I ie Strathallian Vol 10 No. 3 Autumn 1973 THE STRATHALLIAN t h e m a g a z i n e o f strathallan s c h o o l PERTHSHIRE Telephone No. BRIDGE OF EARN 232 Volume Ten Autumn 1973 Number Three SCHOOL AUTHORITY Head of School R. C. Stark (left Christmas '72) S. R. C. Duncan. Vice-Captain of School N. S. S tevenson Head of Freeland S. R. C. Duncan Head of Leburn N. S. Stevenson Head of Nicol A . G. M arshall (S p ring '73) Head of Ruthven F. G. R. G illanders Head of Simpson M . G. G ordon School Prefects: C. D. Reekie; N. R. B axter (S u m m e r '73) Editors of "The Strathallian": N. S. Stevenson, P. D. Hunter, T. S. Ling 3 EDITORIAL We think that we divulge no secrets when we say that this, the final issue of the present volume, is to be the final issue of the magazine in its present form. Of the new version we say, Wait and see. We did, though, ask a few of the Sixth Form what they would like to see in a magazine with a slightly different approach. One of the requests was for more photographs — "more photo­ graphs of school and school life in general, rather than the countless unidentifiable photographs of rugby matches" said one, whilst an­ other asked for "more pictures, cspccially of spectacular tries, goals and athletics events". Well, in this issue we have tried to cover both eventualities in a small way. The trouble is that photographs in any publication cost rather a lot of money — last year the bill for this magazine was between £40 and £50 — but that is the least of the problem. The photo­ graphs themselves are not that easy to come by in the first place, and when we are fortunate enough to get a selection of some, very often diffidently brought to our attention, the owners must be very disappointed when they find that we select only one. The fact is that action photography is less easy than many imagine. One has to know one's sport well enough to be able to anticipate action, and one has to approach the sport with a view to finding action, not, as so often happens, taking a picture of Fred playing for the 1st XV. One can sit for long enough near the try-line or by the goal-mouth and not get spectacular shots, and even then one might be approaching the task with the wrong equipment. Tri-X or HP4 film, or some other fast film, and a telephoto lens and a camera with at least a 1/500 shutter speed are very necessary. The spec­ tacular shots that we are all so used to seeing in the pages of the press are the result of long experience and, often, are made possible by the use of motor-drive. Most people haven't got the dedication or the money for that kind of thing. However, there is a certain amount of reviving interest in photography in the School, and there are enough subjects around to take many interesting and unusual photographs. We hope for better photographs in the future. Another request was that the length and number of sports reports be reduced. We agree, and a movement in that direction has already been made in this issue. But what is to be put in the resultant empty space? Contributions by the boys is the answer that comes most readily. Those who worked on "Wing Forward" will know, however, how shy Strathallians are to rush into print. Another ingenious suggestion made was views about the School by leavers (some might ask Why not views on the leavers by the School?), and there is certainly room for a variation on that theme, 5 the university letter, a common feature of many of our contem­ poraries. One person even suggested more space be devoted to social occasions, but gave as an example the Masters' Football Match, which we have always been given to understand is an occasion which can never be graced with any notion of sociability. However, the new format and the new ideas will be in other hands. We wish them well in their task. Mr. ROBERT BARR The sudden death of Robert (Bobbie) Barr on Sunday, 4th February, 1973, came as a great shock to his fellow Strathallians. Bobbie was at Strathallan from 1921 to 1926 and during that time he made his mark on the School. On the academic side his clear brain enabled him to sail through the necessary examinations, but it was the sports field that he really enjoyed. He was a useful member of the Cricket XI and took part in the famous match against Harry B. Rowan's XI in 1926, but Rugby was his particular love and his determined running as a centre three-quarter and the numerous tries he scored, those who had the pleasure of playing alongside him will always remember. His "dummy" was almost a copyright! On leaving School he went to Glasgow University with the intention of studying medicine, but after three years, for family reasons, he joined the firm of Barr, Crombie & Co. Ltd. While he may have been disappointed at leaving the University, it was not before he had been awarded his Rugby Blue. Bobbie's keen interest outside Rugby was sailing and in 1939 he was commissioned in the R.N.V.R. where his business know­ ledge of shipping combined with his sailing and cruising experience were of value in organising and commanding the inshore mine­ sweepers manned by fishermen, operating in the North Sea and ultimately in Iceland. After the War, Bobbie continued to take a great interest in the School, and was invited to join the Board of Governors in 1946 and served on that Board for 20 years where his sound advice and love of the School were of great value. His benefactions to the School were typical of the man — action without fuss. Bobbie was President of the Strathallian Club from 1938 until 1946 and although he had a reserved ncture he endeared himself to all who knew him. N.G.R. MURRAY MILLER Murray Miller came to Riley in 1958 and left from Nicol in 1965. A music exhibitioner, he made great contributions in the choir and in concerts with his piano solos. Possibly his most outstanding achievements at School were on the stage, and he took leading parts in four productions with a memorable perfor­ mance in "A Man For All Seasons". 6 After a good academic career he started off on the long road of exams to become a C.A. He was a regular attender at Founder's Oay and his cheerful smile, his obvious pleasure at his recent suc­ cessful final exams and his charming manners were noticeable as usual this year on Saturday, 16th June. It was with a real sense of shock that we learnt that he had been killed in a car crash on the following Tuesday at the age of 26, with a promising future lying just ahead. He was above all a gentle and kindly person. Our deepest sympathy goes out to his father, Mr. K. M. Miller, and to his elder brother Ian. We shall all remember him with affection and pride. T.C.G.F. SCHOOL NOTES During the break in the Autumn Term the School Drive was re-surfaced as far as Lady's Well, but the winter must have done something, mild as it was, for re-surfacing, this time as far as the School gates, was undertaken during the Summer Term. A sponsored swim for the Royal Blind School in Edinburgh took place over several Sundays and raised £385. A further £95 was collected in Chapel. A new system of haircutting was introduced to replace Salon Dewar now that the proprietor of that establishment is semi-retired. Barbers (no, that is too crude a word for the results we see around us) — hair-stylists now visit the School on three or four occasions during the term. The Pond for once unused. 7 The social scene continues to prosper. Two dances were held with Kilgraston this year. The Christmas fixture was held away, and at the end of the Spring Term their hospitality was returned. We did have one or two photographs, not quite of the county magazine type, but these were snatched away from the editors at the last moment. A revised edition of the School Rules was printed and issued to every boy so that all could see what to break and where. The School fees have risen again. Several new cars have appeared outside the front door of the Main Building. A record was made of this year's Carol Service, and a sleeve for it was designed by G. P. McHarg. Three friars from the Society of St. Francis have paid visits to the School, preaching in Chapel and holding Sixth Form discussion groups. A new stand, very generously gifted by Mr. Reekie, has re­ placed the one above Big Acre. The School has been presented with a new flag by the Strath- allians. We record thanks, too, for two new prizes which have been generously funded. The first is the Patrick Grandison Prize for Strings in memory of the late Patrick Grandison. The second is the William Tattersall Art Prize, presented by Mrs. Tattersall in memory of her husband, Dr. William Tattersall. We say farewell to Margaret Burnet, the first Strathallian of the fair sex, who has made quite a mark academically on the School.