Etcetera Number 12

Summer 2010

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

• Dallachy Lecture, Cargill Hall, Thursday 7 October (see page 6)• Glasgow Academical Club Dinner, Friday 12 November (see page 8)

2 Etcetera

Keeping in touchThe External Relations offi ce is situated in Colebrooke Terrace. Former pupils are always welcome to pop in and have a chat. Just give us a call to arrange a time. Our address is Colebrooke Terrace, Glasgow G12 8HE and you can contact us on 0141 342 5494 or at exrel@tga.org.uk

The Glasgow Academical Club 21 Helensburgh Drive, Glasgow G13 1RRPresident – Lindsay CrawfordE-mail – lindsay.crawford1@ntlworld.com Secretary – Kenneth Shand Tel: 0141 248 5011 E-mail: kenneth.shand@mms.co.uk

The Academical Club pavilion is available for functions. Please contact Ken Barron at k.barron@tga.org.uk for details.

Academical Club’s London SectionSecretary – David Hall, 20 Cadogan Place London SW1X 9SA Tel: 020 7235 9012 E-mail: ecj@aralon.co.uk

Do we have your e-mail address? It’s how we communicate best!

Why not get connected?One of the most satisfying jobs we do in the External Relations offi ce is reconnecting people.

Sometimes we ‘reconnect’ people with their past when they come to visit the school. It’s not unusual for FPs to revisit Glasgow Academy after an absence of 50, 60 or even 70 years - and it’s great to see the memories come fl ooding back.

On other occasions we’re just the means of two people who haven’t been in touch for a while getting back together again. On page 20 you can read of two Academicals whom we helped to reunite in Australia after 67 years. It’s amazing that John Crombie and Allan McNicol recognised each other, but fortunately Glasgow accents are a dead giveaway!

Talking of getting in touch, we’ve had a suggestion from Alastair Marr (1974) that we encourage everyone to log on to GA Connected and leave their details.

Alastair says, ‘you have done such a lot of hard work on GA Connected’ that we should let everyone know that it’s a great way to meet old friends.

So here goes...

GA Connected - http://glasgowacademy.web-intouch.com - has some great features that allow you to:

● search for school friends

● keep your contact details up to date

● view photos of recent events

● view information on future events

In addition, your very own ‘Friends Reunited’ site has been redesigned, updated and improved. GA Connected now has many more great features - in particular our new archive section with hundreds of old school photos of Glasgow Academy and Westbourne School for Girls.

Why not help us build our new online photo archive? We need your help to build an even better archive of Academy and Westbourne history. If you have any photos of your school days, we’d love to hear from you.

If you need to a reminder of or don’t have your login/password details to hand, simply e-mail us at exrel@tga.org.uk

So why not take a look? It’s your site - and we’re always delighted to hear your feedback.

With best wishes

Editorial Contents

JuadG0

T2PESeTE

Tfoat

ASeLTE

One for the archive:

Many congratulations to Seamus McGuigan (left) and Oscar Lee (pictured with Jan Fulton) who - in winning this year’s Law Society of Scotland schools debate held in the Debating Chamber of the Scottish Parliament - have retained the Donald Dewar Memorial Trophy for the school. Glasgow Academy is the fi rst school ever to win the competition two years running.

3 The way we used to learn

5 Regular Giving 2009-2010

6 The Cargill Ball Dallachy Lecture 2010 Dates for your diary

7 Academical’s new novel - at age 93 The Kelvin Foundation

8 The Glasgow Academicals’ Club

12 The Glasgow Academy War Memorial

14 Westboune Section

17 Sculling for the elderly

18 This sporting life

19 Awards Moving up, moving on…

20 Updates

24 1959/60/61 Reunion

25 Announcements

27 Ten years after…

28 Obituaries

30 From our own correspondents

Etcetera 3

With the recent media coverage for the Battle of Britain’s 70th anniversary, I looked again at Andrew Wylie and Douglas Anderson’s splendid book A School at War. Yes, I remembered the early ‘evacuation’ of my class to a house in Bearsden, the return to Colebrooke Street, the air raid shelters and the barrage balloon in the playground but other things also came to mind. One day, in a storm, the balloon broke free and there was a worry that its trailing cable might smash some school windows. It didn’t. Not the one in our playground, but the photograph gives some indication of the balloon’s size -

big! There were 120 balloon sites round Glasgow and one of the most important factories for making them was the Kelvin Hall where thousands were produced.

The RAF also had a ‘soup kitchen’ in the northern corner of the playground where steaming concoctions were prepared for distribution to other balloon sites round the city. There was a radio in the armoury and I remember the excitement of hearing of the D-day landings in June 1944.

We certainly lived in different times.

Alan Carlaw (1949)

Glasgow Academy appointed CP Kimber as an English teacher and RAF Section offi cer in my days. He was one of the most-travelled individuals I had come across in the late 60s. He often had a story to tell from his past and often recalled his exploits stating, inter alia, ‘When I was in the Antarctic....or in the Amazon....or in the Mekong delta...the Australian outback....’. We groaned at each memory of the latest episode of Kimber’s Travels. (He was on a par with Wicker’s World at the time.) But we groaned in jest and he knew it. We loved to hear of his exploits.

I was telling a group about my time working in Ghana, Nigeria and then Pakistan. From the rear of the hall, I heard a groan. I smiled. CP Kimber had taught me to ride these envious sniggers. The Kimber Effect still lives.

Meanwhile, I am almost fi nished my eighth book a crime novel entitled Betrayed in the Nith...

Miller Caldwell (1969)

When I was at school, masters had nicknames ‘Bruiser Engledow’, Batchie, Frankie Parkes, ‘Baggy’ Aston (BG Aston), ‘Bobe’ Runcieman and - the best of all the masters who tried to get me passes despite an almost complete lack of success (I did pass both lower French and German) - ‘Chris’ Varley. He was the nicest and best master I ever had. I got on well with ‘George’ - GD Preston - and was his 1st Sgt in the ATC No 1715 fl ight and we spent a week on RNAS Macrihanish and fl ew in open cockpit Swordfi shes on dummy torpedo dropping in summer 1941. I was previously in the OTC - becoming JTC and got cert ‘A’. This ensured promotion to L/Cpl but I longed to

The way we used to learn...

4 Etcetera

school trip to Paris and the Loire Valley. After a horrendous journey over land with mountainous seas in the English Channel, we eventually made it to our one-star hotel in the student area of Paris. Morty had a rule that when in France we all had to speak French. This caused considerable concern when one or two of us decided to visit the loo and found that the plumbing wasn’t what we were used to in the leafy suburbs of the west of Scotland and they obviously hadn’t heard of Shanks of Barrhead! We surveyed various toilets in the hotel and they just had this great hole in the ground and what we eventually found

get out of it and was delighted when the ATC was formed. Other masters I remember were ‘Bing’ (What else would he be called?) Crosbie; Mike Page, my Maths teacher who was killed in action; Clapton - surely would have been called today ‘Clappers’ - I had him for Maths (Geometry) never my best subject on a Monday morning and was terrifi ed of this bad-tempered Lancastrian teacher - who was probably very good but had to face people like me early Monday morning!

When we were at school we were always called by our surnames - in my case ‘Hope’ or my nickname to rhyme - ‘Soapy’.

Colin Hope (1943)

There is, to this day, one sound of sum-mer, a lark in a clear blue sky, which, for me, always evokes memories of (CCF) Corp camp at Fort George.... memories of lying back in the long grass, drowsy after a taxing day trying to determine where ‘north’ might be by holding up one fi nger to see which side the moss would grow on, or discovering the hard way what ‘dead ground’ meant, by tumbling head fi rst over the edge of a disused quarry. Our return to base, after being routed by some totally undetected ‘enemy’ forces, was often delayed while some poor sod was sent back into the ‘battle zone’ to retrieve his rifl e, hav-ing failed to pick it up after a ‘comfort stop’... (no names, but has anyone seen Douglas Anderson recently?). Evenings were spent in a NAAFI nissen hut, listening to Joe Brown’s ‘Picture of You’, the only record the juke box would play (when rocked hard enough) without putting money in!

‘Duds Army’ certainly, but quite good fun (when it was all over!).

Jim Shearer (1964)

In the rigorous teaching methods of the early 40s one of my abiding memories is of BG Aston (Baggy) rapping the knuckles, with a ruler, of some miserable pupil whilst holding his wrist in a vice-like grip. At the same time the survivors of the class – all barbarians - would gleefully chant, in what might loosely be described as unison, ‘blood has been shed ere now’.‘Baggy’ was well liked, a good teacher, and we all survived – no comment!

Andrew Wylie (1944)

I was the wee boy in the front row (Etcetera, issue 11) when Morty Black took the very fi rst Glasgow Academy

out to be two places for your feet! You can imagine the incredulity and broken French when we approached Morty to tell him that it looked like someone had stolen the toilet, as the WC was missing and there was just a gaping hole! Other brighter boys got carried away with their French saying, ‘This could not be how General De Gaulle went about his business in the Elysee Palace!’

Fortunately Morty calmed things down with the French equivalent of ‘I’m afraid this is as good as it gets’ and ‘have a bash and see how you get on!’

John Watson (1965)

Miss WilsonMiss Wilson was head of the Prep School. She was known as ‘squeaky’ - guess why, because of her voice. I discovered years later that, when interviewing prospective pupils, she would often write the letters S.B. This stood for ‘spoilt brat’.

Mr Page – Room AWho can forget ‘Mike’ as he was referred to behind his back? Teaching mathematics in fi rst year senior school to a bunch of thickheads must have been far from easy. He played rugby for Accies and would often recount some marvellous stories of events on the pitch. I for one will never forget the morning the Rector announced that he had been killed at Arnhem serving in the parachute regiment. There were many tears shed that morning.

Mr Varley – Rooms G and KMr Varley always looked so ferocious but was a brilliant teacher of French and German. From form 3C and upwards, by sheer force of repetition, French grammar eventually dawned. Many of his pupils won scholarships to Oxford and Cambridge among them Moreton Black who eventually joined the Modern Language department, I think, as successor to CV. One famous comment when occasionally Chris Varley was irate was: ‘You will fail with a capital F’. Discipline was no problem with him. All he said was ‘Now then’ and silence reigned. Years later he became a good friend of my parents and my wife and me. He excelled in making superlative puddings when invited as a dinner guest.

Memories of Academy Staff 1938-45Mr J Coleman Smith – the GymIn Coley’s days the gym was on the top fl oor where he reigned supreme. Poor souls who could not climb ropes or hang on to parallel bars incurred his wrath. Underneath a fearsome exterior, however, there was a very warm heart. At Anniesland his voice could be heard all over the pitch telling the front row forwards to ‘get their bottoms down’. On retirement, he and Ethel lived fi rstly in a cottage on Inchmurrin, an island in Loch Lomond. Later he moved to a most beautiful house on Rodborough Common near Stroud and welcomed former pupils warmly.

Mr RC Wylie – Room LA quiet man who suffered great ill health, ‘Creeper’ Wylie taught English and it must have been painful for him to try to teach us the virtues of Paradise Lost among other things. Years later, on leaving the Academy, he became a curate in the Episcopal Church and eventually became Parish Priest at Challoch near Newton Stewart. On refl ection I wonder whether the ministry could have been his real calling earlier than it was.

Enough is enough, but I often wonder what occupation or profession these gentlemen pursued after demobilisation: Messrs Sterne, McEwan, Bryden, Vaughan Thomas, McCloy, Shepherd and Burnett. Does anybody know? I didn’t realise it at the time but now see what an infl uence they all had on me and possibly others.

Alan G Diack (1945)

Etcetera 5

to put specifi c admissions and bursary questions direct to the Rector, Peter Brodie. After the reception, donors enjoyed the opportunity to attend the Art Exhibition.

The 2009-2010 appeal remains open until 30 September. Thank you again to everyone who has already supported. If you would like more information on giving to Bursaries or Regular Giving generally, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Mark

Mark.Taylor@tga.org.uk

0141 342 5494

This year’s appeal has raised £43,569.91 in cash and pledges so far. We are very grateful to all members of the school community who have helped ensure the success of Regular Giving. Primarily, our focus in ‘09-’10 has been on Bursaries; as everyone knows, the credit crunch has made paying for fees harder for many families.

