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'The Common Room') on the ground floor of the Gym Block. Dickie was an Irishman with an accent to match. He had a wonderful sense of humour which he needed to handle a class of 44. When we went on "nature rambles" along Allan Water-side, he would regale us with tales about the wiles of the salmon and the trout and of water-bailies and poachers.
Among those who tried to teach us Music were Messrs. Randall, Parkin and Browne. Mr. Parkin taught us the words and music of the National Anthems of the Allies during the Great War. Mr. Browne was the first to attempt to stage such shows as "Snow-White" and "The Pirates of Penzance."
In "The Pirates," Mrs. Browne was Mabel to Mr. Hawkins's Frederick. All those Staff and Boys who had parts in this comic opera will remember Mrs. Browne with affection. We were all desolated when, shortly afterwards, she died. We attended her funeral when she was buried in the cemetery of the Church at what was once known as The Crossroads.
When I joined, the Headmaster was Captain R. Reid, IAS (Inspector, Army Schools). He was followed by Captain A. F. Barnes, Mus Doc, MA(Oxon). Archie Barnes had a remarkable fund of cricketing stories and had been a close friend of the great Gilbert Jessop of Gloucestershire. It seemed to us that with Archie academic achievement counted less than the ability to play a straight bat He introduced the short-lived QVS Leaving Certificate. I was not long enough at the School to come into contact with Archie's successor. It was not until 1946, in the Middle East, that our paths eventually crossed.
In the above, I have tried, however poorly, to pay my tribute to those Army Schoolmasters and AEC instructors who by their example and guidance started us off on the proper foot. In my opinion, they exerted a more profound influence upon us than did the "military Staff." The latter were closer to us and did much to make soldiers of us, instilling a sense of discipline which stood us in good stead when we followed our Fathers into the Regiment. While recognising the valuable contribution made by the non-academic Staff, I dare to suggest that it was in the class-room, not on the barrack-square, that we learned best what was coming along for us.
THE FIRST HUNDRED
Very little news has been received regarding members of the First Hundred over the past year. This situation is to be expected, as their numbers have now been reduced to 22, and many of them are well into their seventies, and some not enjoying very good health, and putting pen to paper does not become an easy task. Bert Harrison, who was our chief source of information, has been ill for some time, we hope he will soon find his feet again.
London Branch has informed us, that John
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Mcllroy (5) again intends to visit the School next year, whilst on holiday from New Zealand.
OLD VICTORIAN ASSOCIATION
EDINBURGH BRANCH
Chairman: S. T. Garner
Secretary: A. G. Bulloch
ANNUAL REPORT TO MARCH 1974
Here once more from the Edinburgh Branch our Annual Report.
Last year was a most disheartening year for us. Still a dwindling group of old stagers trying to keep the flag flying. Monthly meetings sparsely attended and indeed at our A.G.M. in October, not enough members to conduct normal business. Our Annual Reunion Dinner and Dance on Friday, 2nd November, had to be cancelled owing to lack of support. This after six successful Annual occasions.
We decided to try again. A memo was drafted and sent out to some sixty of our members. This gave the history of the branch over the last seven years when it was resuscitated after the presentation by Her Majesty to the School of their new colours, in 1967. Many successful functions have been held, frequent social evenings, prize draws, a skittles evening and of course, our Annual Reunion Dinner and Dance. Attention was also drawn to the fact that the Branch has fulfilled all the objects set out in its constitution, in itself no mean feat, viz.:
(a) Promote esprit de corps amongst members;
(b) foster comradeship amongst Old Boys of QVS;
(c) render aid to members' widows and orphans who are in difficulties or needy circumstances;
(d) provide opportunities for members to keep in touch through organised activities;
(e) foster the wellbeing of members. It was decided to call an Extraordinary General Meeting on 12th December. This was attended by a fair representation, some twelve members being present. Chairman S. T. Garner and Secretary A. G. Bulloch agreed to continue as office bearers. It was decided instead of our usual meetings last Tuesday of each month, that our meeting should now be a
social occasion at least once every two months, any business arising could be dealt with during the evening. We agreed that more suitable premises should try to be found. Although our friends in the Trades Club, Picardy Place, had been most hospitable, we felt the premises were too large and expensive for us.
Arising from previous paragraph, Messrs. G. Wilson and A. Bulloch met Mr. Slater of the Victoria Social Club (similar names?) He was most hospitable and to cut a long story short, has agreed to give us facilities for meetings and social evenings. First social evening on 14th February. Reporting up
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