Bell Baxter - 125 Years
The Fife Herald has been reporting news from and about Bell Baxter for a great many years. As a tribute to the School, Fife Herald News brought out a supplement on 6 June 2014. This page of our website is an attempt to replicate that supplement.
Rector looks forward to celebrations
Anniversary is an important date for all
by Philip Black
Rector
Bell Baxter High School
I am often asked by visitors why our school is not simply called Cupar High School.
The answer is long and complicated but I believe that it is important for all pupils to know something about the history of their school.
Nowadays, I speak to all pupils entering S1 to explain that although schools had existed in Cupar from as far back as the 14th century, Bell Baxter did not come into existence until 1889.
In 1872 elementary education was made compulsory for all children from the age of 5 to 13 and so it was decided to reorganise the schools in Cupar.
Dr Andrew Bell, a native of Fife, left endowments for two schools, one of which was Cupar Academy, while Sir David Baxter funded the Baxter Institute for young Ladies.
Elementary education was to be provided at the Cupar Academy building at Castlehill while secondary education would be provided at the Westport building occupied by the Baxter Institute.
Although work was needed on the Westport building the money from Bell and Baxter funded the new school. Accordingly, the new school was named Bell-Baxter in honour of its joint founders.
All these years later we find ourselves celebrating our 125th anniversary and it is an important date for all those associated with the school.
It is also a celebration we wish to enjoy with the wider community and a number of events are planned.
A prose, poetry and artwork competition, organised by the Former Pupil Association, is open to all pupils.
A Primary/Secondary art exhibition, organised by the Howe of Fife Rotary Club will be held in school next Friday (June 13) and members of the public are most welcome to attend.
An Open Morning for parents, former pupils and members of the wider community to tour the school
will be held next Saturday (June 14) from 10.30am until 12.30pm.
A dinner for staff and former staff will take place in school on the evening of Wednesday, June 25.
A competition to find ‘our oldest former pupil’ will also be organised. This person will be invited to raise a new flag on Monday, September 1, at an event in school.
A whole school photograph will also be taken on this date.
In addition, we hope to publish a book to commemorate the first 125 years of Bell Baxter.
I look forward to sharing our anniversary with all those associated with Bell Baxter over many years.
by Philip Black
Rector
Bell Baxter High School
I am often asked by visitors why our school is not simply called Cupar High School.
The answer is long and complicated but I believe that it is important for all pupils to know something about the history of their school.
Nowadays, I speak to all pupils entering S1 to explain that although schools had existed in Cupar from as far back as the 14th century, Bell Baxter did not come into existence until 1889.
In 1872 elementary education was made compulsory for all children from the age of 5 to 13 and so it was decided to reorganise the schools in Cupar.
Dr Andrew Bell, a native of Fife, left endowments for two schools, one of which was Cupar Academy, while Sir David Baxter funded the Baxter Institute for young Ladies.
Elementary education was to be provided at the Cupar Academy building at Castlehill while secondary education would be provided at the Westport building occupied by the Baxter Institute.
Although work was needed on the Westport building the money from Bell and Baxter funded the new school. Accordingly, the new school was named Bell-Baxter in honour of its joint founders.
All these years later we find ourselves celebrating our 125th anniversary and it is an important date for all those associated with the school.
It is also a celebration we wish to enjoy with the wider community and a number of events are planned.
A prose, poetry and artwork competition, organised by the Former Pupil Association, is open to all pupils.
A Primary/Secondary art exhibition, organised by the Howe of Fife Rotary Club will be held in school next Friday (June 13) and members of the public are most welcome to attend.
An Open Morning for parents, former pupils and members of the wider community to tour the school
will be held next Saturday (June 14) from 10.30am until 12.30pm.
A dinner for staff and former staff will take place in school on the evening of Wednesday, June 25.
A competition to find ‘our oldest former pupil’ will also be organised. This person will be invited to raise a new flag on Monday, September 1, at an event in school.
A whole school photograph will also be taken on this date.
In addition, we hope to publish a book to commemorate the first 125 years of Bell Baxter.
I look forward to sharing our anniversary with all those associated with Bell Baxter over many years.
The establishment of Bell Baxter
Bell Baxter High School is directly descended from the historic Grammar School of Cupar, which was established around 1635.
The school became Cupar Academy in 1727, with the town Provost, magistrates and councillors as patrons and governors.
The Academy functioned under the aegis of the Town Council until 1831 when it was once more reorganised and, benefiting from the munificence of the Reverend Dr Andrew Bell of Egmore and Madras, became the Madras Academy.
In 1889 with the amalgamation of this Academy and Sir David Baxter’s Institute for Young Ladies, Bell-Baxter school was formed, its name doing honour to its joint founders.
The ‘Ensigns Armorial’ of the school (pictured left), granted by the Lord Lyon King of Arms in 1949, preserves the school’s association with these bodies.
On the dexter side of the shield are placed the Myrtle Crowns of Cupar, on the sinister side a composed coat representing Dr Bell and Sir David Baxter, and over all, the Thane of Fife, signifying that the school was under the control of Fife Council’s education service.
In a scroll over the shield is placed the motto ‘Ad Vitam Paror’ - I am being prepared for life.
Bell Baxter High School is directly descended from the historic Grammar School of Cupar, which was established around 1635.
The school became Cupar Academy in 1727, with the town Provost, magistrates and councillors as patrons and governors.
The Academy functioned under the aegis of the Town Council until 1831 when it was once more reorganised and, benefiting from the munificence of the Reverend Dr Andrew Bell of Egmore and Madras, became the Madras Academy.
In 1889 with the amalgamation of this Academy and Sir David Baxter’s Institute for Young Ladies, Bell-Baxter school was formed, its name doing honour to its joint founders.
The ‘Ensigns Armorial’ of the school (pictured left), granted by the Lord Lyon King of Arms in 1949, preserves the school’s association with these bodies.
On the dexter side of the shield are placed the Myrtle Crowns of Cupar, on the sinister side a composed coat representing Dr Bell and Sir David Baxter, and over all, the Thane of Fife, signifying that the school was under the control of Fife Council’s education service.
In a scroll over the shield is placed the motto ‘Ad Vitam Paror’ - I am being prepared for life.
Reunions prove popular
Building links with former pupils
by Muriel Dymock
President
Bell Baxter Former Pupils’ Association
The school celebrated its centenary in 1989 and this was marked by a number of events, notably a series of reunions.
