best pipe band of the year - george watson's college · 1 march founder’s day 15 march...

caritas

The magazine of the former pupils and friends of George Watson’s College Issue 33

January 2013

Regular FeaturesDevelopment MattersWatsonian NewsWhere are they now?

PlusLiving the Dream

Best Pipe Band of the Year

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Tel: 002721 7129426


BahamasMargaret Bain

Belgium (Brussels)Andrew Brown

Canada (Toronto)Robert Chassels

France (Paris) Patrick Bartholemew

GermanyMarkus Schroeder

Hong KongMario Maciocia

South-East Asia(Thailand)Stephen Wise

New ZealandDouglas Bridges

South Africa(Cape Town)Brian Hogg

Spain (Alicante)Kate Burke

UK

Overseas

Watsonian Networkforthcoming events

AberdeenKim Watson

BordersTom Kerr

South West EnglandSheena Carter

Highland and MorayIan Davidson

LancashireNigel Kirkness

LondonAndrew Burt

Perth WomenElizabeth Honeyman

YorkshireEric Ironside

Australia(Sydney)Pat Stevenson

Australia(Victoria) Sandy Robb

forthcoming events

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Tel: 01896 [email protected]





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Watsonian Network

Sports ContactsIf you are interested in participating in any of the sports below please contact the appropriate person.



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Rugby Iain Leslie

Cricket Jonathan Moore

Curling Dan Lean

Golf (men) David McMurray

Golf (women) Anne Patrick

Hockey Alida Dow

Rifle Beverley Burnside

Squash Richard Mackintosh

Swimming Alan H Masson

forthcoming events

Worldwide Contacts Worldwide ContactsWorldwide Contacts

The magazine of the former pupils and friends of George Watson’s CollegeAnyenquiriesrelatingtoWatsonianmattersshouldbemadetotheDevelopmentOffice,GeorgeWatson’sCollege,

ColintonRoad,EdinburghEH105EGTel:01314466008Fax:01314466102email:[email protected]

Worldwide Contacts Worldwide Contacts

IfyouwouldbeinterestedinattendingaMusic,SportorDramaeventatWatson’spleasecontacttheDevelopmentOfficeon01314466008oremail:[email protected]

forthcoming events

USA (North California)Brian WilliamsonJake Mackenzie

USA (East Coast)Robin Macdonald

Watsonian President Lorna Baird [email protected] President Marion Davison [email protected] Gareth Edwards [email protected] of Development Lesley McKean [email protected] member Inez Forbes [email protected] member Martin Macari [email protected] member Roy Mack [email protected] member David Mieras [email protected]

Tel: 001 415435 [email protected]@aol.com

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Watsonian Council

Worldwide Contacts

Watsonian Network

Worldwide Contacts

Watsonian Network

201320132February SydneyWatsonianBurnsNight

1March Founder’sDay

15March LondonWatsonianDinner

22March WatsonianDinner

22March HongKongWatsonianDinner

1May YorkshireWatsonianLunch

3May AberdeenWatsonianDinner

1June Classof1963Men’sReunion

27June Prizegiving

20September Highland&MorayWatsonianDinner

21September Classof1973Men’sReunion

5October Classof1993Reunion

12October Classof1972Ladies’Reunion

George Watson’s CollegeColinton Road, Edinburgh EH10 5EG

Tel: 0131 446 6008 Fax: 0131 446 6102email: [email protected]://www.watsonians.orgGeorge Watson’s College is administered by the Edinburgh MerchantCompany Education Board, a charity registered in Scotland SC009747

LivingtheDream 4

MyFourLives 5

DevelopmentMatters 6

The magazine of the former pupils and friends of George Watson’s College

EditorLesley McKean (Director of Development)

DTPDavid Brown (George Watson’s College)

CoverPipe Band plays at Murrayfield

cont

ents

1June Classof1963Men’sReunion

27June Prizegiving

20September Highland&MorayWatsonianDinner

21September Classof1973Men’sReunion

5October Classof1993Reunion

12October Classof1972Ladies’Reunion

£6.5mCentreforSport Opening 8 WatsonianNews 10

Wherearetheynow? 12

Reunions 14

Playground,Politics andthePublicSector 15

DesperatelySeeking 16

EditorialIn the July issue of Caritas we reported on the completion of the George Watson’s College Centre for Sport. This £6.5m project was officially opened in front of many of our donors in October by our very own Sir Chris Hoy (Class of 1994), Great Britain’s most successful Olympian. I would encourage anyone who has not seen the new facility to visit it when you are next at Watson’s.

There has also been much sadness since the last issue of Caritas with the passing of many Watsonians including several former members of staff. Watsonians Online carries details of all Watsonian obituaries and to view this information please join our online community. We have also recently launched a Facebook page for Watsonians to ensure that we keep in touch with as many people as possible, and more information is carried in this issue of Caritas.

The Watsonian Club AGM in October saw the adoption of an updated constitution and, two days after being elected, new President Lorna Baird (Class of 1974) stepped in at the last minute and was a fabulous Chair of the Caritas Dinner. We are delighted that the Caritas Dinner continues to flourish and that the Enablement Ceilidh goes from strength to strength with Ela Lourenco and her new committee. Thank you to everyone who arranged fundraising last year for the benefit of the Foundation.

The new format for reunions is proving successful and the Development Office is delighted to support these fantastic events. Listed on page 14 are the forthcoming reunions to date.

In September we managed to ‘get one over’ on the School’s Director of Projects (aka practical joker Roy Mack) by taking him by surprise at a staff event and celebrating his 40 years as a staff member at Watson’s – quite an achievement!

I hope to see many of you at School and Watsonian events during 2013.

STOP PRESS – At the Scottish Traditional Music Awards, George Watson’s College was named Best Pipe Band of the Year – congratulations to all involved.

Every gift in every Willmakes a difference.

For information aboutleaving a Legacy to

the George Watson’sFamily Foundationplease contact the

Development Office.

