#VIRTUALORETTO
THE LORETTONIAN ACADEMIC YEAR 2019/20 51
FROM THE COMMON ROOM
FROM THE
COMMON ROOM
WELCOMES laying out cones in Mumbai and trying to herd Five year-old
beginners in Glasgow! Most recently I have been working with
ANDREW BINIKOS schools and clubs in the west of Scotland and have been lucky
SETON HOUSEMASTER enough to coach the Western Warriors regional franchise (at
I am delighted to have been appointed Housemaster for Seton the performance level) since 2017.
House from next year, my wife and son are excited to take on Over the years and variety of experiences, I have learned to put
this new challenge in our lives. the player at the centre of their sporting experience. While it is
Having joined Loretto as Head of Rugby in 2018 and then shortly essential to both challenge and support, the best results come
afterwards taking on the role of Seton Assistant Housemaster, when people can learn for themselves. This means my vision
I know the house well and the boys within it. for cricket at Loretto is to inspire young people to enjoy their
sport and improve their skills. Cricket is more than a game; it is
transformative in developing a love of activity, team spirit, self-
awareness, determination and adaptability under pressure. The
great traditions of the game teach these skills.
I am very much looking very forward to helping Seton House It is a great honour to continue the tradition of cricket at Loretto
reach the highest possible standards across all areas, from the that spans back over 160 years and I look forward to many long
work of the House staff, the running of the House, the activities, summer afternoons enjoying supporting Loretto cricketers to
to the boys’ behaviours. I want to reinvigorate traditions and great success.
values that will form the foundation of the boys’ well-being and
experience at Seton House.
I also know that Seton House is bound to the historical motto
of Loretto School, which is engraved outside the current House
building: ‘Spartam nactus es, hanc exorna’ which translates to
‘Develop whatever talents you have inherited’. I want to make
sure that Seton House embraces this motto to help our young
people to thrive.
SUSANNE MORRISON
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER
I was absolutely honoured to join Loretto in August 2019 as
Chief Operating Officer, prior to joining Loretto I worked at The
Royal Yacht Britannia for six years where I headed up various
functions including Finance, IT and Health & Safety.
DAVID HINCHLIFFE A qualified accountant, I started my career in the NHS on a
HEAD OF CRICKET National Management Training Scheme before moving into a
Management Consultancy role with Ernst & Young and then
spending eight years working in a pan European role with
Johnson & Johnson.
I am a coach who has been lucky enough to see the world I am an extremely passionate and enthusiastic individual who
through the game of cricket. With over 25 years’ experience I’ve gives 150% to all my roles and my key motivator is “making
been seen giving throwdowns in Cape Town to internationals, a difference”. This can take many forms – driving systems
52 THE LORETTONIAN MAGAZINE ACADEMIC YEAR 2019/20
WELCOMES / WORK ANNIVERSARIES
and process improvement, bewildering streets and transport systems and ignoring the
delivering best value for an Siren song from footnote 13 of the Risk Assessment document:
organisation or supporting “don’t do this – just stay at home”. His persistence has given
team members to realise their two decades of Lorettonians access to truly educational
full potential. and memorable experiences, many of which have involved
Outside of work I love nothing exchanges and the lifelong international friendships which can
more than being out-doors grow from them.
with my partner Brian and An outstanding sportsman himself, he was in charge of boys’
crazy dog Albert whether hockey for 10 years, coaching the First XI in some memorable
that is walking, cycling or seasons from 2004-8. He has also brought his skills as a coach
horse riding and my preferred to girls’ hockey, cricket and tennis teams, a huge investment of
location for these activities is time alongside his many other responsibilities. This dedication
on the island of Islay which is extended to countless matches and tours in the UK and abroad.
where I am originally from. Recognising his formidable administrative skills, the fickle finger
of managerial fate pointed him towards the role of Exams Officer.
He rode the whirlwind successfully and with characteristic
sangfroid for a year before handing this most time-consuming
and terrifying of posts on to a successor who did not also have
a large academic department and several sports teams to run.
He has seen many changes of leadership and personnel during
his twenty years and has played his own considerable part in the
evolution of the School as teacher, coach, tutor to Sixth Form
and boarding pupils and voice of calm, dry Yorkshire humour,
and calm good sense.
by Simon Lowe
WORK ANNIVERSARIES
We are delighted to recognise staff members who have reached
20, 25, and 30 years’ service during the past academic year
(2019/20). Thank you for your outstanding contribution to
making Loretto a small School, big on heart, big on ambition.
JAMES BURNETT
20 YEARS
James Burnet joined Loretto as Head of Modern Languages
in January 2000. Educated at Pocklington School in Yorkshire,
he then attended St Andrews University, followed by teacher
training at Moray House. After three years at Forest School
in NE London he settled in Scotland, much to the benefit of
pupils, colleagues and friends over the ensuing years. Behind his
patient, unflappable exterior lies boundless energy, very great
efficiency and absolute dedication to the teaching of languages
and the coaching and practice of sport.
He has steered his department through times of great change
in language teaching, promoting academic success in Spanish
and French, whilst supporting Italian, Mandarin, German and
Russian. Resisting the temptation to turn a sabbatical year in
Chicago entirely into an escapist vacation, he set about learning
Italian and returned with a third foreign language under his belt.
He has fearlessly established a regular programme of language
trips, marshalling disorientated pupils (and staff) through
THE LORETTONIAN ACADEMIC YEAR 2019/20 53
FROM THE COMMON ROOM
Sarah is always the first to volunteer to organise events, run
half-marathons or cover for colleagues and her sharp sense of
humour and all round ‘joie de vivre’ is truly the heartbeat of
the common room. Miss K, we salute you and look forward to
the next 25 years with eager anticipation.
by David Pearce
SUSAN MITCHELL
25 YEARS
Sue has been a key member of the Domestic team since she
started with Loretto in May 1995. Recruited by our current
Senior Housekeeper’s mother, Sue started on the early shift,
working across the Senior School and has gradually progressed
to provide cover to the most of our Boarding Houses.
Always keen to help out, Sue temporarily provided supervisor
cover to the Junior School. Sue has looked after pupils in Holm
House, Newfield and North Esk, when they were Boarding House.
For the last 11 years, Sue has been Assistant Housekeeper at
Balcarres.
by Katya Campbell
SARAH KETTLEWELL
25 YEARS
As you walk through the Junior School classrooms and
corridors you will see vivid and eye-catching pieces of superb
artwork created by the children but guided by the hand of
Sarah Kettlewell known to all as Miss K! Sarah’s influence and
inspiration has permeated the whole school since 1994 and the
pupil’s love of art stems largely from her enthusiasm, her wide
range of skills and her deep knowledge of the subject. Over the
years several pupils have won external awards and prizes whilst
at the Nippers and further down the timeline so many of her
former pupils have gone on to study art at college. Every former
Nipper I meet always ask fondly after Sarah.
Not only has Sarah dazzled us all with her art but since joining SIMON LOWE
us in 1994 she has been instrumental in the production of the 25 YEARS
annual school musical. In conjunction with colleagues such as
Kenny Hutchinson, Claire Ward, Jack Jackman and Simon Lowe It is an indication of the scale of Simon Lowe’s contribution to
she has been at the heart of these outstanding musicals that Loretto during the past 25 years that no less than three different
have had audiences gasping in awe year on year. In addition, she people have been asked to write pieces on him! My remit here
has produced countless junior plays in the Nipper Hall each one is to cover Simon’s contribution as a much-respected teacher
a gem and all produced whilst teaching her full timetable! On of French and German.
top of this along with Simon Lowe she introduced the ground- Simon was appointed to teach both languages to A level in 1995,
breaking LAMDA programme at the school securing success and for 25 years he has enthused countless junior classes about
aplenty for the pupils. the joys of learning another language, and achieved more than
Sarah lives locally with husband John and they have a daughter respectable results at GCSE and A Level. His teaching combines
Eilidh, a former Nipper, who currently lives over in Berlin. In the a wicked sense of humour and a willingness to experiment
former part of her career Sarah has been a House Tutor in the with all sorts of resources to give his classes the best learning
both of the Junior School boarding houses before offering her experience possible. He has embraced technological innovations
superb pastoral skills to the girls’ boarding houses at the Senior in language teaching, making full use of a range of software and
School. Sarah has also been on countless camps, putting up tents language learning programs. For someone as ridiculously busy
on wind-blasted campsites in Northumbria as well as numerous as Simon has always been at Loretto, his lessons are nonetheless
choir and educational trips to York, London, France and Italy.
54 THE LORETTONIAN MAGAZINE ACADEMIC YEAR 2019/20
WORK ANNIVERSARIES
always well prepared and structured. Simon was also results.
a key element of several successful French Exchange Simon plays a huge part in the organisation of Chapel Services, organising
trips to Paris and Tours from 2005-2010, and both readers, reading and musical content for the Services and playing the
he and I still wonder how we managed to herd close organ. This also includes key musical events in the school calendar such
to 40 Lorettonians around the Paris metro at rush as Remembrance and Carol Services.
hour, ensuring they all made it home to their families Nothing is too much trouble for Simon, and he is there to oversee recordings,
each evening. These trips were lit up by Simon’s oversee the lighting and sound, set up AV equipment, provide music for
energy and enthusiasm to impart his knowledge of weekend socials, Battle of the Bands, set up acoustic sessions for pupils.
French culture to the pupils, and his humour when It is also quite an experience to observe him teaching whole year groups to
faced with pupils leaving their boarding pass on a dance for the Burns Supper and Feasts whilst simultaneously accompanying
McDonalds tray or their passport in an Easyjet seat them on the keyboard.
pocket. Happy memories ! by Sarah Massey
It has been a privilege for me to have been Simon’s
head of department for 20 of his 25 years at Loretto Simon’s creative vision and technical genius has enabled Drama to thrive at
thus far, and I know that I speak for all current and Loretto. Whether he’s working with Nippers and Senior pupils on LAMDA
former members of Loretto’s MFL department when preparation, or supporting students learning about sound and lighting,
I say just how much we value his common sense, Simon’s energy is legendary. Whole school productions, such as Honk,
his ability to ensure that everyone keeps things Coram Boy and Footloose have all benefitted from his dedicated, innovative
in perspective, and his willingness to help out in approach and generations of Lorettonians have discovered the pleasures
whatever way he can – nothing is ever too much of live theatre thanks to him.
trouble for him, no matter how busy he is with other by Helen Day
areas of school life. But above all he keeps us sane
with the laughter and sense of fun he brings to the
department.
Happy 25th anniversary, Simon – enjoy your 26th
(and final !) Loretto year.
by James Burnet
Anyone who has had the pleasure to work with
Simon will appreciate his contribution to the extra-
curricular artistic life of Loretto over the years. He
has made a difference to so many pupils at Loretto,
dedicating his career to developing Expressive Arts at
the school. He is simply an outstanding musician who
inspires pupils and staff alike. He is also an unfailingly
thoughtful colleague who always takes the time to
listen and support.
Simon has directed musicals and shows at Loretto
from 1994. In fact, this year he is directing two- Fame
Musicals for Second Form pupils this term. He has
prepared numerous pupils at the Nippers and Senior
School for termly LAMDA examinations in both
Musical Theatre and Drama, achieving outstanding
THE LORETTONIAN ACADEMIC YEAR 2019/20 55
FROM THE COMMON ROOM
STUART LUCAS DAVID PEARCE more eloquently than I ever could.
20 YEARS 30 YEARS Justus Van Lare left the Nippers in 1995.
Stuart Lucas was piped on board the This year Loretto Living Legend, Mr David ‘My parents chose Loretto Nippers
good ship Loretto in 1999 and has been Pearce celebrates an incredible 30 years because of the sense of community and
at the helm of the Support for Learning at Loretto Junior School (The Nippers). responsibility they saw being instilled into
department ever since. Although he David joined us from Northbourne pupils from an early age. Mr Pearce was
has also taught English over the years, Park School in Kent in 1990, originally a prominent part of this education with
Support has been his mainstay. He is the as a Geography teacher/Assistant his passion as a teacher in so many areas
font of all knowledge for exam access Housemaster quickly becoming involved such as science and cricket and school
arrangements, knowing the ropes so well in every other aspect of life in a busy trips to new and exciting destinations that
that he can cut through the regulations boarding school. still resonates with me today.’
to make them understandable to all, Over the intervening years David has Chris Ash had the good luck to be taught
thus allowing for plain sailing come exam become best known as the most inspiring by David and also to work alongside
time. Stuart’s reputation for his learned Maths teacher, brilliant educator and him when he returned to teach at the
approach to supporting the pupils has passionate cricket coach, truly trailblazing Senior School recently. ‘I had two spells
travelled well-beyond Loretto’s shores, girls’ cricket. He has been a pivotal at Loretto, both heavily influenced by
helped by being a published author member of staff in all areas of Nipper Mr D Pearce. I had the good fortune to
on topics such as running a successful life both in and out of the classroom join the Nippers as a pupil round about
department for dyslexia to being including House Master; games coach; 7P the same time as David started and
selected to trial and review software in class teacher and veteran of many, many benefited hugely from his character, care,
development. trips, camps and foreign adventures with his coaching and his enthusiasm for life.
