January 2012 caritas · Rifle Susan Jackson Squash Brenda Carmichael Swimming Alan H Masson...

caritas

The magazine of the former pupils and friends of George Watson’s College Issue 31

January 2012

Regular FeaturesDevelopment MattersWatsonian NewsWhere are they now?

PlusA Postcard from Palestine

Meet the Head Boy & Head Girl

[email protected]

Tel: 0032 2 763 [email protected]

Tel: (905) 272 [email protected]

[email protected]

[email protected] [email protected]

[email protected]

Tel: 0064 3351 [email protected]

Tel: 002721 7129426


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

BahamasMargaret Bain

Belgium (Brussels)Andrew Brown

Canada (Toronto)Robert Chassels

France (Paris) Vacant

GermanyMarkus Schroeder

Hong KongMario Maciocia

South-East Asia(Thailand)Stephen Wise

New ZealandDouglas Bridges

South Africa(Cape Town)Brian Hogg

Spain (Alicante)Kate Burke

USA (North California)Brian WilliamsonJake Mackenzie

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

[email protected]

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.

[email protected]


[email protected]


[email protected]

[email protected]

susan.jackson@ winningscotlandfoundation.org

Tel: 0131 225 1119

[email protected]

Tel: 0131 446 6100

Rugby Brian Drinkwater

Cricket Jonathan Moore

Curling Dan Lean

Golf (men) David McMurray

Golf (women) Moira Murray

Hockey Alida Dow

Rifle Susan Jackson

Squash Brenda Carmichael

Swimming Alan H Masson

Myreside Office

forthcoming events

Worldwide Contacts Worldwide ContactsWorldwide Contacts

The magazine of the former pupils and friends of George Watson’s CollegeAny enquiries relating to Watsonian matters should be made to the Development Office, George Watson’s College,

Colinton Road, Edinburgh EH10 5EG Tel: 0131 446 6008 Fax: 0131 446 6102 email: [email protected]

Worldwide Contacts Worldwide Contacts

If you would be interested in attending a Music, Sport or Drama event at Watson’s please contact the Development Office on 0131 446 6008 or email: [email protected]

forthcoming events

USA (East Coast)Robin Macdonald

Watsonian President John Spence [email protected] President Lorna Baird [email protected] Roy Mack [email protected] David Mieras [email protected] Gareth Edwards [email protected] of Development Lesley McKean [email protected] Convener Vacant Elected member Inez Forbes [email protected] member Martin Macari [email protected]

[email protected]

Watsonian Council

Worldwide Contacts

Watsonian Network

Worldwide Contacts

Watsonian Network

2012201213 January London Cenotaph Ceremony17 February Watsonian Golf Club 125th Anniversary Dinner9 March Founder’s Day9 March The Watsonian Club Dinner16 March London Watsonian Club Dinner17 March Projects @ 50 GWC22 March GWFF Donors’ Event 23 March Class of 1942 Reunion

23 March Watsonian Hong Kong Dinner26 April Yorkshire Watsonian Lunch11 May Aberdeen Watsonian Dinner23 June Class of 2002 Reunion28 June GWC Prizegiving and Leavers’ Reception21 September Highland and Moray Watsonian DinnerOct/Nov (tbc) South West Watsonian Lunch24 October The Watsonian Club AGM

George Watson’s CollegeColinton Road, Edinburgh EH10 5EG

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

S3 Projects 1962–2012 4 Reunions: 10 Years On 4

Maroon to Navy 5 Development Matters 6

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

EditorLesley McKean (Director of Development)

Design and Production David Brown (George Watson’s College)

CoverNicholas Hurn (Head Boy) and Hannah Cockburn (Head Girl)

cont

ents

Head Boy & Head Girl 8 Master of the Merchant Company 8 The Full Spectrum 9

Watsonian News 10

Where Are They Now? 12

Caritas Dinner 14

Postcard from Palestine 15

Desperatly Seeking 16

EditorialThis session will mark a memorable anniversary at Watson’s, when we celebrate 50 years of S3 Projects. We hope that many of you will join in our ‘Munro Maynia’ challenge and climb a Munro in the month of May. Please see the article on page four to see how you can get involved.

26 November 2011 was a special day for school rugby, with both the U16 and U18 teams reaching the Brewin Dolphin Scottish Schools’ Cup Finals at Murrayfield Stadium. The crowd of around 5,000 had a strong maroon representation and with the U16s winning and the U18s coming incredibly close, losing by just one point, it was a very proud day for Watson’s rugby.

We aim to continue our reputation for sporting excellence at George Watson’s College but also encourage participation in sport by our pupils at all levels. We are delighted that the George Watson’s College Centre for Sport is nearing completion and we look forward to the official opening later this year.

On a sadder note, the economic recession has, and will continue to, hit our community in many different ways. It is encouraging that applications to the School remain strong, highlighting the value that continues to be placed on a Watson’s education. However, we are not immune to the economic situation and there has been an increase in families requiring financial assistance to ensure that their children can remain at Watson’s. Any supporters who are able to contribute to our fund to help these families should contact the Development Office.

As usual, the Autumn Term saw many events take place including the Caritas Dinner, the Reunion, The Watsonian Club AGM, Remembrance Day, and the Christmas Ceilidh and Disco in aid of the Enablement Fund. Forthcoming events include The Watsonian Dinner on 9 March and we hope that as many people as possible will support this event, with its guest speaker Annabel Goldie.

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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S3 Projects 1962–2012

This session marks the 50th year since Sir Roger Young introduced S3 Projects. For many, Projects has been one of the highlights of their school career and they have fond memories of their fortnight away. The 50th anniversary of Projects will be celebrated in 2012 in a variety of ways.

