North & Scotland Sections
CSB Newsletter, May 2011
Annual Founders Day Lunch, 2011
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Annual Founder’s Day Lunch Perth 30th October 2010
Secretary’s Report
The Society gathered on the day before the clocks went back at it usual haunt in Perth. Uniquely for that week the sun shone and arboreal colours glowed (Now westlin winds … Bring Autumn's pleasant weather). We welcomed the Head Master, John Franklin, and his wife Kim and also Margaret Wadman, the administrator of CHOBA. Sadly our chairman, John Cugley (Pe A 1964-73), was having yet more joints rebuilt, but his place was taken by a previous occupant of the Chair, Major Graham Anderson (Mid B 1943-50) with his wife Jane. At the last minute we learnt that another senior member of the section, Noel de Jongh (Th A 1940-49), had been badly let down (not quite literally) by French airways and was still battling the waves towards Dover. It was fortuitous that just after his wife Catriona had rung with their apologies, the secretary received another call from the northernmost parts of Sutherland: John Rowlands (Ma B/Col A 1966-73) and his wife Bridget wondered if there might be a couple of spare places at table. They had only recently moved to Scotland from the Lakes and we welcomed them with traditional Housey hospitality.
As the guests assembled, the Committee held its annual moot, approving the treasurer’s Accounts, courtesy of Ian Torkington (Staff 1972-2007), the service provided by the Queen’s Hotel, and the arrangements for the year 2011 – same time, same place but different date. Conspicuous by their absence were the undergraduates of St Andrews University who were suffering a communal work crisis weekend. We hope next year’s date will suit them better. Edinburgh University was represented by Mary Clare (Ba B 1997-2004), Tom Skinner (Pe B 1998-2005) and Alex Baskerville (LHB 2001-08); Titus Stott (Pe A 2000-07) with his guest Katie Ward represented Dundee, whilst from the crags of Cliff College, Derbyshire came ex-Emperor of Rock School and Epic Roman Peregrinator Joshua Bell (Pe A 2002-09).
It was good to see the senior stalwarts still crossing the latitude and longitude of Scotland to be with us. Kathleen Hamilton (4s 1932-38) is Mother of the House and, with Elizabeth Mobbs (4s 1946-53) from the Isle of Arran and Joy Holmes (2s 1943-50 Staff 1959-66), continues to fly the Hertford flag. They were joined this year by Amanda Herries (2s 1965-72) from amongst the castles of the Stewartry. The regular Horsham seniors included The Revd Ian Atkinson (Staff 1970-85) our local guide and organiser, with his sister Patricia; Major AB Cran (Pe A 1938-45), Martin Prowse (La A 1948-58), and Iain Adams (Mid B 1948-53). They were joined this year by Anthony Sayer (La B 1959-65) who was also BMT (before my time!)
A particular delight this year was the first appearance of Old Blues from my time on the Horsham Staff: Ian Bartholomew (Mid B 1962-71) now retired from the Navy, David Crompton (Pe A 1979-85) now retired from the RAF, Andrew Bing (Col B 1972-78), Christian Ashby (Mid B 1993-2000) and Peter Newman (Pe B/La A 1993-2000).
The Chairman welcomed all to the Balmoral Suite of the Queen’s Hotel and called upon Joshua Bell to read Grace before Meat. The food was well received and service was marred only by the secretary’s over-elaborate attempts to organise the diners’ choices (Memo: next year leave it to the waiters) and also by his dilatory speed of eating, which held up the service of two of the courses (Memo: you can tell I was not brought up in a boarding school). Conversation flowed freely between the tables and between the generations. Eventually Mary Clare was called upon to proclaim Grace after Meat. The Chairman then led the toasts to Our Founder and to The Queen. The secretary then gave out the following brief notices:
1. A pleasure to see so many generations of Horsham and Hertford present: a challenge to each of you to find one other member of your time to bring along next year.
2. The arrangements for next year The Queen’s Hotel Perth but a week or two earlier: n.b. after the event, we discovered that the Hotel was already booked up for October 22nd so we have booked in for October 15th 2011
3. Next year’s speaker is to be Kate Atkinson – the Millennium Senior Grecian – currently Deputy Chairman of the CH Old Blues Association and the focal point for Young Old Blues. We hope all generations of OBs in and around Scotland will rally round.
After a comfortable pause and a chance to chat to those from the other side of the room, the Chairman called upon all to regain their seats and recharge their glasses. He then introduced John Franklin, Head Master of Christ’s Hospital since 2007. The Head Master spoke simply, concisely, clearly and very movingly of the Founding of the School and its purposes throughout the centuries. Most particularly he illustrated the current mission of the school with reference to young boys and girls recently accepted into the school who were thereby enabled to cope with extreme difficulties at home or even the total absence of family life. The school provided those things necessary to build self-confidence and a positive outlook as well as training in academic, sporting, and social skills. The Head Master then proposed the Housey Toast to which all responded with a resounding HOUSIE!