The first of these covered the years up to 1949, the second and third ones covered a decade each and the last one from 1970 onwards.
This involved making contact with large numbers of people scattered all over the world.
The first reunion alone was attended by around 500 people.
It seemed a great pity to have all these names and addresses recorded and not to make some use of the information. As a result, a questionnaire was available at each reunion to see if there might be any interest in an FP Association.
As the response was positive, moves were made to call a meeting and a steering committee was formed in late 1990.
The first AGM was held in March 1991.
As is always the case, not all those who had expressed an interest committed themselves to membership and for the first few years it stuck at around the mid 200s, with the twice yearly newsletter as the regular point of contact.
It was in 1994 that the late Helen Beveridge (nee Robertson) proposed a Golden Reunion for those who entered first year in 1945.
Thus began a series which has been unbroken until this year. Perhaps the baton will be picked up again in time for a 1965 gathering.
The membership grew as a result of the reunions and stands at around 350.
Meanwhile, the suggestion that we might mark the 125th anniversary of the school was made at a committee meeting.
Various ideas were floated and tentative planning had begun. We were delighted when the Rector, Mr Black, took up the idea enthusiastically and now the event involves the school and the wider community in a major way.
One of the aspirations at the beginning of the FPA had been to contribute in practical ways to the school and the first gift we made was the millennium clock which is on the wall inside the main entrance to the school.
We also gifted a generator for a school in Tanzania which a school party was helping to build one summer.
Since then, the surge in costs of producing and posting the newsletter have made it unrealistic to make any major contribution, but we hope that it will be possible to do so in the future.
Anyone wishing more information on the FPA can visit the website http://bbhsfpa.weebly. com/
by Muriel Dymock
President
Bell Baxter Former Pupils’ Association
The school celebrated its centenary in 1989 and this was marked by a number of events, notably a series of reunions.
The first of these covered the years up to 1949, the second and third ones covered a decade each and the last one from 1970 onwards.
This involved making contact with large numbers of people scattered all over the world.
The first reunion alone was attended by around 500 people.
It seemed a great pity to have all these names and addresses recorded and not to make some use of the information. As a result, a questionnaire was available at each reunion to see if there might be any interest in an FP Association.
As the response was positive, moves were made to call a meeting and a steering committee was formed in late 1990.
The first AGM was held in March 1991.
As is always the case, not all those who had expressed an interest committed themselves to membership and for the first few years it stuck at around the mid 200s, with the twice yearly newsletter as the regular point of contact.
It was in 1994 that the late Helen Beveridge (nee Robertson) proposed a Golden Reunion for those who entered first year in 1945.
Thus began a series which has been unbroken until this year. Perhaps the baton will be picked up again in time for a 1965 gathering.
The membership grew as a result of the reunions and stands at around 350.
Meanwhile, the suggestion that we might mark the 125th anniversary of the school was made at a committee meeting.
Various ideas were floated and tentative planning had begun. We were delighted when the Rector, Mr Black, took up the idea enthusiastically and now the event involves the school and the wider community in a major way.
One of the aspirations at the beginning of the FPA had been to contribute in practical ways to the school and the first gift we made was the millennium clock which is on the wall inside the main entrance to the school.
We also gifted a generator for a school in Tanzania which a school party was helping to build one summer.
Since then, the surge in costs of producing and posting the newsletter have made it unrealistic to make any major contribution, but we hope that it will be possible to do so in the future.
Anyone wishing more information on the FPA can visit the website http://bbhsfpa.weebly. com/
Through the years
Pupils and staff celebrate a moment in history
Bell Baxter's contribution to the Great War
Pupils proud to serve their country
by Lindsey Alexander
[email protected]
@ffplindsey
Bell Baxter has a distinguished record of former pupils who have gone on to make the school proud and in a year which commemorates the outbreak of the First World War, it seems appropriate to remember those who fought and those who died for their country.
Two former pupils - Robert Robertson and Bertie Staig - received the honour of knighthoods for their services during the five year conflict.
According to records a number of pupils also signed up including Peter Caw Robertson who served in the Lancashire Fusiliers. Robert Robertson was Dux of Madras Academy in 1885, one of the forerunners of Bell Baxter School.
The Dux Medal he won is the same as that awarded to today’s duxes.
Bertie Staig, another Dux, of Bell Baxter this time, served as an Indian Reserve Officer from 1918-19. Bertie was also awarded a knighthood, but not until much later.
David Stephen won the Belgian Croix de Guerre during the Great War.
Staff members were also involved including James Cunningham, known as ‘Jim the Jannie’ who joined the Royal Navy shortly before the end of the conflict. Mathewson Milne was a captain in the Scottish Rifles.
Another former pupil was George Hair Pagan (September 17,1892- July 30, 1916) whose death marked a major shift in the running of well-known Fife legal firm Pagan Osborne.
After leaving Bell Baxter George Pagan became a student at Merchiston Castle school in Edinburgh before going on to study at the University of Glasgow.
He was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Black Watch and was posted supernumerary to the 7th (Fife) Battalion, The Black Watch (Royal Highlanders). Lieutenant Pagan was killed in action in France on July 30,1916 and buried in Serre Road No 2.
His father, Robert Osborne Pagan, endowed a prize at Bell Baxter in his memory, the Lieutenant Hair Pagan Prize, which was first awarded in 1919.
A translation and essay were to be set and marked by staff, and an examiner was to give an oral examination in French or another selected language. There was strong emphasis on oral work and, until World War II, a school inspector visited each year to examine the pupils orally, and, for some time after that, the essay was set by one of HM Inspectors.
Bill Pagan, who lives in Cupar with his wife Gillian, said his grandfather was shocked by the death of his eldest son.
He explained: “George was my father’s eldest brother. Father, Charles David Pagan (1907-1985). was just nine when George was killed, and my grandfather explained that father was to take over the role of the fourth generation Pagan in what was then Pagan & Osborne - then as now at 12 St Catherine Street, Cupar.
“My grandfather lived at Weston House in the West Port, where my father was born, and I assume George was born there too.
“George was killed at the battle for High Wood on the Somme, and is buried in Serre Road No 2 War cemetery nearby. I have visited several times, and intend to go back as near as possible to the 100th anniversary of his death in 2016”
Bill, whose children all attended Bell Baxter, added: “Incidentally, the Osbornes were equally stricken when my cousin Major George Osborne, a second generation lawyer already a partner in Pagan & Osborne, was killed in Palestine in 1917.
