there are many very exciting events planned for the rest of year and the Club General Manager will keep you informed.

As you all know the success of the Club depends on maintaining and hopefully increasing the Membership. We now have an active group of Young Members (young defi ned as any one below the age of 45!) However we need your help in fi nding suitable people, young and old, to join the Club. I will be very pleased to meet you and the potential new Member for lunch. The dates of the Chairman’s Lunches are available on the website and also by contacting the Club Offi ce.

I would like to take this opportunity to offer sincere thanks to Sharon Findlater and her dedicated members of the team who look after us so well at the Club and ensure the smooth running of the Club on a daily basis.

On a personal note, I am enjoying the role of Chairman. The most exciting part is meeting the Members, new and old. I wish you a very Happy and Healthy 2014.

We also have very talented and gifted speakers for the two Annual Dinners. Mr Bob Keillor, CEO of Wood PSN Group has agreed to speak to us at the Annual Members’ Dinner in May and Sir Graeme Catto will be speaking at the Members and Guests’ Dinner in September. We look forward to your support at these events to ensure their success.

We also have various development projects. I am pleased to report the Business Centre, situated in the Basement adjacent to the Library, is now completely furbished and functional. Mr David Kenwright, former Chairman of the Club, formally declared it open on the 7th of February.

In the last Newsletter, Mr Edward Anderson made a detailed mention of the plans to install a lift. Since then there have been further discussions and our fellow Member Mr Hamish Barrack has come up with an alternative plan for the lift. This plan will cause minimum disruption to the working of the Club during the installation process and will also cost less. I am very grateful to Mr Hamish Barrack for his time and interest in this project. Once the plans are fi nalised they will be displayed in the Club. The lift will be a very useful addition to the Club and will enable Members and guests with restricted mobility to enjoy the use of the Club.

Many Members have experienced the problem and frustration of fi nding car parking space, especially at the front of the Club. The House Committee is actively seeking some form of barrier system to ensure only the Members of the Club have access to this area. Further details and plans will be made available in due course.

The Club has made a very successful start to 2014. In January we had two Burns Suppers, which proved to very popular with Members and guests. This was due to Charles Henderson and Members of the Development Committee who managed to persuade excellent entertainers to come and perform at these events. In addition to the 2014 events

1854 2014RNUC NewsNewsletter Of The Royal Northern And University Club Aberdeen

March 2014 Issue 48

9Albyn PlaceAberdeen

Welcome to the March 2014 edition of the RNUC Magazine

It is a great privilege to be writing this article as the Chairman of The Royal Northern and University Club. The Club is 160 years old this year and some special events are being planned to celebrate this occasion. On Thursday 20th March we will be holding a Cocktail Party. A Family Day has also been planned for Sunday 22nd June and the details of this event will be circulated to Members in due course.

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Welcome to New Members

Ian Aitchison Corum Marine Safety

Crawford Armstrong Quiltercheviot

Hatem Atta BMI Albyn Hospital

Jan-Erik Berre DNB Bank

John Buchan Michael Gilmore Associates

Evan Budge Balfour Budge Solicitors

Richard Burnett The Property Management Company

Ignacio Chanza-Jordan J G Collie

Richard Clarke REC Consultancy

John Fleming Maersk FPOS UK Limited

John Fotheringham J I Forbes & Partner

Thomas Grant BP

Paul Griffin Dana Petroleum

Paul Howlett Sudelac Ltd

Chistopher Leiper Chris Leiper

Stephen Lewis HFD Group Ltd

Jonathan Machin Utec Geomarine

William MacLean Richard Irvin

Charles Mintowt-Czyz Venture Information Management

Phyo Myint University of Aberdeen

Graham Ogston Medical & Dental Financial

Colin Paterson Insight Insurance Consulting Ltd

Ferrier Pryde Advanced Retirement Planning Ltd

Michael Robson The Agency

Sean Saluja Burness Paull LLP

Stewart Ship Equities Business Management Consultancy

Alan Silver Silvermark

Clive Smith Lanyonsmith Ltd

Matthew Smith University of Aberdeen

Neil Smith Burness Paull LLP

Matthew Taylor BG

Initially I would have lunch on a Friday at a quiet corner table with my proposer Rod Jones, and Hugh Miller, until one Friday, when we were invited by the late John Grant to join him and his friends at the centre table, after which there was no holding me back! I am still to be found arriving with a regular lunch crew at the centre table at three minutes to 2.00 pm on a Friday.

It must be quite a daunting prospect for a new Member who doesn’t know many or even any other Members to come into the Club for the first time. It is for this reason that I, and I think most other Members, go out of our way to be welcoming and hospitable to new Members.

RNUC: Do you use the Club frequently?

JH: As I mentioned, I still lunch most Fridays with a group of fellow Members at the centre table, which incidentally is a great concept. The communal centre table allows Members and guests who are not known to each other to meet and socialise, and is an ideal introduction for new Members.

As you can see from the Club Magazine there are a wide range of sections and societies within the RNUC which Members may join, ranging from bridge to hill-walking. In the past I was an active Member of the golf section until the afternoon school run put paid to that!! I was also involved in the Wine Club which fell into abeyance a number of years ago, but which the Committee hope to resurrect in the near future.

RNUC: What made you join the Committee?

JH: I hadn’t given it any thought until I was approached last summer by the current Chairman Vijay Jandial, who asked if I would be interested in being put forward for committee Membership at the next AGM. I was initially reluctant, but realised that it was only right that I put something back into a Club that I have enjoyed being a Member of for twenty four years.

RNUC: How are you finding your time at the Committee?

JH: It’s not too onerous a duty, the main Committee meets on a monthly basis, as do the various sub-Committees, and are very democratic in their format. We discuss a wide range of subjects regarding the Club and its future wellbeing and everyone who has an opinion is listened to with equal measure.

I also greatly appreciate the coffee, sandwiches and savoury snacks provided by the Club during these meetings!

RNUC: What are the ideas and initiatives you have lined up for this year?

JH: My main area of involvement is the Membership sub-Committee where we are acutely aware of the need to both attract and retain new Members if the Club is to continue to thrive. What has been of great concern in the past is the number of new Members who resign their Membership after only the 1st or 2nd year, and I am pleased to say that the number of Members we have lost in this way, so far this year, is significantly down on last year.