On Saturday 17 March we are holding a Projects@50 day in School. This will be open to current pupils, staff and former pupils.

There will be a series of short talks in the Assembly Hall including the following speakers:Gareth Edwards – WelcomeSir Roger Young – The background to Projects and the first groups in 1962Maxi MacLaren – Memories from Projects Current S6 pupils – Sharing their S3 experiences

Munro MayniaOur biggest challenge, however, is going to be trying to bag all 283 Munros during the month of May 2012 – entitled ‘Munro Maynia’.

Database of MunrosA Database of Munros can be accessed from www.gwc.org.uk/Projects50. You will be able to become involved by emailing us on [email protected] with the following details: your name and the year you left school, which Munro(s) you would like to climb, w h o y o u will climb with, and a

proposed date during May for your climb.

If you live abroad then why not scale a local peak and add it to our tally. Once you have climbed the Munro(s) you will need to send a digital photograph to us of you at the summit, to add into our display. This will obviously be weather dependent and no one should take any risks with the weather.

Reunions: 10 Years OnIn October 2011, we completed the cycle of offering every former pupil a reunion. We have been grateful for the feedback we have received and would like to ensure that future reunions are more successful.

There is no doubt that reunions organised by a member, or members of a year group or special interest group, manage to attract more people than those organised by the School and therefore we are following the model of many other schools and universities and outlining how we can help you to run your reunion in future.

We will continue to organise a 10 year reunion for former pupils to ensure that everyone has a reunion (Class of 2002 Reunion, 23 June 2012).

For those of you who would like a further reunion we would be delighted to help and have outlined below how that can happen.1. Contact The Development Office.

We are happy to talk to you about the format your reunion might take.

2. Choose a date for your reunion which you feel most of your classmates could attend. You may wish to choose a date which ties in with a major School event, eg The Watsonian Dinner, Remembrance Day or Open Morning.

3. We have some venues at Watson’s which may be suitable, dependent on the type of event you are planning. However, you are not restricted to these venues and may have a venue in mind.

4. The Development Office can send out an initial mailing on your behalf, and also send out a follow up email to all those we hold addresses for alerting them to the event and asking them to contact you.

5. If it coincides with an issue of Caritas we would be very happy to include a notice about the reunion and also put something on Watsonians Online. This could contain dates, venues and your contact information. We can also invite members and former members of staff you would like to attend.

6. We will be happy to assist with any of the finer details of your reunion to help the event run smoothly. Don’t forget to let us know how the reunion goes and send us in any photographs and comments.

If you have organised a reunion recently and have any photos that would be suitable for publication, please let us know.

Details of forthcoming reunions can be found on page 10.

• S

3 PROJECT

S •

19 6 2 – 2 0 1 2

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By the time I arrived on the scene, Watson’s must have been a natural choice of school for my parents. With three other children already attending and a family rooted in Edinburgh, I became a one-school man – attending from 1963 till 1976. The majority of my memories from school days are centred on sports and outdoor activities which, although I didn’t appreciate it at the time, was an indication of the direction my life would head in. By Secondary School, studies were (just about) being fitted in around sport and Roy Mack, who ran the School swim team for the majority of my time, was always full of enthusiasm and humour – qualities undiminished with the years. Inspired by David Wilkie and others, my brother Peter and I would regularly arrive in school from the Royal Commonwealth Pool, with our chlorine-bleached hair, having been up since 5.30am.

On the outdoor side, a great two weeks at the Loch Eil Centre on 3rd Year Projects was topped in 4th Year when Pat Edington and Keith Black took nine 15-year-old boys to the uninhabited Monach Islands, some five miles west of North Uist, in 1974. Without communications, medical supplies or contingency plan this would have failed any modern risk assessment – but we loved the adventure of it!

1975 saw the start of my last year at Watson’s and brought with it two significant events, the arrival of girls and somehow I was made Lauriston House Captain. My abiding memory of being House Captain was participating in a wide range of activities, sporting and otherwise, with an obligation to participate in any event where volunteers were hard to come by – notably my only ever performance on stage for House Shakespeare! Lauriston

Maroon to Navy

won the House Championship that year due to a particularly talented group and, while I had no influence on that occasion, the lesson of surrounding yourself with quality people has stood me in good stead since.

I remember being given a cheque by my dad to pay school fees for my final term. Slightly despondently, he explained that this cheque for one term’s fees was more than he’d paid in 1967 for four children for the whole year! I left School with six highers (quite surprising when I read through some of my old report cards) and tried to work out exactly what I wanted to do.

Nearly five years later, I decided to join the Royal Marines. Commando training is not for the faint hearted but, if you are fit, focussed and determined, it is both achievable and rewarding. Difficult and unique tasks require certain personal characteristics and I have had the privilege of working with some extremely capable people in challenging environments, at home and abroad, sometimes in high-pressure and high-tempo operational situations. There are few things that bring people together more than shared hardships, they create a bond that is hard to describe to those who have not experienced it. The Royal Marines Commandos are soldiers that are effectively the land component of the Naval Service – try explaining that to an enquiring five year old son: “Are you in the Army dad?”, “ No, I’m part of the Navy.”, “So you’re a sailor?”, “No, I’m a soldier.”, “Then you must be in the Army?”, etc etc.

