fortunas - Dollar Academy

Dollar Academy Magazine
PIPE BAND SUCCESS
SENIOR MUSICAL 2014
FROM THE ARCHIVES
World Champions 2014
Guys and Dolls
Dollar - ‘Top of the Form’?
pages 8-9
pages 47-49
pages 129-131
P66
fortunas
BIANNUAL
PUBLICATION
ISSUE 34
DECEMBER 2014
REGIONAL DOLLAR
ACADEMY CLUBS
DOLLAR
Mrs Sally Sutcliffe (née Reeves)
12 Princes Crescent North
DOLLAR
FK14 7BX
[email protected]
DOLLAR ACADEMICALS
Mr Iain Mears
The Cottage
5 Chapel Place
DOLLAR
FK14 7DW
[email protected]
EDINBURGH
Mrs Fiona Frazer
15 Cammo Crescent
EDINBURGH
EH4 8DZ
[email protected]
HIGHLAND
Mr Colin Milne
28 Tillybrake Gardens
BANCHORY
AB31 5QG
[email protected]
NORTH OF ENGLAND
Mr Adrian Grant
Venetia Lodge,
73 St Annes Road East,
LYTHAM-ST-ANNES
FY8 1UR
[email protected]
LONDON
Mrs Elizabeth C Heath
3 Redhill Close
SOUTHAMPTON
Hampshire
SO16 7BT
[email protected]
GLASGOW
Mr Will Gibson
7a Briarwell Road
Milngavie
GLASGOW
G62 6AW
[email protected]
NORTH OF SCOTLAND
Dr Andrew A Burt
Cantlebrae
Pitgober
DOLLAR
FK14 7PQ
[email protected]
CONSULS
Australia
Sydney
Jill Westwater
[email protected]
0061 404 400 554
Melbourne
Mark Plummer
[email protected]
0061 404 467 924
December 2014
Fortunas 34
Canada
Bruce Buck
[email protected] 001 905 468 1512
2
China
Beijing
Malcolm Thorp
[email protected]
0086 1391 0075 452
USA
California
Mohammad Diab
[email protected]
001415 710 8438
Arizona
Wendy Hurley
[email protected]
001480 284 8244/001 480 389 8692
DATA PROTECTION
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CONTENTS
Fortunas 35
Many thanks to everyone who
has contributed articles or
images to Fortunas 34; the
deadline for submission of
articles for the summer issue
is Monday 20th April 2015.
page
From the Rector4
Features
Open Day6
Pipe Band Success8
Queen’s Baton Comes to Dollar 10
People Make Dollar
Dollar Bids Farewell…14
Dollar Welcomes…19
Around the Houses – Boarding at Dollar
27
Along the Corridors – News from the Classrooms
Prep School News31
Junior School News36
Expressive Arts
Senior Musical – Guys and Dolls
47
Art & Literature
Pupil Artwork 52
Personal Essays57
After the Bell – Co-curricular News65
Charities66
Pipe Band70
CCF75
Editor: Heather Lumsden
[email protected]
Design: Peter Nelson
[email protected]
FP Registrar: Kirsty Molnar
[email protected]
Archivist: Janet Carolan
[email protected]
December 2014
The opinions expressed in this
magazine belong to the individual
writers and not to Dollar Academy.
Sport89
Cricket90
Tennis 93
Golf96
Sports Weekend100
FP Forum106
Reunions107
Obituaries122
Your Letters126
From the Archives129
Fortunas 34
Proof readers: David Delaney, Mairi
Leggatt, Heather Lumsden, Billy
Prior, Kirsty Molnar
Travel – Dollar Pupils Venture Forth
80
Alps Trip 82
Macnaughton Classics Travel Award
86
Pre-season Tour to Italy87
3
FROM THE RECTOR
December 2014
Fortunas 34
It has been an exciting and momentous year for Scotland, with centre stage taken by the
Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, the Ryder Cup at Gleneagles and, most importantly of
all, the Referendum. All three have generated articles in this magazine. The Prep and Junior
School rarely miss an opportunity to stage a grand event and over 400 children ‘represented’
16 countries in the Dollar version of the Glasgow Games, while the arrival of the Queen’s
Baton at the end of the summer term led to carnival style celebrations. Several of our older
pupils attended the Ryder Cup in one capacity or another, and our Form I teambuilding day
in September included a mini Ryder Cup. Finally, the school debate on Scottish independence
was attended by around 700 pupils, a truly astonishing figure. I have never seen young people
so enraptured by politics, and the arrival of television cameras and journalists to interview
some of our boarders while they watched the BBC Youth Debate from Glasgow’s SECC Hydro
did nothing to dampen the excitement. You can read more about these events in the following
pages.
It has been an exciting year for Dollar Academy too, both inside and outside the
classroom. Record results at Advanced Higher this summer were very pleasing and Dollar
finished sixth in the recent Sunday Times Scottish Schools’ league table. Of course, sixth would
be considered a disastrous failure by our World Championship winning Pipe Band whose
exploits are rightly featured at some length in this magazine, along with the myriad other
successes of our apparently unbeatable CCF. As if that were not enough, The Galley won the
2014 Scottish School Magazine of the Year Award and, too late for publication, the Under-16
Rugby team played in a thrilling match at Murrayfield in the Brewin Dolphin Scottish Schools
Cup Final, cheered on by around 700 Dollar supporters. There is much more I could mention
if I had space, not least the excellence of our Art and Music Departments. Again, you can read
more in the following pages.
If there is a connection between the above paragraphs then it is perhaps the importance
of leadership. Just as the Ryder Cup might not have been won without the brilliant captaincy
of Paul McGinley, so The Galley would not have triumphed had it not been masterminded
by pupil-editor Bethan Scott, nor would the Pipe Band have reached such heights without
the example of Pipe Major Lucy Ferguson. I think you will see, as you read Fortunas 34, that
our pupils are not afraid to pursue excellence and are well prepared for life through their
experiences here. As a parent said to me a few weeks ago, in Scotland leaders do not grow on
trees … they grow at Dollar Academy.
4
Join us at Dollar
We are a day and boarding school for
boys and girls aged five to eighteen.
Our entrance assessments
take place w/c 19th January.
Dollar Academy, Clackmannanshire, FK14 7DU
December 2014
Excellence and opportunity
Fortunas 34
For more information:
[email protected]
01259 742 511
5
DOLLAR
ACADEMY
HOLDS FIRST
OPEN DAY
December 2014
Fortunas 34
6
The school and grounds basked in
the sunshine of a rare, clear Indian
summer day as we opened our doors
to welcome hundreds of visitors to
our first Open Day on Saturday 13th
September. The guests, consisting of
prospective pupils and their parents, as
well as parents of current pupils, and
a good number of interested FPs, were
expertly guided around the buildings
to be treated to an astonishing array of
activities in every corner of the school.
Quint matches on the rugby pitches;
bacon rolls prepared by senior Duke of
Edinburgh candidates; heated debate
in the English classrooms; Chinese
calligraphy and international cuisine
in Modern Languages; custard powder
explosions in Chemistry labs; masked
Greek tragedy in the Studio Theatre;
every aspect of curricular and cocurricular life at Dollar was on display.
The day’s events were brought to a
close to the stirring sound of the pipes
and drums of our Pipe Band.
News
December 2014
Fortunas 34
7
December 2014
Fortunas 34
Dollar Pipe
Band – Scottish
CCF Schools
Champions 2014
8
On Sunday 8th June the Dollar Academy
Pipe Band regained their Scottish
CCF Schools Championship title at
Merchiston Castle School.
The ‘A’ and ‘B’ band both
competed, with over 50 pupils taking
part. In the end the ‘A’ Band came away
winners while the ‘B’ band came in an
impressive fourth place. In addition
to this overall victory, the pipers,
drummers and buglers of Dollar placed
or won first in twelve of the fifteen
categories contested for that day, a
most remarkable achievement.
Numerous
individual
successes are deserving of mention.
Lucy Ferguson (then Form V) came
second in the Senior Piping. Tommy
Henson (Form IV) came first in
the Intermediate Piping and in the
Intermediate Piping Drill and Turnout,
and Finlay Cameron (Form I) came first
in the Junior Piping. Dollar Academy
pipers were also named the winners of
the Loch Nan Eun Quaich for the Best
Group of Solo Pipers.
The list of successes continues
into the area of drumming and
bugling. Joe Armstrong (Form VI) and
Rory Power (Form II) came second
in the Senior and Junior Drumming
respectively. Cameron McCall (Form
II) earned second in the Bugling
Competition, losing out to Gregor
Stewart (Form IV) in first place. Robert
Henson (Form VI) came first in the
Drum Majors Competition. Dollar
Academy also won the Best Bass and
Tenor Section, and was also named the
Best Drum Corps overall: tremendous
accomplishments.
News
Dollar Pipe Band
World Champions 2014
December 2014
Fortunas 34
Dollar Academy’s Juvenile Band (the ‘A’ Band) regained their title of Pipe Band
World Champions at the RSPBA World Pipe Band Championships 2014, held in
Glasgow on 15th-16th August. 223 pipe bands from across the world congregated on
Glasgow Green for this important, international competition. Dollar’s Pipe Band
last won this competition at Juvenile Grade in 2010, and all involved were clearly
delighted to have recaptured the title.
Our Novice Juvenile Band (the ‘B’ Band) also acquitted themselves
extremely well, coming in fourth in their ‘Novice’ class. Sergeant Matt Wilson, our
lead piping instructor, also became a World Champion in the Grade 1 competition
with the Field Marshall Montgomery Pipe Band.
9
December 2014
Fortunas 34
QUEEN’S BATON
COMES TO
DOLLAR
10
On Wednesday 25th June the Queen’s
Baton came through Dollar and into
Dollar Academy. The entire staff and
pupils of the school were joined by all
of Strathdevon Primary’s pupils and
many members of the local community
to form an eager and delighted
audience for the Baton as it made its
way across Scotland stopping, briefly,
at Dollar Academy.
Co-ordinator of the school’s
Charities Committee, Ellie Scott-Gray
(then Form VI), had been nominated
to carry the Baton into the school
grounds, proceeding at a leisurely pace
so that all could enjoy its passing, up
the Heyworth Approach to the school’s
front steps. It arrived here, with flags
twirling and to the sounds of the Pipe
Band, and was greeted by the Rector,
who addressed a few words to the
assembled and very delighted crowd.
News
Ellie then carried the Baton
round the entire campus, giving an
opportunity for those who wished to
touch it and for a number of ‘Baton
selfies’ to mark the moment. On her
experience of the day, Ellie commented,
“I am just so, so excited to be carrying
the Queen’s Baton and so incredibly
honoured to have been chosen. It’s
also such a perfect way to end what has
been an absolutely wonderful Sixth
Form year at Dollar Academy. I could
not have asked for a better way to end
my Dollar career.”
An hour later, Ellie handed on
the Baton to Julia Adamson to carry
it out of the Academy grounds onto
the next stage of its journey - another
emotional moment for Mrs Adamson,
in the last few days in her role as
Deputy Head of the Prep and Junior
Schools.
Photographs courtesy of Jan van der Merwe
December 2014
Fortunas 34
11
PREP AND JUNIOR SCHOOL
STAGE A COMMONWEALTH
GAMES
December 2014
Fortunas 34
In May, the Prep and Junior School brought the
Commonwealth Games to Scotland (well, to Dollar) just a
few weeks early. Though brisk and a bit grey initially, nothing
could dampen the spirits of the 400 children and staff who
participated in this hugely entertaining and celebratory
event.
The pupils were organised into teams representing
16 of the Commonwealth nations. The brightly coloured
flags were paraded down the West Approach and around
the sports field as the Pipe Band played rousing tunes in
accompaniment. Every child participated in a round-robin
series of fun events that included an obstacle marathon
(complete with high walls to clamber over, nets to clamber
under and posts to zigzag through), rounders, potted sports,
problem solving puzzles, quizzes and, of course, the everpopular tug o’war.
The event culminated with everyone coming together
to sing ‘Fruits of Our Gifts’, the Big Sing Commonwealth
song they had rehearsed throughout the day. They also
danced their Big Dance to the tune, most fittingly, of Pharrell
Williams’ chart hit ‘Happy’. It was a tremendous warm-up to
the upcoming Glasgow games.
12
News
December 2014
Fortunas 34
13
December 2014
Fortunas 34
JULIA ADAMSON
14
It would not be an understatement to
say that Dollar Academy has played a
huge part in Julia Adamson’s life to
date. A Dollar pupil herself from 19591972 (including a spell at Harviestoun
Castle as a result of the infamous fire),
she is also the parent of two Dollar FPs,
while her teaching career at Dollar has
spanned 25 years. It would also be fair
to say that Julia Adamson has played a
huge part in the life of Dollar Academy.
My first encounter with
Julia was as a Prep parent when my
overriding thought was, “My child is
in very safe hands,” and I pretty much
left things to Julia from then on. Some
years later, as a new teacher in the
Junior School, I can remember being
simply astounded by the energy which
Julia would bring to a project or an idea
- and by the amazing speed at which
she spoke - she simply had so much
enthusiasm for things that she wanted
to make every second of discussion as
convincing and persuasive as possible.
Over the last four school years,
during which it has been my privilege
to work so closely with Julia, I have
discovered many more dimensions to
her character, those things that make
Julia the very special person she is:
her warmth and compassion; her
dedication and hard work; her deep
interest in teaching and learning; her
precise knowledge of grammar; her
unequivocal understanding of right
and wrong and her immensely funny
sense of humour.
Julia’s ethos and values flow
through every sinew and space in the
Prep School. Over the years she has
certainly witnessed the pendulum of
teaching methodologies swing to and
fro, yet she has kept the Prep School
true to its core values whilst embracing
the new, if and when it has been the
right thing to do. She herself loves
learning about teaching and learning
and she has been at the forefront of
our curriculum development. Whilst
always ensuring we were getting
the basics and foundation stones of
language and mathematics absolutely
right, it was Julia who would look
into any new developments or ideas to
assess if they were in the best interests
of our pupils, and, if so, how best to
pursue them.
One notable area of curriculum
development that she has championed
is global citizenship, closely linked to
another Julia innovation – the Malindi
Project, a charitable enterprise which
now permeates every stage of the
school, from Prep School pennies for
Malindi, FPs volunteering in Kenya,
to teacher exchanges with Malindi
Primary School.
Farewell
“So here’s to you
Mrs Adamson,
We will miss you
more than you
can know.”
Alison Morrison
December 2014
Fortunas 34
From raising our awareness and understanding of
the situation of others, to leading fundraising initiatives and
successfully bidding for government grants, Julia always gets
stuck in herself and leads by example. Many say they will do
something, Julia does it - as she did in May, when completing
the Edinburgh marathon in 5 hours 17 minutes. On countless
evenings my last glimpse of Julia was of a vision in pink as
she pulled on her lycra, attached her head torch and iPod and
headed off into the dark night for the required number of
laps to keep her on track for her goal. Like everything else,
this was a campaign planned with military precision, and
even when the unexpected rose up to thwart her (literally) - a
trip, and a collision with the concrete at 24.6 miles – Julia
was not to be beaten!
Military precision brings to mind the Prep School
Sports Day – an event synonymous with Julia’s sense of
style and occasion. Being a fierce competitor herself, she
never shirked or shielded children from healthy competition,
preferring instead to instil in them, from an early age, the
idea of trying one’s best and being a good sportsman. And
events as smooth-running and seamless as Prep School
Sports certainly do not happen without comprehensive
planning and an eye for detail – something I am truly grateful
to have learned from Julia.
Whether it is Prep School Sports Day, countless
trips both abroad and at home, Recruit Camp, Bisley, Scottish
Country Dancing, ski tours, coffee mornings, entrance
tests, Open Mornings, assemblies, shows, Carol Services,
staff meetings, or simply delivering jolly good lessons, Julia
commits wholeheartedly to everything. Amongst the most
memorable events have been her countless appearances in
a variety of lurid disguises (cracker, Christmas tree, fairy) as
‘mystery’ MC for the Prep 4 and 5 annual Christmas Party.
My only disappointment is that she did not don all costumes
simultaneously in a glorious extravaganza of glitter and glitz
for her final appearance on stage.
I think the thing I most admire in Julia is her innate
ability intuitively to do or say the right thing to make things
better for that particular person at that particular time;
whether it be to comfort, console, reassure, encourage,
praise, discipline, or simply to be there. She knows when to
be firm and when to be a little softer. She ‘fixed’ many broken
parts of wee people, but also knew when to say “You’re fine
– get back out there.” She is the busiest, most hard-working
person I know, yet she always has time to listen to her
colleagues’ concerns– no matter how trivial. The words “I’m
too busy” are simply not in her vocabulary.
Since ‘retiring’ in June, Julia has marshalled our
Shooting Team at Bisley, orchestrated a most successful
shooting event as part of the Commonwealth Games, built
a shed, fenced a garden, travelled to Greece and is currently
engaged in training a spaniel named George. It is only fair
that her many talents and boundless energy should now be
shared more widely; we have enjoyed a monopoly on this
unique lady for a very long time. But in the words of Prep 1,
with a nod to Simon and Garfunkel;
15
December 2014
Fortunas 34
EMMA PEARCE
16
The draw of the Dollar Classics
Department has become the stuff of
legend. Dr Mac makes the round trip
from Carnoustie each day; the newest
addition to the Department is a bona
fide Greek who crosses the Forth twice
daily to teach here; the HoD herself
hails from just outside Hol(l)ywood.
Ms Pearce, however, beat us all, making
the daily commute to Dollar from
California (albeit California, FK1).
Legends, however, tend to be
rooted in the past, and that is a phrase
that certainly could not be applied to
Emma’s approach to teaching. In her
short time with us as Head of Classics,
she brought the study of the ancient
civilisations to life in the classroom,
with ‘Show-Me’ boards, online
resources and games and puzzles to
reinvigorate lessons. Heavily involved
in SQA activities, Emma helped
navigate the Department past the
Scylla and Charybdis in the sea of new
qualifications, sharing her knowledge
and experience with calmness and
a much appreciated dose of good
humour. Much more importantly,
legions of young Dollar Classicists now
know that Doctor Who had a much
more illustrious previous incarnation,
as that well-known victim of Vesuvius,
a certain Lucius Caecilius Iucundus.
Emma leaves us, after the
conclusion of her maternity leave, to
return to Watson’s as their Head of
Classics. We shall miss her, and wish
her every success and happiness for
the future.
Heather Lumsden
SUSAN LINDSAY
Susan Lindsay will be remembered
here very fondly by both colleagues
and pupils for many years to come.
She grew up in Dumfries where she
also gained her first experiences of
teaching before an adventuring spirit
and several moves north brought her
to the no less green landscapes of
first Shetland, Fife and then Dollar’s
English Department in 2010. Here she
quickly established herself as a highly
regarded teacher of young people
and a well-respected personality on
the staff. A warm-hearted, hardworking and supportive member of
the English Department, she was also
an experienced and active member
of the Literacy Committee, a popular
Form Tutor and Boarding House Tutor.
Her pupils had every reason to respect
her meticulous work and her insights,
as well as the organised, supportive
approach which ensured her classroom
was always humming with a particular
kind of productive energy. She saw her job, however,
as more than just the province of the
classroom. The guidance of pupils
was very important to her, and her
handling of awkward boys in particular
was the object of some admiration
among her colleagues, as well as the
boys themselves. Out of this sector
of the school population came her
initiative to set up the school GoKarting Club, an activity that helped
channel certain testosterone-fuelled
energies. Less noisy and windswept
co-curricular occupations included
the Book Clubs she ran and the
Yearbook Committee she supported. In
connection with the latter, if there was
ever a colleague prepared to roll up her
sleeves and bring calm into the ‘mosh
pit’ at a Yearbook Band Night, it was
Susan. Heyworth girls also found her
a helpful, patient and reliable presence
during her weekly visits. We all miss her gentle sense of
humour, often far too self-deprecating,
her warm-heartedness, her love of fine
shoes and passion for Downton Abbey,
her commitment to the arts and to
teaching. Currently settled back on
home turf, Dumfries schools will no
doubt use her talents over the coming
years and value her as much as we have.
Finally it remains for us to wish her
and little Cerys much happiness and
every success.
Kate Murray
Farewell
FIONA McBRIDE
David Knapman
December 2014
Alastair McConnell
Shiona Scott
Wendy Pearson arrived at Dollar in
2001 with exemplary references,
having worked as a PA at a very high
level in the corporate sector. She did
not disappoint. Intelligent, efficient,
extremely hardworking and with
outstanding communication skills, she
organised her Rectors superbly, despite
their attempts to wander off-piste.
She was also truly appreciated by the
staff as a whole; her integrity, charm
and wit made any visit to her office a
pleasure rather than an ordeal. Wendy
cares about people almost as much as
she cares about dogs – which is a very
great deal indeed. One desk drawer
contained a regularly re-stocked supply
of dog biscuits, happily dished out to
any passing mongrel, along with plenty
of patting and praise. She treats people
in much the same way, making them
feel better about themselves, although
she is sharp enough to be able to put
any individual back in their place when
she wants to. I note from her file that
in 2003 she completed a course called
‘The Indispensable Assistant’ – and
that is just what she became.
Wendy’s many qualities include a
sense of modesty; she was assiduous
in her attempts to avoid any ‘fuss’
about her departure and she requested
that this article be brief. Which is just
as well, because doing justice to her
contribution is a task well beyond me.
Fortunas 34
Fiona McBride is retiring after 23
years at Dollar, having worked for
three Rectors and three Heads of the
Geography Department where she
has been a mainstay. An SQA Higher
marker for many years, she has been
central to our understanding of
the development of the Geography
curriculum, and her classes have every
reason to be grateful for her assiduous
and committed approach to her
teaching. She has been associated with
many activities outside the classroom,
including Ballroom Dancing (that
most unpopular of duties that requires
long hours on a Friday evening) and
Falconry. In connection with the latter,
she has been responsible in association
with her husband Bryan for helping
organise significant work experience
for would-be vets. Finally, she has,
for countless years, been the central
organiser for the Bible Readings in
senior assembly and Parish Church,
training generations of prefects and
small children to face their worst
nightmares in front of audiences
of hundreds. Her calm, supportive
approach has been essential here, as it
has in the years she has supported First
Aid at the Lunchfield during Sponsored
Walks. Coffee and home baking are
another couple of her prime qualities,
and she leaves a high bar firmly set in
this area. She will be missed by staff
and pupils alike.
WENDY
PEARSON
17
December 2014
Fortunas 34
Farewell
Class of 2014
18
Welcome
DOLLAR WELCOMES THE CLASS
OF 2027!
“Prep 1 have had a most enjoyable first week at school.” - Mrs Barbour, Deputy
Head of the Prep and Junior School
Measuring water in paddling pools…building towers with enormous bricks…balancing a tennis ball on a parachute…lots of outdoor games…a nature treasure
hunt...finding soft white feathers, leaves munched by caterpillars, seed shells that
looked like fairy hats…
December 2014
Class photographs courtesy of Jan van der Merwe
Fortunas 34
“I had lots of fun playing in the playground and the tennis courts” . . . “everyone is
friends with me”. . . “I couldn’t wait to get there”. . . “I loved my first day at school”.
. . “I looked beautiful in my school uniform”. . . “I was very tired when I went home.”
– happy Prep 1 pupils
19
PAUL ARNOLD
December 2014
Fortunas 34
MAUREEN
BARBOUR
20
Maureen joins us from Kelly College
Prep School where she held the position
of Head of Pre-Prep and Assistant
Head. She spent eight enjoyable years
there, where she and her family enjoyed
sailing and walking on Dartmoor.
Maureen has 28 years of
experience teaching both in the
state and independent sector. She
has enjoyed her many roles and
responsibilities.
She was born in West Lothian
but spent her early childhood in the
Middle East, South East England and
South Wales. Returning to Scotland as
a teenager she became a pupil at Mary
Erskine School. She then went on to
study for her Bachelor of Education at
Moray House College of Education and
Stirling University.
Last year she and her husband
decided to return to Scotland and
Maureen was thrilled when she was
appointed as Assistant Head of Prep
School at Dollar Academy. It is a school
very well known to her, not least
because her husband is a Former Pupil.
Maureen is now enjoying the
challenges of her new role and working
with the super Prep pupils. She has
been particularly impressed by the
friendliness and support of both the
children and staff.
She and her family are now
beginning to feel settled back in
Scotland and are particularly enjoying
the sailing on the west coast.
The Biology Department welcomes
Paul Arnold to its teaching staff this
session.
Paul was born in Gosport,
Hampshire, but spent most of his
life in the North of England, living
in Hull and Southport respectively.
After completing his A-Levels, he went
on to study Ecology, Evolution and
Behaviour at Durham University and
graduated in 2011. He joined Teach
First straight after graduating and was
placed at Oasis Academy, Immingham
where he trained as a Science Teacher.
He spent three years there developing
his teaching practice and helped to
build the department in his role as
Learning Co-ordinator of Science. He
also spent July 2014 working with
Oasis South Africa in Cosmo City,
training teachers and working with
unemployed youths.
Paul is now enjoying life at
Dollar and has been impressed with
the levels of engagement students
have shown towards their Biology and
Science lessons. He is helping to coach
the Senior Football team and hopes
that they can progress far this year.
He manages to play himself for a local
football team at the weekend while also
spending time completing his studies
towards achieving an MA in Education.
Welcome
Gill Dean has joined the teaching staff
of the Geography Department this
session. She was born in Glasgow,
and her schooling was both there
and in Edinburgh, and also included
an exchange year in France when
she was seventeen. She then went
on to complete a Geography degree
at Glasgow University. After a short
spell working for the civil service,
undertaking Geographical Information
Systems work for the local council, she
completed her PGDE at Edinburgh
University. Before joining the staff
at Dollar, she taught for seven years
in Gairloch High School and enjoyed
living on the scenic west coast with the
huge choice of outdoor activities, and
did a lot of hillwalking, climbing and
mountain biking.
Gill is now enjoying the
challenges of a new position, and has
been particularly impressed by the
motivated attitude of the pupils and
by the friendliness of the staff. Having
been heavily involved with the Duke
of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme in her
previous school, she is very much
looking forward to expedition season
here at Dollar and the opportunity to
get to know the local geography.
Carol joins us from Stirling High School
where she held the position of Head of
Science and Teacher of Physics. Over
her ten years there she enjoyed the
opportunity to work with exceptional
students and staff.
Born in Glasgow, Carol
has migrated across the country to
Stirling over the years after studying
Mathematical Sciences and teacher
training. She has always wanted to
teach Physics and Mathematics and
has accrued 21 years of experience
from her time at Cumbernauld and
Stirling High Schools. She enjoyed her
many roles and responsibilities in both
establishments and participated in
many whole-school activities.
Carol is now enjoying the
new challenges and opportunities
of her role as Teacher of Physics and
Science at Dollar. She is particularly
looking forward to the chance to
teach and enthuse younger pupils in
delivering the Junior Science course.
The friendliness and support of both
pupils and staff have made a strong
impression upon her and have helped
her feel quickly at home.
Carol is looking forward to
becoming more involved with the
whole life of the school in the coming
session, especially now that, plaster
cast off, she is becoming more mobile!
RACHEL
MEIKLEJOHN
A further addition to the English
Department is Rachel Meiklejohn,
who joins us this session having
already forged close links with the
Mathematics Department here.
Rachel was born and raised
in Edinburgh, where she attended
George Heriot’s School. She fondly
remembers the Saturday mornings she
spent at Dollar playing hockey on the
school pitch, although she would find
herself distracted by the grandeur of
the Playfair Building and the view of
the Ochils!
On leaving school, she went
to Durham University to gain her
degree in English. With her keen
love of literature, and having enjoyed
working with young people through
her role as a Student Ambassador, she
decided to go into teaching. Following
her graduation, she moved to Glasgow,
to undertake her PGDE at Strathclyde
University.
She now joins us from
Kinlochbervie High School, where
she successfully completed her
Probationary Year as the sole full-time
English teacher. During her time in the
remote North West she kept herself
December 2014
CAROL MALLEY
Fortunas 34
GILL DEAN
21
busy: setting up a running club, singing
in the choir, and not only writing but
directing and starring in the school
musical.
Rachel is delighted to be a
part of Dollar’s English Department,
and has been hugely impressed by the
warm welcome from staff and pupils
alike, as well as the family ethos of
the school. She is looking forward to
helping pupils make the most of the
many opportunities available to them,
within and beyond the classroom.
December 2014
Fortunas 34
JACQUELYN
MONK
22
Jacquelyn Monk initially joined the
Staff here at Dollar as a maternity
cover, but she liked it so much she has
decided to stay indefinitely! She came
to us from Deans Community High
School in Livingston where she taught
for ten years, both full-time and parttime (while her two boys were very
small).
After being schooled at The
High School of Dundee she graduated
from St Andrews University with
Honours in English Language and
Literature. At this point she had an
inkling she might wish to become a
teacher, so she set off to teach English
in Nagasaki, Japan for a year with the
dual purposes of experiencing foreign
culture and trying out pedagogy. The
venture was a success as she remained
there a further two years, returning
determined to teach. She undertook
her PGCE at Moray House.
Her initial impressions of
Dollar were very favourable: the
beautiful grounds, the playing of the
Pipe band, the good manners of the
pupils; she was particularly stuck by
the frequency which people at Dollar
use the adjective ‘lovely’ to describe
many things in their environment…
Jacquelyn is happy to report that she
has indeed found Dollar lovely and
looks forward to her career here.
MYRTO ZIKOU
Our new addition to the Classics
Department, Myrto was (quite
fittingly!) born and raised in Greece,
enjoying many hot summers and
milder winters in her native home
before coming to Scotland. A keen
interest in Classics led her to study
at the University of Ioannina, in her
hometown, where she was awarded a
Degree in Medieval and Modern Greek
Philology. After completing her studies,
she was interested to challenge herself
in different settings with children of
differing abilities and so she went on
to work as a tutor as well as teaching
pupils with additional support needs.
A restless spirit brought Myrto
to Edinburgh, where her previous
teaching experience motivated her
to embark upon a Masters Degree in
Inclusive and Special Education at the
University of Edinburgh in September
2011. A challenging but rewarding
year followed, with lots of research
and assignments accompanied by
the inevitable feeling of nostalgia for
home.
Myrto believes that the indepth knowledge of both theory
and practice that she acquired in
completing her Masters, combined
with the various teaching and learning
approaches that she developed, have
transformed her into an enthusiastic
and hard-working teacher. Before
coming to Dollar Academy, she
widened her experience in a school for
children with behavioural, emotional
and social problems in Edinburgh. She
now makes the daily commute from
across the Forth, and believes she has
found her second home in the ‘Athens
of the North’.
Staff interviews conducted by Amenah
Cheema (Form VI)
Welcome
LANGUAGE ASSISTANTS
Every year, Dollar welcomes students from overseas who assist in the teaching of the Modern Languages Department as part of
their studies. They provide a valuable opportunity for pupils and, indeed, staff to converse with native speakers and thus build
up their confidence in the spoken language.
Name: Micha Hipp
Home: Stuttgart, Germany
Studying: History and English
Future plans: teacher of History and
English!
Impressions of Scotland: friendly
colleagues, lovely glens & bens,
amazing beverages (Irn Bru!)
Favourite Scottish word: dreich!
Name: Isabel López Soler
Home: Fuengirola, Málaga
Studying: Degree in Primary
Education, Málaga University (2012)
Future plans: Learn languages, travel
around the world, keep studying every
day
Impressions of Scotland: After a year
living in Scotland I can honestly say I
am in love with this country. Beautiful
place and kind people.
Favourite Scottish word: ceilidh!
Name: Nathalie Marec
Home: Originally Paris, France; I now
live in Dollar
Studying: Counselling/Psychotherapy
Future plans: I would like to work as a
counsellor, maybe abroad.
Impressions of Scotland: I like Scotland
very much, especially the landscapes
and the light. Dollar is a peaceful,
friendly and beautiful place, I enjoy
living here.
Favourite Scottish word: peely-wally!
December 2014
Name: Alessio Bacciu
Home: Brunella (Sardegna), Italy
Studying: Degree in History
and Literature, 2° Degree in History
Research and Medieval History
Future plans: to work another year at
Dollar Academy!
Impressions of Scotland: Amazing
countryside, kind, polite and friendly
people, great place to work.
Favourite Scottish word: ‘aye’! And ‘wee’
(as in ‘wee man’!)
Fortunas 34
Name: Lily Wang
Home: Taipei, Taiwan
Studying: Social Psychology and
Teaching Chinese as a Second
Language
Future plans: I am planning to visit
France, Belgium, Netherlands,
Germany, Poland, Denmark and
Sweden this year! After this, I will
study Teaching Chinese as a Second
Language for a Masters Degree Impressions of Scotland: Dollar is a
beautiful small town, people are
friendly here. I prefer the weather here
to Taiwan (so far!). I love the autumn
colours in Scotland.
Favourite Scottish word: glaikit!
23
December 2014
Fortunas 34
Laura Manson,
Head Girl
Ross McGregor,
Head Boy
Megan Montgomery,
Deputy Head Girl
Our Head Girl belongs to the happy
band of pupils who have been at Dollar
since Prep One, and has been a key
member of the year group since those
early days. Laura has never been one
to follow the crowd, and at a young age
she decided to shun hockey in favour
of swimming. This certainly wasn’t
the worst decision she’s ever made,
considering she swam for Scotland at
the age of 10 and internationally for
Britain when she was 12. Unfortunately,
she had to retire from swimming
early, but this simply gave her more
time to nurture her other talents: she
plays flute in First Orchestra and her
incredible voice has earned her a place
in Chamber Choir since Form III. She
is also the longest serving drummer
in the ‘A’ band which (as she never lets
us forget) recently won the World Pipe
Band Championships, an outstanding
achievement indeed. What Laura
perhaps lacks in actual drumming
technique, she definitely makes up for
in enthusiasm, but suffice to say her
solo drumming career never really took
off.
On the academic front, she is
currently studying Chemistry, Biology
and Latin (apparently a prerequisite
for Head Girls in recent years) at
Advanced Higher level, along with
Higher Photography, where, judging by
some of her photographs, she appears
to be adopting a ‘point and click’
approach. She has her sights set on a
place to study Medicine at university,
and after a strong set of exam results
and an extremely impressive UKCAT
score, she is very well placed to achieve
this. Her sensitivity and bubbly sense
of humour have made her a popular
figure throughout the school. It has
been a pleasure and a privilege to have
been in the same year group as Laura,
and I confidently predict a bright
future ahead of her.
A brilliant academic, talented musician
and sportsman, and popular member
of the year group – it came as no
surprise when Ross was announced
Head Boy. Having joined in Prep 3, he
has left his mark on the school from
the very beginning.
His incredible and varied
talent as a musician first emerged
when Ross scooped the leading role
of the Artful Dodger in the Junior
School Musical, Olivia, and ever since
then he has failed to escape the Music
Department. Now a valued member
of the Chamber Choir, a keen pianist
and piper, as well as a talented DJ, he
has showcased his musical talent in
every possible way. Not only is he lucky
enough to possess such musical talent,
but it is clear that he is also a brilliant
sportsman. As well as a member of the
1st XV Rugby team, he is also a key
member of the school’s Shooting team,
having qualified last season for the
BSSRA League Final and competed for
the last three years at Bisley, both as a
cadet and as a member of the school’s
Imperial squad.
Alongside his involvement
in a wide variety of co-curricular
activities, Ross has managed to
uphold an unblemished academic
record throughout his school career.
Having achieved outstanding results
in his Highers, he is currently studying
Advanced Higher Music Technology,
Physics and Maths, as well as Higher
Business, with the ambition of going
on to study Maths at university next
year. I am confident that this is an
ambition he will comfortably achieve.
Ross’s role as Head Boy is
accompanied by a hefty workload, to
put it lightly. The fact that this may
not seem obvious to the members of
our year group is down to his ability to
take everything in his stride. Modest
in his achievements and unfazed by his
ambitions, he is the ideal role-model
for those in the years below. Ross will
be greatly missed. I wish him all the
best for the bright future that awaits
him beyond his life at Dollar.
Leading actress; talented musician;
dedicated Recruit Instructor; key
member of the Hockey 1st XI; Shooting
Team Captain; strong academic and a
valued member of our top six - Megan
Montgomery has left her mark on nearly
every area of Dollar life. She appears to
have effortlessly balanced all of these
co-curricular commitments, achieving
huge success in each, and decorating
herself with an enviable number of
accolades along the way. One typical
example of her accomplishments
would be her securing a lead role in the
Senior School, Cats, when only in Form
III - a huge achievement for someone
in Sixth Year, let alone someone who
hadn’t auditioned for the Musical
before. It is true that she had previous
form here, albeit on a lesser scale,
having played a lead role, once again,
in the Junior 2 musical, Olivia. She also
trod the boards as lead actress in drama
productions in Forms I to III. And once
you watch Megan on the stage, it is
easy to see why she has achieved such
success.
On a very different stage, her
Shooting career has also flourished,
a career which has seen her accepted
into the school’s Imperial squad and
competing as a key member of the
Ashburton-winning team for three
years. As if that were not enough
responsibility, she is now Head of
Recruits in the school CCF, and was
awarded the prestigious position
of Lord Lieutenant’s Cadet, having
been chosen as the most dedicated,
responsible
and
well-mannered
member of the CCF – very impressive
and equally well-deserved.
Despite
all
these
achievements, Megan is remarkably
unassuming, a cheery smiley member
of our Top 6. Her focus now is upon
securing a place to study Medicine
at university. With a top-class set
of Higher results under her belt and
her impressive range of co-curricular
success, she is certainly well on track.