Lesley McKean(née Scott, class of 1981)Director of Development

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I rarely saw lunch–breaks whilst at George Watson’s College as they were taken up by rehearsals for the various musical activities to which I had committed. This, and my diet of foodstuffs from the food machines in the ‘bun room’, probably contributed to my gravitating away from the sports world to more ‘pedestrian’ activities.

My proudest moment at that stage was when the George Watson’s College Concert Band was invited to play the Scottish premier of a Sean Connery and Wesley Snipes film (I think it was called ‘Rising Sun’) at the, then, Odeon Cinema on South Clerk Street.

We nervously waited for the impeccably dressed ‘elite’ of Edinburgh to fill the famous auditorium. “The first person to spot Sir Sean wins”. And there he was, our big moment had arrived. Please don’t make a mistake, I prayed – not in front of the ‘big man’. And then the moment came that we had dreamed of as the compere took the stage. We all took one last deep anxious breath. This is it.

“Ladies and Gentlemen...please welcome the George Washington music band.” Close. Thirty little muso’ hearts are shattered. At that time the music school was perhaps focused on more ‘classical’ genres – a discipline with which I’d never fully connected. I’d grown up on a diet of bands like Nirvana but I also envied the scale and production of pop shows from the likes of Take That and Madonna. The ‘pop’ world fascinated me.

I remember one moment at 16 years old that stayed with me forever. It was ‘Charities Day’ and bands from all ages were invited

to showcase their music. The bands had been mostly anonymous – that was until the final band from S6 took the stage and began to sing the, now ubiquitous, killing in the Name of by Rage Against the Machine. I stood mouth aghast – I’d never seen anything like it. Well, they made it all the way to the very infamous end of the song, which explodes into a slightly foul mouthed tirade at the American political system. It took a full minute for the teachers to realise what was happening and I will always remember Dr Barrow from the Physics Dept racing across the pitches and rugby tackling the lead singer to the ground in an attempt to take the microphone from him. It was the most rock and roll thing I had ever seen. These guys were heroes. (I don’t condone this!) I began to write and produce songs, which, to my surprise, brought me to the attention of Norman Mitchell, Head of Music, and Dr MacDougall – a real music technology enthusiast – much like me. I didn’t think my hobbies had any practical value but these men began to encourage me in a way that was so genuine and motivating. I won the annual Composition prize after much arm twisting by Norman Mitchell to submit a song – and suddenly I began to see a future.

After graduating in 1995 my father encouraged me to attend university – if only to make friends and live the experience. Despite my inclinations to follow music (in those days there were limited courses outside London for modern technology based music and I, I’m ashamed to say, didn’t have the guts to travel that far on my own) – I took my father up on

the offer t o s t u d y Management at St Andrews where I applied myself less than I should have but made friends for life. After that my family made true their deal and agreed to support me back at home for a period whilst I tried to make inroads into music.

Somehow I managed to audition myself into joining a ‘boyband’, which meant living between London, New York (where I am today) and LA. This didn’t work out (for musical differences reasons!) but something fateful happened as a result. The Musical Director was a gentleman named Mike Stevens who, for some unknown reason, took me under his wing. After managing/overseeing me as a artist/writer/producer for three years he gently recommended that “at some point you need to make a living” out of music – and so he gave me an opportunity – playing keyboard/vocals on the ‘Gareth Gates’ UK arena tour (I know! – but at one point this was a big deal trust me!). This led to a year with Peter Andre (bear with me!) and then four years with the Sugababes. At this point I began to get offered Musical Director roles. This means everything musical after a producer has finished an album; liaising with the record company, putting together bands, creating live shows, editing for TV, remixing – usually something different every day. Basically, I do for a living what I did as a hobby in my bedroom in my teens; playing and creating music.

When I’m in the UK I do mostly writing/studio work. I’ve had the pleasure

Living the Dream

continued on page 8

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My Four LivesI can divide my life into four clear segments: my early years in the Scottish Borders; my time in Edinburgh at George Watson’s and University; my life in the Diplomatic Service; and my work with the Scotch Whisky Association on my return to Edinburgh after 36 years away.

We moved to Edinburgh from the Scottish Borders in 1957. I recall well my father telling me that there were three things he would never do in life: live in Edinburgh, work in the Church of Scotland Offices at 121 George Street and send his sons to George Watson’s College. I am pleased that he was proved wrong on all counts.

I spent six very happy and formative years at George Watson’s. I started in 1U; I remember being told by the Headmaster that I would find it a challenge as I would be competing with some of the brightest boys in Edinburgh. I managed to keep abreast of them throughout my school days and was delighted to take away the George Watson’s Prize when I left school in 1963. I was never much of a sportsman, but I enjoyed wearing the white rugby shirt of Lauriston; it was much classier than the colours of the other Houses. My first rugby team at Watson’s (1D) was star-studded but not recognised at the time. We went through the year unbeaten, but that is hardly a surprise with Ian Robertson playing inside me at stand-off and Robert Keddie on the wing, both of whom went on to be Scottish internationalists.

A Classics degree followed at Edinburgh University before I went south to London to join the policy stream of the Home Civil Service. A

move to Brussels in 1970,

as one of the UK resident negotiating team to take us into the European Communities, was the start of my Diplomatic Service career which had always been my ambition. Postings to Canberra, Belgrade, Northern Ireland (on loan to the Northern Ireland Office at the height of the Troubles) and Geneva, interspersed with assignments in the Foreign Office in London prepared me for my appointment as British Ambassador to Croatia in 1994, with appointments as Ambassador to Finland and Belgium following in 1997 and 2001. Those were exciting years at the top of my career with experiences ranging from the ravages of the Balkan wars and putting a dismembered Croatia back together again, to talking to the Nokia CEO about the future of the mobile phone before smart phones had even been heard of, to countless European Councils looking after Prime Ministers and Foreign Secretaries, all with their own styles, views and even prejudices. Whatever political party they belonged to, British Government Ministers often had their own agendas. I could not change that (although I sometimes tried when they were clearly wrong as on the occasion of a Ministerial visit to Zagreb in July 1997) but at least I had the satisfaction of knowing that they would leave content on the back of a successful visit that had been minutely choreographed.