Stuart is a stalwart at Loretto, as for ten the children. Little did I know that nearly 30 years later
years, he led the Navy CCF contingent, David’s enduring professionalism, as a Staff Room colleague, we would be
with many a memorable trip on humour, patience and commitment to taking a Loretto U-13 cricket tour to Kent
the tender to Rothsay on the Isle of the children and the Nipper community together. A simple link for both of us to
Bute, helicopter rides at HMS Gannet have enhanced the learning experience Northbourne Park School led to one of
(Prestwick) and of course, afternoon of literally thousands of current and the stand out memories of my time as a
sailing at South Queensferry. He then former pupils and the working lives of all teacher at Loretto. That probably sums
went on to develop and oversee the his colleagues, past and present. up David Pearce best for me: a stand out
newly formed Community Service activity Having worked with David for more teacher, coach, character and lover of life!
for the Sixth Form for a further ten years, than a couple of decades myself I could And finally, current Year 7 Pupil Doug W.
press ganging a few colleagues to help. go on at length listing all his attributes When asked who he thought deserved
He introduced activities such as helping and several anecdotes from our days a statue he wrote a very convincing
in the local primary school, working in surviving Newfield Camps; Year 7 York proposal for Mr Pearce to be immortalised
charity shops and visiting the elderly in Trips, outward bound residentials and in marble outside North Esk Lodge. Here
care homes. his perfect day visiting the Holy Grail of are a few lines from his letter.
Cricket at Lords but thought it best to ‘I am writing to you because I feel there
defer to the children themselves. They should be a statue of a teacher named
have put their feelings down so much Mr Pearce on the front lawn of Loretto
Junior School. What should the statue
Once the sun is over the yard arm, let
us all stand and raise a glass in honour
to Stuart. For surely, what would
Lorettonians, past and present, have
done or do without him?
by Carol Lekkas
56 THE LORETTONIAN MAGAZINE ACADEMIC YEAR 2019/20
WORK ANNIVERSARIES
be? I imagine him to be
dressed scruffily with his shirt
untucked with his sleeves
rolled up, wearing a cricket
jumper, holding a cricket bat
in one hand and a cup of tea
in the other”.
Why do I think he is worthy of
a statue? Because 30 years of
children have benefited from
his Maths teaching. He makes
Maths fun to learn and if you
are struggling he will help you.
Now we are in Year 7, he has
given most of us nicknames
for when we are in Maths
which makes learning more
fun.
He is also an amazing cricket COLIN PRYDE The arrival of a team of 3 drivers in a huge vehicle alerted us to
teacher and player and I think 30 YEARS the expeditionary scale of the operation. One thousand two
if he hadn’t been a teacher Colin Pryde first brought his hundred miles and 39 hours later we arrived, ate, slept, played
he would have played cricket bagpipes to Loretto in 1989 to triumphantly in front of a huge festival crowd, boarded the
professionally. assist his father, the renowned coach and returned, arriving 39 hours later in time for a normal
He goes with all the children piper and instructor Jimmy school day. THAT is Loretto Pipes & Drums at their finest, led
to camps and he’s not too Pryde. As retirement and inspired by Colin Pryde.
strict. His favourite place for approached for Mr. Pryde the Colin has promoted Loretto as a venue for recitals and events,
a match is Belhaven which he elder, a handover took place including the annual Donald Morrison concert and several
pronounces ‘belhaaaaaven”. in the 1990s. Piobaireachd competitions (one of the prizes should certainly
He can be serious when he Colin’s initial goal was to have gone to anyone who could pronounce, spell and define the
wants and that means you coach the band to competitive word correctly). He has also become increasingly involved in
are in deep trouble. If you success, and after a second outreach initiatives in the local community, in conjunction with
had to use only adjectives to place in the prestigious local schools and East Lothian Council. His Pryde of East Lothian
describe him they would be: Scottish Schools Pipe Band band has assembled the finest instructors, Old Lorettonians
Mischievous, Kind, Fair, Funny, Championships in 1990, the and young players from across the region, bringing benefits to
Honest, Caring, Understanding goal was achieved, with two them, but also attracting a number of fine pipers and drummers
and Inspirational.’ consecutive first places. Thus to Loretto.
Beautifully put, echoing the began a golden era for the Undoubtedly the most exciting engagements under Colin’s
sentiments of so many. So, Pipes & Drums. leadership have been appearances at major events in United
congratulations David, thanks The band has featured at all Kingdom. There have been regular performances for Beating
for all you have done and major Loretto events. There Retreat at Holyrood Palace and Edinburgh Castle, the St Ninian’s
continue to do for everyone were also ambitious tours Day Parade along Princes Street for the visit of Pope Benedict in
in the Loretto Family. 30 to the USA, Hong Kong in 2010, a dozen trips to entertain the Test Match crowd at Lord’s
years? Just proves time really 1993, Berlin, Norway and Cricket Ground in London and a Scottish Cup Final at Hampden
does fly when you’re enjoying major French folk festivals Park, Glasgow.
yourself! in Tours, Confolens, Saintes If asked to nominate a highlight, it would be hard not to pick
by Sarah Kettlewell and, memorably, Laas in playing Mull of Kintyre with Paul McCartney and his band, first
the extreme South West of in front of a capacity audience at Hampden Park and then again
Picture on the previous page: France. This trip epitomises at the Liverpool Echo Arena (now the M&S Bank Arena).
Mr Pearce with pupils Harry Colin’s boundless energy and Colin stays physically fit by cycling huge distances and walking
E. now in Fifth Form, Harry L. ambition. A vast ensemble – but not walking as most of us know it. He has participated
Fifth Form, Rory L. Third Form, of pipers and drummers was in fourteen of the annual International Four Day Marches at
Zaara D. Fifth Form, Rory joined by keyboards and a Nijmegen in the Netherlands, comprising four 40km stages on
L. Third Form, Josh R. Third rhythm section. This was consecutive days. No wonder his bagpipes sound so strong and
Form, Molly P. Fifth Form, way beyond the baggage- clear and he has had the endurance to serve Loretto Pipes &
Eleanor T. Fifth Form, Rhett handling capacity of normal Drums with such energy and commitment for 30 glorious years
T. Third Form, Raghav S. Fifth air travel. With little reference by Simon Lowe.
Form, Callum B. Fourth Form, to distance charts, coach
Josh S. Fifth Form. transport was booked.
THE LORETTONIAN ACADEMIC YEAR 2019/20 57
FROM THE COMMON ROOM
GOODBYES
DAVID HOWIE IRENE MCKINNEY
After nearly 11 years at Loretto, I am taking retirement at the end of this Irene has been a part of the Loretto family since
summer term. 1989, officially joining in 1991, when housekeeping
It has been a very busy 11 years, during which I have set up a range of term and cleaning was taken in-house.
time outdoor activities; entered the junior and senior school teams in alpine During her time at Loretto, Irene put her stamp on
skiing competitions in both Scotland and France; introduced canoeing to most areas of the School, working at North Esk Lodge,
the school pupils, supported DofE teams in canoeing, cycling, hill walking Linkfield, School House and Holm House before
and pony trekking for their expedition section; set up and run 4 cadet finally settling into her position as Housekeeper
expeditions to Norway hill walking and canoeing. for Pinkie House in 2009. Famous for her “Irene”
However, jewel of the outdoor pursuits calendar has been the Borealis room checks, Irene became a constant support to
expeditions on which I have had the great pleasure to act as technical the Pinkie House boys and will be remembered by
leader. The Borealis Expeditionary Society is specifically for Sixth Formers many Old Lorettonians as a true part of the School.
and involves, at its heart, the opportunity for pupils to undertake major Irene left the School in January 2020 to look after
mountaineering and trekking expeditions with a focus on scientific her two young grandchildren.
endeavour. Our expeditions are typically of four weeks duration and in
northern (boreal) and arctic areas. We have run five expeditions to date:
Iceland in 2011 & 2017, Greenland in 2013 & 2019 and Arctic Norway
(2015).
We have also been able to widen outdoor learning to all years, with Second
Form residential trips to Broomlee as well as 8 outdoor trips to Mull and
Glencoe for Third and Fourth Forms every October half term.
The development that we have been able to achieve in Outdoor Pursuits
at Loretto has only been possible thanks to the support of a handful of
teaching staff, CCF and DofE staff who have given their time willingly and
enthusiastically. Their commitment has enabled a vibrant outdoor activity
programme to run throughout the year and for pupils to experience a wide
range of activities and opportunities.
My love of the outdoors continues and I am retiring to the West coast to
find new areas to explore.
Good luck to everyone at Loretto, past and present.
58 THE LORETTONIAN MAGAZINE ACADEMIC YEAR 2019/20
GOODBYES / LORETTO BABIES
LORETTO BABIES
We are delighted to introduce you to Isla, Grace and Ellie, the newest members of the Loretto family.
ISLA JANE DANKS GRACE MARGOT WHITE
Jenny Danks, Geography Teacher and her husband Thomas were Jason White, Head of Sport and his wife Bev, were delighted to
delighted to welcome the safe arrival of their first child Isla Jane welcome their fourth child, Grace Margot White, on 9th March
Danks on 9th August weighing 7lb 14oz. “We are all settling in 2020. Her older sisters adore the new addition to the family.
well and learning so much every day”.
ELLIE ISLA SMART
Laura Smart, Holm House Housemistress and her husband Andy
were delighted to welcome the safe arrival of Ellie Isla Smart
on 30th June weighing 7lb 13oz. “We could not be more in
love with her”.
THE LORETTONIAN ACADEMIC YEAR 2019/20 59
JUNIOR SCHOOL
JUNIOR
60 THE LORETTONIAN MAGAZINE ACADEMIC YEAR 2019/20
JUNIOR SCHOOL
SCHOOL
THE LORETTONIAN ACADEMIC YEAR 2019/20 61
JUNIOR SCHOOL
FROM THE HEAD
OF THE JUNIOR
SCHOOL
THE 2019-2020 ACADEMIC session will forever be Room – the online gallery soon boasted hundreds of
associated with the Coronavirus pandemic and the diverse creations completed over the three months
Lockdown which saw the school close its doors in of Lockdown. The teachers themselves led the way
March, switch to remote learning for all and not open with their original approaches to presenting lesson
again until the start of the autumn term in September. content in ways that would make jaded children sit
For children, parents and staff the main negative feature of up and take notice: who, in Year 4, could possibly
this scenario was what never got to happen: Annie the Musical forget “Granny Coleman’s” Maths films?
never had a proper live performance; only the Year 6 residential Tenacity was a theme we planned to explore
trip took place – the rest, planned for the summer term, were together at the beginning of the year and we spent
all cancelled; Sports Day – cancelled! The list could go on of all quite a bit of time teasing out exactly what it means.
the exciting events that normally pepper the summer term that Identifying several dispositions that can be brought
just never came around. Of course, the pages that follow clearly together under the heading of tenacity – persistence,
reflect these omissions. resilience, perseverance and determination, to
However, I would like to highlight two very clear positives that name but a few – we set out to develop these for
came out of the Lockdown and both of them testify to the ourselves. Loretto, as you know, aims to nurture the
strength of the Loretto spirit. These two things are Creativity whole person – mind, body and spirit. Our approach
and Tenacity. You will see some examples of Lockdown Creativity was not to over-rely on the obvious contexts where
in the pictures and text that follow, but what you see here is these dispositions often come into their own, Forest
really the tip of a very large iceberg! It was truly remarkable School, for instance or on the sports field, where
how resourceful and inventive children were, for instance, in rising to a challenge and carrying on when the
developing their IT skills even further so as to showcase their going gets tough is a common theme. We wanted
research in multi-media productions, using their iPads. Artwork to actively teach tenacity and see what it looked like
blossomed even though children often lacked the usual array of in any setting right across the curriculum. It is no
high-quality materials on offer in Miss K’s treasure trove of an Art good if you can don a rope and harness and climb a
62 THE LORETTONIAN MAGAZINE ACADEMIC YEAR 2019/20
FOREWORD
tree without a qualm on your residential trip, if you LOCKDOWN ICT
return to school and give up at the sight of a tricky
maths problem. Tenacity, we discovered, includes a Our investment in technology came very much to the fore
whole set of transferable skills that can be applied during lockdown as the Years Five, Six and Seven took home
in any situation where difficulties are encountered. their school iPads and continued working remotely.