We shall miss her, and wish her
continued success.
by Duncan
by Megan
24
by Ross
Welcome
Joe George,
Deputy Head Boy
Duncan Cooper,
Deputy Head Boy
As one of the original 28 young pupils
in our Year to make their way to a Prep
1 class at Dollar back in late August
2002, it would be a hard task to find
anyone more committed to our school
than Isla Cubitt. From a young age, she
enjoyed popularity throughout Prep
School – despite the fact she was taller
than every boy and probably better at
rugby than them too. Yes, Isla played
rugby. However, in addition to rugby,
she showed potential on the hockey
field and soon proved herself an integral
member of the Junior ‘A’ team. This
early talent in hockey begot further
success as Isla went on to represent the
Midlands region across three different
age groups. Moreover, she was selected
for the U16 Scotland Hockey squad and
has since been elected Vice Captain of
the school 1st XI. Her sporting prowess
extends into other disciplines, notably
in shooting and athletics, where she
has represented Dollar at Scottish
Schools’ level in both fields.
In between all of this, she
manages to fit in some academic
work, and has shone just as brightly
in the classroom. With a clutch of
outstanding results at both Standard
Grade and Higher level, she now
has her sights set on a place to study
Pharmacy at university. With her
warm, caring personality, good humour
and multitude of talents, Isla has been
a real asset to the Top 6 team this
year and will no doubt go on to enjoy
further success in all she does.
As someone who has made an
impression in all areas of the life of the
school, Duncan was not an unexpected
entry to the Top 6. Since arriving at
the school in Junior 2, he has excelled
both academically and socially. Having
received nothing less than top grades
throughout his school career, it came
as no surprise when he achieved an
outstanding 6 ‘A Band 1s’ in his Higher
results.
When not in the classroom,
Duncan can usually be found in the
Music Department with his beloved
fiddle. Although primarily a player of
Scottish traditional music, he passed
his Grade 8 exam in classical violin
last year. As if his parents didn’t have
enough to be proud of, his exceptional
talent has seen him elected leader of
the First Orchestra this year. Ensuring
that all areas of expertise are covered,
he is also a keen footballer, playing for
the school’s first XI. Unfortunately for
him, (luckily for us), it has in fact been
proven that Duncan is not the perfect
Dollar student, as his singing career
never has and never will take off…
This has all created an
incredibly impressive CV for Duncan,
so we have no doubt that he will go on
to be very successful in all that he does,
with hopes of studying Medicine at
university next year. His (occasionally)
humorous quick wit and genuinely
caring personality have made him a
popular, core member of the year group
and I think that everyone will agree
that it has been a pleasure getting to
know him.
by Joe
December 2014
by Isla
Isla Cubitt,
Deputy Head Girl
Fortunas 34
Joe arrived at Dollar in Prep 4,
instantly fitting into the year group
as an enthusiastic - and occasionally
mischievous - young character. In his
nine years at the school, he has grasped
every opportunity to excel, bringing
credit to the school with his success in
many fields.
Dedicated to his studies, Joe
has consistently obtained outstanding
‘A’ grades in SQA examinations
(provided we forget about that
Intermediate 2 Chemistry...). Advanced
Highers in Mathematics, English and
History, as well as Higher Accounts
are currently on his timetable, subjects
which will hopefully gain him a place
at university next year to study
Accountancy and Finance.
Outside of the classroom you
will find Joe representing the Academy
in a wide variety of co-curricular
activities. A keen sportsman, he has
a passion for rugby, and his talent for
the game has seen him represent his
regional U16 team and the school’s First
XV. Furthermore, Joe has represented
the Central District in athletics. In
contrast to his more active pursuits,
he is also a dedicated member of the
Mixed Voice Choir, and his talent for
English helped him secure the position
of Sports Editor on The Galley. His way
with words also served him well in the
faultless execution of a romantic story
at a formal dinner…
In his time here, Joe has
given his all to the school and stands
as a model of what fine youngsters
the Academy can produce. He is a key
member of our year group, highly
respected for his contribution to the
school, and it is a real pleasure to
work alongside him as a co-member
of the Top 6. I have no doubt that this
motivated character will continue to
achieve highly after he walks through
the bronze doors for the final time in
June to the challenges ahead.
by Laura
25
FORM I
ACTIVITIES DAY
December 2014
Fortunas 34
th
the
Thursday 25 September was
Form
date this session for the annual
to
I Activities Day, an opportunity
lynew
the
in
promote team spirit with
out
formed form classes and through
ly
live
This
le.
who
a
as
the year group
ls,
leve
rgy
ene
the
sed
event showca
I,
creativity and enthusiasm of Form
s
vitie
as the pupils tackled four acti
er
Ryd
a
over the course of the day:
ll
Cup-themed golf event; a basketba
ing
uild
ge-b
brid
a
competition;
challenge; and some outdoor team
es
leng
chal
The
ts.
building even
ce
culminated in a very hard-fought Spa
ses
clas
the
een
betw
race
y
rela
Hopper
to close the school day.
26
Boarding
ARGYLL HOUSE
Those first few weeks
December 2014
The last week of the summer holidays
had seemed to drag laboriously slowly;
I was all packed and ready to return
to Dollar and Argyll House days
before my flight. The anticipation of
returning to my second home was
made all the more exciting in the
knowledge that I would be taking up
my new role as Head of House.
This first half-term has
passed by scarily quickly; with House
trips and boarding activities planned
almost every weekend, there is
always something to look forward
to. We have enjoyed a treasure hunt,
craft weekends, girly sleepovers and
shopping trips to keep us all amused,
but by far the best thing about being
back in the House is the chance to
spend time with girls that I truly
believe will be my friends for life.
The most memorable House
trip of the new term has been to
Butterfly World, Edinburgh. Planned
by Mrs Welsh, Viki and myself, this
was to be an incredibly girly trip with
afternoon tea beforehand. It was a
whole-House affair, with Mr and Mrs
Welsh’s children, Sarah and Rachel,
joining in the fun. The girls all rose
to the occasion admirably, donning
butterfly wings and painting each
other’s faces. On arrival we received
some pretty bemused looks, but this
didn’t stop a number of little girls
requesting photographs with the
‘fairies’!
Afternoon tea was
astonishing; tiers of cakes and vats
of tea greeted us when we sat down
at our tables. Needless to say, it was
all polished off within half an hour
and we were all ready to visit the
butterflies.
Fortunas 34
So far, my (albeit short) experience
of boarding in Argyll House has been
really enjoyable. I feel as if I’ve settled
in very quickly, with a lot of help
from all of the girls here. I was quite
overwhelmed on my first few days
in the House - it’s quite a big change
going from living with just two sisters
to twenty!
At the start, one of the hardest
things was of course leaving my family
and friends, but we are so busy most
of the time that the first half-term has
flown by. I’m quite lucky in the fact
that I don’t live too far away, so some
weekends I can go home and see my
family if I want to. At the same time,
one of the best things about boarding
is that you have the opportunity to
meet so many new and different people
that you might never have spoken to
otherwise.
On my first few days of
school, it was really reassuring having
the other boarders there - if I got
lost or didn’t have someone to go to
lunch with, I could always go with
one of them. I was now part of the
family. Because everyone has been so
welcoming and gets on so well, it feels
like I’ve been here for ages. I hope my
next three years in Argyll will be just
as good as the last six weeks have been!
All a-flutter on a trip
to Edinburgh
Jenny Campbell (Form IV)
27
Walking into the butterfly
greenhouse took our breath away.
If, like me, you were wearing bright
colours, the butterflies immediately
flocked towards you. There seemed
to be hundreds of species, each with
their own distinct markings and
colours. We all then decided to try
our hands at holding and feeding the
various beasts Insect World had to
offer. This proved to be an excellent
test of nerve for some of the girls: Viki
had to leave when the millipede was
presented; when the tarantula scuttled
forward Luc had to make a swift exit;
I myself retired gracefully back to the
butterflies when Sally the Anaconda
made an appearance.
On the bus home the girls
were extremely complimentary of
what some of them deemed their
‘favourite House trip’. It was a great
pleasure for me to share one of my
favourite childhood experiences with
some of my favourite people.
Wallis Rodd, Head of House
HEYWORTH HOUSE
With seven new girls and two new kittens, it is certainly shaping up to be another
exceptional year in Heyworth! One of our new additions, Rachel, had only been
here for a week, when she quickly brought home to me how warm and hospitable
our House is as a whole. “Welcoming, friendly and fun” were Rachel’s words to sum
up her first impressions - and we couldn’t really ask for anything more. Ruby, our
most recent addition, has also settled into our Heyworth family quickly and easily.
With all these new faces the House seems like a completely different place, but at
heart nothing has changed!
Already this term we have enjoyed activities such as team-building games,
bowling trips, Oktoberfest celebrations and karaoke evenings. All three boarding
houses have joined together for most of these activities which has added to the fun.
We always love the time spent with all of the Houses together, and I believe that
this year the boarding community is stronger than ever.
Even the simple day-to-day life in the House, with the girls and the
amazing Duncan family, is filled with many hilarious moments; whether it is
baking, playing ping-pong or even just watching a film, somehow the simplest of
activities can become an experience. This is definitely our ‘home from home’.
It is hard to do justice to life in Heyworth in only a few words, but already
the signs point to an incredible year in the House, and I am looking forward to
spending it with the girls, the Duncan family (and their kittens) and also the
boarding community as a whole. Roll on 2014/15!
December 2014
Fortunas 34
Bethany Youds (Form VI)
28
Boarding
McNABB & TAIT HOUSE
December 2014
After this incredibly successful summer period,
the boarding house was raring to burst back into life for
the start of the new session. It is probably fair to say that
McNabb & Tait version 2014-15 is the most international
House in the school’s history. With pupils from Asia,
the Middle East, Central and Eastern Europe, Western
Europe, the Caribbean and the USA we can, perhaps,
be most accurately described as a mini-United Nations.
Almost immediately the boys were given the opportunity
to bond with each other, along with all the girls from their
respective Houses, at the annual team-building event.
This popular event in the boarding calendar, this year
held at Crieff Hydro, saw the whole boarding community
wrestle with various outdoor pursuits, all in the name of
team-building. Alongside this laudable aspiration was the
opportunity for certain members of the House to show off
their not inconsiderable skills. A perfect example of this was
the Swiss combination of Nigel Burzminski and Christopher
Siegrist (both form VI) scurrying up the climbing wall with
impressive dexterity, leaving all other boarders in their
wake; their alpine experience was obvious to all. The day,
under a beautiful blue sky, was thoroughly enjoyed by all,
whether they were wrestling in oversized Sumo suits, firing
arrows at distant targets or hurling wellies as far as their
muscles would allow.
Fortunas 34
The start and end of any boarding year are busy for everyone
involved in the House. The end of session 2013-14 in
McNabb & Tait was as busy as ever, and it is fair to say that
the boarding house had a dominant and prominent position
in most areas of the summer term. On the eve of Sports
Weekend there was the annual Senior Musical, the 2014
production being Guys and Dolls, in which newly-appointed
Head of House Iain Leggat (then Form V) took the lead
role of Sky Masterson. On the Saturday of Sports Weekend
there was what is always considered the real centrepiece
event: the Boarders vs Day Pupils Tug o’ War. This year the
boarders came away from the contest champions after an
emphatic 2-0 victory; the event will live long in the memory
of all those present, most specifically for the dramatic and
menacing performance of the Haka, featuring the resident
Gap student Seddon Smith, who had spent much of the
summer term teaching the boarders the complicated Maori
performance. The weekend was brought to a close with the
annual Pipe Band display. This year it featured numerous
members of McNabb & Tait House, a significant number of
whom went on to represent the school at the World Pipe
Band Championships at Glasgow Green. By the end of the
summer, the whole House was incredibly proud to boast it
now contained four World Pipe Band Champions (Finlay
Cameron, now Form II, Freddie McFadyean, Form IV,
alongside Sandy Cameron and Cameron Bennett, both Form
VI).
29
December 2014
Fortunas 34
30
The first few weeks of the session were also defined
by the political storm that swept the nation. The senior
boys of the House were faced with the historic ‘Yes or No’
question, and there was heated discussion and debate in the
common room, corridors and dining hall in the days leading
up to the Referendum vote. Rarely have so many young
people so politicised and it was heartening to listen to the
sophisticated, impassioned and well-informed opinions
being aired throughout September. Julien Mittre (Deputy
Head of House, Form VI) even featured in an extended
article on the Daily Telegraph website, debating alongside
a number of other Dollar pupils the central issues of the
campaign. His peculiarly Gallic take on the issues was
applauded by all who came across that particular piece of
media. The climax of the event was, of course, Referendum
night itself. After those enfranchised boarders had done
their civic duty, eight brave but devoted boys put on their
pyjamas and stayed up all night to watch the results trickle
in, with Iulian Bold (Deputy Head of House, Form VI)
getting the endurance prize for completing the ‘all night
and no sleep’ challenge, fuelled mostly by good quality black
coffee. Philip Ellis (Form VI), this year’s ESU scholar from
America, was captivated by the whole event and struggled
with the realisation that, just possibly, the Scottish
Referendum even trumped a US Presidential Election for
sheer drama and excitement.
Although that night showed a certain level of
commitment and passion, no event exhibits the courage
of the boarders of McNabb & Tait quite like the annual
Boarders Karaoke night. This year Lazar Stosic (Form V),
one of our new arrivals from Serbia, defined the bravery,
if not bravado, of the average McNabb & Tait boy with his
astonishing rendition of ‘Kung Fu Fighting’. For the rest of
the night there were numerous other dazzling performances
from both the girls and boys from across the boarding
community, with perhaps another highlight being the
crowd-pleasing performance of Abba’s ‘Take a Chance on
Me’ by two of our House ladies, backed up by an eager – if
not always in tune – choir of boarder girls. It was, though, a
fantastic evening that underlines the friendly, cooperative
and positive atmosphere within not just our boarding
house, but the whole boarding community.
Iain Leggat (Head of House),
Julian Bold and Julien Mittre (Deputy Heads of House)
Prep
Prep School Sports Day Thursday 19 June 2014
December 2014
Fortunas 34
31
ALL ABOUT ME
The pupils in Prep 2 started the first
term of the session exploring their new
topic, ‘All About Me.’ They have been
creating self-portraits, exploring their
family trees and teaming up to make
life-size chalk drawings in the Prep
School playground. This ‘Chalk and
Talk’ activity was lots of fun as they
discovered more about themselves and
friends around them.
My name is Jack and I
am nearly six. My family
is Sophie, Mummy and
Daddy. I live at Dollarbeg
Park. I like playing with my
dogs and at school I like
sums. I have two dogs.
Jack Harvey
December 2014
Fortunas 34
My name is Hamish. My age is
six and I live in Stirling. I have one
brother and one sister and a Dad
and a Mummy. I have a big house. I
have a small room and my Mummy
and Daddy have a big room.
Hamish Blyth
32
My name is Emily. I live in
Saline and I like playing
‘Catch’ with Tom.
Emily Williams
My name is Cara. I am six years
old. I’ve got a little sister. I live in
Rumbling Bridge. I like at home
playing with my Lego and at
school I like going to assemblies
and Art. I don’t have a pet. My
favourite things are karate,
ballet and designing.
Cara Croman
December 2014
Fortunas 34
My age is six. I have toys
and a Mum and Dad, a
Grandma and a brother
and a sister and that’s my
family. I like playing games
and I like Minecraft and
playing races.
Arjun Harar
My name is Gabby and I
am six and my birthday
is on 1st August. I have
one big brother and I like
swimming at school. I love
dogs but I don’t have a
pet. I have a cottage.
Gabby Frost
Prep
My name is Kristen. I have
a brother and I have two
cats. One of them is my
brother’s as well. I live in
Glendevon and I like to
make dens in my lounge.
At school I like to go to
Art.
Kristen Taplin
33
PREP SCHOOL
FUNDRAISING
WILDLIFE EXPLORERS
CLUB 2014
In May of this year, three young members of the Wildlife
Explorers Club participated in a very original fundraising
project: a sponsored skip.
Olivia MacDougall, Emma Manson and Eva Biggart
(all then Prep 3) wanted to raise money for the RSPB after
the organisation came to visit the Club. The girls came up
with the skipping idea after a class project required pupils to
research the lives of their grandparents. Emma discovered
that her grandmother used to skip when she was a little girl
and thus the project was born. Family and friends pledged
donations for the girls’ 30-minute skipping marathon, and
their successful efforts raised a most commendable £75.90
for the RSPB.
As Emma said, ‘We hope the money we raised will
be used to help keep wildlife safe from all the dangers from
humans, other animals and pollution.’
As autumn approaches, the Wildlife Explorers have started
their Prep School meetings again. We have an amazing 79
members this year, split into four groups. This means we
have a lot of interested young members eager to find out
about wildlife and nature and how to help look after their
environment. We had great fun at our first meeting of the
session out on an autumn scavenger hunt. This year we
are continuing to take part in the RSPB Wildlife Action
Awards Scheme. Some of our members are starting at the
beginning and working on their Bronze award, while others
have already achieved Bronze and Silver and are working
towards the Gold award. This scheme allows us to find out
what we can do to help the wildlife near us, practical ways to
be environmentally friendly and how to spread the word to
others. We are looking forward to working together in and
out of the classroom.
December 2014
Fortunas 34
In September of the new term, the Prep School took a rather
less energetic but no less demanding approach to fundraising,
as they turned their hands to baking to produce an impressive
spread for colleagues and friends for the annual Macmillan
World’s Biggest Coffee Morning. The wonderful sum of £375
was raised on the morning, taking the total raised to date for
this worthwhile cause to over £1200.
34
PREP 4 ART – FLOWERING PLANTS
Prep
December 2014
Fortunas 34
35
THE JUNIOR
SCHOOL
MUSICAL
December 2014
Fortunas 34
THE PIRATES OF
PENZANCE
36
All of the 88 children in Junior 2 took
to the stage in June for this year’s
musical, The Pirates of Penzance. Right
from the very first rehearsal there was
a real enthusiasm to make this show
the best ever, especially as the present
Form VI had also staged ‘Pirates’ in
their final year. There was certainly
a little friendly rivalry in the air,
with the old Pirate King, Ben Ward,
reluctant to give up his throne to the
new King, Alexander Mair.
Determined to impress the
more senior pupils, the Junior 2s took
to the stage as pirates, giggling girls
and policemen, and the production
certainly provided many funny and
entertaining moments. Elliot Crombie
gave an accomplished performance
as the ‘dreamy’ Frederic, and Rosie
Biggart, as Ruth his nursery maid,
enjoyed playing this amusing,
matronly character. Alexander Mair
was suitably powerful as the Pirate
King and Duncan Montford supported
him well as the rather more reserved
pirate, Samuel. Nadia Smith, as
Mabel, enchanted Frederic with her
beautiful singing, and Tom MacFadyen
gave a brilliant and entertaining
performance as the Major-General.
With Finlay Johnston (Sergeant),
Lara Garry (Edith) and Lucy Macrae
(Kate) performing their solo parts
in style, the Junior pupils certainly
demonstrated that this year group has
many talented pupils.
Junior
The musical was certainly a
great success and we all had great fun!
Sally Horne
Photographs courtesy of Jan van der Merwe
December 2014
A very successful final
performance brought the three-night
run to a close. The main characters
had enjoyed taking on their respective
roles and certainly relished the
opportunity of being on stage. The
full cast, however, added the icing
on the cake with their performances
as a convincing band of pirates, an
amusing chorus of ‘Keystone Cops’
and an enchanting group of refined
daughters.
Fortunas 34
The drama of the show was
enhanced by the fantastic scenery,
painted by Mr Maclean (Head of Art
and Design), and a slick and clever
scene change orchestrated by Mr Dann
and Miss Cleghorn. Throughout the
65-minute performance each character
enjoyed introducing themselves to
the appreciative audience, but it was
the arrival of the Major-General that
brought a real roar of laughter. Small
in stature but big in personality, Tom
continued to impress with his breathtaking rendition of ‘I Am the Very
Model of a Modern Major-General’.
The speed with which he delivered his
lines was nothing more than amazing
and by the end everyone, both cast
and audience, was gasping for breath!
37
THE TITANIC DAY
On 10th October J2D boarded the Titanic and embarked on
the voyage of their lives. This was the culmination of weeks
spent studying the luxurious ship, its passengers, its crew
and the details of the fateful night which led to one of the
biggest ever maritime disasters. The children arrived at school
wearing the Edwardian costume of first, second or third
class passengers, with accessories such as parasols, antique
suitcases and even a cigar! There were many surprises ahead
as the day was packed with activities: creating suitcases with
items needed for the voyage; studying ballroom etiquette and
dancing an Edwardian waltz; dining in style with immaculate
table manners; savouring the Titanic cake made by one of
the talented bakers in J2D; recreating the last scenes of the
sinking Titanic; singing the last hymn, ‘Nearer My God To
Thee’, accompanied by their own instrumental ensemble;
and finally hosting a formal debate to seek an answer to
‘Who was to blame for the disaster?’
Monika Harewood
“When we entered the classroom, I thought it was another
day of peacefulness, but then I looked at the day’s planner on
the whiteboard and thought to myself: ‘What a jam-packed
day!’’ Ruairidh
“We made some miniature suitcases out of cardboard
boxes. The fun was in decorating them. Choosing the right
decoration was difficult, there were so many of them...’ Katie
The children had a lot to report back on their
exciting day.
December 2014
Fortunas 34
“It was the last day of the week and it felt quite normal when I
got out of bed. However, when I went to get dressed I realised
that my uniform was not there. Instead there was a school
shirt with the collar cut off, a pair of tartan trousers, a tank
top jumper, a scarf, suspenders and a battered suitcase. And
then it dawned on me. It was our Titanic Day!’ Alastair
38
“If you see a bunch of 11-year-olds walking in the streets of
Dollar in Edwardian clothes, then I am pretty sure you will
come up with one of three theories. One: they are ghosts over
a hundred years old. Two: they have a very unusual sense of
style. Three: they have dressed up for J2D Titanic Day. This
one will be probably correct.” Camille
“We learnt a new dance called the waltz which was popular
in the Edwardian era. We had to show our new skills to Mrs
Morrison and the Rector; it turned out to be a success!” Josh
“During the waltz, the boys were to ask the girls for a dance,
saying, ‘May I have the honour of this dance with you?’, and
the girls could not refuse. However, my favourite rule was
introduced during lunch, when all the gentlemen had to
stand up whenever a lady stood up. Some of the girls were
standing up just to make the boys stand up, too!” Fiona
Junior
“An astonishing singer from Form VI, Barbara, sang to us the
hymn, ‘Nearer my God to Thee’, and inspired us to do well
when it was our turn.” Andrew
“Lunchtime was a learning curve for us all as we learnt some
Edwardian table manners. We had to use forks and knives to
cut up every item in our lunch box before we ate. I struggled
a bit with my apple!” Elizabeth
“The reason I liked the debate so much was because it was all
a mystery who each of us was until the Titanic Day and we all
had a different role to play. The person who was blamed the
most by the debaters was the owner of the ship, Bruce Ismay,
played by me!” James
“I was tired when I got home. That said, I kept my costume on
for the rest of the day even though we had a guest. I
think I just didn’t want the day to end!”
Poppy
“At one point we performed our role plays. We all sat in a
small lifeboat and you can imagine how cramped it was for
all the people in our class!” Ross
December 2014
Fortunas 34
“The debate was my favourite activity, I had been looking
forward to this all week and finally the time had come. I was
representing a radio operator on the sinking ship and placed
the blame on Captain Smith of the Titanic and Captain Lord
of the Californian.” Charlie
39
“The Largs trip was
awesome!!!!”
J1 HEAD TO THE SEASIDE
From 5th-6th May all of Junior 1 travelled, en masse, to the
seaside town of Largs in Ayrshire for their annual residential
trip. Unfortunately, the trip did not include a visit to the
famous ice-cream shop, but the pupils were kept so busy with
activities that any disappointment quickly ebbed away.
First, the group visited Vikingar! where the main
attraction is the Viking Experience. It has interactive exhibits
with storytellers telling Viking tales and myths. The pupils
toured the Longhouse and delighted in the chance to dress
up as real-life Vikings.
After the Viking Experience, the pupils walked up to
sportscotland Inverclyde, the national sports training centre,
where they were going to be accommodated for the night.
Not surprisingly, the centre boasts a huge range of superb
sports facilities; the pupils were able to take advantage of
this while they were there. Trampolining was, of course, a
great hit. Archery, too, offered a new challenge.
The food was said to be absolutely fantastic: the
group were treated to delicious cakes on arrival and even
cookies and milk at story time! As one pupil wrote when
describing the experience, “We enjoyed sharing rooms
with our friends and tried not to get up to any mischief at
bedtime!”
On Tuesday, after a hearty full Scottish breakfast,
the pupils travelled to the Glasgow Science Centre. They
toured the three levels of the Science Mall, enjoyed a
Planetarium show and watched a rather scary IMAX show
called ‘Under the Sea 3D’. Though they enjoyed the show,
they were surprised to find that it was, well, extremely lifelike
– ‘Nothing like The Little Mermaid!’ one pupil was heard to
comment.
The group arrived back at Dollar having thoroughly
enjoyed themselves over the two very action-packed days.
“The Largs trip was awesome!!!!” (exclamation marks his),
said Joe Jennings: an appropriate summation.
December 2014
Fortunas 34
Heather Moore
40
Junior
JUNIOR 1 WATER DAY 2014
Thursday 29th May
The weather was again kind for this year’s Junior 1 Water
Day allowing a range of water-related activities to be
undertaken outdoors. The main focus of the day was to
learn, through investigation, how dirty water can be made
cleaner for drinking. Water filters and solar stills were built,
ground water sources explored and the quality of the water
in our local burn tested. In preparation for the event, Junior
1 pupils enjoyed a talk presented by Mrs Jane Brindle about
the work of Water Aid and learned about the water cycle in
class.
“The Water Day was a fun science day, where the Juniors
learnt all about water. The day started with a talk from
Mrs Adamson about some of the problems of dirty water
in developing countries. We then went in our groups round
various activities, including testing water, making a purifier
and an aquifer. At the end of the day all the groups made a
presentation about one of their activities. I think everyone
did really well with only 30 minutes to prepare! Overall a
really fun and factual day for everyone.” Ellie Trace
J2 VENTURE TO THE ISLE
OF MAY
The Isle of May is a dramatic sight, guarding the mouth of
the Forth, and is an important nesting site for hundreds of
thousands of seabirds. In May (appropriately!) 20 Junior
2 pupils, led by the Biology Department, visited the island
eager to catch sight of the many seabirds.
Although the weather was calm as we left Dollar, it
was anything but that as the boat set sail. Despite the rocky
journey the pupils were soon spotting puffins, gannets and
cormorants. Once on the island we toured in small groups,
learning all about the wildlife and history of the island. We
were lucky enough to see many birds – razorbills, shags,
terns and guillemots to name but a few - but our favourites
were the puffins. The time on the island was over all too
quickly. Our journey back took us underneath the towering
cliffs on the south side of the island, and we even spotted a
seal or too.
Back on dry land our day finished perfectly as we
tucked into a welcome plate of famous Anstruther fish and
chips. The trip was a great success.
Sally Horne
“Water Day was full of activities, like going up to the burn to
collect water and making an aquifer. We had a competition to
see who could make clean water using dirty water and sand. I
had great fun.” Grace Stirling
December 2014
“I really enjoyed Water Day. We had fun while we were
learning. My favourite activity was making the edible aquifer
using cola as contaminated water and ice cream and breakfast
cereals for the soils.” Eilidh Scheuerl
Fortunas 34
“I liked learning about how to get a lot of the bad things out
of the water. I learned a lot about the charity Water Aid. I
liked to see the smiles on the people’s faces in the videos,
when they got running water.” Stuart McMartin
41
YOUNG
ENTERPRISE
MASTERCLASS
2014
INTERMEDIATE 2
BUSINESS
REPORT
Intermediate 2 Business Management
classes rose to the challenge in
the annual Dollar Business Report
Competition, where the pupils
were tasked with researching a
UK-based company of their choice.
The competition allows pupils the
opportunity to apply the knowledge
and skills gleaned in the classroom
to explore different aspects of an
organisation and then propose
recommendations and strategies
for the firm’s development. As is
tradition, the reports were judged
by the pupils studying the Advanced
Higher Business Management course,
who commented on the very high
standard of this session’s report
submissions. Congratulations to the
joint winners Hannah Pryde and
Sam Shed, as well as runner up Evie
Gammack (all Form IV) on their wellwritten and professionally presented
business reports.
December 2014
Fortunas 34
James Simpson
42
Early in September, this session’s
Form VI entrepreneurs - Iulian Bold,
Bethany Youds and Benny Yip - made
their way to the Prudential Building in
Stirling, accompanied by Link Teacher
Mr Simpson, to attend the annual
evening Masterclass. This workshop
involved three sessions, covering the
areas of branding and price structures,
how to run effective meetings, and the
legal considerations for trading to the
public. The evening culminated with a
team-building exercise to highlight the
importance of good working relations
to the enterprising youngsters.
The Masterclass gives
pupils the opportunity to meet the
competition from other schools,
network with other companies
and learn some valuable lessons
from experienced business people
before embarking upon their own
enterprise. The pupils left feeling very
enthusiastic and will undoubtedly
enjoy the Young Enterprise experience
which Dollar Academy offers.
James Simpson
FORM II
BUSINESS
STUDENTS FACE
DRAGONS!
On Friday 13th June, Dollar’s would-be
entrepreneurs in Form II entered the
annual ‘Dragons’ Den’ competition.
The team of fiery Dragons consisted
of Mr Alan Balfour, Business Advisor;
Miss Allison Arkley, Training Leader,
Apple Europe; Mrs Fiona Ritchie,
Owner of Ochil Soaps; Mr Jim Fulton,
Head of Physics; and Michael Welsh
and Daniel Roe, Form V Business
Education pupils. All were very
impressed with the professional
quality of the nine presentations,
pitched so enthusiastically by the
ambitious Business Studies pupils.
The overall winner was
‘ZipDress’: an utterly unique kit
comprising various styles of tops
and skirts that are intended to zip
together. The product was launched
by Lucy Cameron and Georgia
Robertson who also produced an
app showing what each combination
would look like. The runners-up
were ‘Case Cosmetics’; this team
launched a cleverly-designed mobile
phone case with a built in make-up
palette. The ‘Case Cosmetics’ team
members were Sophie Chandler, Daisy
Geissler, Imogen Hubbard and Annie
Tilsley. Once again, the Dragons’ Den
competition proved a hugely popular
and entertaining learning experience
for Form II.
Photograph courtesy of Jan van der Merwe
News
BON APPÉTIT!
Following preliminary rounds in the school, five Dollar
pupils (Georgie Cassidy, Charlotte Johns, Beth Logan [all
Form II], Emma Rattray and Katie Scott [both Form IV])
competed in the ‘Word Wizard’ languages spelling bee at
the Scottish Parliament in late May. As well as competing,
they had a tour of the Parliament and met MSP Maureen
Watt.
Dollar brought home three trophies: 2nd place in
Beginner Mandarin: Charlotte Johns; 2nd place in Beginner
Spanish: Georgie Cassidy; and 3rd place in Intermediate
French: Emma Rattray.
December 2014
Jacqui Young
WORD WIZARD
LANGUAGES
COMPETITION
Fortunas 34
Mrs Malcolm in the Home Economics Department kindly
agreed to deliver a series of French cooking lessons to
Junior 1, Junior 2, Form I and Form II French classes
during the 2014 summer term. The idea was triggered by
the Junior I class, who had just completed an Education
Scotland project on food which culminated in a French café.
Rather than simply eating French food, it seemed natural to
learn how to cook it.
For Junior 1, this was their first visit to the
cookery classroom, and all were very excited. Mrs Malcolm
taught them how to make crêpes, served with sugar and
lemon. Aided by our French assistant, Martin, and Michele,
our Italian assistant, the pupils were soon running back to
the Junior School clutching some very professional crêpes!
The Junior 2 French class then had the opportunity to show
off their cookery skills to the language teachers, who were
impressed by their expertise after a year spent in the Home
Economics Department.
Form I French pupils prepared two courses,
a croque-monsieur followed by crêpes, and all worked
competently to produce a delicious meal, which they then
consumed while completing a recipe worksheet in French.
Form II French pupils had a chance to revise
and practise their vocabulary, as well as see a food
demonstration including how to make crêpes and, of course,
taste some delicious food made with authentic French
ingredients.
Many thanks to Mrs Malcom for sharing her
enthusiasm and love of international cuisine with us. We
hope to be able to repeat the experience and extend our
repertoire of French food next year!
Billy Prior
43
DOLLAR HOSTS FIRST
CHINA EXCHANGE
NATIONAL SUCCESS IN
MANDARIN
Billy Prior
Fortunas 34
December 2014
John Moore (Form VI last session) won the trip of a lifetime
to Beijing in the national final of the British Council and
HSBC’s Mandarin Chinese Speaking Competition. John
won the beginner category in the grand final at the British
Museum after impressing the judges with his language skills
at a regional heat held in Edinburgh earlier in the year.
As part of his prize, John went to China at Easter
with the winners of the other three categories, where he
visited China’s Great Wall and the Forbidden City and took
part in cultural activities with Chinese students at local
schools.
Having taken the language up from scratch four
months earlier, John was delighted with the prize. The
competition provided further motivation to continue his
study of Mandarin alongside Law at King’s College, London.
44
As part of our first ever exchange with a Chinese school, two
teachers and two pupils from YK Pao School in Shanghai
visited us in October. Ms Zhang, Ms Wang, Joyce and Arine
spent a fortnight at Dollar observing classes and taking part
in Dollar life. The two pupils were hosted by Claire Jack,
Olivia McKay, Lauren Maclean and Zoë Price (all Form II),
and the teachers were hosted by Ms Ely and Ms Pollock.
The group also enjoyed a day in Edinburgh visiting the
Dungeons and the National Museum.
Below are two conversations between the exchange
pupils and their hosts.
Dollar through the eyes of Arine Huang
Claire Jack (CJ) Welcome to Scotland Arine! What are
your first impressions?
Arine Huang (AH) The school is pretty big, there are lots
of trees and grass. The students are nice and enthusiastic.
CJ You come from Shanghai, how does it differ from Dollar?
AH First, the air in Dollar is very fresh and clean - there is
nearly no air pollution in Dollar. Second, the food is quite
different from Chinese food. Also, the houses in Dollar are
mostly one to two floors, but in Shanghai, the houses are all
high buildings.
CJ Please tell me some more about your school, YK Pao
School, is it very different from Dollar Academy?
AH Yes, there are a few differences. YK Pao School is a
boarding school and whether you are a boarder or not, you
will have a dorm so students can get changed in their dorm.
Second, our math is harder than in Dollar, and we get more
homework. Also, we need to bring our own computers if we
are Grade 9 or above.
News
CJ You are staying with my family in Dollar, how different is
my family life compared to yours?
AH First, in China, families only have one or two children,
but you have three kids at home, so I was surprised at first.
Second, we don’t have large gardens in Shanghai, so we can’t
have chickens or raspberry trees in our house.
CJ At Dollar Academy co-curricular activities are part of
everyday life, how have you found this, and do you do clubs
at your school too?
AH Yes, we have afternoon activities and clubs. Some of
them are held by teachers, but most are held by students.
There are many different kind of clubs, like Green Student
Counsel, who do low carbon studies.
CJ What is the greatest difference between Scottish people
and Chinese people?
AH Men wear dresses in Scotland, however Chinese men
only wear trousers.
Joyce Yao interviews Zoë about learning Mandarin
Joyce Yao (JY) Do you like Mandarin?
Zoë Price (ZP) Yes, I really enjoy it. At first I thought that it
would be really difficult, but I like it lots and I find it really
interesting.
JY What’s the best part about learning Mandarin?
ZP I personally find writing the characters quite tricky, but
I know that lots of my friends prefer writing in characters
because it means that they don’t have to worry about
spelling.
JY What is your favorite character in Mandarin? Why?
ZP I really like the character for rain, because it looks just
like rain through a window.
JY What do you want to learn in Mandarin?
ZP I’d like to know enough Chinese that when I go to
Shanghai on the exchange in just over a year I’ll be able to
have a proper conversation with the family I stay with in
their language.
JY What cultural differences do you find between Chinese
and Scottish people?
ZP We have learnt lots about Chinese education, and
I think that we were all shocked by how much Chinese
students have to work and study, and how important
English is over there. The other main difference is in what
we eat. In Britain we are a lot more squeamish about what
we eat whereas Chinese people tend to eat most things!
JY What did you find most interesting in Chinese culture?
ZP There are a lot of customs which sound fascinating in
China. The Chinese seem to have an effective way to do
everything.
JY What was the most fun part of learning Chinese?
December 2014
ZP We did a lesson on how to use chopsticks which
everybody found hilarious. Even though I was absolutely
terrible at using them, it was great fun!
Fortunas 34
ZP I suppose it’s like when you learn any language - you
get a feeling of accomplishment when you learn how to say
something new, and when you know something that your
friends don’t!
JY What did you find difficult about learning Mandarin?
45
DOLLAR HOSTS RSNO
WORKSHOP
December 2014
Fortunas 34
DOLLAR PUPIL ATTENDS
SUMMER CHEMISTRY
CAMP
46
This summer, for three exclusive days, I was privileged to
attend one of Salters’ highly regarded Chemistry Camps at
the University of York. Not only did the Camp provide a great
opportunity to increase the depth of my own knowledge of
chemistry, but it also gave me an insight into what university
life is like. As there were over 50 students from all around
the United Kingdom, there was a great feeling of everyone
uniting with a common interest; everyone just seemed to get
on and make new friends.
