ISSUE 46 - George Watson's College
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
ISSUE 46
CONTENTS
Welcome
President’s Welcome
Caritas Lecture
The Making of Us
1
2
3
4
W
Watsonian Sections & Branches 6
News – Remembering 10
Calendar of Events 12
A Year of Achievements for Watsonians Rugby 16
George Watson’s Ladies’ College 150th Anniversary 18
Watsonian Musicians Headline in NYC 20
Greetings from Venice 22
Obituary: Willie Morton 24
Cricketing Sisters Just Keep Getting Better 26
Watsonians in the News 28
COVER:
Whisky Kiss
Watsonian-led band, Whisky Kiss, share
their story about how the support and
opportunities they received at Watson’s
has taken them across the world. Read
their story on pages 20-21.
Privacy Policy: In line with General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), which came into force in
May 2018, you can view our Privacy Policy by visiting www.watsonians.org/privacypolicy. You can
change your communication preferences at any time by contacting the Development Office.
1
Welcome Welcome to the new look 46th
edition of Caritas, which is packed
full of feature stories, Watsonian
achievements and, of course, a look
back at our calendar of events and
reunions (see pages 12-15). A highlight,
every year, for me is welcoming so
have been upgraded; the Junior School
playground now boasts an impressive
collection of climbing frames, reading
nooks and outdoor classrooms; and
the Senior School Dining Hall has also
been modernised.
many former pupils and staff back to And, works to improve the campus
campus for their reunions and this year continue, with the extension to the
was no exception. I also travelled to Lower Primary due for completion in
London, in March, to attend the London early 2020.
Club’s annual dinner. It was a real
pleasure to, at last, be able to put so For those of you who attended George
many familiar names to faces. Watson’s Ladies’ College, we have
a committee of volunteers already
For the first time, we have included working hard on exciting plans for a year
highlights from our Watsonian Sections of celebrations in 2021, to mark
(see page 6) in the magazine. If you are the 150th anniversary since GWLC
interested in reading the full Section opened its doors. Watch this space
reports, these can be viewed on the for more information.
Watsonian Club webpages. The Sections
are always looking for new members, If you have a story or article you
so do get in touch if you are interested would like to include in Caritas,
in finding out more. please do get in touch with me via
watsonians@gwc.org.uk
If you have not been back on campus
since the summer, big changes have Morven Skirving (née Kerr, Class of 1990)
been taking place. The new Junior Editor
School John Martin building is now Alumni Relations Officer
open; the Blair and Morrison Libraries
Watsonian Council Watsonian Club Incorporation
Watsonian President Johnny Bacigalupo In 2019, the Watsonian Club was formally incorporated
Vice President Gillian Sandilands as a Company Limited by Guarantee to make it a
Principal Melvyn Roffe legal entity separate from the School and with the
Director of Development Karen Goodman Watsonian Council (including the Principal) as Directors.
Elected member Tim Bunker The Development Office is now supporting sections
Elected member Ben Di Rollo and branches who also want to have the benefits of
Elected member David Ferguson incorporation. The operation of the Myreside Pavilion is
Elected member Fiona Hourston now subject to a Service Level Agreement between the
Secretary Morven Skirving School, the Watsonian Club and Heart of Midlothian plc
Pupil Members Caitlin Ferguson with all profits being reinvested to improve the fabric
Daniel Brown and facilities in the building.
George Watson’s College, Colinton Road, Edinburgh EH10 5EG
Tel: 0131 446 6008 | email: caritas@gwc.org.uk | www.watsonians.org
George Watson’s College is administered by the Edinburgh Merchant Company Education Board, a charity registered in Scotland SC009747
12
President’s
Welcome
After two years as Vice
President, I was delighted to
take over from Rob Heatly
as President in February this
year and I wanted to share
with you some of my Club
highlights from the past year.
It has been a busy year, with the School and Watsonian bringing together 170 guests, who enjoyed a superb
branches organising over 30 events, from the Border dinner and live music from the Auld Town Joy Makers.
Club Dinner at Myreside - where guest speaker Mark We were also very fortunate to hear from Sandy Slater
Beaumont gave a lively and inspirational speech about (Class of 1995), who travelled from Washington DC to be
what motivates him to push his body to its limits; to our guest speaker.
the Australia (Sydney) Club - who held a traditional
Burns Supper at The Occidental Hotel. You can read This is your Club and I would encourage you to find out
more about the wide ranging calendar of events on about and join an activity that is happening in your area.
pages 12-15. If you live in Edinburgh, then you might want to consider
joining one of the Club Sections. We are always open to
For me personally, the past year provided an considering launching new Sections, so if you have any
opportunity to meet Club members at the Yorkshire suggestions for new sport, creative arts or other interest
Watsonian Club, the Highland and Moray Club groups, then we would be delighted to hear from you.
and to attend the Rifle Club Awards Dinner. Also, during
a personal holiday to China and Macau my partner, Rob, We have another busy year ahead and I hope to have
and I were delighted to catch-up with Hong Kong based the opportunity to meet many more of you over the
members during the Hong Kong Sevens tournament. coming months.
These events were fun, but perhaps the highlight for me Best wishes
was the 2019 Watsonian President’s Dinner. We dared Johnny Bacigalupo, President of the Watsonian Club
to be different, changing both the format and venue (Class of 1995)
for this year’s event. It turned out to be a huge success,
Watsonian Benevolent Fund
Established in 1917, the Fund continues to Further details about the Watsonian Benevolent
provide help to Watsonians through one-off Fund, including how to apply for funding, or seek
and monthly financial allowances, and grants advice, can be found at www.watsonians.org/
to purchase equipment. fundingforwatsonians or by emailing
caritas@gwc.org.uk
2
Caritas Lecture
Sir Anthony Seldon is one of the country’s leading with intriguing details to illustrate the character
contemporary historians with an enviable record of and approach of individual Prime Ministers.