On 21 June, all members of the school community who supported the 2009-2010 appeal were invited to a special thank you reception on the Prep School Roof Terrace. Champagne and canapés on a fi ne, sunny, Glasgow evening were enjoyed by all those who attended. The guests were also able

Regular Giving 2009-2010Hi,

I have just today received a copy of this Spring Term’s Etcetera and was interested to read Nick Utechin’s memories at GA in the late 60s... I had just been appointed to the Academy staff in September 1968 (English Department and Transitus) and have many happy memories (many photos and details) of those days.

I hope the attached may be of interest to your magazine and to Nick.

With best regards

Pat (Paddy) Dorman, GA Staff 1968-1980

Ed - we are sure that Paddy Dorman’s photograph of the staff during the 1970s will inspire a number of memories of former teachers. If so, please get in touch. We’d be delighted to read them.

Regular Giving TriviaA wee gift can make a BIG difference!

If everyone that receives Etcetera

Gift-aided just £5 to our Regular

Giving Appeal, over £30,000 would be

raised for bursaries this year.

6 Etcetera

Dallachy Lecture 2010We are delighted that Colin Ingram (1987) will give this year’s Dallachy Lecture in the Cargill Hall on Thursday 7 October at 7 p.m.

After three years of - as he put it - ‘being a chartered accountant by day’ with a well-known accountancy practice ‘and a director/producer by night’ with his Edinburgh University Footlights in the mid-1990s, Colin got to deliver the resignation letter that he had written months in advance of his departure. The reason? He had been offered the job of his dreams with theatrical impresario Cameron Mackintosh.

Colin spent six years learning the ropes with Mackintosh, three years with Disney and two years with the Old Vic working on such shows as Les Miserables, Billy Elliot and The Lion King, before setting up his own company in 2006. Around that time he started working on a musical stage production of the Oscar-winning fi lm Ghost which originally starred Demi Moore and Patrick Swayze and a stage play version of Breakfast At Tiffany’s. With his Tiffany’s selling out last year, next year sees the fruition of this long-held dream as Ghost opens in London’s West End early in 2011.

‘It’s going to be the ONE!’ he commented recently.

Tickets for the Dallachy Lecture - which are free - are available from the External Relations offi ce on 0141 342 5494 or at exrel@tga.org.uk

Thursday 19 August2010 ‘Gals’ Golf Day

Friday 17 SeptemberClass of 1990 Reunion

Thursday 23 SeptemberThe Kelvin Foundation Lunch

Tuesday 28 September‘Glasgow Academy 100’ Careers Evening

Thursday 7 OctoberThe Dallachy Lecture

Saturday 16 OctoberClass of 1978 Westbourne reunion

Friday 29 OctoberGASBAGS Lunch

The Cargill BallThis event, the fi rst of its kind for many years, celebrated over 50 years of the Hall serving The Academy and involved 260 former pupils, current and former parents and friends of the school enjoying a great night on 12 June. En croute provided an excellent meal and the guests danced into the early hours to music from Atlantic Avenue. Over £15,000 was raised for the school Bursary fund and the evening’s associated charities - Combat Stress and Erskine.

The Cargill Ball committee are very grateful to all who helped to ensure the event was a success. It is not possible to thank everyone individually here but special thanks to the evening’s main sponsors should be noted: Grant Mitchell (1989) (Rox Jewellers), Brian Gibson (1959) (Gibson Pensions and Investments) and Steven Mcleod (Aurora Hotels). Thanks, too, to David Rae (bigRED Creative) and Nick Thomson (1985) (JThomson Colour Printers) for sponsoring the design and print of all event literature.

rs,

rsary fund andStress and Erskine.

Thursday 11 NovemberClass of 1949/50/51 Reunion

Friday 12 NovemberRemembrance ServiceGAWMT AGM

The Glasgow Academical Club Dinner

Friday 3 DecemberClass of 1980 Reunion

Friday 17 DecemberClass of 2000 Reunion

Further details of all events are available by contacting 0141 342 5494 or joanna.lennox@tga.org.uk

Dates for your diary...

Etcetera 7

After the war, Gray enjoyed a successful business career in Glasgow as Managing Director and Chairman of Kirk Glass plc. He retired in 1983 and spent many happy years in Kilmacolm and Portugal, where he indulged his passion for golf.

A former Captain of Kilmacolm Golf Club, Gray, in 1991, co-authored A Very Pleasant Golfi ng Place, a Centenary

Academical’s new novel - at age 93Gray Laidlaw, Glasgow Academy (1927- 1934), aged 93 years and now living in Erskine Home for ex-Servicemen and Women, has just published his second novel Shadow of Treachery.

Gray was born in 1917 and left the Academy in 1934. Thereafter he went to St Andrews University where he was the University Golf Champion, en route to graduating BSc in Pure Science with First Class Honours in 1939.

On graduating, he volunteered immediately for War Service with the RAF but was asked to return to St Andrews to pursue further studies that would help the RAF with the introduction of radar. He received a three-year Carnegie Scholarship to pursue this work. In 1940, after one year, he was called up to serve in the RAF where he found his fi rst responsibility was to teach recruits semaphore – a task for which he felt rather over-qualifi ed!

However, he soon became involved with the development and application of radar and eventually, as Squadron Leader Laidlaw, he was posted to HQ RAF Fighter Command in charge of radar on all night fi ghter aircraft. It was there in 1943 that he met his wife, Margaret, who was a WRAF Section Offi cer.

History of Kilmacolm Golf Club. Gray now lives comfortably at Erskine Home and enjoys writing, using his word processor.

His fi rst novel Past but very Present was published in 2007. He fondly remembers the infl uence of his former English masters, Barradell-Smith and ‘Baggy’ Aston on his literary appreciation and style, including basic grammar and punctuation!

Looking back Gray says, ‘I have been very lucky to have had wonderful years at school, University and in the RAF, as well as a long and happy marriage to my dear wife, Margaret, who died in 1998 and to whom my novels are dedicated.’

Some years ago, Gray returned to St Andrews University and met the Principal at a social occasion. Gray told him how in 1939 he had been awarded a Carnegie Scholarship for three years for study in physical sciences, relating to the application of radar but he had been called up for Military Service in the RAF after one year. He then said, tongue in cheek, to the Principal that he presumed he could come back now, in his eighties, to complete the last two years. The Principal asked how much fi nancial support he would have and Gray said £240 a year. Well, said the Principal, you’ll be pretty hard-pressed to survive for very long on that these days!

David Mason (1947)

The Kelvin FoundationThe second formal meeting of the Kelvin Foundation, hosted by the Rector Peter Brodie, will take place on Thursday 23 September at The Academy. Membership of the Foundation is automatically extended to all members of the school community who indicate their intention to bestow a legacy gift on the school.

The importance of legacy gifts cannot be overestimated. One bequest to Bursaries by RA (Bob) McMillan (1928-34) has made a Glasgow Academy education possible for many, many pupils. In honour of his generosity, the school chose to name the Art building ‘The Robert A McMillan Design Centre’ when it was opened in 1993.

8 Etcetera

I was very honoured to have recently been appointed President of the Glasgow Academical Club. Considering my only previous appointment was as a milk monitor in P3, it also came as a bit of a surprise!

Both The Glasgow Academical Club and Academicals have been very good to me. My fi rst three employers were all Academicals, but unfortunately my ability must have got out and this early good slice of fortune quickly came to an end. I played at loose-head prop at Accies’ during the seventies and early 80s. I still enjoy many friendships not only with fellow players from this time, but also with other old school friends many of whom used to come out to New Anniesland both to socialise and support the teams. (For various reasons - as is the case with virtually all clubs - this does not happen to anything like the same extent nowadays, with the resultant effect on the club’s income.)

So, I have much to be grateful for and it is great to have the opportunity of giving something back.

The club is generally in good spirits, but there are some challenges which need to be addressed. These include broadening the appeal of the club generally particularly to our younger FPs and all our lady members, increasing income - including the numbers paying annual subscriptions (are you still a member?), hosting more events and working ever-closer to help the school and its excellent External Relations Department.

I am fortunate to have an excellent board, including our latest addition, Marion Brodie, a former Academy governor and Westbourne FP, who will be launching a new dedicated Westbourne section, which follows on from their very successful reunion last year. We are also keen to assist members to start new sections and currently a number of these are being considered.

As you will see from the advert on this page, that Gavin Hastings, the Scottish Rugby Internationalist, and Colin Mair, the Rector of The High School of Glasgow, have agreed to speak at this year’s Annual Dinner on 12 November. I am delighted to say that tickets are already selling well and with catering provided by en croute, I am sure it is going to be a great night. Please ensure that you and your friends are able to attend by contacting joanna.lennox@tga.org.uk as soon as possible.

Mr Lindsay Crawford – your new Club President

The Glasgow Academicals’ ClubThe facilities at New Anniesland are in good condition and our sporting sections are well looked after. There are a number of new projects that we would like to undertake in due course and we hope that new fundraising initiatives such as the launch in September of the 250 club will assist this.

Similarly, the clubhouse continues to lend itself extremely well to holding various functions and we are very fortunate to have the school’s Catering Director Kenny Barron’s experience to hand. My daughter, Sarah, recently had her 21st there and my Vice President, John Taylor his 50th (although that was a few more years ago!). Please consider this venue for any events you may be planning. You can be assured the revenue generated for the club is essential to us maintaining the quality of these premises. Any enquires about events should be directed to kenneth.barron@tga.org.uk

I would be very pleased to hear from any of you who have suggestions you feel could further improve our club. I can be contacted by e-mail on lindsay.crawford1@ntlworld.com.

Best WishesLindsay Crawford

President

Friday 12 November 2010

Club President, Lindsay Crawford, is delighted to invite you to the 128th Annual Dinner in the Cargill Hall, on Friday 12 November.

Speakers: Scottish Rugby International Legend, Gavin Hastings and the Rector of The High School of Glasgow, Colin Mair.

Pre-dinner drinks reception at 6.30 p.m. Dinner will be provided and served by award-winning Glasgow caterers, en croute. www.encroute.co.uk

Tickets: £40.00

To book your table in advance, for what will be a highly-entertaining and enjoyable evening, contact Joanna Lennox on 0141 342 5494 or e-mail joanna.lennox@tga.org.uk.

The 128th Glasgow Academical Club Dinner

I was very honoured to have recently

President

Etcetera 9

been related to William Maclagan who captained the fi rst British Isles rugby tour to South Africa in 1890-91.

He also represented Scotland at the World Cross-country Championships in 1967, a feat that was later emulated by another Victoria Park Accie, Dr Alastair Douglas, in 1981-82. Alistair had previously represented Scotland on three occasions in the World Junior Cross Country Championships in 1977, 1978 and 1979.

With the advent of the running boom in the 1980s, many Accies have since tackled the classic distance but not many have approached Patrick Maclagen’s best time of 2hr 20min 49s. However one Accie did surpass the time, namely Alan Wilson also of Victoria Park AAC who recorded 2hr 17min 40s in 1984 and, like Patrick, this earned him a British vest. Alan also recorded good times of 3min 49s for 1500 metres and 14min 7s for 5000 metres running in the colours of Westbury Harriers Bristol. Alan represented Scotland in the World Junior Cross Country

Glasgow has started preparing for the 2014 Commonwealth Games thus interest in sport in general - and athletics in particular - is likely to increase over the next few years as our city gears up to act as host.

The early 1970s was a time of great interest in athletics in Scotland with the 1970 Commonwealth Games being a high water mark of athletic achievement. Out of that era came a Glasgow Accie Patrick Maclagen who proved himself in the ‘long run’, running in the famous colours of Victoria Park AAC. In 1970 he gained a British vest whilst running in the Toronto International Marathon and the following year he won the Scottish Marathon Title over the Commonwealth Games course starting and fi nishing at Meadowbank in 2hr 21min 18s. Patrick lived in the quadrangle at Glasgow University, his father holding the seat of Moral Philosophy and this scribe remembers doing interval sessions round the famous Gilmorehill Campus with him under the cover of darkness. He had a good sporting pedigree, having

Championships in 1983. When you consider that the fi rst Britain home in this year’s London Marathon, Andrew Lemoncello, recorded 2hr 13min it puts these performances of yesteryear in perspective.