The three days included a huge range of chemistryrelated activities, including advanced clock and oscillating
reactions; complex ion chemistry; the chemistry of art
(making paint); and ‘cold light’ experiments. All activities
were introduced by a short lecture given by a different
member of staff and then followed with a lot of lab time.
One of the huge advantages of attending the Camp was
being given the opportunity to do complex and sometimes
dangerous experiments that we would not be able to do in
school. These included the preparation of siloxene and the
melting of borax, along with the addition of cobalt chloride
and concentrated sodium silicate.
I would recommend this Camp to any budding
chemist who is given the opportunity to go. It has certainly
increased both my passion for the subject and my wealth of
knowledge. Since then, I have kept in touch with many of the
friends I made at the Camp and plan to keep doing so in the
future. If you love Chemistry, and you get the chance to go,
just do it. There are so many other benefits as well as the fun
and experience.
Darwin Douglas (Form IV)
Dollar Academy 2nd Orchestra was treated to a workshop
by members of the Royal Scottish National Orchestra in
May, courtesy of the parents of one of its members. Julia
Parrish (then Form I) plays violin in the Orchestra, and
her parents kindly donated a voucher they had won in an
RSNO auction. Three musicians from Scotland’s National
Classical Orchestra visited the Music Department for an
afternoon and led individual workshops for strings, brass
and percussion, culminating in an orchestral performance in
the school’s auditorium. The Orchestra was also treated to
performances by the three musicians and a talk about the
life of a professional musician. Pupils were inspired by the
experience and full of anticipation for the next session and
their performance in the March 2015 concerts.
“I enjoyed the experience of working with the RSNO staff,
they were inspiring” Rose Scott, Violin (Form I)
“It was interesting to work with the players and develop my
technique” Nicola Henson, Flute (Form II)
Louise Timney
Literature
Music
DOLLAR
ACADEMY
SENIOR MUSICAL
Guys and Dolls
December 2014
since the show was performing professionally elsewhere. But be in no doubt home or away – this felt like no mere school show. Here was yet another in the
long line of Dollar productions that had professionalism running through it like
lettering through a stick of seaside rock. This was the first production that Karol
Fitzpatrick had given us as Musical Director, and she led a very impressive team
effort to give us all a night to remember. The baton that John McGonigle has been
wielding for unnumbered years was as securely transferred to Mrs Fitzpatrick as
the Queen’s Baton passed from Ellie Scott-Gray to Mrs Adamson in another of
this summer’s memorable events.
To the show, then. Never mind the music, the acting, the singing, the
dancing, the lights, the sound, the costumes and make-up - they will have to
await comment. It was look of the thing first and foremost that set the tone for
success – Karol Fitzpatrick and Andrew Sharp’s vision, and John Delaney’s adroit
construction skills, created a stage that just opened right out into the Assembly
Hall. The angles that Louise Timney as producer and choreographer Gill Robb had
to work with were thus visually remarkable, dynamic, exciting and they responded
fully to the opportunity. Street scenes, a church hall, a nightclub, the sewers,
even: the kaleidoscope of settings flashed around us, usefully augmented by
backdrop projection and some very effective scene painting. We are accustomed
to looking at the Assembly Hall stage with its proscenium arch as a kind of flat
screen; this stage with its extensions around the pit and use of the aisles brought
the action right out to us. It gave space to a production that was built on lively
movement, busy stagecraft and suggestions of an immense, sleepless city at work
– great direction, great production values.
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It’s a perennial summer argument
these days, one that is as traditional
as arguing about when the first
oystercatcher arrived on top of the
Playfair building, or guessing who will
be the Head Boy and Head Girl before
the midnight College of Cardinals –
the old ‘Home and Away’ question
for the school musical: is it better to
be away in the Alhambra – or do we
prefer our musical to be home-grown
in the Assembly Hall? Each side has
its supporters: on the one hand the
preference for the fully equipped
professional experience, off-site, the
clean break with school, with all the
sense of a big night out; on the other,
the ease and intimacy of the music,
staging and drama unfolding in the
very heart of the school, and none of
the hassle of being bussed to and fro…
There was no choice this time
round, however: the licence for Guys
and Dolls stipulated a school venue
47
December 2014
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48
We needn’t linger too long
on plot: it was the characters and
relationships from Damon Runyan’s
stories that filled the imagination,
rather than the narrative logic of
what they were up to. Put this in the
context of dialogue, music, song and
dance and you have an unbeatable
formula for an intense kind of
entertainment. And give it to some
very experienced performers and
you have real value for money… We
marvelled at the charisma of Iain
Leggat’s Sky Masterson, admiring his
panache, his costume and his singing
voice; he was a good cohesive centre
to the drama. The moving soprano
range of Sarah Everington (also the
character Sarah) brought a definite
catch to the audience’s throat: she
has real emotional power, and can
move us; as ever, she was very well
cast opposite the impressive Fiona
Keith (Adelaide) – her voice and sheer
ability to dominate the stage has
brought her many fans over the years.
Ben Collins was the ever-smooth and
stylish Nathan Detroit, a part just
made for him. Dylan Redding was
the hapless Lt. Brannigan, a first-rate
Keystone Cop. Hannah Leggatt gave
us an animated portrayal of General
Cartwright, and made every lingering
syll-ab-le count, to the audience’s
delight; Heather Morrison as Agatha,
and Lucy Cousin as Martha, brought
slick movement and a naturalness to
their presence on stage; they really
are both at home treading the boards.
And, as ever, Dollar productions have
a habit of throwing up a new face who
takes the audience by storm and has
them asking “Who is this person..?”
This year it was the wonderful Nicely
Nicely Johnson, played by Finlay
Balfour. Comic timing? Physical
control? Projection? Versatility?
Ability to hold the stage? Sheer inyour-face joie de vivre? He had it all, in
spades, and still only in Form III. One
to watch, indeed.
Guys and Dolls is, of course,
great for the opportunities it gives to
so many characters: thus we had the
mass of gaming, dancing, scheming,
laughing lads, the ‘Crapshooters’
played with an impressive array
Music
The style of the production
had as much to do with the costumes
and make-up as the set, and the huge
range of characters to be dressed,
undressed, redressed in suitably
atmospheric costume and greasepaint
was a major logistical triumph for
the ladies. The indefatigable Gill
McFadyean’s team of seamstresses,
and May Sharp’s team in front of the
mirrors artfully created the snappy
visual effect that Andrew Sharp had
worked on and replicated in the
programme / set design. The technical
crew, working on sound and light,
further enhanced the magic: there
were object lessons in how to light a
set given throughout the show. We
are fortunate to have the services of
the talented Iain Campbell FP as our
sound man and Technical Manager;
with John Delaney as Stage Manager,
he ran a large and effective team of
pupils, alongside the professionals.
Pupils… professionals…
Every year Dollar manages to blur the
line, and stretch the definitions of The
School Show. 2014 was no different:
Home and Away didn’t matter here in
Guys and Dolls, because we weren’t in
the School Hall, nor in a Dunfermline
theatre – we were in the heart of
1950s New York Broadway, and we
enjoyed every moment.
Geoff Daniel
Photographs courtesy of Jan van der Merwe
December 2014
We all have our favourite
scenes, and, for many in the audience,
the dance scenes will be up there
with the best, whether it be in the
Hot Box Nightclub or the Havana
dancers in El Café Cubano (a great use
of lighting and layout, incidentally);
Gill Robb was at her most inventive
again here. Equally the old favourites
‘Sit Down You’re Rocking the Boat’
or the crap game in the sewer come
to mind – these were very well staged
and directed. ‘Luck be a Lady Tonight’
was a particularly good ensemble
number; some of the more individual
performances included the highly
effective duet between Fiona Keith
and Sarah Everington in ‘Marry The
Man’, and that between Ben Collins
and Fiona in ‘Sue Me’; what comic
power and pathos our best singers can
summon up!
And the music was powerfully
good. Alongside a few staff players,
there was a crew of nine pupils, with
an unusual range of ages: Fergus
McCreadie on keyboards; Nathan
Cosgrove on drum kit; the fiddlers
Duncan Cooper and Martina Sillence;
Lucy Young on cello; Aelfred Hillman
on clarinet; Mairi Keith on saxophone
and Tim Hunter on baritone
saxophone. What united them all
under the inspirational baton of Mrs
Fitzpatrick, was a professionalism,
stamina and a technical versatility
that gave us night after night the
artistic backbone of the event. Like
everyone else they had been there
night after night of the intensive
rehearsal schedule, and their
contribution was huge.
Fortunas 34
of Yankee accents and dancing
styles: Aidan Biggs as Rusty Charlie;
Alex Crawford as the ominous Big
Jule; Cameron Grounds as Benny
Southstreet; Mark O’Brien as Joey
Biltmore; Niall Ivatt as Liver Lips
Louie; Brodie Dickson as Angie the
Ox; Angus Hunter as Harry the Horse;
Fraser Hammond as Calvin; and Jack
Smart as Arvide Abernethy. It was
an interesting crew for Gill Robb to
work her magic on once more, and
transform the usual surplus of left
feet into matching pairs that could
fairly rattle through their paces. They
were, it has to be said, just a little
outdanced by the magnificent Chorus
and the streamlined, high octane ‘Hot
Box Dancers’ – 20 first-rate movers,
performers and singers who filled
the Hall in number after number.
The Chorus included Lucy Taylor,
Lucy McCran, Ella Hammond, Katie
Macpherson-Young, Laura Manson,
Daisy Sewell, Robyn Maitland, Ellie
Scott-Gray, Charlotte Longstaffe,
Rachael Cartwright, Gail Breslin and
Jessica Peach – all well deserving
of individual mention because they
were directed very successfully to be
individuals. The Hot Box dancers –
Catriona Ferguson, Rachel Doran,
Kerry Randfield, Georgie Finlay,
Isla Keith, Heather Morrison, Laura
Gallagher and Rona Sinclair – were
remarkable for their flair and
creativity. This is a production where
dialogue mattered, too, perhaps more
than in other musicals, and the cast
proved to be actors as well as dancers
and singers. Very satisfying.
49
December 2014
Fortunas 34
FORM I PLAY
THE SILVER SWORD
50
This year’s Form I play, The Silver Sword, enjoyed a very
successful and popular run of two performances. On the
evenings of 27th and 28th May, Ruth Halden guided her cast
of 35 Form I pupils along as they followed in the footsteps
of the Balicki family, refugees from the chaotic aftermath of
World War II.
The play is a dramatization of the novel by Ian
Serrallier; Ms Halden calls it “a faithful representation
of a much-beloved children’s classic by the imaginative
playwright Stuart Henson.” The production involved the
extraordinary management of a very large cast of talented
children, all of whom “responded to the emotional truth of
this very affecting story.”
Olivia McKay, playing the main role of Ruth, held the
entire performance together with unusual maturity. Callum
Hudd and Naomi Langford-Thimm played the brother and
sister and gave performances of great realism and integrity.
Also notable was the performance of Josh Richardson as the
roguish Russian officer who helped them along their way.
Toby Douglas performed powerfully first as a Russian soldier
and then an American GI, managing convincing deliveries of
both accents. Fraser Dawtrey gave a mature and convincing
performance as the traumatised father seeking his children
at the end of the war, while Zach Lonberg seemed almost to
become the character he played, the orphaned Jan. Anchoring
the entire production was Georgie Cassidy as the narrator.
She was also a very faithful and committed understudy for
both the main parts of Ruth and Bronia and could have
stepped in at any moment.
It is only unfortunate that there is not space here
to recognise “every individual’s telling and convincing
performance as the characters who helped the refugees
along their journey,” said Ms Halden. The pupils playing the
German soldiers also deserve credit as most of their lines
were, impressively, in German.
Off-stage, there were many achievements that
require to be recognised. Beth Duddy’s design of the floor
and the poster for the play were entirely in the right spirit
of the play, while the stage crew were capable and dedicated
throughout the rehearsals and performances. Sound and
lighting duties were undertaken by capable Form I pupils,
under the direction of Andy Kenny (sound and lighting
engineer) and Georgia Robertson (Form II).
Both nights’ performances in the Drama Studio
were entirely packed out; extra seats had to be added both
nights. Though this changed the acting space to which the
pupils were accustomed, they coped terrifically well and
were, in fact, exhilarated by the enthusiasm and delight of
those in the audience.
Heather Moore
Art
DOLLAR
SUCCESS AT
NATIONAL
GALLERIES
COMPETITION
On Wednesday 18th June a number of
our Art pupils travelled to Edinburgh
in order to attend the awards ceremony
for the Tesco Bank National Galleries
Competition. The pupils’ work had been
selected from over 7000 submissions
from across Scotland.
The young artists had all
produced work on the theme of
‘SPEED’ for this competition and, at
the ceremony, the work of Charlotte
Johns and Catriona Leslie (then Form
I) and Jaiden Irvine (Form II) was
recognised with Special Merit awards.
Hannah Fearn (Form II) also received a
3rd place in the same category.
Charlotte Johns (Form II)
Rose-Nicole Scott (Form II)
The pupils’ work was put
on display in the National Gallery in
Edinburgh until October. After that,
the winners’ artwork will tour the
country to be seen all over Scotland.
The girls are to be congratulated on this
most impressive achievement.
Heather Downie (Form VI)
Mellisa Hutt (Form VI)
December 2014
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51
December 2014
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52
Beth Logan (Form II)
Jenni McCaig (Form II)
Hamish Collins (Form VI)
Oliver Hewitt (Form II)
Joshua Richardson (Form II)
Elle lapsley (Form II)
Art
Ruth Ferguson (Form VI)
Charlotte Longstaffe (Form VI)
Tom MacDougall (Form VI)
Lucy McCran (Form VI)
lauren Maclean (Form II)
Jamie Glasgow (Form II)
Hanna Croxford (Form VI)
December 2014
Fortunas 34
53
Sofiyah Rasool (Form II)
Verity Pease (Form VI)
Kara hudson (Form VI)
Alice Barthram (Form II)
Victoria Smith (Form VI)
December 2014
Fortunas 34
Ian Harkness (Form II)
54
Art
Gail Breslin (Form VI)
Innes Gibson (Form VI)
Megan Montgomery (Form VI)
David Kennedy (Form VI)
Darcy Wright (Form VI)
Mollie Lapsley (Form VI)
December 2014
Fortunas 34
55
December 2014
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REMEMBRANCE’ – NATIONAL
POETRY DAY
56
Thursday 2nd October was National Poetry Day and this year’s theme was
‘Remembrance’. Our English Department decided to refine this theme further
through an examination of war poetry.
All pupils in the senior school, and many in the Junior School, spent
the week looking at examples of poetry written in response to war. Each class
approached to National Poetry Day in a slightly different way: in one class, pupils
pored over books and books of poems, gliding across a wide range of verse, choosing
their favourites; in another class, pupils composed written responses and even
their own original verse. In another, a lively discussion took place over Wilfred
Owen’s ‘Dulce et Decorum est’, perhaps the most famous of war poems. Whilst
the poetry that emerged from the experiences of World War I figured prominently,
pupils examined poems from a wide range of wartime experiences.
And in every class, poems were being recited in preparation for Thursday’s
main event. Small, white crosses were being meticulously fashioned (however
improbably) using white plastic planting labels. And upon the finished crosses,
each pupil in class was writing a short ‘Remembrance’ message.
Over the course of the Thursday, National Poetry Day itself, the classes
emerged solemnly from their classrooms at their designated times and gathered
in quiet semi-circles round the War Memorial. Sometimes, a solo piper played in
the bright sunshine. Pupils recited their poems and then placed their small, white
crosses at the foot of the memorial. In this way, a mostly continuous six hours or
so of ‘Remembrance’ was observed, and the effect produced by these small crosses
was very powerful.
By the day’s end, tiny but expansive fields of white crosses, evocative of the
vast war cemeteries, surrounded every side of the memorial. Fascinated passers-by
crouched down low to decipher the tiny messages written on the crosses: individual
words, bit and pieces of remembered verse, fragments and echoes of the many
poets’ wartime experiences recalled.
Heather Moore
I Remember
My eyes remember my little brother’s
cute face
My first day at school
My teddy.
My ears remember my kitten purring
The sound of the sea in a shell
My sister’s giggle.
My nose remembers chocolate
The sweet smell of lavender
My grandma’s perfume.
My tongue remembers sticky cakes
Fresh cherries
My dad’s plum crumble.
My skin remembers the sand between
my toes
The sun on my face
Pins and needles.
Composed by the pupils of the Junior School
during an assembly to mark National Poetry
Day
died will always be respected and
remembered for the rest of humans’
reign on earth. The Americans
sparked wars. They have had their
so-called ‘revenge’, the assassination
of Osama Bin Laden in 2011 left the
country celebrating, but they soon
realised that his death did nothing
to change what happened during the
alien events of that day. It is still just
as hard to watch the footage of the
crashes and think of the devastating
last moments the victims experienced.
I enjoyed many monuments
while visiting New York, but all I
wanted to do once I entered Ground
Zero was to get out. The brisk, freezing
Manhattan air which had not troubled
me before was suddenly seeping in
through the cover of my jacket and I
felt frozen to my core. I don’t believe
this was due to a sharp change in
temperature; this was because I hated
being in the proximity of the attacks.
Maybe it was my fear of history
repeating itself; maybe it was the chill
of the silence as the mourners paid
their respects; maybe it was my brain
replaying the horrific images we have
all seen; or maybe it was all of these.
One thing is for sure, I will return to
Ground Zero, despite the way it made
me feel.
The skyline of New York is
arguably the most recognised of all,
with or without the Twin Towers.
All skylines tell stories, some more
interesting than others. However,
one will never be told without a
grimace, a tear or pause of silence as
we remember what happened that day.
New York did not just lose 3,000 lives
in the attack, it lost a piece of its own
history. My visit to Ground Zero has
forever changed my outlook on our
world and its cruelties.
Ross Stewart (Form V)
December 2014
Fortunas 34
In a world where there is a free flow
of images and information, we are
all familiar with the skylines of great
cities, even if we haven’t visited them:
the great glass city of London is now
dominated by a Shard piercing the
clouds, and a towered bridge that
opens its roadway to the demands of
ships; Paris has its mansard rooftops
and white domes of Montmartre
and its monumental steel structure
stretching up toward the skies. And
then there is New York City, with its
welcoming statue of a woman with
her arm uplifted against a backdrop
of jagged skyscrapers and the boastful
steeple of the Empire State Building.
Skylines are not meant to change.
They are works of giant art that stay
the same and are joined by others,
nothing is ever removed. Or that is
what we used to think.
13 years ago the Manhattan
skyline shifted dramatically, as one
of the most famous landmarks in
the world collapsed. Passengers in
plunging planes were set alight, office
workers dropped through the air and
servicemen and women were crushed
by imploding buildings we assumed
were impregnable. Almost 3,000
innocent individuals died.
On September 11th 2001 the
world stood still. Four planes were
hijacked and headed towards three
separate destinations: the Pentagon,
the White House, and two of them
headed for New York City, and the
World Trade Centre. At 8:46am local
time American Airlines Flight 11
crashed into the North Tower; around
17 minutes later Flight 175 crashed
into the South Tower. Not long later
both buildings collapsed, crashing
toward the ground on which they once
proudly stood.
I visited Ground Zero at
four o’clock one afternoon and from
the minute I entered the site I felt
extremely uncomfortable. Where
the Twin Towers once stood there
are massive black, square craters in
the ground, both identical. The only
sound I hear is the falling and crashing
of water inside these monuments.
Covering both squares are the
engraved names of all the victims of
the attacks. It is breathtaking. Only
now can we take in the sheer scale of
these attacks and see the effects it
has had on millions around the world.
Flowers are everywhere, placed on the
names of the victims with birthdays
on the day I visited. There is no detail
left untouched. One surviving tree
between both the buildings still stands
tall. Marks of debris from the crash
still show on its trunk.
What happened that day still
shocks me, the footage of the planes
entering the buildings is imprinted
on the psyches of our generation.
As people of the world stopped and
watched their TV screens in horror,
many could not believe their eyes.
Why would any individuals or groups
set out to destroy so many lives? They
were driven, apparently, by their own
radicalised religion. The world truly
will never be the same in so many
different ways.
Overlooking the memorials
is the new World Trade Centre,
proudly named the Freedom Tower.
The $3.9 billion skyscraper stands
almost 1,800ft tall, taller than both of
the Twin Towers. This was built as a
replacement for the two buildings lost
during the attack, and shows the rest
of the world that the US will not cower
to terrorism.
As I gazed at it in all its glory,
a single plane flew across the blue sky.
The noise of the engine cut through
the silence in the site and everyone
watched it fly harmlessly over the city.
New Yorkers must get this feeling
every day, fear mixed with disbelief
and paranoia. Thankfully there was
no repeat of that infamous day, but
in that moment everyone on the site
realised the tragedy of the individuals
inside or around the buildings at the
time. It could have been any one of us,
had the events taken place on the day
of our visit.
Forgetting isn’t an option.
The lives of the thousands who
Literature
May We Never
Forget
57
Form II Pupil Naomi Langford-Thimm
submitted this story for Stirling
Council’s ‘Heroes and Villains’ Creative
Writing Competition 2013. Her
prize-winning effort was one of the
pieces that shaped the performance
of ‘Songs from The Enchanted Garden
– Songs of Heroes, Villains and
Extraordinary Characters of Stirling
and Clackmannanshire’, part of Stirling
2014. Written by the award-winning
team of composer Martin Green
(Lau) and songwriter Karine Polwart,
this production of original songs was
performed in Stirling’s Albert Halls in
October.
My story was inspired by the thousands
of young women who were nurses in the
First World War, who did heroic deeds
that were never recognised.
The story is set in Stirlingshire
in the small village of Buchlyvie in the
1960s.
December 2014
Fortunas 34
MISS McGLYN
58
Emily knocked on the door, there
was no answer. She rang the bell and
the sound echoed eerily through the
house. She was about to have her first
piano lesson with Miss McGlyn, the
scary old woman who was avoided by
all of the children. “She’s got red eyes
and a wart on her nose,” Emily’s friend
Lucy had said. “If you don’t get your
scales right, she’ll EAT you!” warned
her big brother. Emily shivered, even
though it was a warm day. What would
she really be like?
Emily heard a clunk, clunk,
clunk noise coming from inside. She
strained her ears to listen. She could
hear the old woman rasping and
panting with the effort of coming
downstairs. A bolt was pulled back and
the door opened. Emily braced herself
for an evil, cackling hag, but instead,
her gaze was met by a frail, yet sternlooking old lady.
“So, you must be Emily?” she said
sharply.
“Yes,” said Emily bluntly, and then
remembered her manners and added,
“How do you do, Miss McGlyn?”
“Very well, thank you.”
Suddenly, Emily looked down
and noticed that Miss McGlyn had a big black boot on her foot. It was twisted at
a strange angle and she had a metal stick that clunked as she walked. The teacher
saw her looking and pulled her black skirt protectively over it. She frowned.
“How old are you?”
“I’m eleven in three months, Miss.”
“Hmm, you look a bit skinny.”
Emily decided to ignore this remark.
Miss McGlyn beckoned at her to follow and took her through the dusty hall into a
bare sitting room with an upright piano in it.
“This is the music room,” she informed her. “I do all my teaching in here. Now let
us begin!”
About halfway through the lesson the telephone went. Miss McGlyn
groaned.
“Oh, not again,” she mumbled, “This new-fangled machine keeps on ringing day
and night, when all I want is peace and quiet.”
Still grumbling, she hobbled through the hall.
It was a very long call and Emily could hear Miss McGlyn saying “I’m alright, I’m
ALRIGHT, yes, I can manage.”
She seemed to be getting extremely annoyed.
Emily looked around the room. There was nothing except a sofa, a
grandfather clock, an old moth-eaten rug, a rocking chair, the piano and a
bookshelf full of music books. Then she noticed the mantelpiece. On it was
a dusty photo frame. Emily looked over her shoulder to make sure that her
teacher wasn’t watching, then reached up and brushed the dust off the picture.
She was a bit disappointed. It was just a photo of a young nurse and an army
soldier standing in front of an ugly concrete building. She looked more closely
at the woman’s face. It looked like a less wrinkled version of her piano teacher.
The young woman was smiling, she looked so pretty, could it possibly be Miss
McGlyn?
Before Emily could decide if it was her teacher, Miss McGlyn came back
into the room.
“That was my nephew,” she said irritably. “He’s always ringing to check I’m
‘coping,’ ” she said in an imitation of a posh voice. “As if I might just drop down
dead at any moment!” At that moment Miss McGlyn’s boot caught in the rug and
she fell heavily on to the floor.
“Oh no!” Emily exclaimed. She rushed to the old lady and helped her onto the
sofa.
“I never notice that ugly old mat until its right under my feet,” panted Miss
McGlyn.
“Are you hurt, Miss McGlyn?” asked Emily anxiously
“No dear, I’ll be just fine. It’s just this wretched foot playing up again.”
“I’ll go and make some tea for you,” said Emily. Without waiting for a reply, Emily
quickly found the kitchen and started looking for the teapot.
“It’s on the top shelf,” called the old lady.
Ten minutes later they were sitting on the sofa, sipping tea and nibbling
biscuits. Miss McGlyn was muttering about how irritating her bad foot was when
Emily blurted out,
“Miss, how did your foot get to be like that?”
Immediately Emily regretted her rudeness and expected to be told off.
“Ah,” the old lady sighed, “That is a long story.”
Then she glanced at the grandfather clock in the corner.
“But,” she added, ‘As I don’t feel up to teaching at the moment and we’ve still got
half an hour of the lesson left, I might as well tell you.”
“Thank you, Miss,” said Emily gratefully. Then she waited expectantly.
Naomi Langford-Thimm (Form II)
December 2014
was the first time I’d seen the enemy, I’d imagined them to
be terrible, tall, fearsome men, but some were just boys my
age. I ran, still dragging the poor soldier. Then I was shot in
the foot. Through all the pain I managed to get the soldier
onto the ambulance and start treating his wounds, before I
passed out.
I woke up one day later with a bandage on my foot.
No one except the man I’d saved and the doctor who had
fixed my foot knew that I’d pretended to be a man and they
never told anyone. I asked them not to.”
“So the man you picked up survived then?” asked Emily.
“Yes. His name is Peter. He lives in England with his wife
and three daughters. We’re still friends. He had a broken leg
that never fully mended, like my foot. After I saved him he
never went back to the war. I think you saw the photograph
of us the day before he went home.”
“Yes,” said Emily.
“Please could you get it?”
Emily picked the photo up gently and put in Miss McGlyn’s
lap.
“Ah, yes” Miss McGlyn said softly. “I was very sad when
he’d gone. I left soon afterwards and came back here. I had
no money to buy a house and so my sister Rebecca and her
husband bought me this place. I’m ever so grateful to them.
Rebecca died in her sleep two years ago and her husband’s
very ill, so it’s their son who looks after me now. He’s the
one who was on the phone before I fell. I’m happy teaching
children music, though it gets lonely sometimes. Perhaps
one day I’ll get a little cat like Sooty.”
“Miss McGlyn,” Emily said quietly, “you’re a heroine!”
Miss McGlyn blushed and smiled. “Oh, not really dear, but
it’s very nice of you to say so.”
“No, honestly Miss McGlyn,” Emily said admiringly, “You
deserve a medal!”
“No dear, I can’t get one because I pretended to be a man!”
“But…” Emily began, but the bell rang, her mother had
come to collect her.
“You must go now. But thank you for listening,” said Miss
McGlyn.
The next day Emily paid a visit to her piano
teacher. She gave her a silver paper medal on a red ribbon
that said - “Miss McGlyn-A Heroine.” Miss McGlyn said
that it was worth a lot more to her than a real one.
Later that week Emily gave Miss McGlyn a little
kitten that came from her friend Lucy’s farm. Miss McGlyn
called the kitten Lucky and she was never lonely again. The
next time Emily passed Miss McGlyn’s house on the way to
visit Lucy, Emily looked through the window and saw Miss
McGlyn playing the piano. Lucky the kitten was sitting on
top, purring as he listened to the music.
Fortunas 34
“I was born not very far from here in Aberfoyle. I
lived with my parents and my older sister Rebecca. We had
a beautiful cat called Sooty. We called him that because once
when he was a little kitten, a big dog chased him up the
chimney! When we got the poor thing down he was covered
from the tip of his tail to his whiskers in soot. Before he
had been grey, but after that he was always much darker,
I think the soot stained him permanently! Sooty used to
love hearing the piano and I played it for him all the time. I
had always wanted to study music, but when the war came
my only option was to become a nurse. I was sixteen by the
time I was working in a hospital. It was fine being a nurse to
begin with, you were fed and you met lots of other girls and
had fun.
Then I was posted to France where the real fighting
was going on. We had to deal with wounded soldiers and
most of the time there was nothing we could do to save
them. Sometimes I used to sing to them, they liked that, it
cheered them up.
Then one day I was working in the hospital as
usual when news came that lots of men were wounded by
landmines that had blown up in No-Man’s Land. Hundreds
were lying out there dying. No nurses were allowed to help
them, only one ambulance with five doctors. I was angry,
frustrated, I wanted to help, but women were not allowed
at The Front. I knew that in the next ward a soldier had died
only two days ago. I found his uniform in a crumpled heap
at the end of his bed, waiting to be thrown out. I hid in the
bathroom and put it on. The helmet covered my eyes and I
put my hair into a bun so it was hidden under the helmet.
I rubbed my hands in the dirt so they looked rougher and
practised speaking in a deep voice.
Then I rushed out to where the ambulance was
parked and hopped in.
“Who are you?” asked the gruff voice of the head doctor,
“Thomas Geoffrey, second battalion, Sir,” I said quickly.
“What are you doing here?”
“Em, I went to medical school and I just want to help,” I
replied.
“Hmm, come on then. We need all the help we can get.”
The ambulance sped off. The horses were going at
a gallop. I suddenly realised what I’d got myself in for, but it
was too late to turn back.
When we arrived at the scene of the explosion, I
didn’t know what to expect. I won’t go into details about the
horror of it all. There were men everywhere, we didn’t know
if they were dead or alive. I stood there frozen with shock.
The others were carrying men into the ambulance, shouting
at me to help, but I couldn’t move. Then one lying near me
said quietly, “Please Miss, please help me.”
He brought me to my senses, I stooped down to
pick him up. He was much too heavy for me, but somehow
I managed to drag him towards the ambulance. Then out of
nowhere the enemy appeared. I screamed. There were lots
of Germans spilling out of a trench just in front of us. It
Literature
“Then I was shot in the foot.”
59
THE HARRY
BELL TRAVEL
AWARDS AND
SCHOLARSHIP
Over the last decade the Harry Bell
Travel Awards have generated a great
deal of interest and resulted in some
remarkable journeys and pieces of
writing. The Awards are open to Form
V pupils who wish to travel during
the summer holiday in order to study
a topic of literary interest. Recipients
are required to write a lively report
reflecting their experiences of a
particular writer and particular place.
In addition, the Harry Bell Travel
Scholarship is awarded for the best
report at Prize Giving the following
year. This year’s recipient was Mira
Vladimirova and the account of her
experiences follows.
“What I am certain of, is that Smilla
would have refused a baptism, and that she
and I desire Greenland.”
ABSOLUTE SPACE
December 2014
Fortunas 34
Based on: Miss Smilla’s Feeling
for Snow by Peter Høeg
60
“Absolute space, in its own nature,
without regard to anything external,
remains always similar and immovable.
Relative space is some movable
dimension or measure of the absolute
spaces; which our senses determine
by its position to bodies: and which
is vulgarly taken for immovable space
… Absolute motion is the translation
of a body from one absolute place
into another: and relative motion, the
translation from one relative place into
another.”
Isaac Newton, Philosophiæ Naturalis
Principia Mathematica
Smilla Jaspersen, who wouldn’t have called herself the heroine, but a wandering,
grasping narrator, understood Absolute space. I do not define time, space, place, and
motion, as they are well known to all. Absolute space by its own nature, without reference
to anything external, always remains similar and unmovable. In the chaos of revolving
planets and stars and humans, in the raging vortex of her mind, there was a fixed
point. Absolute space. Hope. A tether that brought her home, through the dense
fogs of Greenland, always, always back to Qaanaaq. Absolute space, and a sense for
snow.
A sense for snow innate – even after she was stolen away from Greenland,
even after she discovered Ernst Mach’s criticism of Newton’s theory. What she
always knew was resfeber, travel fever, the restless pacing and uncontrollable
heat and heartbeat of a journey just beginning. A journey home, which I, walking
through the streets of Copenhagen, with its sparks of golden light and dim glints
of submerged metal, specific scent of coffee permeating the air, its stark dark blue
statues’ wings slanting overhead into grey skies - I too felt. It dragged me blood and
bones from Britain, and it dragged me further still into this country, this town, this
history, where human beings understand Absolute space instinctively and grind
their bones to dust to find a way home, to find connections between immovable
objects. Time passes, but that pull lingers, never quite translating into an ache,
knowledge of this place still bright. Its people thrive.
Literature
Mira Vladimirova (Form VI)
December 2014
exists beyond a normal human being’s
comprehension - a place for Smilla
Jaspersen. She was – is - not the
only one that longs to go. Within the
continuous dogged will to survive in
the harshest environment known to
man, the Inuit believe, every organism,
once dead, maintains a spirit. Where
and how does this occur? Where are
the equations that make up a soul?
Perhaps they can now only be found
in Absolute space. What I am certain
of, is that Smilla would have refused
a baptism, and that she and I desire
Greenland.
It rains continuously in
Denmark, and I dream of masks.
Worn at religious ceremonies, during
dances, they were a symbol for spirits
in Inuit culture. One half blue, one half
red, the double nature of the beings.
Half animal, half human. Through the
glass of the display case in the Danish
National Museum they stood huge,
oblong faces grooved and lifeless. They
looked too big to carry. Some masks
form pairs, a moon man surrounded
by winter animals, sun woman by the
animals of summer. Eventually, light
is seen on the horizon, and new breath
begins.
There is always this idea that
we are made of stardust, luminous
blood seeping through our veins born in the hearts of supernovas. A
corrugated, dilapidated shell of a D.H.
Hornet Moth in a barn on the island
of Funen - that skeleton of an aircraft
beat in the bones and synapses of the
pilot Thomas Sneum, until he breathed
life back into its shell and escaped a
Denmark subdued by Nazis, loaded
down with information that would
prove invaluable to the British. The
Little Mermaid sits bronzed and weary
upon her rock in the Copenhagen
harbour, Langelinie, warm from the
waves, desirer of a human soul, and
Hans Christian Andersen, writing,
writing furiously as he chased his
mutable transient existence. And love,
of course.
My hands are shards of ice
inside my pockets, my palm buried
beneath a layer of frost. My mother
takes one in hers, briefly, runs a hand
over scraped knuckles. “Cold hands,
warm heart” she reminds me. Yes.
But not as warm as Tommy Sneum’s.
Not as warm as bone needles through
thick cloth. But maybe as warm as
Smilla Jaspersen, whose iron forged
determination and stainless steel
longing of Greenland throbs in the air.
I can understand. Two masks, one for
summer, one for winter. Denmark and
Greenland. Divided and whole, you can
feel one within the other.
Several months later, writing
this onto a scrap piece of paper when
the computer broke down, rewriting
again and again, because there is
nothing quite right, too much to pour
into a single account of two lands
connected inside one woman and by
years of human lives, two countries
that grasped my bones and did not
let go. A land carved out with broken
hands by people who screamed and
sang and bled to survive, this place,
this town echoing across the ice,
pathways corded to Greenland. People
born soft as snow turn to sheer ice and
brilliance here, this land takes the fire
in your eyes and swallows it down with
spring showers until you break apart
her stone and rip it back with your
teeth, your heart. If you can.
This is not my home. Not now.
Not yet.
But it will be. That I know for
certain.
Fortunas 34
Their imprints cut jagged
edges all over the town, curling around
street corners and into the low-hanging
clouds. Warrior Bishop Absalon,
donned in armour, horse rearing over
Christiansborg Palace on its granite
plinth. Founder and protector of
Copenhagen, he forced the Wendish
pirates to surrender their very god,
Svantovit, to the mercy of Christianity,
and burned their seven-headed god
Rugievit’s statue with a team of 12 men
in front of 6000 Wendish warriors. The
ashes lay motionless; no wrathful gods
bore down on his head, and so Absalon
baptised (conquered) the Wends.
Gefjun, goddess of the plough and
foreknowledge, grasps a chariot pulled
by her bull-sons amidst the cascade
of water in the Gefion Fountain.
Promised by the Swedish King Gylfi
all the territory she could plough in a
night, she transformed her own sons
into oxen and the territory they gouged
out of the earth became Zealand, the
island on which Copenhagen rests.
Smilla would have taken those
bulls and ridden them to Greenland,
destroying the path behind her.
Insurance, a warning that even the
gods could not stop the human woman
from returning to her motherland.
Smilla would have refused the baptism
too. Standing underneath the bronze
statue with its axe swinging over my
head, in the middle of Højbro Square,
I knew with absolute certainty that
a fictional character from one of my
favourite books would have refused
baptism to a Christian God. I would
have done the same. Vicious acts and
courageous acts stab deep; they remain
to shape the land.
The Inuits had their own
beliefs, many taking up Christianity,
their own religion remaining beneath
the surface, intertwined with the
knowledge to hunt and skin and build
and sew. To survive the long arctic
winter, a blubber lamp and boiler
were indispensible in the three winter
months when the temperatures went
below -25 °C and the sun would not
be seen over the horizon. A land that
61
December 2014
Fortunas 34
DOLLAR DEBATES
SCOTLAND’S
FUTURE
62
September 2014 was, in a political
sense, a truly historic moment in the
life of our nation. Exactly what the
nature of that nation was to be was, of
course, the centre of the political storm
that had been brewing throughout the
summer. The fact that 16- and 17-yearolds had - for this single referendum become enfranchised only added to the
mix. Dollar Academy was, therefore, no
different to any other corner of Scotland
in the weeks leading up to Referendum
Day; debates, discussions, arguments,
forums - all were in evidence, all told
the tale of a politicised community and
a youth engaged with the arguments
surrounding the future of a nation.
