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Recollections Trinity Academy |
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Here are links to the Trinity Academy web sites: School Parents' Council |
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Please click on one of the links below, or scroll down to read recollections.. |
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1. |
Ed Thomson During World War II |
- My School - Music at Trinity 1 - Music at Trinity 2 |
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2. |
Joyce Messer After World War II |
- My School - Edinburgh - Graduation Robes - The Science Teacher - The English Teacher - Climbing Week - Thespian |
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3. |
Winifred Huff (née Mackie) California, USA 1948-53 |
- School Sports and Concerts - Youth Hostelling - Canada and USA |
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4. |
Jim Mowat 1947-53 |
- Cairngorm Trip - Winnie and Ruth - Extra-Curricular Activities |
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5. |
Brian V Fox Wells, Somerset, England 1940-46 |
- My School - The Science Teacher - The Maths Teacher - The Geography Teacher - Nicknames |
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6. |
Brian V Fox Wells, Somerset, England 1940-46 |
- Drem Aerodrome - Rifle Team - Joke Whistle |
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7. |
Joyce Messer After World War II |
- The Geography Teacher |
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8. |
David Malcolm To 1950 |
- Pirates of Penzance |
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9. |
Michael
Henderson 1990-94 |
- Leith and Trinity Academy |
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10. |
Alan Fentiman 1967-72 |
- Trinity Academy |
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11. |
Ruth Nordhoy |
- Friends - Granton Primary School - Trinity Academy |
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12. |
Winifred Huff 1948-53 |
- At School - Return to the School |
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13. |
Stephen McMahon From 1968 |
- Former Pupils' Web Site |
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14. |
Fiona Morgan (née
Forbes) From c.1964 |
- Trinity Primary School - Radio Broadcast - Playing - Family |
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15. |
Milson MacLeod Canada 1948-50 |
- Travel - Teachers - Music - Change of Schools |
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16. |
Malcolm Lauder 1945-48 |
- Trinity Academy 1945-48 - Friends |
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17. |
Winifred Huff (née Mackie) California, USA 1949-53 |
- Usher Hall Concerts |
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18. |
Jim Pringle Tobermory, Ontario, Canada From c.1947 |
- Friends |
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19. |
Marion Glynn Ireland |
- Lunch Times |
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20. |
Ann Begbie (née
Watson) To 1948 |
- Reply to Malcolm Lauder - The Huts at Trinity - Hockey Practice - Other Teachers - School Magazine |
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21. |
Edouard Dunnachie |
- Susan Chalmers - Judith Bisset |
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22. |
Ian C
Purves |
- 1940s - Deliveries |
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23. |
Malcolm J B
Finlayson |
- My Brother's Classmates - Smiggy |
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24. |
Jim
Macfarlane |
- Teachers |
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25. |
Malcolm J B
Finlayson |
- Physics at Primary School |
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26. |
Malcolm J B
Finlayson |
- Teachers: Mr Finlayson |
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27. |
Malcolm J B
Finlayson |
- Police Road Safety Visit - Dance and Song - Cars and Ball - Do Others Remember? |
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28. |
Ruth Nordhoy with reply from
Eric Arbuckle |
- Reunion Photo, 2014 |
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29. |
Late-1930s
Rosemary Wilson |
- My First Day at School - Royal Visit - My First Day at School |
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30. |
1957-63
Bruce Johnstone |
- My Change of School - School Buildings - Cycling to School - R E Teaching - School Lay-out - Teachers - Secretarial - School Buildings |
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Recollections 1. Edward Thomson Glamis Castle, Angus, Scotland |
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Trinity Academy during World War II Thank you to Ed Thomson, now living in a grace and favour flat in Glamis Castle, Angus Scotland, for telling me about two incidents at Trinity Academy in the 1940s. Ed wrote: |
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My Schools "I lived at 4 Summer Place and 5 Fraser Grove in Edinburgh and attended Wardie school then Trinity Academy before and during World War II. I am a 'Toffee Aipple' *** school contemporary of Walter Hume and Douglas Beath and have read their recollections of Trinity on the web site. I've written to tell you about two incidents involving Miss Caldwell, the Music Teacher, that happened when I was at Trinity." *** Ed tells me that 'Toffee Aipple' refers to the 'T.A.' logo on the Trinity Academy school badge. |
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Music at Trinity - 1 "Miss Caldwell was acquainted with Dr Herbert Wiseman who did the BBC "Music for Schools" broadcasts. One day he visited our Music Class to give an illustrated lecture on Scots Songs. I was sitting next to Peter Harkess (now in Oz) from Bonnington Grove. He was asked to sing the first verse of Nut Brown Maiden. This was typical of the music we 16-year-olds had to suffer. Peter refused and was invited by Miss Caldwell to stand out in the Corridor. Wiseman's gaze fell on me. "Let me hear the first verse of "Wee Couper o' Fife", he demanded. In solidarity with Peter, I refused with the comment "It's a lot of gibberish!!" At this, Miss Caldwell intervened and sent us both down to Rector Weir's Office with the recommendation that we received six of the belt each for insulting the VIP visitor. On our return to the Classroom we were given a round of applause from our Classmates and Caldwell stood banging the blackboard pointer on the floor demanding silence." |
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Music at Trinity - 2 "Miss Caldwell had very strong Classical music tastes Shostakovich, Greig and Bartok being among her favorites. She took a delight in playing records of them on the radiogram. Fast forward to the day after VE Day there was an Assembly in the local Parish Church in Remembrance. We were told we could bring records of our own to play in the Gymnasium where Crawfie, the Janitor, had set up a radiogram. My contribution was a couple of military band marches which fitted the "Mood". Ian Oldham, a classmate, an evacuee from blitzed Plymouth put on a Glenn Miller record he'd been given by a US serviceman. Caldwell went up to the radiogram and switched it off ending the first ever Disco at Trinity Academy."