A contemporary of Alan Wilson at Colebrooke Street was Alan Currie who ran for Dumbarton AAC. He won the Glasgow Schools 800m and recorded an impressive 3min 46s over 1500m when at University - performances that should have won him a GB Junior representation had politics not come into play. He did, however, get his Scottish Junior vest. Our picture shows Alan leading Lord Coe in a heat of the 1984 Olympic Trials at Crystal Palace, the prelude to him winning Olympic Gold in Los Angeles.

All in all the performances of all the above would hold up in Scotland today; in fact they would all still be right up there - a sobering thought as Scotland prepares to host the Commonwealth in four years’ time.

Hugh Barrow (1962)

The fi rst half of the summer has produced wonderful weather for cricket and records seem to have been falling like wickets in the heat…

Congratulations to Richard Andrew who scored 177 runs against Meikleriggs in the Western District Cricket Union Division 1 league on Saturday, 22 May at New Anniesland. Richard batted throughout almost the entire 50-over innings being dismissed with only four balls remaining. His third wicket stand with Euan Sheridan of 254 was defi nitely

worthy of a mention. It’s also likely that their total of 358 for 3 was the highest ever score by Accies at New Anniesland - although those with very long memories may beg to differ.

On the subject of records, Colin Dawson adds: ‘I can’t think of a better statistic than that recorded by Accies 3rd XI (‘Alps’) on Saturday 3 July in the WDCU Div 5 league against ‘Garscube’ (Glasgow Uni Staff 2nd XI). Our guys ‘Alps’ batted fi rst having been inserted by Garscube and the skipper must have been

cheering his decision when his bowlers had reduced ‘Alps’ to 29 for 7 wickets after only 16 of our allotted 50 overs. His team mates were obviously thinking of getting home to watch Germany crushing Argentina and took their focus off the ball. Our 8th wicket partnership between Graham Revie and Ronnie Singh added 135 to the score with Graham scoring a patient 67 not out and Ronnie a massive 84 batting at No 9! A fi nal total of 190 for 9 was far too many for a distraught opposition that realised it would not see any of Germany’s 4 goals!’

It’s certainly cricket - but is it a record?

10 Etcetera

If the season that fi nally ended in May was the subject of a school report it would probably say ‘showed considerable improvement after a shaky start’. However, a considerable improvement was achieved, and by the end of the season the backs had become a potent force, and were probably the best back division in the league. Accies fi nished in third place in the league, losing out on promotion to Greenock Wanderers and Lasswade. In the fi nal analysis, this was probably a fair refl ection as Accies had lost to those sides both home and away.

It was a pity that both these sides were in the league this year, as the remainder of the teams were not in the same class as the three of us. Both Greenock Wanderers and Lasswade went on to contest the Shield fi nal at Murrayfi eld, having beaten in the semi-fi nals both Whitecraigs and Dalziel, the top two sides who went on to win promotion from the league above ours.

Sadly the damage for Accies was done at the start of the season when they lost four of their fi rst fi ve games. It is hard to identify the reason for the poor start, as pre-season, it appeared, on paper anyway, that there was the potential for a good season. A number of key players had returned to the fold, notably, the giant pairing of Steve Begley and Sandy Fitzpatrick in the second row, fl ying left wing three-quarter Dougie Horne, and the hard-hitting Andy Jackson back from Hawks, to play open side fl anker. Also centre Jamie Doig who had had to relinquish his captaincy of the team

the previous season, after a horrifi c pre-season knee injury kept him out all season, was fi t and able to return this season to captain the side. He showed great leadership qualities, and was bitterly disappointed to miss out on promotion by only two points. The pack looked solid and if the three-quarters could click, all would be well. A number of new players arrived at the Club, the most notable being Brad Bell an American from Raleigh, North Carolina. He played outstandingly well at full-back and was totally secure under the high ball, and his dynamic running made him a potent force in transferring defence into attack.

Unfortunately there was an Achilles heel that took a long time to resolve. At standoff there was no one who was a natural for the position. Numerous players were tried but the back division was being starved of quick ball. Eventually Ali McLaren made the position his own and from that time on the side averaged over 40 points a game and played some of the best handling rugby seen at Anniesland for some years. Stewart Smith, a large and powerful centre, with experience of playing in New Zealand, with Glasgow Hawks, and for the Scottish Amateur International side, proved to be the key player of the side. His crunching defence and forceful running gave the backs a different dynamic. Unfortunately he missed the away game at Lasswade due to injury and had to leave the fi eld after one minute of the game at Greenock, where his

presence thereafter was sorely missed. Stewart has been elected captain for next season, a position his brother Alastair held a few years ago.

Accies played in the Scottish Shield this year, a knock-out competition for sides in the National Leagues and, after a bye in the fi rst round, beat RHC Cougars from the league above before going out to Dalziel, the league leaders from National Division 1, in a re-arranged fi xture, when sadly some of our key players were unavailable.

The 2nd XV had an excellent season winning 16 out of 18 games and were promoted as champions. They were coached and managed by Nigel Cambell and well captained by Richard Taylor. Two of their young players - Andrew Smart and Kenneth Beattie - were playing regularly for the 1st XV by the end of the season.

Donald Reid and Chas Afuakwah ably coached the 1st XV, and great credit has to go to them for the improvements they brought about during the season. Chas is stepping down and the Club wishes to acknowledge his outstanding commitment, and thank him for his many years of dedicated service both as a player and a coach. We hope he will return.

John Beattie has agreed to coach the 1st XV next season with Donald Reid taking on the role of Director of Rugby.

The ground at New Anniesland has been in excellent condition and was greatly admired by many of our opponents. Credit for this must go to Robert Cheape the Head Groundsman and his hard-working team.

The Club is in very good heart. Playing numbers have increased, as has the quality of the players. Training and strength-conditioning sessions, ably led by Duncan Beattie in the Fitness Gym at New Anniesland, are well-attended, and there is a good social and friendly atmosphere around the Club.

Despite the harsh winter and the disruption to fi xtures, attendances grew steadily as the season progressed, and the side now has a substantial support to cheer them on. Season 2010-2011 is being looked forward to with real anticipation.

The League statistics comparisons table - showing both last season’s and this season’s results - clearly illustrates the progress the team has made.

Accies’ Rugby Season 2009-2010

League Matches SHE National League Division 2Season Played Won Lost Drawn Points Points League Position For Against Points 2009-10 22 16 6 0 651 330 80 3rd 2008-09 22 11 10 1 377 313 55 5th

Etcetera 11

and tournaments in and around the west end of Glasgow and it’s a great opportunity for players to come along and play some informal games before they commit to joining the main teams. We have a number of pupils from The Glasgow Academy who thoroughly enjoy the summer team and we encourage other pupils to come along and participate during this season or next.

Our annual pre-season tournament will be hosted on Saturday 2 August when we have invited a number of NL3 and WD1 teams from Glasgow along with an Edinburgh side for a bit of different competition. Accies are entering both 1st XI and 2nd XI teams this year. Updates on results will be posted on our website.

Our website www.glasgow-hockey.com was launched last year and has been a fantastic way of promoting the club to potential hockey players, especially school and university leavers. As a club, we have become far more attractive since entry into National League. In the

It has been an exciting and very different season for the Glasgow Academicals Ladies’ Hockey Club.

Our 1st XI competing in National League 3 missed promotion by only one point, a fantastic achievement for being National League new-comers. Next season the girls will be setting their sights higher for a fi rm promotion to NL2.

Our 2nd XI, having made the move up to West District 1 (taking over from our 1st XI’s position) fi nished in fi fth place – a very commendable position in a league full of 1st XI teams.

We had two indoor hockey teams competing at district level. Indoor hockey has been a fantastic way of improving stick skills and fi tness. Both teams did very well coming in third and fi fth places in what can only be described as a very competitive league.

Mixed Hockey is running throughout the summer months between May and August. Our team, ‘WhiteStix’, is a combination of the men and ladies Glasgow Accies players. We play games

Glasgow Accies Ladies’ Hockey Club Season 2009-10winter months we hope to have a Pupils v Ladies match in a bid to attract more Academy pupils and establish a stronger link with the school.

All in all it has been a great year for the Ladies’ side. By getting ourselves established in new leagues, improving our play with increased competition and attracting new players we have achieved more than we thought possible.

If you are interested in coming along to training sessions or fi nding out more about Glasgow Accies Ladies’ Hockey please contact stephaniebarnet@hotmail.com. We are always looking for new players; all ages, skills and abilities welcome.

Pre Season Training starts back on Tuesday 10 August at Upper Windyedge.

Training Tuesday Nights 6.30 - 8.30 p.m. at WindyedgeSaturday games - optional attendanceContact Tricia Haughney by e-mail: tricia@haughney.fsnet.co.uk for further details.

Glasgow Accies Ladies Hockey Club is looking for a new coach. If you have the skills, we’d love to hear from you. Please e-mail stephaniebarnet@hotmail.com for further details.

Mens’ HockeyWant to become part of the new, ambitious Men’s Hockey Section? Contact Stuart Ward at glasgowaccies@hockeymail.com

12 Etcetera

The Glasgow Academy, founded in 1845. Reconstituted in 1923 by The Glasgow Academy War Memorial Trust as a living and enduring memorial of those former members of the school who served in the war of 1914-1918 and in the confi dent hope that the memory of their sacrifi ces will be an inspiration to all who come after.

When I travelled to The Glasgow Academy for a job interview over seven years ago I read these words on the War Memorial that faces onto Great Western Road. As a historian, they are of great interest to me. I was fortunate to succeed in the job interview and was also lucky that Iain MacLeod was then the Deputy Rector, as his passionate interest in the school’s past encouraged me to investigate further the links between the First World War and The Glasgow Academy. Crucially, he gave me a copy of the Roll of Honour that lists former members of the school who served in the Great War of 1914-1918. In the preface to the contents of the book is a dedication that states, ‘to the memory of those former members of this school who left all that was dear to them, endured hardship, faced danger and fi nally passed out of the sight of man by the path or duty and self-sacrifi ce, giving up their own lives that others might live in freedom. Let those who come after see to it that their names be not forgotten.’ Such words stir the emotion and are reinforced by the physical memorial within the main building of the school. On the memorial the 327 Academicals who made the ultimate sacrifi ce are named. In the Roll of Honour, 1469 names are listed.

They include all those that served in and survived the confl ict as well as those who died.

That the school took the sacrifi ce of its sons seriously can be seen in the decision to turn the school into a War Memorial Trust in the post-war years on the suggestion of Peter Rintoul, a former pupil who had subsequently served as Secretary, Treasurer and President of the Academical Club. As commented on in Iain MacLeod’s history of the school, ‘he explained in a letter to the Chronicle that he felt that the best memorial would be to place the Academy on a more permanent foundation and to enable it to devote all its energies to the education of the boys of the future, untrammelled by any consideration as to possible benefi t or otherwise to its shareholders.’ Shareholders were bought out and the Glasgow Academy Company was liquidated. The War Memorial Trust received the assets of the Company in September 1922 and the fi rst Commemoration Service took place on Friday 16 June 1922. The Commemoration Service to the fallen continues to this day, but in the words of the Convenor of the roll of Honour Committee, ‘their real memorial is the School itself under its new endowment.’

But what of the Academicals who joined up and fought? It is clear that there was already a tradition of military service in the school. Many Academicals joined the local Territorial Army. The Glasgow Highlanders was a Glasgow institution which attracted high-quality recruits. From 1908, when the Territorial Army was created, they were known as the ‘9th (Glasgow Highland) Battalion HLI’,

part of the Highland Light Infantry that recruited in Glasgow and the West of Scotland. They trained twice a week and attended a fortnight’s camp once a year. Regular soldiers tended to see them as people who preferred organising dinner to military tactics. However, this view was misguided as the Glasgow Highlanders were going to show. It is diffi cult to accurately calculate how many Academicals served in the 9th HLI as, during the war, soldiers routinely moved between Regiments as well as Battalions. To give one example, John Richmond Innes joined up as a Private and ended the war as a Captain. He served in the 9th (GH) Battn. Highland Light Infantry, the 8th Battn. The Cameronians (Scottish Rifl es) and the Royal Engineers. Serving in France between 1916 and 1918, he survived the war and was mentioned in Despatches for bravery. The Roll of Honour shows that one hundred and four Academicals served in the Glasgow Highlanders at some point during the war. Many others served in the Highland Light Infantry and may at some point have been in the 9th. No fewer than 1200 Glasgow Highlanders died during the war. Academicals were there throughout. For example, Donald Carruthers was killed in action, at the battle of Loos (known as a Scottish battle owing to the very high number of Scottish units in action) in September of 1915. At the Somme in 1916, ties of school were clear.