During my Diplomatic Service days, I found the work of helping big and small companies into the local market one of the most rewarding tasks. I had therefore decided that if the right job in the private sector came up in my last years in the Diplomatic Service, I would put my hat in the ring. 2003 brought me back to Edinburgh

on my appointment as the Chief Executive of the Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) – a dream job in Scotland. I had never envisaged coming back to work in Edinburgh, but the pieces fell into place neatly. I was able to draw on all the skills of representation, lobbying

and negotiating which I had h o n e d f o r 36 years as a Diplomat, but this time to advance the interests of Scotland’s biggest and most iconic exporting industry. In the last nine years, I have travelled the world more than I ever did as a Diplomat to look after the interests of Scotch Whisky. In that time, I have helped the SWA and the industry grow Scotch Whisky exports by 100%; new markets have been consolidated in China, SE Asia and Latin America. I am now working on the biggest challenge of them all – to open up the market in India, where there is a thirst for Scotch but at unaffordable prices because of the enormous Indian customs duties of 150%.

My life has been dominated by politics and politicians, but I always found more interest in the local people I met in the countries where I have lived. An effective Ambassador often becomes something of a local celebrity as a result of press interviews or TV appearances. This was particularly true in Croatia as it emerged as a newly independent country at a time of crisis. I still recall the humbling but touching moment in Dubrovnik when, off-duty and exploring the back streets of that beautiful old town, I was stopped by an old woman who wanted to say thank you for what I had said (in Croatian) on the previous night’s TV interview.

It has been an extraordinary and exciting life so far. But I was well prepared by a great school and a great education.Gavin W Hewitt CMGClass of 1963

GWC Choir and Orchestra visit to Denmark, Spring 1962

Dinner with Taiwanese colleagues

Development MattersDevelopment Matters

Development Matters

Development Matters

Development MattersDevelopment Matters

Help to make a lasting difference through a legacy to the Foundation.For further information please contact the Development Office.

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EnablementCeilidhRaises£12,832

Pictured above are event organiser Ela Lourenco and Alastair Davidson at this year’s Enablement Ceilidh. This is the first year that Ela and her volunteer committee have run the event and we are delighted that the legacy established by Ruth Thomas and her committee continues. The purpose of The Enablement Fund is to provide assistance for pupils at Watson’s with a physical disability. The Fund is dedicated specifically to help these children by providing financial assistance to help meet any additional costs they will incur by attending Watson’s. Thank you to everyone who attended the event and provided auction and raffle prizes.

Golf Day Raises Money fortheFoundation

Thank you to Izzy and ken Cameron who organised a golf day to raise funds for Fight for Sight and the George

Watson’s Family Foundation. Pictured with Izzy is 12-year-old Robbie who has Stargardt’s disease; an

inherited eye condition which destroys the central vision of the eyes at an early stage.

Leaving a Lasting LegacyLittle did I think on arriving at Watson’s that I would be completing my 41st year in the School this summer. Memories and experiences abound, the greatest of these, however, must be the friendship and fun I have had at the School. There is probably a book somewhere on all that has happened during my time here; teaching Physical Education, various Guidance roles, Boarding House master, coaching sports teams and finally working in the Development Office. I am passionate about the fact that Watson's has always enabled pupils to attend the School and experience this special place irrespective of parental circumstances.

But it is not quite over. Next session I am going to be working part time in a very specific area of our work, Legacies. My aim is to leave Watson’s with a strong legacy commitment from as many former pupils and friends of the School as I can convince to help. There are many considerations in leaving a legacy and I would be very happy to meet either at the School or wherever is convenient to encourage support. You can help me achieve this goal and leave the School in a very strong position for the future. Just phone Roy Mack on 0131 446 6008 or email [email protected]

Niamh Donlon JoinsDevelopmentOfficeStaffI was born and raised in Galway, Ireland, where I went on to study Biomedical Sciences. After my studies I moved to Dublin and more recently Edinburgh where I joined the University of Edinburgh, working on their £350 million Enlightenment Campaign. I joined George Watson’s College in August 2012 as the new Director of Fundraising in the Development Office.

My role here at GWC includes developing the fundraising programme to meet the growing needs of our school and furthering philanthropic support to advance the School’s standing and mission. I am excited about my role at Watson’s and am looking forward to working with the Development Office team as well as current and former pupils, staff and parents in the years ahead.The Head Boy, William Brown and Head Girl, Claire

Errington lay a wreath at George Watson’s grave.

The School now has an excellent

range of merchandise available for sale.

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New Governors We are delighted that Angus Cockburn, Caroline Halliday and Duncan Thomson have joined the School Governing Council.

Angus is Group Finance Director of Aggreko and has joined the Finance Committee. He is a current parent, and is father of Hannah, last session’s Head Girl; he is also a former pupil of Watson’s (Class of 1981).

Caroline is also a current parent and has joined the Education Committee. A chemical engineering and environmental management graduate, Caroline has held management roles within the energy and environment sectors and is a trustee and advisor for a number of educational and children’s charities.

Duncan Thomson has been co-opted onto the Governing Council by the Edinburgh Merchant Company Education Board and is a member of the Finance Committee. He is an Investment Director based in Edinburgh with Scottish Widows Investment Partnership and has over 20 years investment experience within the sterling fixed interest markets.

Fireworks

Following the recent fireworks display at Myreside organised by Scottish Love in Action a cheque for £2,000 was presented to the George Watson’s Family Foundation for the use of facilities.

Tesco VouchersThank you once again to everyone who supported this initiative. Our order included four digital cameras with video especially for education, two rainsaver water butts, remote control cars and garden tools for the allotment.

PAFundraisingOur thanks to the Parents’ Association and the Thrift shop volunteers who continue to raise substantial funds which contribute to many areas of School life. One example is the PA Summer Ball which raised £5,185 for short term fee assistance for current parents.

ScarilyGoodCaritasDinnerRaises£26,000

Zombie schoolchildren, a skeleton staff and clusters of spiders greeted guests to this year’s Caritas Dinner.