“I also have his swords, medals and Dead Man’s Penny too. Other items including his medals are currently on loan to Cupar Heritage Centre.” Bill added: “But for George Pagan’s death neither father nor I would have been in the firm, and but for George Osborne’s death we would not be living in what used to be the Osborne stables - Bel-more House was the Osborne home. Their names are one above the other on the park side of the Cupar War Memorial.”
by Lindsey Alexander
[email protected]
@ffplindsey
Bell Baxter has a distinguished record of former pupils who have gone on to make the school proud and in a year which commemorates the outbreak of the First World War, it seems appropriate to remember those who fought and those who died for their country.
Two former pupils - Robert Robertson and Bertie Staig - received the honour of knighthoods for their services during the five year conflict.
According to records a number of pupils also signed up including Peter Caw Robertson who served in the Lancashire Fusiliers. Robert Robertson was Dux of Madras Academy in 1885, one of the forerunners of Bell Baxter School.
The Dux Medal he won is the same as that awarded to today’s duxes.
Bertie Staig, another Dux, of Bell Baxter this time, served as an Indian Reserve Officer from 1918-19. Bertie was also awarded a knighthood, but not until much later.
David Stephen won the Belgian Croix de Guerre during the Great War.
Staff members were also involved including James Cunningham, known as ‘Jim the Jannie’ who joined the Royal Navy shortly before the end of the conflict. Mathewson Milne was a captain in the Scottish Rifles.
Another former pupil was George Hair Pagan (September 17,1892- July 30, 1916) whose death marked a major shift in the running of well-known Fife legal firm Pagan Osborne.
After leaving Bell Baxter George Pagan became a student at Merchiston Castle school in Edinburgh before going on to study at the University of Glasgow.
He was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Black Watch and was posted supernumerary to the 7th (Fife) Battalion, The Black Watch (Royal Highlanders). Lieutenant Pagan was killed in action in France on July 30,1916 and buried in Serre Road No 2.
His father, Robert Osborne Pagan, endowed a prize at Bell Baxter in his memory, the Lieutenant Hair Pagan Prize, which was first awarded in 1919.
A translation and essay were to be set and marked by staff, and an examiner was to give an oral examination in French or another selected language. There was strong emphasis on oral work and, until World War II, a school inspector visited each year to examine the pupils orally, and, for some time after that, the essay was set by one of HM Inspectors.
Bill Pagan, who lives in Cupar with his wife Gillian, said his grandfather was shocked by the death of his eldest son.
He explained: “George was my father’s eldest brother. Father, Charles David Pagan (1907-1985). was just nine when George was killed, and my grandfather explained that father was to take over the role of the fourth generation Pagan in what was then Pagan & Osborne - then as now at 12 St Catherine Street, Cupar.
“My grandfather lived at Weston House in the West Port, where my father was born, and I assume George was born there too.
“George was killed at the battle for High Wood on the Somme, and is buried in Serre Road No 2 War cemetery nearby. I have visited several times, and intend to go back as near as possible to the 100th anniversary of his death in 2016”
Bill, whose children all attended Bell Baxter, added: “Incidentally, the Osbornes were equally stricken when my cousin Major George Osborne, a second generation lawyer already a partner in Pagan & Osborne, was killed in Palestine in 1917.
“I also have his swords, medals and Dead Man’s Penny too. Other items including his medals are currently on loan to Cupar Heritage Centre.” Bill added: “But for George Pagan’s death neither father nor I would have been in the firm, and but for George Osborne’s death we would not be living in what used to be the Osborne stables - Bel-more House was the Osborne home. Their names are one above the other on the park side of the Cupar War Memorial.”
George Hair Pagan
THE FOLLOWING IS AN EXTRACT FROM THE FIFE HERALD AND JOURNAL OF WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 9 1916
The Late Lieut. George Hair Pagan Cupar has again been called on to pay a heavy penalty in the present war. On Friday evening sinister rumours were afloat of loss of life in the Black Watch, the Regiment in which Cupar and the County are so much interested, but no definite or official confirmation being forthcoming on Saturday, it was fondly hoped that the news was the result of misunderstanding and that the town was to be spared the cruel visitation indicated. A few hours afterwards, namely on Sunday morning, it became known that the worst had happened. The rumours had principally to do with Lieutenant George Hair Pagan, eldest son of Mr.R Osborne Pagan WS and with one or two other members of the Regiment. That they had all been killed in action on Monday 31st July, the later intelligence placed beyond all doubt. In the gloom that ensued, hardly any other subject was talked about, and it need scarcely be said that deep sympathy with the mourning relatives was expressed on every hand.
Lieutenant Pagan was so well known to Cupar people and had been seen on our streets so recently that the news of his death caused a painful shock. Born nearly 24 years ago, namely on 17th September1892, he has been cut down in the bloom of his early manhood with a promising future before him. He was educated at the Bell-Baxter School, Cupar, and at Merchiston Castle, Edinburgh, whose cadet corps has provided so many officers to the Army. Thence he passed to Edinburgh University, and two years later entered his legal apprenticeship with Messrs Kidston, Watson, Turnbull & Coy., Glasgow. He had sat all his classes for the BL degree, and had passed in four of the six subjects. In spite of his temptation to continue till he took his degree he heard his country' s call, and on 5th August 1914, the very day after war was declared, he offered his services to the Army and was gazetted to the Black Watch almost immediately. (1st/7th Battalion).
Of a frank and generous disposition, he was popular with the men, and was almost at once selected by Colonel Allen as signalling officer, a position he held during the training and practically the whole time he was at the front He recently acted as temporary Adjutant, and, strangely enough, it was on the very day that the rumour of his death reached Cupar, Friday of last week, that he was gazetted Lieutenant with seniority from 4th March.
Tall and athletic in figure, it was he who set the pace of the famous rainstorm march from Kinghorn to Dunfermline, a distance of 36 miles, which evoked the admiration of Admiral Beatty, and which the battalion accomplished with an average speed of 3 to four miles per hour.
In June 1915 Lieutenant Pagan was struck by a spent shell on the same day that his fellow officer and townsman, Lieutenant Westwood, was killed, while holding trenches captured from the Germans, and two days later he was sent back suffering from shell shock. After a period of sick leave spent at home in Cupar he rejoined the third Line, and at the time of the Derby Scheme was entrusted by Lieut. Col. Sir Ralph Anstruther, Bart., with the organization of recruiting for the Territorial Force throughout Fife, having men under him stationed at the various centres. He was particularly successful in getting recruits for the Fife and Forfar Yeomanry. He returned to the Front in April last.