On 20 August 1916 as part of the Somme offensive The Glasgow Highlanders along with the 2nd Worcesters made a successful attack on German trenches. The following night,

The Glasgow Academy War Memorial

Etcetera 13

of men from the business houses and different trades in the city and district.’ The commander of ‘B’ Company was Major John R Young, an Academical. At least forty-four Academicals served in the 17th. Twenty-two died, with eleven of these dying on 1 July 1916, the fi rst day of the Battle of the Somme. Their bodies are buried in a variety of cemeteries that scatter that part of France. For those whose bodies were never found, the magnifi cent memorial at Thiepval records their names. This is appropriate as it was up the hill before Theipval that the 17th attacked on that fateful morning.

The importance of remembering the fallen and the fact that the school owes its more recent origins to the First World War refl ects a broader need for society to recognise the sacrifi ce of those who enabled Britain to have a prosperous future. We are fortunate to work and be educated at Glasgow Academy. It is therefore up to us to remember. As I have begun scratching the surface of this topic all I get are more questions that need answering and research that I want to do. For example, how did Academical William Kennedy Lean end up driving ambulances for the French Red Cross? We know he won a French War Cross and served between 1915 and 1918, but little else at the moment. The article above refl ects just a little piece of what I am working on. As such I am very interested in any anecdotes and other information about those that served during the war. If any Academical has further information that they would like to pass on, I am always contactable through the External Relations offi ce.

Simon Wood, Head of History and Modern Studies

reality, however, was that the industrial slaughter of the Western Front was devastating to the ‘pals’ and thus to the local communities from which they came. In fact the ‘pals’ did not catch on in Scotland in the same way it did in the north of England for example, but in the cities some formations emerged - and this is of importance for The Glasgow Academy.

In Glasgow three recognisable ‘Pals’ battalions emerged. The 1st Glasgow, mainly drawn from the Tramway employees of the city; the 2nd Glasgow, which was recruited from former members of the Boys’ Brigade and the 3rd Glasgow, which was formed through Glasgow’s Chamber of Commerce. These three battalions were to be renamed the 15th (Tramways), Battalion, Highland Light Infantry, the 16th (Boys Brigade) Battalion HLI and the 17th (Glasgow Chamber of Commerce) Battalion, HLI The 17th even recruited its Companies as ‘Pals’. The battalion record of War Service states, ‘Colonel R C Mackenzie did much for “B” Company, enlisting in its ranks former pupils of the city schools, the High School, Glasgow Academy and others. “C” and “D” Companies were composed principally

orders came that again the Glasgow Highlanders should make a night attack at short notice.

‘D’ company led by Lt Kenneth Lees Duckett, an Academical, crept out into no-man’s land ready for the attack. ‘B’ company led by Captain Matthew Anderson, another Academical, was similarly deployed to the right. Just before midnight Anderson got a message that the attack was to be called off. Duckett never received the message in time and had already begun the attack. Anderson had a choice to make: to allow ‘D’ company to make the attack on their own or to support them, knowing that the rest of the attack was not happening.

Anderson made his decision: he attacked. After the attack - which failed - it was said that, being Matthew Anderson, it was inevitable that he chose to attack – even though he knew that honour and guts triumphed over common sense.

Anderson himself was killed during the attack. He led his men forward not taking the trouble even to duck in order to escape the German bullets and was last seen by the light of fl ares and bursting shells at the enemy’s wire. Aged 30, he was educated here at Glasgow Academy and had gained a degree at Glasgow University. Lt Kenneth Lees Duckett, aged 24, was seriously wounded. He died at the fi eld hospital where he was taken. He left a widow, Isabelle, and a brother, Harold Duckett. Both the Duckett brothers were educated at The Academy. They had volunteered at the beginning of the war to serve in the Glasgow Highlanders.

Remembrance takes many forms: Duckett is buried at Dernancourt Cemetery. Six years ago we were fortunate to visit the cemetery during a visit to the First World War Battlefi elds of Belgium and France with pupils from the school. We remembered both Kenneth and Matthew in a private wreath-laying ceremony.

In the fi rst months of the war many Academicals volunteered to join the armed forces. One of the best-known features of this was the formation of what were called, ‘pals battalions’. These were volunteers from the same cities, towns, workplaces or sporting clubs who joined together and were kept together. The rationale must have seemed sensible – keep pals together as they already had strong bonds of friendship and would fi ght well as a result. The

14 Etcetera

Class of 1978 ReunionAfter the success of last year’s Westbourne Grand Reunion, which saw over 400 ‘Old Girls’ meet in the Hilton Glasgow Grosvenor Hotel and reach a decibel level no one thought possible, a smaller year-group reunion for the Class of 1978 is planned. The proposed date is Saturday 16 October, so there will be a year of news to catch up on - not that there would ever be a shortage of chat, I am sure! The plan is to meet for dinner in a city-centre hotel. Gill Sinclair is heading this up, however please contact Joanna Lennox at joanna.lennox@tga.org.uk in the fi rst instance if you are interested. Further details will be sent out later in the summer.

UpdatesSusan (Dugmore) Bulleid (1974)In September 09, I moved back to Glasgow with my husband. He was taking up a new Chair in the Department of Cell Biology at Glasgow University. We have lived south of Manchester for 19 years where our son grew up. I was involved in Museum Education for 15 years, fi nishing as Curator of Learning (Primary) at The Manchester Museum. I am not working at present and would love with meet up with other ex-Westbourne girls from my year.

Anne Graham (1972)As a former Westbourne pupil and former Academy parent, we were delighted that Anne opened The Glasgow Academy Art Exhibition for us on June 21 2010.

Anne is a graduate of Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art. She now works as a professional jewellery maker, lectures at Cardonald College, takes evening and summer school classes at Glasgow School of Art, and has been a visiting lecturer at Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Glasgow School of Art. Through her work in education, Anne has been instrumental in developing international links and projects for staff and students with companies such as Niessing, Germany and through her role as Project Coordinator for the British Council Comenius Project ‘Open Circle’

Westbourne Sectioninstigated and led by the Jewellery Department at Cardonald College.

Susanne (MacCallum) McNaught (1987)I have recently been made an Associate of the Glasgow based Architectural practice IDP Architects.

Fiona (Howie) Malcolm (1978) Six professionals and six non-dancing celebrities met for a charity dance off in aid of The Prince and Princess of Wales Hospice in Glasgow. ‘A Little Less Strictly Come Dancing’ was held at

the Glasgow Hilton Hotel on 20 March and was won by Westbourne girl, Fiona. ‘We were given three months to practise for our chosen dance. The event was so successful they are doing it again next year, so I have the privilege of doing a show dance. Can’t wait to start training for it; I should have done this years ago.’

Elizabeth (Clarke) Hadcroft (former staff)

Gals Golf 2010Yet another year has passed and it’s almost time for our next outing! Last year we once again had one of the very few lovely summer days and so we hope for the sun to once again shine on us, this time at

Clydebank & District Golf ClubOn Thursday 19 August

Last year’s group was again of varied golf ability, including a couple of ‘holiday’ golfers, and we all had a very enjoyable time. It would be lovely to see all of last year’s GALS again and some new faces.

Won’t you please join us?

For any further information, please e-mail: Elaine at elainemh@sky.com or phone Carole at 01360 860 453

Proud grandma Elizabeth Clarke, a former teacher at Westbourne and The Academy, with Charlotte who was born on 21 June - and, of course, her son Graeme.

Etcetera 15

Melissa (Gilchrist) Higgins (1993)Melissa who lives in Dubai with her husband Iain - a former pupil of Glasgow Academy - recently gave up her job in beauty and fashion PR to volunteer to work in Haiti for a month, as part of the earthquake disaster relief mission. During her trip, amongst other things, she helped to rebuild a school - attempting to improve on its primitive facilities. Later she had the chance to teach children within the same school going on to help care for patients and administer medical care at hospitals, orphanages and in the local community.

Back at home, Melissa said: ‘I found it very diffi cult to leave Haiti and know that this is now an on-going commitment that I have to the country and its people. I will most defi nitely be visiting again in the future and will continue to raise awareness and seek donations in order to support this partnership. I have actually handed in my notice (I was the communications director for brands such as Gucci, Dolce & Gabbana, Valentino and Boss) but I will endeavour to use my media contacts to continue my commitment to Haiti. The fi rst project that I am about to start on is a gallery exhibition of profi le shots of refugees in one of the ‘tent-cities’ in Port-au-Prince alongside some of the shocking destruction shots which I was able to capture during my time there.’

As part of her raising-awareness campaign, Melissa was featured in Grazia magazine over in Dubai.

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16 Etcetera

Atholl Preparatory School 1963The photograph above of pupils at Atholl Prep School (now part of Glasgow Academy) was taken in summer term 1963 and was sent to us by Rosemary (Fraser) Wallace (1972). Atholl was - and continued for many years to be - a feeder for Westbourne, as it was for Glasgow Academy. Rosemary has listed the names of those she can remember, but will delighted if anyone can supply the missing names.

Staff: Miss Smith, Miss Macdonald, Miss Davidson

Back row: Raphael Wittenberg, Dinah Cowper, David Guthrie, William Spowart,Kenneth Caldwell, Rosemary Fraser (me!), Catherine Smart, Christine Morrison, Neil Ogilvy, David Hutchinson, John Stevenson, Tom McCubbin, Lee Johnson, Keith?

Third row: Jane Naismith?, David Hunter, Laurie Mill, ?, ?, Gillian Duff, Mary Macgregor, Rosalind or Catherine Galbraith, ?, Carol Carpenter, Caroline Homfray, ?, Elizabeth Philips

Second row: Jean Smith, ?, Richard Philips? , Elizabeth Maclaurin, ? Wittenberg, Sandra Morrison, ?, Lesley Mill, Glynis Morgan, John McCubbin, ?, Jane Garvie, Michael or David Homfray, ?

Front Row: Christine Macgregor, ?, David or Michael Homfray, ?, Ian Patrick?, Lorraine Paul, Tom Johnson, ?, ?

Those highlighted in black went on to Westbourne or Glasgow Academy.

Pipes & DrumsA special Regular Giving thanks to John Watson OBE (1965) for his support for the Pipe Band uniforms appeal. This was one of the Regular Giving areas we focused on in 2009-10. A most generous personal gift from John means the Pipe Band has the new uniforms they need. Three of John’s sons have been members of the band: Fergus was a drummer while Sandy and Findlay have both played the pipes. The Academy – and the Pipe Band members in particular – are very grateful.

Members of the Pipe Band with Margaret Thatcher, former Prime Minister, on a recent visit to Glasgow

Etcetera 17

Readers of my generation (left school in 1965) who would like to see their feet again over their midriff may be interested in the joys of sculling either competitively or otherwise. It’s a sport I took up 5 years ago and became hooked on. There is a pun in there based on the amount of time I spent in (rather than on) the river Nith in my early days but fortunately times have changed for the better.

For a start, I’ve become a bore of Olympic standards on the theory of the thing and I’ve also become less self-conscious by being able to ignore how ridiculous I look in spandex. Spandex ‘one pieces’ are de rigueur for competitions and in fact are the best clobber for rowing anyway because there’s no loose bits to catch the oars and tip you in. Regattas are consequently full of young men strutting their stuff in front of athletic-looking young ladies, and old men like me - who would like to be young men strutting their stuff in front of athletic-looking young ladies.

