 bathroom Gite with a private of Craigmaddie. GORDON (WESTBOURNE 1983, garden and pool. www.maisontranquille.com Stephanie currently serves as Chief Executive P1-TRANSITION) It has been quite a journey, sometimes fraught of Cerebral Palsy Scotland I graduated in medicine from the University of with tension, between Brexit and Covid, but Glasgow in 1995 and completed my specialty it has also been great fun and we are hopeful training in Obstetrics & Gynaecology in the that 2021 will be a better year for us all. 22 SPRING 2021

WALTER REID (1962) Walter Reid moved on from legal practice to develop other career interests including growing olives in France, raising lambs and cows in Argyll and pursuing a career as an historian specialising in 20th century politics, with a special interest in British imperial policy. He was recently elected to a Fellowship of the Royal Historical Society in recognition of his contribution to scholarship. In the autumn his latest book – Neville Chamberlain: the Passionate Radical – will be published followed in 2023 by a study of Winston Churchill’s policy on India. In 2020 Walter published a non-fiction work, The Quickening of Alec Ross.

KATE RICHARDS (WESTBOURNE, 1980) I spent most of my adult life working Kate Richards graduated from the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies in 1985 and GARY KEANEY (2002) was re-elected to the Council of the Royal Gary and his wife Chandan are delighted to College of Veterinary Surgeons in April 2020. announce the safe arrival of their son Raja Topping the polls with 4399 votes, she’s the Saini Keaney on St Andrew’s Day, 2019. The first person in over twenty years to secure picture below shows them celebrating Diwali more than 4000 votes. The Royal College of together in 2020. Veterinary Surgeons is the regulator for the veterinary professions (vets and vet nurses). There are currently 26 members on RCVS Council: 15 elected members (all veterinary surgeons), three appointed members for the eight Universities with a veterinary school (Bristol, Cambridge, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Liverpool, London, Nottingham, and Surrey), two appointed veterinary nurses and six appointed lay members. In addition the Chief Veterinary Officer is an ex-officio observer. BIRTHS NICK SCOTT (2003) Nick and his wife Alice are delighted to announce the safe arrival of Oliver on 4th June 2020, in London. In the picture below, from left to right, Nick holds Oliver, Jack FRASER WALLACE (2007) & AMY WALLACE (NEE. Campbell holds Colin, and Stuart Ker holds Maggie. They were all in the same year and PUNSHON) (2008) left in 2003. The babies are all firstborns, and After postponing our April wedding due arrived in March, June and August of 2020. to the pandemic, in August of last year we were married at Altskeith House on Loch Ard. Smaller than originally planned, it was a beautiful, intimate day with our nearest and MARRIAGES dearest, and had quite the Accies contingency LYDIA HAWKRIDGE NEE for a little party of 20. MILLIGAN (2008) IAIN BAIRD AND MICHELLE RAE (2002) Fraser’s grandfather T Iain Robertson (1947), Lydia Milligan (2008) and Husband, Chris father Gordon (1976), brothers Graeme are delighted to announce the birth of their Iain Baird and Michelle Rae married on 3rd (2010) and Rory (2011), and sister-in-law daughter Ada in September last year. Sadly, due September 2020 at Cromlix House. Both are Rachel (2011) all attended The Academy, to the ongoing pandemic, Ada hasn’t made it solicitors based in Glasgow. along with best man Euan Shand (2007) and up to Scotland yet but we hope to soon! groomsman Andrew Lundie (2007). 23 ETCETERA UPDATES

ONCE UPON A TIME IN COLE- BROOKE STREET HOUSE 11

There was a time, though long ago, Exams were tough and boys were slow, Headmaster knew what he must do, Adopting then the long-term view, To spur them on, inspire their trust, And bridge the gap ‘tween pass or bust, For much of the past year, many of us Next stop is Marree 274km via Farina have been unable to travel more than (check out the underground bakery) and A place to stand on own two feet, the beginning of the Birdsville Track. A terraced house in Colebrooke Street, 5 miles from our homes, much less go No teachers there to spy or scorn, on holiday. Despite travel restrictions, Marree to Mungeranie 205km corrugated But quiet rooms to chill and learn, Andrew Thomson (1967) invites us to dirt track (check out the hotel). Then And so it was Number Eleven, join him on a trip across Australia in a through Sturt’s Stony or Gibber Desert (who was Sturt? what is Gibber?) past Became a 5th and 6th Form heaven. creative and immersive piece of writing hot springs and on to Birdsville 315km Burst couch, old dartboard on the wall. that allows us, by following the directions corrugated dirt track and a camel pie, Three likely lads who knew it all, (and allowing our imaginations to do the population 283 + /- 7,000 when the races Found study time was such a drag, rest) to experience a journey across the are on (what races?) Then past ghost town So slipped upstairs for quiet fag, Outback. Don’t forget to complete the Betoota to Windorah 380km corrugated (If Highers came in nice-but-dim, dirt road. Straight A’s for them a cert to win.) quiz too! Next stop Longreach 308km heavenly Now looking back on young lads bold, sealed road, home of the Qantas Museum Who’s names I dare not mention, Ladies and gentlemen, prepare to embark and the Stockman’s Hall of Fame. Check For fear that after all these years, upon … them out online. They’re called in for detention, The passing years have helped disguise, A 6 week camping trip Winton next, 180km, to learn about the dinosaurs and Banjo Paterson the poet. Four times as old, still not that wise! Where: 12,000km (7456miles) from Adelaide, Oh! and the Chicken Races at the pub. Anon South Australia to Cape York, Queensland and back. Charters Towers was next 464km where gold was found in 1871. Now look up How: Get your atlas and history books out (or Undara 383km where Earth’s longest flow Thank you to the anonymous poet who a computer). of lava originating from a single volcano is, submitted this offering. Can you rhyme Directions: you can still walk in some of the lava tubes. a couplet or make your pentameter iambic? We’d love to hear from you for Start from Hahndorf in the Adelaide Hills Laura, 455km, was next after visiting the next and following issues! Whether and travel to Hawker SA through the Ravenshoe in the Atherton Tablelands, the in rhyme or prose we’d like to read picturesque Adelaide Hills, 410 km. Check highest town in Queensland (how high?). about your school days in verse. out the Flinders Ranges. Laura has Aboriginal rock paintings