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Edward Thomson, Glamis Castle, Angus Scotland: March 7, 2006 |
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Recollections 2. Joyce Messer North Island, New Zealand |
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Trinity Academy after World War II Thank you to Joyce Messer, now living in North Island, New Zealand, for telling me about her time spent at Trinity Academy in the late 1940s. Joyce wrote: |
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My School "My parents were from Scotland (father Glasgow and mother Edinburgh) but moved to Cheshire before WW2 - then moved back to Edinburgh in 1947. I went to Trinity Academy which I hated. I could not understand a word anyone said. Their Scottish accents were incomprehensible to me. I used to be regularly strapped by the Latin teacher and the history teacher." |
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Edinburgh "However I loved Edinburgh and have great memories of my teenage years there - selling programmes at the Festival so I could go to free concerts at the Usher Hall, dances at the medical school, the Heriot Watt and the Royal Dick Vet School. I married a vet and came out to New Zealand." |
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Graduation Robes "I see someone recalling Rector Weir at Trinity Academy. He was a Canadian. Teachers always wore their graduation robes in those days during class and en masse looked like a collection of rooks." |
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Joyce subsequently sent more of her memories of Edinburgh. Joyce wrote: |
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The Science Teacher "I remember that the science teacher had apparently been involved in a car accident which had had severely damaged his hands. To improve his dexterity he was learning the piano and in particular Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata. He had a film of Myra Hess playing this sonata and ran the film endlessly at every opportunity. I think it must have been at so- called free periods because I don't know what it had to do with science. A collective groan went up from the class every time Myra appeared in black and white on screen, pounding out Beethoven." |
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The English Teacher "Another teacher was Miss Jamieson who taught English in one of the Nissen huts in the grounds which served as extra classrooms at Trinity. She was given to banging the blackboard with a pointer shouting 'Eyes here.' 'Oh Miss Jamieson' some wag shouted: 'It should be I AM here' - the class nearly fell out of their seats with laughter, and I still think it's funny." |
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Climbing Week "I have a photo taken with my precious Box Brownie of a group from Trinity who went climbing for a week (it seemed like a month) in the Cairngorms with the science teacher (whose name escapes me) and the maths teacher (Bulldog Drummond). It must have been around 1949/50. I've asked Joyce if it will be possible for me to add a copy of this photo to the web site. We camped by a stream which, when it rained overnight, became a raging torrent. Tents were washed out, food floated away and the wonder was no-one drowned. Some of my toe nails came off later - the result of trying to walk and climb in borrowed boots that were too small. We ended up in some huts which were at least dry. I think that whole area is now an up-market outdoor pursuits centre. Our week was basic and very down-market, but it has stayed in my mind! |
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Thespian Mr Scott-Allan, by the way, was something of a thespian, and organised the annual Trinity Concert in the Usher Hall - usually of Gilbert and Sullivan operettas. My feeling is that they were very well done. Certainly, a huge amount of work went into them. If pressed I could probably sing my way through several entire G & S operas. |
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Joyce Messer, North Island, New Zealand: First two items: December 18, 2006. Remainder of items: April 27, 2007 |
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Recollections 3. Winifred Huff (née Mackie) California, USA |
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Trinity Academy - 1949 to 1953 Thank you to Winifred Huff (née Mackie), now living in California, USA, for telling me about her time spent at Trinity Academy in the late 1940s. Winifred wrote: |
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School Sports and Concerts "Ruth Hamilton, Maureen Coyle and I graduated along with our classmates in 1953 after 5 great years at Trinity. My fondest memories are of Bangholm sports field, hockey games and track and field in the Spring, along with the great 'end of the year' concerts with Miss Munroe and Scott Allen; 'Trial by Jury', 'Iolanthe' and various others. My favorite teacher was Bulldog Drummond, our maths teacher. He inspired me to teach. I now teach at the University, ESL* to international students." * ESL = English as a Second Language |
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Youth Hostelling "My friends and I spent one summer going with a school group to the Youth Hostels in the highlands, traveling on our bikes for about two weeks. I remember I gave everyone a hair cut one night and we all looked like escapees from the local poor house!!! Youth Hostels were a wonderful experience which probably caused me to discover the wanderlust in me. We eventually hostelled to Germany, Norway and all over Scotland." |