I fi rst ventured into competition last spring at the Clydesdale Regatta at Glasgow Green on the Clyde – defi nitely not a river to fall into. Because I was in a boat with the Club Captain (pound for pound one of the best club rowers around) I was able to go through the motions and leave him to paddle the boat like an outboard motor. My contribution was to put us into an easier category of competition (I was 60, he

was 40 so we were in the 50 age group). Although the race was over inside three minutes, it felt great. Crowds cheered. We won. I got a prize. The clock seemed to have been wound back 40 years or so. The sport was easy peasy.

The feeling didn’t last. I took my single scull to the Regatta at York last September for a Veteran scull race and lost comfortably. Not only did I lose, I didn’t even see my opponent after the start. I had a brief glimpse of a trail of bubbles and then even that disappeared. He must have been miles ahead at the fi nish. (You can’t see because in rowing you’re facing backwards.) Because you can’t see, they honk a horn to let you know you’ve crossed the fi nish line. I heard them honk for him somewhere in the distance and, by the time I got honked, everyone was packing up to go home. Back to earth with a bang...

However now that I’m semi-retired and have time to spare, I’ve spent a lot of it trying to improve, done more competitions and won twice so far this year. But beyond that I’ve really begun to enjoy the camaraderie of the sport - not only in my own club (Nithsdale in Dumfries) but also at meetings and races generally. Regattas are big events. Our own in June ran about 130 races for age groups between 10 and my own age and attracted clubs from as far away as Inverness and Durham. They are also regarded as a family day out where the various clubs bring along the dogs and

kids and hopefully enjoy the sunshine.

Rowing brings together all ages and abilities and tries to equalise them by handicapping. For instance I am a Vet ‘F’ which means the 60-65 age group.

If I race a Vet ‘E’ (55-60) he has to give me a start. In larger boats the crew’s ages are averaged. The bigger the age difference, the bigger the handicap. Also when you start you’re a ‘Novice’ and enter Novice races which means that you shouldn’t fi nd yourself up against Steve Redgrave in the handicap sculls. There aren’t many Vet Novices of my age group because, unlike me, most older rowers have been in the sport for years. Unfortunately I’ve now lost my Novice status through winning a couple of races and am now in trouble up against people who can really scull.

So there it is. A new and exciting chapter in my sporting life which hopefully I can keep going at and improving until my creaking bones eventually give out. It’s a wonderful sport – great non-impact exercise, good for teambuilding, days away to nice places etc. There are plenty of clubs around Glasgow and if anyone’s suffi ciently interested they should have a look at the Scottish Rowing website for details. I gather that the school now has rowers, so the sport is defi nitely catching – no pun intended this time.

Fred Coulthard (1965)

18 Etcetera

Conference) based in Dubai. ICC is the governing body for International Cricket, so it was no surprise that The Academy’s cricket professional, Vedam Hariharan (or ‘Hari’ as he is universally known) called in on his summer migration back to Glasgow.

Graham Leitch (2002)In October 2007 Graham bought a bike and decided to try a triathlon. His fi rst race was the Edinburgh New Year event; even through the rain and cold Graham was hooked. He then decided to focus his efforts on training. He entered the London standard (Olympic) distance triathlon in August 2008 and fi nished in a very creditable time of 2 hours 10 minutes. Since then Graham’s career as a triathlete has gone from strength to strength. During 2009 he trained hard and his times got better and better. In July of 2009 Graham qualifi ed for the Age Group World Championships in Gold Coast, Australia. Graham came twenty third in his age group in an excellent time of 1 hour, 59 minutes and 24 seconds. Not a bad time considering that this was Graham’s third race at this distance and that, despite starting at 8 a.m., the temperature was above 30 degrees!

Although he qualifi ed as a Chartered Accountant last August, Graham decided

Esme Cooke (2007)Congratulations to Esme who won her fi rst Cricket cap for Scotland on 31 May against Wales. She plans to return to play for Accies again this season after fi nishing university in Edinburgh.

Suzanne Howie (1999) captained Waverley Inveresk Trinity Ladies to Scottish Hockey’s National Indoor League Division II title this season. Although beset by a serious knee injury, Suzanne led from the sidelines during the winter campaign which saw 78 goals over 14 hard-fought games. Suzanne has been playing for the club since moving to Edinburgh in 1999 and was proud to collect the tiniest piece of silverware known to the sporting world at Scottish Hockey’s glamorous Awards Dinner in June. The club would like to welcome any Academicals who make the move East and are looking to continue their hockey career and make new friends. Suzanne put in a special plea for talented girls who like to play indoor as she expects that next season in Division I is going to prove quite a challenge. Further information on the club can be found at www.wit-hockey.co.uk

Iain Higgins (1994)Iain has recently been appointed Legal Offi cer of ICC (International Cricket

This sporting life

that life was too short to be tied to the desk and decided to take a career break. Since then he has concentrated on full-time triathlon training and feels that he has made good gains in his fi tness. This year to date all his races have resulted in podium positions and he has once again qualifi ed for the Age Group World Championships this year in Budapest.

Graham has a number of big races this year in addition to the’ Worlds’. In July he competed in the European Championships in Athlone, Ireland, winning a silver medal. In terms of ‘big’ races he is also competing in a Half-Ironman in Antwerp in July and a full Ironman in Barcelona in October.

If anyone wished to experience triathlon for themselves, Graham is organising a mini triathlon on 7 August at Bellahouston. This comprises a 125m swim followed by 4km cycle and a 1.5km run. For further information please go to: www.entrycentral.com/index.php?raceID=100787

‘Harry’ (left) with Ian Higgins in Dubai

Etcetera 19

Iain G Breckenridge (1984)I fi nish my current job as the submarine programmer in December and then conduct a four month pre-command refresher course prior to assuming command of HMS Astute which is based in Faslane. Astute is the Royal Navy’s newest submarine and a huge technological bound ahead of the previous Trafalgar class (which included HMS Tireless, my previous command). Another big challenge awaits to take her from trials through sea training and onto full operational status – this will keep me very busy, but it is a huge honour to be selected to command her.

Jack Campbell (2003)I qualifi ed as a chartered surveyor with Savills Commercial Ltd in London in May 2010. However I have decided to pursue a career in the British Army and have been accepted to commence training at Sandhurst this September.

Jackson Carlaw MSP (1977)I have been appointed to take over as Shadow Conservative Minister in the Scottish Parliament for Transport, Infrastructure and Climate Change.

Friends of old will hopefully be relieved to know that I can still start an argument in an empty room and am something of a sceptic on the theory of man-made global warming alone informing climate change policy. Would be delighted to hear from anyone at this e-mail address - Jackson.Carlaw.MSP@scottish.parliament.uk

Derek Dempsey (1999)I’m going to Shanghai, China at the end of the month to manage a campaign for the Scottish Government at The World Expo. I work for a marketing agency which uses unique wearable medias called PixAngels and NomadiX – both of which are being utilised by the Government to help raise awareness of all things Scottish amongst Chinese residents. The Right Honorable Alex Salmond will attend the Expo to help raise awareness of Scotland’s profi le and support Scottish activities taking place including Kommando’s media.

Niall Dickson (1970)I took over as Chief Executive and Registrar of the General Medical Council in January of this year, having been Chief Executive of The King’s Fund from 2004. Before that I was at

the BBC for 16 years, latterly as Social Affairs Editor.

Philip Gilchrist (2004)

I have recently graduated from University of Strathclyde in Aero-Mechanical Engineering MEng with Distinction. In August I start work with Wood Group GTS on the Graduate Engineering Programme.

Neil Keddie (2000)Just one piece of news to share at the moment is that I’ve been awarded my PhD from the University of St Andrews for research into ‘The synthesis and biological evaluation of D-myo-inositol 1,4,5- trisphosphate receptor ligands’ (or Carbohydrate chemistry for short!). I’m now working as a Postdoctoral researcher with another group at the University, looking into organofl uroine chemistry.

AG (Sandy) Rodger (1979)After 20 years with Unilever and six with Diageo, latterly as Global Technical Director, Sandy is now living in East Sussex and building a freelance consulting business helping companies with the leadership and strategic challenges of environmental sustainability.

photograph: www.beaumont-photography.co.uk

Moving up, moving on...

AwardsDavid Cockburn FRIN (1966) David was recently awarded the Air League’s Scott-Farnie Medal for work in the fi eld of aviation education by HRH Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, at St James’ Palace. The award was in recognition of the programme of evening aviation safety events he has organised and presented across the country over the last 10 years while working for the Civil Aviation Authority.

Alistair Gillespie (1961)Alistair was awarded an Honorary DSc by Heriot-Watt University on 24 June. The citation said that the award was ‘in recognition of his outstanding contribution to international research in the fi eld of mathematics and, through leadership and infl uence within the academic community, to the advancement of mathematics in the UK’.

Alistair proudly displays his honorary degree from Heriot-Watt University

20 Etcetera

ReunitedAllan McNicol (above left) and John Crombie (both 1946) met up in Australia, where John now lives. They hadn’t seen each other for 67 years. John commented, ‘We recognised each other immediately by our Glasgow accents and my running nose which hasn’t stopped running since I left Glasgow!’

John Doak (1972)‘Quick. Name a Cayman architect.’ Fire this question at just about anyone in the Cayman Islands and, chances are, the response you get is, ‘John Doak’. Having worked there for 30 years, John (1972) can arguably be called ‘venerable’ - although he would certainly cringe at the word. He arrived in Grand Cayman in 1979 when the island was, by today’s standards, a sleepy backwater.

Starting as a junior architect fresh out of Glasgow’s Mackintosh School of Architecture, he joined the fi rm of Onions, Bouchard McCulloch. It was

Updates

clearly a case of right person, right time, right place. The strong development market of the 80s and 90s gave John full reign to his architectural skills and he found himself designing many of Cayman’s most notable buildings - among them the FJ Harquail Theatre, Cayman National Bank HQ, UBS House and many others.

In 2001 John established his own fi rm, John Doak Architecture, and has continued to produce an impressive body of work including the Flagship Building and Island Plaza, Cruise Passenger Arrival Terminals, resort and commercial projects in Cayman and across the Caribbean region. John is also working on an eagerly-awaited book: ‘It’s probably the longest gestation period for any book on architecture, ever,’ he jokes. ‘Some of the material goes back to my fi rst days in the Caribbean.’ To commemorate his 30 years of Caribbean practice, the publishing date is scheduled for late 2010. Watch this space for more details. www.johndoak.com

Harjeev Dhillon (2004)I was a student at the Glasgow Academy from 1990 to 2004 when I went on to Dundee University to do medicine. I will be graduating on 25 June this year and have my foundation year posts at the Royal Alexandria Hospital in Paisley starting in August. My older brother, Sanjeev (1997), went on to study medicine at Glasgow University, spent some time doing surgery and is now training to be a GP. Meanwhile Parvinder Dhillon (2000), my cousin,

James Klinge (2001)Since graduating from art college in Dundee I have been forging a career as an artist with some success. I have exhibited my work in several solo and group shows across the UK and have had the opportunity to exhibit my work as far away as Australia.

Recently I have exhibited a painting in the Paisley Art Gallery and Museum. I have been invited to contribute work for exhibitions in partnership with Maggie’s Cancer Care Centres and Macmillan Cancer Support as well as working in collaboration with an Edinburgh-based furniture company combining beautifully-crafted furniture with vibrant artwork. My art work can be viewed via my website: www.klingatron.com

I have released a limited edition print of The Glasgow Academy with the original commissioned by former pupil Derry Allen. These limited edition Giclee prints are available through an online store exclusively. If interested, please visit:

http://glasgowacademyprints.bigcartel.com/

Munro Stewart (2004)I graduated from Medicine at The University of Dundee (MB ChB) on June 25 and will start working as a doctor in the Glasgow Royal Infi rmary in July.

John Doak in front of one of the buildings he designed - UBS House

Etcetera 21

is now a GP and his brother, Manraj (2002), is an accountant; they also both went to the Glasgow Academy. To me it feels like four brothers have come through the same school and gone on to higher education and graduated in their respective fi elds of medicine and accountancy.

Alan Fulton (1992)Having spent fi ve years at University in Aberdeen, I moved to Edinburgh in 1997 where I have been ever since, save for a couple of years in London. I married Joanna Elliot in 2008 and we had a beautiful daughter, Amy, last year. I’m with Dundas & Wilson CS and looking forward to the class of 1992 reunion being organised...