In response, Alexandra Baskerville, who had been Senior Grecian in John Franklin’s first year at Horsham, spoke boldly and confidently of what the school and its staff had meant to her. She was bold enough also to tell the assembled Old Blues that whereas each generation saw its own time as the ‘proper’ embodiment of the ethos of Christ’s Hospital, change was not only inevitable but also vital for the Founder’s vision to be carried out in a rapidly changing society. It was evident that she herself embodied the success of recent change – not just the merging of the boys’ and girls’ schools but the increasing confidence of the girls in the running of the merged school. She then thanked the Head Master for his speech and the secretary and committee for enabling us all to meet together.
Appropriately the gathering was rounded off with a rousing performance of the Carmen and the Votum – with Artes palaestrae firmly alongside Ludi viriles. A truly memorable Founder’s Day lunch.
John Shippen (Staff 1966-2004)
john@shippen.org.uk
Secretary of the Caledonian Society of Blues
NEWSLETTER JULY 2010
Please click on the link (here) to read the July CSB Newsletter
Update - March 2010
At our meeting last October, John Cugley (Peele A 1964-73) volunteered to become our permanent Chairman.
He was acclaimed by the gathering, especially as he was in full highland dress. Our long-standing treasurer, The Revd Ian Atkinson (Staff 1970-85), retired from the post and was succeeded by Ian Torkington (Staff 1972-2007). We paid respect to our previous year’s speaker Rob Gauntlett, who had died in the Alps in January. Our speaker for 2009 was Sam Noel-Paton (Pe A 1984-91) supported by his family and colleagues, who, in recovering from a major brain operation, had organised and completed a sponsored walk of the West Highland Way. This had led to a permanent hiking club of friends, Old Blues, and retired staff. For our Founder’s Day lunch in 2010 we have moved our date to a week later than usual to coincide with the end of the school half-term: This will enable the Head Master, John Franklin, to join us as our speaker.
For details contact the Secretary john@shippen.org.uk
Caledonian Society of Blues Founder’s Day Lunch 2008
Saturday October 25th 2008 12.30 for 1 p.m.
The Queen’s Hotel, Perth
Speaker Peter Farnfield BSc FRICS (OB Maine A/ Middleton A, 1966-1973 Almoner) who will propose the toast to the Religious Royal and Ancient Foundation.
The reply will be given by Rob Gauntlett and James Hooper (Maine B 1998-2005) assuming their expedition from the North to the South Pole is successful.
All Old Blues, Staff, and former staff, living in or near the Kingdom of Scotland, or of Scottish descent, are welcome with (or without) their partners.
Undergraduate Old Blues studying in Scotland will get a free lunch! Transport can be arranged
Contact
Secretary: John Shippen (Staff 1966-2004) john@shippen.org.uk
Assistant Secretary: Mary Clare (2004) Edinburgh University mary.b.c@gmail.com
Further details of all activities
For details of the activities of Caledonian Old Blues, please contact John Shippen (Ex Staff and Editor of the Blue 1992-2004), who will be able to help you.
See also, the Caledonian Society of Blues Founder’s Day Lunch 2001 review and the Caledonian Society of Blues Founder’s Day Lunch 2000 photograph.
Activities Summer 2006
I Can’t Believe It’s Not Goddard! Young Old Blues at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe
I Can’t Believe It’s Not Goddard! – a fantastic new comedy written by Andrew Barr, directed by Linda Marlow and produced by Jeffrey Mayhew (CH director of Drama)
The cast of six is made up of Young Old Blues – Toby Davies, Ben Vickery, Ellie Mitra, Milan Kovacevich, Tom Vlachos and Rhiannon Fisher.
The show will tour Christ’s Hospital Theatre, the Ustinov Theatre in Bath and the Pleasance in London before arriving at the Pleasance Theatre in Edinburgh for the Festival.
Preview: 2nd to 4th August 2.45 pm
Shows: 5th August to 13th August, and 15th August to 29th August at 2.45 pm
Further information from Jeffrey Mayhew 01403 272 904 jeffrey.mayhew@google.com
The Pleasance theatre is a beautiful small theatre inside the University Social centre. Rhiannon Fisher is the younger sister of Megan Fisher (now Godden) who was a keen member of the Caledonian Society when she was at St. Andrew’s. This venture really deserves your support. If successful, two other OBs, the author Julian Garner and the actor/director Guy Masterson have said they would devise a show for the Young Old Blues in 2007. So – give support.
Cooking with Puccini
Jeffrey Mayhew is also starring at the Festival in his own play after opening at Wilton’s Music Hall Cooking with Puccini by Jeffrey Mayhew directed by Guy Masterson (OB)
Venue: Assembly Rooms Edinburgh
Shows: 4th August to 13th August 1.20pm-2.40pm
Shows: 15th August to 28th August 1.20pm-2.40pm
Murder at the Savoy
Also for your delectation and delight, our very own Mary Clare (asst. secretary of the Caledonian Society who has just been elected Secretary of Edinburgh University Savoy Opera Group) is appearing in Murder at the Savoy by Noel Katz.