24 SPRING 2021

NATIONAL SERVICE IN THE GORDON HIGHLANDERS

I was surprise that the last time I a lengthy spell in Cyprus, civilian life was both wrote about my life post-school a relief and a shock. I resumed work and after five years in London, and equipped with a new was ten years ago and contained no wife and baby, moved to the East Midlands A 6 WEEK mention of my National Service in until 10 years ago. the Gordon Highlanders. I wrote previously about catching up with the CAMPING An Academy education was a benefit and tertiary education I missed in my teens. What a handicap for a conscript. The latter was was then one-and-a-half degrees is now TRIP illustrated on the first day. The army operates three first class honours degrees (History, a system of ‘hurry up, and wait’; during one International Studies, PPE) all celebrated with of these pauses, I took a paperback out of increasing abandon by the family. The Open my pocket, and realised the whole barrack University provides a graduation ceremony room was staring at me in amazement and that is relaxed about the antics of graduates’ some degree of hostility. I later found that the guests. The family Markson receives the prize others were, in effect, sub-literate. for the noisiest claque! Nevertheless, The Academy enabled me to If any of my classmates would like to get in cope with being ‘volunteered’ as a medical touch, the school has my contact details. orderly, which has proven useful in the minor emergencies that come with family life. After Tony Markson (1953)

15,000 to 30,000 years old (what are Quinkans?). Back to corrugated dirt roads, the Northern Peninsula Development Road, to Musgrave, 203km. The roadhouse used to be a Telegraph Station built 1887 and fortified against the local First Nations People (not sure who the warlike ones were?). The Hardman Trust is a nationwide The financial awards the Hardman trust make Still 559km or 345 miles to the Tip of charity, supporting those who have vary, depending on individual needs and include Australia. Bramwell Station 314km Australian courses, equipment and technology. northernmost cattle station, average rainfall had prison sentences in excess of 7 What do I look for in these applicants? The of 2,100 millimetres per year (3.7 pints). years. I am a voluntary assessor in same, in fact, as any employer would look for. Next stop Seisa 218km on the northern most Scotland, helping applicants prepare There is no free lunch. I find that because of tip of Australia. On the way check out The for release and restart their lives. I their background, many applicants are hungry Old Telegraph Road (four wheel drive vehicles am passionate about the candidates to show their families and the world, they are now rehabilitated and an asset to society. only) and Fruit Bat Falls, great for a swim. and humbled by their achievements. Just need to cross the Jardine River and we They want, do not laugh, to pay taxes. In the are almost halfway through the trip. Are you Your children are special to you and these same way as you mentor your children, the still with me? 4109km. Next time ‘you are candidates are special to me. Life has dealt same happens inside the prison sector. Prison standing on the northernmost point of the some a poor deck of cards but one thing that Officers are like parents, especially to younger Australian continent’ and a different way back. is clear is their enthusiasm and commitment. offenders, and help them adjust to their sad, I recently met a gentleman who has just new situation at the start of the rehabilitation achieved a 2.1 degree in criminology and programme. I have been involved with prisons psychology. He has to do the same as your for over 30 years and know that many inmates children in relation to filling in application forms, are interesting, down to earth people and want getting references and thinking about what to show they can be trusted, as well as the future holds. The similarities end there, as anyone else. All answers or questions to be submitted in these soon to be free people, have less in their a legible format to [email protected]. The Hardman Trust helps those that are palette of career opportunities than others. I auLots of photographs available. eligible for assistance and it is a privilege to be recently interviewed a budding barber, beauty part of their journey. Andrew Thompson (1968) stylist, caterer, gardener, hairdresser, HGV driver and painter. With one exception, all the skills were taught inside prison. Edwin Lucas (1970) 25 ETCETERA IN MEMORIAM REUNIONS

REMEMBERING IAN JEFFERY AND ALEXANDER TYSEN

At the time of printing, many reunions are waiting for clarification around how we may be able to meet in groups, before confirming a date. Please don’t let that hold you back from getting in touch with the person/people organising your reunion to note your interest – plans are being formed and we are keen to get views on when and how we gather together, once we can.