Charles Lewis (1973)On June 30, 2010 I took early retirement after 15 years as a Partner with Pricewa-terhouseCoopers. My wife will also be retiring from PricewaterhouseCoopers where she has been a partner for 23 years. While we intend to live in the house we built in Sedona, Arizona, we do plan to travel extensively including many trips to Europe where we hope to completely spoil our grandson.

The Reid BrothersFew families can boast fi ve brothers as former pupils of The Academy. This photograph was taken in the 1990s on one of the last occasions that the Reid Brothers could all be together. Many FPs of The Academy will know of the family and so here is a brief update, provided by AM Reid, of their lives after school:

‘RJT Reid (1943) went to Glasgow University after serving in the RNVR during the war. He graduated MB ChB, was a GP in Greenock and then emigrated to Australia. He now lives in Canberra. DT Reid (1944) went to Oxford and then St Andrews. He became a Minister and had parishes in Falkirk, Helensburgh and Cleish, Kinross-shire. AM Reid (1947) went to Oxford and then joined Imperial Tobacco Ltd, eventually becoming Chairman and Chief executive. AMB Reid (1949) was fi rstly in the textile industry and then in agricultural chemicals. GDM Reid (1953), now deceased, was a partner in Tindal Oats and Rogers - the law fi rm founded by our Grandfather.’

(l to r) AM (Andrew), AMB (Barclay), DT (David), GDM (Graham) and RJT (Ronald)

new challenges, I gave up teaching and obtained a full scholarship to Columbia University in New York City to study for a JD degree in law. During this time, I became the editor-in-chief of the Columbia Human Rights Law Review. I gained my JD in 1989.

After Columbia, I moved to Washington, DC, and worked as a lawyer in several large law fi rms and also became the executive director of an international organisation involved in environmental issues. I next took a job with the US government as an attorney working to improve the conditions of miners. I now work at the US Department of Labor in Washington, DC. I am the senior attorney at the Department involved in creating regulations to protect the safety and health of workers in the US. My job is very demanding but also very interesting and fulfi lling. At the moment, my projects include health issues of workers dealing with the oil cleanup in the Gulf, infectious diseases among health care workers, pandemic infl uenza, workplace reproductive hazards, popcorn lung disease, ergonomic injuries, nanotechnology, national biosecurity, integrating a United Nations’ system for classifying chemicals into the US regulatory system, and many more.

I have been lucky to have had the chance to do many different things in my life. However, these opportunities would not have occurred without the excellent education I received at Glasgow Academy. So thank you, Glasgow Academy. I am very grateful - and keep up the good work.

Ian Moar (1969)I was at Glasgow Academy from 1964 to 1969. I was eighteen when I left and the school was probably glad to see me go. True to the late 60s, I was a rebellious teenager anxious to rid myself of all the school’s meaningless demands, traditions, and rules, or so it seemed to me at the time. It was only years later that I realised how lucky I had been to attend Glasgow Academy. I now know the school gave me an excellent education, including a love of learning, the discipline to study, the ability to analyse and question, and the skills to work well with others.

I remember the Rector often telling us during morning assemblies that we were privileged to attend Glasgow Academy but that our privilege also brought with it the responsibility to give back to society, to do something useful with our future lives. At the time, I didn’t pay him much attention but I now think he had a profound infl uence on me. Somewhere in my stubborn teenage head, I stored away his message and since then I have tried to live by it.

After switching universities a couple of times, I eventually graduated in 1975 with a BA degree in psychology from Stirling University. I then went on to Cambridge University with a full scholarship and worked at the MRC’s Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit. I gained my PhD in experimental psychology in 1978. After Cambridge, I worked as a research scientist at the University of California and at Stanford University. I then taught psychology at Sussex University followed by Bucknell University in the US. Seeking

22 Etcetera

Gaynor Simpson (current parent) It was a huge pleasure to read the article by Douglas Aitken (1950) in the last issue of Etcetera. My husband Scott Simpson (1987) and I had the privilege of being married by Douglas on 13 July 2002 at Solsgirth House in Dollar and he delivered a very warm, personal - and at times very amusing - marriage service.

We subsequently visited Douglas and his wife Fiona on a couple of occasions after the wedding and he had no shortage of stories to tell us about his Academy days. He was particularly pleased to discover that Scott was educated at The Academy and that we hoped to do the same for our own children, should we be fortunate enough to have a family of our own.

During our wedding service, Douglas read a passage from the Walt Whitman poem, Song of the Open Road, which I now have on the wall at home and it takes pride of place as a special reminder of our wedding day (funnily enough, Scott doesn’t linger very often in front of it, I can’t imagine why!).

It occurred to me after reading Douglas’ article that Walt Whitman’s sentiments in Song of the Open Road are as applicable to those on the journey of married life as to the lucky school leavers, now departing Glasgow Academy and starting out on their own exciting life journeys.

Afoot and light hearted, I take to the open road,Healthy, free, the world before meThe long brown path before meLeading wherever I choose.

Scott and I would like to wish Douglas and Fiona Aitken a very happy Golden Wedding anniversary and many more years ahead on their journey together. We must call in to see them again at some point, so that our two boys, now at The Academy themselves, can enjoy some of Douglas’ fi ne stories – there must be at least one book’s worth in there!

Stuart Turnbull (2006)After Glasgow Academy I went on to Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design in Dundee. After being able to create my own sculptures in Sixth Year, I wanted to test the sculpture department in the art school. I was able to create a metal welded Bengal eagle owl, one of my most detailed pieces. Soon, however, I realised I wanted to bring my sculpture to life and decided to change medium and create my sculpture using 3D animation software packages.

In four years at art school I learned a lot, and for my degree show I managed to complete my 3D animation fi lm that is about a welder and

create an 8-foot sculpture - a conceptual art piece depicting the welder within the fi lm. The degree show was a success after which I received Bachelor of Arts fi rst class Honours within my animation degree.

I have accepted a job offer from The Mill in London – a world-leading visual effects company with bases in the globe’s three most important adverting centres – London, New York and Los Angeles. I started on 15 July.http://stuartturnbull.wordpress.com

Doris (Johnston) Vaughan (Former staff)Those who are old enough to remember me may like to know that I have now been retired for 27 years - two years longer than my quarter century teaching in the Prep School of Glasgow Academy. I am 87 years old and my beloved husband, Bob, is 91. I still play golf (very badly). We have been married for 26 years, which considering we were both in our sixties when we got married is quite something. I have three wonderful step-children and their spouses, seven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Last year we celebrated Bob’s 90th birthday with three parties, the last being in

Etcetera 23

Kilmacolm where we had my nephews and their children, and our kind hosts, Rosemary and Andy Hammond. As I looked round at these long-known and much-loved faces, my cup of happiness was full.

I had a wonderful day with Margaret Tindall when she came to Kilmacolm and took me to Glasgow to see the new Prep School at The Academy. Malcolm McNaught showed us round. I was amazed at the difference between the modern classroom with all its fantastic equipment, compared with the one I used to teach in. (It is still there. I saw it too.) They even have an elevator to take them up to the next fl oor!! Then we met Rachel Teggart and had lunch with her. What a day!

That’s it. I may never get back to Scotland, though I hope I will, but I have a good life here in a great retirement community. There is plenty to do and I am always trying to catch up with myself and never succeeding - so what has changed? I remember many of my former pupils and colleagues, and all with great affection.

Challenge Academy...Shona Ambrose (2006)Last August I organised two expeditions at St Andrews University to Tanzania to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. The two expedition teams fundraised throughout the year and managed to raise a fantastic £97,850 for Childreach International. 35 St Andrews students reached the summit of the mountain.Following the success of this expedition, I am organising another – this time to Nepal. So in September I will be fl ying to Kathmandu with 20 other students from St Andrews to trek to Everest Base Camp. So far this year we have raised £30,000 for Childreach and by September I hope that will be more like £40,000.

Alongside this group fundraiser, I have set myself a solo challenge which I have entitled the ‘Childreach Challenge’. This involves me cycling from Land’s End to John O’Groats via ten specifi c hills, the names of which will spell out CHILDREACH. The (not quite fi nalised!) route is around 1300 miles and - with my limited cycling experience - I am expecting it to be pretty tough! I set off on this trip at the beginning of August.

Sandy Fitzpatrick (1988)

A group of former pupils from 1988 took part in the Tennents Caledonian Challenge, 2010. The walkers were Joff Finlay, Dave Ogle, Al Burns and me. The idea to take part seemed a great (alcohol-induced) plan at the time involving a degree of coercion and the need for a challenge in our 40th year. Our support team consisted of Graeme MacLean and Lincoln Browning. We managed to raise over £3000 for the Scottish Community Foundation, the central charity of the event. For a few old timers, we managed a (fairly respectable) time of 20 hrs 30 mins. This included a few stops and 18 hours of constant walking.

It was great event, well-organised and simply put together. We were probably not the fi rst Accies to complete the event and we should not be the last. It had its highs, lows, frictions, midges and blisters, but we really enjoyed it and - while we might not immediately volunteer to do it again - we recommend you all to give it a bash. Thank you to those who sponsored us and, more importantly, a huge thank you Graeme MacLean and Lincoln Browning for the great support, maintenance of morale and catering they provided to keep us all on the road.

Adrian Louden (1989)Adrian took part in the West Highland Way Race, 2010.

‘The object of this race is simple. Run, walk or crawl from Milngavie to Fort William in 35 hours starting at 1 a.m. on 19 June. 95 miles with some of Scotland’s most beautiful

(L to r) Joff Finlay, Dave Ogle, Sandy Fitzpatrick and Alasdair Burns

scenery! Unfortunately due to injury my preparations were far from adequate to take this event on but I gave it a go nevertheless. With only three long training runs since March under my belt, I knew it was going to be tough. I changed my approach and forgot about a time and aimed for a fi nish. It certainly took the pressure off and I was really looking forward to this event. It was a beautiful night as we lined up at the start. As we headed for Drymen and Loch Lomond it never really got dark. Coming over Conic Hill at 4 a.m. looking up the Loch was breathtaking. I managed to keep going all the way up to Glencoe some 71 miles into the race but my heel had swollen enough to bring my race to a halt. I was thoroughly pleased with my efforts and had no regrets about stopping. With little or no training, I had surpassed my expectations. I will be back next year and with proper training look forward to completing one of Scotland’s epic events.’

24 Etcetera

The Glasgow Academy today is a very curious place. Apart from the introduction of the defi nite article (yes, Kenny Miles, I can remember), the place is full of curious contrasts. At least, that is how it seemed through the eyes of some 24 of us who gathered in late April, as part of the 1959/60/61 Reunion.

We were made very welcome by Mark and Joanna from The Academy’s External Relations team (External Relations? – the only ones we ever had were with the young ladies of Laurel Bank).

The Rector, Peter Brodie, joined us and gave an excellent précis of the Academy’s achievements. What was stunning was the much wider range of areas in which today’s pupils make their mark. Can anyone imagine Jimmy Scoular’s reaction if we had suggested rowing? The whistle would have been in full fl ight. And as for Samira Rudig-Sotomayor being allowed to sit 7 Highers – Baggy Aston would have had a fi t. No seriously, it made us very proud to realise how much the school was developing the generations after us.

Then we were taken out onto the pedestrianised (what, no kerb to trip up on?) Colebrooke Street, and allowed to walk right up to the River Kelvin end – with no complaints about noise from the householders (there aren’t any now; it is all The Academy). There, we were shown over the brand new Preparatory School. Very impressive, and clearly a

wonderful place to learn. It was Friday, but the writer wasn’t able to enquire of the current residents if they still had to overcome the agony of Miss Turnbull’s Friday morning poetry lesson. Judging by the calm atmosphere, he suspects not.

Then our group suddenly felt more at home as we entered the playground and went to the Physics Block and then to the Gym and Rifl e Range. Same old laboratory benches, same gloom, same wall bars to fall off, probably the same rifl es! The Music block does, however, make a magnifi cent replacement for the Naval and RAF Sections’ Nissen hut.

Returning to the Main Building we were again met by the contrast – the same old stairs (Oh how naughty it was to be allowed to walk in front of the Memorial), same old balustrade on the fi rst fl oor for support whilst waiting for the Rector to administer the punishment. Then there were the radical alterations and improvements to some of the classrooms. But, then we had taken the drastic action in 1954 of having the fi re break out to encourage the redecorations. Much has been improved since.

