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OLD FETTESIAN NEWSLETTER NO. 66, JULY 2021
OF NEWS
OF News 1940s George Preston (SH-CW 1944–1950, Staff 1955–1991) was visited on the occasion of his 90th birthday by College Archivist, Craig Marshall, by OF Coordinator Vivienne Clark and by Fettes Community Engagement Manager, Karen Jones. David Horne (Gl 1945–1950) writes: “From mid February to the end of April this year I was slightly busy as I tried to complete my charity target of walking 100 miles on behalf of Alzheimers Research UK. My target date was the end of April and I am delighted to say that I completed my target of walking (or rather dawdling) 100 miles and raised money for what I believe is a really worthwhile cause. “Not a really challenging target for someone who is young and fit but, I can assure everyone, something which I was not certain I could achieve as the paralysis of my arms, body and above all legs ten years ago has certainly affected me. Indeed, I thought at the beginning of March that I would have to ask for more time. However, I actually walked my 100 miles by earlyish April and thanks primarily to friends and relations and other contacts raised a satisfactory amount for an extremely deserving charity. Although the ’JustGiving’ page (www.justgiving.com/fundraising/
davidsalzheimersdawdle) is still open it seems that the average contribution is over £50 per head even including grandchildren – some of whom raided their piggy bank. Wonderful and beyond my expectations. The other big benefit is that I am definitely fitter and healthier even though I am well short of my physical condition in 2009 before my paralysis. Mind you I have vowed never again to set myself a target of walking 100 miles. “What I have now realised is that one should never be depressed by the better athleticism and/or academic ability of one’s contemporaries at school. Everyone has ability and can succeed even if it is late in life before appearing. To me it is most important that one should be able to look back over the years and realise that by and large life has been fun and relatively successful and that one has fulfilled one’s own and others’ expectations. My parents, had they been alive, I think would have felt that I had achieved as much or maybe more than they expected. I must say that I have also been very fortunate to have been lucky – which does help – but when it comes down to it, nothing beats a first-class education and upbringing and the support of one’s family and relations – plus maybe a cold shower or a cold bath every morning at
Craig Marshall, Vivienne Clark, Karen Jones and George Preston
school! My target now is to reach the memorable age of 90 in March 2022. I can then start my next Five-Year Plan.” Colin G Macdonald (CW 1948– 1953, Staff 1956–1960) writes: “I was recently awarded the position of Honorary Commonwealth VicePresident of the Royal Lifesaving Society, in recognition of the work I had done for drowning prevention in Lesotho. “When I retired from my post as a school Principal in 2010 I was also President of the Royal Lesotho Lifesaving Association, so this became my excuse for avoiding these freezing Scottish winters. It also allowed me to remain in touch with the OF community in South Africa. Realising that none of us are immortal, I had found an ideal person to take over the Presidency while I stepped down to Vice-President, but he died of Covid-19 at the end of last year, so I have resumed the reigns again from 6,000 miles away. I hope I shall be able to get back there later this year.” OF News 1950s Lt Colonel Grenville Johnston (Mo 1958–1963) has been made a Companion of The Memorial of Merit of King Charles the Martyr in recognition of his work for the Anglican Church.
David Horne