The Royal Marines also satisfied my interests of travel and sport. I have visited or worked in over 50 countries and have lived with my family in South Africa and USA (twice). Living abroad presented opportunities to travel further afield and some of our best quality family time. Perhaps more importantly, it provided the opportunity (as a former Ayrshire poet once said) “to see ourselves as others see us”. The Forces also provide opportunities for sport and adventure training for those that want them – I played water polo for the Royal Navy throughout my career as well as several other sports in a competitive environment.

Having joined for four years, I stayed for 30 and left at the end of 2010 – a requirement having reached the grand old age of 52! So what does a former Colonel do in civvy street? It was a bit like leaving Watson’s 34 years earlier – and I still didn’t know what I wanted to do when I grew up! Slightly concerned that I might have to get a ‘proper job’, I determined to do something that I enjoyed and was fortunate enough to get the opportunity to break into focussing on the Sports Management sector, becoming Chief Executive of Scottish Hockey in July 2011.

In 2006 I had returned to Balerno, some 25 years after leaving, and now live close to the house that I was brought up in. Our three teenage sons and newly acquired Lab Retriever keep my wife, Debs, and I busy. Ross (19) left Watson’s in 2009 and is currently training to join the Scots Guards (so he actually IS in the Army), Craig (16) attends Woodlands Special School in Currie and James (14) is in S3 at Watson’s but following in his grandfather’s footsteps (rather than his father’s) and is the current Scottish diving champion.

I can hardly believe that in 2016 I’ll be attending the 40th Reunion of the Class of ’76 – time flies when you’re enjoying yourself. Robert HeatlyClass of 1976

Robert with wife Debs ater receiving his MBE

Robert with sons, Craig, James and Ross

Robert and his father Sir Peter Heatly with the House Championship trophy, 1976

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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Pupil Fundraising helps Campus and Parents

The horseshoe planter, pictured above and right, came from the money raised by pupils for the George Watson’s Family Foundation. The balance of the money raised went towards short term fee assistance for current parents, and all of us will be aware of how important this area of support currently is.

The planter has created an area where quiet reading can take place outside the classroom. Thank you to everyone who supported the sponsored events in Spring 2011 that funded these projects.

Leaving a Legacy – Not Just for the Rich and Famous!

In the short lifetime of the Foundation, legacy income has played a major role in providing bursary support for our pupils and also contributed to capital facilities such as the Music School and the George Watson’s College Centre for Sport. Thankfully, 74% of the UK population support charities and when asked 35% of people say they’d happily leave a gift in their Will once family and friends have been provided for. The problem is only 7% actually do (www.rememberacharity.org.uk).

If you are considering leaving a legacy to the Foundation, please contact Roy Mack, on [email protected] or 0131 446 6008, who can arrange to meet you and discuss your requirements. All legacy donors are remembered in the Music School Auditorium.

Moustache Comes Off For Good Cause

The Enablement Ceilidh and Disco took place on Saturday 3 December with over 200 people attending.

Whilst we thought that this would be the Final Fling (as the committee who started the event many years ago had intimated this would be their final ceilidh), we were delighted that offers came forward on the night from parents willing to continue what has become a regular fixture on the School calendar.

The Enablement Fund has provided the opportunity for several children with a physical disability to have access to a Watson’s education and the committee ably led by Ruth Thomas should be rightly proud of what they have achieved over the last 12 years.

Donors to Visit Usher Hall We are delighted that so many of our Donors during session 2010/2011 are able to join us at the Usher Hall on Thursday 22 March for what promises to be a fantastic School concert.

At the time of going to press, a limited number of tickets were still available for the concert and these can be purchased from the Senior School Reception from 16 January. Tickets cost £12 (Grand Circle), £10 (Stalls and Upper Circle), free for children.

The winning bidder after shaving Roy’s moustache

The School now has an excellent range of merchandise available for sale.

Further information is available from the Development Office on 0131 446 6008.

7

Marketplace Parents and supporters of Watson’s can now help the George Watson’s Family Foundations by advertising on the School website in the Marketplace. If you would like to advertise your business, please contact [email protected].

George Watson’s College Centre for SportThe main contractor, AKP Scotland Limited, is continuing to make good progress on Phase 3 of the George Watson’s College Centre for Sport. The building is now virtually wind and watertight and most structural works are complete, so al l that remains is mainly internal fit-out, pool works, floor coverings and painting.

We are on target to complete construction by Easter and plan to start using the new facilities at the beginning of the Summer Term. The latest cost estimate is in line with budget.

1,000th Online MemberIn November 2011, Gordon Bennett (Class of 1965) became the 1,000th member of Watsonians Online.

Please join our online community (www.watsonians.org). You will receive the Recorder newsletter three times a year, be able to access our online obituary list, and take part in polls and surveys. News stories are regularly posted on the home page and we would encourage you to provide us with news stories about former pupils.

To communicate effectively with our wider Watsonian community, we need to have up to date contact and other information, so please update your details, which you can access via the home page.

IB students are more likely to attend a top 20 Higher Education Institute*

IB students are more likely to achieve a first class honours degree*

IB students are almost twice as likely to be studying Medicine or Dentistry*

IB students are less likely to be unemployed on graduating* and

IB students are more likely to be in graduate jobs with a higher rate of earning*

Host families available for pupils not living in the Edinburgh area.

Come and join us to study for the International Baccalaureate in S5 & S6

Interested in finding out more?Come to the International Baccalaureate Open Evening and meet the teachers and pupils currently studying for the IB at George Watson’s College.