producing popular and insightful work on political
themes, most notably his intimate biographies of In conclusion, Sir Anthony compared the historical
each British Prime Minister since Tony Blair. His impact of British Prime Ministers since the war with
October visit to Watson’s to give the 2019 Caritas their international counterparts. In his view, only Atlee
Lecture on the subject of 300 Years of British Prime and Thatcher could stand alongside Truman, Kennedy,
Ministers was extremely timely for two reasons. Adeneur, Kohl, De Gualle, Reagan or Merkel. It was
Firstly, his biography of Teresa May was due for a sobering counterbalance to the inevitable British
publication the next week and had already begun focus of the rest of the lecture. In answering questions,
a serialisation in The Times and secondly, as he Sir Anthony struggled to sound optimistic about the
stood up to speak, Parliament had just voted to future, regretting the lack of preparedness of those
hold a General Election and there was thus at least who have recently entered Number 10 as Prime
a possibility that Sir Anthony’s skills would soon Minister. Brexit was, he felt, inevitable - perhaps even
be required to chronicle the time in office of yet necessary - but he held out few hopes that it could be
another departing PM. anything like a success. The men who took Britain into
the EEC knew what they were doing, he said. Even if
As was pointed out in the introduction to the you do not agree that the remarkable economic
lecture, as well as an historian, Sir Anthony is an and social progress of the UK since 1973
educationalist, whose twenty year tenure of the had been as a result of membership of what is now
headships of two of England’s great independent the EU, you could not rationally argue that it had
schools saw him undertake visionary and held the country back, he claimed.
groundbreaking work promoting good practice to
support mental health in schools, well before the Speaking without notes, Sir Anthony demonstrated
extent of the current “mental health emergency” an astonishing command of theme, content and detail
had become apparent. Sir Anthony retains the in his lecture. He has advised senior politicians who
history teacher’s love of a great anecdote and cannot but have been as impressed by him as was the
although his magisterial sweep through 300 years Caritas Lecture audience. A pity that they have not
of history focused on the way in which the office of also paid more heed to his words.
Prime Minister had changed to meet the changing
role of Britain through that time, it was peppered Melvyn Roffe, Principal
3
The Making
of Us
I remember the day my parents told We came to an agreement, I had to
me I was going to be a boarder at give it a year and if I still wanted to go
George Watson’s College. It broke to school at home, I could. I think it
my heart that I wouldn’t be going only took about two weeks for me to
to secondary school with all of my love being in the “Bug Hut” - as it was
friends from Springholm Primary in affectionately known. I truly believe
Dumfries & Galloway. my years boarding at Watson’s made
me the person I am today.
4
I forged life-long friendships with boarders and day In 2016 Brigston & Co was born. We had observed
pupils. One of those friendships developed into a movement from fast food to gourmet street food.
something rather more, as I met my husband to be, People were seeking something different with quality
Euan McGregor (Class of 1990), in First Year. We dated, and provenance. We wanted to give the gourmet burger
on and off, throughout school and remained firm a run for its money so we developed our own brand,
friends during our twenties, getting married in 2006. handmade, craft smoked artisan hot dog. The hot
dogs are made from Scottish Farm Assured beef flank
We loved Watson’s and were both very keen on sports. and pork shoulder, our secret recipe of ten herbs and
We have such fond memories of our time at school spices and are gently smoked with beechwood for an
and remember being very emotional on our last day, exceptional flavour. We top these with our homemade
when we had our Champagne breakfast just over the relishes and condiments.
Tipperlinn wall in Andy Dent’s garden!
We started taking our food truck to local festivals and
I went on to Leeds Beckett University to do a Degree in agricultural shows and were overwhelmed with the
Business and PR while Euan went travelling in Africa positive response to the product and the concept, and
before joining the army. He still has the Valentine’s card we started selling our product wholesale 18 months
I sent him to Kinshasa Post Restante in 1991. ago. We now have four distributors in Scotland and
have recently received a Great Taste Award.
After graduating, Anne McGinty (Class of 1990 and a
fellow Bug Hut resident) and I travelled around the You can try a Brigston Hot Dog at any of Dougal Sharp’s
world for a year and had an incredible experience. On (Class of 1990) Innis & Gunn Brewery Taprooms. In
our return I planned to get a job in PR. However, while I fact Dougal and numerous other entrepreneurial
was living at home and job hunting, a lease on a small Watsonians, David Hinks, Scott Howard and Audrey
café space in Dumfries caught my eye. Having been Cassels (née Mills), all Class of 1990, have given us
brought up in the hotel business, I always said I would invaluable advice and support.
steer away from it. However, it must be in my blood,
before I knew it I had signed the lease and talked my This summer we started sales online and next year
dad into lending me £4k to start my business. we hope to move into retail and also launch our own
recipe vegan hot dog. In the future we would like to
I ran the café, then later a restaurant and outside bottle our homemade condiments to complement
catering business, with a partner for over eighteen our hot dog products.
years. You have to love what you are doing to be in the
restaurant trade. The hours are gruelling and extremely I now work full time at Brigston & Co and still have a
unsociable but I loved every minute, until laterally. small café in Dumfries. Euan loves the Fire & Rescue
In 2013 I was diagnosed with breast cancer, all fine now Service but doesn’t get much time off, as he’s also very
thankfully, but once I had completed my treatment I involved in Brigston & Co. We work incredibly well
decided I needed a change. Euan had completed three together, it took a period of adjustment but now we
tours in Afghanistan and spent long periods of time know each other’s strengths and weaknesses, and
abroad with his security job and we realised life was make a great team.
passing us by and we were spending very little time
together. Euan chose to join the Scottish Fire & Rescue Watson’s really was the making of us. Without it
Service so he could work in Scotland and I decided to we would never have met, or been the confident,
tell my business partner I needed a change. ambitious people we are today.
After seeing how well standard hot dogs were selling Claire Drysdale (Class of 1990)
at a Christmas event we catered for, we had a hair-
brained idea to start an artisan hot dog food truck.
5
WATSONIAN
Sections Branches
The Watsonian Club
All former pupils, current and former staff and current parents automatically become members of the Watsonian
Club. The main purpose of the Club is to promote and maintain relationships at home and abroad, strengthening
friendships, and to promote the Club’s recognised Sections and Branches and encourage participation in sports
and other activities. We would encourage all Watsonians to participate in Club activities.
Angling Club
For further information contact John Buchanan.
E: john@john-buchanan.com
Community Choir
May saw the Watsonian Community Choir playing their second concert of the year at
Greenbank Church. The Watsonian Choir – our first non-sport section – has continued to
flourish since its first concert a year earlier. Now boasting over 100 members, the Choir has a
waiting list for sopranos and altos! Members performed in two concerts during the year, raising
over £2,000 for the George Watson’s Family Foundation, YACHT at Greenbank Parish Church
and Macmillan Cancer. A wide variety of music has been performed over the year from pop and
jazz, to classical. Several 1st performances have been given too, most notably the premiere
of O Come Little Children, composed by Jemma Clarke (Class of 2019). Other highlights have
included Kosma’s Autumn Leaves, Handel’s Zadok the Priest, an arrangement of the Muppet’s
favourite Mnah-Mnah and our Star Wars medley for “Star Wars Day” (May the 4th). The Choir’s
next concert is on December 7th at Polwarth Parish Church.
