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came back with his family to England in 1965 and took up a teaching appointment as Maths Master at Kelly College, Tavistock, a well-known west country boys' boarding school. Returning to the School of his first appointment, Glenalmond, in 1968, in addition to teaching Maths he took over the appointments of Careers Master and OC CCF, in which he was promoted to Major and became prominent in Scottish CCF affairs.
This short, and necessarily incomplete, summary of his professional career until the time he was appointed Headmaster of Queen Victoria School in September 1973 is sufficient to show the range of his experience of teaching and of boarding schools. His considerable Army experience, as a commissioned officer in the Regular Army, Reserve, and CCF would in any case lead one to presume a sympathetic attitude to the Armed Forces, even if his enthusiasm for, and affinity with, the Services, were not sufficiently demonstrated by his ease and obvious pleasure in meeting Service people of all ranks, be they visitors or parents, and his pride in being Headmaster of a Servicemen's School which enjoys a unique position in the regard and interest of the three Services, particularly those located in Scotland, and the Scottish Regiments.
An enthusiast and practitioner in many games and sports, he is a fully qualified and expert Rugby Referee and Cricket Umpire.
We wish John Melluish many happy and fruitful years at QVS and hope that his wife Margaret, and Gavin and Ann, will also enjoy their life here.
Some three and a half thousand Scottish Servicemen's sons have already passed through the School. Doubtless many hundreds more will so pass through during John Melluish's time as Headmaster. To have the privilege of educating, training, caring for, and launching into their careers these sons of fine Scotsmen who serve their country so well is among the most enviable and rewarding tasks to which a man could devote his career. So, in welcoming John Melluish as the first civilian master of Queen Victoria School we not only wish him well, but congratulate him on being accorded this great privilege.
THE CHAPEL
The Church life of QVS has gone on steadily throughout the year. We have had a number of
visiting preachers including the Very Reverend W.Roy Sanderson, the Bishop of St. Andrews, Dunkeld and Dunblane, the Right Rev. Michael Hare-Duke, the Reverend W. Wright, Senior Chaplain Scotland and the Reverend Peter Neilson, Assistant Minister at Dunblane Cathedral. We appreciate very much their coming to us. All have commented favourably on the interest and attention shown during their addresses.
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One of the highlights of the year was the Thanksgiving Service last June for the work of the RAEC in the School. All denominations are deeply indebted to so many officers of the Corps who supported Chape] life so well over many years. We were honoured by the presence of General Sir Gordon MacMillan of MacMillan and Brigadier A. L. Fowler, a former Headmaster who read the Lessons.
At this Service there was handed over a Lectern New English Bible presented by the last serving members of the Corps. It was a very happy though! and the presentation was made most suitably by Lt. Colonel Evans, Headmaster at the time.
Other Special Services were the Harvest Thanksgiving Service when the Church was beautifully decorated thanks to so many gifts of fruit, flowers, and the good offices of Mr. Walker, Head Cook, and Mr. Robb; also the annual Carol Service when under the able direction of Messrs. Bruce and Scott, the Choir acquitted themselves very favourably in the presence of many parents and visitors. This Service was also given in Fowlis Wester Church and some days later in the drawing-room of Crieff Hydro when a collection was taken on behalf of the Army Benevolent Fund.
The Chapel suffered a heavy loss by the sudden death of Mr. LeMaistre. He had been a very good friend, not only to the Chapel but also to successive chaplains. One of his last acts was to inscribe in his own beautiful hand the Presentation Bible.
The denominational activities have been carried on. We are always pleased to welcome Canon Symon and Father Hendry whose visits give pleasure to Staff and Boys alike. We in the Church of Scotland are specially indebted to our Elders, Messrs. Finlay, Reid and Philip and the whole school owes a debt of gratitude for the ever faithful services of our Organist Mr. Norman Bruce. Nor must we forget our Chapel Prefects Grant Doyle, and Hugh Boyle and our stewards Andrew Dickson, Andrew Kerr, Gordon Leonard, Bruce Leslie, Stewart Robertson and Philip Ross much of whose work is unseen, but nonetheless important. To the ladies who put the flowers on the Holy Table week by week and so beautify the Chapel we sincerely "Thank you."
This will be the last number of the Victorian prior to the departure of Brigadier Hope Thomson. For all his help, advice and encouragement we extend to him our sincere gratitude, and to Mrs. Hope Thomson and the Brigadier we wish every blessing in a long and happy retirement.
Valete
DALZIEL, S. G— Royal Scots Fusiliers. Joined 1967. Senior Monitor, Pipe Major, CSM, 1st XV 71-74. Prince Philip Medal, Squash Championship
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