Tuesday 21 February, 6pm–7pmSenior School, George Watson’s College

Please email [email protected] or phone 0131 446 6007 to confirm attendance or for more information.*Higher Education Statistics Agency Report comparison to students with UK qualifications (April 2011)

88

Hannah CockburnHead Girl

Primary 1 TeacherMrs Dickie

Best School Moment The Torch and Badge Ceremony. Standing wearing the Head Girl badge and singing the School hymn with Nick is something that I will always remember.

Worst School Moment On S3 Projects we were challenged to jump across boggy water onto a tiny island in the middle of a Loch. After the guys succeeded I decided to represent the girls and give it a go but my inelegant jump resulted in me landing right in the middle of the bog. The long walk back was not much fun when covered from head to foot in mud. Despite this I still really enjoyed Projects!

Extra Curricular Activities I captain the 1st XI hockey team, tennis, debating, School choir.

Plans after Leaving School?I would like to study medicine.

Kenneth W DunbarMaster of the Merchant Company

PersonalKen was born in 1947 and lives on the south side of Edinburgh. He is married to Janet, they have two children; Graeme (Chartered Accountant) and Judi (Public Relations) and three granddaughters.

EducationBorn in Greenock, educated at Greenock Academy and thereafter graduated in law at Edinburgh University.

Professional ExperiencePartner in an Edinburgh legal firm and retired from full-time practice some five years ago. Admitted as a Writer to the Signet in December 1977.

AppointmentsAssistant on the Master’s Court of the Merchant Company 2005–2008Governor of George Watson’s College 2005–2008Treasurer of The Merchant Company 2009–2011Master of The Merchant Company 2011 Moderator of The Society of High Constables of Edinburgh 1999–2001

RecreationsHe is a keen but not too successful golfer, a reasonably keen but not too successful curler, and a keen and very successful appreciator of good wine! He is a member of the Edinburgh Pentland 41 Club and a member of The Corner Club.

Favourite SubjectsChemistry, Biology and Maths.

Highlight of the Year so Far Winning the East 1st XI Hockey Cup.

If You Were the Principal Which School Rule Would You Change? A half day on Friday would be lovely but apart from that I am happy with the School rules!

Favourite School LunchMost days I have soup, a cheese baguette and tropical juice but on a really good day there is rocky road.

Advice for New S1 PupilTake part in as much as you can to make the most of the wide range of opportunities that Watson’s offers.

Favourite Food Chocolate.

Favourite Music Cheesy pop!

Nicholas HurnHead Boy

Primary 1 TeacherMrs Titterington

Best School Moment Winning the World Juvenile Pipe Band Championships for a third time.

Worst School Moment Coming onto the stage in house dance alone with no music playing or spotlights.

Extra Curricular Activities Rugby, Pipe Band, Sailing.

Plans after Leaving School?Architecture

Favourite SubjectsArt, Graphic Communication and Accountancy

Highlight of the Year so Far

Playing at Murrayfield in the U18 Scottish Schools’

Rugby Cup Final.

If You Were the Principal Which School Rule Would You Change? I’d allow S6 to always skip the lunch queue!

Favourite School LunchMacaroni.

Advice for New S1 PupilBe as confident as you can keeping your diary (day-to-day activities) packed.

Favourite FoodLasagne.

Favourite Music Whatever is new and of the moment, from chilled out to dance.

Hannah Cockburn and Nicholas Hurn

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Arriving at a Class of 1971 reunion last October I made for the upstairs bar at Myreside eager to meet school friends many not seen or heard of since the Colinton Road bell rang out for us one last time.

We all recognised each other and enjoyed a great evening. Next morning as we rolled back the years in School peering into classrooms through those familiar glass paned doors I realised my own window on the world came from sitting attentively (never let the facts get in the way of a good story!) in front of teachers such as Miss Barrons, Judy Murray (née Brown), Geordie More, J G Scott, ‘Beaky’ Gibson, ‘Major’ Morgan to name but a few.

I firmly believe my job training did begin at school as well as with the speed-read of newspaper front pages on my daily paper round.

Primary years at Watson’s for the rather shy Alan Mackay were fairly uneventful. I did the work and opened up a lifetime interest in music and sport. Secondary was to feel somewhat different. Indeed I felt some discipline (Lochgelly variety) on my first venture to the Science corridor as Physics certainly proved not to be fun.

To this day I would swear to the perpetrator’s face it was a case of mistaken identity. The new Physics teacher John Pearson – for it was he making his mark – became Director of Education in Lanarkshire after leaving Watson’s. Ironically he was teacher in charge on the night of a School visit to the Scottish Daily Mail. Watching the presses roll was undoubtedly an early hook for me into the business.

My memory is John Pearson and Jim Cowan were the Ogilvie house masters. I proudly wore the black lapel badge but we seldom got a sniff of the House Championship! Here though I add my name to thousands of Watsonians who remember the late Jim Cowan as the most encouraging, sympathetic and good-humoured of teachers. I was pleased to later accept his invitation to Watson’s to speak about my work.

The year 1968 was a red-letter one including the S3 Project to St Kilda with teachers Mike Robson and David Christie and a summer tour by the Orchestra and Choir to America. Quite apart from the music side of things we were fortunate to encounter the young people of a country rich in self-confidence in spite of the ever worsening Vietnam War. I have visited several times since but will never forget those three weeks.

After university and journalism school I worked for 30 years as a reporter in daily news. I was around for big events – political, industrial, tragic and happy – the full spectrum.

1971 Watson’s leavers Torquil Reoch and Robin Wyllie were prominent BBC newsmen in my time there, while Atholl Duncan (1981) was colleague and boss!

Early in my BBC career I met and then married (1989) Ishbel Maclean who was Senior Producer BBC Education before she went freelance. We have lived in Dunblane for 23 years and our son Donald (20) is studying Law at Glasgow University.

