This year sees Merchiston celebrating its 175th Anniversary, and I must say that 1833-2008 has a fine ring about it! In May 1833, Charles Chalmers took the lease of Merchiston Castle, the former home of John Napier of logarithm fame, which then stood in rural surroundings, and opened his Academy, starting with 30 boys. Like his famous brother, Dr Thomas Chalmers, mathematician, physicist and theologian, Charles was an original thinker in Maths and Science. Over time, Merchiston grew, and so did the boundaries of the City of Edinburgh. The Governors decided to move the School to Colinton so that the 210 students should once again enjoy the advantages of both town and country; the new School opened its doors in 1930 and today’s roll stands at 435 pupils. So, we started the term with our 175th Anniversary birthday cake. All members of the School community enjoyed singing the School Song and “Happy Birthday Merchi”, and then tucking into a piece of the cake – you can find pictures of this special occasion here. We have had speakers from the Merchiston Common Room at three Headmaster’s Assemblies to tell us about what was going on in the world when the School was founded: James Dixon (History), Gayle Cordiner (IT) and Ruth Cohen (Music). Mr Dixon spoke about the political scene in 1833 and particularly about William Wilberforce, who campaigned against the slave trade, and saw it abolished by Parliament in 1833 shortly before his death; Miss Cordiner’s talk was about the technological scene in 1833, and especially about Charles Babbage, mathematician and inventor of the ‘Analytical Engine’ which the basic design of the modern computer is based on. Ruth Cohen spoke about music in 1833, and focused on Brahms. We have also taken the opportunity to recount a little of Merchiston’s history at Assemblies. Other notable events this term to come under the 175th Anniversary banner have been the Burns Supper, the Scholars’ Dinner, the Choral Society Concert with St George’s, the Merchiston Sevens, the Pringle Concert and Junior Music Competition, the Colinton & Merchiston Choir Concert, and lastly the Rugby Dinner.
As ever, the Pipe Band’s powerful and moving performance in the Memorial Hall before the annual Burns Supper sets the scene for this most enjoyable evening, which also raises funds for the Pipe Band and the Music Department, and this year for our charity partner, Place2Be. Barbara and I hosted tables of prospective parents and prep school heads, and I am most grateful to Emma Biggar (Merchiston parent) who assisted with the organisation of the evening, to all who provided the entertainment, and to the numerous parents who donated food and raffle prizes. I have no doubt that Philip Rossiter and Fergus West were extremely busy behind the scenes, and our thanks also go to Donald Biggar (Merchistonian, Merchiston parent and Governor) for his chairing of the event. This year’s speakers were: Russell Weir, Captain of the Scottish Schools Cup XV, (The Address to the Haggis); John Glover (The Immortal Memory); John O’Neill (The Toast to the Lassies); Director of Drama Stephanie Godfrey (Reply). Captain of School Bruce Mustard said the Selkirk Grace and Douglas Quayle gave the vote of thanks. I always think that this event is one of the special evenings in the Merchiston calendar and I would urge any parent who has not experienced a Merchiston Burns Supper to join us next January. We are also most grateful to Sheila Voas, a Merchiston parent, for her continued help with our Pipe Band uniform.
The Scholars’ Dinner was the second 175th Anniversary event. Rightly so, the theme of this year’s speech was 1833, and the speaker was John O’Neill (Senior Deputy Rector at The High School of Glasgow, and former teacher of History and Head of the Sixth Form at Merchiston). He spoke eloquently about the changes that had occurred between 1829 and 1833, just prior to the founding of the School. It was also wonderful to welcome back three former members of the History Department, as well as 17 former Scholars – for many of them it was their first opportunity to buy a Scholar’s tie!
Another highlight was this term’s Choral Society Concert in the majestic setting of the McEwan Hall, involving 145 Merchiston singers and 40 singers from St George’s School for Girls. The combined choirs performed Parry’s I was glad; The Little Organ Mass (Missa Sancti Joannis de Deo) by Haydn was sung by the Merchiston choir; the St George’s choir sang Adiemus, Songs of Sanctuary by Jenkins; and finally Fauré’s Requiem was sung by senior singers from both St George’s and Merchiston. It was indeed a wonderful feast of music.
The Pagan Osborne Merchiston Sevens saw an action-packed afternoon. Sandwiched between two very wet and windy days, we were pleased that the weather was clear (albeit very cold). This year, we only had three age groups competing, which involved 28 teams and 280 players from 20 schools, and a total of 42 matches were played. In the Under 15s Stewart's Melville were again in the final against Merchiston, and the match was tied 26 all at the final whistle; Merchiston went on to score in extra time to win the competition at this level. The Merchiston A team triumphed in the main cup for the first time since 1993.
The 175th Anniversary Day on 11 March brought many smiles to our faces, (particularly those of prospective parents!) when several staff and boys dressed as if we were at Merchiston in 1833! We had 1833 themed lessons over the course of the day and there was much mirth all round! Again, photos can be found here.
The 175th Anniversary Pringle Concert and Junior Music Competition saw 30 pupils taking part. The Competition was introduced by the J4 Recorder Group playing “Over the Sea to Skye” and then the more advanced Pringle Recorders with Strings playing a selection of Baroque dances. It was a close competition which demonstrated the skill and determination of the boys. The concert ended with the Second Form composition “Space”.
The final 175th Anniversary musical event this term was the Colinton and Merchiston Choir Concert organised and conducted by David Turner. This took place on Palm Sunday, a most appropriate day for the programme was Olivet to Calvary by Maunder; there were 90 singers and 2 soloists. This provided an excellent opportunity for the School to strengthen links with the local community.
The celebratory 175th Anniversary 1st XV Rugby Dinner at the end of term commemorated the end of the rugby season, with players, parents, guests and former players and was a fitting end to this term’s 175th Anniversary celebrations.
It is right that all these events should have pride of place in this end of term newsletter. We will continue celebrating over the next two terms! |