It has been noted as a sad coincidence that these two young lads - Lieutenants Pagan and Westwood - born on opposite sides of the Crossgate, and closely associated from school days right up to the day on which the latter fell, should both be called upon to pay the full debt which every man owes to his country. Lieutenant-Colonel Ronald Cheape of Wellfield has written to Mr. Pagan as follows:- “It is with great regret that I have to report the death of your son George. He was killed by a shell, and we buried him next morning. He was a most promising young officer And a great favourite with all ranks.”
Major D E Dickson, RAMC, until recently attached to the Regiment writes as follows:- “George was to my mind a typical example of what one used to read of, a 'gay and debonair' officer, so lighthearted and seemingly irresponsible, and yet withal with a true sense of duty and responsibility. He was undoubtedly one of the most popular and beloved of all our officers of the battalion.”
Major F T Wallace has also written:- “To me personally as his original company Commander it is a very great grief that his promising life should have been cut short, and one cannot but wish he might have been spared and we older men taken. He was such a nice lad, and we were all so fond of him. Cupar is paying its full share of the dreadful toll we are called upon to bear as the price of liberty, and it may be some little consolation that Captain Keir says George did his duty well, when, as before, the battalion was so heavily engaged.
The battalion advanced on 31st ult. on— — [name of place censored], and it was here George was mortally wounded by the same shell which knocked Keir out.” Private W D Thomson, Lieutenant Pagan' s servant, who is also a Fifer, belonging to Markinch, and who had a narrow escape from the same shell, has written that the Lieutenant died in his arms about twenty minutes after he was struck, but was unconscious nearly all the time.
Lieutenant J Moir Adjutant of the 3rd Line of the Regiment, who has often been in Cupar as an inspector of the National Bank, writes:- ”I cannot miss this chance of upon the grand example he set us on his second journey out. He knew the life, but the keenness and spirit which were evident when he knew he was going out again did us all good in a manly way.”
The Late Lieut. George Hair Pagan Cupar has again been called on to pay a heavy penalty in the present war. On Friday evening sinister rumours were afloat of loss of life in the Black Watch, the Regiment in which Cupar and the County are so much interested, but no definite or official confirmation being forthcoming on Saturday, it was fondly hoped that the news was the result of misunderstanding and that the town was to be spared the cruel visitation indicated. A few hours afterwards, namely on Sunday morning, it became known that the worst had happened. The rumours had principally to do with Lieutenant George Hair Pagan, eldest son of Mr.R Osborne Pagan WS and with one or two other members of the Regiment. That they had all been killed in action on Monday 31st July, the later intelligence placed beyond all doubt. In the gloom that ensued, hardly any other subject was talked about, and it need scarcely be said that deep sympathy with the mourning relatives was expressed on every hand.
Lieutenant Pagan was so well known to Cupar people and had been seen on our streets so recently that the news of his death caused a painful shock. Born nearly 24 years ago, namely on 17th September1892, he has been cut down in the bloom of his early manhood with a promising future before him. He was educated at the Bell-Baxter School, Cupar, and at Merchiston Castle, Edinburgh, whose cadet corps has provided so many officers to the Army. Thence he passed to Edinburgh University, and two years later entered his legal apprenticeship with Messrs Kidston, Watson, Turnbull & Coy., Glasgow. He had sat all his classes for the BL degree, and had passed in four of the six subjects. In spite of his temptation to continue till he took his degree he heard his country' s call, and on 5th August 1914, the very day after war was declared, he offered his services to the Army and was gazetted to the Black Watch almost immediately. (1st/7th Battalion).
Of a frank and generous disposition, he was popular with the men, and was almost at once selected by Colonel Allen as signalling officer, a position he held during the training and practically the whole time he was at the front He recently acted as temporary Adjutant, and, strangely enough, it was on the very day that the rumour of his death reached Cupar, Friday of last week, that he was gazetted Lieutenant with seniority from 4th March.
Tall and athletic in figure, it was he who set the pace of the famous rainstorm march from Kinghorn to Dunfermline, a distance of 36 miles, which evoked the admiration of Admiral Beatty, and which the battalion accomplished with an average speed of 3 to four miles per hour.
In June 1915 Lieutenant Pagan was struck by a spent shell on the same day that his fellow officer and townsman, Lieutenant Westwood, was killed, while holding trenches captured from the Germans, and two days later he was sent back suffering from shell shock. After a period of sick leave spent at home in Cupar he rejoined the third Line, and at the time of the Derby Scheme was entrusted by Lieut. Col. Sir Ralph Anstruther, Bart., with the organization of recruiting for the Territorial Force throughout Fife, having men under him stationed at the various centres. He was particularly successful in getting recruits for the Fife and Forfar Yeomanry. He returned to the Front in April last.
It has been noted as a sad coincidence that these two young lads - Lieutenants Pagan and Westwood - born on opposite sides of the Crossgate, and closely associated from school days right up to the day on which the latter fell, should both be called upon to pay the full debt which every man owes to his country. Lieutenant-Colonel Ronald Cheape of Wellfield has written to Mr. Pagan as follows:- “It is with great regret that I have to report the death of your son George. He was killed by a shell, and we buried him next morning. He was a most promising young officer And a great favourite with all ranks.”
Major D E Dickson, RAMC, until recently attached to the Regiment writes as follows:- “George was to my mind a typical example of what one used to read of, a 'gay and debonair' officer, so lighthearted and seemingly irresponsible, and yet withal with a true sense of duty and responsibility. He was undoubtedly one of the most popular and beloved of all our officers of the battalion.”
Major F T Wallace has also written:- “To me personally as his original company Commander it is a very great grief that his promising life should have been cut short, and one cannot but wish he might have been spared and we older men taken. He was such a nice lad, and we were all so fond of him. Cupar is paying its full share of the dreadful toll we are called upon to bear as the price of liberty, and it may be some little consolation that Captain Keir says George did his duty well, when, as before, the battalion was so heavily engaged.
The battalion advanced on 31st ult. on— — [name of place censored], and it was here George was mortally wounded by the same shell which knocked Keir out.” Private W D Thomson, Lieutenant Pagan' s servant, who is also a Fifer, belonging to Markinch, and who had a narrow escape from the same shell, has written that the Lieutenant died in his arms about twenty minutes after he was struck, but was unconscious nearly all the time.