Many people comment on reporters looking wet or miserable at their work. The truth is they’re sometimes reporting on stories which are not a bundle of

laughs. I did meet Colin Baker of ITN who coined the outtake “cold – fed up – hungry – underpaid – wet – miserable – overworked” reporting for News at Ten!

There are lighter moments – we once filmed MPs including William Hague in the Safari Park lion enclosure while electioneering. It was a good time to be behind the front line. At the Great Wall I nearly ended up in a performance for the tourists by Chinese warriors with all too sharp swords as props. I also came close to arrest in Egypt when filming at the Pyramids without permission.

Looking back it was a great rollercoaster experience with many famous names at the other side of the microphone. The people I enjoyed meeting most were normal down to earth members of the public who wanted their story aired whatever it was.

My present business, Alan Mackay Media, is five years old. It does ‘what it says on the tin’. I gain positive media coverage for clients by personal contact with leading journalists. Corporate video, some of it now going straight to the web, is another string to the bow. On my website the key colour is maroon although in truth there’s a Gorgie reference there too!

During last year’s reunion visit to Watson’s we all found the School to be in good heart. The only disappointment was seeing our one-time prefects’ room now a mundane and functional print room. Scene of great social and intellectual activity, in 1971 it was adorned by posters of show business figures. Remember, the girls’ school was at George Square then!Alan Mackay Class of 1971

The Full Spectrum ‘Dreamland!’

Watsonian NewsWatsonian News



Watsonian News


www.gwc.org.uk/myreside

10

This informal group of Watsonians (Class of 1958) was taken during a reunion of their families in Edinburgh last summer. From left to right: Roger Paton (Edinburgh), Ken Mole (Dundee), David Baxter (Dordogne, France),

Stuart Murray (Longniddry) and Michael Gollan (Edinburgh).

Golf 125th Anniversary DinnerThe Watsonian Golf Club Dinner, to celebrate the 125th Anniversary of The Watsonian Golf Club takes place on Friday 17 February at Myreside. Tickets priced £40 are available from David McMurray who can be contacted at [email protected] or 07767 406777, www.watsoniangolfclub.com.

Watsonian Travel GrantsThe Watsonian Club offers a small number of travel grants to both S6 pupils leaving Watson’s and former pupils completing higher education. Recent awards range from £250 to £800. Applications from undergraduate students completing their final year, must be made by the end of February each year. To apply, please visit Watsonians Online (www.watsonians.org/travelgrants). For further information please contact the Development Office on [email protected].

MyresideMyreside

MyresideMyreside

Myreside Café Bar is open from 3pm to 5pm every school day.

Saturday Morning Sports Café open from 8.30am each week.

For all the Watsonian Football Club fixtures check out

www.watsoniansrugby.com

The balcony is a great place to watch the 2nd XV play their

home matches, while enjoying a coffee or drink.

To book your private party, meeting or family celebration, please call the Myreside Office

on 0131 446 6100.

Border Watsonian Dinner

Twenty four people attended the Borders Watsonian Dinner in November 2011. Pictured left to right are Stuart Barnes (The Heriot Club), Anne Murray (Class of 1960) and Tom Kerr (Secretary of the Borders Watsonian Club, Class of 1954).

Sports NewsTo keep up to date on news from the Watsonian Sports sections please visit their websites. Links to the sections with websites can be found on the footer of the Watsonians Online homepage.

Forthcoming ReunionsClass of 1942 Reunion Please contact Rob MacDonald via the Development Office.Class of VU/51 and VIA/52 ReunionPlease contact Dr Iain Davidson on [email protected] you would like to organise a Reunion and would like some help, please contact the Development Office.

New President Congratulations to Pat Edington (Class of 1962 and former staff) on his election last year as President of The Royal Caledonian Curling Club.

FP’s Help With Pre-match MotivationSir Chris Hoy (Class of 1994) took time out from his busy schedule preparing for the 2012 Olympics to send his best wishes to the U16 and U18 rugby teams who contested the Brewin Dolphin Scottish Schools’ Cup on Saturday 26 November. Also helping with the pre-match motivation was former Head Boy and Rugby Captain Stuart McInally (Class of 2008) who attended one of the boys’ training sessions and currently plays for Edinburgh Rugby.

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Congratulations!The architects firm run by Gareth Hoskins (Class of 1985) has won the Andrew Doolan Award for the best building in Scotland 2011, following the transformation of The National Museum of Scotland. Culture Minister Fiona Hyslop said “Scotland has an international reputation for creativity and innovation, enhanced by the outstanding quality of Scottish architecture. The transformation of the National Museum is truly breathtaking, making this project a worthy winner.”

Watsonian President John A Spence, OBE, DL, FCIBS, FIFS, FRSA (Class of 1969)John was born in Edinburgh on 30 January 1951. H e m a r r i e d Yvonne in 1974 and has a son Euan and two daughters Lindsay and Catherine. John was educated at George Watson’s College then at Trinity College Dublin and finally Harvard Business School.

John joined Lloyds Bank in 1973 and by 1994 was Head of Business Banking Lloyds Bank. In 1998 he became Chief Executive of Lloyds TSB Scotland. He moved on to be responsible for all LTSB’s retail distribution and from 2003–2005 was Director of Policy Co-ordination and Risk.

Currently John is a non-Executive Director of HM Revenue and Customs (chair of Audit Committee), Capital for Enterprise Ltd and Chair of Spicer Haart.