In addition to introducing New Members Receptions and Prospective New Members Receptions, the Committee recognises the need to appeal to new Member’s wives and families as well as the new Members themselves. To this end, in recent years there has been an increase in the number of Club functions aimed specifically at Members’ families i.e. family lunches and BBQ’s and Father’s Day lunches.

RNUC: What made you join the RNUC?

JH: I had been aware of the Club since I was a boy as my father had been a Member of the University Club and subsequently a Member of the RNUC after the amalgamation of the two Clubs in 1979. I recall collecting my father from the Club on a number of occasions after he had attended dinners and other functions here, and as he always seemed to be in high spirits after these functions I thought “the RNUC must be a very jolly and convivial place”. I didn’t give any thought about joining myself until I had been a lunch guest on a number of occasions of two friends of mine who were Members, Rod Jones (now a country Member, resident in the Isle of Man), and my business partner, Fred Shepherd, both of whom suggested that I should join the Club. Eventually it was Rod who very kindly put me up for Membership in 1990.

RNUC: How did you find the Club when you eventually joined?

JH: I already knew quite a few Members both through having been a guest here on a number of occasions, and through Royal Aberdeen Golf Club, many of whose members are also Members of the RNUC. However it was particularly gratifying to find just how welcoming other Members that I didn’t know were.

CLUB MEMBERSHIP by John Hunter

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Club held two Burns Suppers this year, on the 18th and 31st January 2014. Between the two dates, 210 Members and their guests enjoyed a marvellous evening, thanks toexcellent food and service from the Club Staff, and an array of talented entertainers, made up of Club Members and invited performers, which would have graced any Burns Supper, anywhere.

The Suppers got off to a good start with excellent, although very different in style, Addresses to the Haggis by David Burnside on 18th and Ken Howie on 31st January. Our Club piper Bill Fraser did his usual accomplished job on the bagpipes.

Although the format was broadly similar there were a number of changes in the line-up at the two evenings. On 18th January the Immortal Memory was performed in verse by Jim Smith, three times President of Aberdeen Burns Club, whilst on 31 January Dr Ian Duncan’s Memory was done as an amusing dialogue between Rabbie and Jean Armour his wife. Buff Hardie toasted the Lasses and showed that he is as funny as ever. The Responses were given by Fiona Kennedy on the 18th and Frieda Morrison on the 31st. Fiona delighted us with her singing as well as recounting how and when she met her husband Francis, whilst Frieda was witty and entertaining.

We thought it would be impossible for Robert Lovie to better, or even equal, his 2013 performance, but we were wrong. Robert’s Toast to Doric Poets was illuminating and funny and his poem about a toe nail brought the house down. Unfortunately Robert missed the second Supper through illness, however Jim Smith stepped in and his Tam O’Shanter recited in under 15 minutes was a masterpiece.

Music and singing is a ‘must’ at a well-balanced Burns Supper and we were treated to some superb entertainment by all the participants. Award winning Fiddler Rae Jappy took part on both dates, whilst the singing was done on 18th by Robert Lovie. Due to Robert’s illness Kenneth Petrie and Harry Williamson came off the subs bench and did a great job at short notice. Kenneth and Harry will be back at a later date giving us an evening of “Songs from the Musicals”. Buff Hardie had reworded “Mans a Man for a’ That” and Robert and Kenneth led the company in a rousing tribute to the Dons, entitled “A Fan’s a Fan for a’ That”.

To round off the evenings Vijay Jandial and Graham Farquharson delivered well deserved Votes of Thanks to the entertainers and Club staff. Charles Henderson arranged the Programme and chaired the two Suppers.

What’s next? The dates for 2015 are Saturday 17th and Friday 30th January. We will have another great line up for both dates, so make sure that when the Invitation comes out you book early to avoid disappointment. Charles Henderson

Burns Suppers proved a great reminder to us all of what the Royal Northern & University Club can offer to Members – superb celebratory evenings amongst good friends and business associates, accompanied by the best of Scottish produce and hospitality.

Both nights honouring our National Bard were fully subscribed but our fi ne Club offers much more than Burns’ poetry, haggis and whisky on a cold January night. The dining facilities and super food offered up on a daily basis are a credit to Sharon Findlater and her hard working team and they rise to any occasion.

I’ve been fortunate to be a Member of the RNUC for 30 years and witnessed many changes in that time as the club adapted to modern trends and practices. Change is good and while the Membership stands at a pleasing 600 plus, we must all make greater use of the club if the RNUC is to continue in rude health.

As we move through 2014, I would urge fellow Members to embrace everything the RNUC has to offer, make fuller use of our wonderful facilities, and support in greater number the vast array of events and special lunches and dinners which take place throughout the year.

P.S. If any Member has not availed themselves to perusing the club’s Suggestions Book which dates back to inception, they are doing themselves a disservice. Angus MacCuish

A selection of images from these fantastic evenings can be seen on the back page of the magazine.Photos from Club Events are also regularly added to our website, and to our Facebook and Twitter pages.

2014 CALENDAR 2014/15

Thursday 20th March160th Anniversary Cocktail Party

Friday 21st MarchMusical Evening with Richard Michael

Saturday 22nd MarchMusical Evening with Richard Michael

Friday 28th MarchSupper Club

Sunday 30th MarchMothering Sunday Lunch

Friday 11th AprilIndonesian Night

Wednesday 23rd AprilSpeaker’s Lunch George Walker

Saturday 26th AprilSupper Club

Friday 16th MayMembers Annual Dinner

Saturday 17th MayDining In NightFriday 6th JuneCalifornian Night

Saturday 7th JuneBannockburn Day Out and Supper

Thursday 12th JuneProspective New Members Reception

Sunday 15th JuneFather’s Day LunchSunday 22nd June

Family BBQ + Historic TourFriday 5th September

Members & Guests Dinner Graeme CattoSaturday 13th September

Supper ClubFriday 19th September

Curry Night with Guest Chef Pushp Vaid Tuesday 30th SeptemberNew Members ReceptionSaturday 18th October

Ceilidh NightSaturday 25th October

Fish NightWednesday 29th October

Speaker’s Lunch Colin CrosbyThursday 6th NovemberAnnual General MeetingFriday 14th November

Silver Membership DinnerSaturday 15th NovemberMurder Mystery Evening

Wednesday 19th NovemberSpeaker’s Lunch Robbie Clyde

Friday 5th DecemberCarol Concert

Saturday 13th DecemberChristmas Dance

Thursday 18th DecemberChristmas Lunch

Friday 19th DecemberChristmas Lunch

Sunday 21st DecemberFamily Christmas CarveryMonday 22nd December

Christmas LunchTuesday 23rd December

Christmas LunchWednesday 31st December

Hogmanay Supper and Dance

2015Friday 30th January & Saturday 7th February

Burns Supper

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In 2013 we had two outings, in Spring up Deeside to Ballater and in September to the Howe of the Mearns.