Lieutenant J Moir Adjutant of the 3rd Line of the Regiment, who has often been in Cupar as an inspector of the National Bank, writes:- ”I cannot miss this chance of upon the grand example he set us on his second journey out. He knew the life, but the keenness and spirit which were evident when he knew he was going out again did us all good in a manly way.”
AN EXTRACT ON THE LIFE OF BERTIE STAIG FROM BELL BAXTER LIVES FROM MAY 10.1982
Bertie Munro Staig was a native of Balgedie, Kinross-shire, but at an early age he and his mother went to Auchtermuchty, and after early education at the Public School there, he gained a bursary that took him to Bell-Baxter School in Cupar.
Each morning from Monday to Friday he and other boys from Auchtermuchty set off by cycle at 8am for Cupar. There were neither school buses nor school meals in those days. Each country student carried his “snack,” prepared by his mother before he left.
After studying till 4.15 pm Staig and others set off again by cycle to cover the 8.5 miles home. And on returning home Staig worked assiduously at his books. He was a scholar of exceptional ability and application, but keeping him at school was a severe drain on his mother’s slender resources.
It was, in consequence, decided that he should take up an appointment as a railway clerk in Ladybank Station. Fortunately, his mother disclosed this intention to Mr J M Dawson, the rector (now Dr Dawson, retired and living in Edinburgh). Mr Dawson impressed on Mrs Staig the outstanding promise her son had given, and suggested that he should remain at school and proceed to University, if that could possibly be done. His mother made still further sacrifices to accomplish this, and Sir Bertie never forgot all his mother and his teachers had done for him. He used to relate in later years that when he passed Ladybank Junction in the train, he recalled how near he had been to spending his life as a railway servant.
The ‘blue riband’ of Bell-Baxter is the Balgonie Dux Medal, and in 1910 this was gained by Staig. He proceeded to St Andrews University after taking fourth place in the Bursary Competition and gaining a Spence Bursary, and so commenced a period of outstanding scholastic brilliance.
Success followed success, and in his second year he was medallist in each of the three classes in which he studied — Special Latin, Special Greek and General Logic and Psychology. In 1913 he became a Guthrie Scholar, and after graduating MA with first class honours in classics, he proceeded to Trinity College, Oxford, with the coveted Ferguson Scholarship. There his successes culminated in his entering the Indian Civil Service in 1917. On entering the Indian Civil Service, Sir Bertie was posted to Bengal, but served there for only three years as district officer before he joined the Finance Department. He spent much of his subsequent time in the Punjab, first as commissioner of income tax and then as financial adviser to the Public Works Department, in which he was wholly responsible for the financing of the great Punjab Hydro Electric scheme, and also of later irrigation projects.
He became Accountant General in various Provinces, and for some time was financial adviser of military finance in Delhi, and in Simla. For about two years he was financial adviser to the Government of Iraq in Bagdad, then was appointed Deputy Auditor-General to India, and finally for several years held the Crown appointment of Auditor General.
Sir Bertie was specially asked by the new Government of India, after partition, to remain on as Auditor General of India, and did so for about a year.
He first attained public prominence for the exceptionally fine work he did following the Quetta earthquake in 1935, work which was performed under conditions of great difficulty, and for which he was awarded the Companionship of the Order of the Star of India. On the social side he was the last president of the United Service Club in Simla—a sign of the regard and popularity in which he was generally held. He was honoured with a Knighthood in 1942, and in 1947 he became a K.C.I.E. He retired four years ago and took up residence at Goring- on-Thames. In June of last year he received the LL.D. degree from his Alma Mater.
Sir Bertie could not suffer inactivity, and set about looking for work that would suit him. He ultimately accepted a directorship in Sheffield.
During his vacations from India, Sir Bertie never failed to renew acquaintance with old school friends and friends in Auchtermuchty. The old folks there he held in especial regard, and he yearly sent a sum of money to be spent in providing additional comfort for them. Although his appointments had led him to consult and mix with Cabinet Ministers, Peers and high ranking officials, with whom he was always his natural self, he remained his natural self when visiting his Auchtermuchty friends.
For the teachers who had shaped his career he had lasting respect and affection, and he kept in touch all the years of his after-University career with them, particularly Dr J.M Dawson and his Latin master, Mr Thomas Robertson, now retired in Aberdeen. By the death in hospital at Wuppertal (Ruhr), Germany, on Wednesday last week, of Sir Bertie Staig, Bell-Baxter School has lost its most distinguished former pupil.
Sir Bertie, as British High Commissioner, controlled deutschmark expenditure in the British Zone of Germany. He had a stroke in his office five days before he died, and his wife and son, David (24) arrived from Britain the day before he succumbed. He was due to return to his civilian appointment as a director of Darwins Ltd., the Sheffield steel company, on the day he died.
Bertie Munro Staig was a native of Balgedie, Kinross-shire, but at an early age he and his mother went to Auchtermuchty, and after early education at the Public School there, he gained a bursary that took him to Bell-Baxter School in Cupar.
Each morning from Monday to Friday he and other boys from Auchtermuchty set off by cycle at 8am for Cupar. There were neither school buses nor school meals in those days. Each country student carried his “snack,” prepared by his mother before he left.
After studying till 4.15 pm Staig and others set off again by cycle to cover the 8.5 miles home. And on returning home Staig worked assiduously at his books. He was a scholar of exceptional ability and application, but keeping him at school was a severe drain on his mother’s slender resources.
It was, in consequence, decided that he should take up an appointment as a railway clerk in Ladybank Station. Fortunately, his mother disclosed this intention to Mr J M Dawson, the rector (now Dr Dawson, retired and living in Edinburgh). Mr Dawson impressed on Mrs Staig the outstanding promise her son had given, and suggested that he should remain at school and proceed to University, if that could possibly be done. His mother made still further sacrifices to accomplish this, and Sir Bertie never forgot all his mother and his teachers had done for him. He used to relate in later years that when he passed Ladybank Junction in the train, he recalled how near he had been to spending his life as a railway servant.
The ‘blue riband’ of Bell-Baxter is the Balgonie Dux Medal, and in 1910 this was gained by Staig. He proceeded to St Andrews University after taking fourth place in the Bursary Competition and gaining a Spence Bursary, and so commenced a period of outstanding scholastic brilliance.