Having been elected as Watsonian President two days previously Lorna Baird (Class of 1974) stepped in at the last minute to chair this year’s Dinner and kept us all in check! The Chamber Choir provided musical entertainment including School favourite Old MacDonald had a Farm and rExCorde, the new School mascot, ably assisted Roy Mack at the auction. Music by the 2012 Wedding Industry Awards winner Hip Operation, played until the early hours, and the event finished after much fun, friendship and fundraising.

Thank you to our main sponsor Heritage Portfolio, all of our pupil and staff helpers, everyone who attended on the night, and those who donated our excellent auction and raffle prizes.

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£6.5m Centre for Sport Opened by Sir Chris Hoyof working with people in the studio that I dreamed of. Annie Lennox, Take That, 10cc, KT Tunstall and some of the most influential producers in the world.

My first role as Musical Director was exceedingly tough aesthetically – The Saturdays. After that it was two exhilarating years with Mika. And for the past two years I’ve been Musical Director for The Wanted. It’s amazing to watch your friends become an international phenomenon. With the past two artists I’ve seen them go from playing tiny clubs to stadiums and the biggest TV shows in the world. We’ve travelled the world countless times. One of these days it will sink in just how lucky I have been.

Right now I’ve just returned from supporting Justin Beiber (living the dream!) in New York. We played the American Music awards alongside Pink and Usher and we just did Dancing with the Stars. No Brucey over here though!

I do have regrets. I should have had the guts to go to London or New York to study music. When you get older your ability to learn becomes harder. Maybe I would be so much more successful if I’d pushed harder. And although I am in the industry I set out to work in – I’m not doing exactly what I set out to do. The dream was to write and produce. It may well still happen but it’s only now I realise that perhaps the reason it hasn’t happened to the levels that it could is that I didn’t give everything.

We grow up in Edinburgh and perhaps don’t realise how privileged we are, especially to go to a school like Watson’s. But when you get out there in the real world – in London, LA, or New York – you soon realise you are a very small fish in a very big pond and suddenly there are thousands of other very talented people out there. It’s the individuals who realise this – and push one step further to make it happen that are successful. More often than not it’s the quiet, focused ones at school who go on to make big waves. The moral of the story? Maybe I should learn to be quiet once in a while!David WhitmeyClass of 1995

continued from page 4

On 3 October 2012 the official opening took place of the George Watson’s College Centre for Sport. It seemed appropriate that this project, which is the largest capital project undertaken in a generation at Watson’s, should be opened on what was the final day of the fifteenth year of the George Watson’s Family Foundation, the aims of which are at the heart of the School’s ethos.

Sir Chris said as he opened the facility, “I was lucky to go to School at Watson’s and to have the opportunities I had here. It is an honour to have been invited back to open such a magnificent facility. Everyone always makes me feel so welcome when I return to somewhere I feel at home.”

The opening in the Hub of the new facility took place in the company of our generous donors who helped us to fund this magnificent project. Sir Chris’ visit also included a Junior School and Senior School Assembly, thus ensuring that every pupil in the School had the opportunity to see him.

Sir Chris (Class of 1994) is now Britain’s most successful Olympian and following his historic Keirin race at London 2012, Gareth Edwards said “All of us at Watson’s are immensely proud that Great Britain’s most successful Olympian is a Watsonian. Sir Chris epitomises all that is best about top flight sport. Not only is he a shining example of dedication, perseverance and sheer sporting talent but he is also a great ambassador for his sport and the nation. There is no better role model for young people, whatever they aspire to achieve.”

A few weeks prior to the opening of the Centre for Sport, Sir Chris joined the exalted ranks of Winston Churchill, Charles Dickens, Samuel Pepys and Nelson Mandela when the City of Edinburgh Council honoured him by awarding him the Freedom of the City, an event which included a musical performance by the School’s Chamber Choir.

We are delighted that former Principal Frank Gerstenberg, current Principal Gareth Edwards and Director of Projects (and former Head of PE) Roy Mack were invited to the ceremony.

Sir Chris is awarded honorary Cycling Colours

£6.5m Centre for Sport Opened by Sir Chris Hoy

Background image © John McMurdo9

Sir Chris is presented with a framed painting of a golden bicycle with the golden fingerprint

of every child in the Junior School

The official opening of the George Watson’s College Centre for Sport

Pictured left to right, Sir Chris, Muriel Fraser (taught Chris in Primary 2),Carol Hoy,

David Hoy and Carrie Williams (née Hoy)Background image © John McMurdo

Watsonian NewsWatsonian News



Watsonian News


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SchoolBattlefieldsTour

Pictured left to right at the memorial to the missing, Dud Corner Cemetry, Loos, in front of former pupil Sandy Morrison’s name are Will Brown, (Head Boy), David Thorburn S5 (ex Watson’s Scouts), Rod Slater (Past President, The Watsonian Club) and Graham Gibb (Editor, The Watsonian). Sandy was the first Head Boy, Founder of the Watson’s Scouts, the inspiration behind the creation of The Watsonian magazine, Captain of the 1st XV, Founder of the Cadet Corps and Founder of the Training Corps.

Watsonian BenevolentFundThe Watsonian Benevolent Fund has been operating under one name or another since 1917 when Dr Arthur Hunter – a Watsonian living in New York – started up the Watsonian War Memorial Fund.

Many applicants have benefited from the Fund, which provides relief for former pupils and members and former members of staff of George Watson’s College and their dependants who may be in circumstances requiring financial or other aid.

So if you think you might qualify, or you know of someone who might qualify, please get in touch with Alan Hartley, Secretary and Treasurer, or Roger Smith, Chairman, through the Development Office.

JohnSpenceinspires atBusinessBreakfastThirty four former pupils, staff and current pupils attended a business breakfast at George Watson’s College on Thursday 30 August, where the then Watsonian President John Spence OBE, DL, FCIBS, FIFS, FRSA inspired and entertained those present with “Tales from the Boardroom”. We hope that this will be the first of many similar events.