In a voluntary capacity, John is Finance Chairman of Business in the Community, President of the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland, Chairman of Essex Community Foundation and a Governor of Anglia Ruskin University.

Within the Church, John is Audit Committee Chairman for the Commissioners of the Church of England and a Trustee of St Paul’s Cathedral Foundation.

When he has time, John enjoys cooking and eating, theatre, listening to sport, swimming and gardening as well as motorcycling.

His honours include a 1999 MBE for service to the community, 2006 OBE for services to charity and business in the community, 2005 HRH The Prince of Wales’ Business Ambassadors Award, 2005 Order of St Cedd, Chelmsford Cathedral, 2006 Lay Canon Chelmsford Cathedral, 2006 Round Table GB and Ireland Founders Award for lifetime contribution, 2008 A Deputy Lieutenant for County of Essex, 2009 Hon Doctorate of Education Anglia Ruskin University.

He has been blind since 1991.

The Fabulous FiveFollowing the tremendous competitive season for the Juvenile Band in 2011, our ‘World Champions’ have cut another CD entitled ‘The Fabulous Five’ to commemorate the band winning an historic ‘Grand Slam’ of all five major championship titles.

The CD features a blend of contemporary music like The Music Man and The Fiddlers’ Rally to the more traditional favourites like Highland Cathedral and La Boum. It also has the bands’ competing selections, a few ‘alternative tracks’ and of course includes a fantastic Drum Fanfare.

The cost of the CD is £10 per copy. Please make your cheques payable to George Watson’s College and indicate the

address to which the CD should be sent. An additional £1 per order is required to cover postage and packaging if required.

We Will Remember ThemAt 11am on Friday 11 November 2011, pupils, former pupils, governors and staff gathered in remembrance of those who made the ultimate sacrifice at the War Memorial. This was followed by our annual Remembrance Day Assembly.

Please remember that the Watsonian War Records are online and can be found at wwwgwc.org.uk/warrecords

Annabel Goldie to Speak at Watsonian DinnerWe are delighted that the guest speaker at this year’s Watsonian Dinner is Annabel Goldie. The Dinner takes place on Friday 9 March at Myreside and tickets are available from the Development Office priced £38 or online at £40.

P l ea s e book ea r l y to avo id disappointment. The evening will be hosted by the President of The Watsonian Club, John Spence.

The Fabulous Five

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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

Claire Mackie (née Seale)Class of 2006)

At Watson’s, Claire spent most of her time in the music department. She split her sixth year between Watson’s and St Mary’s Music School and continued there for a further year, before a scholarship to The Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama. Unfortunately, she left in 2009 with an injured wrist. She worked with soloists such as Julian Lloyd Webber and Nicola Benedetti, and performed at Dresden’s 800th Birthday celebrations. Claire has been Chairman of Rotaract in Great Britain and is a member of Rotary. She is studying primary education, helps out with a Brownie pack, is a trustee of two charities and runs her own cake-making business. Claire married Alastair in 2010.

Will Nettleton Class of 1991

Will’s memories include the lovely Mrs Wise in P3, Projects in Argyll, Scouts, cricket with Jim Cowan and Willie Morton, rugby with the vocal Roy Mack, and squash on cold courts. Also, trips to Newcastle, the Holy Isle, Brussels and Aberdeen, and Maxi Maclaren’s six line poems For Monday laddie! Four years at Moray House, Athens then Rome teaching English. PE teaching in a secure unit, helping to manage a golf range, and now heading a busy PE department at Clifton Hall School. Travelling through 14 European countries, USA and Canada and now enjoying life in Linlithgow with Lisa and daughters Alys (11) and Sara (5).

Sally Counsell (née Harvey)Class of 1985

Sally was a pupil at the Ladies’ College in St Albans Road, and left the comfort of single sex education to join the boys in P3. Having been inspired by Mrs Roberts and Mrs Adams, Sally took a diploma course at The Cordon Bleu Cookery School in London. After a 10 year career, including a spell cooking with Marco Pierre White, Sally returned to Edinburgh with her husband Simon (also class of ’85, but they were not school sweethearts!). Since having their two children – Tom (S1) and Holly (P7) – Sally has retrained and now works in early years’ education.

Kay Dixon (née Hyslop)Class of 1974

Kay managed to spend her entire time at GWLC avoiding anything to do with science or sport. She studied Modern History at St Andrews intending to teach eventually, but the decision to try life in the Netherlands “for a couple of years” forced a rethink. Thirty years on, she’s still there, successfully running a translation business from home. For her sins, she’s become involved in the local Scottish country dancing club, but also enjoys good food and drink, walking and playing bridge.

John Richie Class of 1971

John trained as a CA with Barstow & Millar, an Edinburgh firm, becoming a partner on qualifying then joining an international firm in 1985 when the firms merged. Nine years ago he resurrected his old firm where he practises today. He has a number of Charity clients and serves on the Boards of others: this has led to visits to Israel and Jamaica. A member of the Merchant Company, he is married to Joan, a Community Paediatrician.

Claire Mackie

Will Nettleton

Sally Counsell

Kieran Turner

Kieran Turner Class of 1990Kieran attended the Senior School between 1984 and 1990, for much of which he volunteered in the Blair-Morrison Library, and enjoyed Mr Carter’s Engineering Club. After school he studied Artificial Intelligence at Sussex University then chose to move into International Relations at Aberdeen University. In 1999 he founded Aid Convoy to deliver humanitarian aid to Kosova and neighbouring Albania. Still operating there, the organisation also supports youth projects around Chernobyl, and since 2009 he has also been working in Gaza. In late 2010 Kieran was kidnapped in a Libyan port, and rescued at sea four days later by Greek commandos!