Success followed success, and in his second year he was medallist in each of the three classes in which he studied — Special Latin, Special Greek and General Logic and Psychology. In 1913 he became a Guthrie Scholar, and after graduating MA with first class honours in classics, he proceeded to Trinity College, Oxford, with the coveted Ferguson Scholarship. There his successes culminated in his entering the Indian Civil Service in 1917. On entering the Indian Civil Service, Sir Bertie was posted to Bengal, but served there for only three years as district officer before he joined the Finance Department. He spent much of his subsequent time in the Punjab, first as commissioner of income tax and then as financial adviser to the Public Works Department, in which he was wholly responsible for the financing of the great Punjab Hydro Electric scheme, and also of later irrigation projects.
He became Accountant General in various Provinces, and for some time was financial adviser of military finance in Delhi, and in Simla. For about two years he was financial adviser to the Government of Iraq in Bagdad, then was appointed Deputy Auditor-General to India, and finally for several years held the Crown appointment of Auditor General.
Sir Bertie was specially asked by the new Government of India, after partition, to remain on as Auditor General of India, and did so for about a year.
He first attained public prominence for the exceptionally fine work he did following the Quetta earthquake in 1935, work which was performed under conditions of great difficulty, and for which he was awarded the Companionship of the Order of the Star of India. On the social side he was the last president of the United Service Club in Simla—a sign of the regard and popularity in which he was generally held. He was honoured with a Knighthood in 1942, and in 1947 he became a K.C.I.E. He retired four years ago and took up residence at Goring- on-Thames. In June of last year he received the LL.D. degree from his Alma Mater.
Sir Bertie could not suffer inactivity, and set about looking for work that would suit him. He ultimately accepted a directorship in Sheffield.
During his vacations from India, Sir Bertie never failed to renew acquaintance with old school friends and friends in Auchtermuchty. The old folks there he held in especial regard, and he yearly sent a sum of money to be spent in providing additional comfort for them. Although his appointments had led him to consult and mix with Cabinet Ministers, Peers and high ranking officials, with whom he was always his natural self, he remained his natural self when visiting his Auchtermuchty friends.
For the teachers who had shaped his career he had lasting respect and affection, and he kept in touch all the years of his after-University career with them, particularly Dr J.M Dawson and his Latin master, Mr Thomas Robertson, now retired in Aberdeen. By the death in hospital at Wuppertal (Ruhr), Germany, on Wednesday last week, of Sir Bertie Staig, Bell-Baxter School has lost its most distinguished former pupil.
Sir Bertie, as British High Commissioner, controlled deutschmark expenditure in the British Zone of Germany. He had a stroke in his office five days before he died, and his wife and son, David (24) arrived from Britain the day before he succumbed. He was due to return to his civilian appointment as a director of Darwins Ltd., the Sheffield steel company, on the day he died.
Cupar Heritage Centre applauds 125 years of Bell Baxter
by Clare Jones [email protected] @fifeherald Cupar Heritage Centre is helping Bell Baxter to celebrate by exhibiting a snapshot of events with a strong focus on the school’s achievements. The display came about when members of the. Former Pupils’ Association were visiting the centre with artefacts that were not related to Bell Baxter and mentioned that the school was coming up to its 125 year anniversary. While other volunteers were busy preparing the WWI exhibition in the centre, treasurer Ian Copland took on the job of piecing together the items that are now on display. They include photographs that have been gifted by various individuals in the community - for which the Heritage Centre is extremely grateful. Now it’s hoped that more people will come forward with their memories from school and search their attics for photographs, old school diaries and other memorabilia. “The exhibition to mark the school’s anniversary is already under way, with visitors coming in to spot members of their family and friends in the photographs on view,” said Ian. Ian has ensured that special attention has been given to the legacy of the Balgonie gold medal for Dux of the school, which was instituted in 1861 in memory of Alexander Viscount Balgonie, the only son to the Earl of Leven and Melville. There are many things to discover, from sporting events, pupils’ achievements and sports personalities to how Bell Baxter fared in the national radio and television quizzes like ‘Top of the Form’. The exhibition has many surprises and shows off some remarkable and inspiring people, many of whom are widely recognised. There is also an amusing panoramic photograph of a cheeky janitor. He can be seen taking advantage of the latest technology in the early 1900s by making a double appearance as the pupils were having their picture taken. The display offers an insight into how highly education was valued in the town and shows how Bell Baxter honoured this by putting education to the fore, provoking a ‘can do’ attitude that propelled many of its pupils to success. The Heritage Centre has received many artefacts which include an old school desk, a bell, a teacher’s gown, belts and much more. Some of the items on view were acquired when Dunfermline Museum was refining its collection. The exhibition, which is running from now until October, is a ‘must see’ for people who want to take part in the celebrations and to share their memories. For more information, visit www.cuparheritage.org.uk. Bell Baxter's sporting stars |
A proud history of pupils going on to great things
by Andrew Arbuckle
[email protected]
@fifeherald
Pride of place in any list of sporting stars who attended Bell Baxter in the past century and a quarter goes to Dave Rollo, who gained a record equalling forty Scottish rugby caps as well as a place on the 1962 British Lions tour of South Africa. Ironically, he played football at school before he found fame on the rugby pitch.
He played in the same Scotland/England international in 1965 when David Whyte, another FP made his debut. In total Whyte played for Scotland 13 times scoring two tries; the first and so far only FP to cross the English try line.
In 2007, Bell Baxter shocked the rugby scene winning the Bell Lawrie Scottish school’s championship; the first time a state school had achieved that feat. Seven members of that team, Peter Horne, Chris Fusaro, Michael Fedo, Rory Drummond, Stevie Wilson, Ross Aitken and Chris Mason have all gone on to represent Scotland.
More recently the combined efforts of the school and the Howe of Fife have produced another batch of rugby playing Scottish representatives in Murdo McAndrew, George Horne, Cameron Fenton and Denis Potter.
Another FP to make his mark in rugby was Tom Pearson who after a long playing career went into the management of the sport ending up as chairman of the selectors of the Scottish Rugby Union followed by the SRU presidency in 1988.
In golf, Dale Reid OBE has been one of the most successful women golfers ever with 21 tournament wins. She played in four Solheim cups and then was non playing captain in 2000 and 2002 finishing with a victory over the term from the USA.
In the amateur ranks, Joan Lawrence MBE, won the Fife Golf Championship a staggering thirteen times with a 31 year gap between her first victory in 1957 and her last one in 1988.