It seemed logical, therefore,
on the eve of that most important
vote in Scotland’s political history, that
the Dollar Academy Debating Society
should hold a Referendum Debate in
the school assembly hall. The event
gave eight pupils the opportunity to
explore the manifold issues that would
define this momentous occasion. An
enormous audience packed itself into
the hall to hear the proposition team of
Jack McNicol (Form VI), Anna Glasgow
(Form IV), Kelsey Clarke (Form VI)
and Imogen Macleod (Form V) argue
for the motion that “This House Would
Vote Yes”. They presented a pragmatic
case, tinged with some idealism but
rooted in promises that sought to
make good the democratic deficit,
and argued for a rejection of a broken
Westminster system and a future
where Scottish politicians could have
full and unrestricted freedom to solve
Scottish problems. The huge audience
listened intently and while there were
Saltires in evidence, there was none
of the barracking that had defined so
many similar debates up and down the
country.
On the opposition side,
arguing for the Union and a ‘No’ vote,
the team consisted of Alex Galloway,
Victoria Bremner, Amenah Cheema
(all Form VI), and Jonty Haywood
(Form IV). These pupils responded
with arguments against separation. In
an articulate and combative defence of
the status quo, they offered a vision
of a Scotland prospering within a
Union that gave greater international
influence, greater security in a world
beset with terrorism, and a much
more secure economic life with a stable
currency and job opportunities.
All the debaters spoke with
passion, conviction and considerable
style, while the vast audience listened
carefully to the arguments and analysis
on offer. Many of the pupils remarked
that it had been enlightening - and a
pleasure - to hear the crucial issues being
discussed and debated in an intelligent
and thoughtful manner rather than
the too – often – glorified shouting
match that they had witnessed in the
television debates. Amenah said of the
experience: “I’m glad I could talk to my
peers about something so important. It
clearly affects all of us to a great extent,
and the chance for the whole school
to get involved, be it as spectators or
speakers, was a great opportunity.”
It was clear that sections of the pupil
body were swayed by the proposition
case and their attractive idealism.
However, in the end, the division of
the house fell towards the opposition,
with a roughly 70% - 30 % split in
favour of retaining the Union. What
was more important, however, was not
so much the poll taken at the close of
the debate, but rather the inescapable
fact that hundreds of Dollar Academy
pupils had become politicised by the
Referendum; political views were being
swapped in the corridors, classrooms
and cloakrooms, issues analysed and
rebutted, opinions formed and then
reformed. A politicised youth was the
one unqualified success of the whole
phenomenon that blew through the
nation in September.
Neil McFadyean
Literature
DAILY
TELEGRAPH
INTERVIEWS
DOLLAR PUPILS
DURING BIG,
BIG DEBATE
While the ‘Big, Big Debate’ was intended to give young voters a voice
prior to the election, it was particularly exciting for Dollar’s seven young pupils
to be offered such a very public voice in the days leading up to the Referendum.
Mrs Gunn (Director of Communications) was also there on the evening and she
commented that, “It was very exciting for the pupils: being interviewed by a
heavyweight journalist with all the glitz and glamour of a photoshoot and video
cameraman. The pupils did themselves proud.”
The Telegraph’s Jim White was also clearly impressed by what he saw in the
Argyll House Common Room that evening. He wrote that the debate in Glasgow was
but an “adult squabble, full of sound, fury, bitterness and exaggeration”. The Dollar
pupils however, offered “thoughtfully considered opinion about the forthcoming
Referendum, concisely and cogently delivered.”
Heather Moore
Photographs courtesy of Stuart Nicol
December 2014
Mr White’s feature article and a video clip covering the pupils’ responses to the
Glasgow debate can be found at:
www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/scotland/11092972/Scottish-independencecould-these-teenagers-swing-the-vote.html
Fortunas 34
On the evening of Thursday 11th
September, Jim White, Chief Features
Editor of The Daily Telegraph, arrived
at Argyll House, with photographer
and cameraman in tow. These top
journalists had requested to come to
Dollar Academy in order to sit in the
company of young Dollar pupils as they
watched the ‘Big, Big Debate’ being held
in Glasgow’s SECC Hydro, televised by
the BBC. Dollar Academy was chosen
because of its outstanding reputation
for debating, and the journalists were
not to be disappointed.
The pupils chosen would all be
voting in Thursday’s Referendum and
represented a variety of political views.
Mr White was curious about what
this particular group of young voters
thought about the issue, and wanted to
document their response in a feature
article for The Telegraph.
The Glasgow debate featured
approximately 8000 16- and 17-yearold voters taking part in an open-floor
discussion with the centre-stage panel,
which was chaired by BBC reporter
James Cook, and included Scotland’s
Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon,
Respect MP George Galloway, leader
of the Scottish Conservatives Ruth
Davidson and Green MSP Patrick
Harvie.
63
December 2014
Fortunas 34
THE GALLEY SCOTTISH SCHOOL
MAGAZINE OF THE
YEAR
64
Dollar Academy has, for the second
time, won the ‘Scottish School
Magazine of the Year’ award in
the Scottish School Media Awards
sponsored by imPRESS. This is a
nation-wide competition featuring
the very best in pupil journalism. It
is a very great accolade indeed, and
speaks to the talents, ambition and
raw dedication of the 12 pupils on
The Galley team, as well as the staff
members (Ms Langley and Ms Abel)
who assist in its production.
The awards ceremony took
place on Friday 13th June at Our
Dynamic Earth in Edinburgh, and
was hosted by BBC Scotland’s sports
presenter, Jonathan Sutherland. The
competition comprised 14 different
categories and the shortlist featured
17 schools from across Scotland.
According to the programme notes,
the judges were looking for: ‘Best in
teamwork, excellent writing, good
content and design, plus flair and
creativity’ in the ‘Scottish School
Magazine of the Year’ category.
The magazine also picked up
awards in three further categories:
‘Best Cover’ (designed by Aelfred
Hillman, then Form II); ‘Best Layout &
Design’ (led by Anya Kaufman, Form
VI) and ‘Best Editorial Content’ (led
by Bethan Scott and Ambreen Rasool,
both Form VI). In total, Dollar received
the most awards, of all schools present
for its magazine The Galley.
Dollar Academy was also
shortlisted in the following categories:
‘Best Sports Columnist’ (Charlie
Worsley, Form III); ‘Best Feature
Article’ (Jonty Haywood, Form III);
‘Best Original Photography’ (Bethan
Scott) and ‘Most Outstanding Pupil’
(Bethan Scott).
Ms Langley (staff member
in charge of The Galley) said: “We are
really pleased that The Galley has been
named ‘Scottish School Magazine
of the Year’ again in a competition
where the standard of entries is always
extremely strong. I am so proud of all
the pupils who worked on both issues
this session. Winning this award is not
only recognition of their creativity,
design and editorial skills, but also of
all their teamwork and dedication.”
Dollar’s
winning
pupils
received trophies, certificates and
professional
opportunities.
The
winners of the ‘Cover and Design’
awards are to be rewarded with
work experience at CMYK Design in
Edinburgh. The ‘Best Editorial Content’
winner will be undertaking work
experience at contract publisher White
Light Media. The team responsible for
the ‘Magazine of the Year’ wins a visit
to the home of Dennis the Menace and
the team at DC Thomson in Dundee.
Most remarkably, Dollar
Academy also won Best Magazine
in 2011, when Becky Keely was the
student editor. Her brother, Tom
(Form III) is part of the design team
who worked on this issue.
Bethan Scott commented on
the experience of being at the awards
ceremony, awaiting the result for the
‘Magazine of the Year’ award: “The
tension in the room was palpable as
the presenter eyed the audience before
reading out the main award. It was just
as nerve-wracking as a penalty flick in a
hockey match. I am so very proud of the
team after all the hours and hours of
work, and all the blood, sweat and tears
that went into producing The Galley.
We are all honoured to have been a
part of this incredible competition, and
certainly for me it was just the best way
to finish my decade at Dollar Academy.”
Tremendous congratulations are due
to the entire group of staff and pupils
who worked on The Galley.
Heather Moore
Photographs courtesy of Weber Shandwick
After the Bell
‘GET ACTIVE!’ COCURRICULAR FAIR
December 2014
Heather Moore
Fortunas 34
On Friday 29th August the annual ‘Get Active!’ Fair for the
senior school took place in the assembly hall.
‘Get Active’ is an exciting, session-opening event for
all pupils, and especially for those pupils in Form I or who
are new to the school. Dollar Academy maintains the very
great significance of a rich and varied co-curricular life and
the fair showcases the dozens upon dozens of co-curricular
activities that are on offer. Every year, the list of activities
grows longer, reflecting the varied passions and interests
of the staff who give up their time to co-ordinate the clubs,
societies, teams, committees and organisations. There is
something to suit everyone.
There were stands representing the Art Club,
Badminton Club, Jewellery Making, Amnesty International,
the Runners’ Club, the Surf Club, various Book Groups, a
wide repertoire of musical groups and many, many more. The
cosy Chess Club stand enjoyed a quiet, yet focused audience;
the CCF stand was a sea of camouflage-green uniforms; the
Sixth Year co-curricular groups (such as the Yearbook and
Charities Committee) enticed the younger pupils to look
ahead to the great co-curricular challenges of the future. The
Drama Club stand took centre stage, literally and figuratively,
boasting the single most entrancing feature of the event:
a young thespian wearing a donkey head, straight out of A
Midsummer Night’s Dream.
Staff co-ordinators and pupil members were on
hand to represent the activity and answer questions from
the pupils. Every pupil in Form I and II visited in class groups
during Period 3, and the fair was open throughout lunch
to new pupils and their buddies, and any other interested
pupils. Pupils could also sign up to the groups that attracted
their interest.
Further details of the full range of co-curricular
activities available to pupils can be found on the school’s
website under the co-curricular tab.
65
CHARITIES
COMMITTEE
2014-15
December 2014
Fortunas 34
CHARITIES WEEK 2014
Pulling Together for a Good Cause
66
Once again, the Charities Committee contributed to the heightened sense of
excitement in the penultimate week of summer term with the events organised for
our annual ‘Charities Week’.
This year there were three main events taking place over the course of
the week. First on the agenda was the Tug o’ War, a popular one to kick off with.
Pupils from across the year groups took part, children from the Prep School joined
to watch and cheer, and all in the most perfect weather. “It was very hot - that’s
what I remember most!” commented Mrs Bryce, one of many spectators. Probably
the craziest event of the Week was the Wacky Races, for which competitors had to
devise and create a vehicle in which they could race other teams around the school
grounds. The team from the Pipe Band, led by our Head Boy, Joe Armstrong, won
with their innovative use of an office chair and some rope. The final fundraising
event was the Custard Pie Auction, in which spectators bid for the chance to throw
a pie in the face of one of a select number of familiar staff and pupils. It was a highly
entertaining event and a good opportunity for some Sixth Years to fulfil some of
their long-held dreams….
These events were undoubtedly a lot of fun, but most importantly they
helped raise £600 for The Stroke Association. Charities Week 2014 proved once
again that it is possible to have fun and do a great deal of good for others at the
same time - a principle that we are sure next year’s Charities Committee will also
embrace.
Isidora Grgur (Form VI)
Lewis Aitchison
Cameron Bennett
Iulian Bold
Laura Broomfield
Laura Gallagher
Jack Geddes
Lexy Graham
Fraser Greenlee
Isidora Grgur
Xinyi He
Jenny Kennedy
Evie Kerr
Sally Kirkpatrick
Christian Lao – Co-ordinator
Iain Leggat
Hannah Leggatt
Lizzie Malloch
Jack McNicol- Deputy Co-ordinator
Julien Mittre
Amy Niven
Felix Principe-Gillespie
Wallis Rodd
VictoriaSmith
Lily Tarvet
HannahWorsley
After the Bell
CHARITIES
The first major event on the Charities
Committee calendar, the Form I Disco,
took place in September. With the
theme ‘Pink and Blue’, the event raised
a tremendous £250 for the charity
‘Playlist for Life’, a charity dedicated to
supporting those with dementia.
On a gloriously sunny
afternoon in October the Committee
challenged members of staff to a touch
rugby match, and most of the school
turned out to spectate, cheer, support
and contribute funds toward a very
good cause. In a closely contested
match, with much honour at stake,
the staff ran out eventual winners, the
final score 4-1 in their favour. £141.66
in total was raised for the ‘Wooden
Spoon’ charity, a rugby charity
supporting disadvataged young peope.
These events marked the
beginning of what looks to be a very
successful year for the Charities
Committee 2014-2015.
December 2014
Fortunas 34
67
December 2014
Fortunas 34
BRONZE DUKE
OF EDINBURGH’S
AWARD
68
This year, a remarkable 110 Form IV
pupils undertook their Bronze Duke
of Edinburgh’s Award assessment
expeditions. Such was the size of the
cohort attempting this challenge, that
it required Duke of Edinburgh’s staff
to run three weekends of expeditions
throughout September and October.
All of the trips were run in the Ochils,
so conveniently situated in the
Academy’s very back garden.
Each team of candidates
had to attend training sessions in
route choice and navigation, first
aid, expedition planning including
emergency measures, nutrition and
general campcraft. They worked hard
in writing out their route cards, which
had to take into account aspects of their
trips such as navigational features and
hazards, compass bearings, distances
travelled, speed of walking, height
climbed and time taken for rests.
Fine weather, as well as poor weather,
routes had to be planned.
Pupils then donned their
heavy packs and took to the hills on
a Saturday morning for an overnight
expedition. Upon reaching their
designated campsites, the candidates
had to set up camp, cook meals and
make themselves safe and warm. Each
group enjoyed a visit from a member
of Duke of Edinburgh’s staff in the
evening (often bearing jelly beans!),
before settling down for their evening
in the tent. On Sunday morning, the
group ate breakfast and packed up
in timely fashion before undertaking
their long walk home to Dollar.
Academy staff were on hand both at
home and out and about in the Ochil
Hills throughout the pupils’ time on
expedition. In effect, though, pupils
were on their own in the hills and had
to make the right decisions, at every
point, on their own.
Mr
Fraser
(Duke
of
Edinburgh’s Award Co-ordinator) was
delighted with this season’s assessment
candidates and felt that the pupils
conducted themselves in the hills with
skill, common sense and a real sense
of the seriousness of the challenge
they were embarking upon. “We were
blessed with favourable autumnal
weather every weekend,” he said. “This,
combined with a positive, committed
and enthusiastic attitude from all of the
pupils, led to a successful and incidentfree programme of expeditions. 17
groups out and 17 groups back – all
safe and sound!”
Their successes this autumn
will, no doubt, encourage many of
them back to attempt their Silver
Training expeditions in the spring.
We wish them well as they continue to
adventure into the hills.
Heather Moore
SPONSORED
WALK ROUTE
CHALLENGE
Mr Johns shares his thoughts on tackling
the Dollar Academy Sponsored Walk
Route (SWR) at pace.
the gauntlet is thrown down to any
who take on the challenge – please do
send in a GPS record (or similar) of
the route. The route also makes for an
excellent day out from Dollar, although
many will be attracted by the lure of a
warm lunch at the excellent Tormaukin
Inn in Glendevon, rather than visiting
the empty lunch-field as a turn-round
point.
Pupils are encouraged to try out
Running Club (which tends to cover
routes of about 5miles in an hour); this
now takes place on both Tuesday and
Wednesday after school – all senior
pupils are welcome.
Andy Johns
December 2014
Fortunas 34
After a busy day of teaching on the last
Friday before the October break, from
cell structure with Form I, to E=mc2
with Form VI, I had a short window
of opportunity at the end of the day
thanks to having completed Form II
marking at lunchtime. I had had a
thought about trying to complete the
SWR in less than two hours before –
one previous attempt had been close to
this mark.
The route has a brutal start,
as many pupils will testify – over 3½
miles of almost unrelenting uphill,
rising to 1500ft near the summit of
Commonedge Hill. The stopwatch was
started at the back gate, near the Prep
School, and the farm track opposite
was followed upwards, carefully
moving through a herd of cows parked
next to the cattle-grid.
A loop above the golf course
was first followed, keeping above
Dollar Glen until dropping down close
to the gates of Castle Campbell and
then a steady pull up through the
woods above.
The wet and boggy path was
finally left after 42 minutes, and the
forest track above Glen Quey made for
a fast descent, being a perfect gradient
for running. After the zig-zags to the
tarmac road and back towards the
reservoir, which always feels counterintuitive, a corner was turned and the
return path was reached in just under
an hour. Those walking the route in
future might note that, time-wise, this
was the half-way point, despite being a
little under 6 miles into the route.
Now the pace could really
be pushed on faster paths, with a
loop to the centre of the lunch-field
at 1h10min marking the start of the
return journey. This was slowed by a
number of gates and stiles, 28 in total,
each interrupting the flow of running
as the gate latch was opened and closed
each time.
The south end of the Glen
Quey Reservoir was reached in 1h30:
I have never seen the water level so
low after a particularly dry September.
The official SWR was carefully followed
every step of the way, with plenty of
mud from the recent rain helping to
ensure full concentration, especially
over tree roots in the deforested area
above the Castle. A careful eye was
kept on the clock – with the tarmac
above the upper Castle car-park being
reached with 1h48min on the clock,
so two hours looked within reach. The
potholes in the road were carefully
navigated and the steps into the glen
were followed from half-way down the
narrow road, ignoring the more direct
route down the road and sticking to
the official route. Here, the path was a
mixture of mud and rocks, all hidden
below recently-fallen leaves – a perfect
combination for a twisted ankle when
covered at speed.
The top of Mill Green was
reached at 1h52, with a final push down
to Burnside, past the Golf Club and
down to Academy Place, a measured
leap over the chain across the road and
round the front of the Academy to hit
the doors outside the north entrance
to the school. The watch read 1:55:36
for the 13 miles – job done.
There are several FPs
and current parents in the Dollar
community who are capable of
completing the route far faster and
After the Bell
Route profile (and pace in minutes per mile)
69
December 2014
Fortunas 34
YOGA
70
Yoga has been available as a co-curricular activity for girls in
the senior school at Dollar for the last five years. The practice
of this ancient art is beneficial for everyone: it is noncompetitive, not a sport, and everyone who tries it will find
something at which she or he is good, or perhaps it is more
accurate to say something that is an ideal practice for the
individual’s own body type. Everyone is good at yoga!
I start each class with the group seated cross-legged in
Sukhasana (the easy pose) with eyes closed, gradually
withdrawing awareness from the external world to come all
the way within and focus on the breath. There is always a
wonderful moment early in a yoga class when perfect
tranquillity descends, as the class members bring their
awareness to rest on the inner stillness which all of us have
at our core.
Once the class is settled and ready to turn their attention to
the practice of yoga, I aim to teach a balanced class, which
contains a variety of asanas (postures) in seated, standing,
prone and recumbent positions. I generally include an
inversion such as Uttanasana (forward bend),
Adhomukhasvanasana
(downward-facing
dog)
or
Sarvangasana (shoulderstand); a backbend such as
Setubandhasana (bridge)or Bhujangasana (cobra); and a
twist such as Ardhamatsyendrasana (half lord-of-the-fishes
pose) or Jatharaparivrttanasana (revolved abdomen pose).
Each class ends with relaxation in Savasana (the corpse
posture), in which the body and mind become absolutely
still.
Sometimes people tell me, “I can’t do yoga; I’m not very
flexible.” However, people who believe this are deluding
themselves: everyone can achieve something in yoga
practice, and repeated practice can only increase one’s
flexibility. Increased flexibility is in any case only one of the
benefits yoga offers. In recent weeks, members of the class
have told me that their practice has improved their posture,
and, most importantly, clears the mind. Truly, yoga is there
to help us through life.
Yoga class is available for girls from Form I to Form VI on
Thursdays from 3.45 to 4.45 p.m.
Dr Eilidh Macleod
FOCUS ON PIPE BAND
From Sticks, Pads and Chanter to World Championship
Success
With over 160 pupils receiving instruction in piping and
drumming, the corner of school affectionately referred to
as ‘The Piping Hut’ is possibly the busiest and certainly the
noisiest area of the school campus. Youngsters from the Prep
School run to their lessons determined to be part of the Pipe
Band and eager to attend their first morning practice. This is
where it all starts: regular practice first thing in the morning,
Prep School pupils playing alongside the Head Boy, Head Girl
and seniors of position. The youngsters looking up to the
future while the seniors look back down, remembering well
the battle of mastering the Great Highland Bagpipe, twelve
kilos of side drum or a bass drum that is equal in size to our
youngest participant – they all help each other, as the group
prepares for the full and varied program of the summer term.
There is an engagement for everyone; from morning
practice to Gala Day, assembly performances, Sports Days,
wedding engagements, Beating Retreats, Royal engagements,
birthday parties, overseas tours, local competitions, CCF
competitions through to the Royal Scottish Pipe Band
Association Championships. Of all the events in our calendar
the RSPBA ‘Majors’ excites the youngsters the most. There
are around 200 pipe bands around the globe eligible to
compete in our age category, and our pupils are determined
to perform well and establish where they are ranked in the
world.
Craig Stewart
CCF
Why Pipe Band?
Jack Muldoon (Form II)
Novice Band
achievement for us as we had only
been playing together for under a year.
The season’s success could not have
been achieved without a great deal of
time and effort from the Novice Band
members, not to mention the fantastic
support from the Juvenile Band and
all of our instructors. I’d like to pass
on special thanks to Mr Warren, who
spent so much of his own time helping
and developing the Band to gain the
awards we did. We wish him well with
his new job in Australia, where he has
taken up a full-time appointment in a
rival school Down Under.
This year I hope to help
continue the success of the Dollar
Academy Pipe Band and hopefully
gain a place in the Juvenile Band, in
the pursuit of retaining the World
Championship trophy.
Cameron Clark (Form VI)
December 2014
For me, Pipe Band has been the most
worthwhile and challenging experience
of my time at Dollar.
My first contest with the
Novice Band was at the Scottish Schools
Pipe Band Competition at Broughton
High School. As I walked onto the stage
and faced the crowd I felt a real mixture
of emotions, from excitement to sheer
fear. I was then appointed Pipe Major
of the Novice Band, which saw me lead
the Band to success in the Scottish CCF
Schools Competition that same year.
This season I retained my role as Pipe
Major to face my toughest challenge
yet: leading the Band on at the qualifier
of the World Pipe Band Championships
in Glasgow. It was an experience that
I take great pride in, and one that I
definitely will not forget.
It was a fitting end to a busy
and successful season, with the Band
taking home trophies in all five of
the Major Championships - Scottish,
British, UK, European and World
Championships. This is an incredible
Fortunas 34
I was caught hook, line and sinker the
minute I heard the tones of the Dollar
Academy Pipe Band echoing around
the campus. Yes, I had heard pipe
bands before, but this was different. I
felt compelled to join.
Yes, I did the Dollar Gala,
Sports Weekend, Pipe Band Displays
and all the morning practices. I didn’t
realise they were just preparing me for
the real thing! Competition piping is
where it is at!!
My
first
competitive
experience took place at Kinross
Highland Games. It was a dark, dank,
dismal day. I can remember walking
into the arena full of trepidation. With
a dry mouth and trembling fingers
I played my heart out, as did the rest
of the Band, and to our credit we were
awarded first place. With a feeling of
euphoria I was hungry for more.
The
competitions
came
fast and furious over the spring and
summer months. The competition
in Ireland was a highlight, where
the Novice Band came in third place
against strong opposition, but the
World Championships held at Glasgow
Green has to be the pinnacle of my
piping career so far. It was a terrific
experience listening to bands from
around the world, and with 200 bands
in our age category registered to
compete in our grade – we were happy
to come away with a fourth place!
The feeling you get from
winning in band competitions makes
all the hard work so worthwhile, and
with the support of all the instructors
it makes the experience so much
sweeter.
71
#peoplemakedollar
BROTHERS’ SOLO
PIPING PROWESS
December 2014
Fortunas 34
Juvenile Band – World Champions
Once Again!
72
After months of hard work and dedication, the final competition of the Pipe Band
season was upon us: The World Pipe Band Championships. The 2014 RSPBA
competitions had proved to be very successful for the Band, and the anticipation of
the final competition helped to drive us over the final hurdles.
The countless early morning practices and the commitment shown
throughout the summer holidays proved that devoted preparation pays off, and on
Saturday 16th August at Glasgow Green the Juvenile Band was crowned World Pipe
Band Champions 2014. Having been lucky enough to have been part of the 2010
World Champion Pipe Band, I felt a great sense of achievement and pride for us to
be named World Champions again. The endless encouragement and support within
the Band helped to make the win that much sweeter, and I can honestly say that it
is a great honour to be able to share the prestigious championship title with such a
tremendous group of people.
As I embark on my sixth and final season with the Band, I can reflect on
my previous years with a sense of pride and accomplishment. This year we welcome
a new group of members to join the Band and hopefully to help us repeat the
successes of the 2014 season.
Pipe Major Lucy Ferguson (Form VI)
At Dollar Academy, a school renowned
for producing very fine and very
dedicated pipers, Sandy Cameron
(Form VI), and his younger brother
Finlay (Form II), both stand out from
the crowd.
CCF
Heather Moore
December 2014
At the MacGregor Memorial Piobaireachd
Competition at the Argyllshire Gathering in Oban, each
competitor is required to learn four piobaireachd by heart
and is only given the selected tune minutes before playing.
In 2011, Sandy was a finalist; in 2012 he came in second.
And then, in 2013 (at the age of 16, against competitors in
their 20s), he came first. As a result of this win, he has now
been graded for adult competition.
Both boys have also competed in the Royal National
Mod. Sandy won in 2008, 2010, 2012 and 2013. Finlay,
following well in his brother’s footsteps, won in 2013. They
each enjoyed the accompanying media attention when, after
their Mod wins, the BBC came to film them.
And Finlay is certainly beginning to contribute
his share of the wins and placings. He was placed second at
the George Watsons’ solo competition this year and he was
also the solo winner at this year’s Lochaber Piping Society.
In fact, over the past two years the brothers have, between
them, garnered 120 wins.
It was back in January, however, at the Scottish
Schools Piobaireachd Competition held at Strathallan School,
that a real milestone was reached and passed. In 2008, Sandy
had won the Novice category here; in 2013 and 2014, he was
the Senior winner. But 2014 also marked the first time that
Sandy and Finlay both entered this competition. Remarkably,
they won the Senior and Novice categories, respectively. It
would probably be unusual to have both competitions won
by the same school, but possibly unique for two brothers at
the same school to win.
It was a significant event in many ways. Not least,
perhaps, because it was the last time that the brothers,
Sandy and Finlay, would ever again compete together in a
school solo piping competition. Sandy has now been graded
for adult competition and will no longer compete at junior
level.
In fact, Sandy competed in his first open adult event
in May at Kingdom Thistle in Fife. Though sorry to leave the
junior solos behind, he was determined to succeed in his first
competition against adults. In the end, he was placed first
in the Piobaireachd at Kingdom Thistle, proving that he is
certainly ready to compete in this more challenging arena.
The prize, a new set of bagpipes, will surely spur him on to
further success. His brother, never one to be left behind, was
placed second in the Under-16 event.
Mrs Cameron notes that, “Neither boy would have
become a piper had he not been given the opportunity, at
Dollar Academy, to start.” And, thinking back over all the
boys’ rather herculean efforts and achievements over the
years, she adds, “From the perspective of a parent, children
do really well to compete at all in solos or with bands. Our two
are not machines, they have their own good and bad days, as
do their pipes. Sometimes, when the mood has swung from
optimism to despair when faced with an uncooperative set
of temperamental bagpipes, we really wish they had taken
up the piano!”
Fortunas 34
They have worked incredibly hard for their successes
which can be attributed to expert tuition, extraordinary
support from home, and perhaps some fraternal competitive
instinct. Above all, however, their success can be attributed
to the fact that these boys are, simply put, passionate about
piping.
Both boys started their piping tuition at Dollar;
Sandy began in 2006 (with Craig Stewart), then with David
Methven and Alastair Duthie, both of whom also taught
Finlay. Today, both boys are tutored in solo piping by Iain
MacFadyen of Kyle of Lochalsh.
At the Academy, Sandy joined the ‘A’ band at age 10,
and competed with them until leaving Dollar and moving to
Lochaber where he played with the adult competing band,
Glen Mor. In 2011, Sandy returned to Dollar Academy as a
boarder and Finlay came in 2013. They have deep connections
with the school, as the Chairman of the Board of Governors,
John Cameron, is a relation. Finlay joined the Dollar Juvenile
Band last year. Both boys enjoy their current Dollar Band
involvement and have found Matt Wilson (Piping Instructor)
nothing short of inspiring. The pipes are very much set up
for the individual, to suit his or her height, size, strength and
preference, as Sandy explains, “Matt has been a huge help
with getting Finlay’s pipes right and with listening to us both
before a contest to give us pointers. He’s enthusiastic and
always confident in us. He’s always willing to give up his time
to help us both, which we’re both very grateful for.”
Outside of Dollar Band competition, however, it is
the world of solo piping that has really attracted Sandy. It was
David Methven, in fact, who introduced to Sandy the world
of solo competition, “He introduced me to piobaireachd (long
pipe tunes) and took me to my first solo competition, the
Stirling Mod.”
Sandy has competed in solo competitions across
Scotland. His list of Highland Games successes is very long,
having won at Perth, Newtonmore, Skye, Arisaig, Morar,
Glenfinnan, South Uist, North Uist, Balquidder, Inveraray
and Cowal in recent years. At the exact time of writing, in fact,
both boys were playing through damp and midgey conditions
at the Blair Atholl Highland Games. Finlay explains, “I came
first in the jig and fifth in the march, strathspey and reel. It
was an Under-18 category, so most competitors were quite a
bit older.” At the Northern Meeting (Eden Court, Inverness),
Sandy has been the overall Under-18 winner for the last
three years.
Occasionally, and perhaps unexpectedly, piping
takes the boys out of Scotland. Recalling their journey down
to the Scottish Piping Society of London competition, the
boys said, “It’s a very strange experience, stepping off the
sleeper train in full Highland dress, and heading for South
Kensington Town Hall.” Not so strange, however, that Sandy
was distracted from what he does best: he has twice (in two
visits) walked away from this competition as the overall
champion.
73
#peoplemakedollar
December 2014
Fortunas 34
World Solo
Drumming
74
After weeks of practice, rudiments, pad,
drum, and intensive coaching from Mr
McWhirter and encouragement from
Mr Innes, the morning of the 2014
World Solo Drumming Championships
arrived, the first Saturday of mid-term
holiday. I warmed up after breakfast
and played a few rudiments. I felt
excited and really just wanted to get on
with it. My time slot was 12.25pm. As I was being driven to the
venue, Glasgow Caledonian University,
I was comforted to know that my
accompanying piper, Sandy Cameron,
himself a competition winner, was
wending his way from Argyll, but
through a terrible rain storm, to meet
me. Sandy and I had practised the
March, Strathspey and Reel (MSR)
over many hours at lunchtime, and
both before and after school on many
days since school restarted in August. I registered at the front desk
and made my way to the allocated
preparation room, alongside some of
the best solo drummers from Grade 1
Field Marshall Montgomery. That also
meant Dollar Academy’s Mr Wilson
was close by, too, and soon we were
joined by Mr Innes. I warmed up on
my old trusty pad and tried to remain
cool. Mr McWhirter came in to see
me, which was great, as I knew he had
a rather busy day, and the not-smallmatter of defending his World Title
and a semi-final at roughly the same
time as I was due to play. Sandy arrived
and tuned up, and we got our first
run-through. Then a break, back to
the pad and then another run-through
on the drum. I was playing one of Mr
McWhirter’s Andante drums which had
been prepared and tuned to perfection;
the fine balance of being ready but not
over-baked is always tricky. My section for Juvenile MSR
was off and running just before noon,
and soon enough I was in final tuning.
Five minutes later I was on and facing
two experienced judges. The fiveminute set was over in a flash, a good
run and I particularly enjoyed the Reel.
Only six hours to wait for the results… Drum packed away, ‘hello’
to the family and some FP band
members who had gathered to watch
(thanks, guys!), then down to the room
where Mr McWhirter was playing.
In Mr Innes’ words “it was a flawless
performance” and Mr McW sailed into
the final. My dad and I went to the
main auditorium for the adult final,
where 12 competitors would first play
a Hornpipe/Jig set and then be judged
separately on an MSR set. There was
exceptional drumming on show, and
Mr McWhirter was blinding in the H/J.
Next up the MSR and the judges retired
to compile the Senior result. After what seemed like a
long, long time, the results for Tenor
Drumming and Novice Snare were
read out and I could feel my heartbeat
beginning to gather pace. The moment
arrived, and I was placed third by both
judges, beaten on the day by two very
good drummers from Boghall and
McKenzie Caledonian. As I received my
medal and certificate, it sank in that
the hard work and hours of practice
had got me here. I texted Sandy to
thank him.
The audience of around 500
hushed as the main adult result came
next. The World Solo Drumming
Champion for 2014 was ...........Steven
McWhirter, retaining the title for the
fourth time in succession and fifth
overall! What a great outcome, and I
watched as one of my tutors went up to
take the applause and the silverware.
In the round of congratulations,
handshaking, back-slapping and joy
afterwards, I had a photo taken with
Mr McWhirter in a surreal moment
of Jedi Master drummer and his
‘padawan’ apprentice. With Mr Innes
leading the team, we have a truly great
drum programme.
In one of my note sheets in
September, a wise drumming tutor
wrote “It’s never good enough”, and I
know I have lots to improve upon and
learn for next time. I’d like to thank the Dollar
Academy Pipe Band team for making
these things possible, and for the
honour of representing the school. I’m
particularly grateful to Mr Innes for his
input and support, and an important
word here and there on the day; to Mr
Wilson, for his encouragement on the
day and lightening the load; to Sandy,
for his exceptional playing and the
time he devoted to the preparation;
and to Mr McWhirter, for leading by
example on the route to success, and
what is simply the best rudimentary
drumming on the planet. Finally, I thank my parents for
their unswerving support in fetching
and carrying me and simply being
there. We can often forget that we
have a unique set-up at Dollar run by
Mr Stewart, and I’d encourage all of
you to consider joining the Pipe Band.
If you put in the hours and practice, the
outcomes are great. The 2015 season
beckons, and as Nike says - Just Do It!
Cameron McCall (Form III)
CCF
CCF
RSM David Kennedy 2014-15
December 2014
The cadets are presented with opportunities to
expand the skills acquired at CCF on a huge number of
different courses - on a Naval firefighting course; gliding;
flying a propeller aircraft; competitions testing military skills
or leadership, shooting competitions or even competing
in national first aid competitions. The cadets also have the
chance to travel abroad and represent the United Kingdom
on a Canadian exchange, the successful applicant one of only
12 cadets chosen to travel to Canada and spend six weeks
with Canadian cadets on one of their summer camps.
This winning combination of quality instructors,
dedicated senior cadets and often once-in-a-lifetime
opportunities ensures that the Dollar Academy CCF cadet
has the best possible experience, fun and preparation for life.
And it is because of all of this that Dollar’s CCF is considered
one of the top Combined Cadet Forces in Scotland and the
UK.
Fortunas 34
Dollar Academy Combined Cadet Force prides itself on
the wide range of activities and competitions in which it
takes part. Whether it be the Infantry, participating in the
Scottish Military Skills or Welbeck Leadership competitions,
the Signals in Rolling Thunder or any of their year-round
competitions, RAF in Ground Training or Scots Nine, or
the Navy section, taking part in a Regatta, we cadets always
try our hardest and strive to be the best. And this is often
reflected in the results, with Dollar teams highly placed
against their competitors.
The 320-strong contingent turns out every Friday
to take part in an hour-and-a-half of training. This is 90
minutes packed full of activity, and you will find the SNCOs,
after the first parade, hurrying their cadets off to teach
them their particular syllabus. The contingent is made up of
the three services: Navy, Army (further divided into three
sections, Infantry, Signals and REME), and RAF. The officers,
staff and training team work hard with the senior cadets to
ensure everyone has an enjoyable experience but also that
they learn, not only a huge range of skills and drills, but also
some excellent life skills, such as teamwork, leadership and
communication. 75
December 2014
Fortunas 34
MILITARY
SKILLS
COMPETITION
2014
76
The Military Skills Competition tests
all that the cadets can learn in the
field, examining military knowledge,
teamwork, fieldcraft, leadership and
fitness. Dollar Academy’s Combined
Cadet Force puts forward its best ten
cadets to compete, and whilst it is a
shame it comes so early in the school
year, in many ways this just adds to
the challenge. The Competition is a
three-day and two-night event, spent
entirely in the field, eating rations
and sleeping in bashas (a camouflage
shelter-sheet strung up with bungees
to create a shelter). The Competition is
renowned for its level of difficulty and
for testing every member of the team.
On Friday 26th September the
team of ten, led by RSM David Kennedy
(Form VI) with CSM Duncan Smith
as the section 2.I.C, and consisting
of C/Sgt Megan Montgomery, S/Sgt
Christian Lao (Form VI), Cpl Sam
Ward, Cpl Lucy Hulbert, Cpl Scott
Norval (Form V) L/Cpl Niall Baird, L/
Cpl Rebecca Johns, and L/Cpl Amy
Pope (Form IV) travelled to Dreghorn
Training Area near Edinburgh to
compete.