For more information you can contact the Watsonian Community Choir via
E: watsonianchoir@gmail.com Twitter @watsonianchoir
Cricket Club
The 2019 season was very much a period of transition for the Club. Mike Carson took over as
captain and skipper of the 1st XI and the Club engaged the South African A player, Malusi Siboto,
or Lolly for short, as Club professional. Frustratingly, the season was badly hit by inclement
weather, with five games abandoned and others rain affected. However, they were able to blood
some schoolboys in Fraser Kinloch and Gregour Carr, which augurs well for the team’s future.
The junior section continues to thrive with over 125 boys and girls attending summer and winter
programmes, with many of the boys also playing for senior sides at the weekend. The women’s
section is struggling for numbers, but still managed to compete in the Scottish Premiership and
had a successful campaign in the winter 6-a-side indoor competition, The Wee Bash. Promoting
the women’s section remains a priority for the Club.
For more information contact John Reid.
E: john.reid1@btinternet.com www.watsoniancricket.com
6
Curling Club
The highlight on the ice this year was winning the FP League and thereby the Lauchlan
MacLean Broom in a closely-fought contests against Heriot’s and Stewart’s Melville.
Off the ice, members celebrated the year’s successes at their Annual Dinner and Prizegiving,
in April, at the Merchants of Edinburgh Golf Club. New members are always welcome.
For more information contact the Secretary Dan Lean. E: danjlean@yahoo.co.uk
Football Club
The 1st XV finished 5th in the Tennent’s Premiership and were defeated in the quarter-finals
of the Scottish Cup by Melrose. It could be argued that the highlight of the season came from
the Ladies XV. After another successful league season, the Ladies reached the Sarah Beaney
Cup Final for the second year in a row, but this time came out on top, beating Hillhead/
Jordanhill 21-17.
Ahead of the 2019/20 season, the Club were successful in gaining a Super6 franchise, in
partnership with Scottish Rugby. The Club now look forward, with interest, to what will
be the biggest transitional season in Scottish rugby since the introduction of the leagues
in 1973/74. As well as adult teams, thanks to parents and coaches, the Club runs a successful
Mini/Midi section. The season was rounded off with the Club Dinner, held at Tynecastle
Stadium, where guests were thoroughly entertained by former England hooker Brian Moore
and Midlothian funny man Eric Davidson. The list of the players of the season and full
report is available on www.gwc.org.uk/our-worldwide-family/the-watsonian-club/
watsonian-clubs-annual-reports
For more information contact Iain Leslie. E: iain@leslieandco.co.uk
watsoniansrugby.com
Golf Club
A highlight for the Club this season was winning the Cyril Gray tournament (the senior
version of the Halford Hewitt at Worplesdon) for the fourth time. The Annual Dinner at
Myreside was attended by over 140 guests and saw Scottish Internationalist and renowned
rugby commentator Ian Robertson (Class of 1962) toast the Club’s success.
For more information contact Gordon Forbes. E: secretary@watsoniangolfclub.com
watsoniangolfclub.com
Cyril Gray Winners (L-R): Graeme Johnston, Brian Tait, Michael Butler, Brian Bingham, Patrick Tomisson, Gavin Hastings
7
Ladies’ Golf Club
With over 40 members, this is a thriving and successful Section,
with the ladies seeing success against Mary Erskine Ladies; as well
as retaining the Gilbert Archer Trophy, a match played against the
men. As well as golf outings, this year, to Aberdour, Gogarburn,
Liberton and Kilspindie, the Club held a number of social events.
For more information contact Club Captain Chris Bentley
E: chrisbentley963@hotmail.com North
California
WORLDWIDE CONTACTS
Hockey Club
For further information contact Peter Gillespie.
E: p_gillespie@icloud.com T: 07740 555 163
watsonianshockeyclub.com
Rifle Club
It has been a successful year for the Club, with the School A
Team currently Scottish Junior Indoor Champions, Scottish
Junior Outdoor Champions and British Outdoor Champions.
Club members have also been selected for local, national and GB
squads. Several Club members have also started Air Rifle training
and competed in the Scottish Championships.
For further information contact Ian Thomson
E: ciht@hotmail.co.uk
Swimming Club
The Swimming Club is perfect for those looking for a balance of
swimming and social events. As well as having access to dedicated
lanes in the Centre for Sport on Mondays and Wednesdays,
members are automatically swimming members of the Galleon
Club. Relaxing out of the pool, members enjoy social events, which
this year included a golf outing, dinners, and wine and whisky
tastings. Both swimming and non-swimming members also meet
weekly, on a Wednesday evening, in the bar at Myreside. New
members are always welcome.
For more information contact Club Secretary, Alan Masson
E: alanjmasson@virginmedia.com
watsonianswimmingclub.co.uk
Squash Club
For further information contact Richard McIntosh
E: info@watsoniansquash.co.uk T: 0131 444 2365
watsoniansquash.co.uk
If you would like to view the Watsonian Club Branch and Section full reports go to:
www.gwc.org.uk/our-worldwide-family/the-watsonian-club/watsonian-clubs/
watsonian-clubs-annual-reports
8UK Germany
Belgium
Toronto France
North
California East Coast
Dubai Hong Kong
Singapore
South Africa
Sydney
Victoria
New Zealand
Overseas
Australia (Sydney): Pat Stevenson E: trish@stevensons.com.au
T: 04 1204 1777 FB: SydneyWatsonians
Australia (Victoria): Donald MacLaren E: maclaren1942@gmail.com
Highland T: 04 5266 0109
& Moray Belgium (Brussels): Andrew Brown E: andrew.brown@skynet.be
Canada (Toronto): Robert Chassels E: facebob@mybest.net
T: 001 905 272 2222
Dubai: Iain Munro E: iainalexandermunro@gmail.com
Perth France (Paris): Patrick Bartholomew E: caritas@gwc.org.uk
Germany: Markus Schroeder E: macschroeder@web.de
Hong Kong: Mario Maciocia E: mmaciocia@aol.com
New Zealand: Douglas Bridges E: d.bridges@math.canterbury.ac.nz
Border T: 0064 3351 5058
South Africa: Douglas Scott E: douglas.graham.scott@gmail.com
South East Asia (Singapore): Stephen Wise E: sdwise99@gmail.com
Yorkshire USA (East Coast): Robin Macdonald E: robin@optonline.net
USA (North California 1): Jake Mackenzie E: blumacjazz@aol.com
Lancashire USA (North California 2): Brian Williamson E: brian@triadcon.com
UK Contacts
Highland and Moray: Richard Cavaye E: r.cavaye@btinternet.com
Lancashire: Nigel Kirkness E: nigelkirkness@yahoo.com
T: 01606 558 038
London Border: Woody Morris E: woodymorris3@gmail.com
London: Alan Mackie E: alanbmackie@btinternet.com
Perth Women: Elizabeth Aitken E: aitkeneliza@aol.com
Yorkshire: Jill Mitchell E: jilliantomory@hotmail.co.uk
9NEWS Remembering
Watson’s has always taken Remembrance very seriously. This autumn we look back over eighty years ago to
the beginning of the Second World War and memories of the School during wartime. But Douglas Stewart’s
(Class of 1944) thoughts turned to the lingering effects of the First World War too. The war that was to end
all wars, just over twenty years earlier.