1963 reunion – Friday 1st October, Oran Mor. This year, we remember a of the theatre, acting and was a craftsman Contact John Byers to confirm devastating tragedy that struck during his own time, making furniture and your intention to attend wooden toys for his baby son Daniel. The Glasgow Academy. [email protected] It was never fully known what went wrong Thirty years ago, on Sunday 3rd Feb 1991, two and how these two young men of 35 years’ 1971 – Simon Brewin of our teachers were killed during a climbing old lost their lives, other than it was a tragic simon@[email protected] accident on Craig Meagaidh, near Fort William. accident. Mr Alexander Nicholas Tysen, Maths Teacher David Gourlay (1991) gave a reading at the 1972 – Lesley Brewin and Mr Ian Dewar Jeffery, Biology Teacher, memorial service and notes “There is no (Westbourne) had both started work at The Academy on doubt that although tragically cut short, their [email protected] the same day in September 1980, and were time teaching at The Academy left an indelible influential teachers, well-liked by staff, parents mark on hundreds of boys who were lucky 1981 – Bryan Thomson and pupils alike. enough to be taught by them. It’s scarcely [email protected] Both men were heavily involved in various believable that it’s now thirty years since they aspects of Academy life as rugby coaches, tragically lost their lives, however I know that diving and athletics during the summer term, like me, many of the school community will 2001 reunion - contact Derry, and both shared a love of the outdoors, which remember them with fondness, the greatest Louise and Murray led to Alex founding the climbing club at The respect and gratitude.” [email protected], Academy in May 1984. [email protected], Ian worked as a conservationist prior to [email protected] his teaching career and was a botanist of considerable knowledge. He loved basketball and football and encouraged a wide variety If your reunion isn’t listed here and of sports during his time as House Master. you’d like to get the gang together, He also loved a wide range of music and was please email [email protected] a keen concertgoer who was also known to to find out more about what’s involved write poetry. in being a lead alumnus (hint: it’s not Alex started as a Transitus Master teaching too onerous – promise!). a range of subjects before specialising in Mathematics in the Senior School, with a love 26 SPRING 2021 WESTBOURNE OBITUARIES

Dorothy Baird (nee Turnbull) Loved by John and Caroline her children (Janette) Jan Sproul (nee Reid) and grandchildren Oliver, Harry, Daniel and (1933) Simon and cousins Janette and Edith (nee 1949 27 July 1918 - 12 September 2020 Robertson). Jan died at the age of 89 on 24 April 2020 in Dorothy attended Westbourne from the age Bearsden, where she had lived all her life. She of 6 until 15. She played hockey for the school was a pupil at Westbourne from 1942 to 1949, and appears in the team photograph of 1932. becoming deputy head girl in her last year, and She then boarded at St Hilda’s in Edinburgh for was followed there by her two younger sisters, 2 years. She took a secretarial course at the Stella (Collins) and Lorna (Kendall). On her Commercial College in Glasgow and worked first day at Westbourne, she met her lifelong for several years (pre formation of the NHS) friend, Shiona Crombie (nee Ross), who died at the Co-operation of Trained Nurses in Gt a few months before her, on 28 December Western Road. Her father was a doctor and 2019. the family home was in Woodside Terrace, at On leaving school in 1949, Jan took up a place Charing Cross. at Glasgow University to study English. Shortly She married in 1949 and lived with her before she graduated, when a bridesmaid at husband Dick in Hyndland Road, and then Shiona’s wedding, she met Andrew Sproul and with children Anne (Westbourne) and Douglas the couple married in 1954. Their daughters (GA) in Anniesland Road. In 1976, after Dick’s Gill, Judy and Kate all attended Westbourne, retirement, they moved to Town Yetholm in with son John attending Kelvinside. the Borders . She continued to live in Yetholm In 1974, Jan decided to answer the for 13 years after Dick died until, at the age of Government’s call for teachers and return 90, she moved to Dollar to live with Anne. At to education, studying at Jordanhill College 99, Dorothy decided to move into a local care for her post-graduate teaching qualification. home where she settled happily. Family and The following year, Jan started as teacher of friends celebrated her 100th birthday over two English at Braidfield High School in Clydebank, days in 2018. Always full of good humour and a where she spent a total of 19 years, retiring at love of life she was an adored mother, mother- 63 in 1994. in-law, grandmother and great grandmother who brought good cheer to all. Jan was closely involved in Westbourne School Old Girls’ Club for many years, organising events and activities and, at one Claire Fraser point, becoming president. She had many (1955) other interests, loved company, walking and gardening and took great pride in her 4 May 1938 - 16 December 2020 grandchildren. Claire died peaceful at home. Much loved wife of Ken and Mum to Simon and Tanya (1994). A Jan will be remembered with great affection Westbourne girl who will be sorely missed. and love by her family and wide group of friends for her kindness, her consideration for others and her determination in the face of Dr (Cecilia) Jan Chisholm many challenges, not least Andy’s long illness, which led to his death in 1998. She was a (1955) remarkable person by any standards, and her 21 December 1937- 27 September 2020 death is a great loss to her family and friends, even though, due to Alzheimer’s, she would Jan attended Westbourne school for 10 years not have understood that in recent years - becoming both Head girl and Dux medalist in and would probably have been very surprised her final year 1955. if she had. Strong friendships were made and kept for over 70 years- Ann Millar, Maris Rea, Elizabeth Shaw. She loved art, music, drama, belonged to the debating society and the hockey team too. She went on to study Medicine at Glasgow University. Much of her career was spent as a Paediatrician in Bedford, England. She retired to Helensburgh, Scotland and enjoyed reconnecting with family and meeting with friends both old and new. 27 ETCETERA OBITUARIES