After rising at 0650 on
Saturday to a lovely dry day, eating
breakfast and collapsing the Harbour,
the team then set off to complete their
stands. This first day consisted of First
Aid, Patrol Skills, Weapons Handling,
Section Attacks, DCCT (an Electronic
Range Simulation), Command Tasks
(unusually, being contacted halfway
through the task), Air Rifle Shooting
and Observation. All of these stands
were completed tactically and often
with enemy in the area so there was a
risk of being contacted on a number of
stands. The team patrolled from stand
to stand, putting together everything
that had been learned in the three
weeks of training leading up to the
event and performing very well in all
stands. The stand DS (Directing Staff)
was very impressed with how the team
acted throughout the day and how they
accomplished every task.
With a good feeling about
the first day, but with still no idea of
how things had actually gone, the
squad returned to the Patrol Harbour
to set up bashas and cook dinner.
After a short break we were on our
feet again. The night section of the
Competition involved navigating in
the dark to different points around the
training area and a planning exercise.
This was done tactically, and on three
of the points an informant would
meet members of the team and give
information that would later lead
to planning an attack. Once we had
arrived at all the points, a plan had
to be made to launch an attack and
retrieve a prisoner. To test how well
the Section Commander and team had
planned for the attack, questions were
then put to the cadets. It was midnight
by the time the team crawled into bed,
out of muddy gear and into sleeping
bags, relieved just to be able to rest.
The final day of the
competition dawned at 0545 for the
team. The Sunday is always a short
but very physical day. After the safety
briefing, there was some nervous
waiting around before starting the
day’s events. Dollar was last to go on
all three events. A 4km TAB (Tactical
Advance to Battle) was the first event
of the day, to be completed in the
fastest time possible. After the TAB
and a very short rest came the Obstacle
Course, a test of teamwork, fitness,
leadership and technique. The Dollar
team completed this very well and was
told by the DS at the end that they had
come first in this stand, achieving the
maximum points possible. With only a
moment to calm down, it was on to the
shooting range, where marksmanship
principles had to be put into play to
ensure that each individual shot the
tightest group possible.
The last part of the
CCF
Competition is always the most
nerve-racking: the final parade and
awards. Trying to stay calm and hide
the nerves, everyone chatted before
the start of the parade, going over the
events of the weekend and trying to
figure out how well we had done. The
RSM brought the parade to attention;
after the Colonel addressed the parade,
the placings were announced. Dollar
had done exceptionally well in the
Competition, coming first for the
second year in a row. The team and staff
were ecstatic at the result, and having
thanked and congratulated the other
teams, we were photographed with the
trophy. The hard work and dedication
of the staff and cadets, combined with
the weeks of training, had paid off and
helped confirm once again that Dollar
Academy Combined Cadet Force is the
best CCF in Scotland.
Dollar’s CCF First Aid team took part
in the Scottish First Aid Competition
at Queens Barracks, Perth on Saturday
3rd May 2014. Four teams competed,
comprising pupils from Forms II-V.
The cadets have to undertake
an individual first aid scenario,
where the traumas encountered are
intimidating and unpredictable. Cadets
had to treat the victim of an asthma
December 2014
Dollar Teams
Emerge as
Champions in
Scottish First Aid
Competition
attack, someone with broken glass
embedded in a wound and a victim
with a broken collarbone. The cadets
also undertake a team test: all four
team members work together at an
incident involving multiple casualties.
This year, the cadets faced an incident
involving a bomb blast in a building.
These scenarios are a closely-guarded
secret until the day of the competition;
the pupils have no idea what to expect
until the moment where a door opens
and they enter.
The cadets were assessed
by the Scottish First Aid League, a
semi-professional organisation. The
scoring of the competition was of a
very high standard indeed. The A Team
performed very well in the series of
challenges set for them. In the end, they
achieved a very respectable runners-up
position. This team consisted of Sgt
Duncan Smith; Sgt Christian Lao; Sgt
Angus Clark (all then Form V) and LCpl
Emma Rattray (FormIII).
The B Team were named
CCF Scottish Champions. This team
included Cpl Tommy Henson; Cpl Lucy
Fortunas 34
RSM David Kennedy (Form VI)
CCF FIRST
AID SUCCESS
77
Hulbert (both Form IV); LCpl Niall
Baird and LCpl Catriona Ferguson
(both Form III). This very skilled team
went on to win the Inter-Services
Competition, meaning that they
walked away with the overall title.
The Young Adult Team won
the CCF Young Adult Competition and
also finished runners-up in the InterServices Young Adult Competition.
This team was comprised of Sgt Gavin
Roderick and Sgt Ben Collins (both
Form V).
In terms of individual
performances, Cpl Lucy Hulbert
earned the highest individual score in
the entire competition: a remarkable
37/40. And Sgt Ben Collins earned the
highest individual score in Young Adult
Competition, having achieved 32/40.
Captain
Mark
Scott
(Contingent Executive Officer) said
proudly, “We have now won the
Scottish First Aid competition nine
years in a row and we have been the
Inter-Services Scottish Champions five
years in a row. We are delighted with
this year’s achievements. The cadets
performed brilliantly once again.”
Dollar Teams
Compete at
National First Aid
Competition
December 2014
Fortunas 34
Heather Moore
78
Following their success at the Scottish
championships earlier in the year,
Dollar cadets travelled down to
Strensall Camp, North Yorkshire
in September to take part in the
National Cadet First Aid Competition,
the UK’s most ambitious first aid
competition for young people. Over
two days a number of scenarios,
mostly in outdoor settings, would test
the cadets with realistic emergencies
aided by dramatic casualty make-up.
Whilst we have had a good record at
this event, we knew it would be tough
as the scores from the competing
teams have edged closer and closer,
year on year, making the competition
that much more challenging. Three
Dollar teams, each consisting of four
cadets, were entered for the CCF Cadet
Championships, whilst the remaining
two cadets were entered for the Young
Adult Championships.
The cadets had to treat
a range of injuries over the day,
from broken arms and cut legs to
unconscious patients in the individual
stand. For the Cadet Competition, the
team test consisted of three challenges
– a fractured ankle, an unconscious
casualty, and a handover to a
professional ambulance crew member
- whilst the Young Adult team dealt
with a car crash with multiple injuries.
The Dollar Army team, consisting of
Duncan Smith, Christian Lao, Angus
Clark (all Form VI) and Scott Norval
(Form V), came second, narrowly
missing out on first place by only three
points. The Navy team, comprising
Lexy Graham, Ailsa Geddis, Heather
Downie (all Form VI) and Alice
Thompson (Form IV), came third,
the highest placing ever achieved
by a Naval Cadet team. The RAF
team, consisting of Iain Tait (Form
VI), Ross Laird (Form V), Kathryn
Scougall (Form IV) and Nicola Henson
(Form III), ranked 8th, an impressive
achievement in what was their first
national competition. Our Young
Adult team of Ben Collins and Lewis
Aitchison (both Form VI) was also
very successful, winning the CCF
Competition and being placed second
in the Inter Services Competition.
CCF
St John’s
National First
Aid Challenge
Championship
Sgt Scott Norval (Form V)
December 2014
Captain MP Scott (Contingent Executive Officer)
Fortunas 34
The Inter Services championships for
cadets and young adults took place on
Sunday, pitting the best CCF, ACF and
Sea Cadet teams against each other.
The individual tests were much more
challenging, ranging from treating
compound fractures, to asthma, to
casualties who were unconscious
or not breathing. The team test was
situated inside the training building
of the built-up area, which meant that
there were lots of walls and rooms
around which to navigate. The task
involved a scenario with three people
in which someone had been shot, his
attacker struck on the head, and a
bystander who was the only one who
could speak any English. CSM Smith,
the Army team leader, commented
that “the new team test scenarios are
much more exciting and challenging,
making the competition a lot more
fun and enjoyable.” At the end of the
day, Dollar Army team came third,
narrowly missing out on second place
by two points, but did manage to
score higher than all the other CCF
teams. The Navy team came sixth,
a most pleasing result in their first
ever competition. Once again, our
First Aid teams have excelled on the
national stage; the school and CCF are
extremely proud of them all.
It began on Friday 10th October, directly
after school, with a long bus journey to
Gloucestershire. Our destination: the
St John’s National First Aid Challenge
Championship. The team, captained by
Duncan Smith (Form VI), consisted of
Christian Lao, Angus Clark (both Form
VI) and Scott Norval (Form V). A strong
feeling of determination to better
previous scores was felt throughout
the bus, a real air of anticipation. On
arrival, the team members knew what
lay ahead of them, so ‘a good night’s
sleep’ was vital.
Saturday came around all
too quickly, and with it an early start.
After breakfast, we went directly to
the Skillzone site at Gloucester Fire
Station. Skillzone is a purpose-built
scenario location with what can only be
described as a movie set environment.
Having never experienced anything
like this before, the team was
excited about the extra dimension of
authenticity it provided. Once checked
in at reception, we were immediately
placed in ‘isolation’, the competition
teams’ waiting room. This involved the
removal of phones and escorted toilet
breaks to ensure that information was
not leaked to the teams ahead of time.
Of the 14 teams taking part, Dollar
CCF was the last to compete, which
of course meant a large crowd would
be amassed around the scenario, but
this did not daunt the team. We were
all ready to put into practice the skills
learned throughout the term.
Finally it was Dollar’s time to
shine. The team was split into a pair
(Duncan Smith and Christian Lao) who
would first-aid together in a team test;
Scott Norval and Angus Clark were
split and first aided individually.
After six minutes, the
scenarios were over and the results
were made final. The pair had to treat a
young woman who had injured herself
with a pitchfork and a man suffering
from anaphylaxis (a severe allergic
reaction). Scott treated a burns victim
at a construction site whilst Angus
treated a woman with an ankle injury
preceded by an asthma attack in a
courthouse.
Time to reveal the results,
and the winners of the Beaver and
St John’s Cadet Competition were
announced first. When it came down to
announcing the Combined Cadet Force
and the Army Cadet Force Competition
winners, our hearts were pounding,
hanging on until the winning score was
announced. On announcement of the
results, Dollar achieved a comfortable
victory over Durham ACF in the Cadet
Championship, and fell one point short
of the best St John’s Ambulance Cadet
team.
The judges provided very
positive
feedback
afterwards,
complimenting the Dollar team on
its casualty care, enthusiasm and
treatment by the chief doctor at the
event. The team Captain, Duncan
Smith said he is “ecstatic to have such
a great ending to this year’s first aid
season, and to my four years’ first
aiding” and added, “I know I am leaving
the team in capable hands.” Overall it
was a great experience, with an even
better ending.
79
December 2014
Fortunas 34
ADVANCED
HIGHER BIOLOGY
FIELD TRIP TO
KINDROGAN
80
In September our Biology Department
took 35 Form VI pupils to Kindrogan
Field Centre in Perthshire. For four
days, Dr Payne, Mrs MacDonald, Mr
Ainge and Mr Fraser oversaw the pupils
as they conducted important research
and practical work for their Advanced
Higher Investigations.
Kindrogan, set on the banks of
the River Ardle and framed by beautiful
Highland scenery, is Scotland’s
National Centre for Excellence in Field
Studies and Biodiversity Training. The
resources available on-site make it
the most effective way to investigate
thoroughly so many varied projects,
and the dedicated on-site tutors lend
a helping hand to the pupils’ research.
From Sunday through to
Wednesday, the pupils explored
different aspects of field work,
including undertaking independent
practical work, adapting research
methods, handling and analysing
data, and learning to cope for four
days without reliable mobile phone
coverage. Jennifer Green, a pupil
investigating the burrowing activity
of worms, commented that while it
was an “intensive few days”, she was
glad “to have the opportunity for such
hands-on experience”.
In the following months, all
35 pupils will apply what they learned
to finalising an Investigation report,
worth 20% of their overall grade in
AH Biology. Mr Ainge would like to
thank all the staff, tutors, and pupils
who worked so hard at Kindrogan to
make it such a positive and productive
experience.
Amenah Cheema (Form VI Journalism pupil)
ADVANCED
HIGHER
GEOGRAPHY
FIELD TRIP TO
ABERFELDY
1st-3rd October 2014
The Advanced Higher Geography trip
to Aberfeldy is a three-day whirlwind
of geographical fieldwork techniques.
It covers all that the pupils require
to conduct their own field studies
on their return to school, as well as
the techniques that can be asked
about in the final part of the exam. In
addition, the pupils learn skills in selfsufficiency, some of them experiencing
self-catering accommodation for the
first time. The accommodation for
the trip was in Glassie Bunkhouse;
roomy and cosy, it is the ideal base for
fieldwork activities. The clear weather
made for some stunning views across
the valley and down into Aberfeldy.
Preparations began in the
Home Economics Department on
Travel
HIGHER
ENVIRONMENTAL
SCIENCE FIELD
DAY
8th October 2014
Shiona Scott
December 2014
Alastair McConnell
Shiona Scott
Fortunas 34
the Monday afternoon prior to
departure, cooking up large quantities
of spaghetti bolognaise and chicken
fajitas. Preparing these dishes before
the trip reduced the time spent
cooking whilst in Aberfeldy.
The trip proper began with
a visit to Pitlochry Dam, the pupils
mapping the extent of the dam and
reservoir on a map from the 1890s. A
field sketch taken from below the dam
allowed features like the fish ladder
and generators to be marked on. River
studies, soil analysis and settlement
studies were conducted over the
following days under relatively clear
skies and sunny weather, an unusual
occurrence on Scottish fieldtrips.
On the final day the pupils
had the opportunity to try white water
rafting on the River Tay, experiencing
the power of the river close up. The
group returned to Dollar Academy
tired but full of enthusiasm for
starting their own field study projects.
Environmental Science is a completely
new Higher subject in Dollar Academy
and nationally this year. The course is
delivered by the Geography Department
and includes a diverse range of subject
matter within its component parts: The
Living Environment, Sustainability
and Earth’s Resources.
Our fieldwork day in the
area of Doune and Deanston provided
practical information and opportunity
for data gathering for different parts
of the course, including case studies
of barley, from its growth to its uses
and in particular distilling; sustainable
energy sources; management of waste;
recycling of resources; biodiversity and
landscape change.
The day began with a very
informative and fun tour of Deanston
Distillery. Formerly a cotton mill, this
building does not look like a traditional
distillery. Everyone found the whole
distilling process fascinating, and also
the fact that Deanston generates all
its own power from its hydro plant
and produces minimal waste. Even
the leftover barley is used as draff for
animal feed. Most of the barrels are
sourced from Kentucky Bourbon and
reused at least three times, which gives
the whisky its distinctive colour and
notes. Of course, for a school group,
sampling is not allowed! We were
fascinated to discover that the most
expensive bottle of whisky they have is
priced at £2000.
Following a well-deserved hot
drink in the café, we armed ourselves
with quadrats, identification books
and charts and headed to Doune
Ponds. These are reclaimed from a
disused sand and gravel quarry. We
looked at vegetation regeneration
and succession, including some
species identification, and enjoyed
a talk from the local community
group whose members are working
on upgrading paths and access and
species management. We were joined
on our walk by the lonely Doune Ponds
cygnet. It is a wonder it did not follow
us into the minibus!
A walk down past Doune Castle
to the confluence of the Ardoch Burn
and River Teith allowed an opportunity
for more species identification and
for spotting, amongst other things,
salmon leaping; several fishermen; a
well-disguised (apart from the smell)
sewage works; and a fascinating bin
with local species engraved upon it.
Doune Castle is famous not just for
its wonderful location and impressive
stonework, but also as a location for
the filming of Monty Python and the
Holy Grail.
All the information gleaned
and the practical skills of hands-on
identification of species during the
field day will benefit the pupils for
course work and for their Added Value
Assignment.
81
FORM I AND II
GEOGRAPHY
ALPS TRIP
December 2014
Fortunas 34
23rd-29th June 2014
82
On the first day of the Alps Trip we flew
from Edinburgh to Geneva Airport.
After going through passport control
we took a coach to our hotel in Les
Contamines. Our second day was filled
with mountain heights and ice. We
drove to Aiguille du Midi and took two
cable cars up to the top - the scenery
was magnificent. At one point some of
us saw a skydiver jump from the top of
a cliff; fortunately we weren’t aware of
any injuries to her! Once we had come
back down from the mountains we took
a train to the Grand Hotel Montenver
where we had lunch. Remember not
to lose your ticket! We had baked
Camembert followed by a fruit salad,
which was something many of us had
not tried before. We got the train to
another cable car which took us down
to the ice caves right inside the glacier.
These were filled with marvellous coloured lights and amazing ice sculptures. We
then had to climb up 480 steps, due to the retreat of the glacier, back up to the cable
car. That was tiring! When we arrived back at the hotel there was a team quiz after
dinner.
On the third day, Friday, we visited the amazing limestone features at
Gorge du Fier which was very scenic. Then we travelled to Annecy where we were
free to explore the town and do some shopping. The fourth day - the favourite day
for most people, we are sure! - was our visit to the chocolate factory. We drove back
into Switzerland and stopped at the Cailler Chocolate Factory. Firstly we took an
amazing tour which showed the history of chocolate, the factory and the Cailler
business. Then we arrived at the tasting room which was great, there was plenty
of chocolate for everyone! A visit to the shop was next, where lots of money was
spent! At Le Moléson we ate lunch and then enjoyed the summer luge and other
activities. On the last day we walked into the town of Les Contamines where most
people visited the amazing crêpes shop for lunch. Sadly, it was soon time to leave to
come back to Scotland.
We really enjoyed the Alps Trip, and we know that whilst having fun, we
learned lots of facts about the relevant geography. With all the rock formations
and glaciers, the location linked very well with the Form I and II courses. The
accommodation was very cosy and the hosts made you feel welcome at all times and they served great food! We would recommend this trip to anyone in Forms I
and II who is enjoying Geography and we guarantee a great experience which you
will never forget.
Emma Macrae and
Emily Williams (Form III)
A full day-to-day account of the trip is available on the school website at: http://
www.dollaracademy.org/blog_alps2014.asp
Travel
AMBERG
EXCHANGE 2014
December 2014
Folterkammer or torture chambers underneath the town hall. Fortunately – or
unfortunately, depending on your point of view – all pupils emerged with all major
body parts intact.
Our last day in Amberg was spent preparing for our Abschiedsfeier (come
on, keep up! That’s the leaving party), as we were instructed in the finer points
of Bavarian folk dancing by Herr Moosberger, a great teacher who really put us
through our paces. This meant that we – Buben und Moidel alike – were able to
take to the dance floor in the evening without making complete fools of ourselves.
This was a great party, a fantastic way to round off a wonderful trip. Actually, that
wasn’t quite the end. On our way to the airport we stopped off to visit the Allianz
Arena, home to the world famous Bayern München. Being well-mannered guests, we
didn’t mention Real Madrid once! Then we paid a brief visit to the BMW showroom
in the centre of München. What a place! It was heaving with the most amazing
examples of top-class German engineering, from a BWM Limousine – a snip at
150.000 Euro - to a Mini. And we were allowed to pose in all of them.
Our thanks go to our German hosts who treated us so kindly. We would
also like to thank Herr Spörer – a one-time German assistant here in Dollar – for
all the work he did on our behalf, and Frau Brooks and Dr Fotheringham. And we
mustn’t forget to thank the Direktor of the Erasmus Gymnasium, Herr Seidl. Not
only does he make great speeches, he is no slouch on the piano either; his rendition
of ‘Auld Lang Syne’ on our final morning brought a tear to many an eye, Scottish
and German alike. Anyway, we are all looking forward to the Heimspiel (return leg!)
– and we can’t wait to see if our German partners will be as good at dancing to the
Scottish accordion as we were to the Bavarian Zither.
Fortunas 34
Once again the German Department’s
annual trip to Amberg lived up to all our
expectations, with 18 Form II pupils
sampling all that Bavaria has to offer
in the way of food, fun and friendship.
One difference this year was that we,
the Scottish group, undertook the
first leg of the exchange, which meant
that we travelled to Germany not yet
having met our partners. Any sense
of trepidation vanished on our arrival,
however, for we were met by a happy
crowd of host families keen finally to
meet us face-to-face.
Spirited away to our new
homes in the dead of night, we
emerged, refreshed, bright and early –
too early for some, who were amazed
to learn the Erasmus Gymnasium day
starts at 8.05 a.m.! – ready to face the
challenges of lessons in German. Some
of us were a bit subdued in Mathe and
Latein - hard enough here in Dollar
- but we were delighted to be able to
show off our mastery of our mother
tongue in the English lessons. A good
start.
Next we were off on a treasure
hunt around Amberg, with the winners
being treated to a Schokoladeneis from
the finest café on the Marktplatz. After
that, it was off to the Freibad for some
of us – it was a bit too chilly for others –
then the first full evening in a German
family. What would they feed us? What
exactly are Schweinshaxn? I still don’t
know, even though I ate them!
Next day we geared up for our
trip to the Hochseilgarten, where we
basically monkeyed about in the tall
trees. Then it was the weekend. Our
German hosts went out of their way
to make sure we enjoyed ourselves and
we really appreciate all they did for
us. Next we had a trip to the beautiful
town of Regensburg, where we had a
sail down the Donau (you don’t need
me to translate that one for you, do
you?!) and paid a visit to the medieval
83
December 2014
Fortunas 34
FELLBACH EXCHANGE 2014
84
This year’s German exchange with Fellbach, near Stuttgart, was another huge
success, with 32 Dollar pupils having the time of their lives in beautiful Schwaben
in the south-west of Germany. The group consisted of Form III, IV and V pupils, all
eager to hone their German skills during the 10 or 12 days of their visit.
During the first week of our stay the highlights included a trip to
Tübingen, a historic town near Stuttgart, followed by a visit to the famous Ritter
Sport chocolate factory. Although it was baking hot on the day, everyone bought
tons of chocolate and tried to make sure it didn’t melt. We also spent a day in our
partner school following a special programme of lessons. This was most enjoyable
as we were able to impress our hosts with our knowledge of German and help them
out in their English lessons. The Friday of our first week saw us all get an adrenaline
rush on the exciting rides in Germany’s biggest theme park – the Europapark. At
the weekend, our host families looked after us and fed us lots of Spätzle and other
local delicacies.
At the beginning of the second week, 16 Form IV and V pupils went off
to start their work experience, ranging from placements at the local newspaper, in
nurseries, at a gym, a car garage, a vet’s, a care home and some bilingual (French
and German) schools in and around Stuttgart. One work experience pupil became
a bit of a celebrity when she shared her views on German culture and eating habits
in an interview with the local newspaper.
Meanwhile, the rest of the group had a cooking day at school on Monday,
where we got the chance to prepare and taste a typical German three-course meal
– I have to say without exaggeration that it simply tasted delicious. As the German
school day often finishes at lunchtime, we had plenty of opportunity to visit
the local ‘hotspots’ in the afternoons, namely the F3 – the brand-new open-air
swimming pool – and Mario’s Eiscafé, which undoubtedly has the best ice-cream
in the whole region. I can safely vouch for that! On the last day of our stay, we had
the opportunity to buy presents for our families on a shopping trip to Stuttgart.
It was an incredibly successful trip and I’m already looking forward to
going back to Germany next year to do my work experience there.
Alexander Parker (Form IV)
AUBENAS
EXCHANGE 2014
This year, Dollar pupils participated
for the second time in an exchange
with the Olivier de Serres School in
the beautiful Ardèche region in the
South of France. While such trips
often remain in the memory for
particular cultural activities, it was in
this case the people involved which
impressed above all. Mrs McDonald
and I took a wonderful group of 14
Form III and IV pupils to France, and
we couldn’t have wished for nicer
exchange partners in our hosts. All
pupils involved were hugely popular
with their host families; Scottish and
French alike readily offered to swap
their children!
Everybody challenged
themselves in some respect in the
course of the stay: Hannah - eating
snails; Abbie - discussing Harry Potter
in French; Scott - organising just about
everyone; Emma - learning how to
cook; Erin – eating French cheese(s);
even Miss Sieger - mainly pushing
Travel
EXCHANGE VISITORS IN DOLLAR
September saw a happy invasion of 55 French, German and Spanish pupils in
Dollar, as the Academy welcomed for the first time all three sets of exchange groups
at the same time. Dollar pupils had already completed their halves of the exchanges
at various times during the spring and summer terms, so these visits represented
the ‘return leg’ of the exchanges. Mr David Delaney acted as the supreme puppet
master, ensuring that all went smoothly!
The exchange visitors participated in a wide-ranging programme of
outings, including visits to Dynamic Earth in Edinburgh, to Stirling, Dundee and
St Andrews in the sun. The pupils were most impressed by the school’s beautiful
surroundings, and they were also offered an insight into what goes on inside
the buildings in a programme of ‘taster’ lessons provided by Academy staff. The
highlight, however, was undoubtedly the programme put together by host families
and exchange partners. A huge thank you is due to the families who organised
barbecues as well as bowling trips and whose contribution made this experience
so very positive.
The traditional ‘Farewell’ Ceilidh was a huge success and gave everyone
the opportunity to dress up (literally in some cases) and to show that sometimes it
doesn’t really matter whether you have grown up with Scottish Country Dancing
or learnt it that same week! Staff and pupils alike were sad to see the groups go.
We hope that contacts will be maintained and that future exchanges will be equally
successful.
Franziska Sieger
December 2014
Franziska Sieger
Fortunas 34
canoes through water. The highlight of
the visit was undoubtedly a teacherfree day by and in the river. Besides
the language learning aspect, this also
taught some fair-skinned pupils the
true value of suntan lotion…
Our trip to France was truly
fabulous, in beautiful surroundings
and even including dancing on the
famous Pont d’Avignon, but the
return visit was anticipated with
equal enthusiasm. Dollar pupils tried
very hard to make the most of the
remarkably sunny Scottish weather
by organising all sorts of outings. Our
guests were so impressed with the
families’ generosity and hospitality
that some did not want to leave, a
sure sign of the success of another
wonderful exchange.
85
Scotland and Doclea
After the Gallic sack of Rome in 390
BC, Celts came through to the Adriatic
Coast, to the Western Balkans. The
impact of the Celts in this area is not
very well known, as many subsequent
conquests of the area left it without a
stable history. However, an inscription
in the ancient site of Doclea honours
the Celtic goddess Elona, whose cult
relates to the worship of the horse.
This inscription was dedicated to her
by a soldier from the Roman army unit
Cohors VIII Voluntarium, and shows
how respected Elona was by Roman
cavalry.
THE
MACNAUGHTON
CLASSICS
TRAVEL AWARD
Isidora Grgur, this year’s recipient
of the Macnaughton Classics Travel
Award, writes of her impressions of
the ancient site of Doclea, close to
home in her native Montenegro.
December 2014
Fortunas 34
DOCLEA: A DUSTY JEWEL OF
MONTENEGRIN HISTORY
86
When I first came to study in Scotland,
I felt as if I was breathing the same air
as in Montenegro, and whenever I was
asked how I felt here, I would instantly
say: at home. This intuitive feeling has led
me to research the connections between
Scotland and Montenegro. Besides
beautiful landscapes, heroic histories and
people of a similar sensibility, I found a
common thread which goes some way to
explain how deep-rooted in history my
feeling is: Celtic ancestors lived in Doclea.
Montenegro and Doclea
These connections brought me back
to Doclea, a few kilometers from
Podgorica, the capital of Montenegro,
and encouraged me to look at it from a
new perspective. Doclea (locally called Duklja)
is the most significant ancient
archeological site in Montenegro. The
foundation of this ancient Roman
city is estimated to date back to the
1st century AD, and it was the capital
of the Roman province of Prevalis
after 297. At the peak of Roman
dominance over Europe, it was the
most important urban centre of
the Balkan Peninsula. Its strategic
importance as well as significance in
communication was mentioned in two
important Roman scripts, the Tabula
Peutingeriana and Itinerarium Antonini.
Even though Doclea was
naturally protected by the deep
canyons of three surrounding rivers,
it was further fortified with towers
and walls, several metres high. It
was laid out according to the typical
Roman urban scheme, with two main
streets, cardo and decumanus, which
intersected at the forum - the most
important part of the city with a
basilica in the centre. In the basilica
there is an inscription dedicated to
the fifteen-year-old Balbinus of the
Flavian dynasty which ruled over
Rome between 69 and 96 AD; a golden
statue of him upon a horse was the
centrepiece of the forum. The city was
also equipped with all the institutions
of Roman towns in the provinces,
including public baths, temples and
urban villas. It was also the first
place in this area to be provided with
running water, through an aqueduct,
the remains of which can still be seen
today.
Dust falling over Doclea
After the destruction of Doclea at
the hands of the Goths in 480 and
a devastating earthquake in 518,
Doclea began to lose its significance
and fade into obscurity. Interest
in the site was resurrected by the
reports of a French consul, Priko de
Sent-Meri, after he visited in 1879,
the town received further recognition
from Peter I of Montenegro, and
was later famously written about
by Pier Sticotti in 1913 in his work
entitled The ancient City of Doclea in
Montenegro.
Today, however, Doclea is
not given the prominence it perhaps
merits. Since the Balkans, an area
of many conquests and wars, is a
palimpsest of history, the very first
layers are often neglected. They are
not perceived as jewels, but perhaps
instead as a heritage that is not really
our own, as the Romans did not have
much lasting influence in this area
after this period. Doclea is a place
still visited by keen historians and
archeologists, those who believe
that the layers of history need to be
revealed in order to understand the
present. But for most, it is a place long
forgotten.
I hope that Doclea, this
unique monument from early Balkan
history, will be recognised in future
as a site equally as important as
other towns in more famous Roman
provinces.
Isidora Grgur (Form VI)
Travel
Nearing the end of a well-deserved summer break, we headed
off on a Hockey and Rugby Tour to Lake Garda. Each day
began with an early morning running session (a bit too early
in some cases) and an afternoon pitch session. This involved
us playing hockey in the heat of the day which was not
popular with those with an abnormal perspiration capacity.
Despite the gruelling running sessions, all the girls
thoroughly enjoyed the tour, in particular, Jenny Kennedy
(Form VI), who was awarded ‘Tourist of Tour’. Training in
30 degree heat meant that free time by the pool was most
welcome. A day trip to Gardaland proved another highlight
for many of the group but others, such as Miss Allan, with
her crippling fear of rollercoasters, preferred a more relaxed
approach. The old saying that ‘travel broadens the mind’
certainly proved true as we experienced true Italian culture,
although poor Bevhan Trevis (Form V) couldn’t get her head
around the hole in the ground (metaphorically speaking...)
We certainly would not have survived the Tour
without our adopted mother for the week, Mamma G (Mrs
Galloway) who provided endless witty banter. The main
aim of the tour had been to improve our fitness, which it
definitely did. The impact on our fitness was clear to see in
the high standard of hockey in our first game of the season,
resulting in a 3-0 win.
On the 7th of August the Rugby and Hockey Tour party of 56
pupils and staff met at the Bronze Doors, eagerly awaiting
the start of our pre-season tour. After weeks of morning
conditioning sessions throughout the exam period we felt
ready to get away from Scotland, excited at the prospect of
training in the blistering Italian sun.
The tour did not have the most auspicious of
starts for some. On the coach to Edinburgh Airport Fraser
Hammond realised that he had taken his mother’s passport
instead of his own. Despite a strong family resemblance, he
could not quite get away with it. After coercing his brother
to drive from Dollar to Edinburgh, Fraser finally got his
passport and we could get on with the tour. Turnaround in
the airport was fast and before we knew it we were in Milan
and boarding the coach to Lake Garda. Three quick hours later
we were in the hotel, settling into our rooms. Dinner and
team meetings were on the agenda for both teams, followed
by an early night ahead of our first full day’s training session.
An early 7:30am start set the tone for the Tour:
exhausting. The day, like every other, began with weighin, breakfast and a team meeting before we headed out to
the pitches to train. Blistering heat greeted us on our first
gruelling day of training. What began as a ‘purely technical
and tactical’ session soon turned into fitness work. After this
we went into the pool for some recovery work, had lunch
and then enjoyed some downtime before the afternoon
Beth Alexander (Captain, Form VI)
December 2014
RUGBY AND HOCKEY
PRE-SEASON TOUR
Italy 2014
Fortunas 34
HOCKEY AND RUGBY
PRE-SEASON TOUR
Italy 2014
87
December 2014
Fortunas 34
88
session. Or in other words, we watched Angus show off his
body and flirt desperately with anyone who would listen. The
morning session had been challenging to say the least, and
we couldn’t even imagine how tough the afternoon fitness
session would be. Stevie took great pleasure in running us
into the ground in a demanding hour-long session which left
the boys with burning lungs and jelly for legs. On average,
3 kilograms in sweat were lost across the afternoon. Losing
weight would be a problem for the majority of us; however,
a hearty 5 kilograms of pasta for lunch and dinner every day
prevented any chance of that happening.
Fast-forward a few days and the squad was coming
together nicely. Battling blisters and sunburn alike, we faced
the toughest day of the tour. For today had no team meeting,
instead an extended morning session followed by our
toughest fitness session yet. To add insult to injury, it also
happened to be the hottest day of the tour, with temperatures
reaching 34 degrees. Following a morning defence and attack
session we had the pleasure of meeting Santos, the fulltime
lifeguard at the hotel who clearly spent far too much money
on honing his physique. His steroid-filled chest and biceps
came to talk to us about his rugby career and of how he could
catch a ball in-between his chest muscles and that he once
scored six tries in one game. Callum Cruickshank was so
amazed by the man’s tales that we lived in constant fear that
he would ask if he could touch his chest or his abs to see if
they were real.
A day off was more than welcome. The whole squad
visited the nearby Gardaland theme park, which was clearly
a very large tourist attraction. To mark the opening of the
park, every day an introductory show was performed by
a large, and somewhat terrifying green bear, along with
several teenagers pirouetting and waving the Gardaland
flag, with just enough enthusiasm to get paid. The memory
of Gardaland’s imaginatively written theme tune, “This is
Gardaland”, being sung to me by a psychotic green bear gives
me chills to this day. When hopping on and off rides in theme
parks it is common sense to make the safety of your phone,
wallet and other personal items your top priority. Cameron
Blakemore, one of the younger members on tour, was not
quite so aware of this. Just before he took part in a ‘wild
rapids’ water ride he left his phone, wallet and beloved teddy
bear at the side of the ride whilst he was going round the
track – ‘just to be safe’. Suffice to say, these items were not
there when he finished the ride. He was later re-united with
his things and was punished justly for his foolish actions. For
dinner, it was yet again pasta.
Following a final dinner and one last attempt from
Ms. Allan to secure an Italian waiter’s number, the whole
squad underwent one last arduous 5am fitness session
before our flight later the same day. A fitting way to end a
pleasurable and extremely beneficial tour.
Euan Connor (First XV Captain, Form VI)
HOCKEY AND RUGBY
PLAYERS TAKE ON THE ICE
BUCKET CHALLENGE
Members of Dollar’s Hockey 1st XI and Rugby 1st XV
undertook a different type of challenge before embarking
upon the physical and mental challenges of the 2014-15
sporting season, as they braved the formidable Ice Bucket
Challenge. Pupils (and some staff!) who had gone on the
2014 Italy Tour raised a few shrieks and a total of £300 which
was donated to ALS.
Sport
DOLLAR PLAYERS
REPRESENT MIDLAND
AT SCOTTISH DISTRICT
TOURNAMENT
Our congratulations go to to the many Dollar Academy
hockey players who represented Midland at the Interdistrict U16 and U18 Championship on the weekend of
the 4th-5th October. The Championship took place at the
National Hockey Academy at the University of Edinburgh’s
Peffermill playing fields.
Playing for the U16 team were Bevhan Trevis
(Form V), Eve Pearson (Form II), Erin Stevens and Georgia
Smith (both Form III). The final standings placed the girls
in third position, Midland having been defeated by East and
West. Bevhan played centre-back for the duration of the
tournament and proved to be a reliable defender. Erin has
proved to be a real threat in front of goal and Georgia’s work
rate in the midfield is first class. Eve, one of the youngest
in the squad, certainly held her own and demonstrates
huge potential; she will have another three years at this age
group.
Playing for the U18 side were Anna King (who
captained the side), Beth Alexander, Isla Cubitt, Lucy
McCran, Hannah Worsley (all Form VI) and Isla Keith (Form
V).
In the final standings, Midland achieved a quite
respectable fifth place position, defeating South and
Highland. The Tournament was structured in a different
way from the previous year in that there were two group
sections. Unfortunately, the U18s got off to a slow start
on the Saturday morning, resulting in a 1-1 draw against
South West. They felt the pressure in their next match,
too, and lost 1-0 to North. The girls recovered in time for
Sunday’s matches, however, and the second day of the
championships got off to a great start: they achieved a 2-0
victory over South and a 3-0 win over Highland. Because of
the structure of the tournament, Midland did not get the
opportunity to play against champions East or runners-up
West.
All the girls did very well and should be pleased
with how well they acquitted themselves overall - each
of them was an excellent ambassador for the school
throughout the tournament. I would like to wish them
every success with Scottish Selection.
In May, the U14 Midland hockey squad enjoyed a great
victory at the U14 Inter-district Tournament held at
Peffermill, the National Hockey Academy in Edinburgh.
The 16-strong squad included, quite remarkably,
eight Dollar Academy players, which certainly reflects the
strength of hockey development in the school recently. The
Dollar players were: Georgia Smith; Olivia Mears; Sophie
Ferguson; Susie Green; Erin Stevens; Jenny Walls; Eva Caie
(all then Form II) and Lucy Smith (Junior 2).