Cricket Scotland GrandFinalChampionsIn the summer, after becoming Eastern Premier Division champions, Watsonians faced Western Premier champions Dumfries to contest the grand final. Dumfries reached a respectable 125 after a rough start and while Watsonians didn’t begin their innings strongly, a solid batting performance by Ewan Chalmers (Class of 2007) saw them secure the match with 11 overs and three wickets left to take the title. Congratulations to Watsonian cricket on a fantastic result and an excellent season. Why not join one of the Watsonian Sports Sections? A full list of contacts is on the inside front cover of Caritas.

May NicolThe Watson’s community was deeply saddened in November 2012, to learn of the sudden death of former Deputy Principal and School Governor May Nicol. Whilst a full obituary will appear in The Watsonian, we would like to share this poem written by former member of staff Maxi Maclaren (Class of 1963).

IN REMEMBRANCE

May Nicol What’s in a name?

A bright light of fierce intelligence, The stimulation of young minds,

And service to a school so freely given

Her standard was our challenge, Her example our inspiration.

Guardian, mentor, colleague, friend And quick to smile, that sense of fun,

And joy in fortunes not her own.

Yes, she is gone. But in her step, echoing down the

corridors of time, We, made strong by following

those self same footfalls. A light gone out – yes

But alive and shining bright, here Within us all.

May Nicol We will remember you.

Those who attended May Nicol’s funeral in November contributed £735 to the retiral collection, which at May’s request was in support of the George Watson’s Family Foundation.

Watson’s Win U18Cup

Congratulations to the Watson’s team who won the U18 Brewin Dolphin Scottish Schools’ Cup in

November. Our team was hoping to go one better than the three GWC U18 teams which had preceded them into the finals in the last 10 years – and they did it!

To view the match report please visit www.gwc.org.uk/cms/news/u18s-lift-the-cup/

100DinnersinTorontoReports found their way to Colinton Road from Canada following the 100th Toronto Watsonian Dinner. In the words of Bob Chassels, the branch secretary:

“The Dinner went well. Nobody starved!With 27 attendees, we occupied the Great

Hall of the Arts And Letters Club. One advantage of this, is that the Great Hall is adjacent to the great bar where we congregate for an hour before the gong sounds for the Dinner to begin.

It is traditionally a four-course meal with haggis being the second, and a beef entree for the third. Our normal Haggis supplier let us down at the last moment which required a lengthy drive to Hamilton to pick up the delicacy from a new haggis breeder”.

The 100th Dinner was marked in an appropriately grand fashion with most of the gentlemen guests wearing kilts for the occasion. Grant Macrae (former Governor), brought greetings, news and a gift from the School, as well as toasting to the memory of George Watson. The Dinner was also attended by James Watson, a descendant of the Watson Family. It is heartening to see that in Toronto the connections and memories that Watsonians abroad share are still strong, 100 dinners on. Here’s to the next 100!

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NewPresident

I started at George Watson’s in the Junior School at St Albans Road in Primary 1 in 1963. As a member of the class of 1974 we were the last year to complete our education at George Square.

Living in Musselburgh and travelling in daily (pre-East Lothian bus) showed the commitment from my family, my older sister Pamela is a member of the class of 1970. I enjoyed all aspects of School from hockey at Double Hedges to House Shakespeare.

After School I went on to study Speech and Drama in Edinburgh and then on to teacher training at Moray House. My teaching career started at Forrester High school and during the next 20 years I taught Drama across the city. Having always had an interest in cognitive psychology and teenage behaviour I diversified into working in Special Education with young people with Social Emotional and Behavioural difficulties. I was Deputy Head at Cairnpark and Acting Head at Canonmills the two SEBD schools in Edinburgh. When they amalgamated I became Deputy Head at Gorgie Mills school. My current post is as Education Manager within Edinburgh Secure Services, working with some of the most vulnerable young people in Scotland. Having had all the benefits of a Watson’s education I believe education is the key to success.

Both my daughters are Watsonians, Rebecca, (Class of 2003) who is now a Physiotherapist, and Emma (Class of 2005), a Broadcast Journalist.

I enjoy travelling and watching most sport. I am a new member of the Watsonian Curling Club and I also enjoy horse riding and pilates.Lorna BairdClass of 1974

Amazon Vouchers WinnerCongratulations to Tom Kerr on winning first prize of £200 of Amazon vouchers in our prize draw for members of Watsonians Online. Tom is Secretary of the Borders Watsonian Club.

Remembrance Day

Head Janitor, Gary Thirlwall, leads the official party including the Principal Gareth Edwards, Watsonian President Lorna Baird (Class of 1974) the Head Boy

Will Brown and the Head Girl Claire Errington to the War Memorial.

The Head Boy and Head Girl lay a wreath at the War Memorial.

FacebookEveryone is using Facebook. Well not quite everyone, but on 14 September this year the social networking giant reached a billion active users – that’s more than the entire population of Europe. Nine weeks later it gained another user; on 20 November a Facebook page was created for the Watsonian community: www.facebook.com/watsoniansworldwide.

Mark Zuckerberg, creator of Facebook said, “The thing that we are trying to do at Facebook, is just help people connect and communicate more efficiently”, and that’s what we’re trying to achieve through the Watsonian Facebook page too. So many Watson’s former pupils are using Facebook and we see it as a great way of sharing stories, pictures and videos, connecting people and highlighting reunions and relevant events. Better still we see it as a way of facilitating interactive communication, and have already had people sharing thoughts and photos with us and each other through the page.

As this is a page for Watsonians worldwide we would like your feedback on which of the photos on the right we should use as our cover image. So log in to Facebook, ‘Like’ the Watsonians page (www.facebook.com/watsoniansworldwide) and comment or like the photo you think works best. We’d love to have you on board!

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Food,Friends&Music:The Watsonian DinnerThis year’s Watsonian Dinner will take place on Friday 22 March, and with Watsonian President Lorna Baird in the hot seat, it promises to be an entertaining evening. To our loyal supporters, we look forward to seeing you. To those who have attended in the past we hope you will come along, and to those who have never been we would be delighted if you would join us. In addition to short speeches there will be musical entertainment from current Watson’s pupils and the guest speaker will be announced shortly. Tickets priced £38 are available from The Development Office.