The Lockdown and the period of remote learning It was very important for the children to have contact with the
was just such a situation for the children (and indeed teachers and with each other, so we started and ended each
the staff). However, it was very satisfying towards day with a video call in which we talked about our work and our
the end of the summer term to hear children life during lockdown.
consciously reflecting that the experience had given We also had some live lessons during the day, where we worked
them abundant opportunities to display the tenacity together as a whole class or in small groups to solve a challenge.
they had been developing over many months. They Being able to call or text the teacher at any time during the day
were prepared and equipped to dig in and make the was vital to helping children feel that they were still at school
best of it. As Mahatma Ghandi once said, “Strength and still part of the school.
does not come from winning. Your struggles develop Lessons continued as normally as possible and our years of
your strengths. When you go through hardships and experience in setting and receiving work through the iPads made
decide not to surrender, that is strength.” that transition fairly seamless. Video lessons, however, were a
by Mr Andrew L. Dickenson new experience for us, and we had to brush up on our multi-
media skills!
The children adapted very well to the increased reliance on their
devices for content creation, and we had some wonderful videos
of engineering projects, artwork and science experiments.
We also explored the world remotely through Google Earth,
including a treasure hunt that took us around Canada and a
guided tour of the Scottish Highlands.
Thanks to the iPads, specialists were also able to continue their
lessons, with live French, lots of Art tuition videos, Music and
RME activities and even a weekly PE lesson.
We’re very proud of how our children handled the lockdown;
they adapted very quickly to the new way of working and were
very supportive of each other. Hopefully they’ll not need to get
used to working this way!
THE LORETTONIAN ACADEMIC YEAR 2019/20 63
JUNIOR SCHOOL
PRE-SCHOOL
We were delighted to open our Pre-School in August 2019. Although we only had two terms we managed to achieve a huge
amount. The children settled quickly and had many excellent varied learning experiences.
They had weekly sessions with our specialists in art, music, PE and French. They went to Forest School weekly. We had many
varied activities and projects in the classroom and the garden. Our Twilight Club was well attended and our Holiday Club was
enjoyed by the children who attended.
PRE-SCHOOL NATIVITY
At the very youngest end of the school the children’s performed our first Pre-School Nativity to parents in December 2019. On
the morning there were a few nervous children, however, they all managed to remember their lines and sang beautifully. Their
performance brought a tear to the eyes of the audience and the Pre-School team were so proud of the children.
64 THE LORETTONIAN MAGAZINE ACADEMIC YEAR 2019/20
PRE-SCHOOL
THE LORETTONIAN ACADEMIC YEAR 2019/20 65
JUNIOR SCHOOL
EARLY YEARS
YEAR 1
Aspects of Year 1 Literacy and Maths that our children thoroughly enjoyed this year were the Year 7’s Shared Reading and
playing with the Numicon shapes. Each Friday afternoon Year 7 pupils would visit our classroom and ask the Year 1s to select
their favourite books from the class library for them to read. At the start of the year, the Year 7s helped the younger children
with their phonics and blending by playing a variety of sound games with cards, white boards, pens and letters. Once the Year 1
children started reading their own books, they were delighted to be able to share these with their older friends too. Our Numicon
shapes and Cuisenaire rods were another favourite activity with the class as the children enjoyed discovering how to utilise these
manipulatives to help with a range of Maths topics such as the concepts of odd and even, shape work, addition and subtraction.
The girls and boys played an assortment of games including the feely bag task and bringing conkers into class to count in the
early autumn so that they could use the holes in the Numicon shapes to see which shapes the numbers made and to steady their
conkers as they counted!
66 THE LORETTONIAN MAGAZINE ACADEMIC YEAR 2019/20
EARLY YEARS
YEAR 2
The highlight of Year 2 this year was undoubtedly the
tartan embroidery. We were very lucky to receive
some offcuts of tartan fabric from Kinloch Anderson
and decided to put them to good use whilst
celebrating Burns Day. We researched how tartan
is made, from the design to the weaving process.
The class then learnt the new skill of sewing as they
used cotton thread to embroider their names onto
the tartan. They made sure that they chose a thread
which would stand out against the colours in the
tartan. The children learnt how to do running stitch
and back stitch and sewed in straight lines over their
chalk names. Concentration levels were high as they
children kept their eyes on the needle and worked
methodically to create their masterpiece. Such was
the enthusiasm of the children, that we continued
this later on in the year when learning how to sew a
button onto a Valentine's card and embellish a small
Islamic prayer mat.
YEAR 3
The Year 3 class loved learning about Ancient Egypt
this year, whether that was classroom individual or
group tasks, art and craft activities or on out trip
to the National Museum of Scotland. The children
all showed great enthusiasm and creativity. We
followed a recipe for Ancient Egyptian Barley bread
and the children spilt into small groups and used
their measurement skills to produce their bread.
The children were asked to make a pyramid as
a personal project, using materials of their own
choosing. They then brought them into school and
explained to the rest of the class how and with what
they had made their pyramid. I’m sure you will agree
the results were very impressive!
The children also worked together to research
one of the following Ancient Egyptian pharaohs;
Tutankhamun, Rameses, Nefertiti or Hatshepsut,
using the non-fiction books in the classroom library
and the internet. The children had to write 4 facts
down in their own words and find some pictures or
include drawings. Each group then spoke about their
pharaoh in front of the rest of the class. We have
some confident performers in the making.
THE LORETTONIAN ACADEMIC YEAR 2019/20 67
JUNIOR SCHOOL
EARLY YEARS NATIVITY -
LIGHTS, CAMEL, ACTION 2
After last year we didn’t know if we could pull off another spectacular Nativity,
however with Lights, Camel, Action 2, the sequel the children certainly pulled
it off.
It told the story of the Birth of Jesus through the style of Strictly Come Dancing.
The children had to learn words, songs and dances and they were truly
marvellous. Most importantly the children loved taking part.
68 THE LORETTONIAN MAGAZINE ACADEMIC YEAR 2019/20
YEARS 4 - 7
YEARS 4 - 7
YEAR 4 We studied “Charlotte’s Web”. As part of their learning, the
Year 4 enjoyed a great year, albeit a challenging one. Each pupils wrote a newspaper article about Charlotte’s amazing
pupil fully embraced a different way of learning. 2020 turned webs and also made their own spiders and webs. Everyone
their daily routine upside down but they didn’t let it dampen loved following the story about the special friendship which
their spirits. They should enter Year 5 feeling extremely proud developed between a spider and a pig.
of themselves.
Year 4 enjoying mulled punch, toasted cinnamon dough twists
and panettone in the fire-circle. We enjoyed many chilly, busy
mornings at Forest School creating.
We had a wonderful outing to Our Dynamic Earth as part of
their World Geography topic. Lots of hands-on and fun learning
experiences.
Tristram won the Year 4/5 House Hockey Competition in
November 2019. Two houses were paired up to make a team
in each of the 3 matches. Great play and good sportsmanship
shown by all players.
During Lockdown Year
4 found ways to remain
creative, a lot of fun was
had.
THE LORETTONIAN ACADEMIC YEAR 2019/20 69
JUNIOR SCHOOL Maths
YEAR 5 We used the new Numicon materials to enhance their
understanding of number. With this resource, they could be
more active in their learning, visualise and make connections.
Here Year 5 are using Numicon to visualise and solve a seating
plan challenge.
Scottish Country Dancing
Year 5 enjoyed the opportunity to learn some traditional Scottish
dances in the Autumn Term and had great fun dancing with the
Year 4s at the Christmas Party!
Lockdown Learning
Scottish History Year 5 quickly adapted to the unexpected home learning
In the Autumn Term, Year 5 worked in small groups to research challenge! With the help of Teams and Schoology, Year 5 could
key historical figures. To bring this learning alive, they then continue learning at home, share their work, receive regular
enjoyed an interactive experience at the Bannockburn Visitor feedback and also keep in daily contact with Mr Macdonald,
Centre where they dressed up and dramatised some of the Mrs Gold and Mrs Buchanan. They enjoyed daily “playground
stories. calls” to catch up socially with their peers, weekly group Maths
problem-solving challenges and weekly writing of Kahoot quiz
questions in groups, all via Teams.
Year 5 became very creative in Lockdown and used many
resources from home to support and enrich their learning:
Pets Starred in Our Comic Strips!
Toys at Home Helped Us Learn About Different Festivals
and Ceremonies.
We Discovered New Ways to Learn Our Spellings.
Opportunities to Research Areas of Personal Interest.
Caring For Our World Personal research projects were presented via Teams. Year
In the Spring term, as part of the school Eco-Week Year 5 visited 5 were quick to learn how to use the technology and share
the Dunbar Energy Recovery Facility, Viridor. Year 5 took part in their screens for this task.
interactive activities to learn about waste reduction, recycling Teaching, Feedback and Fun on Our Twice Daily Catch Ups
and ambitions to deliver zero waste. They also met Svetlana Via Teams
Kondakova, an East Lothian artist, who talked to them about Themed Calls for Fun at the End of a Hard Day’s Work
the art work she had created from non-recyclable beach waste. After discussion and feedback on learning tasks, Year 5
After the visit, Year 5 were inspired to carry out their own beach enjoyed regular on-line General Knowledge quizzes,
clean and then create their own pieces of art from waste that Scattergories, Pictionary and other fun games.
could not be recycled. Bring Your Teddy
Wear A Hat, Wear Your Group Colour, Crazy Hair
70 THE LORETTONIAN MAGAZINE ACADEMIC YEAR 2019/20
YEARS 4 - 7
YEAR 6
Children in Year 6 have a range of trips organised throughout the Year. The highlight for many is the 3-day residential trip to the
PGL Activity Centre in Dalguise, Perthshire, which once again took place in October.
As always, the children (and staff!) had a wonderful time in this stunning setting, where they got to experience new activities and
push themselves, sometimes a little, sometimes a lot, out of their comfort zones. Everyone got the chance to test their head for
heights on the giant swing, as well as a zip wire and abseiling. A little closer to the ground, there was a blindfolded sensory trail,
a burn walk, fencing and aeroball (a mix between volleyball and trampolining). One of the highlights on the final full day of camp
was to complete one of the highest tree climbs in Scotland, as children ascended up the rungs to ring the bell at the top! The
children all set their own challenges and provided cheering and support for each other from the ground, perfectly encapsulating
the spirit of being away at camp together.
Other notable trips that took place during Year 6 were the Art trip to the Sculpture Park at Jupiter Artland in Edinburgh and Racing
to School at Musselburgh Racecourse.
YEAR 7 to tell! This was followed by an equally Later in the term we visited the Air
Year 7 Visitors entertaining talk from Mrs Maria Clarke’s Museum at East Fortune and found out
Over the year we had several visitors who father, Bernard. Bernard was a schoolboy about the brave airmen and women
all gave us fascinating talks and lectures in Manchester at the height of the war auxiliaries who were based here in World
which enriched our learning a great deal. and he regaled us with stories of rationing, War Two. We also took part in a workshop
The first of these was Sarah from the air raids and shrapnel collection. Both as Air Cadets and learned about the
SSPCA who came to talk to us about how talks live vividly in the memory and the technical side of being a pilot in the RAF
her organisation help wild animals. We children learned much from listening to in the 1940’s.
learned a huge amount about hedgehogs, these eye-witness accounts. In January we hosted Mrs Deidre Kinloch-
otters and deer and how we can react to Finlay along with the Head Nippers Anderson who gave us a very informative
help the SSPCA. (Isobel and Cameron) and Deputy Head and lively hands-on talk about the history
Nippers (Anna and Jianyi) greet Uncle of tartan. Deidre was also kind enough
Charlie before the talk to award some lovely tartan prizes to
those who came up with winning kilt
designs. This talk came just before our
superb Burns Night and was the perfect
introduction to a week of poetry and
haggis eating!
Alex Y and Lexi K with the SSPCA Officer
Later on we had two fascinating talks Lexi and Doug with Bernard after the talk Mrs Kinloch-Anderson shows Year Seven
centred on World War Two. The first was how much tartan goes into a kilt!
from Finlay Stanford’s Great Uncle Charlie
who had us all in awe with his stories
of the D-Day landings and his previous
action in the Far East. Despite the serious
topic Charlie had some humorous tales
THE LORETTONIAN ACADEMIC YEAR 2019/20 71
JUNIOR SCHOOL ACTIVITIES
& EVENTS
Trips to Falkland Palace and Holyrood
Palace had to be postponed in the ACTIVITIES
summer term but we look forward to Life at Loretto is always busy and the activity programme gives each child a wide variety
a visit there before too long. of after school activities to choose from. Whether you are interested in Sport, Art,
Drama, Craft, ICT, Lego, Strategy Games, there is something for everyone!