The girls played tremendously strong, positive
hockey throughout. The final was hard-fought, but rarely
did the Dollar players seem to show signs of being under
significant pressure; their play was fluid and assured and
they finished with a well-deserved 2-0 victory. I look
forward to seeing the development of these young players
as they progress thorough the school. They are a talented
group of girls, but more importantly have an excellent work
ethic and attitude.
Lynsey Allan
December 2014
Fortunas 34
89
December 2014
Fortunas 34
CRICKET
90
Cricket seems to be a game that either
grabs you hook, line and sinker or
leaves you cold. As Head of Cricket, I
am clearly in the first camp and, much
to my delight, Dollar continues to
provide the platform, opportunity and
high standard of coaching to hook and
net numerous pupils, from the small
fry in the Prep School to the bigger fish
in the Junior and senior schools.
An enormous amount of
work goes into facilitating the delivery
of sport at Dollar Academy and I
would like to thank at the outset
the hardworking grounds staff, the
catering staff and the office staff who
help with the smooth running of
cricket throughout the summer term.
It would also be impossible to run sides
without the input of a large number of
teachers, not all of whom hail from the
PE Department. They give up a great
deal of their time for Dollar cricket and
I am very grateful.
Due to the hard work that
starts with numerous pre-season
sessions earlier in the year, Dollar
continues to produce strong,
competitive cricket teams throughout
the school. The Junior 2 side
had some excellent wins against
strong opposition, and performed
admirably in the Glasgow Academy
10s Tournament. The Form I side,
captained by Toby Douglas, finished
the year unbeaten. The Form II squad,
which contained over 30 pupils,
showed real potential. At the end of
June, the Colts side lost narrowly
in the final of the Stewart’s Melville
10s Tournament, having defeated
Edinburgh Academy and Glasgow
Academy. Most pleasingly, a number
of Colts players in Form III were
strong enough to warrant inclusion in
the 1st XI.
Senior Cricket attracted
a number of pupils in Forms IV,
V and VI and, despite a change in
the examination timetable, which
brought SQA exams forward by a
week, we were able to fulfil all of our
1st XI fixtures and most of our 2nd
XI fixtures. Girls’ Cricket continues
to develop with lunchtime and afterschool practices, and it is hoped that
a number of fixtures, both home and
away, can be included in the summer
term calendar for next year.
Sport
The Rector presents Lachlan Peterson with a 20-20 pink cricket ball in recognition of his
achievement in scoring a hat-trick in a match against Fettes College.
1st XI Cricket
Jamie Frost
Master i/c Cricket
December 2014
teamwork and good sportsmanship
that the side demonstrated in all
of their matches. Their character
under pressure, particularly when
batting second, shone through and
some excellent fielding and bowling
put a great deal of pressure on the
opposition.
For those interested (I am
aware that there have been a number
of ‘hits’ already through the summer
term!) each 1st XI match this season
has been written up and is available on
the 2014 Cricket Blog on the school’s
website: http://dollaracademy.org/
sports-cricket-blog.asp.
Finally, I would like to thank
the team Captain, Tim Torrance, and
his two Vice-captains, Ross McGarvie
and Harry Waterston (both Form VI),
for their leadership and enthusiasm
and for making it an enjoyable and
successful season. I would also like
to thank the very supportive parents
on the boundary, and especially Mrs
Weir for her high-quality scoring and
our ever efficient school umpire, Les
Redford.
Fortunas 34
On reflection, the performances and
results this year were as good as, if
not better than, any team of the last
ten years. Tim Torrance’s side won
7 of 11 games played, lost only two
matches, and drew against two strong
adult sides. As an indication of their
all-round strength, there were more
batting and bowling entries into
Wisden than in any other year.
In a season full of exciting
cricket, the following were highlights:
Lachlan Peterson (then Form III) and
Tim Torrance (Form VI) both took
hat-tricks; the team managed to bat
out for a draw against a strong MCC
side; and High School of Glasgow were
bowled out for just nine runs. The
most significant and pleasing victories
were against Strathallan and Stewart’s
Melville College. On a gloriously hot
day at Dollar, the team managed
to ignite their season by beating
Strathallan by four wickets. It could,
however, have been a much more
depressing outcome for at one stage,
chasing 79, the side had slumped to
6 for 4 with most of the top order
batsmen back in the pavilion. In
the first innings, our fielding and
bowling had been of a good standard
with two run outs in the first five
overs and some effective and tight
bowling. Our innings was saved by an
uncomplicated and courageous batting
display, initially by Nick Diston (Form
VI) and then by some sensible and
thoughtful stroke play by Ben Pearson
(Form III) and Ali Johnston (Form V).
This was a real rollercoaster ride for
the spectators.
Against Stewart’s Melville
College, the beaten finalists in the
T20 Cup this year, Dollar won the
game by two wickets, having bowled
the visitors out for 116 in 33 overs.
With Dollar needing 12 from the last
three overs, the side were in a strong
position to win the game, but two
quick-fire wickets meant that Dollar
found themselves in the final over
requiring three runs. Jack Geddes
(Form V) managed a well-worked
single and then Calum Weir (Form V)
hit the winning runs, a fitting end to
an excellent innings of 23 not out.
In addition to the results,
it was pleasing to see the excellent
91
#peoplemakedollar
December 2014
Fortunas 34
FORM II PUPIL
SELECTED FOR
SCOTLAND U17
GIRLS’ CRICKET
SQUAD
92
The 2014-2015 Scotland U17 Girls’
Cricket Squad has been announced and
a remarkable young Dollar Academy
pupil has made the squad. Màili
Gardiner (Form II) is only fourteen,
one of the youngest to make the team,
but her passion for the sport makes the
reason for her selection obvious.
Màili, in fact, feels she has
been made to wait two years before
being allowed to play for the U17. When
she was twelve, she was playing so well
that her coach (at St Boswells Cricket
Club) wanted to put her forward. They
were told, however, that she was just
too young. It wasn’t the first time that
Màili had to cope with a greater-thanusual degree of adversity in her chosen
sport.
Màili began to play cricket
when she was only nine and, though
her interests are very wide ranging,
she is clearly very much taken with
the sport. She has only recently come
to Dollar Academy, and was schooled
in the Borders before coming north.
There, she was asked to deliver a lecture
(for a lecture competition against her
peers) on a subject of her choice. Her
choice was, of course, cricket: women’s
cricket. As a result of that lecture, she
was invited by the headmaster to play
on the boys’ team at her school. She
remembers vividly one match against
Fettes: “I had my hair pulled up and
under a cap. No one knew I was a girl
until I was about to bowl! Then the
umpire asked, in great shock, ‘You’re
Màili?’”
There were unhappy stories,
too. She also remembers being told,
“Cricket is a boys’ sport.” She says that
this motivated her hugely: “I wanted to
show the person who told me that that
girls could play just as well as boys.”
She has certainly succeeded,
thus far, in doing that. She relates
how, in a match against Galashiels (St
Boswells’ nearest rivals), “I was really
happy because I got a triple wicket
maiden and it was against the boys’
team. You could just see all the boys
walking away thinking that they’d got
beaten by a girl.” At the moment, she
says, she is working on her batting and
becoming more confident there: “I’m
getting singles where I can,” she says,
with very real modesty, “I’m very selfconscious when batting.” Her coach, for
the past four years has been Kathryn
White (who also plays for Scotland)
and Màili credits her with giving her
“confidence in all aspects”.
Following her selection, Màili
has reflected upon what she imagines
the year ahead will hold: “I hope to
improve on my batting and become
more aggressive in what I do. I love
bowling straight at the wicket and the
triumph of getting someone out makes
you want to do it again. The girls in
the cricket team are all really nice and
will help me to improve. In the future,
I hope to get my first cap for Scotland
and play more with my friends at what
I enjoy best.”
Heather Moore
Sport
Mackenzie (Junior 1). We have so
many players competing and achieving
success at various levels, and we will
continue to support them in every way
we can.
One of the highlights for a
number of our players this season
was the visit of Judy Murray, mother
of Andy and Jamie. This was truly
inspirational in many ways, with Judy
TENNIS CLUB
Anyone for Tennis?
What does tennis at Dollar mean to
me?
An interesting question, and one that
has provoked a number of responses
from a variety of people, young and
old.
“Winning a match with my partner on
a Saturday morning against our biggest
rivals…”
“Seeing the Prep 1s hit their very first
shots…”
“Watching Judy Murray delivering
a coaching masterclass to a range of
Dollar pupils…”
“Getting picked for a team…”
“Seeing Miss Allan hit yet another ball
over the side netting and claiming the
court just isn’t big enough…
“Managing to have a rally of ten shots
for the first time…”
December 2014
putting the girls through their paces
and showing them a range of fun
and interesting drills and games. The
message she wanted to convey was very
clear; that tennis, like any other sport,
should be fun, and the only thing that
really matters is “to do your best.”
There is no doubt that to reach
the top and become an elite player is an
admirable goal, and many of our players
are very committed to developing and
working towards this, but every player
has to start somewhere, and every
Fortunas 34
“Learning a new sport…”
“Having fun…”
The tennis season at Dollar Academy
runs from mid-April to the end of
June, although many of our players
continue to play throughout the year at
clubs across the region. We have nine
courts on the school Astro Turf, which
of course becomes the hockey pitch for
the rest of the season, and three courts
on the harder (very bouncy!) surface
near the Prep School.
Our aims at Dollar are very
clear: to encourage our pupils, both
boys and girls, to play and enjoy the
game of tennis, and to be the best they
can.
Pupils
receive
lessons
in curricular time and have the
opportunity, as in so many sports at
Dollar, to attend lunchtime practices
and after-school training, with large
numbers going on to represent
the school in school fixtures and
competitions. We also have a number of
pupils involved at regional and national
level, attending various performance
squads and playing in representative
matches and competitions. Players
such as Sophie Williamson (FP 2014),
Hannah Worsley (Form VI), and Jenny
Campbell (Form IV) have all achieved
recent success, as have Michael Welsh
(Form VI), Ruairidh Fraser (Form V),
Michael Morrison (Form IV) and Euan
93
player should enjoy what he or she is doing. I believe we as
teachers and coaches should always take heed of Judy’s main
message, that sport should be fun. Indeed it is very refreshing
to hear a world-class coach talking so passionately about this
as the overall objective, and that the only occasion she ever
criticised either of her sons (both Wimbledon champions!)
was if they hadn’t tried their best.
In addition to Judy, we also had Adam Brown,
Central Scotland Performance Coach, come in to lead several
sessions for players of a range of age groups and abilities. It
was not surprising, as Adam has worked closely with Judy,
that the theme running through all these sessions was again
about enjoyment and playing the game.
Our teams this year enjoyed many successes, and
even though the Senior squad had a mixed set of results,
they were led with genuine enthusiasm by the captain, Lucy
Taylor (FP 2014). Our squads in Forms I to III all enjoyed a
number of notable victories, with the Form IIA team proving
to be particularly successful over the season. We also have a
number of very promising players in the Junior School, and
numbers attending practices at Prep 4 and 5, Junior 1 and
Junior 2 level prove that the future is looking very bright.
And so I return to the original question - what does
tennis at Dollar mean for me? I think it is about seeing all our
courts being used every lunchtime in the summer term, full
of pupils giving up their lunch hour to come and have a game
with their friends; it is about large numbers of enthusiastic
players attending after-school practices; it is about being the
best you can be; it is above all about having fun playing a
game you love.
Looking forward to summer already!
Steve Newton
Photographs courtesy of Jan van der Merwe
Form 3A VI
03.05.14
Mary Erskine School
Lost
1-8
06.05.14
Glenalmond College
Lost
4-5
13.05.14
Fettes College
Lost
0-9
17.05.14
Kilgraston School
Won
6-3
20.05.14
Strathallan School
Lost
3-6
Won
5-4
07.06.14
High School of Glasgow
Form 3B VI
03.05.14
Mary Erskine School
Lost
4-5
06.05.14
Glenalmond College
Won
5-4
13.05.14
Fettes College
Lost
2-7
Lost
2-7
20.05.14
Strathallan School
Form 2A VI
23.04.14
Strathallan School
Win
5-4
03.05.14
Mary Erskine School
Won
7-2
06.05.14
Glenalmond College
Won
7-2
13.05.14
Fettes College
Won
7-2
17.05.14
Kilgraston School
Won
9-0
Won
7-2
07.06.14
High School of Glasgow
Form 2B VI
23.04.14
Strathallan School
Win
9-0
03.05.14
Mary Erskine School
Lost
3-6
06.05.14
Glenalmond College
Won
6-3
13.05.14
Fettes College
Lost
3-6
23.04.14
Strathallan School
Win
5-4
Form 1A VI
Tennis Club Results
December 2014
Won
6-3
Kilgraston School
Won
6-3
20.05.14
Craigclowan School
Lost
3-6
Drew
5-5
Lost
7-2
Won
5-4
High School of Glasgow
Form 1B VI
03.05.14
Mary Erskine School
Lost
0-9
23.04.14
13.05.14
Fettes College
Won
5-4
03.05.14
17.05.14
Kilgraston School
Lost
3-6
20.05.14
2nd VI
Strathallan School
Won
5-4
Mary Erskine School
Junior
Junior 2 A VI
03.05.14
Mary Erskine School
Won
6-3
Mary Erskine School
Won
6-3
20.05.14
Craigclowan School
Won
8-1
07.06.14
Lost
4-5
03.05.14
Fortunas 34
Mary Erskine School
07.06.14
1st VI
94
03.05.14
17.05.14
13.05.14
Fettes College
Won
7-2
17.05.14
Kilgraston School
Lost
3-6
20.05.14
3rd VI
Strathallan School
Won
7-2
Fettes College
Lost
3-6
13.05.14
Strathallan School
High School of Glasgow
Glenalmond Mixed Tournament
17.05.14
Jen Alexander (FII)and
Jamie Cairns (J1)
Winners U 14
B section
Sport
#peoplemakedollar
YOUNG DOLLAR PUPIL
SHINES AT WIMBLEDON
The final games of the Form II Basketball Tournament 2014
were played at the beginning of June. The result was a threeway tie between 2CB, 2MD, and 2SH. Based on the highest
number of baskets scored during these games, 2SH were
crowned the winners of the tournament.
December 2014
Amenah Cheema (Form VI Journalism Pupil)
BASKETBALL
CHAMPIONS
Fortunas 34
Michael Morrison (Form IV) performed exceedingly well
in the HSBC Road to Wimbledon National 14 & Under
Challenge Finals on Saturday 16th August at the All England
Tennis Club. He was runner-up, coming second and beating
142 of the top young players in the country.
The National Finals are a highly competitive tennis
competition, with over 20,000 participants this year all
having competed for the chance to play at Wimbledon.
Michael’s outstanding performance, owing to his hard work
and determination, gave him the rare opportunity to meet
Tim Henman, a former British No. 1, who commended the
players for “going out there and giving 100 percent,” believing
that, “those types of values will get you a long way in life.”
As an enthusiastic young athlete, Michael dedicates
himself to putting his all into the sport he loves. He makes
full use of Dollar Academy’s tennis court facilities, as well as
being a member of Dunfermline Tennis Club. On playing at
Wimbledon, he commented, “Getting to use the same courts
as tennis stars is amazing. This is my first time on the grass.”
Having narrowly missed out on first place in straight
sets, Michael continues, “It was a tough match, tougher
than the other ones. We played quite well at the start and I
thought we were going to win it, but they managed to claw
their way back.”
But he is eager to continue to push boundaries
and improve – displaying a true sense of sportsmanship and
drive to succeed, he finishes: “I’m hoping I can push on from
this and use it to inspire me to better things.”
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December 2014
Fortunas 34
GOLF
96
It has been a pleasingly busy time for the Dollar Academy
Golf Club. Summer term 2013-14 saw the team play
several matches and our senior golfers compete in national
competitions. The formidable pairing of Eilidh Watson (FP
2014) and Jennifer Allan (Form VI) won the Girls team
event at the Scottish Schools Championship at Murrayshall,
Perth, with Eilidh also scooping third place in the scratch
competition. This was a fitting reward for what has been
one of the most successful periods for golf at Dollar, and the
girls are to be congratulated on their achievements. Robert
Watson and Andrew Johnston (both Form V) also did well
to reach the finals of the Scottish Schools Boys event. The
team reached the area final of the Independent Schools Golf
Association National Matchplay competition, where it was
unlucky to lose out to Merchiston.
In June, our Under 16 golfers played in home and
away fixtures against Beaconhurst, winning both ties. The
first match was at Dunblane Golf Club in singles matchplay,
where some composed play and great performances saw the
team win the match 2½-1½. The return fixture was a win for
Dollar, 4–0. Home advantage was definitely a considerable
factor in the result. Further success for our U16 golfers was
to follow when Dollar won the inaugural Central Scotland
Independent Schools Junior Stableford competition at
Muckhart in June. We were able to field 15 golfers in this
tournament, with Athol Stronach (Form IV) winning
comfortably by 4 points. We also played against Merchiston
at King’s Acre and despite some good play from Michael
Morrison and David McIntyre (both Form IV) - Michael
taking a half-point on the 18th and David winning his match
3 &1 – the Merchiston team proved too strong on the day,
winning 4½-1½.
One event dominated local and national news in
September 2014 – the Ryder Cup. A number of Dollar’s young
golfers had the privilege of attending the first practice day
on 23rd September. Having negotiated our way to procuring
a parking space next to the 8th green for the school minibus,
we were rewarded with a vantage point onto an awesome
Sport
Neil Blezard
December 2014
ISGA Matchplay fixture against Strathallan 3–0. Next on the
fixture card, we play against Robert Gordon’s at Panmure. The
Juniors have been busy, too. Acompanied by Mr Muirhead,
they enjoyed a course management day at Muckhart with
Douglas Young (Form II) winning the all-important putting
competition and Jamie Fulton (Form I) taking the scratch
prize for the day.
In a further match this term, we hosted Merchiston
for a singles matchplay fixture. Although obviously not used
to playing a hillside course, the visitors did well, but Dollar
held out to win 3½-2½. Finally, in colder and more blustery
conditions in Crieff, the Dollar team drew 2–2 against
Glenalmond in the seldom used at school ‘Greensome’
format.
Fortunas 34
array of golfers. Pupils were issued two challenges: (1) to
claim every player’s signature and (2) to submit their best
‘selfie’. Challenge 1 had already been achieved by the time
the European team had finished on the 8th hole. Some great
teamwork, and not-so-subtle “C’mon Rory, you’re the last
one I’ve to get!” shouts from Cameron Walker (Form III)
must have played their part. Challenge 2, the best selfie,
went to Marshall Cuthbertson (Form IV) for his image with
Hunter Mahan (9th in the world list). The pupils had a great
day and, importantly, learned a great deal about how the
professionals approach certain shots and conduct themselves
on the course.
The ISGA Scottish Open was held this term, once
again at King’s Acre, with Rory Philip (Form IV) having the
honour of hitting the first shot. A beautifully straight drive
got him off to a good start. Dollar finished 9th in the team
competition and Jennifer Allan came 4th in the girls’ scratch
competition. The Seniors team of Jennifer Allan, Robert
Watson and Andrew Johnston won their area quarter final
97
December 2014
Fortunas 34
2014 RYDER CUP – SCORE!
98
On the 23rd September 2013, when I walked up the 18th
fairway at Gleneagles with Tom Watson and Paul McGinley,
little did I know that one year on I would be walking up
the same hole, this time with Victor Dubuisson and Zach
Johnson, carrying the scoreboard in the last match of the
Sunday singles in the 2014 Ryder Cup.
Having been part of the ‘Year-To-Go’ celebrations,
I knew I had already won tickets to go to Gleneagles as a
spectator, but when ClubGolf gave me the chance to apply
to be one of 28 scoreboard carriers it was an opportunity I
felt I could not miss. Not only that, they also specified that
someone who had been a huge support or influence would be
able to accompany me, so of course this meant I could give a
little back to my Dad.
Initially we were told that we would only be needed
for one game, but by Easter it became apparent that this
would not be the case, and in fact we were needed for nearly
the full competition week. That entire week in September
would be spent in Perthshire!
During the summer I looked forward to news of
who was to be in the teams, with fingers crossed that Ian
Poulter would be picked, as he was my golfing idol. Not only
was Poulter selected, so was Stephen Gallacher, the only Scot
- and boy did the crowd make him feel at home.
The schedule arrived and a new pair of golf shoes
was bought. It turned out I was not scoring for just one
game, I was doing five, so there was no way I was going to
suffer from sore or wet feet!
To break all of us (including new shoes) in and to
let us get used to the course, we had a few days out with
the European and American players on their practice days.
Not only was I lucky enough to go out with a team of four
Europeans, but one of them was Ian Poulter! That – along
with the amazing weather - made my day.
We each had our times to be on the 1st tee but did
not know whom the team Captains, Watson and McGinley,
would select to play in each match. On Thursday night at the
Opening Ceremony I listened to hear who would be out for
the third match of the Four Balls in the morning matches …
Patrick Reed and Jordan Spieth for the USA, and Ian Poulter
and Stephen Gallacher for the Europeans …they couldn’t
have scripted it better!
A morning start at 5:30 doesn’t normally sit well,
but this was to be a very different day. We picked up our
scoreboards and walked to the 1st tee; the noise from the
stands, filled to capacity, was incredible as we approached.
The wait for the next four players to walk through the tunnel
was nerve-wracking. No words can adequately explain or
express the immense pride I felt standing there on the tee,
watching them walk towards me, hearing the crowd grow
louder and louder. The Americans teed off first, not very
well I must say, but then it was our turn, Ian first and then
Stephen, the crowd right behind him - no wonder he had a
wobble on the 1st.
Carrying these boards is no easy job, and I now
respect anyone who volunteers to do this task; they are heavy,
so thankfully on our first day we only had to carry them over
14 holes, as the Europeans lost to the USA, 5 and 4.
On Sunday we weren’t to be needed until just after
1pm – whom we were to be following we would not know
until late on Saturday, but we did know that we would
be on the last game of the competition. Dubuisson and
Johnson turned out to be our players and we had the most
wonderful, quiet game, watching top-quality golf with very
little interruption. No-one was overly interested in us, as the
general feeling was that the competition would be over by
the time we headed up the 18th, which in the event proved to
be the case, with Jamie Donaldson hitting the winning shot.
Our peace and tranquillity were then most
definitely shot to pieces, as very quickly our small group was
joined by the other players, caddies, wives, friends, press
and cameramen, for the last few holes. How Dubuisson
and Johnson managed to hold their concentration over the
remaining holes shows just how professional they are. For
me, walking up the fairway surrounded by all the European
and American players made the event even more special.
To say it was noisy at the beginning of the tournament is
an understatement, but that was nothing compared to the
sound and emotion we experienced on the final day and the
final green. A truly once-in a lifetime opportunity, made
possible through ClubGolf and the Scottish Development
Centre.
Jennifer Allan (Form VI)
Sport
#peoplemakedollar
five days and qualified for three finals. Here he enjoyed more
success: he achieved 3rd in Britain in 100m backstroke and
emerged as British Age Group Champion in 200m freestyle
- also breaking the East District Age Group record held since
2008. These are remarkable achievements.
Earlier this term Keir learned that he has
been selected to train with the Scottish National Youth
Development Squad. He must be congratulated on this
invitation which certainly acknowledges both his past
achievements and his potential in the sport.
DOLLAR PUPILS
RECOGNISED FOR
SWIMMING SUCCESS
DOLLAR SWIMMERS WIN
GOLD IN BRODIES TEAM
CHAMPIONSHIPS
Verity Smith
December 2014
Some of Dollar’s strongest young swimmers participated in
the Brodies Team Championships for Secondary Schools at
the Royal Commonwealth Pool, Edinburgh on Wednesday
11th June.
Kirstin Lawrie, Joanna Rae, Lucy Ross and Sian
Thomson (all then Form I) produced some fantastic results
in the S1 Freestyle Relay, where the team won gold, and in
the S1 Medley Relay, where they took silver. These were hardfought victories against some other very talented teams; the
times were only seconds apart.
Kirstin had previously gained a silver medal at
Scottish Schools in her chosen individual event. Lucy is a
tetrathlete - an all-round and very committed sportswoman
- while Sian and Joanna are Club swimmers who take part
in regular swimming competitions. Kirsten and Joanna were
also involved in last year’s successful primary relay team, and
so are more experienced school swimmers, while Lucy Ross
and Sian Thompson were new to the S1 team this year.
Congratulations to all the girls on their achievement
and many thanks to Mr Thomson for his help on the day.
Fortunas 34
Kirstin Lawrie (Form II) is to be congratulated on having
been selected to represent Scotland West at the National
Inter-Counties Championships being held in Sheffield in
October. A total of 40 teams compete in what will be quite a
remarkable display of the nation’s top youngest talent.
Kirstin was selected for this as a result of competing
against other girls, aged 14 or younger, in the 100m Butterfly,
within the area covered by Scotland West. Most impressively,
she was the fastest. Given that Kirstin has only recently
turned 13, this is a great accomplishment indeed.
Kirstin also swims for Falkirk Otters and is a
member of FIRST performance squad, a highly successful
programme set up to improve the level of competitive
swimming within the Falkirk area. Over the next few weeks,
Kirstin is focusing her training efforts toward the Scottish
Short Course National Championships which will be held in
December at the Royal Commonwealth Pool. We wish her
well and look forward to hearing news of her performance.
Another of Dollar’s talented young swimmers, Keir
Edgar (Form II) had a very busy summer.
He finished his first year at Dollar a day early in order
to attend the Scottish National Age Group Championships in
Aberdeen. There, he competed each afternoon and evening
over five consecutive days, which he found “extremely
gruelling both mentally and physically; it was my first time
at such a long swimming meet.”
Although he competed as a 12-year-old in the 12-13
age category, Keir reached the finals in every event. During
the week he also set a new East District Age Group record
in the 1500m freestyle, beating a time that had stood since
2005. In the end, he triumphed and took away the Sharp
Trophy for 200m Individual Medley.
One month later, Keir competed at the ASA (British)
National Age Group Championships in Sheffield. The field of
competitors was extremely strong and included not only the
best swimmers from across Great Britain but also a number
of international swimmers. Keir competed in ten events over
99
SPORTS WEEKEND 2014
Champions
Senior Girls (Heyworth Cup) – Lucy Taylor (Form VI)
Senior Boys (Edina Trophy) – Philip Wright / Ross Hughes (Form VI)
Intermediate Girls (Scott Cup) – Minnie Roe (Form III)
Intermediate Boys (NCB Trophy) – Gordon McGregor (Form III)
Junior Girls (Williamson Cup) –Catriona Leslie (Form I)
Junior Boys (Sweet Cup) – Finn McIlwraith (Form I)
Junior 2 Girls (Wilson Cup) – Lucy Smith
Junior 2 Boys (Cameron Quaich) – Ross McKnight
Junior 1 Girls (Reece McAllister Cup) – Elizabeth Deekae
Junior 1 Boys (Reece McAllister Cup) – Ben Salmon
Steve Newton
SPORTS
WEEKEND 2015
December 2014
Fortunas 34
All Former Pupils, parents and
friends of Dollar Academy will be
warmly invited again to attend Sports
Weekend during the weekend of 2021 June 2015. Information regarding
the itinerary, School Musical, Supper
and Music event and Pipe Band
performances will be posted on the
website nearer the time. We hope to
see many of you then.
100
Sport
December 2014
Fortunas 34
101
2014 ATHLETICS RESULTS
28th April - Dollar v Cargilfield
Dollar
Cargilfield
Junior 1 Girls
44
38
Junior 1 Boys
52
30
Junior 2 Girls
53
29
Junior 2 Boys
53
29
202
126
Overall
6th May – Dollar v George Watson’s
v Erskine Stewart Melville
Dollar
George Watson’s
ESM College
Form I Girls
75
71
39
Form I Boys
60
67
71
Form II Girls
86
61
68
Form II Boys
61
62
95
Form III Girls
76
89
68
Form III Boys
72
90
72
430
440
374
Overall
12th May Morrison’s Academy v Dollar Academy
14th May – Dollar v Edinburgh Academy
Cancelled
Dollar
Edinburgh
Academy
Junior 1 Girls
42
29
Junior 1 Boys
37
35
Junior 2 Girls
62
31
Junior 2 Boys
Overall
58
35
199
130
29th May (Away)
Dollar
Edinburgh Academy
George Watson’s
Form I A & B Girls
339
255
190
December 2014
Fortunas 34
10th June (Away)
Dollar v Strathallan v Queen Victoria Cancelled
102
ATHLETICS CLUB
REPORT 2013-14
The 2013-14 season saw the Athletics
Club continue to be well supported
by a large number of pupils keen to
practise, improve and learn more about
a variety of track and field events. A
new approach to the warm-up session,
intended to challenge the whole body,
had athletes balancing on narrow
planks, crawling along the ground on
all fours, bending under hurdles and
weaving in and out of vertical poles.
The arrival of starting blocks was very
well received, and Mr Cameron Smith
and Mr Kevin Reynolds successfully
undertook the task of teaching the
athletes how to use them.
As a Club, we are always in
the debt of the staff who give up their
time to ensure that as many pupils
as possible can enjoy this activity.
Miss Zikou and Mr Reynolds joined
the coaching team of Mrs Greenlee,
Mr Smith, Mrs Dearden and the staff
of the P.E. Department. It was also
pleasing to see some of the seasoned
athletes return to assist in the coaching
of younger pupils and to officiate at
inter-school matches. Many members
of staff also gave of their time to assist
in officiating at these matches which is
very much appreciated; matches could
not take place without this invaluable
help. The grounds staff are also thanked
for the maintenance and preparation
of the field throughout the season, but
in particular for the setting of the field
on match days.
The season’s competition
opened with Dollar hosting a
triangular match against George
Watson’s College and Erskine Stewart’s
Melville Schools for Forms I-III. It was
a great occasion and was thoroughly
enjoyed by all participants - athletes,
officials and Junior School pupils who
assisted with collecting results sheets
and equipment. The weather tried to
‘dampen’ spirits but to no avail. It is
hoped that this will become a regular
fixture as triangular meetings offer
greater competition.
Sport
and bronze in Shot-put, Sean McLaren
(Form III) won silver in both Shot and
Discus, and on the track Jenny Walls
(Form II) won silver in the 800m and
Catriona Laing bronze in the 200m.
On behalf of all our athletes,
huge thanks are extended to everyone
who has contributed to their success.
Christine Galloway
SCOTTISH
ATHLETICS
NATIONAL
CHAMPIONSHIPS
December 2014
A significant number of Dollar Academy
pupils competed in the Scottish
Athletics National Championships
which took place over 23rd-24th August
at the Aberdeen Sports Village.
On Saturday, Bevhan Trevis
(Form V) competed in both the
Discus and the Shot-put. She achieved
commendable results in each, coming
4th in the Discus with a distance
of 26.53m and 5th in the Shot-put,
throwing 10.84m.
On the same day, Catriona
Laing (Form III) not only won the
300m, she also achieved a new school
record with her time of 42.28s. This is a
notable achievement indeed.
Sean McLaren (Form IV)
competed very successfully as well,
earning a silver medal in Shot Put and
a bronze in Hammer. He also narrowly
missed earning a third medal in Discus,
coming in 4th position.
Most impressively, Emma
Mailer (Form I) earned the title
of Scottish Champion in the 70m
Hurdles, finishing in 11.76 seconds.
She also achieved a bronze medal in
the 200m with a time of 28.35 seconds.
Lucy Smith (Form I) threw a
Personal Best in the Shot Put (7.58m),
to achieve 4th place, just outside the
bronze medal position. She also jumped
1.45m in the High Jump, where she
did achieve the bronze; additionally,
she qualified for the 70m Hurdles final.
It should also be noted here that Lucy
(and her sister, Georgia) competed
in the Scottish National Combined
Events Championships in July, where
Lucy earned a silver medal and Georgia
a bronze.
Fortunas 34
Unfortunately Forth Valley
Track and Field Championships did
not take place this year due to lack
of funding. Dollar athletes have
always performed well at these
championships and the overall
championship trophy has been in our
possession for many years. This was
particularly disappointing in this the
Commonwealth year, but hopefully
funding will be achieved for next year.
Two girls’ relay teams
participated in the Scottish Schools’
Relay
Championships
held
at
Hutchesons’ Grammar School. Bunty
Kerray, Minnie Roe, Niamh Wallace
(all then Form III) and Catriona Laing
(Form II) won their heat convincingly
and went on to win silver in the final;
the winning team broke the existing
record and won the trophy for the best
girls’ relay team of the championships.
Eight athletes qualified to
compete in the Scottish Schools’ Track
and Field Championships which were
held at Hampden as part of a trial event
before the Commonwealth Games.
Security was accordingly very tight and
the event was restricted to athletes,
parents and coaches. Competing in
the venue before the Commonwealth
athletes will be a treasured memory
for all competitors, but particularly
for those who won medals. Bevhan
Trevis (Form IV) won silver in Discus
103
December 2014
Fortunas 34
SKIING NEWS
#peoplemakedollar
In June a team of Dollar skiers competed in the Dual Slalom Ski Race at the
Midlothian Sports Centre, Hillend. The team, comprising Jemma Hulbert (then
Form VI), Lucy Hulbert (Form IV), Alex Fleming, Ross Broomfield, Ramsay
Bryce (all Form III), Megan Stedman (Form II) and Alice Barthram (Form I), had
a great day of sunshine and quick racing against a number of teams from across
Scotland. The Dollar skiers did well, securing wins against a number of schools, but
unfortunately were knocked out in the first round. Jemma takes with her our good
wishes as she leaves this year, having expertly led a team which promises much for
the years to come.
DOLLAR
GYMNAST
WINS GOLD
AT NATIONAL
FINALS
Scottish School Ski Championships
Two Dollar teams raced at the Scottish Schools Ski Championships at Midlothian
Ski Centre on Sunday 21st September – a Senior Girls’ team and an Under-14s
mixed team. The Senior Girls’ team, comprised of Megan Stedman (Form III), Christina
Callion, Alex Fleming, and Abi Douglas (all Form IV), finished in overall 3rd
position. Captain of the team, Abi Douglas, went on to place 5th in the individual
championship.
The Under-14 team had two members racing at Midlothian Ski Centre for the first
time. Archie MacKechnie (Junior 2), Euan Smith, and Ruaridh Henderson (both
Form I) and Alice Barthram (Form II) also performed promisingly, racing to silver
medal position. Alice, the team captain, came 5th in the individual championship.
Rosa Loedel (Form V) has been named a
British Champion as a result of her gold
medal win at the Acrobatic Gymnastics
British National Finals that took place
at Fenton Manor Sports Complex in
Stoke over the weekend of 31st May.
Over 500 gymnasts from 76
gym clubs competed, representing
the ten English Regions and the
Home Nations of Scotland, Northern
Ireland and Wales. In the end, Scotland
finished in an impressive third place
overall.
Rosa, who trains and
competes with the Acrobay Gymnastics
Club based in Dalgety Bay, won the
competition in her discipline which
also results in her being named a 2014
British Champion. This is the first
occasion in which a Scottish gymnast
has won gold in this particular
discipline.
Junior School Skiers in Scottish Schools Dual Slalom Finals
Four young pupils from the Junior School have qualified to participate in the
Scottish Schools Dual Slalom finals at Glasgow’s Snow Factor on Wednesday 29th
October.
Archie MacKechnie, Andrey MacNee, Emma Howat (all Junior 2) and
Archie Kelly (Junior1) all competed in the qualifier, which was held at Firkpark
Ski Centre in Tillicoultry. Two experienced teams competed: Kilgraston School and
Dollar Academy. Five novice teams from across Scotland also competed.
The Dollar skiers raced each team twice, making a total of 12 races. The
young Junior School pupils won each race in the experienced category and only lost
one to Ardvreck in the novice category.
These four talented and passionate young skiers are very much looking
forward to the Glasgow finals. We look forward to hearing the results of this
competition.
104
#peoplemakedollar
HORSE OF THE YEAR
SHOW 2014
I have just had the most amazing finish to my summer
holidays. I have been trying to qualify for the Horse of the
Year Show for eight years now, and it finally happened this
summer. There are only 21 competitions throughout the
UK at which you can earn qualification to compete for the
143cms Working Hunter Pony of the Year Final at the NEC,
Birmingham. This year, I won the qualifier at the British
Show Pony Society (BSPS) Championships at Grantham,
Lincolnshire.
The BSPS Championships is a four-day show, with
the HOYS qualifier held on the third day. I only started
competing with my horse, Elliot, in June when we went to
the Royal Highland Show. As Grantham was my first attempt
riding him at a HOYS qualifier, we were really just going for
the experience and we weren’t expecting any big results at
this show. We had a couple of classes on the first day, but
with a couple of fences down, there were no placings on Day
1. The next day we had a 9th in a class in the morning and
then a good clear in the afternoon to be placed second in a
very strong class, so our confidence was coming along nicely
going into the third day, the HOYS qualifier.
We jumped a great round to go clear and I was
absolutely delighted. Once everyone had jumped we knew
there were only nine clear rounds from the 31 starters in
the class. The top ten ponies were taken back into the ring
to be placed. My only thought then was that I was going to
be placed in my first HOYS qualifier, which would be great;
little did I know what was about to happen. Placings were
announced in reverse order, and when they called out “First,
Number 670” (my number!), all the Scottish people clapped
and screamed with joy. I was awarded a silver trophy and
more cheers rang in my ears as I did my lap of honour.
I then went on to win ‘Champion of the Section’
which took me into the Working Hunter Pony Champion of
Champions event on the Saturday night, the final night of
the show, which was another incredible experience.
The last time I attended the Horse of the Year Show
was back in 2009, when my elder brother James was placed
fourth in the 122cm Show Hunter Pony final. Now I’m going
to compete….and I cannot wait!