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Where are they now?Where are they now?Where are they now?

Where are they now?Where are they now?

Where are they now?

news on the whereabouts of former pupils

Marjorie Henson (née Duncan) Classof1952

Marjorie attended George Square from 1945 to 1951. Secretarial training from Miss Rose and later at Dugdale’s ensured she succeeded in every position she applied for. Her restlessness and strong spirit of adventure took her to Canada in 1957, where she married, had two children, and followed her dream of travelling the world. Together with her husband Geoff, and now her new husband Bill, she has explored over 60 countries on four continents.

Charles SandilandsClassof1969

Charles arrived at Watson’s as a country bumpkin from Stranraer at the age of 15. He made the 3rd XV at rugby (not a bad kicker) and ran with enthusiasm for the athletics team if not with a lot of success, just a 3rd in the March Hare one year. He enjoyed Classics at school but misguidedly cast it aside to join the Civil Service. After careers in NHS management and IT marketing, he found his true vocation in teaching and has made a very fulfilling and fascinating life for himself teaching English in China since 2010. He has been married for 31 years and has a son and a daughter.

Catriona Neill Classof1985

After boarding at Watson’s for six years, and then four years at Moray House Catriona went to work at A S Neill’s Summerhill School. She spent seven years there as teacher and houseparent – a life-defining experience! After she left Summerhill she went to UEA in Norwich to study for an MA in Social Work.

She currently lives in Berwick-Upon-Tweed, working as a senior social worker with physically disabled adults. She is married to an artist (formerly the art teacher from Summerhill) and they have two children, aged nine and five.

Alastair RaittClassof1990

Alas ta i r l e f t Watson’s in 1990. He enjoyed sport at school and has fond memories of the 1989 Canadian Rugby tour. After leaving school, Alastair attended Heriot-Watt University, gaining a BSc (hons) in Building. In 1994 he was awarded a scholarship to Atlanta, USA, where he stayed and assisted building the 1996 Olympic Village. He returned home to the family business, HM Raitt & Sons, in 1998, where he has been MD since 2003. He is married with three children, all wearing maroon and white.

Katherine Riach (née Russell)Classof2000

When Katherine joined Watson’s she quickly took to rowing; she has many memories of cold, wet afternoons on the canal with Mr Ferguson and of weekend trips to Strathclyde Country Park. On leaving Watson’s, she studied Zoology at Durham and continued to row. She has worked as a fundraiser for both Cancer Research UK and The Meningitis Trust. During a year out in Australia, she met her husband (a fellow Scot) and worked at Jacob’s Creek winery. Katherine lives in St Andrews and is currently raising her family; Magnus (aged two) and Holly (aged one).

Alastair Raitt katherine Riach

Catriona Neill

Charles Sandilands

Marjorie Henson

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ToughestEvent onthePlanet?In July, Neil Flockhart (Class of 2001) and his training partner John Soutar won the Tough Mudder in Dumfries, which is a 12 mile cross country race set out by the special forces, designed to test all round strength, stamina, determination and camaraderie. Through winning this they qualified for the World’s Toughest Mudder in New Jersey, which is a 24-hour version of the race. Two months later, the pair competed in Coast to Coast, a route that traverses one of the most famous mountain landscapes in the world by bike, foot and boat; a journey that covers just over 100 miles, including a marathon-worth on foot. Neil and his training partner achieved a joint win and finished 30 minutes ahead of the next finisher!

In November, Neil made the trip to New Jersey for the World’s Toughest Mudder, which is described as probably the toughest event on the planet. Whilst he didn’t manage to complete the event (have a look at http://toughmudder.com/worlds-toughest-mudder-series-finals/ and you will understand why!) he can be rightly proud of his achievements.

World Records Galore In November 2009, Sandra Forrest (née Brown) (Class of 1963) received an email telling her that she had been selected as Chief Photofinish Judge for the Olympics and Paralympics in 2012. Here is a brief account of her amazing experience.

“The Photofinish room was at the top of the stand tucked under the roof – no wonder nobody ever saw us! A complete wall of glass gave us an amazing view of the arena. Ten staff from Omega Swiss Timing operated the equipment, which included the stadium clocks, and produced the images from which we had to decide the results. My job was to ensure that the Swiss timing staff and our UK Athletics staff worked together as one team.

The timing systems on five cameras were started automatically as the gun fired, and pictures were captured of every athlete in every race. There were no timekeepers and no judges to assist us with the result. We read the pictures from the main camera which was situated level with the Photofinish box at the top of the stand, on the outside of the track. It was partnered by a back-up camera in case of a failure by the main one. In some races athletes finished side by side which meant one was obscured by the other – in this situation we could refer to the picture from the camera on the inside of the track. Athletes wear a number on the side of their legs which helps us to identify them, and we also had the assistance of a head-on camera which shows the names on the athlete’s chest.

The fifth camera was brought in after Super Saturday, the day that Jessica Ennis won the Heptathlon, Greg Rutherford won the Long Jump, and Mo Farah won the 5,000m. The roars from the crowd were so loud (111 decibels, louder than a jumbo jet taking off!) that the sound

waves caused the main camera to vibrate, giving us a very wobbly picture. The extra camera was on the ground, and although not as clear a picture, there was no wobble! For the Paralympics the Swiss Timing team had not expected big crowds and lots of noise, and had taken some of their team away. When they realised that the Paras were a sell-out they asked if I could suggest a spare operator. Fortunately as we operate the same equipment in Scotland two of my team were able to step in to help by sharing the operation of the fifth camera – something that made history, as we have never been allowed to touch the equipment before!

During the Olympics we had three World Records on the track – David Rudisha broke the existing 800m record by a fairly large margin. A picture had to be provided plus proof that the timing system was accurate (we have to do a gun test to check this before the start of every session) and I had to sign the record form – quite special! There were two other World records at the Olympics, the Women’s 4x100m Relay which USA won, and the Men’s 4x100m Relay which Jamaica won. National records were created in many events, and pictures were required for these as well. During the Paralympics there were a huge number of World Records broken – almost 100 in total!

