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School community, again well lit and warmed,
resumed their customary benevolence.
In January, six months late and only after a harshly expostulatory correspondence with the Ford Motor Company, our Minibus appeared, just in time, perhaps, to avoid the parents, who had generously subscribed to its upkeep, demanding their money back. The first transport of our own we have ever had, it has been in constant use, and our heartfelt gratitude is due to the Commissioners, who bought it for us, and to the parents, who provide for its running costs.
A much regretted departure from the Adminis-
trative Staff before New Year was Mrs. Noyle, Cunningham House Matron, now replaced by Mrs. Fyffe.
The interest and support of the Services, from the most senior ranks to the most junior, being one of the essential props on which the School is sustained, we were particularly honoured when Air Chief Marshal Sir Andrew Humphrey, just before becoming Chief of the Air Staff, dropped in on us by helicopter in January to present a Pipe Banner on behalf of Strike Command.
Whether or not the hardiness induced by almost unheated buildings produced an immunity to germs, we had the healthiest Easter Term for many years, the hospital staff being almost bored for lack of patients. We achieved some distinction, in external competitions, both in Country Dancing and Debating. Also in the Easter Term, we welcomed Mr. Ollason as our new Art Master. In the Summer Term, while all the Senior boys buried themselves in SCE examinations, the Commandant and Headmaster prepared for the annual Admissions Board in early May. Applications to enter the School seem to go up in about the same proportion as the Services decrease, and, once again, we had three times as many registered applicants as we had vacancies. Nice in a way, as demonstrating the esteem in which the School is held among Scottish Service parents, but sad too, as it inevitably implies much disappointment and regret. And not, believe it or not, only among the parents. The Board, too, who must discriminate between equal merit, simply because quarts don't go into pint pots, find it distressing to have to disappoint so many worthy applicants.
We have gone back, after much heart-searching and argument, to the "end of term" Grand Day. And so, most regrettably, we shall miss on this year's parade many of the most senior and responsible boys, and, of course, many of those who should be receiving prizes and trophies on that day. Examination dates being as they are, there seems to be no good solution. Only a choice of disadvantages.
The above has been, deliberately, just a scrappy and arbitrarily selective mention of a few events of the year which are in the forefront of my mind. The
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sort of memories, I suppose, which stay with one. There wouldn't have been much point in duplicating accounts in other pages or giving a comprehensive diary of the whole School year's events.
Nor will I conclude by writing my own "obituary.'' In fact, I only want to say one thing, and then some "thank you's", rather than indulge in long drawn out farewells or personal reminiscence since 1964.
The more than ten years I have been privileged
to be Commandant of Queen Victoria School, if not so eventful as the thirty-three years' Army Service which preceded them, have been as interesting as any, and perhaps the most rewarding of all. There have been great changes to the School during this time, though built on the foundation of earlier men's good work. These changes have been brought about by the work and thought and effort of many people, military and civilian. Most of the changes, I hope, have been improvements. In so far as I have been able to contribute to some of the improvements, I am glad. But it has all been good fun, and I h ave a great store of memories to take away with me.
To finish with thanks.
To the Commissioners for the unvarying support and wise guidance they have always given me.
To all the Staff, past and present, military and civilian, academic and administrative, for the work and friendship, and for all I have learnt from them.
To the external supporting services and administrative departments on whom the School depends, for their co-operation and their tolerance of my importunity.
To the Scottish Regiments and the Service HQ's in Scotland, for their never failing interest and help.
And finally to about nine hundred QVS boys, past and present, who provided the chief aim, interest, and reward for ms for all these ten years and more.
My wife and I will miss the School very much and will always hope for and expect its continued and increasing achievement and prosperity.
ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF
There have been a fair number of comings and
goings among Administrative Staff over the past year or so and, although some have been individually mentioned previously, or elsewhere, it is felt that a comprehensive summary will ensure that no-one has arrived unwelcomed, or departed without mention, and with our thanks and good wishes.
Among recent or fairly recent arrivals have been Mr. H. T. Walker, Laboratory Assistant, a new post, Mr. I. T. Thomson to fill an additional Cook's vacancy recently approved, Mr. K. C. Murray, Storeman, Mr. A. S. Page, Outside Pioneer, Mr. D. I. Martin, Gardener, Mrs. Mitchell, House Matron, Mrs. Whitehead, Assistant Chief Clerk and Librarian,
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