So the afternoon was a curious mixture of real blasts from the past, with some things exactly the same as 50 years ago, and very modern and exciting facilities for the education of today’s youngsters.

In the evening, we repaired to the distinguished surroundings of the Western Club in Royal Exchange

Square. No agenda or formal speeches had actually been organised to follow the excellent meal, but then Sherriff Principal Bruce Lockhart was there. He, as might be expected, took charge and set the tone of the evening by saying the grace in luxurious Latin. Later he insisted on everyone in turn standing up and giving his own take on life at the Academy in the 1950s. This initiative sparked off an almost endless series of toasts – ‘The Academy’, ‘The Academical Club’, ‘Absent Friends’, ‘Lost friends’, etc, well into the ‘wee small Hours’, until we all reluctantly weaved our way homeward. The writer is not certain whether the alcohol (sorry, delightful fi ne wine) is a cure for incipient Alzheimer’s, but we certainly had many a tale of the past coming to light.

For those unable to attend, and who wish to keep in touch, please get in touch with Joanna from External Relations, joanna.lennox@tga.org.uk.

If you are in the 1961/62 group of leavers, I strongly recommend that you set aside the time for next year’s event. A large number of school photographs of the 1950s were produced at the Reunion, but it is amazing how many of our classmates are out of contact. If you know where they are, please let Joanna know in time for next year. See you there.

David Fleming (1961)

1959/60/61 Reunion – 30 April 2010

Alexander Pollock fi nally lifts the Indian trophy nearly 40 years after he won it

Etcetera 25

BirthsImran Alam (1997)My wife gave birth to a beautiful baby girl in Glasgow on 16 January 2010. Noor Imaan Alam weighed 7lbs 13oz!

Graeme Clarke (1996) Graeme and his wife Louisa are delighted to announce the birth of their daughter, Charlotte Elizabeth Anne Clarke, on 21 June in Edinburgh.

Greg MacDougall (1997)Greg and his wife, Helen, became proud parents of Thomas Alexander MacDougall on 23 March 2010. Here are Greg and little Tom (aged 31 and 3 months respectively). We are pleased to report that Tom has taken his mother’s good looks.

Leonard Tam (1993) Birth of Sofi a Astrid, May 2010 in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg.

Announcements

Engagements Christian Bruce (1990)I have got engaged to Catriona McCracken of Markinch, Fife. I left the Academy in 1985 from S1 to go to Loretto School, Musselburgh. We are due to marry in Fife on Friday October 15. I am working in the family business, Redpath Bruce. Catriona owns a bridal wear shop in Perth called ‘Ivory Whites’ and is also a locum orthotist.

Douglas Horner (1999)David and Elaine are delighted to announce that our younger son, Douglas Andrew, has become engaged to Natalie Craig. Happy days!

Andrew Smith and Holly Ivins (both 2002)Andrew and Holly are delighted to announce their engagement on 7 July in St Andrews.

Ed - congratulations to Joanna Lennox (External Relations) who has recently announced her engagement to Andrew. Look out for e-mails from the new Mrs Wallace in about a year’s time.

Graeme and Louisa Clarke and their daughter, Charlotte

Greg MacDougall with Thomas

Sofi a Astrid Tam

WeddingsBrian Deas (1993) On 20 February 2010 to Kristie Yager on the Isle of Arran. Brian and Kristie met while holidaying in Fiji. Presently they live in Glasgow but will shortly be making their home in Australia, where Kristie comes from.

Fraser Lundie (1998) I got married on Saturday 19 June to Claire Hutchinson at Foulden Parish Church.

Claire McAslan (2000) Claire married Ewan Lovett-Turner on 19 December 2009 in St Salvators Chapel, St Andrews. Having met at University in St Andrews, we returned to the East Neuk, where my parents now live, to exchange marriage vows. We were joined by family and friends and in cold, snowy conditions enjoyed a perfect white wedding! We live and work in London and I have been teaching there for four years. In September I begin a new job as Upper School Leader at Park Walk Primary School in South Kensington.

AnniversaryColin Hope (1943)I recently celebrated my diamond wedding with a party of 45.

Ewan and Claire Lovett-TurnerFraser and Claire LundieBrian and Kirsty Deas

26 Etcetera

Etcetera 27

surprised that the teaching profession had been admitting individuals with third class degrees in the fi rst place because, for many of us who attended university, a third class degree shows a substandard knowledge of the subject. Moreover, it is certainly not to a standard where we should be comfortable in entrusting the young minds of future generations.

In my opinion therefore, every single one of us former pupils has a debt of gratitude to our parents for choosing the private school option. The Glasgow Academy was a school where the teachers were motivated, intelligent, and - for the most part - able to communicate their knowledge to us in an effective and absorbing manner. Yes, there are fabulous state schools out there, but with them comes a degree of risk. Therefore, if you have the resources then private school should always be the fi rst option. There are many of us who have achieved or even superseded our potential, and a large portion of the credit must go to the school teachers who helped us do it.

Colin Alexander (2000)

The audience was a mixture: some were extremely bright children with budding scientifi c careers ahead of them accompanied by parents with concerns over fi nance. Some children had dragged their parents along to convince them that university was a serious option. Some parents came alone. Some children came alone, and some just came because we were offering free wine afterwards (or at least that’s how it seemed). As the evening progressed - and I increasingly interacted with the audience - I began to realise something that all of us who attended The Glasgow Academy merely took for granted.

It occurred to me that the school stories dominating the media tend to focus on classroom overcrowding, poor sporting facilities, teachers being assaulted by pupils, teachers assaulting pupils, drugs, and so on. However, perhaps the root cause of this is the lack of ability of the teacher to teach and so to engage effectively with the pupils.

In my time at The Glasgow Academy, it was taken for granted, and I am sure still is, that whatever teacher, teaching whatever subject, would approach each lesson with a degree of enthusiasm and dedication channelled from a lifetime of fascination with their subject. This occurred no matter the opposing level of enthusiasm from the pupil. Most signifi cantly, however, it was taken for granted that the teacher in question could deliver a pass of ‘A’ standard to the pupil who had the application and intelligence to gain such a grade.

The argument, however, from parent and child alike on that evening in Leeds was that a number of teachers did not have the ability to teach the pupils to ‘A’ standard, possibly not even to ‘B’ standard, particularly when the pupil entered the fi nal years of schooling. Add to this equation the potential problems of classroom disruption and poor facilities and the worst-case scenario is a daunting outcome of unfulfi lled potential.

What is more, I recently read that David Cameron wants to change the entrance requirements for individuals enrolling in postgraduate teacher training. Under the proposed new requirements, a person leaving university with a third class degree will no longer be eligible to enter teacher training. I for one was

Let me introduce myself. I arrived at The Glasgow Academy in August/September 1994 as a quivering eleven year old in his fi rst year of senior school. I remember the day well as it was the one and only time that my mother would drop me off and collect me from school, for I would be fending for myself on the ‘Clockwork Orange’ from that day on. Sixth Year was completed in a wholly unremarkable fashion in 2000 - slightly above average grades and a sporting performance to match.

Today, I write this article sitting at my laptop by the window of my house on the banks of the Leeds - Liverpool Canal in the leafy town of Silsden, West Yorkshire. The last ten years have taken me to Aberdeen for a degree in International Relations; on a journey of cultural and self discovery backpacking around the world; to North Manchester as a travelling sales rep for an IT company; and to Leeds for a Masters Degree in International Journalism, where I continue to work as a part-time PhD Researcher and part-time teacher to the undergraduates. Various people can take credit for getting me to the modest living I have today, but one group that I for one had largely overlooked until recently are the teachers of The Glasgow Academy.

A few months ago I had a debate with a senior colleague who was deliberating whether to send his children to private school or to the local comprehensive.Most of you will be familiar with the pros and cons of this debate already and I suspect that, for most, the pros will outweigh the cons. However, until very recently, the jury had still been out for me.

That was until I was approached by the Schools Relations Offi cer at Leeds University towards the end of 2009 who asked if I would be interested in presenting a talk to ‘underprivileged’ school children and their parents from the Leeds Bradford area about the benefi ts of university. I agreed to do it, admittedly more out of self-interest as to what the reaction would be from the audience to a privately-educated, aspiring career academic with a posh voice, standing in front of them telling them what they should and should not think. Needless to say, the day was to have profound effect on me.

Ten years after...

Guess who’s coming to dinner?

Gavin Hastings will be the guest of honour at this year’s Academical Dinner on 12 November. Please turn to page 8

for details.

28 Etcetera

ObituariesJohn M Boyd (1948)23 August 1930 - 27 January 2010

John joined Glasgow Academy as a pupil in Prep 1 in 1935 and left in the VI Form in 1948. After school, he pursued a successful career as a Chartered Accountant. John retired to Strone in Argyll and passed away after a short illness in January aged 79. An adored husband of Evelyn, father of Michael and Susi, grandfather of Taylor and Megan, he will be greatly missed.

Frank H Cameron (1940)23 April 1922 - 21 June 2010

Frank Hugh Cameron attended Glasgow Academy between 1929 and 1940. He passed away peacefully at Ninewells Hospital, Dundee in June. Frank, aged 88 years and of Kilconquhar, Fife was a most dearly loved husband of Herriot (née Tillotson) and a loving father to his four children and nine grandchildren. A service of thanksgiving was held at Kilconquhar Parish Church on 29 June.

Jack E Harrison (Academy Staff)18 December 1912 - 4 June 2010

Jack, or JE Harrison as he was known at Glasgow Academy, has died aged 97. A teacher of Classics at the school between 1945 and 1950, he was most-widely known as one of the last survivors of the ‘Great Escape’.

Jack took part in the famous breakout from Stalag Luft III in 1944, an event later immortalised on fi lm. He missed his chance to fl ee the camp when the German guards discovered the escape plot. Of those who broke out, only three reached safety and – of the 73 recaptured – 50 were shot. Jack was working as a Latin teacher at Dornoch Academy in Sutherland when he joined the Royal Air Force as a pilot. His fi rst mission, in November 1942, was to bomb German supply ships at the Dutch port of Den Helder. But his aircraft crashed under fi re from the ground and he was captured before being transferred to Stalag Luft III on the Polish border.

On the night of 24 March 1944, about 200 prisoners prepared to escape through a tunnel codenamed ‘Harry’. Jack, who was number 98 on the escape list, was in hut 104 waiting to go down the tunnel when the escape was noticed. He

quickly burned his forged documentation in the stove and changed his clothing from that of a Siemens engineer back to a POW. A total of 76 prisoners escaped from the camp but only three reached safety.

After the war Jack returned to his wife, Jean, in Glasgow and resumed his career in education at Glasgow Academy. In 1958 the family moved to Rothesay, where Mr Harrison was appointed Director of Education for the isle of Bute. Mr Harrison spent his last years at Erskine veterans’ home in Renfrewshire. Erskine’s chief executive, Major Jim Panton, said Mr Harrison would be greatly missed by all and that it had been a privilege and an honour to care for him. Jack’s son and daughter, Chris and Jane, have said: ‘To others he was considered a war hero, but to us he was much more than that. He was a family man fi rst and foremost as well as a church elder, Rotarian, scholar, traveller and athlete.’

*Jack Harrison featured in a previous edition of Etcetera (Number 8, pages 20-21): http://www.theglasgowacademy.org.uk/ntga/community/etc.html

Gordon K Maclachlan (1938)12 July 1921 - 27 April 2010

Gordon grew up in Helensburgh within an infl uential family of master bakers and attended Glasgow Academy between 1934-1938. In his youth he represented Scotland as a champion fencer and then saw extensive service in the Indo-Burma theatre before a long and successful career in veterinary practice and research.