The FP golfing stars on the male side are led by George Will, Ladybank who played in three Ryder cups where he along with Brian Huggett twice beat golf legend Arnold Palmer in the foursomes. In his early days, Will was Scottish boys and British youth champion. Jim Farmer has had a long and successful career in golf playing in six Open championships along with victories in The Northern Open in 1979 and the PGA championship in 1983. He captained the GB&I PGA team in 2005 that beat the USA.
In 1956 John Ferguson, Scotscraig won the British Boys Championship. FPs who have also been successful on the golf course include Sandy Smith, currently professional at Ladybank and Derek Small, professional at Dunbar. Among a number of FPs making their way in professional football, the most recent success story is Steven May who plays for St Johnstone and is now the proud holder of a Scottish cup winner’s medal. Perhaps the most highly rated footballing FP was George Lyall, who as a sixth year pupil in 1966 was playing for Raith Rovers when he was snapped up by Preston North End for £10,000. With 123 Scottish caps, Louise Munn has had a starring role in women’s hockey also gaining caps for Great Britain.
In athletics, Bell Baxter has produced a whole host of Scottish champions among them Pat Rollo (daughter of Dave) who in 1983 set a Scottish record of 13.35 seconds for the 100 metre hurdles;some 30 years later that time has still to be beaten. Pat (pictured) is now a senior official in Scottish athletics and has represented the country at many internationals in this capacity.
Before his international rugby career, David Whyte shone on the athletics field taking the 1959 AAA long jump championship with a leap of 7.23m. The previous year had seen him win the junior championship with 7.11m.
Liz Sutherland nee Toulalan also found fame representing Scotland in both the 1970 and 1974 Commonwealth Games. At the first event she made the final of the 100 metres but the highlight of her career came in 1977 when she took the AAA 400 metre hurdles championship in a Scottish record time of 57.93; this latter achievement propelling her towards the Scottish Sportswoman of the Year award.
In a long and successful athletics career, Jackie Gilchrist won the Scottish high jump championship three years running from 1979 to 1982 with her best height of 1.81m still being in the all time Scottish top ten.
In the men’s events, Doug Hendry won the Scottish Under 18 year old high jump in 1976 with a clearance of 1.95m a height he bettered two years later in winning the Under 20 year old championship with a leap of 2.03m.
The same year, Jim Johnston took the runner up award in the Scottish pole vault with a clearance of 4.40m.
Caroline Baird (nee Innes) has the distinction of being the first FP to compete in the Paralympics where between 1992 and the year 2000, she won four gold medals, breaking world records in her category on several occasions. One FP who is currently preparing for this year’s Commonwealth Games in Glasgow is Michael Simpson, who will compete for Scotland in the disabled bowls competition.
Commonwealth Games silver medallist Cy Harrison tops the boxing FPs with a long and successful career in the amateur ranks including an Amateur Boxing Association (ABA) championship only being topped with his medal winning display in Christchurch in 1974. A decade earlier, Jack Allan won the Scottish Youths boxing championship while still at school.
Swimming success for FPs has been headed up poolside with Gina Logan (pictured) being elected president of the Scottish Swimming Association in 2012. She has also been swim team manager at the Melbourne Commonwealth games and in Glasgow later this year, she is assistant Scottish team manager after holding official positions at both the Melbourne and Delhi Commonwealth Games.
In archery, David Cowieson has represented his country for the past twenty years along the way helping to win team medals for GB in the European championships in Poland in 2002 followed by silver at both the world championships in Spain in 2003 and Italy in 2005.
Creating one of the biggest ever upsets in the world of cricket, Freuchie club with no less than nine FPs won the national Village Team Championships at Lords in 1985. The winning team were Mark Wilkie, Alan Duncan, Andy Crichton, George Wilson, David Cowan, Stewart Irvine, Terry Trewartha, George Crichton, David Christie, Brian Christie and Niven McNaughton.
In 1982 the School tennis team of Jackie and Elizabeth McCubbin, Elsie, Jean and Hazel Walker and Susan Marr won the Scottish Schools Championship.
All of the girls in that team had during the winter, been members of the school hockey team that were runners up in the Scottish championships.
Two years later, with Susan Wilson replacing Elsie, the BBHS tennis team won the Scottish championship again.
Elsie Walker continued her tennis career where the high point was competing at junior Wimbledon.
In winter sports, Gareth Traynor, Ladybank, represented Great Britain in the men’s slalom at the 2002 Winter Olympics held at Salt Lake City where he came a creditable 22nd.
Ann Small, nee Steven, won the British Novice driving championship in 1983 and also won the side saddle championship in the 1980s.
In motor sports, Donald Heggie, Cupar twice won the Scottish Rally championship; the first time in 1969 and then again in 1981.
In field sports Janis Hall nee Walker won the Scottish Fly Fishing championship in the 1970s. Richard Black (pictured) narrowly missed out on representing Scotland at the 1986 Commonwealth Games but he captained the Scottish Clay Pigeon shooting team which won the home international trophy in 1979. At that event he picked up the Luigi Franchi High gun trophy.
Also proving he was a sharp shooter, Angus Hood was a Scottish Junior rifle champion in the 1950s. Bell Baxter has also had numerous representatives at Scottish age group levels in a variety of sports including, squash martial arts lawn bowls.
DISCLAIMER A number of fellow sports enthusiasts have helped in this compilation but there may well be omissions, for which I apologise. What has been amazing is the diversity of Bell Baxter FP’s success in the world of sport.
by Andrew Arbuckle
[email protected]
@fifeherald
Pride of place in any list of sporting stars who attended Bell Baxter in the past century and a quarter goes to Dave Rollo, who gained a record equalling forty Scottish rugby caps as well as a place on the 1962 British Lions tour of South Africa. Ironically, he played football at school before he found fame on the rugby pitch.
He played in the same Scotland/England international in 1965 when David Whyte, another FP made his debut. In total Whyte played for Scotland 13 times scoring two tries; the first and so far only FP to cross the English try line.
In 2007, Bell Baxter shocked the rugby scene winning the Bell Lawrie Scottish school’s championship; the first time a state school had achieved that feat. Seven members of that team, Peter Horne, Chris Fusaro, Michael Fedo, Rory Drummond, Stevie Wilson, Ross Aitken and Chris Mason have all gone on to represent Scotland.
More recently the combined efforts of the school and the Howe of Fife have produced another batch of rugby playing Scottish representatives in Murdo McAndrew, George Horne, Cameron Fenton and Denis Potter.
Another FP to make his mark in rugby was Tom Pearson who after a long playing career went into the management of the sport ending up as chairman of the selectors of the Scottish Rugby Union followed by the SRU presidency in 1988.