Life for Douglas during the early around them, let alone the Douglas was an enthusiastic Cadet,
years of the war was a time of great previous one. learning map-reading, fieldcraft
interest and he, like many others, and drill. An American serviceman
had a map of Europe pinned on his It is only with hindsight that who stayed with the Stewart family
bedroom wall, on which to chart Douglas has thought of the masters was amazed at the speed at which
the movements of the Axis and who, week by week would be young Douglas could strip down
Allied armies. With many fathers hearing of the deaths of former a Tommy gun. ATC camps in the
and older brothers away fighting, pupils. The war was, however, summer were a good chance to
the masters at Watson’s became to affect Douglas and his friends bond with boys from the other
important paternal figures. For more directly. The school day Edinburgh schools. However, after
Douglas and his friends, the Classics altered radically when the girls lights out, inter-school “wars”
Master, John Penman, had the from GWLC moved from George broke out as raids on “enemy” tents
most lasting influence. “He formed Square to Colinton Road in October involved letting them down on the
my ability to think and was very 1939. A shift system was adopted unsuspecting occupants!
well suited to the role of teacher.” so that the girls and boys rarely
Above all, in a time when corporal saw one another and “you would Douglas, like many Watson’s
punishment was commonplace, have your head bitten off if you pupils, undertook farm work,
John Penman did not use the strap. talked to them,” recalls Douglas. helping to bring in the harvest.
Douglas reflects that a number of The 1944 School Dance proved “Our billet was the upper floor of
his teachers would have fought how effective this segregation policy a barn. We were so tired that we
during the previous war and that was.“I was talking to my friend, just let the rats scamper over us in
may well have affected the way they under the balcony in the School our sleeping bags.”
behaved. However, no one spoke of Assembly Hall. It was a Lady’s
their experiences and the boys were Choice. A girl came up to ask me Assemblies or “Prayers” at School
not particularly aware of the effects for a dance. I had no idea what she were not often memorable;
of the current war on people all was on about.” however, Douglas does remember
10Douglas Stewart (1944, aged 17)
the then Headmaster, George Robertson,
reading out the Roll of Honour up to
that point.
“It was over one hundred names.”
(eventually 202 Watsonians’ names would
be added to the School War Memorial at
the end of World War II). “That was the
worst day.” Years later, as President of the
Watsonian Club, Douglas would lay a wreath
at that Memorial. “As I laid it, I noticed that
it was directly under my uncle’s name,
Robert Graham Stewart, who had died as a
result of being gassed in the First World War.
I had to collect myself.”
Catherine Stratford
George Watson’s College
If you or a member of your family have
memories of WW2, our pupils would be
delighted to hear from you, to help us
capture print and digital stories for the
school archive.
11Calendar of Events
2019
FEBRUARY Occidental Hotel. Closer to home,
on 7 February, the Watsonian
of 1990). Tracy, Director of CBI
Scotland, shared her insights on
The Australia (Sydney) Club Burns
Council Open Meeting and Past trade, government relations and
Supper took place on 2 February.
Presidents’ Drinks were held at the role of education in building
The Club held its first meeting
Myreside and the following day cross sector relationships. Her
in the early 1900s and continues
pupils, staff and guests celebrated honest and eye-opening talk was
to thrive, with thirty-six guests
Founder’s Day. This year’s guest both inspirational, considered and
attending the dinner at The
speaker was Tracy Black (Class thought provoking.
MARCH and author, David Wolstencroft
(Class of 1987) joined us as our
by President, John Robertson
(Class of 2006). David spoke about
The London Watsonian Club’s
principal guest, along with the his memories of Watson’s and the
109th Annual Dinner took place
school Principal, Melvyn Roffe, his influences, including teachers, that
on Friday 1 March at the Royal
wife Catherine, and the School inspired him to write some of his
Thames Yacht Club, Knightsbridge.
Captains. A wonderful dinner was famous scripts, including Spooks,
This year we were delighted that
enjoyed by 70 attendees, hosted Versailles and The Escape Artist.
BAFTA-winning screenwriter
APRIL who included a stopover in
Hong Kong as part of a personal
Roffe and, his wife, Catherine
Stratford at the reinstallation of
April was a busy month for the
Club President and Principal. holiday to China and Macau. The the Watson’s Cross at the Scots
event, held at the Hong Kong Kirk in Paris. The cross, originally
In April, the Hong Kong Club held Football Club, was also attended gifted by the Class of 1963 boys,
their annual Dinner, where they by Scott Hastings (Class of 1982). had lain long forgotten for over
welcomed Johnny Bacigalupo two decades in the church cellars.
(Class of 1995), Watsonian Club In early April, Belgium and France
President and his partner, Rob, jointly hosted Principal, Melvyn
Hong Kong Club Dinner
12This year, the School, class mates and Watsonian branches and sections have
organised over 30 events, including formal dinners, lunches, lectures, reunions
and much, much more.
Featured here are some highlights from events held between February – October 2019.
MAY Ladies coming together to mark their
collective 70th birthday.
JUNE
May was a popular month for reunion Always a busy month on
groups, with the Class of 1974 (Ladies) Nineteen former 1964 boys celebrated campus, with Charities
celebrating their 45th Anniversary; their 55th Anniversary. Their weekend Day, end of year shows,
the Class of 1964 (Men) organising reunion saw them, amongst other the Staff Dinner and, of
a Reunion Weekend to celebrate activities, visiting Myreside, touring course, celebrations to
their 55th Anniversary; and the the school and catching up with the mark the end of the School
Class of 1969 (Ladies) also holding a Principal. Four original members of year, especially for those
Reunion Weekend to celebrate their the 1964 prize-winning rowing team graduating and heading off
50th Anniversary. May also saw 32 even found time to take to the water! to college and university,
classmates from the Class of 1967 All agreed to meet in 2024! travelling and embarking
on their career paths.