On leaving The Academy he joined Hutchison Henry Gebbie and Craft, a Glasgow based Insurance (1948) Broker before setting up his own successful 22 October 1930 - 16 September 2020 brokerage in Lanarkshire where he worked for 40 years before retiring in 2005. Dr Henry Gebbie died peacefully in Edinburgh surrounded by his family. He had suffered Sport continued to be a key part of his leisure from Parkinson’s disease for many years time, golf in particular. He was Captain of but remained cheerful and interested in the Lanark golf Club in 1980 and joined Royal ways of the world until he died. He attended Troon in 1973. In his younger days he played Glasgow Academy as a boarder having come squash at New Anniesland, was a keen curler from a family of lacemakers in Darvel, Ayrshire. and played a regular game of table tennis He was followed there a year later by his late into his 70’s. He was a founding Chairman of brother Donald Gebbie. Following Glasgow Wishaw Round Table, was a member of the Academy, he studied medicine at Glasgow local Toastmasters and latterly the Probis University and then became a GP partner in Club. He enjoyed after dinner speaking and first Nairn and then Edinburgh. with a name like Billy Graham (as in the US Charles Mitchell (Mitch) Evangelist in the 1960’s) his party trick would He was a much loved family doctor and went Biggart be to raise his hand and say ‘I bless you all’ at on to become Apothecary to the Queen and the end of his speeches. (1944) the royal household at Holyrood Palace. In 1960 he married Mary Nimmo (Westbourne 19 February 1933 – 29 June 2020 Henry enjoyed living in France following his 1955) who he met on the train on their way to retirement and enjoyed using and improving school. He is survived by Mary and his sister Mitch attended The Academy from 1938 to his schoolboy French. He never forgot his west 1944 before moving to Strathallan School. Milda (Westbourne 1957) and two children of Scotland roots and often recounted his Peter (1979) and Fiona (Westbourne 1980). He trained as a Chartered Accountant and days at the Glasgow Academy when he lived qualified in 1956. After National Service, he They, together with son and daughter-in-laws in digs to his family. He once had a starring and the rest of the extended family, will all very joined his father and elder brother David as role as Bottom in The Academy’s production a partner in Taylor and Ireland, CA, where he much miss his sense of humour and good of a Midsummer Night’s Dream. He was company. worked until retirement. also captain of the second rugby XV - a role He was one of the founder members of the traditionally given to the most dependable of Glencoe Ski Club, where he was race convenor, players although Henry would describe himself treasurer and finally auditor. He served as as having BEFAB – a bad eye for a ball. Donald MacLean Financial Advisor to the Scottish National Ski His beloved wife, Dorothy Sloan, predeceased (1944) Council from 1968 to 1980 and was on the him in 2017. He was devoted to his four 3 July 1926 – 22 July 2020 Olympic Ski Fund Appeal Committee for the children Caroline, Ailsa, Alison and David, Donald McLean had a fascinating career Winter Olympics of 1972. He was to be seen his fourteen grandchildren and one great with the BBC and EMI which he detailed in his most weekends on the Glencoe ski slopes grandchild. from the mid-1950s to the mid-1980s. As Spring 2007 article inEtcetera. Please peruse an accomplished skier, he skied many of the the online archive of past issues to read his top ski resorts in Europe and North America, account. continuing skiing into his 80s. He also loved W.M.M. (Billy) Graham golf and played at the courses in St Andrews (1955) where he bought a flat in 1974 with his twin 24 March 1937- 26 April 2020 brother Lawrence. Sheila McKenzie Billy Graham was born in Berwick-on-Tweed 12 April 1946 – 29 August 2020 In 1994 he married Pamela Angus (née (on the right side of the river he would often Young, Westbourne School 1954-59) and in I first met Sheila in 1989 when she came say) where his father Ian had a Veterinary retirement travelled extensively in the USA to work at the school. She filled the post practice. Following a move to Uddingston, and Europe. He enjoyed walking and cycling admirably and soon became a reliable he followed his father Ian (1928) and brother holidays. secretary working for the Deputy Rector, John Henrik (1954) to The Academy. He was Davidson Kelly, and friend to all members of He is survived by his wife, Pam, 5 nephews, one a natural sportsman and had very fond the Common Room. The following tributes niece and 4 step-children. memories of his time at The Academy where come from staff who knew her. Elaine he played for the First XV, for representative Mitch will be remembered fondly by the many McCallum says: “Sheila was such a friendly District sides and a Scottish RAF cadet side. who counted him as their friend as a generous face in the school office and was always so After leaving school he played for Accies for a person and a devoted husband who lived life smartly and fashionably dressed. She was few seasons before a broken collar bone put to the full. very proud of her son Scott” an end to his rugby career. He continued with John Couper (1964) association at New Anniesland by joining the Alan Hutchinson: “I found Sheila to be a bar-rota team land which kept him in touch charming member of the Office and I was with rugby colleagues. very grateful for the support I received from 28 SPRING 2021