Burns Supper One of the Early Years activities this year was Eco/Nature Club, which allowed us to
The Year 7 thoroughly enjoyed their take a group of children out of the school grounds and around the local Musselburgh
traditional Burns Supper this year. area. They enjoyed river walks, walks by the coast and finding a wealth of natural
Cameron H and Imogen T recall the resources to make some lovely artwork.
event fondly. A firm favourite for the older children is Cross Country. The children were taken over
to Newfield to stretch their legs or further afield to the Harbour and back. The children
The second I strolled in, it was a burst showed great determination and never tired!
of colours. The Robbie Burns posters
and tartan bunting brightened the Hall BURNS POETRY COMPETITION 2020
and really set the mood. All the boys The Junior School Annual Burns Poetry Competition was a highlight for many this
arrived punctually, and then waited a year. The nerves were bubbling as our guest judge, Miss Morgan, prepared her notes
long time for the girls. Before entering and gave the signal to begin. Each class had a finalist to represent them; whispered
the dining room, we were treated to well-wishes and supportive pats on the back ensured that everyone felt confident
some wonderful piping by the twins. before taking their places on the stage. After some absolutely outstanding renditions
We then had a fantastic three course of the works of Scotland’s favourite son, from ‘My Heart’s in the Highlands’ to ‘To a
meal. Following that, there were Mouse’, Miss Morgan had the unenviable task of choosing three winners. With bated
the musical solos and speeches; my breath, we awaited her verdict…who would be victorious? While we waited, the Year
favourite was Cameron M’s ‘Address 1 students entertained us with a musical version of ‘Three Craws’, which put a smile
to the Lassies’! Isabelle’s ‘Address to on everyone’s face.
the Laddies’ was equally hilarious; I
loved the meme she had printed out
and brought in with her. Then came
the dancing which was very fun. What
a night! – Cameron H
When we were all gathered in the hall
everyone was excited and very nicely
dressed: the boys mostly in kilts and
the girls in tartan dresses and skirts.
My sister and I started the evening off
by piping; when we played a fast jig,
some people were dancing and trying
to make us laugh, which was hard not
to do!
Some of us ate our tablet at the supper
before our main courses! When I said
my toast to the haggis and I was saying,
"Cut ye up wi' a ready slight," I wasn't
sure if I was meant to cut the haggis, so
I just grazed it with the knife! Everyone
giggled at that!
After dinner, the two Head Nippers
stood up and read their toast to the
laddies and lassies. Cameron's speech
was much kinder to girls, whereas
Isabelle was, in a funny way, cruel
in the way she described the boy's
behaviour. We all laughed when she
held up a meme that George had sent
her of a Llama saying, "Hay Girl!"
The Scottish country dancing at the
end of the evening was very fun;
it was a good laugh when we did a
dance where we all had to run into
the middle as a circle and everybody
crashed together! Dancing with the
teachers was fun too! Everyone said
and sang their poems very nicely and it
was a very special occasion. – Imogen
T.
72 THE LORETTONIAN MAGAZINE ACADEMIC YEAR 2019/20
ACTIVITIES & EVENTS
Taking home the prize for the Year 2/3 Category was Masie P, for her memorable performance of ‘Up in the Morning Early’. Henry
R’s beautiful version of ‘Red, Red Rose’ secured him the prize for the Year 4/5 Category. And our Year 6/7 winner was Rebecca D,
for her energetic performance of ‘Address to a Haggis’.
A huge congratulations to all our finalists this year: Anna T from 7P, Farrah C from 7T, Rebecca D from 6J, Emily L from 6P, Kate C
from 5BG, Finlay D from 5M, Henry R from 4C, Rose A from 4H, Maisie P and Oscar L from Year 3 and Cameron K and Kaspar S
from Year 2.
WINTER CONCERT
The annual Winter Concert is always a perfect end to a busy first term. The Choir, Orchestra, Pipers and Drummers and a variety
of soloists and ensembles performed brilliantly and got us all into the festive spirit!
The Year 6 and 7 Festive Song-Writing Competition always produces some fantastic songs. This year did not disappoint. The winning
song, ‘It’s that Time of Year’ was written and performed by Annika, Farrah, Isabelle, Issy, Lucy, Matilda and Tamara. Well done girls!
MUSICAL PRODUCTION - ANNIE
A highlight of every school year is the annual school production.
This year’s production was ‘Annie’. Auditions took place at the end of the first term and work
started in earnest in January with singing, acting and dancing rehearsals. Little did we know what
lay ahead. By the end of the term we were all worried that the production might not see the light
of day this year. Indeed, it soon became clear that this would not be the live stage production we
would all love to see. However, thanks to the magic of modern technology and the most wonderful
and versatile group of children, the work continued virtually. Our talented cast managed to learn
the songs and work on their acting parts while at home in lockdown! Following many hours of
virtual recording and editing, we managed to produce an abridged show for everybody to see.
Sadly, for reasons of copyright law, we cannot provide a link to this recording here.
THE LORETTONIAN ACADEMIC YEAR 2019/20 73
JUNIOR SCHOOL
ART
ART During the Autumn term, we welcomed back ex-Nipper and
Well, 2020 won’t be a year any of us will ever forget but despite OL Charlie Yates who hosted a series of Saturday morning
the challenges, restrictions and total lockdown, Nipper artists workshops with our Senior Art club. Charlie, a recent graduate
have prevailed. They have adapted to the ‘new normal’ and from the Glasgow School of Art, proved to be an inspirational
had a busy, productive and rewarding year where their results teacher encouraging the children to explore the possibilities of a
have had a whole new online audience. variety of materials and techniques using still-life and portraiture
as a focus.
The artistic year began back in September with a trip to The
Gallery of Modern Art, where Year 7 took part in a ‘Where
Do Ideas Come From?’ workshop. This was a fully interactive
and inspiring experience for the children where they were
introduced to the working and more importantly, the thinking
process and inspiration behind the work of several prominent
artists. After taking part in a lively discussion, brainstorming and
practical sessions, the children were able to tour the gallery and
view the works with a new understanding and appreciation.
Charlie, with Senior Art club
Picture above: Isla (Self-Portrait Year 7) / Emily (Year 6) Cheeky self-portrait!
7P ‘Where Do
Ideas Come
From?’ Gallery
of Modern Art
One, September
2019
Right: Discussing
the artworks
74 THE LORETTONIAN MAGAZINE ACADEMIC YEAR 2019/20
ART
Year 6 focused on the Ancient Greeks and made super ‘mythical We were very fortunate to have the assistance and expertise of
creature’ sculptures. local artist and sculptor of ‘The Musselburgh Archer’, Svetlana
Kondakova to work with us on a beach pick mural. As an
Douglas (Year 7) / Niamh (Year 6) introduction to this, Svetlana recommended we visit one she
had done with another school previously at the Viridor Recycling
Autumn half-term workshops were very popular with the Centre near Dunbar.
children involved in creating some super seasonal art and This was a fantastic opportunity to see what happens to our
crafts including haunted castles, paintings and collages. These everyday items and how they can be upcycled into new and
regular holiday workshops are always a lot of fun and a great useful items. The children took part in an interactive series of
opportunity for the children to spend whole days on projects, activities learning about the effects of waste and were even
try new techniques and make new friends from other schools. allowed into the operations room to see the giant claw move
literally mountains of ‘rubbish’.
On our return to school the children went to Musselburgh
beach to take part in a ‘pick’ armed with gloves, picker-uppers
and buckets, inspired by Svetlana’s mural, we went in search
of ‘treasure’. Sadly there was no shortage of plastic bags, glass
bottles, cans and fast food containers but we also found many
items which we could clean and re-use to create our artworks.
Back in school the items were washed, and sorted into colours
and the children could start creating. Working initially in groups
they made sea life such as a puffin and a lobster and then
worked on individual items for what will be a large scale mural.
When restrictions allow, we look forward to welcoming Svetlana
back into school to help us complete our mural.
Our Nipper library had a
fantastic make-over which
inspired our Year 7s to create
some wonderful little statues
of their favourite characters
from books.
Ashleigh (Year 7) with her
‘Jemima Puddleduck’
Viridor Upcycling Project with Year 5 Saturday morning junior Art workshops were a hive of activity
Our Year 5’s Spring and our talented young artists produced some super results.
term project was
upcycling. We decided Year 4/5 Junior Art workshops
to do something Our year in the classroom was cut short on the 20th of March
practical with all the but the art continued to be produced as we all adjusted to
plastic bags everyone working from home. Art lessons were made using ‘iMovie’
has lying around at and sent to the children who submitted their results through
home and the children Teams, Schoology or email. The whole school took part in our
made some super, ‘Doortrait’ presentation where we all sent in photos and pictures
personalised art of us at home during lockdown. It was so lovely to actually see
aprons by ‘collaging’ each other!
pieces of colourful
bags together by
ironing between
sheets of baking
paper.
The finished aprons were cut to fit, with straps added and have
come in extremely useful on our return to school this term.
THE LORETTONIAN ACADEMIC YEAR 2019/20 75
JUNIOR SCHOOL
MUSIC
CHOIR
The choir had a busy year. This highly committed and hard-working group produced some excellent
performances during the year. Starting with the school’s Open Day in the first term, the choir performed
regularly in the Chapel and various concerts. Even lockdown did not stop them! During this time, the
choir recorded a beautiful Aboriginal song, ‘Inanay’. Please follow this link to watch a video of their virtual
performance.
Link to video
ORCHESTRA
The School Orchestra went from strength to strength this year, growing in numbers and developing their
performance skills. As well as regular weekly rehearsals, the orchestra managed to continue to learn new
repertoire during the weeks of distance learning in the Summer term. Here is their recording of ‘Summer
Holiday’.
Link to video
76 THE LORETTONIAN MAGAZINE ACADEMIC YEAR 2019/20
MUSIC / DRAMA
DRAMA
Drama at the Nippers continues to thrive and with the CATHERINE WHEELS/THEATRE IN SCHOOLS
whole school involved in timetabled lessons there are We were very fortunate to have two superb
also opportunities to develop your dramatic talents performances in school this year. ‘Whirlygig’
further with extra-curricular activities including described as ‘a madcap musical adventure’ did
Junior Play (years 4 & 5) and LAMDA exams (year 7). not disappoint. Amazing musicians performing in
Back in September we welcomed the return of local increasingly challenging circumstances kept our
actor Charlie Hindley fresh from his triumph with children riveted throughout.
the award winning ‘Men with Coconuts’ comedy
improvisation show at the Edinburgh Festival.
Charlie’s enthusiasm and expertise make for a
thoroughly enjoyable and memorable experience
for both the children and staff involved.
CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY
Our Junior Play this year is a firm favourite and was
a huge amount of fun with such a talented and
committed cast of young actors.
Led by Finlay as ‘Charlie’ and Cameron as ‘Grandpa LAMDA EXAM
Joe’ we took a tour around the factory losing one Year 7 took part in LAMDA (London Academy of
golden ticket winner at a time! Music and Dramatic Arts) exam again this year.
Acting pairs learn and perform both a duologue and
a monologue or two monologues if working solo, and
musical theatre candidates perform 2 songs.
‘LIFEBOAT’ This year there were new duologues to choose from
which are designed to really challenge the children
to enhance their understanding of performance.
Rehearsals took place on Saturday mornings with
Miss K., Miss Thomas and Mr Lowe, and musical
theatre candidates rehearsed with Miss Thomas.
This is a truly immersive dramatic experience We were very proud of our candidates who all scored
with only two actors playing multiple characters high merits or distinctions and their subsequent
as they tell the true story of the ocean liner, ‘The performances in front of the school community
City of Bernares’. This ship was torpedoed while certainly inspired our upcoming Year 7 thespians to
transporting hundreds of children to safety from the have a go next year!
Blitz to Canada.
THE LORETTONIAN ACADEMIC YEAR 2019/20 77
JUNIOR SCHOOL
SPORT
This year has certainly been different. Term began with rugby Year 4-5: House Tristam win overall on points
and hockey as usual in September 2019, and a great selection 1 Ryan K 5m30s
of fixtures, followed by netball and hockey in the Spring term. 2 Harry McD 5m37s
In the new year, the Junior School ski team went to Glenshee to 3 Finlay D 5m38s
compete, coming away with 2 medals. Quentin C won the U11 4 Tristan R 6m26s
boys’ race and Maisie R won the U11 girls’ race.
The Interhouse cross country events were closely contested as 1 Isla W 6m
you can see from the times below. Well done to everyone in 2 Fabia A 6m30s
Years 3-7 who ran for their house. 3 Emilia F 7m4s
As you know, we went into lockdown and consequently lost the 4 Ezra W 7m30s
opportunity to have our annual swimming gala or sports day.
Fixtures in cricket and rounders were cancelled and learning Year 6-7: House Greenlees win overall on points
went online. 1 Finlay S 7m33s
PE continued virtually with children completing their lessons 2 Matthew H 7m34s
and either sending photos, videos or Teams or Schoology 3 Callum C 7m53s
messages and it was incredible to see the effort, motivation 4 Cameron C 7m55s
and enthusiasm from everyone.
Just before the May mid-term, pupils from Pre-school to Year 7 1 Isla K 7m47s
were set a Virtual Sports Day challenge- a series of 10 events to 2 Matilda R 8m17s
complete and to return the results on their record card. Events 3 Emily L 8m38s
ranged from dressing up races, to scavenger hunts to ball throw 4 Ashleigh V 8m50s
and standing long jump. The whole family was encouraged to
join in and from the photos, it was clear the tasks generated YEAR 7 GIRLS CRICKET
much laughter and fun. Well done to everyone who took part!