Our first outing in 2014 will be on Saturday 26th of April to the Findhorn Area. We will again enjoy the hospitality of Bill and Lorraine Budge for bacon rolls at their cottage, and will then set off on a route around the Forres area followed by a meal in a suitable hostelry.

We are planning to have two further runs this year, one on Sunday 29th of June and the last one on Sunday the 21st of September. Anyone with a car they cherish whether it be straight off the production line or a rather older model, we would be happy to have you join us, just contact Bruce Cochrane at bruce.cochrane@me.com

The fine example of the MGA in the photograph above was taken in November 2013 in Geelong, Australia where the weather is good and they don’t seem to have any worries with rust. They have an MG club of over two hundred members with outings each month and some great cars. It probably helps that Ford used to have their Australian factory based there and there are plenty of expert mechanics.

Cherished Car Group

Discussion Group I am delighted to report that the Discussion Group continues to attract large numbers and lively debates. Since the last edition of the magazine we have had a debate on ‘Europe: In or Out?’ and presentations on ‘The Trade Unions: Social Partners or Class Warriors’, ‘Schism in Islam: Its Origins and Consequences’, ‘Banking Past, Present and Future’, “Changes in Society, For Better or Worse?” and ‘The Demise of the British Merchant Navy’. At the time of writing the following topics are planned for discussion:

4 March Aberdeen Architecture – Past, Present and What of the Future?

1 April Must the Show Go On? Buff Hardie

6 May Subject to be announced – Peter Watson

3 June Some Insights into the Background and Epic Life of William Marshal, Earl of Pembroke and Striguil 12.5.1146 – 14.5.1219 – a Medieval Knight ‘Extraordinaire’ John Usher

I am still looking for volunteers for the Autumn and Winter meetings. There is no need to be a formal member of the Group and new Members of the Club are particularly welcome. All you need to do is indicate your interest through the notice board in the smoke room. The meetings always conclude with an excellent supper and we are normally finished between 8.00 and 8.30pm. David Burnside

CroquetCrathes Croquet Club, which incorporates the RNUC Croquet Section, will start the 2014 Season in a strong position. We ended 2013 with our highest ever membership of 35 and having completed Inaugural Singles and Doubles Competitions. In the Singles Final Brian Clark beat Charles Henderson and in the Doubles Final Charles Henderson and Vaila Will beat Brian Clark and Gordon Hendry, so RNUC Members featured as winners in both Events.

We also organised our first National Competition playing at both lawns we use, namely Albury Sports Centre and Crathes Castle. Sport Aberdeen and Aberdeen City Council supported our efforts and we had a Civic Reception at the Town House before holding a Social Event at RNUC. In 2014 the competition will be expanded and we will be using Westburn Park as well as the two existing lawns.

We also won all our matches during the 2013 season. Especially pleasing was our away win against Edinburgh CC at Laurieston Castle.

We plan to develop the Club further and invite new members to join us as members or on a trial basis. Why not come along and have a go, with no obligation? Croquet is a growing sport offering opportunities for players of all levels of ability, from social to playing in National Competitions.

For further information please contact Charles Henderson on 01224 313555, Brian Clark on 01224 867159 or Alex Burns on 07764 689226.

Chess SectionThe RNUC Chess section has members of a varying standard but all are able to compete favourably with all other members. So if you played chess at any level at

school or since then you will find a warm welcome in the smallest (but perfectly formed!) of all of the RNUC’s sections. After a small libation in the bar at 6.30pm we tend to dine for a two course supper at 7pm then once rehydrated and the blood glucose levels have been restored to normal, battle commences in the library, usually on the first Thursday of each month.

Scottish Country DancingThe past winter has seen the group continue for another year with sessions held in St. Margaret’s School for Girls on Wednesday evenings 7.30 to 9.30 pm. Whilst on occasions the attendances have dropped a ‘smidgin’ because of grandchildren duties, holidays etc, the enthusiasm of all Members has remained as high as in previous years, exemplified by the attendance at the annual Supper Evening on the 5th February, when 22 Members and wives were present. Once the customary business of confirming next winter’s dates had been dealt with, the group agreed to organise a Ceilidh Night in the Club on 18th October 2014 as its contribution to the Club’s year of celebrations.

On the 8th February twelve hardy dancers enjoyed an evening wining, dining and dancing in the Beaton Hall, Methlick, which was the first of the Aberdeenshire Reelers 2014-15 programme. As ever the ladies ensured that the dining part of the evening was an outstanding success and set the standard for a most enjoyable evening. The group will undoubtedly be making its presence felt at the forthcoming ‘Reelers’ events on the 12th April at Dunecht and the 14th June at the Summer Hoolie, Lonach. These ‘away’ fixtures are much anticipated, despite in the past having experienced some quaint accommodation idiosyncrasies.

New Members are always welcome. Experience is not necessary, only a willingness to participate and enjoy the company with good humour. To this end, a Guest Night is being organised for Wednesday 1st November, so why not come along. Remember that you do not have to be ‘old’ to participate in this form of mental and physical exercise. Should any Club Member have a secret yearning to explore their dancing talents, please contact the Club Office or one of the group for the inside story.Alex Urquhart

Reading GroupThe Club’s Reading Group is continuing to meet on a regular basis and, understandably, some of the books that

are being read this year relate to the anniversary of the commencement of hostilities as Europe went to war in 1914.