her. Sheila managed to exude cheerfulness John spent a year in cellars and vineyards in even when the job must have been incredibly France, Portugal and Italy, a year in Germany, stressful. She had an infectious laugh and I six months in Spain and six months with Moet loved her sense of humour. I loved the little and Chandon in France. Returning to the card she sometimes had on her desk saying UK he became Sales Manager for Benskins “Born to shop. Forced to work” Brewery before his appointment as Group . Training Manager for Grants of St James’s. John spent 11 years with the Wine Society before being recruited by the Drambuie Liqueur Group to manage their London business, soon becoming a Main Board Director. 8 years later, the company decided to move their London operation to Edinburgh and taking redundancy, John, with his wife Linda, ventured into the world of publishing investing his redundancy package to Elizabeth Anne (Brown) purchase ‘The Officer’ magazine, an armed McKerrell forces publication. John resurrected the magazine, and acquired a second title, ‘RAF 18 October 1947 – 12 Dec 2019 In-Flight’. Three years later John sold both Lizanne Brown trained at Jordanhill College titles but retirement was not to be, as Linda’s and then went to The Academy Junior School brother purchased a pub, The Lobster Pot, where she taught Preparatory class 4.2 from on the Norfolk coast and was looking for 1971 until she married Douglas McKerrell in a licensee. John and Linda agreed to get 1973 and continued as Mrs McKerrell until she it up and running for a year while John’s left in June 1974. brother, Clifford, could pursue his dream of transforming it into a 12 bedroomed hotel Andrew Evans remembers: “Sheila was one She made many friends amongst the staff which came to fruition in 1989 renamed The of the loveliest ladies on the staff. She had and pupils who would contact her with news White Horse. a warm, caring personality and always had a for years after. The Academy chronicle noted genuine interest not just in the staff but also “Mrs. McKerrell’s keen interest in choral music John and Linda retired in 1989 and spent a their families. She worked in the school office has shown itself in her work with her boys, happy retirement enjoying opera, theatre, at a time when computers were becoming a and in her appearance in the Senior Choir horse racing, travel, entertaining, and rugby tool used by everyone, but more than anyone of the school. Boys and colleagues alike will union. the benefits of the innovation were obvious to miss her gentle and pleasant personality, and He will be remembered for his joie de vivre, his her. She had the patience of a saint and more take leave of her with every good wish for her kindness, good humour and was a proud Scot than anyone she was able to decipher some happiness in the new sphere of her life”. demanding salt only on his porridge. John will memos from another member of staff!” Her three sons, Colin, Mark, and Simon be greatly missed by family, friends and all who John Davidson Kelly recalls: “Sheila was McKerrell later attended The Academy. knew him. always friendly, calm, efficient, very loyal and extremely hardworking, regularly taking work She died after a very brief illness at the end home at night. She was also very patient and of 2019. uncomplaining about my dreadful handwriting William Murray Nelson and equally bad use of the typewriter! (1955) How pleased she was when computers John Rainger McLusky came in and UCAS references appeared in (1962) 7 March 1937 – 11 November 2020 recognisable form! Of course, she was also Murray Nelson attended The Academy very good at pouring oil over trouble waters. I 25 December 1943 – 14 July 2020 from 1942. After school he qualified as an don’t recall her having a bad word for anyone Born Kirkcaldy, John was an only child in a engineering draughtsman completing an and she was friendly with all. I will never forget happy household. Family holidays gave John apprenticeship at Thermotank in Govan. He her great kindness to me and my daughters a taste for travel and on leaving Strathclyde built up a successful business specialising when my wife Susan died. When I retired I lost Business School he decided that the wine in industrial cladding and operating across an excellent secretary. Now I have lost a good and spirit trade would afford a great career Scotland the North of England. When our friend.” involving travel. John soon began working for parents made Tavallich on the Mull of Kintyre Have not we all. a Wine and Spirit merchant in Glasgow where their sailing and holiday home, Murray became he trained in bulk buying, stock control and Margo King distribution. During this period he completed an enthusiastic yatchtsman. He sailed on his the Master of Wine Study Course and could series of Fisher motor yachts the length of visualise the overseas visits drawing closer!! 29 ETCETERA OBITUARIES