Despite having no cricket in the summer term, the girls were
INTER HOUSE CROSS COUNTRY busy training during the winter and we regularly numbered
around twenty-five girls in the group. Our sessions were aided
Results and Times (in minutes/seconds): by our Australian gap student, Mr White, who was himself a
keen cricketer.
Year 3: House Tristam win overall on points It is worth mentioning that both Isabelle P and Matilda R gained
selection for the East of Scotland Under 16 squad and several
girls from our group also attended training sessions on Sundays
with Grange Cricket Club.
1 Sebastian McG 4m50s
2 Ollie Teague McC 4m52s
3 Rafe M 5m25s
4 Lukas D 5m45s
1 Maisie P 4m48s
2 Sophia F 5m10s
3 Kara J 5m12s
4 Abby W 6m
78 THE LORETTONIAN MAGAZINE ACADEMIC YEAR 2019/20
SPORT / FOREST SCHOOL
Children
were endlessly
creative with their
Lockdown Sport!
FOREST SCHOOL
Mud glorious mud at Forest School!
The weather wasn’t always kind to us in the Autumn and
Winter term at Forest School this year. Rain doesn’t dampen
the enthusiasm of the pupils to have fun and learn outside. In
fact, they relish the mud and the opportunities for imaginative
play and sensory experiences that it brings. Our site develops
some fantastic puddles when it is wet, and this year it really was
wet! Wet weather also gives us them the motivation to build
really effective dens for shelter. We have taken our den building
one step further this year. Some groups chose to upcycle pallets
to create some magnificent structures!
Our children have been enjoying Forest School sessions for
several years now. As they become more confident and skilled,
their ideas become more ambitious and creative. This year,
children have enjoyed setting their own woodwork challenges
using the natural materials around them. They have used saws,
drills, hammers and nails to create an array of interesting pieces,
from chairs and stools to fairy houses and bird boxes. Cooking
over the fire is always something to look forward to at Forest
School. Culinary highlights this year have included dough balls
with wild garlic butter (better than Pizza Express according to
the chefs!) and melted chocolate fondue.
THE LORETTONIAN ACADEMIC YEAR 2019/20 79
THE LORETTONIAN SOCIETY
THE
LORETTONIAN
SOCIETY
80 THE LORETTONIAN MAGAZINE ACADEMIC YEAR 2019/20
FOREWORDS
FROM THE
CHAIRMAN
A FTER WHAT MANY of us will have found a strange provided a great sounding board to David to advise and support
and difficult 2020, I hope that you will find flicking on this monumental transition. Toni was very much involved in
through the pages of this year’s Lorettonian offers School life and was often seen around School, always a brightly
some welcome respite. During these periods of dressed figure who had a dislike for “boring clothes!” The mark
lockdown and restriction in our daily lives, it has that she and David have made on Loretto still lives on today.
become apparent how important contact with each other is. As many of you will remember, Richard G. Selley (Hon.) passed
Hearing your news and stories is what makes the Lorettonian away in September 2019 at Dignitas in Switzerland, after a long
Section of the publication a success and it is enjoyed by battle with Motor Neurone Disease. The School held a Service in
thousands of you each year. celebration of Richard’s life on 7th December 2019 which was
As many of you will know our “business as usual” approach planned by Richard in great detail before his death. His wife
was somewhat curtailed by COVID-19. As a result, many staff Elaine Selley (Hon.) worked closely with the School to ensure
across the School were furloughed including our Membership Richard’s wishes were fulfilled. The congregation turned out in
Co-ordinator Hannah J. Rate back in April. Fortunately, she their hundreds having travelled from near and far to pay their
returned in September, and normal service has resumed. During respects. The service was bittersweet, remembering Richard’s
this period of furlough, Emma J. Sinclair (Hon.) volunteered good humour and kindness. Many happy memories shone
to act as a point of contact in Hannah’s absence, which was through the tributes from his family, colleagues and friends.
much appreciated by the Executive Committee. We would like A champagne reception was held in the Dining Hall for all of
to extend our thanks to Emma for offering her support and free those who wanted to raise a glass and celebrate the life of an
time so willingly to the Society and School during this time. exceptional man, who will be much missed.
Naturally our normally active Society has been somewhat The Lorettonian Society are sponsoring an annual award the
restricted this year, in the way of event offerings. We were Richard Selley Cricket Prize, which this year, in its very first year
lucky enough to have been able to hold the Annual Dinner was awarded to Jack C. Pearson (2020).
on February 7th 2020, just before the COVID-19 restrictions
hit. Held at the Mansfield Traquair in Edinburgh, it turned EXECUTIVE AND CENTRAL COMMITTEES…
out to be a superb occasion. The venue is absolutely breath- As I have mentioned earlier, Hannah has now returned and
taking, having formerly been a Roman Catholic church. The has been very busy putting together all your news and stories.
high, painted ceilings and atmospheric lighting made it the Thanks go to Hannah for all the work she does behind the scenes
perfect place for OLs and Hons to gather together. We heard in making sure the Society runs smoothly. During this hiatus
speeches from our then incumbent President Sheila C.D Low on events, Hannah will be working on future calendars, society
(née Mackie) (1982) who as always, spoke so engagingly, and media, admin and other initiatives of which we will be hearing
from Dr Graham Hawley (Hon.) who updated and entertained more.
everyone with reports on the latest news from School. The Given that we have had few events so far this year, as a
Heads of School did a remarkable job of recounting their Loretto committee we have taken the unanimous decision to retain the
experiences and expressing just what a special School it really services of our President John Lawrie (1961) and Vice-President
is. We would also like to express our sincere thanks to Hannah Graham R. Burns (1992) for another year in order that they get
Rate, who did a tremendous job of organising this truly excellent the opportunity to fulfil their presidential duties!
occasion. The Executive Committee continue to hold regular meetings via
We were really looking forward to next year’s Annual Dinner Zoom which have worked very well so far. We are occasionally
being back in London at Middle Temple Hall in 2021. Sadly, joined by the odd canine too. I’m looking at you Colin B.
given the current COVID-19 situation, we just don’t feel that it Davidson (1983)! Zoom has been excellent in the sense that
would be advisable to try to proceed with this event, so we have we have been able to be joined from time to time by OLs who
made the difficult decision to cancel the dinner. Hopefully, there are in the US or Hong Kong, which otherwise wouldn’t have
is a silver lining in that 2022’s Annual Dinner (which will be in been possible. I must extend my thanks to all in the committee
Edinburgh) will be even bigger and better as a result of the wait! who offer up their time so willingly to support the Society.
Very sadly we learned earlier in the year, in January that Antonia Particular thanks go to William H. Durran (1955) and N. Gavin
(Toni) A. McMurray (Hon.) had died. Toni was the wife of C. McDowall (Hon.) our Life Vice-Presidents, who continue to
former headmaster David B. McMurray (1956). David and be remarkable in their dedication, knowledge and support to
Toni were at Loretto from 1976 to 1984 and had an enormously
positive impact on the School. It was under David’s guidance
that Loretto became Co-educational and Toni would have
THE LORETTONIAN ACADEMIC YEAR 2019/20 81
THE LORETTONIAN SOCIETY EVENTS
the Society. Both have given up vast amounts of free time and
effort in to supporting the Society and School in so many ways ANNUAL DINNER 2020
and for this we are truly grateful.
Friday 7th February 2020 saw the Lorettonian Society
OL BUSINESS CONNECT Annual Dinner take place at the stunning Mansfield
It is now more important than ever to keep in touch with each Traquair in Edinburgh. It was a truly fabulous evening
other to retain and expand our own networks. Please do ensure at which we had one of the biggest OL Annual Dinner
that you update your contact details on our system. Don’t turn-outs to date, with an impressive 126 attenders.
forgot too to log in to OL Business Connect to take advantage The lively 1990s Cohort came in their droves – many
of the amazing network of OLs and Hons at your fingertips. thanks to Jamie A. G. Grant (1990) for facilitating! OLs
It’s a great way to make contact with OLs and Hons in specific and Hons were absolutely delighted to see Dr Graham
industries/professions if you are looking for advice or contacts. Hawley and Rachel Hawley (Hons.) accompanied by
Just click on The Lorettonian Society Website log in and click on the Heads of School, who gave excellent speeches to
Business Connect- please do contact [email protected] update us all on Loretto news and stories. The President,
if you need any help. You will be able to find and connect with Sheila C.D. Low (née Mackie) (1982), and Chairman of
OLs and Hons who have similar business interests, or who may the Lorettonian Society, William J. Frain-Bell (1989),
be able to help you find work experience. You must enter your kept us well entertained with their engaging, humorous
own details first to be able to search. speeches, as always. A champagne reception, followed
Please do keep in touch and in good health in these unique by an excellent meal and great company, all in the
times. exceptional surroundings of Mansfield made for a truly
All best wishes memorable evening. We are keeping our fingers crossed
for another great occasion in 2022.
William J. (Bill) Frain-Bell (1989)
Chairman of the Lorettonian Society
ABOUT YOUR
PRESIDENT
J OHN LAWRIE
(1961) qualified as a
chartered accountant
in Glasgow and after
broad professional
experience moved to the
London area in 1970,
building a career in financial
management in businesses
ranging from private to listed
companies, in manufacturing,
distribution, entertainment
and the charity sector, and
spending most of the last 20
years as a director of a West End Theatre. Retiring in 2019, he
and Nicki live in Essex, happily surrounded by friends and family,
including four grandchildren.
John Lawrie (1961), President of the Lorettonian Society.
82 THE LORETTONIAN MAGAZINE ACADEMIC YEAR 2019/20
All event photos on this page courtesy of Ian Millar
EVENTS
THE LORETTONIAN ACADEMIC YEAR 2019/20 83
THE LORETTONIAN SOCIETY
CANCELLATION NOTICE OF ANNUAL DINNER 2021
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we have
had to make the difficult decision to
cancel our Annual Dinner on 5th February
2021, at Middle Temple Hall, London.
Whilst we know this is disappointing, we
hope that you understand, that we have
taken this step to ensure the safety of all.
Once we are able to host our next event,
we will let you know as soon as possible.
If you have any queries in the meantime,
please do not hesitate to contact Hannah
Rate on [email protected]
William J. (Bill) Frain-Bell (1989)
Chairman of the Lorettonian Society
84 THE LORETTONIAN MAGAZINE ACADEMIC YEAR 2019/20
EVENTS
1953–1954 INTAKE REUNION LUNCH
A final reunion was held for
the 1953–1954 intake at the
East India Club, London, in
March 2020. Luckily the group
managed to meet up before
lockdown restrictions!
Pictured from left to right
are: Charles E. Monaghan
(1958), Alastair B. Langlands
(1959), R.J. Antony Paterson-
Fox (1959) sitting, Dr Iain
M. Murray-Lyon (1958) and
Professor Martin M. Black
(1958).
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THE LORETTONIAN ACADEMIC YEAR 2019/20 85
THE LORETTONIAN SOCIETY
ARTICLES
A GALLANT OLD LORETTONIAN
As part of the commemoration of the eightieth anniversary Flight Lieutenant Macdonald, No.603 (City of Edinburgh)
of the Battle of Britain, a moving memorial plaque to an Old Squadron, The Auxiliary Air Force, was born on 24th February
Lorettonian, Harold Kennedy Macdonald (1930), was dedicated 1912, and at Loretto from October 25th 1925 to December 30th
at a ceremony at Chatham Barracks on 28th September 2020, 1930. He was in the VI Form and a Lance-Corporal in the O.T.C.
the eightieth anniversary of his death On leaving School he went up to Peterhouse, Cambridge where
It is sad that COVID-19 meant that only two of his relatives were he rowed in the Trial Eights and was captain of his college boats.
allowed to go the dedication. He graduated at Cambridge, and later, in 1938, was admitted
We thank the family of Ken Macdonald for making this picture Writer to His Majesty`s Signet in Edinburgh. As a fighter pilot he
of the plaque available to us and also are glad to quote here his took part in the Battle of Britain during August and September
full entry in the Loretto Roll of Honour, which is kept on display 1940, and brought down the first night marauder in this country.
at the East end of the Chapel. Shortly afterwards he gave, under instructions, a broadcast of
The entry in the Loretto Roll of Honour reads: the incident and was congratulated on it by the Air Marshal,
then at the head of R.A.F. Fighter Command in London. On
28th September 1940 he was killed while meeting an enemy
attack over the Thames Estuary. When his aircraft had been
hit and was about to crash, though he might have baled out,
with complete disregard for his own safety he remained in the
machine in order to bring it down clear of any buildings. In this
he succeeded. It crashed close to a crowded barrack room, which
but for his action must have been hit. For this gallant deed, which
cost him his life, Flight Lieutenant Macdonald was mentioned
in Despatches.
86 THE LORETTONIAN MAGAZINE ACADEMIC YEAR 2019/20
ARTICLES
LETTER HOME On Wednesday we watched the XV play the HMS ‘Caledonia’.