We had the most amazing four weeks. The atmosphere was tremendous and the support from the crowds generous to all, but particularly noisy for British athletes. Did we enjoy it? We certainly did. Were we tired? We certainly were. Would we do it again? Just give us the chance. It was the experience of a lifetime and something that athletes and officials dream of being part of throughout their careers”.Sandra Forrest (Class of 1963) Neil Flockhart

Sandra (left) with the Photofinish Team, including husband Mike, (far right)

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ForthcomingReunionsThe classes of 1955–60 inclusive are considering holding a reunion in summer 2014. Contact details and more information will be provided in the next issue of Caritas.

Class of 1963 (men) – 1 June 2013 – contact Andrew Brown: [email protected] of 1973 (men) – 21 September 2013 – contact Alan Morrison: [email protected] of 1972 (ladies) – 12 October 2013 – contact Marjory Willins (nee Clephane): [email protected] of 1993 – 5 October 2013 – contact Elspeth Lamb (née Semple): [email protected] anyone would be interested in forming a committee to arrange a reunion for your year group, please contact Morven Skirving in the Development Office.

Recent ReunionsHave you had a reunion recently? If so please let us know and send us any photos you have and we will publish some in Caritas and Watsonians Online or you can post them to the Watsonians’ Facebook page. The Class of 2002, 1992, 1982, 1962 men and 1957 ladies have all had reunions recently, a report from the 1962 reunion is given below.

A very successful reunion of former pupils of the Class of 1962 of George Watson’s Boys’ College was held at Myreside on Friday 2 and Saturday 3 November 2012. It was the result of months of planning by a committee consisting of Jimmy Raitt (chairman), Duncan Graham (secretary), Alan Masson (archivist), Pat Edington and Alan Burchell.

There was a turnout of 62 FPs plus 38 partners and three former members of staff – Donald Scott (PE), Graham Scott (Modern Languages) and Ian McHaffie (Classics).

The Reunion commenced on the evening of Friday 2 November with an informal get-together at Myreside. This was a wonderful occasion for many people to meet again for the first time in 50 years. Each FP was provided with an individual photo name badge derived from a form photograph. There was a large display of photographs and artefacts and a short welcome speech was made by Jimmy Raitt, which included particular thanks to

Alan Masson for his efforts in organising the photograph displays and the badges.

A tour of the School was arranged on the Saturday morning. The group met in the Dining Hall at 10am for coffee and to hear words of welcome from the Principal, Gareth Edwards. FPs were guided round the school buildings by sixth formers including the Head Boy, William Brown, and the Head Girl, Claire Errington. In addition to the main Senior and Junior buildings (with so many memories), the tour also included buildings added since 1962, including the magnificent new Centre for Sport.

The Reunion Dinner was held on the Saturday evening at Myreside with a total of 100 people present. After the excellent meal the FPs gathered in the squash court for the group photograph, which was taken by Ian McHaffie. After returning to the Myreside Suite, toasts were made to The Queen and to George Watson’s College by Jimmy Raitt. Donald Scott replied on behalf of George

GWBC “50 Years On” Reunion

Watson’s College with a most amusing speech. Duncan Graham read messages of greetings from those who were unable to attend, including Sir Roger Young and Colin Lawrence (1962 School Captain) and Pat Edington gave a brief report on former staff known to us. Jimmy Raitt proposed the toast to The Watsonian Club, which was replied to by Ian Robertson, well-known BBC rugby commentator and member of the Class of 1962, in a speech which had them “rolling in the aisles”. The FPs then sang the School Song (some with help from the words printed in the menu!). Jimmy Raitt made closing remarks including the hope that most of us would re-convene in 2022 for the “60 Years On” Reunion. Mike Senior gave a speech thanking those involved in organising the proceedings. Some time later in the evening the reunion broke up with the conclusion that it had been a most successful and enjoyable event.Summary of article by Alan Masson Class of 1962

Class of 1957 ladies in front of the George Square banmer

Class of 1962 Reunion

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My earliest recollection of school is of my entrance test at aged 3½ – Miss Coghill asking what I’d use a stamp for and Miss Fleming, towering over me in academic gown, enquiring if I knew my address. Thus began 14 happy years, following in the footsteps of my parents, themselves both Watsonians.

Memories of St Albans Road include playing outside in the blue summer house, winning the bunny hop race in the sports field opposite (I still have the red badge to prove it!), Mrs McPherson’s choirs, never quite managing to finish knitting the woolly hand puppet, and many more.

In due course I followed my two sisters to Big School. I can’t say I was particularly diligent or law abiding – History and English excepted (those of you taught by Miss Nicol or Miss Carnon will understand) – but I managed to avoid the ignominy of the Tiled Hall. Many happy memories came from school sports and in particular hockey (and the abiding smell of damp blazers in Liberton pavilion with its gas-light mantles which were such tempting targets for rogue hockey sticks), and badminton, where I fear the understandable nervousness of visiting teams over the very real prospect of wrapping their rackets round the pillars in the Central Hall did give us something of an unfair advantage.

However, I did enough work to get into St Andrews where I read Mediaeval History and first acquired the politics bug (if you discount Junior Lit and Deb.) It was something of a Watsonian takeover. In the year I was elected SRC President, the Union President was Alan Chalmers (also class of 1974) whom I had first met during the School’s early efforts at co-ed activities. Remember being bussed to those ballroom dancing classes?

After that I spent nearly 20 years with BP, ending up as CEO of Duckhams Oils, one of its subsidiaries. I did occasionally feel that product development meetings would have been easier to understand had I paid more attention in Speedy’s chemistry classes. Certainly the most basic kit found in a commercial lab was rather better than the aged Bunsen burners of George Square.