In December we read ‘Catastrophe: Europe Goes to War 1914’ by Max Hastings and we are now reading ‘1913: The Year Before the Storm’ by Florian Illies.

To lighten the load we have also read ‘Au Bonheur des Dames’ by Émile Zola which is as relevant today as it was when it was written over 130 years ago as new shopping centres detrimentally affect the hearts of our cities.

Along with ‘1913: The Year Before the Storm’ we are reading ‘The Gap in the Curtain’ by John Buchan which is set in between the wars and is unusual in that it is Buchan’s only novel which borders on science fiction.

These last two books will be discussed on Tuesday 25th March when we meet at 6pm followed by a suitably themed dinner. New Members are very welcome and all you need do is advise the Club Secretary of your intention to join us.

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Snooker SectionFor many years the Club’s annual snooker competition has been organised by Mike Hewitt and he will be sorely missed in future. He was responsible for all aspects of the competition, from cajoling Members to enter, making the draw, chasing Members to complete their matches and organising play offs and presentations. All of these tasks he did with quiet efficiency and unfailing good humour.

This year’s completion is still in progress but currently the players with the highest number of points in the two singles leagues are John Craig and George Sheaman. In the doubles competition, Carl McAndrew and George Sheaman currently lead the way, but all the players above may be overtaken when the remaining matches are completed.

Investment Clubs

PhotographyThe Photographic Club continues to meet on a monthly basis. We have been trying to make the meeting a regular fixture on the third Thursday of the month but other events always seem to interfere so meeting dates may vary.

The evening usually starts with a few members having supper at 6.30 followed by the meeting at 7.30 in the

Library. The meetings are relaxed and light hearted and are a mixture of discussion about individual photographic challenges, presentations by speakers either from within the Club or from outside and finally, presentation and judging of the photos taken by Members the previous month.

Each month we have set a task of photographing different subjects and styles and it is interesting to see how many different interpretations of the subject are produced. The best photos are displayed on the Club notice board.

New Members are always welcome and no particular expertise is required, as the aim of the club is to let you improve your own photographic skills to your own level, in a relaxed atmosphere.

If you wish to join or just come along and see what happens contact the Club Office or Peter Duffus at peterduffus@btinternet.com

Bridge GroupThe Bridge Group suffered a sad loss with the unexpected, sudden death of Mike Hewitt at the end of December.

Mike organised the group with great efficiency, sending us updates of availability when changes occurred and keeping the evenings running smoothly. Our thoughts are with his wife Cath and family at this time.

This season numbers have been sufficient for us to play three tables most nights and we have experimented with different movements with the objective of giving each player the chance to play with and against everyone else. New recruits to the group this year are John Usher, Ross Taylor, Harry Tocher and Fred Dalgarno, who have made a very welcome addition to our numbers.

We are indebted to Carol and Roddy Kinghorn who hosted a splendid drinks party for the group before Christmas – a most enjoyable way to start the Festive Season.

The season finishes on 29th April with the Ladies’ Dinner when hopefully Fred Pidcock will be able to join us for an entertaining evening.

If anyone is interested in joining the group they will be made very welcome. We play on Tuesday evenings from October to April starting at 7.00pm and hopefully finishing about 10.00 pm. Enthusiasm is high and it never gets too serious. Please add your name to the list on the notice board or contact me on 01224 317128. Hamish MacNaughtan

Film and Theatre Group The Film and Theatre group meets throughout the year from January to June and then after the summer break from September to December, generally on

the 2nd Wednesday of each month at 5.30 for 6.00pm. The format is to meet for dinner and then go to HM Theatre or other venue, or we stay in to watch a selected film – this year on the Club’s new 60” TV.

So far this year we have seen the film ‘The Bucket List’ in the Club and visited HM Theatre to see Rambert Dance. The next planned event is to see Pygmalion at HM Theatre in March and then we have other films and plays lined up in the programme ahead.

In June we are taking the annual trip for a few days to Pitlochry to see ‘Yellow on the Broom’ and take in some shopping and golf.

The Film & Theatre Group is very sociable and always welcoming of new Members.

If you would like to try out the Film and Theatre Group, just book your meal with the Club and turn up or contact the Club Office or myself for more details. John Craig

Gardening SocietyThe new 2013/2014 Session started with our meeting at the beginning of October when some 26 Members attended to hear Mark Paterson, the Curator of the Cruickshank Gardens in Old

Aberdeen, make a very welcome return visit to speak to us about the Construction and Maintenance of a Scottish garden. Following this at the beginning of November we were paid a visit by Fred Stewart who gave 23 of us a most informative talk entitled ‘From Plot to Plate’. We all promised ourselves to adopt his methods in future when growing our vegetables. February saw our first Meeting of 2014 when 21 Members came along to hear a first class Speaker in the name of Sandy Scott, the Council’s City Parks & Greenspaces Manager, talking about Britain in Bloom and Keeping Scotland Beautiful. His easy manner of speaking and his learned answers to our varied questions went down a treat.

Our meetings continue at the beginning of March when Susan Burgess gives a talk on the Gardens of Pitmedden followed by Jimmy McRae from Drum Garden Centre in April speaking about the various plants which will be available in store in the Spring. Sandy Mitchell

It is now over fifteen years since the Club’s first investment Club was formed, and such was its popularity that two further clubs have been formed over the years. So despite the volatility of markets over the years, the Club currently has three flourishing Investment Clubs, and all are showing profits, albeit some more than others.

Although there are minor differences between each Club, all have a similar modus operandi. Members contribute £50 per month, which goes into a common pool, which together with dividends received from investments, is available for investment.

Members then meet once a month to review investments made and to consider new ones proposed. Decisions are made on a show of hands by Members present. Thus it is a collective decision and no one Member is blamed should an investment go pear shaped. After business is concluded, Members partake of a two course meal which, although not compulsory, is usually a convivial end to the meeting.

Each club is limited to 20 Members but all three currently have a small number of vacancies and would welcome new Members. No particular financial skills are required to join and many Members did not have any experience when they started either.

Should you be interested in joining, please contact the Club Office or one of the following Investment Club secretaries, who will be happy to answer any questions you may have.