We won 8-4 but only when we had crocked 3 of their chaps!
This letter was sent by Dr W. S. Alastair Allan (1942) to his On Friday morning at our 11.30 in our interval I was playing
parents when he was 15 years old and a pupil at Loretto School. goal at soccer. Suddenly we heard the wail of the sirens and
It was read at his funeral and kindly sent to us. It’s a fascinating we all just charged off to our shelters and waited outside. After
snapshot of life at Loretto, especially during the second World about 5 minutes we heard the ‘all-clear’ and 3 of us rushed off
War. It gives his account of the first air raid of the war on 16th to play soccer again. We had been there 5 minutes when the
October 1939. sirens suddenly changed and once more we were rushed to our
Loretto, shelters. We stayed in our shelters till 12.00 then we went to
Musselburgh our Latin period. At 12.35, too near dinner time for my liking,
Midlothian we saw people rushing about, then we heard the siren and
22/10/39 stampeded to the shelters again! This time we stayed in our
Dear Mummy and Daddy, shelters till 1.25. We were jolly hungry!
On Saturday we played Watsonians Junior XV (I don’t know what
the senior XV would be like!) but they beat us 27-0.
Thank you for your letters. I am sorry about sending back the slippers but I would rather
Well, I’m still going strong after all that. In the Monday Air Raid have a pair of the ordinary sort of carpet slippers, but there’s
I saw quite a bit. I was doing a Long Wally by the sea, and I saw no hurry.
a big plane flying fast, and lots of white puffs following it. These I hope Granny is well, and Nonie too.
must have been anti-aircraft gunfire. I thought it was just a Yours
practice until I heard some more aeroplanes coming over. When Alastair
these appeared, they were heading out to sea. There were three
Spitfires, and ahead, a bigger ‘plane. They were not very high.
Suddenly one of the Spitfires dived at the bomber and fired at
it, its machine guns made an awful noise. The bomber started
to go into a glide and another Spitfire tried to get underneath
and fire up at it, but it was too near the sea. The bomber then
did a pancake into the sea and immediately disappeared. It all
happened in a flash, though.
We NEVER heard any SIRENS at all.
On Tuesday we had a Parade, a Dress Parade! We had to put on
kilts, coats, hats and belts. We had to polish the brass on our
belts and coats.
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THE LORETTONIAN ACADEMIC YEAR 2019/20 87
THE LORETTONIAN SOCIETY
MEMOIR – ATALE OFTWO OLs
On Boxing Day 2019, I had a small drinks party for our neighbours dreams to become a professional golfer. I never did. My mother
down here in Godmersham in Kent. We are a small hamlet of firmly put him in his place and told him "he’s here to get his
three houses on a 400 year-old farm and it genuinely feels like A-Levels and not to play golf, or any other sport for that matter!"
a small piece of Scotland. With similar topography and views as Hamish duly appointed Adrienne A. Shepherd (Hon) as my tutor
Scotland, I have no shadow of a doubt that is the reason all three – “Bag Shepherd”, as we lovingly called her, known for her fierce
families bought the houses we live in, because it reminds us of iron fist and a disciplinarian of immature boys like me who would
home. The original house has been owned by Scotsmen in years push the boundaries to the limit. She was wonderful to me, like
gone by, people and neighbours who have fought in the Battle a mother away from home, I not having boarded before. Oddly,
of Culloden on both sides, and in more recent times owned instead of her assisting me with my academia with her apparent
and sold by Jane Austen’s brother Edward Knight. All three iron fist, which I never encountered, I have many a fond memory
houses have strong Scottish connections, and more specifically of sitting on the bench in Pinkie House Red Hall as she gave me
to Musselburgh. a shoulder to cry on after failures at the black gate to Trafalgar
Our neighbours to our right are two well-known and lovely actors Lodge! However, I was always very grateful to Hamish for making
– Susan Vidler, who famously played Alison in Trainspotting in me captain of golf and tennis and for allowing me to play rugby
1996, and who herself is from Musselburgh, and her husband, and hockey, and indulge in almost every other sport and music
Alastair Mackenzie, who is equally a household name (and opportunity under the sun, as I was petrified of studying. It
heartthrob to many a Loretto mother!), as he played Archie in truly made my Loretto days, all of which I never admitted to
Monarch of Glen in 2000, the year I left Loretto. To our left are mum or dad. And no doubt it was the reason I barely scraped
the Ballingalls – James and Sandra. James’s father, Patrick C.G. through my A-Levels, but I made enough to get by. And from
Ballingall (1944) aged 93 in the photo with me, is the true hero. the dormitory and sports field, I today count my eight Lothian
When we were introduced to each other as two Lorettonians, Drifter mates, with whom we go golfing every year together, as
we both immediately sidestepped a polite handshake and went my best friends in the world.
in for a very meaningful embrace and hug. Like two long lost Patrick Ballingall is a true hero of Loretto. And if any Lorettonian
friends. The exact same embrace I give to any of my Lothian can accomplish half of what Patrick has achieved in his long
Drifter mates and OL contemporaries. He left Loretto in 1944 and happy life with his lovely family, even with the benefit of
at the time when the Headmaster was Dr J.R.C. Greenlees qualified teaching staff, we would be delighted! We parted ways
(Hon.). All the young teachers went off to war in 1939 so the in the same way we greeted one another, with my Lorettonian
boys had to run the place, and old professors or anyone with magazine in his hand as a Christmas gift. I very much look
a little knowledge volunteered to stand in as teachers, such as forward to seeing him at future celebrations.
grandparents of the boys. It mattered not whether they had a Stuart G. Mitchell (2000)
teaching profession, just an education of any sort. They were an
eclectic bunch and learning was a bit hit and miss. Patrick ran
away to the local recruiting station in Edinburgh to join up when
still under-age. The Headmaster telephoned the station and told
them to look out for Patrick and to send him back, which they
did. He then became Head of School before leaving in 1944. One
of Patrick’s great memories of school was climbing to the top of
the climbing rope in the gymnasium and falling from the top to
a hard wood floor as he had forgotten, or there was no teacher
on hand, to ensure a crash matt. He duly broke his lower back!
Scotland had a number of Italian prisoners of war and used them
to help on the farms, since all the young men had gone to war
and they could not get the harvest in. The problem was that
no-one spoke Italian, so Patrick was put in charge of a troop of
them whom he took round the farms using his best schoolboy
Latin. Apparently, they were a pleasant bunch, more lovers than
fighters! Patrick eventually joined up when of age and became
a gunner and got involved in cleaning up operations in the Holy
Land, where he was able to visit Bethlehem and other holy
places in his army jeep. His older brother, Charles G. Ballingall
(1942), was also Head of School before him, and joined the
tanks. His highlight was a battle against the Germans. The two
sides faced each other across a valley with a river in it. Charles
volunteered to lead the charge in his tank which promptly got
stuck in the narrow bridge so neither side could get through!
Patrick later went to Cambridge and became a solicitor despite
his lack of schooling!
My time at Loretto from 1998 to 2000 was very different
from Patrick's. I was sent there to repeat my A-Levels, having
spectacularly failed them all at Robert Gordon’s in Aberdeen
where I had been since the age of five. I was shown around
by Hamish C. Alldridge (1964) who took great interest in my
88 THE LORETTONIAN MAGAZINE ACADEMIC YEAR 2019/20
ARTICLES
LORETTO 1933 U14 100 YARDS MEDALIST
Percy George Symington. Born in 1919. was killed at the Somme on 1st July 1916. "This was not to last. When war was
Died 2001 "The family business, J.M. Symington declared he enlisted with the Black
P. George Symington (1937) took part (Yarn) Ltd, which had thrived in the Watch in Perth, and was subsequently
in the Loretto 1933 100 yards Under 14 19th century cotton trade, was hit by commissioned into the Gordon
track event which he ran in 12⅗ seconds. recession in 1916 onwards, so when Highlanders. In September 1942, he
His daughter Alexandra Tregear sent in George’s grandfather died in 1937, became a Japanese prisoner of war.
the photographs below of the medal he leaving substantial debts secured on the When he was eventually released in
was awarded for reaching the standard company, George suddenly had to leave summer 1945 after the atomic bombs
for the event and age group. Loretto, without even completing the were dropped, he weighed six stone. He
Percy’s daughter, Alexandra writes , “He school year and missing his important was 6’ 4” tall. His considerable athletic
was the son of Jack M. Symington (1910), final exams and final year. This meant that co-ordination was greatly damaged. He
brother of David J. Symington (1939), and his younger brother David could stay on said that his time at Loretto helped him
nephew of Kerr B. Symington (1907) and and do his School Certificate exams." survive prison camp!
Percy G. Symington (1914), all at Loretto. "So George, aged 17, left school. He "When he arrived back, the first person
He was born at Black Rock, Troon, in the was very bright and became a financial he went to see was Monica, whom he had
middle of Troon Golf Course, which may journalist on the Daily Express. He always known before the war. He arrived by taxi
account for his life-long love of golf. said that when all his peers were still with suitcases of old tins and saucepans
"He was named after his uncle, who studying he had a wonderful time in on the roof, which were precious camp
served in the Highland Light Infantry and London, enjoying the Season and earning “currency” that he had carefully acquired
a good salary (£400pa). on the long journey home.
"He married Monica in 1946, worked
for the Anglo Iranian Oil Company,
which became British Petroleum, where
he became a senior member of the
Economics and Government Relations
Department. When he retired, he sat
on the House of Lords Energy Advisory
Committee. He was President of The
Lorettonian Society for 1977/78. He
had one child, Alexandra, and three
granddaughters.”
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THE LORETTONIAN ACADEMIC YEAR 2019/20 89
THE LORETTONIAN SOCIETY
PANDEMICS AND LORETTO
The Headmaster received a document recently which was the account of a boy's experience in the early 1830s at Loretto, then
recently established in Loretto House, now Schoolhouse. It caused him to reflect on his use recently of the word 'unprecedented'
in relation to the COVOD-19 pandemic which has so devastated Loretto life this year.
The document included an account of one of the succession of cholera pandemics which swept the world during the 19th century
as it affected Loretto,
Soon after receiving it, the Headmaster got a message from
Robbie M.B. Brown (1988) pointing out that the same account
had in fact been published in the 1991 Lorettonian, when it had
previously been sent to Loretto. So here is a scan of the relevant
page of that magazine.
The other major pandemic during the School's history, and much
better known, was the "Spanish" 'Flu pandemic at the end of the
First World War, which was to claim more lives world-wide than
the slaughter of the war itself. There is strangely no reference
to it in Frank Stewart's history of Loretto, Loretto 150, and only
a few passing references to it in The Lorettonian issues over the
years the epidemic persisted. One can only conclude that it did
not impinge unduly on the life of the School. The references I
have found are:
July 6th 1918:.............. John Young is ill in France with influenza.
July 21st 1918:............ Both sides in a cricket match were
affected by influenza.
July 24th 1918:............ The latter half of term was broken up by
influenza, "of which we have had our fair
share". Also Nipper cricket was affected.
November 16th 1918:.. Fettes match was cancelled or
postponed (because of influenza).
March 26th 1921:....... Field Day was smaller (because of
influenza).
April 17th 1921:.......... No-one missed exams, though there are
"a good number of influenza cases".
There have been several epidemics of 'flu over the later decades
in which the many-bedded Sickhouse (then occupying the whole
of Trafalgar Lodge and all, or later half, of its single storey wing
along to the old Balcarres House) has been overwhelmed,
notable ones being in 1957 ("Asian" 'Flu), and 1959, recalled
by Hugh J. Dow (1963) in a recent email, where he describes
how the sick boys were moved into separate rooms in the houses. The Lorettonian said of it:
In spite of the icy conditions prevailing for what was left of the Rugger season, last term was anything but a dull one. No sooner
had we returned than we were struck down by merciless disease. However, we had learnt our lesson from the disastrous
Asian invasion of two years ago and, though the Sick House rapidly overflowed into the Houses, we were not seriously put
out, and a few supermen survived. The nationality of this type of ’flu is purely conjectural, but we understand that in the
darker corners of the Double Yard it was rumoured to be Siberian, since only germs from that part of the world could survive
in such perishing cold. . . .
Again in the mid-1970s an epidemic is recalled by Janet D. Durran (Hon.), when, as the housemaster's wife in Seton, she was
working with the Matron and the House Tutor's wife, Alison E. Wylie (Hon.), humping bedding between the rooms as boys fell sick
and were moved into the isolation rooms, and generally looking after and feeding them with food brought over from Schoolhouse.
Fortunately none of these epidemics caused very serious problems beyond disruption of the running of the School.
It is happy for the School that such epidemics, which also occasionally involved chicken pox or measles, needing so many beds for
the sick, became infrequent enough that it was possible to reduce the accommodation for the sick to a room or two in Schoolhouse,
so freeing Trafalgar Lodge to become the first girls' house in 1981.
