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year XVs who were never beaten, and the third year sevens team who lost not a point in winning the Central Region 7s Competition; Haig took part in 9 public debates and speech making contests and made 11 theatre visits; the Highland Dancing Demonstration Team won overwhelming applause and plaudits at the Usher Hall; the CCF Royal Naval Section was seen on parade for the first time in 75 years; and once again the School did its all to raise money for Erskine Hospital and Christian Aid. It has been a hard working session and one we will all find especially memorable as we join with past pupils, and old friends in celebrating, on this its 75th year, the School's past and future role.
Colonel J. D. L BOYLE
OBE, MC, TD, DL
Colonel David Boyle died suddenly on 6th February 1983. In recent years he was identified with Erskine Hospital as, many years before, his name was a byword amongst prisoners of war in the Far East. He will be much missed by his many friends. He had been a Commissioner of Queen Victoria School since 1962.
Old Victorians
THE OLD VICTORIANS ASSOCIATION
Originally the name of the Association was termed the OLD BOY'S ASSOCIATION, and was officially formed on 1st March 1925. It is believed that Edinburgh, Glasgow and London Branches had some form of club running prior to this date. OVs in these areas had met socially on several occasions at each others homes in turn, as the numbers grew. then it was decided that their Branches should be formed. It would be impossible to list the names of all people involved owing to lack of space, but the few names mentioned will possibly stir memories. Much of the news of Branches has already been published in the Victorian magazines over the years, though perhaps a short history of the Branches may appeal to some of the readers.
Glasgow Branch - held their first meeting at the Scout Hall, Great Western Road with the assistance of Captain Young of the Scout Movement. Quite a number attended, Willie Auld was elected Chairman and Eddie Quinn, the Secretary. Later Branch meetings were held at the Argyll Club and then at the Camerons Club in Elmbank Crescent, the secretary then being J. Black. The Branch was the strongest in the Association with a great number of members, their functions and outings were many, and they were ably supported by the wives, friends and relations of members, and on Grand Days as many as five bus loads of people arrive for the annual event. Like other branches during the
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1930s, they suffered their ups and downs, some people emigrated, others moved to obtain employment elsewhere. Then with the 1939/45 War further upheavals took place, and gradually this Branch came to a full stop. Efforts were made on about three occasions to revive the fortunes of the Branch by Joe McLeod, R. Stewart, Jackie Quinn, Bob Chessar. The Branch has been a great source of information about personnel and Old Victorians in the area. Two founder members, Joe McLeod and Bobby Stewart, were stalwarts who had been with the Branch from its initiation until its demise, and to those who had served on the Committees, we owe a debt of gratitude. Is it too late to ask the Younger Victorians to come forward and carry on the good work? Let Glasgow Flourish! Presentations were made to the School of a Pipe Banner of blue silk with a silver fringe. On one side it has the School Crest with the words Old Victorians, and on the other side the arms of the City of Glasgow. The Banner was handed over by J. McLeod with Baillie McDougall of Glasgow in attendance. Later the Branch presented a silver mounted cane for the RSM and a modern Bible for the Chapel.
Edinburgh Branch - For a long time Jim Kelt, Peter Taylor, G. Munro, Jock Malloy, Alistair Bulloch and S. Garner were the main people in keeping the Branch ticking over. They normally held their meeting at the Trades Hall in Albany Street. The Branch had a fair share of the First Hundred, veterans of the 1914/18 and 1939/45 Wars, and departures of those emigrating to other countries, and their numbers became drastically reduced by others seeking employment elsewhere. Now the Branch consists of all OAPs, awaiting help from the younger OVs residing in the city, and there is quite a large number of them.
London Branch - For a very long time this was a most successful Branch, holding functions which were well attended by distinguished guests and members. It was also a visiting place for those from the North when passing through London, and old acquaintances could meet. Donald McQueen, Jimmy Grassick, J. Archer, Ron and George Taylor were some of the stalwarts of the Branch. During the life of the Branch they had presented a Silver Bugle to Commemorate the Golden Jubilee of the School. The names of the champion drummers who have held it are engraved, which provides a record of the outstanding drummers of the School. Later Bert Harrison (First Hundred) presented a very fine silver cup which is awarded to the best section of the School Cadet Force. Further gifts by members of the Branch were made by Capt. Shaw, two fine silver cups for Athletics and Badminton, and by Frank Hetherington of a shield for Wavell House Football Competitions.
Canada Branch - We are glad to report that they are still going strong, but will be pleased to read of their activities in the Victorian magazine.
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