George Sheaman (RNUC Investment Club) phone 01224 575394

Graham Farquharson (Reynolds Investment Club) phone 01224 323333

Alan West (Third Time Lucky Investment Club) phone 01224 315033George Sheaman

Speaker’s Lunch with

Stewart SpenceOn Thursday 13th November a packed Dining Room was treated to a fascinating and humorous talk by Stewart Spence, entitled ‘My 50 years in hotels’. Stewart is the current owner of The Marcliffe, Aberdeen’s only 5 star hotel, but he began his battle to fit more than half a century in the hospitality trade into thirty minutes right at the beginning.

Born in Queen’s Road, he attended Hamilton School and has remained in Aberdeenshire for most of his life. It was whilst on a summer holiday in Ballater aged 12 years old that he got his first taste of hotel life.

Initially taken there to get out of his mother’s way, he started doing odd jobs around the family-owned hotel, and developed a taste for the business.

This was a very successful hotel, and made a lasting impression on a young Stewart. The buildings opposite were nicknamed ‘Chauffers Row’ because it housed all the staff who were employed by the guests staying at the hotel.

One day in school the ‘Careers Master’ was going through the leaving class alphabetically, asking each student what he wanted to do, and handing out a matching pamphlet of information. When it came to ‘Spence’ and the answer was ‘Chef’ the careers master had a quick look at the information on his desk and called “Next!”.

His father was also weary of him entering the hotel industry, fearing it might lead to alcoholism. Nevertheless, at the age of 15 he left school, having been “very consistent - 1E, 2E, 3E and Out!” to work in his chosen field.

And so in 1962 his career began, working as a trainee chef at the Station Hotel. Many years later a much younger individual, when hearing that his first job in catering was with British Rail, replied “Making Sandwiches?”, however this was a very popular and successful hotel based at the station. It was this education that is the foundation for his strong belief that “a hotel is about a successful kitchen”.

When he turned 18 in 1965 he was eligible to join a Management Trainee programme, which included some mandatory work overseas. His papers came through, and he began a two year spell working at Fouquets, a leading Paris hotel that attracted the biggest names of the time.

One day he was asked by his manager to attend to one of the ‘Salons Privés’, which were private rooms, complete with their own secret side entrance, designed for the purpose of helping a Frenchman to entertain his mistress away from prying eyes. He was told that there was an English couple in the room, and as the only native speaker, he was selected to look after them.

Walking in with a large bowl of soup to serve them from, he was rather taken aback to see before him that the ‘English couple’ were in fact Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor, who were in Paris filming. He said that whenever people ask about them, all he can say is that she had the “biggest eyes” he had ever seen, that you were automatically drawn to them.

They dined in this room regularly for a few weeks whilst in Paris, and during his weekly phone call home, reversing the charges of course, he was very excited to tell his mother about who he had met that week, to which his mother replied “There’s no need to tell lies”! On his next meeting, he very politely asked Richard Burton to sign a menu, so that his mother would believe him, and he duly signed “Hilda – your son has been looking after us marvellously” before turning and adding “Elizabeth, sign that!”

Other notable guests included the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, who were regular visitors every second Saturday. After some initial tough treatment from the French staff, he was treated much better when they discovered he was Scottish and not English, and the rest of his two year spell was a very enjoyable time.

Back in Aberdeen, he went to a job interview with Billy Hogg at the Amatollah Hotel, but unfortunately they wanted him to start right away, and his Management Trainee programme wasn’t due to finish until July that year, so he had to turn the job down. Then stopping in for a drink on his way home he met a man called Mr Gilbert, owner of the Treetops Hotel. Over a drink, they arranged that he would start work there in July, and shook hands on the deal. The job interview may not have been fruitful, but the visit to the pub ended in employment.

Richard Burton

It was here that he learned his most valuable lesson. A father of a bride came in to pay the wedding bill, and was afforded every hospitality. When he had left, Mr Gilbert called Stewart over and pointed to a man sat in the bar, having a drink, and said “I want you to treat him exactly the same”.

His two year spell at the Treetops came to a sad end when Mr Gilbert sold the hotel after suffering a heart attack. Shortly afterwards he met Peter Cameron, who was building a new hotel in Stonehaven and said “I want you to manage it”. After trainee and assistant manager positions, this was Stewart’s first job in charge, aged 22. Negotiations over salary were brief; when asked how much he was on at the Treehops, he told Mr Cameron “£2000 a year”, and was immediately offered £2500 to run The Commodore Hotel. This meant a significant rise in his wage, which was actually £1500 a year at the time.

In November 1969 the diggers were still driving over the land, but only six months later the hotel opened. It was here that he met Sheila Donald, who he married later that year and would go on to have four children with.

In 1971 he experienced his first Oil Contract. A Texan gentleman, complete with hat, approached him and said “I hear you’ve got 40 rooms, I want to book 20”. When asked “Which night?” the answer was “for 6 months”.

In 1972 he and Sheila were offered the chance to work in Bermuda, and had decided to go. When talking it over with his father-in-law, Stewart was asked why he wanted to go to Bermuda and he explained that in his line of work it was necessary to work abroad to advance your career. He was then asked “Is there anything that would make you stay?” A short discussion later, and his father-in-law had backed him with £140 000 to buy the Atholl Hotel, and run it as proprietor, rather than manager.

One year later, the Queens Hotel was added to their portfolio, again for the price of £140 000, and shortly afterwards the Capitol Restaurant.

After this came the first association with the Marcliffe Hotel. The history of the Marcliffe dates back to 1948 when Margaret and Clifford Jordan opened a hotel in Queen’s Terrace. They worked as Band Leaders at the Tivoli Theatre, and were tasked with finding digs for visiting performers. They came up with the idea of starting their own Hotel for this purpose, taking the name, which still stands to this day, from their Christian names. Stewart is still involved with the Tivoli Theatre to this day, because without the Tivoli, there would be no Marcliffe.

Stewart and Sheila bought the Marcliffe in 1979, and it remained in Queen’s Terrace until 1983, when it moved to Queen’s Road, the site of the Queen’s Hotel, and was re-named the New Marcliffe.