William H. Durran (1955)
90 THE LORETTONIAN MAGAZINE ACADEMIC YEAR 2019/20
POINTS OF INTEREST
POINTS OF INTEREST
PUMPKIN FARM
OLs Alex Humphreys (2017) and David P Grant -Suttie (2017) We were delighted to feature in eight news publications but we
have been very busy sowing the seeds for a great initiative during were even more delighted with the team effort from everyone
lockdown – a pumpkin farm – at David’s family farm, the Balgone to help make it happen.”
Estate in North Berwick. Alex writes: “The Pumpkin Project
was founded over lockdown as David and I wanted something
to get stuck into. We planted over 1000 seeds of all sorts of
varieties. The hot May was particularly challenging as we had to
make sure the crop didn't die. Most of the mornings involved a
watering can – it was by no means fun! We also grew a vegetable
patch for locals over the lockdown; a lot of people enjoyed
coming to pick it. As we got closer to autumn we developed
the business, created the website and pushed the attraction
on social media. We launched tickets for a spooky trail at the
end of August and had a great response. We made all sorts of
props for the spooky trail and had a huge amount of help from
OLs, friends and everyone on the farm. We have had incredibly
good feedback, which is nice to hear. It's also nice to see people
having fun when there isn't much to do because of COVID-19.
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THE LORETTONIAN ACADEMIC YEAR 2019/20 91
THE LORETTONIAN SOCIETY
OBE “It is sobering to reflect on the impact of HIV, Ebola and now COVID-19 on people’s
health, societal wellbeing and the economies of affected countries. This has driven
my work with the International Severe Acute Respiratory and emerging Infection
Consortium (ISARIC) to prevent illness and death from infectious disease outbreaks.
This award suggests we have succeeded in some measure.”
Professor Dame Janet Beer, University of Liverpool Vice-Chancellor, said: “Everyone
in the University of Liverpool community applauds the award of an OBE to Professor
Calum Semple. His work as a member of SAGE throughout the Covid-19 emergency
has brought him to the attention of the entire nation and we all have many reasons
to be hugely grateful to him for his work both as a scientist and an outstanding
communicator of that science to a wider public. We are proud that he has been so
honoured.”
Liverpool University writes that “In 2016 Professor Semple and his team were awarded
the Queen’s Ebola Medal for Service in West Africa, and in 2019 a Commonwealth
Association Award for their work with Ebola survivors.
Professor M.G (Calum) Semple (1986) "This year’s Queen’s Birthday Honours list recognises doctors, nurses, fundraisers
has been awarded an OBE in this year's and volunteers who have made outstanding contributions to the UK’s coronavirus
Queen's Birthday Honours, for his services response. The list, which was due to be published in June, was postponed in order to
to the COVID-19 response. consider nominations for people playing crucial roles during the first months of the
He is a Professor of Child Health and COVID-19 effort.”
Outbreak Medicine at the University and
is a consultant respiratory paediatrician at CHAMELEON LADY
Alder Hey Children's Hospital
Having spent much of his career studying Lorettonian Band, Chameleon Lady gave us the low down.
disease outbreaks such as SARS, HIV and “What a few years Chameleon Lady have had. The Scottish Rock/Pop/Folk band,
Ebola Professor Semple is now a leading consisting of OLs Cameron A. Middlemass (2017), Robbie I. Hutchison (2017),
expert in COVID-19. Kenneth (Kenny) Hutchison (Hon.), Thomas (Tom) J. Middlemass (2013) and Caitlin
A key advisor on the SAGE Committee, he Hutchison (2013), have really started to take the live music scene by storm. With three
continues to play a crucial role in advising very successful tours to France and a sell-out show at the Mash House in Edinburgh,
the UK Government on COVID-19. He is they have cemented themselves as a true up-and-coming band. They also supported
leading a major national COVID-19 study the award-winning band Skerryvore in Aberdeen for Hogmanay 2019. Due to the recent
and has appeared as a key expert in the pandemic the gigs have dried up. However, the band have really worked hard to write
media during the pandemic. and create new music along with entertaining their fans all over their social media.
The University of Liverpool reports “As They have teased that new music is on its way at the end of 2020 and a brand-new EP
the Chief Investigator of the International in 2021. Get ready for a new musical experience and check out all their social media
Severe Acute Respiratory and Emerging accounts, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube. You can find all their music on
Infection Consortium (ISARIC) Clinical all your favourite music streaming sites.”
Characterisation Protocol UK (CCP-UK),
Professor Semple and his colleagues
have collected, distributed and analysed
thousands of COVID-19 specimens over
the past nine months. The results have
helped inform the outbreak response
and patient care, not just in the UK but
internationally, and will continue to do
so."
Professor Semple said: “I am delighted
to be honoured by this award and wish
to express my profound gratitude for the
support of my clinical research colleagues.
They include dedicated research nurses,
volunteer medical students and my
collaborators at our great hospitals and
universities.
92 THE LORETTONIAN MAGAZINE ACADEMIC YEAR 2019/20
POINTS OF INTEREST
DURRAN MCDOWALL AWARD
Oliver P. Stevens (2020) is the 2020 winner the Durran McDowall Award for Outstanding
Contribution to the life of the School.
Well done, Oliver, on a worthy achievement!
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• Company formation and incorporation, registered address, full company secretariat services
• Virtual office facilities with dedicated phone lines
• SME company legal advice, trademark registration, translation
• Accounting & bookkeeping and audit services
• Local employment, ECI, MPF, Payroll & Insurance
• Visa applications
• Bank account setup
Supporting Loretto from afar.
Please do not hesitate to get in touch...
Unit 2, G/F, Office Block 1, 92 Siena Avenue, www.t8-consulting.com
Discovery Bay North, Lantau Island, Hong Kong Tel: +852 2517 8248
Email: Steve Tait (OL91) - [email protected] or Sharon McEneff - [email protected]
THE LORETTONIAN ACADEMIC YEAR 2019/20 93
THE LORETTONIAN SOCIETY
HAUTE GRANDEUR AWARD
House Hotel 2020. The achievement comes as a well-received reward for the hotel, who
have had to overcome numerous obstacles as a result of the continuing coronavirus
crisis, which has ravaged the hospitality industry this year.
The hotel was also named Europe’s Best Country Hotel and Best Wedding Hotel.
Nicholas and Gaynor Russell, hands-on owners and company directors, dedicated the
2020 awards to all who had made up the venue’s team over the past 30 years. They
say "We are once again so very proud to have been invited to represent Scotland in
the global awards, and we are so very humbled by the results.”
Nicholas N. Russell’s (1985) hotel, In addition to this, at The Scottish Hotel Awards Balbirnie House was awarded Scotland’s
Balbirnie House in Glenrothes, has been Wedding Hotel of the Year, for the 14th time in 16 years. Sitting adjacent to Markinch
named by Haute Grandeur Awards as the village as the centrepiece of stunning Balbirnie Park, the hotel has flourished in private
Best Function Venue and Best Country ownership over three decades of personalised hospitality, with an ongoing focus on
providing a truly unique backdrop for weddings, and private and corporate special
events. The most weddings ever catered for in a single year thus far is 165, although
this is now expected to significantly increase when social distancing ends.
Photo credit Lifetime Photography
500-MILE WALK
Nina Young (2018) spent the best part
of August this year trekking the North
Coast 500 in memory of her younger
sister, Verity. The Charity the Teapot Trust
was formed eight years ago, after Verity’s
death from cancer.
On 28th July this year, Nina started out
on her journey at Inverness Castle and
eventually arrived at her destination at
Applecross on the west coast. During
the course of the trip Nina was joined by
friends. She was delighted to have their
support and company on the journey.
Despite the sheer length of the walk,
and the discomfort of midge bites, Nina
enjoyed every minute and has been so
appreciative of the kindness of those who
have donated.
The Teapot Trust was set up by her parents
as a way of supporting other families
with children who are struggling with a
long term and hidden health condition.
They saw how much art helped Verity
to express herself and how it provided
a coping strategy for the family as a
whole. The trust has so far helped more
than 12,000 young people and children
through art therapy in Scotland.
Nina had a target of £12,000 but far
exceeded this by raising an amazing
£20,000 in aid of the Teapot Trust. It
has been a particularly difficult time for
children who are on immune-suppressant
drugs, but the trust has been proactive
in setting up art therapy via video calls.
94 THE LORETTONIAN MAGAZINE ACADEMIC YEAR 2019/20
POINTS OF INTEREST
100TH BIRTHDAY
As the magazine was being prepared for despatch, we Peter is seen here in the photo cutting his cake, with his OL son
heard that Peter died on 3rd December 2020, shortly Dr Simon N. Wood (1977).
after being admitted to hospital. Peter expressly stated it Peter came to Loretto in 1948 and taught English, was
as his wish that the School should not hold a memorial Housemaster of Schoolhouse North and then of the original
service for him, but we know that many Lorettonians will Holm House (now demolished) under the old flexible house
be thinking of him and his family at this time. system, then of Seton House under the new system, Head of
Department and Vicegerent to three Headmasters during his
exceptionally long and distinguished career at Loretto. He retired
in 1985.
Many of his former pupils have expressed gratitude to him both
as teacher and a later friend and he was frequently visited by
them at his home near Melrose before this lock-down.
A former pupil Hugh D. Cochran (1950) remembers him fondly.
“Peter Wood, who taught English at Loretto from the late 1940s,
was not very much older than we were at the time.
Peter C. Wood (Hon. 1948-1985) celebrated his centenary with "The attitude of the teaching staff then was that if we pupils
family and friends, including several former colleagues from misbehaved or did sloppy work, they would award us with so
Loretto, in January this year (before restrictions luckily), at a many strokes of the cane. Nobody questioned this until Peter
100th Birthday get-together. We all wished Peter a very Happy came along. His attitude was that this was counterproductive,
Birthday and sent our congratulations on reaching this incredible and as far as I know he never caned anyone. His methods were
milestone. The late Gospatric D. L. R. Home (1952) said a few well ahead of his time, and his English periods were a joy to look
well chosen words in honour of Peter. forward to and to attend. As I think everyone knows, caning has
long since been abolished at Loretto. He had other methods.
On one occasion I had been wasting my time (and his) over
some English Prep, and Peter prescribed my punishment to be
that I should write an essay entitled “Time – the subtle thief of
youth”. I have never forgotten that experience, and still regret
all the occasions when I have allowed “Time” to steal my youth.
"I renewed my acquaintance with Peter in the early 2000s when
my wife and I used to visit him at his home near Melrose. He was
his same charming and positive self, and I regret not having seen
him for a number of years now. I congratulate him on reaching
his century and wish him all the best for the future.”
MAJOR GENERAL
Simon J.M. Graham (1984) has been promoted to the rank of Edinburgh Schools in Sydney; A virtual community
Major General, having assumed the appointment of Director of former pupils of the Edinburgh schools created
Reserves on 31st October, 2020. This is the senior Army Reserves for the purpose of networking and staying in touch
post, based in the Army Headquarters. Many congratulations with other former FP. The intention is to post to the
to him. Facebook page from time to time with news, items
A former CCF SUO, Head of School and recent Chairman of the of interest and notices of events in the area. Open
Governors, he writes: “It’s all happening at an interesting time; to any former pupil of any Edinburgh School and of
the Review will be announced in a few weeks and there will be any vintage!
changes..."
"From Cpl in the Loretto Pipes and Drums to Major Gen in a little
under 40 years! I still put it down to CCF Summer Camp 1982 –
the final two day yomp over Ben Ledi and then back from Loch
Earn down to Callander. Formative!"
"In other news, the Scottish and North Irish Yeomanry have
asked me to be their Honorary Colonel. Since Loretto CCF is
affiliated, I think, it presents an opportunity to pay a visit? I am
also Honorary Colonel of G&SUOTC (Glasgow OTC).”
THE LORETTONIAN ACADEMIC YEAR 2019/20 95
THE LORETTONIAN SOCIETY
RICHARD SELLEY MEMORIAL SERVICE
On 7th December 2019 around 300 OLs, Loretto staff, past
and present, and family members gathered in the Chapel to
give thanks for the life of Richard G. Selley (Hon). Richard died
after battling Motor Neurone Disease for four years, on 6th
September 2019, at Dignitas in Switzerland.
Having spent thirty years working at Loretto in a variety of roles,
including Housemaster, Head of Department, Master i/c Cricket,
Vicegerent, Acting Head of Senior School and Head of the
Nippers, Richard was a popular figure, admired and esteemed
by many.
During the service tributes came from former housemaster
N. Gavin C. McDowall (Hon.), Richard’s brother Peter Selley,
Richard’s daughter Lorna Selley and John D. Wright, friend and
classics master at Glenalmond. Richard’s uncle Gerard Manning
gave a reading. OLs and stepsons Cameron A. Middlemass
(2017) and Thomas (Tom) J. Middlemass (2013) performed a
beautiful rendition of Snowpatrol’s Run in memory of Richard.