The Senior School Show,
Chicago, provided an
opportunity for us
to welcome guests from
local community groups
and Watsonians back
to campus to enjoy an
outstanding performance
of this high energy musical.
Class of 1967 Ladies
The Yorkshire Club welcomed President, Johnny Bacigalupo (Class of 1995), to
their annual get together. Johnny gave an update on recent school successes
and future plans. Fifteen guests enjoyed a convivial, sunny afternoon at the
Wentbridge House Hotel.
Sally Rae, School Matron, travelled
up to Perth to attend the Perth Women
Watsonian’s Coffee Morning. Sally
shared her experiences of travelling
to Malawi with pupils to support a
range of projects. The ladies made a
beautiful array of pillowcase dresses
for Sally to take to Malawi and are
now helping with knitted hats for
new born babies.
13JULY and catch up at the Braid Hills
Hotel. Several former teachers
years rolled away and the group
had a great time reliving their
The Australia (Victoria) Club
joined the celebrations, as the school days!
held their Annual dinner at the
Australian Club, Melbourne.
The Class of 1984 met up in July.
Rather appropriately, thirty-five
former classmates met for their
35th anniversary reunion. Ably
organised by Ivon Bartholomew,
a great bunch enjoyed a tour of
the school and impromptu lunch,
followed by a lovely dinner
AUGUST
Taking advantage
of the City buzz
during the Edinburgh
Festival, the GWLC
Class of 1972 enjoyed
a night on the tiles!
SEPTEMBER
September was a popular
month with reunions,
Branch and Club events
all taking place.
To mark their 80th birthdays,
22 ladies from the Class of
1957 reminisced over lunch
at Myreside.
On Friday 13 September, the Watsonian Club
President attended the Highland and Moray
Watsonian Club Annual Dinner in Inverness, which
brings together Watsonians from across the North
of Scotland. A great night was had and all were
interested to hear of developments at GWC.
The now traditional annual former staff lunch saw
35 guests gather at Myreside where George Salmond,
Head of the Junior School, gave an update on the
Junior School John Martin Building development.
After lunch, attendees had the opportunity to tour
the new facilities, which includes classrooms,
open learning spaces, an open plan library and
Class of 1984 Reunion,
performance July 2019music studios.
and individual
14SEPTEMBER CONT’D shared stories about his time
at Watson’s and impressive
Auld Town Joy Makers. School
Captains, Lachlan White and
The 2019 Watsonian Dinner
career. His words and wisdom Phoebe Fogarty also spoke, and
hosted by Club President, Johnny
were greatly appreciated by entertained the audience with
Bacigalupo (Class of 1995), took
all. After dinner guests were anecdotes about their time
on a new format this year. Held in
thoroughly entertained with at Watson’s.
the Senior School Assembly Hall
dancing and live jazz from the
for the first time in a number of
years, it was lovely to see so many
new faces joining the Watsonian
regulars for the event. Along
with the formal introductions and
speeches, Nikolai Perry (Class
of 2019) provided a musical
interlude during the drinks
reception, which was kindly
sponsored by Red Door Gin.
The age range of the 170 guests
was the most diverse for years –
ranging from 17 to an impressive
95! Sandy Slater (Class of 1995)
travelled from Washington DC
to be our guest speaker. Sandy
OCTOBER
October continues to be the month that
brings the largest number of Watsonians
back to campus and this year was no
exception, as we welcomed over 250
former pupils from the classes of 2014,
2009, 1999, 1989, 1979, 1969 (Gents) and
1959 (Gents), back for their various reunion
anniversaries. Their visit to campus
coincided with Open Day, as the buildings
were buzzing with well over 2,500 visitors.
Image credit: Edinburgh Life magazine. Further coverage appears in the November/December 2019 issue of Edinburgh Life.
DATES FOR 7 DECEMBER 2019
Watsonian Choir Christmas
7 FEBRUARY 2020
Founder’s Day
YOUR DIARY
Concert, Polwarth Church, 3pm
24 APRIL 2020
14 DECEMBER 2019 London Watsonian Club Dinner,
Australia (Victoria Club) BBQ Royal Thames Yacht Club, 6pm
17 DECEMBER 2019 10 MAY 2020
Festival of Nine Lessons, St Giles’ Yorkshire Watsonian Club lunch
Cathedral, 7.30 pm
20 JUNE 2020
10 JANUARY 2020 Anniversary Reunions for 1950, 1960,
London Watsonian Club Cenotaph 1970, 1980, 1990, 2000 and 2010.
Observance and Lunch
11 SEPTEMBER 2020
1 FEBRUARY 2020 Highland and Moray
Sydney Watsonian Club Watsonian Dinner
Burns Supper
Up to date details of events can be found at www.watsonians.org/events
15A YEAR OF ACHIEVEMENTS
FOR WATSONIANS RUGBY
It has been an exciting year for In other news, November saw the “It is going to be an excellent
George Watson’s College and new Scottish Rugby-run Super6 competition and we look forward
Watsonians rugby, with former semi-pro tournament starting. to bringing Super6 rugby to
pupils and ex-Watsonians players Watsonians will compete with Myreside for our first home
Stuart McInally (Class of 2008) Ayrshire Bulls, Boroughmuir Bears, match with Stirling County on
and Adam Hastings (Class of 2014) Heriot’s, Southern Knights from 24 November.”
named in the Scotland squad for Melrose and Stirling County in a
the Rugby World Cup in Japan. domestic season that will run to Below the Super6 squad,
March. As summer approaches, a Watsonians regularly field two other
To make the maroon feel even cross-border competition against men’s teams, sometimes three, and
stronger, hooker McInally, who was some of the best Welsh club sides a Ladies XV who are amongst the
Head Boy and first XV rugby skipper will take place. best in the country. The Warriors
during his time at the school, on youth section also continues to go
being named Captain, said before This new standalone league, sits from strength-to-strength.
the tournament in Asia: between the Guinness PRO14,
“It’s a really proud moment for where Edinburgh Rugby and There are also a number of former
me, especially after what happened Glasgow play, and the Premiership. pupils performing well for other
at the 2015 World Cup. Former GWC pupils Gregor Nelson rugby clubs which is encouraging
(Class of 2016), Campbell Wilson to see and Ally Miller (Class of 2014)
“Back then I got selected and had (Class of 2017), Lewis Berg (Class of is in the Edinburgh professional
to pull out injured, so it was a real 2016), Andrew Chalmers (Class of set-up.
mixture of emotions. I look back 2010), Jamie Forbes (Class of 2009),
on that 2015 World Cup with some Ali Harris (Class of 2010) and Murray It has also been a successful year for
pretty sore memories of having to Scott (Class of 2016) are included in GWC School rugby, with the under-
watch the game from my sofa, so the Watsonians’ 35-man squad. 16s having won the Scottish Cup last
this time it’s great to know that year and the under-18s having
I’ve made the 31 and to be chosen Forbes, currently a PE teacher at been victorious in 12 of their 15
as Captain is a real confidence the school, and his colleague, Joe matches in 2018/19.
booster for me. Reynolds, are also in the squad
with another colleague, Richard It is clear to see that rugby at
the school and at the Club are
“I’m over the moon.” Snedden, being named Assistant
in rude health.