In 1987 he welcomed Margaret Thatcher to Invery House in Banchory, a Country Hotel in Aberdeenshire. Naturally the security was very tight, and for two days before there were police officers present at the Hotel. The day before her visit, there was a wedding booked, but they were not able to tell them anything about the planned visit of Mrs Thatcher. During the reception, Stewart overheard two guests having a conversation. One asked the other “Did you see those policemen in the grounds with machine

guns?” The other gentleman replied “Yes, I did. Why do you suppose they’re here?” The first man then said, with a deadpan expression, “I believe they’re having trouble with poachers.”

He was telling this story to one of Mrs Thatcher’s party the next day, who told him he must come in and recount it to her, which he did. At the end, she turned to one of her aides and demanded that she “write that down, I’m going to use that”.

In 1989 he sold the Atholl Hotel to Billy Hogg, completing the full circle from when he had interviewed for a job with him after his return from France.

The final instalment of Stewart’s career has been as owner of the Marcliffe Hotel and Spa at its present location at Pitfoldels. The move happened in 1993 and the new hotel was opened by former Soviet Premier Mikhail Gorbachev. At present, it is Aberdeen’s only five star hotel and has housed royalty, rockstars, politicians and sporting icons over the last two decades.

The lunch then ended with a short question and answer session, during which he answered questions on Donald Trump and his Wind Farm troubles, Golf Tourism and shared some more humorous tales from his career in hotels.

Work History

1962–65 Station Hotel, Aberdeen (Chef /Waiter)

1965–67 Fouquets, Paris (Waiter /Barman)

1967–68 Great Northern, London (Office and Bar)

1968–70 Treetops, Aberdeen (Assistant Manager)

1970–72 Commodore Hotel, Stonehaven (General Manager)

Owner

1972–89 Atholl Hotel, Aberdeen

1974-78 Capitol Restaurant, Aberdeen

1973–93 Queens Hotel, Aberdeen

1979–83 Marcliffe, Queens Terrace, Aberdeen

1982–90 Belvidere Hotel, Aberdeen

1983–93 New Marcliffe, Aberdeen

1987–93 Invery House, Banchory

1993 – Present Marcliffe, Pitfodels

Aberdeen’s only five star hotel and has housed royalty, rockstars, politicians and sporting icons over the last two decades

8

September Away Days 2013The away days are a long tradition of the Hillwalkers from our earliest days, providing a combination of walks further from Aberdeen than could be undertaken on a standard day walk, with another day’s walk or a round of golf and an overnight stay associated with the inevitable opportunity for friendly socialising. The last few years we have booked two night stays that allow an earlier start on the fi rst day followed by a day’s golf or visits to local attractions on the second before heading for home. This year we returned to the Boat at Boat of Garten where we were well looked after and enjoyed good food, setting us up for a morning 6 mile walk through local woodland affording superb views of the Cairngorms followed by a more leisurely stroll back along the Spey. Here we met a few of our group who wished the riverside walk alone heading in the opposite direction and had our picnic lunch before heading back to Boat of Garten for a small libation. A number of us then went on a further 6 mile walk from Garten woods (part of Abernethy forest) by Loch Mallachie and towards Loch Garten after which we returned to the Boat and a short rest before dinner. Both walks provided many features of interest including attractive views and wildlife.

The following day the golfers played at Ballindalloch Castle Golf Course. This magnifi cent Championship standard golf course was designed by Donald Steel and Tom Mackenzie, both internationally recognised golf course architects with courses in over fi fteen countries. All had a good day’s golf there before the return journey home.

Strollers

IntroductionWhether you are looking for some modest exercise out of doors, a walk with good company or want to explore the North East scenery, the RNUC Hillwalking Group (otherwise known as the Strollers) is for you! Each of our monthly walks is led and organised by different members of our group. This makes for a varied programme and an opportunity for each of us to introduce others to some of our favourite walks as well as exploring new ones.

We meet monthly, usually on the third Sunday of each month. Inevitably the winter months provide shorter daylight hours and less certainty of good weather. Hence these are shorter less demanding walks and so the origin of our nickname of the Strollers.

The longer days for the other six months or so of the year provide opportunities for longer walks more distant from Aberdeen. When we can, a shorter and easier alternative route is provided, though our principle walks are not meant as a challenge to the local mountaineering clubs but rather a good days walking with friends in the fresh air.

If you are interested in learning more or joining us then simply leave your details at the Club Offi ce or contact me direct.

Clifford Eastmond clifford.eastmond@btinternet.com

9

www.rnuc.org.ukVisit the Club’s website for informationon all Club events and group activities

and for details of our Banqueting& Outside Catering menus

Wine ClubThere has been a very good response from Members who wish to participate in a Wine Group.

The inaugural meeting,being held in the Club on

Thursday 13th March,will be an open forum fordiscussion on how thegroup will work.

Critian, and indeed Scotland, can be rightly proud of the silver and bronze medals won by our curlers at the Winter Olympics in Sochi. Especially so as the fi fth member of the men’s squad, Tom Brewster of Curl Aberdeen, is known to many of us.

This season has been inspirational for the RNUC Curlers, who play fortnightly at 10am on Wednesday mornings at Curl Aberdeen, to have watched Tom and his squad training and indeed to have shared the ice there for a month with the South Korean Ladies Olympic squad as they too trained.

Our ‘Captian of Curling’, Alex Matthewson, would have loved to have been able to say that the presence of these Olympians inspired us to greater heights. Sadly he feels unable to do so. However as our Wednesday morning sessions are in part training, as we gain experience by rotating team positions, and in part intense competition, he looks forward positively to the 2014/15 season!

This season fi nishes on Wednesday 26th March when we will hold a bonspiel. That will be followed by lunch in the Club at which the curlers will be joined by their non-curling partners. Anyone who has not yet played but would like to, will be most welcome. In Alex’s absence, please phone Gordon Williamson on 01224 319399.

The Curling Section consists of RNUC Members and spouses of Members, whose husbands may or may not curl, and may or may not be able to come along with them. We will be delighted to see new Members of all abilities, from novices to experienced players, join us. Details of the dates on which games will be played will be on display in the Club timeously for the start of next season in September. Gordon Williamson

Curling

RNUC Golfi ng SocietyThe Golfi ng Society is generally a very active group and this year is not going to be any different, with hopefully an increase in Membership.