the West Coast of Scotland, the Hebrides and to 1935 and then joined the British Linen St Kilda, and across to Norway before a long Bank, in Byres Road (now known as the Bank period in Lagos in Portugal. He built a lovely of Scotland). Hasie was one of only 3 clerks house on the edge of Tayvallich bay where to gain a degree (Law) and served until his ETCETERA family and friends enjoyed the beautiful setting retirement in 1975, at which time he was the and his and his wife Barrie’s warm hospitality. manager of the Queen Street branch. He was a strong family man and kept close to He was a family man, marrying Doris in April his three children – Stuart, Maie and Graeme 1948, receiving a telegram from the Queen and all his grandchildren. His uncle, J.B. Nelson on their Diamond Anniversary as they were Advertise your played scrum-half for Glasgow Accies and won married the same month as the Queen and 26 caps for Scotland – scoring the first ever try Prince Philip. He was extremely proud of his business here! at Murrayfield (against England). His grandsons daughters Alison (Westbourne 1966) and Sandy and David also attended The Academy. Fiona (Westbourne 1969), his grandchildren Contact The Glasgow and great-grandchildren. ‘Gaga’, as he was Murray was the sixteen generation of Academy to discuss how known by all the family, was never happier than membership of the Incorporation of Maltmen when surrounded by them. to promote your business in the Trades House of Glasgow for whom his in Et Cetera Magazine: father Walter Nelson was the Visitor. He was an active and proud Glasgow Academical, playing cricket for the 1st XI prior The best big brother a man could have. • Create awareness to the Second World War, in the 50’s set up the Edinburgh section of the Academical Club • Promote to the and led the effort to raise funds to replace the Academical community stand at New Anniesland. The Club benefits from the wooden stand to this day. • Stand out from the Hasie also led the work to establish the bar competition at New Anniesland and embodied the spirit of Accies in believing the Club was for all, and a way to form lifelong friendships. In 2016 Hasie attended the Rugby Section’s 150th Email Jillian Fletcher anniversary celebration, given he had been ([email protected]) to around for 100 of them! discuss how we might help you Hasie was involved in the creation of an annual dinner for pre-War former pupils - known as ‘The Gasbags’! According to Sir David Mason “the room lit up when he came in, he had a wonderful sense of humour”. Thank you to alumni who have He put his longevity down to “eating things I chosen to include The Glasgow was advised not to – like red meat, butter and Academy in their Wills. Lockdown chocolate and drinking full fat milk”, just as he has been a time when many have had done while growing up on his grandfather’s reviewed their Wills and the school farm. He was known to be an avid arguer, are enormously grateful to those John Haswell Young seldom losing, his mind was as sharp as a tack who have chosen to have the school (1934) to the end.105 and still enjoying a glass of benefit from their estate. champagne and some cake! 23 September 1915 - 1 January 2021 Including the school in your Will costs nothing, is very easy to do and a gift Even at the Erskine Home for veterans, he had of even 1% of your estate makes His favourite word a profound influence on those around him. a huge difference. How you would Erskine’s Chief Executive Ian Cumming said: “It like your gift used is entirely up to was – ‘Marvellous’ was a joy and privilege to know Hasie Young… To everyone who knew him he was ‘Hasie’, a you - whether to benefit bursaries, he had a delightful sense of humour and a buildings, a specific area of school man with many friends despite having outlived quick wit…He was an utterly charming man.” his contemporaries. life or something else – the decision is yours. Hasie was born in Beith, Ayrshire. He survived ENOUGH SAID! the First World War, the Spanish Flu outbreak, If you would like to find out more please take a look on our website or the great depression of 1930’s and the Donald Reid (1967) Second World War. During the war Hasie contact Jillian Fletcher served 6 years as a Flight Lieutenant in the ([email protected]) RAF, seeing action in England and India. Hasie attended The Academy from 1930 30 SPRING 2021

REVOLUTIONARY FREE ONLINE LEARNING TOOL FOR SCOTTISH PUPILS UNVEILED thinkfour launches ahead of upcoming assessments for Scottish pupils