December 2014
Fortunas 34
Gavin Hay (Form III)
Photographs courtesy of Equinational
105
DOLLAR WELCOMES ITS NEW FP
REGISTRAR
I would like to introduce myself as the new FP Registrar. I am here to help you keep in touch with the
school and former classmates. I also help facilitate reunions and events in Dollar, throughout the UK
at the Regional Clubs and overseas. We currently have eight Dollar FP Clubs based in the UK; Dollar,
Dollar Accies Rugby Club, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Highland, North of Scotland, North of England and
London. We also have ‘consuls’ based in Australia (Sydney and Melbourne), Canada, China and USA
(California and Arizona). Direct contact details for the Club secretaries can be found on the inside cover
of Fortunas.
All Former Pupils are very welcome to join any of the clubs and you can do so by completing
the insert in Fortunas or emailing me directly. It will help if you include your name at school, married
name if applicable, as well as the years you attended Dollar.
The Clubs independently organise events in their region with initial mailings done by me. If
you have previously ‘joined’ a Club and currently receive mailings and wish no longer to do so, please let
me know. If you currently receive Club mailings through the post, it also means that we do not have an
email address for you. Ideally I would prefer to communicate with all of you in a more environmentally
sound and cost-effective way, so please email me at [email protected], including the
details as listed above, if you are happy to receive future Club and FP mailings by email.
As you are reading Fortunas, it means that we have your correct mailing address on file and
also that you have opted in to be a Life Member. The majority of our newer Former Pupils keep their
parental address on file for several years, which does mean that some addresses receive multiple
mailings of Fortunas. Please let me know if you would prefer only one copy mailed to the family address,
to be shared by all family members. In future we may offer an electronic version of Fortunas. If this
might be of interest, especially to our overseas Former Pupils, do contact me. Currently the past few
additions of Fortunas are available to read on the school website.
The school loves to hear of successes and achievements from FPs, as well as general news, and
I look forward to hearing from you and being able to share your news within the wider Dollar Academy
community in the next edition of Fortunas. If you are coming along to Sports Weekend, 19 – 21st June
2015, do stop by the marquee and say hello. I would be delighted to chat with you.
December 2014
Fortunas 34
Kind regards,
106
Contact me at: [email protected]
Join the new Dollar FP Linkedin Group
FP
CLASS OF ’63 AND ’64
50th YEAR REUNION
June 20th 2014
December 2014
Gus Carnegie
Fortunas 34
The evening started with a photo shoot on the school steps
of the 41 dinner guests along with the Rector and two of
the teachers from that year group – Ivor Barber and Ron
Glasgow. It was a beautiful summer’s day, and the guests
strolled off to the Captain’s Room for pre-dinner drinks and
canapés.
MC for the evening was Gus Carnegie who welcomed
the FPs and their partners, some of whom had travelled from
Italy and the USA. He explained that it was to be a relaxed
and informal evening with no seating plan, with hope that
folk would circulate between courses. A display of about 40
photographs and documents had been set up in the Captain’s
Room, the source of much hilarity and mind-searching.
The Rector, David Knapman, welcomed the party
and wished them a successful evening.
Head Boy of ’64, Hugh Webb, proposed a toast to the
school, his theme that it was the extra-curricular activities
that made Dollar different. As a new boy and somewhat
musically challenged, he found marching in time with
Corps Pipe Band quite difficult. Hugh then recounted the
difficulties of dating a girl when both of you were boarders
under the draconian curfew that prevailed in the 60s. Once
he met up for a clandestine liaison with a girl boarder, only
to be informed that he was ‘chucked’ for looking at another
girl. Hugh concluded by stating that the school had taught us
all perseverance and endeavour which had stood us in good
stead for the rest of our lives.
Former School Governor and Class of ’63, Robin
Cumming replied on behalf of the school. He explained that
the above mentioned discipline regime no longer applied,
and the school had a self-monitoring system that worked
well. Robin outlined how all the new buildings over the past
50 years had come to be built and noted that the school has
never had any debt. Robin was a great fan of the Pipe Band
and outlined its recent successes as a good example of the
extra-curricular activities that are so important in producing
rounded pupils.
Prior to an excellent meal, Nick Lunan said grace
and toasted absent friends. 16 class mates had indicated that
they could not attend for various reasons.
On the Saturday morning, 16 FPs had a private tour
of the school and were welcomed by the Assistant Rector, Mr
Daniel, and six delightful Prefects. This was an unstructured
tour and FPs could go anywhere they wished. After visiting
both old haunts and the new buildings we all departed, some
extending their stay by attending other Sports Weekend
activities.
Several folk had not visited the school for 50 years
and this reunion was a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience
and much enjoyed by all. There is even talk of another gettogether in a few years’ time!
107
The group, pictured, comprised:
Margo Malkin (FP); Eve Buck, Bruce Buck (FP); Jo Campbell (FP);
Arthur Malkin; Barbara Scott; Ann Davidson (FP); Iain Scott (FP); Sally
Hooff (FP); Pam Rogers (FP); Orrin Rogers
CANADIAN FP REUNION
December 2014
Fortunas 34
A small number of the 100 or so Dollar Academy FPs in Canada
took the opportunity to meet again this year, at Gravenhurst,
Ontario. Bruce Buck, Consul in Canada, has forwarded this
article which appeared in a localmagazine, recounting the evening
through the eyes of an interested observer.
One of the great things about playing piano every Saturday
night for the Segwun’s dinner cruises is that you meet such
interesting people. Weekend after weekend, couples want to
tell me how they fell in love 50 or 60 years ago. Others tell me
their life stories.
I told Linda a couple of years ago that nothing would
surprise me any more.
I was wrong. Two weekends ago I discovered that a
group of 11 sitting at the stern of the rear deck was celebrating
a connection with a private school in Scotland called Dollar
Academy. Six were Scottish-born former students at the
prestigious school. The other five were their spouses.
I had never heard of Dollar before. It is an
ancient Scottish village which sits between Edinburgh
and Glasgow, best known for Castle Campbell, a brooding
medieval landmark where Mary, Queen of Scots, used to stay. Its second best-known landmark is Dollar Academy,
Scotland’s fourth largest private school, founded in 1818.
Most of its 1,250 students come from the local area but its
excellent academic record also attracts live-in students from
far and wide.
Bruce Buck, a retired theatre lighting specialist now
living in Niagara-on-the-lake, told me that alumni from the
academy are scattered around the world but stay in touch
through a school magazine. One year ago he decided to
arrange a reunion of Canadian alumni and it was so successful
that he decided to repeat it again this year.
How did this year’s reunion wind up on a RMS
Segwun cruise? Scottish-born Ann Davidson, a long-time
cottager at Little Lake Joe, is an alumnus of Dollar Academy.
108
She’s the one who recommended that the reunion be held
in Gravenhurst. Janet Gray, who works behind the sales
counter at the Grace and Speed boat museum and is a parttime travel consultant, made the arrangements, including
the Segwun cruise.
I always thought that Scotland escaped most of
the German bombing during World War II, but Bruce Buck,
who attended Dollar Academy 1941-46, says that’s not true.
He watched Luftwaffe bombers flying overhead and spent
much time in an air raid shelter that was a big hole dug in
the ground with a corrugated steel cover and earth on top
of that. On March 13th and 14th 1941, the German bombers
blitzed shipyards at Clydebank on the Scottish west coast,
killing 518 civilians over the two days.
I was fascinated by my chats with the Dollar
Academy group on the Segwun. Iain Scott, who was born
and raised at Dollar before coming to Canada, was a guest
panellist on CBC’s Saturday afternoon radio programme for
25 years and was also involved with the Texaco radio opera
quiz from the Metropolitan Opera Theatre in New York.
Our evening cruise had special memories for
Ann Davidson, whose late husband, John Davidson, was a
highly respected member of the board of directors for the
Lake Muskoka Steamship Society before his death in 2007.
In 2006 John Davidson and another director, John Lee,
arranged for the Segwun to make a rare day trip into Little
Lake Joe with their families and friends. When the ship came
to the Davidson cottage, neighbours circled the steamship in
their boats as a gesture of affection and respect for John who
they knew was not well.
Now you know why I feel honoured to have played on
the RMS Segwun for more than 20 years. Every cruise brings
me into touch with special people and special memories.
Courtesy of Jack Hutton, WHAT’S UP? magazine (Muskoka, Ontario)
FP
Back L-R: Dave Lewis (FP 1978), Rod Mason (FP 1979), Malcolm
Blaxall (FP 1981), James Smith (FP 2008), Jamie Andrew (FP
2009), Niall Archibald (FP 2000)
Front L-R: Jan Blaauw (FP 1970), Mhairi Campbell (née Clark,
FP 2002), Allan Brass (FP 2001), Ken Morrison (FP 1969)
HONG KONG FP DINNER
13 November 2014
Initiated by James Smith, a group of Former Pupils, all
currently living in Hong Kong, met at the Hong Kong Football
Club. They enjoyed drinks and dinner while they chatted and
reminisced about ‘The Old Grey School’. A letter was read out
from Mr David Knapman, the Rector, and a most enjoyable
evening was had by all.
This dinner was initiated and organised within six
weeks, so if any of you would like to do something similar, do
please get in touch at [email protected]
Back row: Douglas Alexander, Hazel Dawson, Andrew Cardle,
George Fleming.
Front Row: Maureen Ross (neé Rimmer), Jean Dunnet (née
Guthrie), Fiona Chapman (née Watson), Helen Long.
CLASS OF ’72 DINNER
Andrew Cardle (Class of 1972) decided to visit Dollar for
the first time in over 40 years, and with Maureen’s help,
arranged a gathering of 1972 Leavers. A very pleasant
evening was spent in the Green Hotel, Kinross in September,
with promises made to meet up again, sooner rather than
later.
Class of 1960
55 Year Reunion,
There will be a Class of ‘75 - Sixth Year
40th Reunion - on Saturday 20th June
2015, starting with pre-prandial drinks
at the FP Sherry Party, followed by the
Sports Weekend Supper & Music in
the Marquee. If you are interested in
attending please apply for tickets for
the evening event through the school,
and let us know you are coming. We
look forward to seeing you there.
Best wishes,
Sheena Rae (née Hudson)
Friday 19th June 2015.
Plans for this Reunion are well
advanced with 50FP’s from as far
away as Canada and the USA already
confirmed. Specific details for the
weekend will be ciculated early in the
new year.
Saturday 20th June 2015
email: [email protected]
(mark the subject as “Class of ‘75 Sixth Year 40th Reunion”)
mob: 07850 861868
Johnny Crombie /”Midge”
email: [email protected]
mob: 07808 327839
Class of 2005
10 Year Reunion,
Saturday 13th June 2015.
Details will be sent out early January
2015.
December 2014
Class of 1975
Reunion
Fortunas 34
SAVE THE DATE
FORTHCOMING
REUNIONS
Jean Dunnet
109
December 2014
Fortunas 34
A CAREER
OR TWO IN
THE LIFE
OF LINDSAY
LAWSON, FP
110
When asked if I might be interested
in writing a piece about the work that
I do and how I came to be where I am
today, I did wonder…who on earth
would want to read such a thing?...
But I suppose my weekly working life
does not reflect the norm for those
who have been to Dollar Academy,
whatever that is!
To rewind just a bit, *with a
sharp gasp of horror when re-counting
the years*, I started at Dollar in Prep
4, 24 years ago and left after Sixth
Year in 2001. I don’t think of myself
as much of an academic, and I had to
work incredibly hard to achieve my
grades at school and university, but I
do feel that Dollar was an incredible
foundation for my education and
development as a person, and
provided me with the most invaluable
opportunities that I believe have
contributed hugely to the person I am
today.
When I was a kid, I thought
I’d either like to work as a weather girl
or in a prison. I have no idea where
these ideas came from; unfortunately
Geography was not my strength and
I’m a complete wimp at the best of
times, so both options were out of
the question. I therefore spent most
of my years at Dollar with no real
clue as to what I wanted to be or do
with the rest of my life, until my dear
Granny suggested that I should look
into Occupational Therapy (OT).
She herself had received OT input
following a triple by-pass operation,
and felt that I had similar qualities
to the staff who had treated her. I
managed to get the grades and so set
off to Robert Gordon University in
Aberdeen for four years. If any current
pupils reading are about to leave
school for university in Aberdeen, one
important tip: do not refuse, as I did,
the warmest winter jacket imaginable
FP
WWW.BILLMCLARENFOUNDATION.CO.UK
wonderful tone to his voice and a
knack of finding a fitting phrase for
any occasion, from a bowl of soup
“as hot as molten lava”, to comparing
Brian Redpath to “a baggy up a Border
burn”. He took an active interest in
the school and would attend events
and appear as a speaker when invited.
One of his proudest possessions
was his Dollar Academy school tie
which was presented to him by John
Robertson and which he used to wear
regularly when doing BBC work.
Not only a legend in the
broadcasting world, a journalist
for The Glasgow Herald for over 30
years, but he was also a PE teacher in
Hawick, where he instilled in every
primary school boy and girl essential
life skills through playing sport and
games from athletics to rounders to
country dancing. Basic standards of
behaviour such as discipline, respect,
honesty, integrity, punctuality and
fairness were all central to the values
that Papa held dear.
December 2014
who experience acute mental health
problems often have difficulty with
the simple activities of daily life that
we all take for granted - getting out of
bed in the morning, visiting the shops,
going out with friends. A lot of my
work is spent assessing their needs,
developing routines and promoting
engagement in everyday activities,
as well as ensuring their safety
within the community with a view
to supporting an effective and safe
transition home.
As well as working as an
Occupational Therapist three days a
week, I have also taken on a role that
I never imagined possible in all my
dreams. The other two days of my
working week are spent as an Events
Coordinator for the Bill McLaren
Foundation, a charity set up in my
Papa’s (Grandfather’s) name.
Papa was a proud Hawick
man and was renowned throughout
the rugby-playing world as the
‘Voice of Rugby’, broadcasting with
the BBC for over 50 years. He had
the most captivating character, a
Fortunas 34
when offered it by your mother. I
was thinking only of my ‘street cred’
of course, but I foolishly declined
‘sensible and retro’ - a massive regret,
as it can be like the Arctic up there
(very sunny though!), and I spent the
rest of first semester wearing every
item from my wardrobe and looking
like the abominable snowman - classy!
I’ve always been a caring
person, aiming to do my best to
make other peoples’ lives better, and
I think that that is what I was put
here to do. I now work as a Specialist
OT within acute adult mental health
inpatient services in Edinburgh. My
hospital duties include providing
expert assessment and treatment
to individuals experiencing acute
mental health problems, including
schizophrenia, severe depression,
bipolar disorder, anxiety and
personality disorders. Many adults
require 24-hour care whilst they are in
hospital, to support the improvement
of their health and wellbeing, and
to ensure their safety and that of
others around them. Individuals
111
“I truly believe that I’m the luckiest
girl in the world to have the family
that I do”
December 2014
Fortunas 34
Shortly before he died,
he gave his blessing, albeit with a
quizzical raised eyebrow, to setting
up a charity in his name, The Bill
McLaren Foundation, whose main
objectives are to promote the game of
rugby and its values and to encourage
and provide sporting opportunities for
young people.
In the last three years
the Foundation has given nearly
£350,000 to a variety of worthy
causes, primarily at grassroots level
in Scotland, and aimed at helping
youngsters develop the life skills
that meant so much to Papa. These
initiatives include projects such
as the Positive Coaching Scotland
programme, delivered through
the Scottish Rugby Union, which
encourages rugby clubs to support the
theory that children will thrive and
develop well if they can be assisted in
their sporting lives by enthusiastic
coaches and parents working together
with the principles of self-control,
teamwork and co-operation at the
core. There are now 26 accredited
clubs leading the way, with many more
signing up to the programme.
The Bhubesi Pride project,
which we also support, has almost
completed its third year travelling
through ten countries of Africa,
promoting the development of life
skills and delivering a health message
by introducing hundreds of boys
and girls to rugby. To learn more
on this project, please visit www.
rugbyinafrica.org.
112
The Foundation has
supported young golfers, athletes
and an activity project for disabled
youngsters in the Borders, as well as
giving funds to other charities in New
Zealand, South Africa and Hong Kong,
and to other UK charities such as
Teenage Cancer Trust.
As a family we all contribute
with others to the running of the
BMF, a registered Scottish Charity,
with mum ‘the Voice’, like her dad,
and a trustee of the Foundation. Dad
helps the Foundation with events as
a volunteer and Rory and Gregor help
whenever they can. Gregor is very
busy with his business but willingly
donates auction items, such as
Morphsuits and Royal and Awesome
clothing to help raise funds. Rory lives
in Dubai but also MCs events for us
and helps attract speakers and terrific
auction items. If you want to know
more about our Foundation or would
like to provide any support, please
visit www.billmclarenfoundation.
co.uk.were
I truly believe that I’m the
luckiest girl in the world to have the
family that I do. My parents, Linda
and Alan, are the most ridiculously
selfless people in existence. Their focus
has always been family first, and they
have instilled strong values in all of
their children as well as teaching us to
work hard and have fun. I look up to
my older brothers, Gregor and Rory, in
awe of their wonderful achievements
but also with gratitude for the
encouragement they have given me. I
had a great start to life in Dollar and
made some wonderful friends for
life there. For those of you about to
leave school, it may be worth taking
some advice from Gregor, who is very
knowledgeable about career planning
and knows how to play and work hard.
He maintains that if you don’t know
what to do with yourself workwise,
you should write down what you’re
good at and also what you like doing
and see if you can marry up these
two strands. If you can, great, if you
can’t then follow your dreams and see
where they lead - hopefully to a good
place. Remember, it is always better
to have a plan than no plan, and it
requires courage to put fear aside, take
a risk and do something bold which
can be celebrated. Then, as my Papa
would say – “They’ll be dancing in the
streets of Dollar”. Good luck!
Lindsay Lawson (FP 1991-2001)
FP
SVOICE
Y RUGBY
DINNER
)
AT PRESTONFIELD
HOUSE HOTEL
supported by
Carbon Financial Partners Ltd
DOUGIE DONNELLY (MC)
ANDY IRVINE
SIR IAN MCGEECHAN
GARETH EDWARDS
JOIN US ON FRIDAY 13 FEBRUARY 2015 FOR
A GREAT NIGHT OF ENTERTAINMENT WITH AN
EXCELLENT LINE-UP OF GUEST SPEAKERS AND
SURPRISE GUESTS.
£100 PER TICKET OR £1000 PER TABLE OF 10
December 2014
JOHN THORBURN
[email protected]
TEL : 07929 655132
Fortunas 34
WWW.BILLMCLARENFOUNDATION.CO.UK
113
“WE’RE NOT IN DOLLAR
ANY MORE”
A Month of Travelling and Volunteering in the
Hot and Humid Heart of Vietnam
December 2014
Fortunas 34
The Cameron Travel Scholarship Trust helps to fund Dollar
pupils on trips overseas in order to partake in some voluntary
activity. Here Bethan Scott, a recipient this year, recounts her
experiences in Vietnam.
114
A famous old wizard once said to a young and naïve hobbit
on the brink of an adventure:
“You will have to do without pocket handkerchiefs,
and a great many other things, before we reach our
journey’s end, Bilbo Baggins. You were born to the
rolling hills and little rivers of the Shire, but home is
now behind you. The world is ahead.”
These sage words were at the forefront of my mind
as I left the sun-kissed mist of Edinburgh for the lush paddy
fields of Vietnam at the beginning of the summer, just a few
weeks after walking out of the Bronze Doors as a Former
Pupil. It was all thanks to the Cameron Trust that I was
able to embark on such an adventure, a month volunteering
in a disabled centre for children. I would urge all pupils to
consider applying for the grant, it truly is the most fantastic
and unique opportunity to travel to the furthest corners
of our world, whether it is to build a school, work in an
orphanage or teach English. Just get out there, immerse
yourself in a different culture and leave your comfort zone.
It’s hard to imagine another school year at Dollar
kicking off in all its hectic excitement when one is kayaking
between the ancient mountain islands of Halong Bay or
cycling through the vibrant ricefields of the impoverished
ethnic minorities. I have wanted to visit Vietnam ever since
studying the war in Higher History and reading River of
Time, the shocking account of British journalist, Jon Swain,
one of the fearless reporters who journeyed to the heart of
the killing fields. The bravery, perseverance and sheer daring
of such men and women never fails to astonish and inspire
me, especially in light of the horrific deaths of Jim Foley,
David Haines and Alan Henning dominating the world’s
headlines.
One scorching afternoon, I navigated my way
through the frantic streets of Hanoi (without the help of
Google Maps) to visit the Hao Lo Prison Museum to try to
get a sense of the war’s legacy, among a people who seem
so warm and peaceful. Nicknamed the ‘Hanoi Hilton’ by
FP
class of drawing with the theme ‘under the sea’, when
a young girl with cerebral palsy was dropped off. I was
astonished to discover she spoke excellent English, and so
proceeded to discuss her favourite music and films, which
included Coldplay and American movies. Soon the teacher
came over to us to begin the girl’s one-on-one lesson
which I was further astonished to learn was actually quite
advanced algebra, which the teacher would do herself in
a jotter, explaining as she did it, and the girl would watch
carefully from her side.
But the hardest thing was having to see children
neglected, isolated by behavioural issues, by the severity of
their conditions. The teachers themselves come from very
challenging backgrounds, and despite an awareness of how
different this culture is, it is still difficult to see how they
discipline, with physical more than verbal methods.
I was involved with helping choreograph and
teach a dance routine to a group of children putting on
a show in September for their parents. It consisted of a
variety of simple movements to the dulcet tones of Miley
Cyrus singing ‘The Climb.’ And suddenly, as the bleak, dirty
little courtyard was filled with music and we were flapping
around like birds, the children smiling and laughing as
though they were about to take off into the sky, I realised
it had all been worth it, just to see the expressions on their
faces.
It reminds me of something else that old wizard
once said, “I found it is the small things, everyday deeds of
ordinary folk that keeps the darkness at bay. Simple acts of
kindness, and love.” If I learned anything from my time in
Vietnam, it is that no matter how dark the world becomes,
laughter will always light it up again.
Bethan Scott (FP 2014)
December 2014
Fortunas 34
the Americans, this prison turned out to be an eerie place,
forever tarnished by its long and dark history. Patriotic
music accompanied photos and videos showing how
‘humanely’ the US pilots were treated, romanticising their
lives alongside captions such as the following:
“It would be hard to believe one’s soul is being taken
care of in this ‘communist’ land. What the family is
doing now over there, across the ocean? Wasn’t it right
to say: God is here too and probably only here?”
Next to photos of the imprisoned pilots decorating
Christmas trees and sharing cake were graphic shots of
the decimated villages they bombed and the bodies of
the children that were murdered there. The voiceover
emphatically explained the extent of the US failure to
subdue the Vietnamese people, that in 1965, Ho Chi Minh
said fighting the Americans was the ‘most sacred’ task of the
true ‘patriot’, and such indefatigable courage and passion
could never be defeated.
But then I turned the corner into a dark room
filled with equally dark and ominous music, to come faceto-face with the most heinous contraption I have ever seen.
It was an enormous black guillotine that must have been
at least five metres tall. The prison had actually been built
in 1896 and operated for 50 years by French colonists.
They were portrayed as utterly merciless barbarians.
Torture instruments lined the walls, everything from an
electric wire and an oil can to a jute bag and a glass bottle.
One can only imagine what horrors these were used for.
Filthy cells were filled with chained models of Vietnamese
prisoners, their faces twisted in anguish, while shocking
testimonials by female prisoners and photos of beheaded
rebels decorated the walls. I emerged from the prison feeling
very disturbed. Yes, this is a deeply cultural country with
a long and vibrant history, but the world at least for now
associates it almost wholly with the vast death and suffering
of the last generation, with the tragedy of the Vietnam War.
And it’s true, that’s one of the reasons why I
wanted to volunteer here. At the Phuc Tue Centre for
disabled children, many of the disabilities are suspected to
be consequences of the Agent Orange the US dumped all
over the North of Vietnam. Agent Orange is one of the most
morally reprehensible things I have ever heard of, but I will
refrain from making any more sweeping sanctimonious
statements. As in all conflicts the boundary between right
and wrong was marred beyond distinction, both sides
committed and suffered atrocities. My work at the disabled
centre was both heartbreaking and heartwarming. From
taking the morning exercise class and helping out with
various lessons to playing football in the courtyard and
teaching several children how to play Flappy Bird on my
iPhone, it was one of the most rewarding times of my life.
The conditions and facilities were so bad and the centre
so short-staffed I aimed to try simply to bond with the
children and just make their days, hopefully, that little bit
brighter.
On one occasion I was helping out in an afternoon
115
December 2014
Fortunas 34
DOLLAR’S TWO JAZZ
GREATS
116
On Wednesday 26th June, five highly talented young jazz
musicians from across Scotland competed in the final of the
Young Scottish Jazz Musician of the Year at the Old Fruitmarket in Glasgow. Remarkably, two came from the same
school – Dollar Academy.
Jonathan Silk (FP 2007) was named Young Scottish
Jazz Musician of the Year, and Fergus McCreadie (FP 2014,
then Form V), aged only 16, was named the Under 17 winner, for the second year in a row.
The concert at the Old Fruitmarket provided the
opening performance for the Glasgow International Jazz
Festival and Fergus went on to play for the Edinburgh Jazz
and Blues Festival later in July.
“I don’t know what to say,” said Jonathan on the
night. “I’ve been here all day listening to these amazing players and thinking how great they all are. I never expected to
win.”
Those who have heard Jonathan and Fergus play,
however, were not terrifically surprised that they both made
it to the very hard-fought finals, beating out so many others in a selection process that was unforgiving and exacting.
Initially, their CDs and music files were listened to by a group
of established jazz musicians who had no knowledge of the
identities of the players. They were judged only upon their
musicianship and creativity.
Ten semi-finalists then attended the semi-final
mentoring weekend, where they were privileged enough to
work with some of Scotland and Europe’s best professional
jazz musicians; Jasper Hoiby bassist from MOBO nominated band Phronesis, Chris Greive trombonist and member
of award winning band NeWt and the SNJO, Dave Milligan,
pianist, composer and arranger. As a result of this weekend,
five finalists were selected to compete at the Old Fruitmar-
ket on Wednesday evening. Jasper Hoiby, one of the mentors, said, “These young musicians are scarily good! It was a
privilege to be around them.”
In an interview for BBC Radio Scotland last year,
Fergus said, “My life revolves around music. I enjoy practicing to improve on my playing and I love making music with
other musicians. I really enjoy the musical freedom and the
expressiveness in jazz. I love this music and I see myself playing jazz piano as my future career. My hope is for this competition to give me the opportunity to move on to the next
stage of my musical development.” His teacher is currently
Euan Stevenson whom, Fergus says, has been a key influence
in his development to date. “He has encouraged me to explore
my jazz interests and always challenges me to improve.” He
has also been heavily involved with NYJOS for several years.
Fergus has also been studying for an Advanced Diploma in Jazz at St Andrews University. He has somehow
managed to fit this in alongside his many playing commitments, practice and rehearsal time, his exam-year studies at
Dollar Academy. . . and, of course, listening to an awful lot of
jazz. He describes his influences as including Oscar Peterson,
Wynton Kelly, Bill Evans, Red Garland, Horace Silver and Erroll Garner. “I also listen to Art Pepper, Miles Davis, Freddie
Hubbard and John Coltrane and more recently McCoy Tyner,
Herbie Hancock and Chick Corea as well as the later work of
John Coltrane.” Fergus has recently embarked upon full-time
study at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland.
This year’s Young Scottish Jazz Musician of the Year
competition is organised by the Scottish Jazz Federation
and in its eighth year. Jonathan Silk, as winner, will receive
a prize package including £1000 cash, £1000 towards a new
project and a six-date tour of venues in Scotland as well as
prestigious appearances at Glasgow and London jazz festivals in 2015. The final was recorded live for BBC Radio Scotland’s Jazz House programme.
Heather Moore
FP
RACHEL MACLEAN’S
‘I HEART SCOTLAND’
COMES TO DOLLAR
December 2014
Fortunas 34
On Tuesday 20th May, the Travelling Gallery bus pulled into
Dollar Academy, containing within its intimate gallery space
the work of Rachel Maclean (FP 2005), one of Scotland’s
most talked-about young artists. Her exhibition, I HEART
SCOTLAND, drew a constant stream of curious pupils and
staff. They wandered into the bus during a spare moment in
an otherwise everyday sort of day, only to emerge buzzing,
challenged and intrigued by the wildly colourful range of
images they had seen.
Commissioned, published and produced by
Edinburgh Printmakers, Rachel’s I HEART SCOTLAND is “At
once grotesquely positive and violently kitsch,” according to
the Travelling Gallery website. “It employs dark humour to
present a playful and multi-layered reading of contemporary
Scottish identity.”
Rachel attended Dollar Academy, where her father
is still Head of Art, from 1995-2005. She then went on to
the Edinburgh College of Art where she studied Drawing
and Painting. From 2008-2009, she visited Boston,
Massachusetts on a student exchange to the renowned
School of the Museum of Fine Arts.
Cath Kelly (Art Teacher) taught Rachel when she
was a pupil at Dollar. She recalls that, “Even although it is
now nine years since Rachel left school, her school work
still stands out as wonderfully imaginative and forwardthinking. In school, she introduced a new way of creating
and developing ideas which still inspires our current pupils.
She integrated sculpture, photography and painting into
individual works and, even then, was interested in using
technology to communicate her ideas.” Two of her drawings
still hang in the Playfair Building and the Art Department
has carefully archived some of her school work to inspire
current pupils.
Rachel herself writes of her work that it “slips inside
and outside of history and into imagined futures, creating
hyper-glowing, artificially saturated visions that are both
nauseatingly positive and cheerfully grotesque.”
Heather Moore
117
December 2014
Fortunas 34
MCC AND PETER
ROSS RETURN
TO DOLLAR
118
The annual cricket match against
the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC)
offers the school’s young cricketers an
excellent opportunity to play against
some of the country’s best and most
dedicated players. This year was an
especially exciting one for current
pupils, not least because the MCC
side included ex-Scotland captain,
Ryan Watson. But, at least as exciting
for pupils, was to play alongside two
Former Pupils: Bryn Lockie (FP 1986,
and an ex-Scotland opening batsman,
currently Physical Education specialist
at Stewart’s Melville College) and Peter
Ross (FP 2010).
Peter Ross was, not very
long ago, one of the young stars
of a highly successful generation
of cricket-playing pupils at Dollar.
He is now working hard to “forge a
career in professional cricket”. He
remembers playing competitive cricket
for probably the first time when his
father’s team was short two players
and so he was recruited to the team.
When the opposition’s best batsman
smashed the ball towards him, Peter
remembers, “I somehow managed to
cling onto the catch, to the euphoric
delight of my teammates, and my
effort was rewarded with the coveted
‘Catch of the Year’ trophy. I still have
the trophy on show on my bookcase.”
Perhaps it was the daily
reminder of his ambitions offered by
that trophy, but something propelled
Peter to the top of his game at every
level. He was 11 when he scored his
first hundred, and had been selected
for both the Scotland U12 and U13
teams by age 12. He was swiftly
appointed Captain of the 2A’s when
he moved to Dollar Academy. He made
his 1st XI debut for the school in Form
II and looks back upon those years
fondly, “I was lucky to be part of the
Dollar side during this time, as we had
an abundance of good cricketers and
experienced a lot of success. We were
also lucky to call upon the enthusiasm
and experience of our coach, Jamie
Frost, who (along with the late Bruce
Ritchie) encouraged us all to apply for
MCC membership.”
Peter’s career has continued
to develop at a great rate. He went on
to study Sport and Exercise Science
at Leeds Metropolitan University
with the aim of furthering his cricket
career through the Leeds/Bradford
Universities Cricketing Centre of
Excellence which exists to develop
professional cricketers. In First Year,
Peter was selected to play for Scotland
in the Under-19 Cricket World Cup
that took place in Australia 2012. The
Scotland team finished 11th – one
place outside of the Test nations – and
recorded a notable victory against
the Test-playing nation of Zimbabwe
(Peter scored 43 in that game).
This season, Peter made
his First Class debut, and has found
himself playing against the likes of
Gary Ballance, Jonny Bairstow, Adil
Rashid, Ryan Sidebottom and Liam
Plunkett. Having finished his degree,
his sole aim is to play professional
cricket, whether that be for Scotland or
an English County, but he recognises
that this is about “playing the right
cricket in front of the right people at
the right time.” His goal, “which all
began when I took the ‘Catch of the
Year’ on the boundary when I was only
ten”, looks to be within reach.
Heather Moore
ENDURANCE
RIDING
Suzanne rode weekly at Dollar with
Mrs Emery in Glenrothes. She also
broke her leg falling off at the age of 12,
which required four weeks in traction
at the Victoria Hospital in Kirkcaldy.
Undeterred, this did nothing to diminish
her love of horses, and eventually she
decided it was time to have a horse of her
own in her life. She found Salsa Caramel
advertised for sale as a six-year-old in
Surrey, a part-bred Arab, palomino in
colour, standing at 16.1hh. The arrival of Caramel changed my life.
He had been out on trial loan periods
before, but was returned each time as
he was a bit of a handful. It took about
a year to really get to know him, as he
was very green and we were starting
from scratch.
In
2006
I discovered
endurance riding and we started
to enjoy pleasure rides in different
locations around Scotland. For this
you are provided with a map and are
timed in and out to calculate your
average speed. Caramel seemed to
really enjoy these rides, and the natural
progression was to try competitive
rides, starting at 30km. Before the
ride, each horse is presented to a vet,
who checks the starting heart rate,
hydration, gut sounds, general health
of the horse and trot-up for soundness.
Then the average speed over the course
is calculated. Once back at the venue
there is a 30-minute slot to present for
the final vetting. The heart rate must
be under 64 to pass.
FP
Heather Moore
December 2014
Suzanne Taylor (FP 1986-1992)
Photograph courtesy of Melanie Horne Photography
On Friday 31st October, the school’s aspiring journalists
were treated to a very interesting lunchtime talk from
Vernon Baxter (FP 2002). Working in publishing and
finance journalism in London, he is the managing director of
Investor Publishing. His entertaining presentation focused
on his rather original pathway into journalism.
After leaving Dollar, Vernon took what he described
as “the world’s least exotic gap year”, during which he lived
with his parents, but also (through some extraordinary
initiative) ended up translating a Spanish language
basketball magazine into English (though he spoke no
Spanish). Thereafter, he went to Edinburgh University to
study English; though at this time, he was already working as
a professional journalist. In his final year, mostly because he
felt he should, he edited the student newspaper. Following
that, he worked in Dubai for a year and gained valuable
experience there before returning to Britain to work in
London, where he has been ever since.
His advice to pupils was candid and challenging to
those who entertained ambitions of entering the profession:
learn to write, work hard, be proactive, build a network of
contacts and read as much as you can. Once you can write
‘clean copy’, he said, “the only thing that differentiates you
is what you know and who you know.” He stressed there
that were two types of knowledge: “the sort you can find
out through hard work, and the sort you have no right in
knowing – and the only way to get the latter is through
people.” He also spoke about establishing a reputation: “To
get the inside track you need to earn people’s trust and they
need to see value in sharing information. It’s very easy to get
this wrong – you have to be tenacious about chasing a story,
but also dedicated to facts and exercising judgement.”
The pupils and staff at Dollar are very grateful to
Vernon for sharing his remarkable wealth of journalistic
experience with them.
Fortunas 34
Gradually we built up our distance, following the
grading system which allows combinations to progress from
Bronze, Silver to Gold Series. Salsa Caramel reached his
Gold Series status (80km) in 2012. The dream goal would be
160km in one day.
We have represented Scotland at the Home
International on three occasions, at Burgie in 2010, Barbury
Castle in 2013 and most recently Town Yetholm, 2014.
This year I wanted to aim high and have a go at the
‘Elevator’. This covers 160km in one day, but does allow you
to stop at 120km (Platinum status) if you wish.
We entered the Seacliff Endurance Race in North
Berwick, held on Saturday 14th June. At this level the riders
need ‘crew’ on the ground at points en route to offer the
horses water and to ‘slosh’ them (pouring water over the
neck to cool the horse). My crew consisted of Jamie Craig,
whose mother is something of a legend in the field. With a trot-up and full vetting on Friday night,
we started off on the course at 5am on Saturday morning.
Competitors complete a variety of loops, with distances
varying from 20 to 40 km, each followed by a hold and vetting
period lasting up to 40 minutes. Although the weather had
been damp at 5am, temperatures on the course soon reached
over 20 degrees, and my crew used ice in the water at the vet
gates to cool Caramel down and lower the heart rate. The last
two pleasure rides were particularly hard going mentally, as
we were both tiring, but it was really encouraging for both
riders and horses to have people go out in their cars to offer
water on the last loop.
With light fading and to the cheers of a huge crowd
of supporters, we ran over the finish line at 10.30pm. From
a field of six who started the course, three finished, gaining
Diamond status.
I have owned Caramel for 10 years now and it has
taken a very long time to prepare him for this distance. He
did an amazing job, as did the team of people who assisted
and encouraged us throughout the day. I am very grateful
to them for their help and support. Further information is
available for anyone who might be interested in becoming
involved in endurance riding at scottishendurance.com.
FP JOURNALIST AND
PUBLISHER VISITS
DOLLAR
119
UNIVERSITY NEWS
The following Former Pupils are to be congratulated on their
recent achievements:
University of Aberystwyth
Catriona Thomas (née Squires, FP 1990-1997)
PGCE in Chemistry with Balanced Science, and is now
teaching
Physics.