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Kay Dixon

Mike Masson Class of 1964

Mike was at Watson’s from 1951 to 1964 preferring, Rowing, Rugby, Athletics, Scouting and CCF to academic work. He read Law at Edinburgh University before becoming a CA. After rowing for Scotland and playing rugby for Watsonians, he married Beryl, a Dutch lady and started working overseas. When his job in Iran was interrupted by the revolution, he joined Shell and spent the next 25 years in New Zealand, Thailand, Kenya, and Russia as well as short spells in London and the Hague. Now retired he lives near Jedburgh, flying radio controlled model aircraft. He has two sons, both working in the South of England.

John Richie

Mike Masson

Matt Summors Class of 1957

Matt came to Watson’s in 1952, was an active member of the hockey and golf teams, and enjoyed cricket. He also was a member of the CCF. He went to Edinburgh College of Agriculture before becoming assistant/acting manger on tea estates in NE India where he spent the next eight years. He met his wife Glenorchy Millar in India and their son was born in Darjeeling. In 1970, he joined the Department of Agriculture in West Australia as a Dairy Officer before retiring in 1997. He now lives in a seaside village called Binningup.

Ishbel Clark

Ishbel Clark Class of 1961

Ishbel came to Primary 5 in 1954 from a country school with a total roll of seventeen, but never felt overwhelmed by George Square. She progressed to The Royal College of Science and Technology, Glasgow, and eventually returned to Edinburgh in 1972 with a pharmacy degree, her husband, Keith, and three children. In 1986 she bought a pharmacy in Leith, Clark Chemist, now run by her son, Fraser (Class of 1989). She has eight grandchildren.

Matt Summors

Alastair Clark

Alastair Clark Class of 1947

Alastair Clark* attended Watson’s from 1934–1947, with three years at Dollar Academy during WWII. He undertook national service in the RAF and graduated from Edinburgh University in Chemistry (summa cum laude) 1953. He is married with two daughters. He worked for Whitbread, Beecham, Canada Dry, then Diageo in the US. On retirement in 1994, he became an on-call interfaith chaplain at Hartford Hospital CT for nine years, and is now a volunteer hospital visitor for his church in Canton CT.* of the “Alastair Clark Prize for American History”

Caritas Dinner

Cat Cubie (Class of 1998) was an excellent Chairperson and thoroughly enjoyed her return to George Watson’s College. Many of you will remember that the launch of the Foundation took place when Cat’s Dad, Sir Andrew Cubie was Chairman of Governors.

The event was sponsored once again by Heritage Portfolio. Their support is crucial to the success of the evening and we were treated to an excellent meal, which had a weather/Everest theme, to celebrate the achievements of our Everest conquerors, and we were delighted that James Ogilvie (Class of 1976) and Stephen Green (Class of 2005) were able to join the Principal’s table on the night.

Pupil participation also makes the night special, and music from Cantemus and the Pipe Band went down extremely well. Our S6 also came up trumps volunteering in their droves to help with waitering and waitressing, welcoming guests, manning the cloakroom, and helping with the auction and raffle. Their contribution keeps our costs down and helps us to raise what is a substantial sum for the Foundation. In each year group in the Senior School around 10% of the pupils are supported by the Foundation – this is an excellent way for the S6 pupils to contribute to the next intake of Foundationers.

Following a fantastic auction by the superb Roy Mack, guests took to the dance floor to the sound of Corra. All in all, another great night – we hope to see you at the 2012 Dinner.

Thank you to everyone who supported the event.

This year’s Caritas Dinner raised £23,500 for

the George Watson’s Family Foundation.

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PalestineA postcard from

For as long as I can remember I’ve had an interest in helping marginalised groups in our own society and the wider world, specifically, the Middle East. This was one of the influencing factors in my choosing to study International Politics at University; seeking to acquire a theoretical foundation for social and economic development. Once my undergraduate studies had concluded (May 2011), I decided to travel to Palestine with the intent of volunteering for a few months. I wanted to gain some work experience and get a clearer perspective on my future career path. Asociación Europea de cooperación con Palestina (ASECOP), a Bethlehem based non-profit, Non-Governmental Organisations (NGO), offered me an internship through which I have been able to work on funding applications and help translate their entire website into English. Alongside this, I have spent my evenings and weekends teaching children and adults English, many of whom are refugees.

Education is of imperative importance to the Palestinians, it is, for most, the only way in which they might be able to elevate themselves out of the poverty caused by crippling occupation and countless conflicts in the region.

I have a certificate in TEFL and experience of working as a teacher in children’s language camps in Ukraine. When teaching in Ukraine, I adopted a creative and fun teaching style – trying to make learning fun and accessible to young people with games, projects and role-playing activities. I have found that some children are enthusiastic and energetic about learning whereas others are quiet and reserved, sometimes not dedicated to applying themselves. I think that this is normal in any classroom but in

Palestine there has been a more obvious spectrum, with some children and young people completely determined and focusing on education as a way to rise out of their situation and make their lives better in the future whilst some children are completely demoralised by their situation and have lost hope of any positive future. I feel privileged to be able to make a contribution towards helping these kids not only learn English but also learn to hope and dream.

I was lucky to be given an excellent education at one of the top schools in the UK through the charity of others. My mum was an orphan who grew up in foster care and despite being a single parent working full-time she strived to give me everything she never had. She sent me to George Watson’s College when I was 12.