Venue: St Augustine’s (on George IV Bridge)
Shows: 7th to 13th August and 22nd to 28th August at 9.30 pm
EUSOG is also presenting the opera Gianni Schicchi by Puccini at St Augustine’s (on George IV Bridge) 15th August to 20th August at 9.30 pm
Content below has been archived from oldblues.com
Dates for 2004
- Fri 4 June - Social Event
- Sat 23th Oct - Founder's Day Lunch, Terraces Hotel, Stirling, 12.30 for 1pm
Loch Awe Solo Row 29 to 31 July 2004
One man went to row...
Thursday 29 July
Flew to Glasgow airport and got home mid afternoon with my back up team of Richard Clements: cox and Alex Brown: boatman. Richard coxed my last Scottish row and reads the water very well. Alex is a great planner so no detail will escape him regarding arrangements for the boat, which is a 110-year-old Thames Skiff.
6.30pm
Water looks calm even though it's chucking down with rain. Decide to do a few miles tonight. Once on the water everything feels right (apart from the rain and the midges) so decide to row all the way to Kilchurn Castle at the Eastern tip of the loch. Still raining, gloomy misty and the ruins look eerie in the half-light. Hope to rest at the castle but the midges are too much and so have to leave immediately. Should have brought a shotgun for the midges!
Delighted to have undertaken this patch of the water as the area where the Pass of Brander joins the loch can be treacherous and frequently has very high white horse waves. Arrive at the boathouse of the Ardanaiseig Hotel. We dripping three pop into the hotel to thank the Manager who looks concerned for his carpet! Go home for supper and bed
Friday 30 July
Early start back to the hotel and row back to home, some 5 miles. Collect supplies. Aim today is to row to the Western tip of the loch at Ford about 20 miles away.
When rowing you can cover normally about 3 miles per hour but with a head wind this reduces to 1 mph but with a tail wind this increases to 5 mph.
Hands are now blistered from last night's rowing which is to be expected. You usually get about 8 major blisters and these will pop and in the evenings to harden them up you liberally pour surgical spirit over them. 10 seconds of sheer agony but tends to harden them a little. Problem is that when you have a break during the row in the day you then have to push the hands back onto the blades which hurts like mad. If the blisters have burst by then its even worse with the raw skin. The gradually you forget about the pain and just keep rowing.
The weather is hot but cloudy with sun not in obvious existence. Am rowing as usual in an all-in-one with bare shoulders. Have sun cream on.
Suddenly there's a crunching noise and the boat has beached on top of rock even though we are 15 feet or more away from the shore. After inspection there appears to be no damage and the boat has an iron band on the hull.
Water is reasonable for much of the first half but develops into a head win wind for the late afternoon. Can't stop for breaks otherwise the boat drifts backwards!
Same pattern as always... 40 minutes rowing and then 5 minutes rest with 20 minutes for lunch.
Having formerly rowed stroke (right) side its always strange when you scull and I have to keep an eye on the bow side blade for the first few hours to keep the timing together.
Tired over the last few miles but nothing seems to hurt except my hands and now my back seems very warm. Too warm in fact.
At Ford, Alex has arranged for the boat to be left there overnight and we return home by road. Earned my cash today.
Once at home I realise I am sunburnt beyond belief around my back and shoulders and blisters are forming.
Saturday 31 July
Overnight didn't sleep much as my back was too painful. Today is a really hot sun-filled day. Ford to home is about 18 miles so slightly less than yesterday but too far on a hot day.
After leaving Ford at 10 am the sun is blazing so Richard steers me over towards the shade on the South side of the loch. It adds distance but the shade will be good. But... we get there and the rocks are too protruding from the water and so we have to move out to avoid them which means being back in the sun. The extra row from one side to the other was therefore a complete waste of time.
Back is now so very hot and the blisters of last night are popping; my back is awash. Unpleasant and painful.
Sweat is pouring from my forehead into my eyes so I stop to clean my contact lenses. I take out my lenses without realising I still have sun cream on my hands. I put my lenses back in and my eyes sting so much and then they swell. So much do they swell that I have to take my lenses out and leave them out. I have to wrap them in plastic and then row without lenses or glasses which are at home. I am blind as a bat without lenses or glasses. I suppose its one thing to row Loch Awe solo but quite another to row it without being able to see anything. Just as well Richard is coxing!
When you row in an eight in crew rowing there is an exercise where you all row with your eyes shut and listen to the blades to get the timing right. Very much like that for the next 2 hours until Alex can reach us with my glasses.
Strong water against me no eyesight, blisters on my hands and popping blisters on my sunburnt back. Why on earth am I doing this? Beam me up Scotty...
I decide to put in a series of strong sessions made up of sets of 10 strong strokes. The boat really shifts through the water and the lost time is recovered.
At Delavich, Alex reaches us with ice and water to treat my eyes as they have now swollen badly. Some normality is restored.
More 10 firm sessions and the rhythm is restored. Boat is moving well through the water.
The last 7 miles thankfully have the wind with me so it turns into Hawaii 5 0 !
Great crowd of 20 people to meet me at Sithe Mor with banners, balloons and the champagne. Great reception to row home to.
All done. Over £9k pledged. Amazingly at 49y the body is in great shape. Sound in wind and limb no muscle aches at all. Just the sunburnt back and the blisters, which will heal.
No I won't do another solo row... but there again I said that last time.
John Cugley
August 2004