Coach along with former Scotland
winger, Nikki Walker.
Making it to the showpiece event, Gary Heatly (Class of 2000)
Hastings, the 23-year-old Glasgow Head Coach, Fergus Pringle, said:
Warriors stand-off, followed in “We have a number of players in
the footsteps of dad Gavin (Class there who have been at Watsonians
of 1980) and uncle Scott (Class of a while and know what playing
1982). He was at GWC until he went for this Club means and they
south to Millfield - and before going have been joined by some youth
on to star with Scotland under-20s, and experience from elsewhere –
Bath, the Warriors and now the and the mix in the squad
full national team. looks exciting.
16Adam Hastings visited the Centre for Sport,
in November, to gift his World Cup Scotland
strip to the school.
17George Watson’s
Ladies’ College,
150th Anniversary
2021: A Year of Celebrations
No. 5 George Square The Admiral’s Kitchen
In 2021 the school will be celebrating 150 years since the Over the past few years there has been a big increase in
opening of George Watson’s Ladies’ College. To mark the number of GWLC reunions, a highlight of which has
this significant milestone the Development Office and been a tour of George Square. One of our plans for 2021
a group of former pupils are planning and laying the is to arrange an open day and exhibition of memorabilia
foundations for a series of events throughout 2021, to at George Square, to which all former pupils of GWLC
celebrate and remember the history and experiences of will be invited.
the GWLC girls.
In the run up to 2021 we would be very grateful if
It may seem a long way off, but in advance of the former pupils of GWLC could send copies of school
celebrations we would like to encourage former pupils photos, ideally with names included, and other
of GWLC to reconnect and engage with the Development memorabilia to the Development Office, to help
Office, so that we can make 2021 a year to remember. us ensure that the GWLC history is appropriately
Former Head Girls and reunion organisers have already represented in the school archive.
been contacted to get the ball rolling.
18The threads that bind us together
In 1919, to mark the 50th anniversary since the opening Ailie Cowe, Bessie Cowe, C Craig, Ada Crawford,
of GWLC, the Art Department undertook a major project Mary Crawford, Dorothy Cromb, Muriel Davie, Evelyn
to produce a school banner. The banner was made up Davidson, Florence Davidson, Eleanor Davies, Nancy
of embroidered silk panels mounted on linen. It was Denholm, Poppy Dickson, T Fairgrieve, A Falconer,
designed and embroidered by present pupils, former Nancy Fleming, J Fry, B Geddes, Nellie Gillespie, Nellie
pupils and members of staff. It is now on display in the Gow (Mrs Holmes), Helen Grossart, L Gumley, C Harper,
Senior School Entrance Hall. P Hodges, N Hood (Mrs Thomson), Nellie Kinghorn (Mrs
Orr), Muriel Laing, CN Longson, Christobel Macleod,
To mark GWLC’s 150th anniversary, a new crewelwork JE Macdonald, G Macgregor, Molly Matthewson, Isabel
embroidery is being commissioned. It is hoped McFie, Evelyn McLaren, Betty Miller, Gertrude Mitchell,
that the project will provide an opportunity for Grace Murdoch, Lizzie Paterson, A Pockney, Evelyn
present and former pupils, staff and members of our Richardson, Elizabeth Ritchie, Mabel Robb, Nancy
local community to come together to create a new Salland, Lottie Smith, Edith Stewart, Jennie Stewart,
commemorative piece. K Stewart, Ritta Sutherland, F Tait, JC Thorburn,
Grace Thurston, Kathleen Thurston, Rose Tweedie,
Below are the names of the present and former pupils Cathie Williamson, Elizabeth Wilson, F Wilson, Joyce
and teachers who were at GWLC c1919-21 and who Woodward, H Wyse.
designed and embroidered the original school banner.
Do you recognise any of the names? If possible, we
Katie Allan, Ruth Arnold, AA Arnott, E Alexander, would like to build a history of the lives of these ladies
Margaret Alexander (Mrs Stewart), Elsa Barker (Mrs after they left GWLC. We would also like to invite those
Semple), Mona Breben, Mary Brough, A Burnett, Rose connected with these ladies to place a stitch in the new
Cairney, Dorothy Campbell, Margaret Charleston, banner – the threads that bind us together.
Falconhall Greyfriars
Lauriston Melville
19Watsonian Musicians
Headline in
Watsonian-led band, Whisky Kiss,
headlined the world famous New
NYC
“That gig was the most true to the
old tradition of ceilidhs. There was
The band plays a brand of modern
ceilidh music, mixing traditional
York Tartan Week in 2019, which lots of music, dancing and champion music with contemporary beats.
this year welcomed legendary pipers and dancers. To do that in one Their unique style and solid
comedian, Sir Billy Connolly, as of the coolest spots in Manhattan grounding in their instruments,
Grand Marshal. was a real thrill.” obtained at Watson’s, has opened
up global opportunities to play
The celebration recognises the Former pupils, Murray Fergusson and their music.
contribution of the Scottish diaspora Iain MacPhail (both Class of 1992)
to life in the United States, with the met and started playing Scottish Reflecting on the band’s success,
highlight being a parade in New traditional music at Watson’s in the and what makes Scottish music so
York City thronging with pipers, GWC Scots Traditional Music Group exportable to the rest of the world,
drummers and dancers. led by Dr Livingston. Iain credits the Iain said:
opportunities he had at Watson’s, to
Iain MacPhail from the band, said: play traditional music, for opening “On the world music stage, hardly
“Playing at New York Tartan Week doors he thought would have been anyone doesn’t like Celtic music, you
coinciding with Billy Connolly as firmly closed. don’t need to know the words, it just
Grand Marshal raised the whole gets you dancing.
thing and doubled the size of He said:
the events. “It’s not every school where you find “The instruments stand out and it’s
traditional instruments like fiddle, seen as something that’s accessible.