Gordon qualifi ed BSc, MRVS from the ‘Dick Vet’ (Edinburgh) in 1943. After enlisting with the RAVC, he spent time on military farms in Lahore and carried out research on the respiratory disease surra in Lucknow. He also saw active service in Arakan and at the Battle of Kohima. Gordon’s prime responsibility was to care for the mules, crucial to carrying artillery and equipment over mountainous terrain. On the way to supporting troops in Kohima, he developed giardiasis and was hospitalised in Dimapur, where he was visited by Vera Lynn. He later noted: ‘She must have heard I was coming; a slim, rather nervous waif of a girl in a sweat-soaked bush jacket’. After the battle of Kohima, Gordon caught malaria. This time, Lady Mountbatten’s visit brightened his memories.

After the war, Gordon continued in the army for two years before resuming his earlier career with a practice on the Isle of Wight. Twenty years later, Gordon was appointed to the Scottish Agricultural College’s animal heath laboratory and moved with his wife, Betty, and three children to settle in Thurso. This post gave him the chance to undertake investigative work, the aspect of his profession he enjoyed most. He was involved in research, among other things, on the metabolism of North Ronaldsay sheep; establishing scrapie-free fl ocks and developing a blood database of deer on the estates. He carried on working doing locum stints across the UK until the age of 80, when his regular employers began retiring!

Beyond his work, Gordon maintained a lifelong passion for sailing, continued his skills with the sabre, had a long association with Rotary, became a founder member of Clan Lachlan and of the Society of Antiquaries, was actively involved with the Caithness Field Club and Caithness Archaeological Trust and generally championed the heritage of Caithness.

Alexander C Rutherford (1936)3 August 1918 - 29 May 2010

Alexander (‘Sandy’) Rutherford attended Glasgow Academy from 1929 to1933. He was a businessman, entrepreneur, and town councillor who enjoyed a successful career in the concrete industry and became a prominent fi gure in Kirkintilloch and St Andrews. During his lifetime he also gained a reputation as an inventor and pioneered everything from surface water drainage systems and refl ective road signs to wide-wheeled caddy carts for golfers.

Born in Kilmacolm, Sandy moved as a young child to Lenzie and after four years at The Academy completed his secondary schooling at Merchiston. On the outbreak of WWII, he was commissioned into the 54th Queen’s Own Royal Glasgow Yeomanry and served in France, before later joining the 13th Anti-Tank Regiment. On his return to civilian life, his business ingenuity and judgement saw him going into partnership with a friend to form two new companies, Safeticurb, which pioneered surface water drainage systems, and Solway Products, both of which he eventually bought over.

Sandy also took a keen interest in local

Etcetera 29

government and served on Kirkintilloch Town Council and Dunbartonshire County Council and later, when he moved to St Andrews with his wife, Wilma (the couple married in 1951), he became a member of St Andrews Town Council. Sandy was very involved in drawing up the 1974 St Andrews Links Act of Parliament which authorised the town council to hand over control of the courses to the St Andrews Links Trust and Management Committee - of which he became a founder member. His contribution to golf in general – and St Andrews in particular – was recognised by the R&A at a special presentation ceremony.

John M Terris (1964)21 November 1948 - 31 January 2010

John was the only son of Dr John (Jack) and Edith Terris and attended Glasgow Academy between 1956 and 1964. At school John enjoyed rugby, playing as hooker throughout his career and was particularly proud of his place-kicking record against Hutchesons’ – apparently his Peter Brown style rarely failed!

John worked for a number of fi rms in what was to be a very successful career in the advertising industry. He worked for the London Evening News, Wasey Financial, Foster Turner & Benson before joining Universal McCann as Media Manager in 1975. Further promotion within the industry led to an appointment as Media Director with Dorland in 1981. His last appointment as Vice-Chairman at Chris Ingram Associates proved to be most lucrative due to his involvement in the company’s fl otation on the London stock market in 1989. He retired from CIA and spent a year working in New York followed, on his return to Britain, by various consultancy positions.

In 1996 John and his wife, Mandy, moved to Cornwall where he continued to work on many diverse projects. This was followed by a move to the south of France in 2001. He embraced the life there in every way and was much involved with the local community, including their passion for rugby. Sadly, in the last few years John’s health failed and he died suddenly this year aged only 61. He leaves his wife and two sons, Andrew and James.

The Glasgow Accies’ Pavilion at Anniesland is a great venue for weddings, birthday parties, meetings or any other family

celebration or business event. The Clubhouse is ideally-located with excellent road and rail transport links and there is ample

private parking available on site.

The facilities at Anniesland are free* for hire to all members of The Glasgow Academical Club. Prices for two-, three- (or more)

course lunches, dinners and banquets are very competitive. Buffet banquets and suppers can also be arranged. The GAC Clubhouse

also has a fully-stocked and very reasonably priced bar.

Ken Barron and his team will be delighted to cater for your event’s needs. For any enquiries please contact Ken on:

0141 342 5498 / 07939 551587.

k.barron@tga.org.uk*A small donation towards upkeep of facilities is always welcome!

The Perfect Venue

The following letter accompanied a package which arrived at the External Relations offi ce at the end of April...

Dear Mr McNaught

I live a couple of miles from Portavadie on Loch Fyne. This was the site for Polphail Village, which was built in the 1980s to accommodate 500 workers who were going to build oil rig platforms. Mr Wedgewood Benn committed £20 million of our money to construct this white elephant, which was doomed from the start. No platforms were ever constructed, and the village which was fully furnished and fi tted out in the most luxurious style had remained empty and unused to this date. The only residents have been curious sheep whose corpses can be found in various sections of the building. As you can imagine, the village has been vandalised and the harsh weather has taken its toll.

A couple of days ago, I was exploring this fascinating place with my grandson. In the middle of what would have been a vast refectory was a solitary brick. On top of this brick lay a book. As I enjoy reading Ray Bradbury, I brought the book back home. On closer examination, I was amazed to discover that the book belonged to the GA Library and should have been returned by 14/05/1992.

If you can trace the borrower, the resulting fi ne should help towards the refurbishment of the terraces that have been purchased in Colebrooke Street!

Yours sincerely,

Peter Bannatyne (1960)

Dear Sirs

Browsing through Etcetera No 11 and the article on Allan Alstead brought back a memory. It was Allan’s fi rst day and all boys from Morrison house were in the form room. The form master was GD Preston (the master in photograph on page 20). Mr Preston fl ung open the door a said loudly ‘ALSTEAD!’ - whereupon every boy stood up.

Harold S Couts (1953)

From our own correspondents

Dear Mark,

My 13-year old grandson Robbie’s birthday was on 12 May. I sent him a gift, a card and this letter. I have had stony silence in return. What do you think? What would your GA 13-year-olds think? Was I too brutal, too frank to compare Glasgow in 1941 with his careefree affl uence? Am I suffering from senile dementia?

Robbie,

It might interest you to know what I was doing at your age in Glasgow, Scotland. It was 1941 and in the spring of that year Adolf Hitler’s Luftwaffe bombers were targeting Clydeside. In March 14-15 1083 people were killed and 1602 seriously injured. In April 7-8 64 were killed and 71 seriously injured. May 5-6, 7-8, 341 were killed and 312 seriously injured.

The area where I lived (Queens Park) was not a target area, but stray incendiary bombs did fall in the area. My friends and I as schoolboys used to foray out on our bicycles after the raids looking for shrapnel (parts of anti-aircraft shells) which fell to the ground. We heard on the news or read in the papers where houses were hit and sought them out! To us boys it was exciting, but it could not have been to my mum and dad, or my little sister June. We had had an area of the house strengthened so that if part of it collapsed, we would be relatively safe. We would sleep there on air-raid nights. We never went to the air-raid shelters in Queens Park because they were cold and cheerless, smelling of urine and faeces!

The very last air-raid on Glasgow was made on the night of 23 March, 1943 when loss of life was small, but one of ‘Greek’ Thomson’s most admired churches was destroyed. My mum and dad’s bedroom looked out on this church and, as I watched it burn, the window glass in their room was too hot to touch!

Alexander Thomson (‘Greek’ Thomson) was an architect who was greatly interested in ‘bizarre arrangements of Greek and Egyptian ornament’, and used them in a novel and highly personal way. He

specialised in churches and built many in Glasgow in the Victorian period, of various denominations.

In 1943, Roydon Richards our school rector (head master) threw me out. He said I could sit my Final Examinations, but it would be a waste of time as he would not pass me anyway. So I left and became an apprentice Marine Engineer at J & G Weir’s who built ships’ boilers and marine pumps. They were very busy as hundreds of ships were being torpedoed and sunk by German U-Boats, and the losses had to be made good.

In 1946 I was ‘called up’ to do my two years National Service in the British Army. It was fortunate for me that the army found qualities in me that Roydon Richards had not. I was sent to Mons Lines in Aldershot, Hampshire, England where they trained me to be a Commissioned Offi cer. I ‘passed out’ as a 2nd Lieutenant in the RACV and was posted to Bielefeld on the Rhine in Germany. At that time the Berlin Airlift began after Stalin closed down all entry to Berlin, by Britain, France or America. To prevent the population of Berlin freezing and starving to death, the Allied Aircraft fl ew in fuel and food and clothing.

I worked with the Royal Air Force, and American Air Force to fl y in bagged coal. German labour tied in 12-tons of coal into four-engined Skymaster aeroplanes. The British Army acted as the aerodrome controllers at Fassberg which had originally been a Luftwaffe fi ghter airstrip.

When I’d done my two years in the army, I was demobilised. With my self-esteem and confi dence restored, I sat my matriculation exams and started my fi ve year course, qualifying on 7 July, 1956 MB ChB. In 1958 I worked my way to Australia as the ship’s doctor on MS ‘Rhexenor’ of the Blue Funnel Line. I worked for 50 years as a General Practitioner in Australia.

Hope I haven’t bored you too much!

Uncle John

John M Crombie (1944)

30 Etcetera

Tax-free giving from the USA and CanadaIt is now possible to donate to Glasgow Academy from the United States with tax deductible benefi ts. The school was granted membership of the British Schools and Universities Foundation in December. The BSUF is classed by the United States Treasury Department as an exempt charitable organisation meaning all gifts from members of the school community from the USA are tax deductible. It is also hoped that in the next few months, further to specifi c requests from members of the school community in Canada, we will be able to offer equivalent tax deductible donor benefi ts through The Glasgow Academy Trust (Canada).For more information, contact Mark Taylor at mark.taylor@tga.org.uk

To the Alumnus Team

You asked, on page 20, who are the others in the photograph of the upper sixth. The answers are:

Back row (l to r): CN Randell, PD Silvey (school vice captain and subsequently a master at GA), KE Aeberli, AJ Kerr

Front row (l to r): NR Utechin (house captain, Albany), DM Dow (house captain, Morrison), MP Harper (school captain), Mr GD Preston, IM Begg (school vice captain), ANM Sinclair, CGG Aitken

Thanks for another interesting edition of Etcetera!

David Dow (1969)

Dear Malcolm

More happy memories were stirred when I turned to page 18 in Etcetera 11.

The piper in the middle rank is Angus McDonald. By the early 50s he was appointed Pipe Major and I was a classmate. I remember when he was ‘made up’ he had to come to school on a Corps day with only the stripes of his rank sewn on his sleeves. The crowns were out of stock, I seem to remember, and he was a bit concerned that people might think he was a very long-serving cadet! The two pipers marching behind the sergeant on the near side are I think Lightbody and Belch. Other faces are a blank, I’m sorry to say.

Many thanks for sending me another excellent issue.

Peter Lyon (1953)

We are grateful to all those who contacted us in response to the photograph of Miss Walker’s class 1a of 1932/33

Names from photograph of Miss Walker’s class in last issue (page 23), courtesy of Stuart McAlpine - ably assisted by Dan MacQuarrie and Grant Buchanan

Back row (l to r) Marshall Gibson, Stanley Lindsay, Roy Crystal, Miss Walker, Kenneth Lockhart, Charles Kelly, Kenneth MacDonald

3rd row (l to r) Ian Winning, Ian Macnaughton, Ronald MacLeod, Eric Campbell, Hugh Paton, Robert Harrington

2nd row (l to r) David Galbraith (twin), Moffat??, Forbes Runciman, Bobby Jones, Kenneth Cameron, Iain Orimston, Douglas Alexander, Hamish Galbraith (twin), Stuart McAlpine

Front row l to r ?Johnstone, Bill Parks, Neilson Herbertson, Iain Gillies, Dan MacQuarrie

Etcetera 31

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