A digital learning platform, designed to from intermolecular forces in Chemistry to “The use of technology and online tools are support teenage pupils across Scotland with constructing essays in English. New content now ingrained habits for the vast majority their education launched this month. will be added regularly as the platform evolves of young people, and thinkfour is designed in response to the changing needs of those to reach pupils in a setting which they are Created by some of Scotland’s leading using it. familiar and comfortable with. We’ve used the educators at The Glasgow Academy and science behind digital learning to create a free The concept was developed by experienced available for free to all Scottish pupils, learning space and we believe the platform will school leaders and teachers at one of the ‘thinkfour’ is a video streaming platform that make a real difference to young people up and country’s top performing schools, The distils complex ideas from a range of SQA down the country. Higher subjects and unpacks them in four- Glasgow Academy, and was guided by pupils minute video tutorials. who shared their own experiences with online “It has also been structured in a way that study tools. The platform is built around the supports parents and carers too, giving It has been created specifically for those aged science of effective online learning and is a them the knowledge they need to help guide 14-17 years old, who are currently facing collaboration between expert teachers and a learning and revision at home.” unprecedented challenges to their education Glasgow-based award-winning digital agency. and will launch ahead of the upcoming assessment periods in April and May. The thinkfour strategist and The Glasgow social enterprise start-up was founded to Academy Rector Matthew Pearce said: “There make learning and revision easier for young is an immediate need to help young people people at home, while empowering parents in Scotland achieve the results they deserve. thinkfour is being made available to all and carers to support them. thinkfour gives pupils the keys to unlock their learning and re-frame their thinking when pupils in Scotland for free. It can thinkfour has launched with over 80 videos they face those challenging moments in their be accessed by visiting already available, covering topics ranging revision. www.thinkfour.org.uk 31 ETCETERA

Winton Drive 1952 HISTORY OF THE WESTBOURNE SCHOOL

he Westbourne Gardens schools for young ladies became very popular, run by James Brown Montgomerie Fleming, and so the Miss Levacks followed what was who chose it as his family residence. But School opened “for the considered to be an honourable Victorian sadly, his son James Junior who inherited education of young ladies” endeavour by teaching young ladies. The aim the grand mansion house, died following on 3rd September 1877. Glasgow of the school was “to produce young women wounds received at the Battle of Langemarck with as much good influence in matters of (Ypres) in August 1917, meaning the house TMerchant, Mr William Levack morals, speech and elegant living as seemed became available. Kelvinside House was used of 76 Ingram Street, Glasgow, possible” From 1877, the terraced house alongside Westbourne Gardens and Winton purchased no. 34 Westbourne next door at no.33 was owned by Professor Drive making for more spacious teaching John Gray McKendrick, who was a professor accommodation and space for outdoor Gardens, Kelvinside, around 1876, of medicine at the University of Glasgow. activities. and his six daughters set up and Professor McKendrick gave lectures at the school, and by 1885, no. 33 was added to the Having always been known as Westbourne ran the school. school, allowing it to double in size. Gardens School, by 1920, it became known as It is unclear whether the house was bought Westbourne School for Girls. Given that the specifically for the purpose of opening a As time passed, the school began to grow, school badge was a monogrammed WGS, the school, however, a few ears earlier in 1872, and so additional premises were required. change to WSG meant that no redesign was the Education (Scotland) Act was passed After the First World War, the school took required, and it carried on as it ever was. But it which said it was the duty of every parent over Beaconsfield House, (later renamed was rather a misnomer; although the school “to provide elementary education in reading, Kelvinside House) located on Balgray Hill, was meant to educate young ladies, it did not writing and arithmetic for children between now Cleveden Road. It was built in the follow that boys were disallowed altogether, five and thirteen years of age”. At this point, 1870s by the Kelvinside Estate Company though they were in the minority. In some 32 SPRING 2021

Beaconsfield / Kelvinside House with Ann Fraser hall addition (dating post 1956)

instances, siblings regardless of gender were There was a House system in operation became a Limited Company with a board educated together at the school, so there after this time which was known as Tudor, of Governors overseeing operations. The were occasionally some boys in the prep Stuart, Hanover and Windsor. By 1973, this first Chairman of Governors was Sir Hugh school, and some even stayed as long as the increased from four to six houses due to Fraser, and this heralded a great time for the first year at junior school. But by the 1954/55 the number of students and were renamed institution. The school facilities at Winton academic year, this ceased altogether. Bruce, Douglas, Fraser, Ross, Scott and Drive were added to by the purchase of no’s Wallace. The uniform changed too. At first, 3 and 5 with further upgrades and additions The Second World War made an impact on there was no requirement for such a thing, including the building of the Anne Fraser the history of the school as much as it did on though it was expected that all pupils dress Hall in 1956, named after Sir Hugh’s wife. By the rest of the country and beyond. When in a clean and neat manner that included the 1976, Westbourne was one of four schools the school was evacuated to Symington compulsory wearing of a straw boater during who formed the West of Scotland School House near Biggar on 1st September 1939 summer months and a velour hat during the Company Ltd, which also included Laurel due to the onset of war, Kelvinside House winter. By the time school uniforms were Bank, Park and St Columba’s of Kilmacolm. was used by the military authorities. And introduced, hats were still a requirement and when the staff and students returned to were to include a navy hat ribbon with two Glasgow in July 1944, they had to make By 1991, the biggest change in red stripes. This was worn along with a red do with more cramped accommodation at woollen jumper and navy box pleat tunic and the history of Westbourne was Westbourne Gardens as Kelvinside House red girdle. In 1953, the red and navy colours the merger with The Glasgow was not relinquished until 1946. Prior to this were changed to navy, lavender and silver; time, Westbourne had always offered day Academy, which allowed for a a navy blazer, navy jumper, lilac shirt and attendance, but after their time at Symington, striped tie. In 1973, the uniform changed fully co-educational experience, some of the girls who were local to Biggar or once more and this time consisted of a lilac the surrounding areas had joined the school, and the chance to safeguard the skirt, lilac and white gingham blouse with a so to allow them carried on their education Westbourne name and history peter pan collar, a purple jumper and purple in Glasgow, boarding was offered at no. 15 blazer. The collar style meant a school tie was going forward. The name lives on Winton Drive. Two teachers, Miss Bruce and no longer required, and this was in part due Miss Hastwell looked after the boarders who at the Kelvinbridge campus with to suggestions and consultations from the stayed through the week, returning home on pupils. Westbourne House as part of the weekends and holidays. It is not entirely clear terrace. when this ceased completely, but it appears Changes in governance and administration to have declined over time, though was still in continued over time. From 1877 until 1951, operation throughout the 1950s. the school was run privately, but in 1951, it Lorraine Murray, School Archivist 33 ETCETERA