“We were scheduled to play to accordion, whistles and bagpipes Folk can lose their inhibitions really
80 people, but were upgraded being taught and encouraged. quickly and ceilidhs turbo boost the
to a packed, sold out arena Dr Livingston ran the group, and fun of an evening.”
down in Chelsea, in Manhattan, his passion for the music left a
with 500 people. lasting impression”. Apart from the chance to headline
at New York Tartan Week, playing
It’s a sentiment that his classmate traditional music has taken the
and bandmate, Murray, shares. He Watsonians and their band all over
said: “We consider ourselves very the world, and has had them striking
lucky to have had that opportunity up jigs and reels in some very
and a few years later, we could never unexpected places.
have guessed where it would take us”.
20Iain said: “Most recently, we performed for the “Stick in, because it can open doors
“During our travels, we have been UK Ambassador’s Reception at the internationally.
taken up to the Great Wall of British Embassy in Berlin, which
China to perform. It was beautiful, was an experience. “We’ve seen some phenomenal
but at minus 16 degrees the places because there’s a willingness,
temperature was admittedly a “The ceilidh was a roaring success, across the world, to have a St
bit on the chilly side! and we were reliably informed the Andrew’s Night or a Burns Supper.
next day that three senior members
“However, it still somehow felt of the German Cabinet were there, “You get into unreal settings, we’ve
slightly warmer than a typical and had all been expected to even had a Ceilidh in a field in
Saturday morning on the remain demurely on the side lines, Portugal. There’s something unique
Tipperlinn playing fields! but had ended up being swept and a bit jammy about being away
away and were leading the charge with a ceilidh band, people open
in the final Strip The Willow.” their doors to you. It’s an amazing
way to see the world and have a lot
Watson’s continues to support of social experiences that you maybe
pupils with an interest in Scottish wouldn’t have otherwise.”
traditional music and offers the
chance for them to play in the GWC Whisky Kiss will play Edinburgh’s
Trad Band. Whisky Kiss have sung Hogmanay on 31 December 2019.
the band’s praises, after seeing clips More information is available at
of them performing on social media. www.whiskykiss.com
Drawing on his experience of the Yasmin Duncan
success and excitement that a career Communications Team
in Scottish traditional music can GWC
bring, Iain encouraged GWC’s current
traditional musicians to:
21Greetings...
from Venice
Lauren Ferguson (Class of 2016)
After graduating from Watson’s in 2016, I continued my passion
for art by moving to Aberdeen to study painting at Gray’s School
of Art, Robert Gordon University.
As well as immersing myself in Prodger, to present a major new and allowed me to discover new
art, music was a huge part of my single-channel video installation art influences. Venice had many
school career and I was fortunate titled SaF05, at the chosen venue, other exhibitions and events across
to take part in a music tour to Italy Arsenale Docks. the city which I was able to visit
in 2014, when we visited Venice during my days off. Events such
for a day to perform in Chiesa di Having met Charlotte, in February, as ‘art night’ and festivals were
San Salvador. With only a brief and watched a screening of SaF05, a great way to see Venice in a
sighting of this mesmerising city, it was very exciting to see the video unique way. I also had the very
I was determined that one day installed at the stunning location exciting opportunity to take part
I would return. Little did I know in Venice. By far the best location in the performance of the winner
that five years later my art would I have ever worked in, my daily view of The Golden Lion, at the
take me back! In December 2018, was of locals passing by in boats Lithuanian Pavilion.
I was selected as one of 17 early and hanging out their washing
career artists and curators from across the water. During my stay I revisited Chiesa
across Scotland to be part of the di San Salvador, the Church I
2019 Professional Development I spent the month of June living in performed in as a Watson’s pupil.
Programme Team, led by Cove Park, Venice, working as an Exhibition A chance to reminisce about
to support the 58th International Art Assistant. I was the first point of the incredible opportunity I had
Exhibition at Venice Biennale. The contact for visitors from across performing in Venice. Another
Venice Biennale is the largest and the world, and having daily amazing way of reliving this
most prestigious visual art conversations with visitors about experience was watching a variety
exhibition in the world and this SaF05, Venice and the Biennale of music performances across the
is the ninth presentation from was a real highlight. I had the city, these were truly magical.
Scotland + Venice. opportunity to meet other artists,
professionals and curators; and This whole experience will
As ambassadors for Scotland + have become great friends with undoubtedly influence my final
Venice, Charlotte Prodger and the other participants. It was year at Art School. I feel very
contemporary art in Scotland, the inspiring to meet other people fortunate and privileged to have
programme provided a valuable interested in art, and share our been selected for this programme
opportunity to learn new skills, experiences and influences. and I am looking forward to
develop international networks continuing to develop my own art
and gain professional experience The Biennale had a combination practice towards my Degree Show
within the Venice Biennale. of dynamic, intriguing and in June 2020.
Scotland + Venice commissioned controversial contemporary art
Turner Prize Winner, Charlotte which was extremely interesting
22..
23O B I T U A R Y
Willie Morton
Everyone who has been involved in the Watsonian
community in some shape or form over the last three
and a bit decades had the pleasure of coming into
contact with Willie Morton.
From the day he joined George Watson’s staff in 1986 until
the day he sadly passed away in July aged 58, Willie was
a constant presence around the school grounds and, in
particular, at Myreside.
Very rarely could you pass Myreside Road without getting
a wave from Willie, or for him to stop what he was doing
to have a chat.
That was the thing with Willie, he was very interested in
people, always had time for you and always loved hearing
what pupils, teachers and FP’s were getting up to when
he had a spare moment.
To many, Willie - the cricketer who served Stirling County,
Watsonians, Penicuik, Warwickshire and his country with
distinction during his playing days – will be remembered
as a top quality player.
Willie Morton However, to those involved with the Watsonian community
he will be fondly remembered as the Head Groundsman,
April 21 1961 to July 19 2019 with a friendly nature, who helped produce quality pitches
George Watson’s College staff, 1986 - 2019 at Myreside and kept the rest of the school grounds looking
splendid day in and day out, along with his dedicated team.
He took great pride in the school grounds and many have
remarked in recent times that the Myreside grandstand
pitch is still one of the best surfaces in the country - if not
the best - to play rugby on.