University of Aberdeen
Murray J Alexander (FP 2001-2007)
BSc (Hons) Geology-Petroleum Geology 2.2
Tammas C Burt (FP 1995-2008)
MA (Hons) Entrepreneurship-French 2.1
James F G Gee (FP 2006-2010)
MA (Hons) in Economics – International Relations 2.1
Jemma Headspeath (FP 2004-2010)
MA (Hons) in English 2.1
Connie MacGarvie (FP 2005-2010)
MA (Hons) in Management Studies – Property 2.2
Katrina C McPherson (FP 1997-2010)
BSc (Hons) in Zoology 3rd
Caitlin Richmond (FP 2003-2010)
MA (Hons) in Sociology 2.1
Natalie Anderson Rosie (FP 2004-2010)
MA (Hons) in English 2.1
Jennifer M Waters (FP 2001-2009)
MA (Hons) in International Relations - Legal Studies 1.1
Taylor Watson-Fargie (FP 1998-2010)
BSc (Hons) In Neuroscience with Psychology (Intercalating)
1.1
University of Bristol
Rory Houston (FP 1999-2007)
MBChB Medicine. Previously BSc Sport Science, July 2012
University of Cardiff
Fraser Drummond (FP 2002-2009)
BDS (Hons) in Dentistry
December 2014
Fortunas 34
University of Dundee
Ewan J. Baird (FP 2004-2010)
BSc (Hons) 2.1 in Product Design
University of Edinburgh
Catriona Jardine (FP 2003-2010) Law (LLB) 1.1
Ranald MacDonald (FP 1998-2002)
PhD awarded November 2011.
Thesis was ‘Novel Routes to Heterocyclic Azo Compounds’
120
University of Glasgow
Holly Grant (FP 2006-2010)
MA Economics 2.1
Joanne Smith (FP 2004-2010)
Scots Law (LLB) Hons 2.1
Heriot Watt University
David Allan (FP 2007-2010)
BEng Mechanical Engineering
Leeds Metropolitan University
Peter Ross (FP 2005-2010)
BSc (Hons) 1st Class in Sports and Exercise Science.
He was also presented with the Dean’s Prize for Academic
Excellence at his graduation ceremony.
Oxford University (Brasenose)
Kirsty Smith (FP 2004-2010)
BSc 2.1 in Preclinical Medicine.
Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh
Shona Tait (FP 1998-2006)
BSc (Hons) in Physiotherapy
Robert Gordon University
James Tree (FP 1998-2010)
BA LLB (Hons) 2.1
University of St Andrews
Talia Sarafilovic (FP 1999-2010)
MA in Geography 2.1
University of Swansea
Stephanie Hanley (FP 2003-2010)
BSc Sports Science and awarded UK Physiology Student of
the Year 2014. She is now starting a Masters at Swansea.
FP NEWS
BROWN
Ian Brown (FP 1957-63) was elected National Convener of
the Saltire Society in September. At the end of that month
he stood down as Professor in Drama at Kingston University,
London, but the University has awarded him the honour of
an emeritus professorship. In recent months Ian has been
talking about his book on the history of Scottish theatre,
Scottish Theatre: Diversity, Language, Continuity, and reading
his poetry at a number of book festivals, including those
at Glasgow, at Brno and Ostrava in the Czech Republic, at
Kosice in Slovakia and at Wroclaw in Poland, as well as at the
2014 Edinburgh Book Festival.
FP
DEN-McKAY
Lt Col Neil Den-McKay MBE (FP 1984-1990) was awarded
the OBE in June 2014.
GRASEKAMP
Kyrie Grasekamp (FP 2006-2014) was awarded the Society
of Biology Scotland award for obtaining the top mark in
Biotechnology Higher this year. She was presented with
this on 12th November in Edinburgh. Kyrie is in First Year at
Glasgow University studying Virology.
LOGAN
Congratulations to Elaine Logan, formerly Mrs Middlemass,
on her appointment as Warden of Glenalmond College. A
member of the English Department at Dollar from 1987 to
2001, Elaine made a huge impact on the life of the school,
in a variety of areas, as house parent of Dewar House, in
her pastoral role as a highly effective Head of Form I, and
in building up drama both as a curricular and co-curricular
activity. Many FPs will have trod the boards in one of Elaine’s
five Junior Musicals and 13 Senior Plays. She left Dollar to
enjoy a very successful career at Loretto, culminating in her
position as Deputy Head there. We wish her all the very best
in her new role.
MAYES, TAYLOR
Lottie Mayes and Eleanor Taylor (both class of 2013)
represented Great Britain Women at the World Junior
Ultimate Frisbee Championships in Lecco, near Lake Como
in Italy, during July. Both began playing the sport at Dollar
and then continued their interest alongside their studies at
Aberdeen University.
SMITH
Leading surgeon and pioneer in the field of reproductive
health, Dr Richard Smith (FP1971-1977), is set to perform
Britain’s first womb transplant. With the world’s first baby
from a transplanted womb born in Sweden in October of this
year, it is thought that this procedure could be introduced
in the UK by 2017, subject to approval from British ethics
committees. Formerly of the University of Glasgow, Dr Smith
now works at Queen Charlotte’s Hospital in London and is
hoping to fund the operation through his Womb Transplant
UK charity.
We are delighted to welcome these new additions to the
extended Dollar family:
DEN-McKAY
To Caroline and Alisdair (FP 1985-1993), a son, Alexander
Joseph, on 11th May 2013 in New Plymouth, New Zealand.
A brother for Imogen and Iona, born at home and delivered
by Dad!
FIELD
On 25th July 2014, at St Peter’s Hospital, Chertsey, to Sian
(née Evans, FP 1983-1987) and Grant, a son, Rhys James.
A beautiful little brother for Oliver David and Rhiannon
Elizabeth.
HARRISON
Graeme (FP 1990-2003) and Michelle Harrison are delighted
to announce the birth of their son, Benjamin Thomas
Harrison, on 30th August 2014, weighing 6lb 14oz.
HARRISON
Neil (FP 1988-2000) and Angela are pleased to announce the
arrival of Lewis Callan Duncan Harrison, on 5th May 2014.
HENDRY
To Samuel and Alison (née Begg, FP 1995-2000), a daughter,
Lillian Isobel. born on 10th June 2014 in Singapore.
LAING
To Alexander and Lindsay Laing (née Howie, FP 1991-2000)
a daughter, Marjory Ann Tilly (Maisie), on 24th January 2014
at Borders General Hospital.
MAXWELL
Birth of twin boys on 9th June 2014 at Edinburgh Royal
Infirmary. Cameron Andrew Maxwell and Harrison John
Maxwell, of whom proud parents are Jennifer Maxwell (née
Black, FP 1984-1994) and Iain Maxwell.
ROBB
To Gillian (FP 1982-1990 and Staff) and Brian Robb, a son
Cameron James, born on 13th October 2014, 8lb 6oz.
WARD
To Melissa (née Keys, FP 1987-2000) and Patrick, a daughter,
Florence Judith born on 18th February 2014 at Chelsea.
ENGAGEMENTS
December 2014
WATKINS - BURNS
Both families are delighted to announce the engagement of
Sarah-Jane Watkins and Gregor Burns (FP 1988 – 1994).
The couple plan to marry next March in Sarah-Jane’s home
village, Porthcawl, South Wales.
Fortunas 34
WHITAKER
Corinna Whitaker (FP 2002 - 2008) was selected for the
Commonwealth Games Table Tennis squad.
BIRTHS
121
MARRIAGES
We wish every happiness to…
BARR - BROWN
On 6th June 2014, Jane Barr (FP 1987-1990) married Scott
Brown at Dryburgh Abbey, Melrose. Current pupils Hayden
Thomson (Junior 1) and Riley Thomson (Prep 4) were an
usher and flower girl respectively.
LIVINGSTON – CROSBIE
On 25th October 2014, Christine Livingston to Robin Crosbie
(FP 1997-2004).
MOINARD-BARBIER - GUEST
David Guest (FP 1992-1998) married Bertille MoinardBarbier on 26th July 2014 at the Church of Saint-Valéry,
Varengeville-sur-Mer (Seine-Maritime), France. FPs in
attendance were Dougal Squires, Robert Barnes and John
Millar.
SHAW - ANKERS
Catherine Louise Shaw (FP 1991-1997) married Paul John
Ankers at Stockport Hall, Stockport on 23rd May 2014.
STEWART – BEST
Karen Stewart (FP 1990-1997), Deputy Head Girl and 1st XV
Hockey Captain, married Mark Best at Crichton Collegiate
Church on 3rd August 2013. The reception was held at
Carberry Tower near Musselburgh.
TURNBULL - CROWE
Ewan Crowe (FP 1989-1997) married Claire Turnbull on 27th
June 2014 at The Inchyra Hotel and Spa, Polmont.
WILLIAMS - MORGAN
Philip James Morgan (FP 1990-1998) married Chloe Rose
Williams at St Edmunds Church, Suffolk on 26th June 2014.
DEATHS
December 2014
Fortunas 34
Our deepest sympathies are extended to the family and
friends of the following Former Pupils:
CROOKSTON
Harry Crookston (FP 1940-1943) passed away at home in
Swansea on 14th July 2013. He is survived by his wife Anne,
two children and four grandchildren.
122
DAVIDSON
Hugh Davidson (FP 1931-1938), husband of Mary (née
Bisset, FP 1934-1939) died peacefully on 21st July at
Northwick Park Hospital, Harrow. A boarder in Tait, he was
Head Boy 1937-1938, and winner of both the Milne and
Kennedy Medals.
HARVEY
Lt Col. (Retd) Hamish J. S. Harvey, REME (FP 1947-1956)
died peacefully at The Severn Hospice in Shrewsbury on 16th
November 2014. His funeral was held at St Eata Church,
Shrewsbury, on 26th November 2014. He was a day pupil
at Dollar from 1947 to 1956. He left on completion of the
Fourth Year, having passed the entrance exam and interview
for Welbeck College. After completing his Sixth Form years
he went on to The Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst, from
where he was commissioned into the REME.
LINDSAY
Alastair Lithgow Lindsay (FP 1944-1952), born 15th November
1934, died 9th July 2014. Alastair’s time at Dollar Academy
during the 1940s had a profound and beneficial effect on the
rest of his life. He was proud to have spent his education here
and spoke with affection and amusement, with many tales of
pupils and Masters, and was heavily involved in all aspects
of school life, one of his favourite pastimes being shooting
because this did not involve running about! His working life
was always in the oil industry, and he travelled all over the
world via Pakistan, Aden, Libya, Alaska and Australia before
returning to the UK to Harlow and Aberdeen. He retired
eventually to West Sussex. He is sadly missed by his wife, Pat,
and children, Ewan and Sarah, Jane and Malcolm.
LINDSAY
James Gordon Lindsay (FP 1940-1948), born 28th July 1930,
died 31st August 2014. Gordon attended Dollar Academy
during the 1940s at the same time as his brother Alastair.
He went on to study Medicine in Glasgow and after National
Service in Japan, Korea and Malaya, he settled in Australia
where he spent time in Tasmania, Melbourne and Caloundra.
He was a gifted doctor and after retirement continued as an
anaesthetist for several years. He is sadly missed by his four
children, Alison, Duncan, Ian and Richard and their families.
LAMBERT
Colin Stuart Lambert (FP 1935-1946) has died aged 86 years.
He is survived by his children, Patricia, Stuart and Lorna,
also by his sister, Lesley, and brother, Euan, all FPs. Colin was
Captain of Rugby and Cricket and Drum Major.
MATHESON
Bridget (née Cairns - Rosemount, FP 1951-1957, ) died
peacefully in Paris on 16th June 2014. Beloved wife of Bill and
mother of Karen and Laurie.
FP
SMITH
Andrew L. Smith (FP 1956-1964) at Forth Valley Hospital on
26th July 2014.
STRETCH
James (Jim) Stretch (FP 1939-1949) after a brief illness in
Perth Royal Infirmary, on 29th November 2013, at the age of
83. (See obituary in this edition)
THOMSON
Keith Fleming Thomson (FP 1942-1947). Keith died
peacefully on Friday 24th October 2014, after a steady decline
in health and a short illness.
JAMES ( JIM) STRETCH
(FP 1939–1949)
1930-2013
Ian L. Stretch (FP 1939-1950)
December 2014
He was essentially a countryman and never happier
than when discussing farming and rural matters over a dram
or two. He is survived by his wife Jacqueline, son Michael
and daughter Kim.
Fortunas 34
James Stretch died on 29th November 2013 at Perth Royal
Infirmary after a short illness. He was 83 years of age. His
father was the late Canon J. L. Stretch of Dollar. The funeral
and interment were held at Pitlochry and a good number
of FPs were present as well as many from the farming
community.
During his time at Dollar, he proved to be a good
athlete and also played on the wing for the 1st XV. After
leaving school in 1949, a damaged cartilage prevented his
call-up for National Service. He then attended the West of
Scotland Agricultural College for two years. After getting
married to Jacqueline, whom he met while managing a farm
in Rosshire, they moved to the Knoydart estate. This was an
estate of approximately 30,000 acres and was inaccessible
by road, the only access at that time being by landing craft
from Mallaig. He was appointed as a Special Constable, but
this proved to be an undemanding post. After several years
at Knoydart he moved to Auchterarder where he managed a
hill/arable farm.
After a number of years, Jim took on the job of
managing the Glen Lyon estate. This again was an estate of
many thousand acres, and it was a well-known deerstalking
estate. Jim took relatively early retirement and moved to live
near Pitlochry where he remained until his death.
Although a lowlander by birth, his heart was in the
Highlands and this was where he felt most at home. Fishing,
shooting and deerstalking were his main interests. He was
extremely practical and could turn his hand to any job. On
one of my visits I noticed two Land Rovers being repaired.
When I asked Jim what he was doing, he casually said that he
was taking the engine out of one and putting it in the other.
He also became a skilled woodturner in his retirement.
123
MEMORIES OF ANN
LENNOX
KATHLEEN ANN
MACINTYRE
(née MARSHALL)
December 2014
Fortunas 34
(FP 1935-1951)
1930-2014
Born in 1930 in Dundee, Kathleen and her parents returned
to their hometown of Dollar in 1933, where she enjoyed a
happy childhood, surrounded by aunts, uncles and cousins.
Her grandparents then owned Manor House, in the grounds
of Dollar Academy, and Kathleen’s earliest memories were of
summer days playing in the garden there, the location of the
school swimming pool now.
Kathleen spent all her schooldays at Dollar
Academy, starting Prep School aged five, followed by Junior
and senior school, where she enjoyed the company of all her
cousins, her sister Hazel joining the school some years later.
Home Economics and Art were her favourite subjects, and
Kathleen was also a keen member of the Hockey team.
On leaving school, Kathleen was employed by
the Alloa Coal Board where she trained as a Comptometer
Operator and Wages Clerk. She worked for the Company,
which became part of the National Coal Board, until her
marriage to Duncan MacIntyre in Dollar Parish Church in
1956. Kathleen spent most of her married life in Currie,
Midlothian, where she was an active member of the WRI
and Church Guild, using her adept skills in arts and crafts
and baking to contribute greatly to community projects and
charitable work.
Kathleen was a kind, thoughtful and extremely
organised person, with a deep sense of loyalty resulting in the
many close friendships she made during her life. She leaves
her husband, Duncan, her two sons and two grandsons, the
eldest of which left Form VI at Dollar Academy only this year.
124
Gordon MacIntyre
The Lennox family has had a long association with Dollar
Academy, and this was marked recently in the form of a
bequest to the school from Ann Lennox (née Fyfe, FP 19381944) of a painting of Iona by F.C.B. Cadell. Ann’s death was
noted in this summer’s edition of Fortunas (no.33).
Ann attended the school during the war years,
travelling from Alloa by train in the company of, among
others, Jack Lennox (FP 1936-1943), whom she was to go on
to marry. Jack died in 1997 and his obituary was published in
the Dollar Magazine at that time.
After university in Edinburgh, and subsequent
training and working as a medical social worker, Ann married
Jack, who had served as a Royal Marine Commando before
qualifying as a chartered accountant, in 1953. They set up
home in Edinburgh where Jinty (FP 1963-1972,) and Jock
(FP 1963 - 1974) were born. The family moved to Fife in
the late 1950s where Jack was busy expanding the firm and
Seonaid (FP 1965-1978) was born in 1960. Jack and Ann
decided they wanted the children to be educated at Dollar, so
the family moved to the town in 1963 while Jack continued
to develop the accountancy practice in Edinburgh and Fife.
Jack and Ann became part of the Dollar community,
supporting the Academy and FP Club, making many friends
as the children progressed through the school. Jinty, Jock
and Seonaid each played a full role in school life, taking
advantage of all that Dollar offered.
While in Dollar, Ann became very involved in many
other organisations, such as the Guides, the CAB and the
Red Cross. She also enrolled on some courses with the Open
University. Not satisfied with all of that, she was in charge
of one, then two, Labrador dogs and was a familiar figure
as she exercised them around the town. The family home in
Kellyburn Park was a welcome home-from-home for many
pupils over the years.
FP
Increased demands from the office in Edinburgh
were the reason Jack and Ann left Dollar in 1978, relocating
to Edinburgh for work and Kingussie for weekends. It was
to Kingussie that Ann and Jack retired in the late 1980s.
As well as juggling both houses, the dogs (who had now
morphed into a Dandy Dinmont and another Labrador), Ann
had another round of leading the Big Society. She helped
with Age Concern, was welfare officer for the Red Cross in
Highland (culminating in the Red Cross Badge of Honour)
and was active with the Lady Hoare Trust. And there was
the City and Guilds embroidery qualification. Ann stayed
in touch with Dollar friends over the years, visiting them
regularly, and indeed Seonaid and she had a happy few days
staying in the Castle Campbell Hotel in 2012 where much
merriment was shared.
Jinty (Moffett) qualified as a lawyer, raising her
family in Edinburgh, and has now emulated her parents by
being a ‘busy retired’ in Kingussie with her husband Ian. Jock
followed his father into the accountancy world, working for
the majority of his career from London, and now fulfils nonexecutive roles in varying companies and is married to Sue.
Seonaid (Mustard) trained as a teacher and married Niall.
They farm in Morayshire, where Seonaid teaches. Each family
has three sons who are doing a variety of things in Scotland,
England, Australia and the US.
Members of the family came to school in November to hand
the painting over to the Rector, before enjoying the 1st XV
rugby match between Dollar and Robert Gordon’s. It is
planned to display the painting in a suitably alarmed central
location around the school, so that Dollar pupils will be able
to see it on a regular basis. The Governors are very grateful
to the Lennox family for their generous gift. While visiting,
the family also kindly donated a significant sum for a maple
tree to be planted in the grounds in memory of Ann Lennox.
Seonaid Mustard
December 2014
Fortunas 34
125
December 2014
Fortunas 34
THREE
GENERATIONS
126
My father, Dr A. W. Pollock, was the
first to start this chain of association
with Dollar Academy. He was born
in Shanghai, China, and like many
children whose parents lived abroad,
was sent home for his education. Why
Dollar I don’t know, but he enjoyed
his few years in the 1920s so much
that he felt very strongly that his own
family - Margo, Arthur (Ben), Colin
and Ruth - should also have the ‘Dollar
experience’. Sadly Ben, as my brother
was known, died in 1986, and is still
very much missed by his wife, two
sons and his siblings. After living in
various countries as diverse as the US
and Iran, Margo and her husband have
finally settled back in Canada. Colin
enjoys retirement in Buckinghamshire
with his wife and son after a lifetime
of piloting planes for British Airways.
I have recently retired from teaching
and enjoy the challenge of running a
small B&B, ‘West Road House’, on the
west coast of Kintyre. My two sons,
Ewan and Robin, are the third part of
‘Three Generations’.
Ewan
graduated
from
Imperial College in 2006 with First
Class Honours in Aeronautical
Engineering and then went on to work
as a consultant engineer in London and
Abu Dhabi. He recently graduated with
a PhD in Atmospheric Science from
the University of Arizona in Tucson.
Currently he is carrying out research at
the U of A and will begin a permanent
position with NASA in February. Robin
graduated from the University of
Dundee Medical School in 2009, and
after obtaining his M.R.C.S. is now
working as an E.N.T. surgeon in the
West of Scotland for the next six years.
He met his wife, Christine, ten years
ago at university, and we all enjoyed a
family get-together at their wedding in
October. Who knows, maybe it will be
‘Four Generations’!!
Ruth Crosbie (née Pollock, FP 1957-1967)
THANK YOU
FOR THE
MEMORIES…
Rona Sinclair’s lovely article, ‘Thank
You for the Music’, in Fortunas 33
on her singing career in Form V was
evocative of my own singing start
in life. The Arcadians was my first
experience of singing at Dollar before
an audience. I was one of the small
boys at the back, while Sheila Wallace
sang the principal role so well. Later a
young lad called John Short and I vied
for the position of best boy soprano in
the school, which he may have won (by
a whisker, I really cannot remember).
After school I studied Civil Engineering
and followed a wandering life around
the world until in due course I found
myself back near Dollar, supervising
the construction of a section of the
Kinross bypass. I had married a very
musical lady who enrolled us, without
my consent, in ‘The Kinross Singers’,
in spite of my inability to read much
music. Does playing in the Dollar Pipe
Band throughout the war count as a
scholarship of musical scores?
Nevertheless, that was the
start of my public singing career. I was
42 years old and found myself to be
the principal bass baritone and soloist
in the The Kinross Singers. Our choir
mistress, Marjorie, was a benign tyrant
who believed we could sing anything
and everything, from Burns to Bach
and Mozart! We were favoured with
the membership of a local farmer
with a beautiful tenor voice, and
a soprano with whom I once sang
Mozart’s ‘Papageno/Papagena Duet’.
Then Marjorie imported a principal
baritone who later had a long career
with Scottish Opera, Gavin Maxwell,
and we, with him, managed a 16-voice
performance of Messiah. From ‘Mud,
Mud’, ‘The Road to Mandalay’, to
‘Some Enchanted Evening’, I sang for
my personal enjoyment, if not that
of the many audiences we travelled
to entertain. After further travelling
we found ourselves on Skye, where I
had an interesting road contract to
supervise. There was no choir to join,
except ‘The Portree Gaelic Choir’. This
we did, with about 50% non-Gaelic
speakers/singers, and sang at the Mod
in Edinburgh, winning the prize for
best Gaelic speech content, but not
for our vigorous rendering of ‘Cha
Garioch’. I finished my career with ‘The
Inverness Singers’. Then my wife died
and after a year or two, I gave up, but
not before we sang in ‘Songs of Praise’
in Aviemore and the annual Carol
Service in Inverness Cathedral.
Carry on singing Rona
Sinclair. I shall follow your career with
interest.
Ian Gow, aged 86 (FP 1936-45)
CULTYBRAGGAN
MEMORIES
SOUGHT
Did you attend a camp at Cultybraggan
as a Cadet? Mrs Valerie Campbell needs
your help. She is currently writing a
book on the history of Cultybraggan
Camp at Comrie, from its inception
and time as a prisoner-of-war camp,
right up to the present day as a small
business park. She would welcome any
FP memories of time spent there. You
are invited to contact Mrs Campbell
by letter at 41 Walton Crescent,
Dollar, FK14 7HX, or by e-mail at
[email protected].
Any
assistance would be greatly welcomed.
FP
RUGBY PITCHES
AT DOLLAR
Roy Chapman (FP and Head Boy, 19451955)
Dear Editor,
December 2014
During summer 2013, while on holiday in Anstruther, I came into conversation
with Anne Mackinnon of Ceres. It transpired that she was the daughter of the
stationer’s in Dollar (I cannot recollect the name, but it was not Muckersies [?]))
and to my amazement she remembered me and many contemporaries of that time,
although she did not attend the Academy. She later produced the programme from
the 1st XV match against a Select XV which brought back many memories. As it will
be 50 years next year since we all went our separate ways, the programme may be
of interest to other members of the XV.
Kindest regards,
John Boyd (FP 1957-1965)
Fortunas 34
Although present generations of Dollar
boys play their rugby on super purposemade pitches, some from much earlier
generations will remember the delights
(or otherwise) of playing on ‘temporary
pitches’ in a field down the Devon Road
just beyond the old railway line.
Health and Safety gurus
nowadays would be horrified if they
were to see their sons cavorting on
pitches which had served recently as
the grazing ground for a herd of cows. It
required a brave boy to go into a tackle
when he could see, out of the corner
of his eye, an enormous pat. Kind
referees would move a scrum a few
yards to the side when the venue was
in the proximity of a pat, and mothers
had a difficult job to prepare their sons
for a rugby match on the Saturday
if the latter had been at a practice on
the Thursday. In those days, not many
families could afford the luxury of two
sets of rugby togs.
Of course, it was the younger
age groups which had to play on the
‘temporary pitches’, usually (but not
always) during the week. The top four
teams played in front of the pavilion.
In those far-off days (in the 1950s),
the third pitch there was still part of
the hillside. In the early 1950s it was
decided to create a third pitch. After
the preliminary bulldozing had been
done, it was decided - presumably as
an economy measure - to use child
labour to pick up the stones. It was
made known that stone-pickers would
be paid nine (old) pence per hour to
pick up stones. Quite a few of the
local lads - girls apparently thought it
was beneath themselves to carry out
menial labour - turned up on Day 1
to earn what they thought would be
easy pocket money. They got quite a
shock, however, because it turned out
to be virtually slave labour and much
more arduous than ‘tattie howking’
(potato-picking before machines). The
chain gang lasted two days, and there
were significantly fewer ‘volunteers’ on
Day 2. The powers that be decided that,
even with sweated boy labour, more
expensive machines were the better
option.
I hear talk of new purposemade rugby pitches on the site of those
in the early 1950s. I hope that those
who play on them will spare the odd
thought for the past generations, who
grew up watching the cow pats rather
than the ball.
127
Back row, l-r: Thompson Harley, Gordon Burns John Boyd, Angus Morris, Charles Gascoigne,
Alastair Hutchison, Alan Jones, David Graham, Kenneth Smith.
Centre Row: Robert Malcolm, Ronald Stevenson, Tom Barr, David Robertson (my brother),
George Chettle, Tom Dykes and Hamish Buchan.
Front Row: Donald Fraser, Mark Thomson, Mr Lawson Smith, Mrs Olive Tennant, John Buchan,
Stuart Hope
Seated on the ground are Sandy Blackett and Roger Robertson.
LAWSON SMITH – CORRECTION
December 2014
Fortunas 34
A number of avid readers spotted a regrettable infelicity in Fortunas 33, in the notice
regarding the passing of Mr John Lawson Blackie Smith, who was former Housemaster
of Rathmore House, and not Argyll as recorded. This has generated a flurry of responses
and reminiscences from readers, and thanks are extended to all who were in touch.
Dear Editor,
Thank you for another excellent edition of Fortunas. It always brightens my day to
read about the great achievements of the school and FPs, many and various.
I was pleasantly surprised to see the House photo on page 113
accompanying the brief obituary for Lawson Smith as I am the little chap on the
ground on the right! This is not Argyll House, however, but Rathmore, which was
on the edge of town on the Muckhart Road and adjoined Rosemount. I still have
a photo which was taken in 1960, but it is slightly different, so I think the one
published was most likely 1959. Lawson Smith ceased as Housemaster in the early
‘60s, I think, as Bill Stewart (Classics) and Alan Thompson (Maths) followed him in
my time at Rathmore, until I moved to Tait in 1964.
Lawson Smith, often known as ‘Creep’ because he wore soft-soled suede
shoes and would sometimes appear behind you unexpectedly, was a very good
Chemistry teacher who explained atoms, ions and valencies in a way we could all
understand. Like many teachers at that time, he could have a fearsome temper if
we were not providing the necessary answers to his questions. I recall one day in
Form I when he was demonstrating the effects of mixing metallic elements with
water. The general result was that an oxide was produced and hydrogen was given
off which was collected in a gas jar and ignited with a taper. A large glass trough
about 450mm in diameter was used and it must have contained at least 10 litres
128
of water. Having been successful with
some of the less volatile elements, Mr
Smith then took a very small piece of
sodium in his forceps and plunged
it into the water – BANG! Water
everywhere - in the drawers, down his
trousers and over his shoes. Laugh?
You bet we didn’t! The base of the
trough had disintegrated completely
but the side remained in one piece. No
more experiments or demonstrations
on that day.
Rathmore was a privately
owned Boarding House, run by the
redoubtable Olive Tennant. She had
been a nurse, presumably during the
war, and started Rathmore in about
1947. If something had gone wrong we
would all be gathered in the Common
Room after breakfast and Mrs T. would
storm in and deliver a homily about
the evils of uncleanliness, untidiness
or whatever else had upset her. These
lectures often used to last about 15
minutes, which meant that we all had
to rush down the road to avoid being
late for prayers at 9.00. One particular
day we were all assembled and Mrs
T started, “It is said that money is
the root of all evil. Well, I disagree,
CONSTIPATION is the root of all evil!”
What caused this topic to come to the
fore I have no idea.
I hope the above is of some
interest and that Dollar continues to
make a major contribution to learning,
the town and to the wider world in
general.
Regards,
Roger Robertson (FP 1955-66)
FP
FROM THE
ARCHIVES
TOP OF THE FORM QUIZ AT
DOLLAR
There has long been an erroneous belief
that Dollar Academy won the final of
the national ‘Top of the Form’ quiz in
the 1950s. A mention of the quiz in
Fortunas 33 and a query from a reader
prompted me to do some research.
In fact, the school took part
in two quizzes: in 1950 in the longrunning radio quiz ‘Top of the Form’
and then in 1952 in the very first TV
schools quiz, called ‘Full Marks’. There
was huge local interest and support but
we did not even reach the final of either
quiz and I hope the evidence presented
here will set the record straight.
The Radio Quiz 1950
Round 1 (won). Alloa Advertiser 7th October 1950: “The photo shows the scene in
the school hall last Thursday afternoon when a BBC recording was being made for
the Top of the Form feature which will be broadcast next Tuesday in the Scottish
Home Service. Mr H. Bell (Rector) is seen standing behind: Bill Anderson, Roy
Chapman, Tony Torrance and James Anderson. At the table are Mr James Millar
(Maths master) and Mrs Jan Clark and Mr Robert MacDermot of the BBC.”
Round 2 (lost). The Dollar Magazine reported on our progress in November: “Our
team, having beaten Ayr Academy girls in the first round, now meets Robert Gordon’s
College boys in the Scottish Finals. Winners of that round meet the representatives
of Wales in the Semi-Final which will be on the air on 26th December and the Finals
will be broadcast on 6th January…. It is only fair to the pupils of Dollar Academy
to state that any whistling or cat-calling heard during the first broadcast did not
emanate from Dollar.” (The quiz was recorded simultaneously in both schools so
radio listeners heard the audience responses in both school halls. The schools were
linked by telephone.)
The Alloa Advertiser reported the disappointing result:
December 2014
Fortunas 34
129
December 2014
Fortunas 34
Team member Roy Chapman describes the experience: “I
remember being on the stage with, probably, one standing
microphone between two. I was terrified, even though
Robert MacDermot was very reassuring. The first round was
a bit of a breeze, but in the second round ‘we was robbed’.
At least that was the opinion at the time. And I felt partly
- or largely - responsible. I scored 7 points out of a possible
10. My undoing was a question about snakes. And seemed
to hinge on whether they bite or sting. Since I scored 1 point
(out of 2), my answer must have been partly right.
Whatever the rights and wrongs, there was no
question of editing - if indeed there had been a mistake. My
only other memory is of the large BBC vans outside all day.”
130
FP
The Television Quiz 1952
Two years later Dollar Academy was invited to take part in
the first TV version of the quiz, ‘Full Marks’, which went out
live. The Alloa Advertiser 1st November 1952 gave details of
the first round:
From The Galley, no. 11,
winter term 1952-53
T.V.
December 2014
David Fothergill has some memories of the TV quiz and
narrowly missed being in the team: “I can remember
being in a ‘play-off’ which was held under the conditions
of the broadcast, i.e. two teams of four and a question
master. I suspect this would be Mr Cordiner of the
English Department, but cannot be sure of this.
What I am almost certain of is that I was not a
volunteer!! The only thing I can remember is that one of
my questions was about the Dardanelles - which I answered
correctly! (and even then still did not make the team). What
a let-down!”
The radio quiz was broadcast from 1948 to 1986 and
was introduced by the catchy tune ‘Marching Strings’, which
you can hear on YouTube. The TV version (which replaced
‘Full Marks’) ran from 1962 to 1975. The teams of four boys
(no girls were included in the Dollar teams) were aged 12 to
18. The School Archivist and the Editor of Fortunas would be
interested in any other memories readers may have of ‘Top
of the Form’.
Janet Carolan (née Rorke, FP 1947-1960)
Archivist
Fortunas 34
No-one laughed or howled derision
When Dollar appeared on television.
We thought it was a feat, not mean,
To see our friends upon the screen.
They had been picked for brains and knowledge
To play some girls from an English college.
The quiz got under way quite fast
And soon the opening round was past.
Dollar were winning by two clear points
Our fingers were tingling at the joints.
Soon came a drawing of Nelson’s Column
The English lassie looked quite solemn.
MacDermot said ‘open both your eyes’
And gave her two marks, to her surprise.
In a very short while the quiz was o’er
The girls with our lads had wiped the floor.
But after all they’re only human.
And who can ever outwit a woman?
And when will we next get a chance to see
A scholar from Dollar on T.V.?
The Dollar Magazine reported the result: “On Sunday 2nd
November 1952 Dollar Academy, representing the Scottish
region, made history by being the first Scottish school
to appear in a Television Schools programme. The team
of four boys travelled to London by day on the Saturday,
stayed overnight at the Meurice Hotel, and spent some
time on Sunday at the TV studio at Lime Grove rehearsing
their technique before the broadcast performance in the
Children’s Hour programme.
Though beaten by the Girls’ team from Queen
Bertha’s School, Kent, they thought their hurried trip to
London well worthwhile. Certainly they were envied by their
less fortunate colleagues who had failed to come through the
eliminating tests. The School is grateful to Mr MacPherson,
Station Road, for installing TV sets in the School Hall to
enable as many as possible to watch the performance.”
131
FROM THE ARCHIVES
December 2014
Fortunas 34
THE RADFORD FAMILY AT DOLLAR ACADEMY
132
Earlier this year Sally Edwardes visited the Dollar Academy Archive. She
browsed through registers and photographs relating to her mother’s
family, the Radfords, who attended the school in the early years of last
century.
Edward (Ted) and Cooper Radford were born in Bengal and sent
back to school in Scotland. In 1907, aged 15 and 11, they were boarding
with Mr Cruickshank in Aberdona Villa.
Later they were joined in Dollar by the rest of the Radford family,
and lived in East Faerwood. The younger children started their schooling
in Argyll House Prep School, also known as Miss Bremner’s School or Ma
Bremner’s. The photograph above shows John, Grace and Ena in 1915 in
a whole Prep School group.
FP
By this time both their older brothers were fighting
in the First World War. Cooper had left school in 1913, aged
17, and had been serving with the 7th Argyll and Sutherland
Highlanders as a private since early in the war (Photo 2).
He died of shrapnel wounds on 22 July 1917. On the night
of his death he had been up the line with a working party.
A shell burst among them and he died before reaching the
dressing station. His officers wrote of him: “He was always so
quiet, strong, and reliable. He had done excellent work with
the company in action and was much thought of by all ranks.
He was a splendid soldier and will be greatly missed in the
company.”
Cooper’s grave is one of those visited by the groups
of Dollar pupils who go to the Battlefields each year. It is at
Ypres, in the Essex Farm Cemetery where the famous war
poem ‘In Flanders Fields’ was written.
Ted also enlisted as a private with the A&SH in
1914. Sally found a letter from the Rector Mr Dougall,
written in July 1917 recommending that Ted be given a
commission. Mr Dougall wrote to Ted’s colonel (below): “Cpl
Edward H. Radford was a member of the O.T.C. of this school
for five years and was one of the best shots we have had in
the corps… At the battle of Ypres he greatly distinguished
himself by crossing open ground under heavy fire to deliver
an important letter.” He went on to refer to the ‘kind words
December 2014
Fortunas 34
133
you wrote to me about the Dollar boys
you had had under you’ and said he
felt sure Radford would fully uphold
the tradition of keenness and ability.
As can be seen from the photograph
top left, Ted received his commission.
This photo shows the family in Dollar
in 1920, with Mrs Radford wearing
mourning for her son Cooper.
John, Grace and Ena followed
their brothers into the Academy when
they reached the age of 10. Sally was
able to see her great-aunts in photos
of hockey teams and to follow their
progress from class to class. Her
mother Catherine was born in Dollar
in 1914 but, like the youngest sister
Edith, never attended the Academy as
they and their parents joined Ted in
Australia in 1921. They were followed
by the last two Radfords to leave
Dollar, Grace and Ena, whose final day
of school according to the registers was
25th October 1922.
The link with the Radford
generation who attended the Argyll
House Prep School and Academy lasted
until this year. Sally’s mother Catherine
died in August 2014, amazingly on
the day before her 100th birthday. It is
good to hear that the Queen’s telegram
arrived early enough for her to enjoy it.
When Sally came to Dollar this spring
she brought a fascinating memento of
that generation – an autograph album
compiled by Grace Radford in 19191922: ‘A Gift to Dollar Academy from
Sally Edwardes and Helen Edwardes
in memory of their Aunt Grace’.
Grace married Norman Horton in
Sandringham, Australia in 1928 and
died in 1996. This generous donation
to the school archive contains both
striking images and interesting school
history. Some of these are shown here.
December 2014
Fortunas 34
Janet Carolan (née Rorke, FP 1947-1960),
Archivist
134
December 2014
Fortunas 34
135
3
Dollar Academy is a registered Scottish Charity No. SC009888