In golf, Dale Reid OBE has been one of the most successful women golfers ever with 21 tournament wins. She played in four Solheim cups and then was non playing captain in 2000 and 2002 finishing with a victory over the term from the USA.
In the amateur ranks, Joan Lawrence MBE, won the Fife Golf Championship a staggering thirteen times with a 31 year gap between her first victory in 1957 and her last one in 1988.
The FP golfing stars on the male side are led by George Will, Ladybank who played in three Ryder cups where he along with Brian Huggett twice beat golf legend Arnold Palmer in the foursomes. In his early days, Will was Scottish boys and British youth champion. Jim Farmer has had a long and successful career in golf playing in six Open championships along with victories in The Northern Open in 1979 and the PGA championship in 1983. He captained the GB&I PGA team in 2005 that beat the USA.
In 1956 John Ferguson, Scotscraig won the British Boys Championship. FPs who have also been successful on the golf course include Sandy Smith, currently professional at Ladybank and Derek Small, professional at Dunbar. Among a number of FPs making their way in professional football, the most recent success story is Steven May who plays for St Johnstone and is now the proud holder of a Scottish cup winner’s medal. Perhaps the most highly rated footballing FP was George Lyall, who as a sixth year pupil in 1966 was playing for Raith Rovers when he was snapped up by Preston North End for £10,000. With 123 Scottish caps, Louise Munn has had a starring role in women’s hockey also gaining caps for Great Britain.
In athletics, Bell Baxter has produced a whole host of Scottish champions among them Pat Rollo (daughter of Dave) who in 1983 set a Scottish record of 13.35 seconds for the 100 metre hurdles;some 30 years later that time has still to be beaten. Pat (pictured) is now a senior official in Scottish athletics and has represented the country at many internationals in this capacity.
Before his international rugby career, David Whyte shone on the athletics field taking the 1959 AAA long jump championship with a leap of 7.23m. The previous year had seen him win the junior championship with 7.11m.
Liz Sutherland nee Toulalan also found fame representing Scotland in both the 1970 and 1974 Commonwealth Games. At the first event she made the final of the 100 metres but the highlight of her career came in 1977 when she took the AAA 400 metre hurdles championship in a Scottish record time of 57.93; this latter achievement propelling her towards the Scottish Sportswoman of the Year award.
In a long and successful athletics career, Jackie Gilchrist won the Scottish high jump championship three years running from 1979 to 1982 with her best height of 1.81m still being in the all time Scottish top ten.
In the men’s events, Doug Hendry won the Scottish Under 18 year old high jump in 1976 with a clearance of 1.95m a height he bettered two years later in winning the Under 20 year old championship with a leap of 2.03m.
The same year, Jim Johnston took the runner up award in the Scottish pole vault with a clearance of 4.40m.
Caroline Baird (nee Innes) has the distinction of being the first FP to compete in the Paralympics where between 1992 and the year 2000, she won four gold medals, breaking world records in her category on several occasions. One FP who is currently preparing for this year’s Commonwealth Games in Glasgow is Michael Simpson, who will compete for Scotland in the disabled bowls competition.
Commonwealth Games silver medallist Cy Harrison tops the boxing FPs with a long and successful career in the amateur ranks including an Amateur Boxing Association (ABA) championship only being topped with his medal winning display in Christchurch in 1974. A decade earlier, Jack Allan won the Scottish Youths boxing championship while still at school.
Swimming success for FPs has been headed up poolside with Gina Logan (pictured) being elected president of the Scottish Swimming Association in 2012. She has also been swim team manager at the Melbourne Commonwealth games and in Glasgow later this year, she is assistant Scottish team manager after holding official positions at both the Melbourne and Delhi Commonwealth Games.
In archery, David Cowieson has represented his country for the past twenty years along the way helping to win team medals for GB in the European championships in Poland in 2002 followed by silver at both the world championships in Spain in 2003 and Italy in 2005.
Creating one of the biggest ever upsets in the world of cricket, Freuchie club with no less than nine FPs won the national Village Team Championships at Lords in 1985. The winning team were Mark Wilkie, Alan Duncan, Andy Crichton, George Wilson, David Cowan, Stewart Irvine, Terry Trewartha, George Crichton, David Christie, Brian Christie and Niven McNaughton.
In 1982 the School tennis team of Jackie and Elizabeth McCubbin, Elsie, Jean and Hazel Walker and Susan Marr won the Scottish Schools Championship.
All of the girls in that team had during the winter, been members of the school hockey team that were runners up in the Scottish championships.
Two years later, with Susan Wilson replacing Elsie, the BBHS tennis team won the Scottish championship again.
Elsie Walker continued her tennis career where the high point was competing at junior Wimbledon.
In winter sports, Gareth Traynor, Ladybank, represented Great Britain in the men’s slalom at the 2002 Winter Olympics held at Salt Lake City where he came a creditable 22nd.
Ann Small, nee Steven, won the British Novice driving championship in 1983 and also won the side saddle championship in the 1980s.
In motor sports, Donald Heggie, Cupar twice won the Scottish Rally championship; the first time in 1969 and then again in 1981.
In field sports Janis Hall nee Walker won the Scottish Fly Fishing championship in the 1970s. Richard Black (pictured) narrowly missed out on representing Scotland at the 1986 Commonwealth Games but he captained the Scottish Clay Pigeon shooting team which won the home international trophy in 1979. At that event he picked up the Luigi Franchi High gun trophy.
Also proving he was a sharp shooter, Angus Hood was a Scottish Junior rifle champion in the 1950s. Bell Baxter has also had numerous representatives at Scottish age group levels in a variety of sports including, squash martial arts lawn bowls.
DISCLAIMER A number of fellow sports enthusiasts have helped in this compilation but there may well be omissions, for which I apologise. What has been amazing is the diversity of Bell Baxter FP’s success in the world of sport.
This Fife Herald News supplement could not have appeared without the support of local companies and organisations that paid to place advertisements. We are grateful to them for their support. We are sure you will understand if we single out just one of these advertisements. We are fresh out of prizes after the prose, poetry and artwork competition mentioned by the Rector at the beginning, but if that were not so, we would present a big prize to the advert reproduced below.
This is a full page advertisement, so please use the scroll bar on the right of the frame to see all of it or click the icon at bottom right to view the document full frame.
This is a full page advertisement, so please use the scroll bar on the right of the frame to see all of it or click the icon at bottom right to view the document full frame.