Playground, Politics and the Public SectorIn 1990 I became a local councillor in the London

Borough of Camden – at that time a bastion of staggering incompetence (now, to be fair, a very good authority) because I’d been persuaded to “put up or shut up” rather

than complain about it and it was thought that some private

sector experience could be useful. I hope it proved so. In return, as Leader of the Opposition, I certainly got some insight into the wide range of problems which people from all walks of life can encounter. I only resigned to go off to fight the Bristol West Parliamentary seat in 2001. Not a good year to be a Conservative but Bristol remains a great city and I don’t hold it against them!

With the election behind me I became Chair of the Royal Free Hospital (whose medical school was the first in Britain to train women doctors). I’m a strong believer in Chairs needing to keep themselves busy otherwise they interfere in operational issues so I was really pleased to be appointed as Chair of Action for Children (AfC). One of the side benefits of these roles is that you end up meeting and greeting the visiting “great and good”. Suffice to say street-cred with my godchildren was much enhanced when Elton John dropped in to open our new HIV unit. Similarly, because the Queen is Patron of AfC, we were invited to Hillsborough Castle to celebrate the work of our Northern Ireland office. The security scanners there were so sensitive that no one was getting through unsearched until the senior officer present said laconically if we weren’t just let through, Her Majesty would have left before we arrived.

In 2009, rather out of the blue, Boris Johnson asked me to join his team as Mayoral Advisor for Health and Families. Apart from the culture shock of returning to fulltime employment, working for Boris was a unique experience – entertaining, exhausting and frustrating in equal

measure. Since the elections last May, as it was always my intention to return to a portfolio career, I’ve been back in the public sector non-exec world and, with my husband, planning a much deferred holiday in New Zealand.

It’s now nearly 40 years since I left GWLC (scary thought) but it’s nice to think of the number of friends I still have from those days (and to remember the great George Square reunion of 2007). As I write this in the week in which May Nicol’s death was announced – I can’t help feeling that if the current cohort of pupils has teachers of such outstanding calibre they will indeed be well served.

Personally, I hope the school will consider establishing a charitable fund in her name to allow a lasting acknowledgment of her contribution to Watsons to be made.Pam Chesters (née Beveridge)

Class of 1974

Top: Elton John at the Royal Free Hospital, 2008

Middle: Her Majesty The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh celebrate Action for ChildrenBottom: GWLC Reunion, 2007

Desperately SeekingDesperately Seeking

If you know up-to-date addresses for any of the following former pupils, please contact the School’s Development Office

DataProtection

We have an obligation to ensure that information is processed fairly and lawfully. Information received by the Development Office is used to further the development of George Watson’s College and The Watsonian Club. The information will be controlled by the School Development Office in accordance with policy from our IT Services department. It will be processed for marketing, PR, fundraising, event management and educational purposes. Anyone wishing no further contact from the School should inform the Development Office.

Jeff Ms Elizabeth 1950

Aitken Mr Alan 1952

McDonald Mr Charles 1952

Patterson Dr William 1952

Adam Mr Robert 1954

Harvey Mr D 1957

King Mr James 1959

Wilkinson Mr William 1959

Lamont Mr A 1963

Sinclair Mr R 1963

Smith Mr Terence 1965

Miller Mr John 1971

Brown Mr Malcolm 1973

King Mr Graeme 1973

McLean Mrs Elspeth née Hollis 1973

Sutton Mrs Ruth née Gilles 1973

Nichol Dr Robert 1974

Hunter Ms Kathryn 1975

Patterson Dr Helen 1982

Bond Mrs Pauline née Jack 1983

Davidson Mr Hamish 1983

Forsyth, Miss Pamela 1983

Harvie Ms Lynda Gordon 1983

Mungavin Mrs Fiona née Kerr 1983

Scott Ms Ruth Lyon 1983

Stewart Mr Kenneth 1983

Paterson Mr Robin 1985

Shooter Mrs Jennifer née McLuskey 1992

Skinner Mr Ian 1992

Balfour Mr Felix 1993

Desperately Seeking

Blackhall Mr Chris 1993

Blake Mr Euan 1993

Burns Ms Lynda 1993

Charles Mr Simon 1993

Collins Mr Neil 1993

Dalton Mr Paul 1993

Duncanson Mr Kenneth 1993

Hatherly Mr Andrew 1993

Horne Mr Peter 1993

Johnstone Mr Frank 1993

Lindow Miss Laura 1993

Lowe Mr Robert 1993

MacDonald Mr David 1993

MacPherson Mr James 1993

Marshall Mr Euan 1993

Murray Mr Steven 1993

Nicholson Ms Samantha 1993

Pearson Ms Serena 1993

Robertson Mr Robin 1993

Simpson Mr David 1993

Stanforth Mr Robert 1993

Stevenson Miss Kelda 1993

Thompson Mr Malcolm 1993

Wheatley Mr Giles 1993

Young Miss Clare 1993

Macdonald Miss Lynsey 1995

Robertson Miss Eleanor 1998

Ramyar Mr Michael 1999

Logan Mr Jonathan 2001

Ross Miss Laura 2002

Desperately SeekingDesperately SeekingBlack Miss Gillian 2003

Carr Mr Evan 2003

Dodds Mr Ewan 2003

Fraser Mr Alexander 2003

Hall Mr William 2003

Kenway Miss Angharad 2003

Kyle Mr Andrew 2003

Laing Mr Jamie 2003

Maciver Mrs Heather née Rudd 2003

McBeath Mr Thomas 2003

McCormack Mr Colin 2003

Meiklejohn Mr Peter 2003

Meldrum Mr Andrew 2003

Perkins Mr Neil 2003

Robson Miss Samantha 2003

Ross Miss Jenna 2003

Scott Mr Gregory 2003

Shanks Mr Kevin 2003

Sharpe Mr David 2003

Stuart Mr Michael 2003

Hughes Miss Amanda 2004

Robertson Miss Lucy 2004

Ross Mr Gregory 2004

Brouwers Miss Melanie 2009

Hughes Mr Steven 2009

Aitken Miss Natasha 2010

Foggitt Mr David 2010

Goffin Mr Joaquim 2010

Benassi Mr Josef 2011

Hughes Miss Kathryn 2011

best pipe band of the year - george watson's college · 1 march founder’s day 15 march...

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