The service was led by Reverend Phil Parker (Loretto Chaplain
2019 to 2020). A reception afterwards was held in the Dining
Hall at Schoolhouse, where hundreds of friends and family,
colleagues and former pupils gathered to share happy memories
of Richard and his time at Loretto. Elaine Selley (Hon.), Richard’s
wife, thanked those who attended and had supported them
throughout Richard’s illness. All donations made went to the
charity of Richard’s choice, Motor Neurone Disease Scotland.
Richard was a keen cricketer and spectator throughout his life.
The Lorettonian Society has dedicated an award to Richard’s
memory in his name, “The Richard Selley Cricket Prize”, in the
form of a cricket bat with engraved plaque and a mini bat, to be
awarded each year at Speech Day to the best all round cricketer
at Loretto.
Photo 1: L-R Mark Simmers and Michael Sherlock
Photo 2: Front – Guy Hodgson; L-R Middle Sheila Low, Nick
Grecian, Ed White, Duncan Wylie; L-R Back Jack Kelly, James
Byatt, Colin Davidson, Mark Simmers, Lord John Douglas Moray
RICHARD SELLEY CRICKET PRIZE
In its first year in honour of Richard G. Selley (Hon.) the Richard Selley Cricket Prize was awarded to Jack C. Pearson (2020).
Congratulations to Jack on winning this award.
96 THE LORETTONIAN MAGAZINE ACADEMIC YEAR 2019/20
OLD LORETTONIAN GOLFING SOCIETY
OLD
LORETTONIAN
GOLFING SOCIETY
Golfers understand the need to be prepared for the unexpected Four days later, a rather more elderly and less skilful team took
before embarking on a round. However well prepared you on The Old Marlburians at Liphook in Hampshire, resulting in
are and however good you feel, golf teaches you to accept a narrow 3-2 defeat. The weather wasn’t particularly kind but
that things can go wrong. So it was with the OLGS in 2020. In everyone enjoyed Liphook’s new layout and the traditionally
February we were excitedly looking forward to our 2020 ‘round’. excellent lunch. A toast was raised to Paul Dowson, a Liphook
We had a smart new website (more on this later), a number of member and stalwart of this fixture, who sadly died earlier this
new fixtures and events (a match between our Scratch team and year. Our thanks to Angus Lindsay-Renton for organising.
the Loretto Golf Academy, a challenge match between members Hopes for the triangular match with Dulwich and Sedbergh
and our Scratch team and the inaugural Loretto Public Schools at The New Zealand Club, which had been rearranged from
Foursomes to be held at West Sussex), and had selected strong April, and the usual Fettes October match were dashed when
teams and had good draws for both The Halford Hewitt and The London moved to ‘Tier 2’ restrictions, thereby making it difficult
Mellin Trophies. The prospect of a vintage year lay before us. to field enough participants. The same fate hit the OLGS Medal
I don’t need to explain why, from the first match in early March and AGM at The Renaissance Club when new restrictions were
through until October, all our events and fixtures were cancelled. announced in Scotland.
Our Scratch team embarked on a ‘virtual’ assault on the Halford Still, golf also teaches you not to dwell on things that go wrong
Hewitt Trophy via WhatsApp, which brought some amusing and to look positively to the future (concentrate on the next
diversion during the early stages of lockdown, but for all our shot!) and we all hope that we can return to a full fixture list in
members there was the shared frustration of not being able 2021, whatever the restrictions, which may curtail some of the
to play golf during some glorious weather and the peak golfing social mingling which is such an important part of the Society.
season. Golf returned gradually from May but formal events We have a strong, talented Scratch team which I hope can be
were not able to take place until August at the earliest, which regularly topped up with new recruits from the Golf Academy
wiped out our main fixture list. and we have a broad range of events aimed at the more social
We eventually managed just two events, one in Scotland and golfer. To find out more please do visit our new website www.
one in the south. The OLGS played a Sixth Form team from the ol-golf.com which will tell you everything you need to know. Our
School at Archerfield on 4th October. This is a new event with the thanks to Robert Rigg who has masterminded this new website
primary aim of introducing next year’s leavers to the Society. The and taken over the secretarial and treasurer duties from Duncan
Society fielded a strong team (six of our team had participated Arthur. Also, you can now follow us on Instagram (yes, we have
in the scratch Queen Elizabeth tournament the previous year) an Instagram account!) at ol_golfing-society.
and won the friendly match 4-0. A socially-distanced lunch (8 Andrew Brown, President OLGS
tables of 2!) was followed by an enjoyable afternoon’s golf in Please turn to next page for pictures.
pleasant weather – the final round of The Scottish Open was
being held on the same day at The Renaissance Club next door.
Thanks and congratulations to John and David Dunn-Butler,
Sami Proctor-Bouzabia, Cameron Blair, Ronan Higgins, Torquiil
McInroy, Simon Brook and Hugo Balfour-Melville.
THE LORETTONIAN ACADEMIC YEAR 2019/20 97
THE LORETTONIAN SOCIETY
OLs enjoyed the new holes at Liphook in Hampshire in their match against the Old Marlburians
Ronan Higgins and Cameron Blair (left and second left) were OLs Vs Sixth Form Lorettonians –L-R Alexander, Luke, David
victorious in their match against The Academy Dunn-Butler, Torquil McInroy
98 THE LORETTONIAN MAGAZINE ACADEMIC YEAR 2019/20
LIFE EVENTS
LIFE EVENTS
MARRIAGES Alex Boag-Wyllie (née Boag) married Lee R. Evans (1990) writes: “My wife
Kiefer Wyllie on 10th October 2020. She Nicola and I had our second son, Archie
Julia Collins Andreu (née Collins) (2010) writes “A very Covid elopement but a Alexander Evans, born on 24th January
married Anthony Andreu on 3rd June beautiful day with my immediate family, 2020 in Newport Beach, California.”
2019 in a beautiful Mediterranean setting and we can't wait to celebrate properly Blair S. Mackay (2005) writes: “On 11th
just outside Barcelona. The couple had with friends and family next year.” October 2020 Emmie Grace Mackay was
an intimate French-Scottish wedding with born. Everyone is doing well and we are
several lovely OLs in attendance (and are still living in Bristol. Hopefully she will one
hugely relieved they planned for 2019 day be a golf scholar at Loretto like I was!”
and not 2020)!
BIRTHS
Alexander F. Isles (2008) writes: “My OBITUARIES
news is that during lockdown my daughter
Robyn-Jane Iles was born on the 6th of
July 2020.”
Blair S. Mackay (2005) married Hollie Hannah Masterton Williams (Hon
Davis on 2nd November 2019. 1985–95) died on 10th January, 2020,
one day before her 89th birthday.
She came to Loretto as San Sister and
Matron of Schoolhouse, after a similar
post at Oxenfoord Castle School. When
she retired, the School Doctor, Eddie
Maguire, wrote: “Her dedicated nursing
... by day and, when required, by night,
saved many potential hospital admissions
... Her meticulous record-keeping, her
obliging attitude and her management
of minor injuries after full school rugby
days were of great value. Her genuine
concern for unwell and injured youngsters
knew no bounds and she was adept in
THE LORETTONIAN ACADEMIC YEAR 2019/20 99
THE LORETTONIAN SOCIETY
keeping parents informed”. As Matron and justice for the Palestinian people. in September 1953. There he made many
of Schoolhouse, together with her He is survived by his wife, Margaret, his friends and these friendships remained
excellent assistant, Isa Greig, she kept sister Fiona, his son Euan, and his three steadfast for the rest of his life.
the ‘domestic’ side of the House running grandsons, Connor, Kieran and Alexander. "At school, although not a great
with great efficiency, dedication and Antonia (Toni) Alexandra McMurray sportsman, he took much delight in the
kindness. As Schoolhouse Housemaster (Hon: 1976-84) passed away on 17th timed runs of the day, especially a “Long
during her time, Gavin McDowall said "it January 2020. She was born in Australia Wally”. In later life he kept up his running
was an enormous help to know that for and educated at Rosewell College, Sydney. and completed several marathons. The
any medical emergency, whether slight She worked in advertising. Toni came to infamous “B” stream, of which he was
or serious, “Go and see Mrs Williams” the UK when her parents returned from one, was taught maths every day by the
meant ‘job done'." Australia. She was a huge support to her incorrigible Fred Morrison, followed by PT
Hannah was born in Fife and on leaving husband, David (1956), during his long with Jack Flatters. Jim’s favourite, along
school she secured a place at Chalmers career: firstly as Housemaster of Moredun with many others, was Peter Wood (Hon.)
Hospital in Edinburgh to follow a career at Fettes College, then as Headmaster of who taught English. In the Sixth Form, Jim
in nursing. After moving to Callander she Loretto from 1976 until 1984, and finally specialised in Biology, achieving his “A”
became the nursing matron at McLaren as Headmaster of Oundle School from levels under Mr Gillespie. He was a house
High School in the town. This was followed 1984 until 1999. prefect in Holm House and one of the two
by a long-term dedication to the Brownie A Headmaster’s wife at Loretto had Under Officers in the CCF.
and Girl Guide movement in Callander. no specific duties but was ‘expected "Always a bit of a radical and a lateral
She was appointed District Commissioner to do lots of things’ which Toni did to thinker, in October 1956 in a school
for the area in the late seventies. perfection: she was an enthusiastic debate he proposed “Money is the
Before her retirement and to a greater supporter of School events, sporting, Root of all Evil”. He later became an
extent afterwards she travelled musical and drama, was a charming and excellent golfer, avid reader and good
extensively. A whole new life of maternity brilliant hostess to boys and girls, staff photographer.
nursing opened as she would be installed and partners, parents, Governors and "After school, he went to Edinburgh
in the home of a new born baby to help visitors. In 1981 Loretto took the first University to read Forestry and there met
as required. Regular trips to Nazareth steps to becoming fully co-educational his first wife Ann. With a BSc in Forestry
and to Children's Hospitals in Jerusalem and Toni would undoubtedly have been followed by a further degree at Oxford
continued, where she would volunteer a valuable sounding-board for David University he spent some years in Africa,
until it became too dangerous to travel. during the planning process and those working initially as a District Forest Officer,
This was her life. early days. and then in forest research in Uganda
The Revd Alistair Gerald Crichton For many years they took great pleasure before moving to Kenya. In 1974 he joined
McGregor Q.C. (Hon.) died peacefully in extended holidays in their apartment the Food and Agriculture Organisation
at home on 13th June, 2020. He was in Tenerife. After their retirement from (FAO) in Nigeria, serving for 9 years there
a Governor of Loretto from 1999 to Oundle, they moved to Haddington – as Project Manager and Programme
2006. Educated at Charterhouse, he which was appropriately near the golf Co-ordinator with a World Bank forestry
did National Service in the Intelligence courses for David – and allowed them programme before moving to Sudan
Corps in Germany. He read Jurisprudence to renew their long-term friendships with the same two responsibilities.
at Pembroke College, Oxford, and then made at Fettes and Loretto. After David's Parted from his first wife, he married
studied Scots Law at Edinburgh University, death in 2015, Toni continued to live in Angela, who was a doctor in Nigeria,
graduating LL.B. in 1964. He worked as Haddington before moving south to be before moving to The Sudan. In 1991
a solicitor in his uncle's law firm before nearer her family. they settled in Rome where he worked
being called to the Bar in 1967. He had She is survived by her daughters, Ginny, at the FAO Headquarters as technical
a highly successful career as a lawyer, Phosey and Suzie, and grandchildren officer for forest plantations and then,
where his concern for people was at Sabrina, Adam, Lucas, Ava, Ben, Carla, on promotion, as Director responsible
the heart of all he did in his life. When Lexi and Isla. for communications and external matters,
his legal career seemed to be heading travelling all over the world advising on
to the very top of the profession, his James Bruce Ball (1953–58) died in April, trees and tree planting. Angela sadly
qualities as an advocate were recognised 2020. His friend, Antony Paterson-Fox died of hepatitis and he subsequently
when he took silk in 1982. This was a (1959) writes: "Jim attended Lathallan married his third wife, also Angela, and
year before he changed career to the Preparatory School with his younger they retired to England where he bought
Church of Scotland ministry, graduating brother John before coming on to Loretto a house in Corsham. He continued to
B.D. from New College in 1985. He was travel widely and contributed to global
called as Minister to North Leith Parish forestry as President, and later Chair, of
Church, a position which he held until the Commonwealth Forestry Association.
his retirement in 2002. Following his He continued to share his knowledge with
retirement he continued to work for the FAO both as a consultant and a volunteer.
Church in many capacities and on many In 2010 Jim published Commonwealth
committees, where his gentle sense of Forests.
humour stood him in good stead. Having "For a long time, he owned a time-share
led a group to visit the Holy Land, he property in Perthshire on the shores of
took a Sabbatical in St George's College, Loch Tay where he, his brother, families
Jerusalem, in 1993, followed by many and friends spent many happy holidays in
visits to Israeli/Palestine, seeking to help the country of his birth.
and to champion the cause of peace
100 THE LORETTONIAN MAGAZINE ACADEMIC YEAR 2019/20
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