The programme of outings and matches starts this year with a fi rst Society outing to Trump International Golf course on the 6th April. This is an all-day meeting with a ‘golf club dinner’ back at the RNUC for all participants – partners welcome.

The programme then continues with outings for all Members to:

• 14th May – Aboyne Golf Club• 3rd June – Deeside Golf Club• 16th July – Kemnay Golf Club• 21st August – Huntly Golf Club• 26th September – Peterculter Golf Club

We have the following interclub matches this year:• 2nd July – Portlethen Golf Club with the Royal Perth Club

after lunch at the RNUC.

• 7th & 8th August – with the Western Club, Glasgow at noted golf clubs in the area – details to be confi rmed.

• 10th & 11th September – with the New Club, Edinburgh again at noted golf clubs in the area – details to be confi rmed.

Support for each of these matches is encouraged.

In addition we have the Mairs Pairs competition to be played throughout the season organised by Richard Sutton, Deputy Captain.

We are looking forward to an enjoyable golfi ng season and any Member of the Club not yet a Golfi ng Society member, who is interested in joining to play in all or some of the outings and matches should make contact with Ron Esslemont in the Club Offi ce or myself.

John Craig CAPTAIN

10

Bill Lowson23 November 1929 – 30 December 2013

Dr. Michael Ross Hewitt14 May 1940 – 29 December 2013

Deaths

William Wallace Lowson was born in Glasgow in 1929. He was educated at Allan Glen’s School and Glasgow University from where he graduated with a first class honours degree in Civil Engineering.

He joined W.A.Fairhurst and Partners in the early nineteen fifties and came up to Aberdeen in 1954 to establish an office here. Initially the Company was based in Golden Square, but due to an increased work load, larger premises were required and they moved to the present office at 88 Queen’s Road.

Bill was a brilliant engineer and a perfectionist and expected the best from his staff. He became senior Partner and the company thrived and expanded under his leadership. His legacy included major improvement to the A9 and A90 trunk roads, new bridges over the River Spey at Fochabers and Craigellachie where Thomas Telford’s original bridge was meticulously restored. In Aberdeen the Company was responsible for Phase 2 development of Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, the Richard Donald stand at Pittodrie Stadium and many many more.

Bill joined the University Club at 1 Rubislaw Terrace in 1966 and frequently used the Club’s facilities. He was a Member of the ‘Twickenham Twelve’ – a group of a dozen Members who, on alternative years, took the train to London to watch the Calcutta Cup Match. Their exploits remain entrenched in the folk lore of the Club!

He became a committee Member and was elected Chairman in 1979 and as such was heavily involved in the amalgamation of the University and the Royal Northern Clubs.

He continued to use the facilities of the RNUC, both at lunchtime and in the early evening when up to 20 Members would meet for drinks after work. Bill enjoyed holding sway with his many anecdotal soliloquies, interruption being met with a steely glare and a clenched right fist. As Members retired or sadly passed on numbers dwindled to a nucleus of four or five, which usually included Bill. He was a traditionalist and always observed the rules of etiquette. He particularly disapproved of any relaxation of the dress code.

Bill was keen on sport and remained a lifelong Rangers supporter. His main activity was playing golf and he was a member of Royal Aberdeen and Deeside Golf Clubs and the Bruntsfield Links Golfing Society. He was elected Captain of Royal Aberdeen in 1988 and continued to play at Balgownie for a further twenty years.

He married Elspeth, whom he had met at University, in the early 1950’s. They had three children – Douglas, Claire and Andrew. Douglas died tragically in the Chinook Helicopter disaster in 1986, and Elspeth died in 2000. Bill continued to live in the West End until 2012 when he moved into residential care.

He died after a short illness in December 2013 and is survived by Claire and Andrew and three grandchildren. He will be sadly missed by his colleagues and his friends.

With Dr. M.R.Hewitt’s death the Club lost not only a past Club Chairman but a conscientious, reliable, enthusiastic Membe r wh i ch qua l i t i e s he admirably demonstrated throughout his Membership since1999. His association with the Bridge, Hill Walking, Snooker, Golf and Country

Dancing groups in the Club clearly displayed his enthusiasm for the Club and for life.

Michael Ross Hewitt was born in Aldershot into a military family, his father returning with his mother and elder brother from India having completed 23 years in the Gloucestershire Regiment. He attended Farnborough Grammar School and Bedford Modern School before arriving in Aberdeen in 1958 to study Mechanical Engineering at Aberdeen University. As an undergraduate and postgraduate, he immersed himself in university life, joining the Officers’ Training Corps, the Hare and Hounds and the Rugby Club. It was whilst at an OTC camp that Mike met Catherine, who was to become his wife in 1963. They celebrated their Golden Wedding in 2013.

Mike’s many and various interests and activities did not hinder his academic progress. He graduated B.Sc.(Hons) in1962, M.Sc.in 1964 and PhD in1968 whilst at Torry Research Station, where he was appointed a Scientific Officer, later to be Principal Scientific Officer and ultimately Head of Engineering. During his period at Torry Research Station, he served as secretary to the then International Commission on Fisheries, in which capacity he travelled to conferences in Moscow, Washington, Italy and many developing countries. His expertise was recognised when he took up a post in 1978 with Fisheries Development Ltd. of Arbuthnot Latham, an overseas investment bank in the City of London, with whom he travelled further to Africa, India, the Middle and Far East and South America. By 1982 Michael and family had returned to Aberdeen

where he joined Refrigeration Aberdeen as Project Manager and later M.D., after which he ran his own Consultancy business. The combination of his Mechanical Engineering and Refrigeration knowledge together with his extensive worldwide experience was recognised when Mike was honoured with the Kooltech Award by the Institute of Refrigeration, of which he became President of the Scottish branch in1995.