Away from his day job, Willie also loved coaching cricket at
the school and had an enthusiasm about him that made
24players buy into what he was trying to teach them. He Worcestershire in July 1982 by claiming a total of five
loved seeing pupils from the school like Neil McCallum wickets and, thereafter, was a regular wicket taker for
(Class of 1995), Dewald Nel (Class of 1999) and Ewan the national team.
Chalmers (Class of 2007) go on and play for the full
Scotland team, but he also took just as much pride Off the pitch, Willie married Donna Green in 1986 and
in seeing average cricketers loving their sport and they had Keith. They divorced in 2011, but remained on
enjoying the company of each other. good terms and in 2014 he married Katie Sanders from
West Sussex.
Born in Drip Road in Stirling, Willie was the youngest of
seven children and attended Raploch Primary School Former Scotland cricket Captain George Salmond, who
before the family moved to Cameronian Street and he knew Willie for 31 years and latterly worked with him at
finished his primary education at the former Craigs George Watson’s, said: “I was just on the fringes of the
Primary. Afterwards he went on to Wallace High School Scotland set-up around 1988 and I met Willie for the first
before leaving school and - as well as falling in love time when we headed down to Durham University for
with cricket at Stirling County under the watchful eye a ‘B’ game.
of Raymond Bond - started work as a gravedigger
with Stirling District Council. “I was quite nervous, but I walked into the team hotel
reception to be greeted by Willie and his great friend,
He then moved south to Birmingham to follow his Bruce Russell. Those two were such a great laugh, they
cricketing dream with professional outfit Warwickshire made me feel at ease straight away and having heard
in 1984. about the legend that was “Willie Morton”, I soon began
to love spending time in his company. He was such a
A serious back injury meant his full-time career ended brilliant, normal guy. All too soon in his magnificent
prematurely but he returned to Scotland to play for innings, one of life’s beauties has returned to the Pavilion.
Watsonians, County and Penicuik as well as coaching It was an honour to be a team mate, opponent, work
at club and international level, particularly the Scotland colleague and friend of Willie, a gem of a human being,
under 19’s. loved by all. Well batted Morts.”
He was a professional at Watsonians for four seasons As George so eloquently put it “a gem of a human being”,
and Captain for another two and in 148 matches scored Willie will be missed by us all.
almost 3,500 runs and took 279 wickets.
He was, quite simply, the life and soul of the party,
At Penicuik he played over 100 games and the highlight a genuine person and a great friend to many.
was appearing in the Scottish Cup Final in 2008 alongside
son Keith. Gary Heatly (Class of 2000)
With Scotland, this wily left arm spin bowler marked
his debut for his country as a 21-year-old against Watsonian Obituaries
Obituaries can be viewed online at:
www.gwc.org.uk/our-worldwide-family/
the-watsonian-club/obituaries
25Cricketing Sisters Just
Keep Getting Better
It was a very proud moment for cricketing
sisters Kathryn (Class of 2015) and Sarah
Bryce (Class of 2017) when they led the
Scotland women’s cricket team into action in
a big event in Spain in the summer. Kathryn,
21, was captain of the national side with her
sister, 19 year old Sarah, vice-captain for the
ICC Women’s World T20 European Qualifier in
La Manga, Spain.
And wicketkeeper/batter Sarah was then selected to be
part of the ICC’s women’s Global Development squad
that travelled to Australia in October.
The tour saw the younger Bryce play against Women’s
Big Bash League teams and learn from some of the best
and she said:
“This tour was an extremely valuable experience as
I got to play against some of the best players in the
world and also had the opportunity to play with, and
learn from others from different cricketing cultures.
“Such tours help to continue the increase in the
standard of the teams just below the top eight
[in the world] as we can learn from players who
have played at the top level.”
On the club front, Watsonians continues to give great
opportunities to current and former pupils to play in
their various teams and during the summer just gone,
the likes of teenagers Gregour Carr (S6), Fraser Kinloch
(Class of 2019), Jamie Reid (Class of 2019) and Salaar
Ali (S4) were all handed opportunities in the men’s first
team having impressed whilst playing for the school.
The Bryce sisters also appeared for the men’s first
XI during the season showing just how high a regard
they are thought of at Myreside.
26I am very grateful for the support
that Watsonians continue to give
myself and Sarah...
“It was great to finally be able to represent the Scottish Cup final in Paisley. And when Heriot’s Captain
first XI having been around the Club for so many Keith Morton (Class of 2008) lifted the silverware it was
years,” Kathryn Bryce, who studies at Loughborough extra special to him for a number of reasons. For one it
University with her sister, stated. meant that Morton, 29, has now led Heriot’s to a clean
sweep of trophies during his five years at the helm of
the first XI. This Cup triumph following in the footsteps
“I am very grateful for the support that Watsonians of previous CSL Eastern Premier Division glory and
continue to give myself and Sarah when we are
wins in the National T20 event and the Murgitroyd
around and are available to play.
Masterton Trophy. And secondly, it was a fitting way
to end what had been a tough time personally for him
“You just have to approach every game the same and the Goldenacre club who had been dealing with
no matter who the opposition are and I just tried the passing of Morton’s own father Willie - a well-
to do my best for the team.” known face around George Watson’s College as Head
Groundsman - and the passing of fellow first XI player
In other former pupil news, Ali Evans (Class of 2006) Joe Kinghorn-Gray’s father, Mark.
made his 100th appearance for the Scotland men’s
cricket team in late October as they secured a place at
next year’s T20 World Cup. The Scots needed to deliver
“This Cup win is dedicated to the people who should
have been at the match but sadly weren’t - we did
in a one-off game at the end of the qualifying event and
it for them,” Morton, who has now played in four Cup
they did just that with a convincing 90-run win over
finals and won two, said poignantly after the match.
hosts United Arab Emirates in the nerve jangling play-
off in Dubai. The Scots, the top seeds going into the
qualifying tournament, had finished a disappointing “It has been a tough time, but focusing on cricket has
fourth in Group A, but they responded with their helped and I put a lot of pressure on myself leading
second biggest ever T20 victory as the UAE fell to 108 all into the final because I wanted this so much.
out chasing Scotland’s 198-6. Seam bowler Evans, the
30 year old who plays his club cricket for Carlton, took “I would have liked to have still been batting at the
1-18 in the match from his four overs and will now hope end when we won. It wasn’t to be, but thankfully the
to be part of the squad that goes to the showpiece guys pulled through for me.”
event in Australia in late October 2020.
Gary Heatly (Class of 2000)
Also in the summer, Evans’ Carlton were beaten by a
side captained by another former pupil in the Citylets
27You can also read