THE MOST SUCCESSFUL WING DRUMMER TO HAVE COMMANDER COME OUT OF THE ROD DUGUID GLASGOW ACADEMY…. HONOURED

t started in 1953 when Chemistry Teacher Jock Carruthers asked if anyone was interested in learning the Ibagpipes or drums. 7s 6d from my pocket money bought me a pair of Premier G drumsticks and my friend, Robert Cook, showed me how to play a drum roll. I was spellbound. He played a closed roll and that was it - I was determined to not just ANY drummer but the BEST. My first lesson, with ten others, was with a Mr Seaton from the Glasgow Police Band, on a rope tensioned snare drum. Fast ing Commander Rod Duguid, was forward to 1954, I was lead drummer for the Glasgow Academy Pipes and Drums. recognised in the New Year Military In the February Glasgow University held Honours List, having won a UK Military their Annual Charities Day and from Kelvin Deputy Commander Operations 3* Commendation Way to the City Chambers we led the Wfor his work in developing and delivering a leadership Brian (age 11) with this mum in 1952, outside procession. My Mum was there smiling at programme across the RAF, now destined for Hubards tea rooms, Great Western Rd. me and I was proud as punch. broader Defence.

On Monday 27th of June 1955 I won the CCF “Challenge” drumsticks which, This year Rod was deployed to Afghanistan, where he advised incidentally, were lost in the School fire of 1954. When I left school in 1956, the senior Afghan Military Officers on how to make the Afghan buzzing music scene in Glasgow was an incredible musical education. We had a Air Force more efficient and effective in supporting the Army, stack of 78 rpm shellac breakable records at home and I spent many happy hours whilst also supporting their war effort against the Taliban. Rod drumming along after my mum signed the Hire Purchase Agreements on my kit. was recognised by Afghan and US Military Generals with a US By this time, I was free-lancing with different styles of bands and although in 1964 Meritorious Service Medal (MSM) for his outstanding service, I still had a day job, when a friend asked if I wanted to go to Germany, “Yes!” came which could lead to more long-term stability in Afghanistan. my quick reply. Rod (or ‘Roddy’ as he was known in his school years), was a Our band “The Sonics” performed across West Germany. In 1971 I joined a proud member of the RAF CCF Section, where he won a flying Dance and Show band and for 20 years drummed at famous Swiss venues. scholarship. His experience was clearly of benefit to the Afghan Around the time music styles were changing, I was offered a job (on the spot!), Air Force who are now only in their 11th year of development to teach drumming - and I went for it. Within two years I was teaching in seven and the most capable and feared Force in Afghanistan. Rod schools and wrote and composed my own drumming publication - “Scotty’s stated that “this had been the most rewarding operational Swinging World”. It was also fantastic to be interviewed by the famous American experience in my 33 years service; I have made friends for life drum magazine “Classic Drummer” and to be house drummer at a Hammond and have done my best to help them in their unrelenting war Organ Jazz Museum in Zürich, accompanying some of the world’s best organists. effort. The award of the MSM is a true honour, to accompany Following retirement from teaching in 2006 I returned to Germany with my my previous work at Air Command. Something positive from a wife Brigitte (whom I first met in 1965) and started “The Brian Scotty Wilson very tough year for us all! I am proud to have made a difference.” Band”. Why did the Swiss nickname me “Scotty”? Simply because they could not Rod lives in Marlow with his wife Ann and sons Callum (19) and pronounce my name. Breeeeeeeeeeeeeeeean. Who’s that? Hamish (16). He stated that he has a lot to thank the school for: “Glasgow Academy provided me a well-rounded education, confidence, leadership and drive to follow my goals. I particularly Brian Wilson (1956) wish to give special praise to the staff for introducing me to 2 What musical feats have you achieved since leaving school? The editor would love of the loves of my life: Rugby and the RAF. A special thanks to to hear about what you’ve done with the musical skills you picked up at school – David Gray who inspired me to join the RAF Section and pushing whether you have sung at the Vatican or played bass for AC/DC we want to know! me to apply for a flying scholarship. It led to 33 years of the most fulfilling career and life experiences. Thank you!!” Rod Duguid (1983) 34

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