However, it didn’t quite run as smoothly as either of us had hoped. This was mainly due to a shaky start which involved me wearing long white socks on my first day instead of tights (which I soon found out was social suicide) and then later, in a desperate attempt to improve my social standing I went for strident blonde streaks which ended up with me resembling a bumble-bee and almost getting suspended!

I soon got into the swing of things, made lots of friends and worked hard, but in my third year I got a horrible shock when my mum fell ill and had to stop working for a while. She wasn’t sure if she could afford to continue paying my school fees and we had to think about changing schools. However, she applied for a bursary, not thinking that we would get anything but we were delighted and relieved to receive a substantial award, which meant that I could stay on at Watson’s, where by then I had become part of the School community.

I am genuinely grateful on a daily basis to have had the opportunity to study at George Watson’s, an opportunity which so many take for granted. I feel like I should give back in this respect to those children who are less fortunate than I was. I felt a little guilty applying for the Watsonian Travel Grant as I had already received so much financial support from the Foundation, but it strengthened my resolve to ensure I made a meaningful contribution to the children and the other charities I have supported.

English, as you know, is the number one international language and learning this language opens doors for the Palestinian children who have very limited opportunities. As their economy has depleted under occupation, many rely on employment with international agencies, all of which require language skills, especially, and most often with English.

International presence is a key factor in achieving peace in the region and is helping defuse the situation.

Despite the motivation behind taking this trip not being driven by personal gain, I have so far had my dissertation published with the Applied Institute of Research in Jerusalem alongside two articles in the 3rdi Magazine. vI have also written weekly articles and updates on my online blog which has received thousands of views. I hope to continue along the path of journalism; my ultimate goal is to work as an Investigative Journalist – something like a mix between Louis Theroux, John Pilger and Dawn Porter. Thanks again George Watson’s, for everything.Holly Smith (Class of 2007)Last year Watsonian Travel Grants were allocated for the first time to undergraduate students completing their final year (please visit www.watsonians.org/travelgrants if you are interested in applying).

Holly was one of the first recipients.

Desperately SeekingDesperately Seeking

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

Data Protection

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.

McKerracher Mrs Helen née Smart 1943

Wood Mr James 1944

Hutchinson Mrs Jean née Swanney 1946

Everill Mrs Elizabeth née Gowans 1953

Wilkinson Mr William 1959

McIntosh Mrs Irene née Abbot 1963

Austin Mrs Rowena née Murray 1964

Brown Dr Iain 1968

Duncanson Mr Douglas 1969

Eilbeck Mr Neville 1969

Grant Mrs Marion née Goalen 1969

Stenhouse Mr T 1969

Brydon Mr Kenneth 1970

Stewart Mrs Pamela née Howie 1970

Ward Mrs Alison née Ross 1971

MacLean Mr Alan 1973

Neill Mr George 1975

Cathro Mrs Jean née Head 1976

Pape Mrs Laura née Tait 1976

Wayte Mr Anthony 1977

Wilson Mr David 1977

Noble Mrs Janet née Turnbull 1979

Winpenny Mrs Heather née Braid 1979

Matthew Mr James 1981

Smith Mr Andrew 1981

De La Varre Mrs Claire née Phanjoo 1982

Lyon Ms Jane 1982

Smith Dr Kenneth 1983

Davidson Mr Robin 1984

McNeill Dr David 1984

Desperately Seeking

Armitage Mr Mark 1985

Brett Ms Connie-Lee 1986

Brown Mr Philip 1986

Hall Mr Jonathan 1986

Zynga Mrs Karen née Passmore 1986

Bayne Mrs Karen née Allison 1987

Gee Ms Jacqueline 1987

Hepburn Mr Stuart 1987

Shannon Miss Rosemary 1987

Ayres Mr Michael 1988

Korn Mrs Jillian née Cosgrove 1988

Fletcher Ms Janice née Fletcher 1989

Donaldson Ms Susan 1990

Jooma Ms Jennifer 1990

Shepherd Mr Peter 1990

Bogle Ms Catherine 1991

Burgess Mr Alastair 1991

Gallois Mr Richard 1991

Marshall Mr Ewen 1991

Anderson Mr Scott 1992

Benetatos Miss Natalie 1992

MacGregor Mr Neil 1992

Davison Miss Helen 1993

Balfour Mr Nicholas 1994

Burnett Miss Lindsay 1994

Patrick Mr Graham 1994

Robertson Mr Peter 1994

Scott Mrs Susan née Williamson 1994

Flaherty Ms Angela 1995

Hearnshaw Mr Edward 1995

Low Miss Katharina 1995

Russell Mr David 1995

Campbell Mr Colin 1996

Yule Mr Andrew 1996

Clarke Mrs Rebecca née Ribbons 1997

Harris Mr Peter 1997

Macgregor Mr David 1997

McGinness Miss Lucy 1998

Muir Mr Nicholas 1998

Day Miss Lauren 1999

Dickens Mr Andrew 1999

Dann Mr Christopher 2000

Walters Miss Emily 2000

Lyall Miss Esmie 2001

Donaldson Miss Sarah 2002

Martay Mr Hugo 2002

Jackson Miss Fiona 2003

Keen Mr Ben 2003

Groom Mr Jason 2004

Peel Miss Jennifer 2004

Salway Miss Tania 2005

Scobie Mr James 2005

Mackenzie Mr Douglas 2006

MacLean Miss Rebecca 2006

Filor Miss Ellen 2007

Ho Mr Jonathan 2007

Walters Mr Nicholas 2008

Madden Miss Rebecca 2009

McInnes Miss Katie 2009

Smith Miss Katherine 2010

Desperately SeekingDesperately Seeking

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