Mike, a proud adopted Aberdonian and Burgess of the City of Aberdeen, was involved in many varied aspects of the City’s life. He played rugby for Aberdeenshire in his younger day and was Secretary and then Chairman of Aberdeen Civic Society, to highlight only two. Throughout his professional career, Mike maintained an intense interest and active association with military matters. He was second-in-command of both Aberdeen and London O.T.Cs, served with Central Volunteers HQ Royal Artillery at Woolwich and exercised with 1BR Corps on the east-west German border and on joint schemes with the Norwegian Army. His military and professional know-how combined to ideally qualify him to serve as the Joint Services Liaison Officer for Grampian Region when preparing for cold war and other emergency exercises. He retired from the Territorial Army in 1996 but retained a strong connection with AUOTC Old Boars’ Association until his death. His other lifelong interest was to go off to the hills, both in Scotland and abroad. When walking, climbing or skiing he was totally competent, energetic and gave one hundred percent effort on each challenge.

Throughout their lives together Mike and Catherine were supportive, thoughtful and caring parents to Kate, Deborah and Ross and proud grandparents to their four grandchildren.

Each of us will have our own memories of Mike and many will have experienced his exhortation at golf, hill walking or at snooker of ‘come on- get a grip!’.

11

Sadly missed

Calum was a lucky man. He had an idyllic island upbringing, a traditional Scottish education and was surrounded by a large circle of

loving family and friends. So many of us will miss his hosting skills, his sharp wit, his wicked sense of humour and his virtuosity at the piano. Playing by ear, he could conjure up any tune after hearing a few bars. Our Hogmanay parties will never be the same without him.

Born in Stornoway, a son of the manse, he was the youngest of a family of four. He went to the Nicolson Institute there before moving in 1944 to Drum where he attended the Glenurquhart High School in Drumnadrochit and, in 1949, where he met the love of his life, Betty Davidson. They were married in 1962 and had three children, Allan, David and Edythe, who blessed him with ten grandchildren of whom he was intensely proud. All the family enjoyed visiting the holiday home Dunalasdair in Uig on the Isle of Lewis and, despite his suffering from Parkinsons, which resulted in his untimely death, Calum enjoyed the golden wedding celebrations last year. It was a complete family occasion and a fitting highlight for the party animal he was.

Sport, music, travel and reading were his main hobbies and he was known to dabble in fine wines and spirits, especially on his trips with fishing friends. Calum was a regular visitor to Pittodrie, to Murrayfield and to his golf clubs Royal Aberdeen and Nairn West. He was a member of the Junior Chamber organisation, first being local and then national President. It was during this time that he became recognised as a talented public speaker.

Calum had a long association with the University of Aberdeen. He graduated MA in 1955, LLB in 1957 and was Chancellor’s Assessor from 1979 to 1990. His service was recognised in 1986 when he was awarded an Honorary LLD.

After graduation and a spell in the RAEC during national service, Calum joined Paull & Williamsons, became a member of the Law Society of Scotland in 1958 and was made a partner in P&W

in 1964. He went on to specialise in the financial sector with Scottish Northern Investment Trust and became an expert in Board management and Chairmanship. He left P&W in1980 to devote his skill and energy to the wider industrial world.

During his lengthy and distinguished career Calum was Chairman, Deputy Chairman or occasionally Acting Chairman of a wide variety of Companies. These included Albyn Ltd, Grampian TV, SMG, Aberdeen Development Capital, Scottish Eastern Investment Trust, Martin Currie Portfolio Investment Trust, Lyle Shipping, F S Assurance and Britannia Building Society. Outside Company duties he chaired the IOD Scotland from 2000 to 2002 and Grampian Health Board from 1993 to 2000. Calum also found time to be an Elder in Rubislaw Church in Aberdeen for many years.

His expertise spread to the field of education. He was Chairman of the Governors at Robert Gordon’s College, the Scottish Council of Independent Schools and he was a Governor of the UHI Millennium Institute and later the University of the Highlands & Islands. He served on the Carnegie Trust for the Universities of Scotland.

He maintained his strong connections with the North and West of Scotland through his involvement with the Northern Board of the Bank of Scotland, the White Fish Authority, North of Scotland Hydro Electric, Macdonald Hotels, Highlands & Islands Development Board and the Harris Tweed Association. Other Board memberships included Caledonian Reserves Foundation and the Bradstock Group.

Calum’s exceptional contribution to business and the world of finance was recognised by his being given several awards culminating in 1991 when he received the honour of becoming a CBE. His all too short life was full and rewarding. He helped and enriched the lives of so many people along the way. He will be sadly missed.

Gordon E Henry, October 2013

John McIntyreDied 24.11.13Joined Club 1.1.79

Robert StevensDied 31.3.13Joined Club 23.1.02

George RussellDied 23.2.14Member since 1.1.75

Stuart Aitken was born in Aberdeen the son of Albert Aitken and Elizabeth Wilson Cooper. He was educated at Woodside Primary School and the Central School, Aberdeen and thereafter at Aberdeen University where he graduated MA in 1953 followed by LLB in 1955.

He did his National Service in the RASC from 1955 to 1957 achieving the final rank of Captain.

Following National Service he became apprenticed to Storie Cruden & Simpson, Advocates in Aberdeen. After completion of his apprenticeship he remained as Assistant for a short time. He married Mary Helen Wilson at King’s College Chapel on 6th April

1957 before joining Macarthur Stewart & Orr, Solicitors, Oban until 1959 when he joined the firm of A C Morrison & Richards Advocates, Aberdeen. He was assumed as a partner in 1961 and retired some fifty years after joining the firm.

Some of his many appointments were Treasurer then President of the Society of Advocates in Aberdeen, Hon Secretary of the Aberdeen Abbeyfield Society, Major in the RASC, Officer Commanding 525 Squadron RCT ( TA ) and Honorary Sheriff.

Stuart was a Member of the RNUC for many years where he enjoyed Membership of several of the subsidiary groups including the Discussion Group and the Gardening Society.

He was also interested in the Doric, was a keen and successful gardener and a lover of fine foods and wines.

Albert Stuart Aitken1932-2013

Calum Alexander MacLeod CBE, LLD, MA, LLB

1935-2013

The Royal Northern and University Club, 9 Albyn Place Aberdeen AB10 1YE Tel: 01224 583292 Fax: 01224 571082

email: secretary@rnuc.org.uk www.rnuc.org.uk

Web: www.rnuc.org.uk • Facebook: www.facebook.com/rnuclub • Twitter: www.twitter.com/rnuc1854

2014