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USA and Canada "Ruth and I have married and live in the U.S. Maureen now lives in Canada." |
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Winifred Huff (née Mackie), California, USA: April 29, 2007 |
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Contacting Winifred Huff Winifred Huff tells me that she would be pleased to hear from anybody who remembers her. If you would like to contact Winifred, please e-mail me and I will pass on your message to her. Thank you. - Peter Stubbs, June 3, 2007 |
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Recollections 4. Jim Mowat Edinburgh |
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Trinity Academy - 1947 to 1953 Thank you to Jim Mowat, who attended Trinity Academy from 1947 to 1953 for sending me these memories of the school. Jim wrote: |
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Cairngorm Trip "I remember both Joyce Messer and Winnie Mackie. They were both in the same year, one below me. I was on the Cairngorm trip to which Joyce refers. Joyce and I were the senior pupils, supposedly helping the teacher, John Turpie. Bulldog Drummond was not on this trip. I really enjoyed the week in the Cairngorms which gave me a taste for hill-walking which I never lost." |
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Winnie and Ruth "Winnie and her friend, Ruth, were the pin-up girls of the school in those days. I remember them as stars of the hockey eleven. Ruth in fact attended the school re-union a few years ago." |
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Extra-curricular Activities "I have many fond memories of Trinity and am grateful for the large number of extra-curricular activities which the staff ran - in particular rugby, cricket, basketball and chess, all of which I kept up after I left school. School days may not have been the happiest days of my life but they were pretty close to it." |
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Jim Mowat, Edinburgh: October 3, 2007 |
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Recollections 5. Brian V Fox Wells, Somerset, England |
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Trinity Academy - 1940 to 1946 Thank you to Brian V Fox, Wells, Somerset, England for sending me these recollections of his time at Trinity Academy. Brian wrote: |
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My Schools "I was a pupil at Trinity Academy during the war years 1940-46." |
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Science Teacher "We had a science teacher called Mr. Turpy. (I'm not sure of the spelling). He used to show us all kinds of experiments, one of which involved the use of ether. At the end of the experiment he instructed us to dispose of the ether by pouring it down the lab bench sink, which we dutifully did. However my friend (Peter Hutchison) and I lit the ether as it went down the sink and it ended up setting fire to a hidden gas pipe. Needless to say, it caused great consternation when flames came out of my exercise book drawer. The fire was soon extinguished and all returned to normal. No questions were asked and the incident was soon forgotten." |
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Maths Teacher "Our maths teacher was a Mr. Neil. He was an excellent teacher and a strong disciplinarian, and was responsible for me getting Higher Maths with distinction in 1946. Mr. Neil eventually became Headmaster of the school." |
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Geography Teacher "The geography teacher was a Mr. Smith. We made his life a misery at times. On one occasion Peter misbehaved and was sent out of the class. He regained entry through a trap door in the floor of the world war one huts we were taught in. Poor old Smithy couldn't understand how he kept re appearing without coming through the door. Occasionally he lost his temper and would fling his chalk eraser at the offending pupil." |
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Nicknames "Nicknames were all the vogue at the time. I was called Medes and Peter was called Archy after Archimedes. Peter and I used to get up to some pranks which I'm sure would have landed us in all sorts of trouble if done now. They were happy days and I often wonder where all my class mates ended up." |
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Brian V Fox, Wells, Somerset, England: January 4, 2008 |
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Recollections 6. Brian V Fox Wells, Somerset, England |
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Trinity Academy - 1940 to 1946 Air Training Corps (ATC) Thank you to Brian V Fox for sending memories of his activities with the ATC while at Trinity Academy. Brian wrote: |
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Drem Aerodrome "I joined the ATC whilst at Trinity and went on camps to Drem Aerodrome. The teachers involved were, to the best of my recollection, Mr.Turpie and Mr Neil. We were taken up by the RAF on trips to give us a bit of flight experience. The aircraft involved were pretty sedate but on one occasion I went up in a Fairy Fulmar. The pilot asked if I wanted to do a few aerobatics, to which I replied: 'Yes'. He then proceeded to scare the living daylights out of me by looping the loop, flying upside-down and nose-diving. I was desperate not to be airsick, as I would have had to pay 5 shillings to have it cleaned up, or do it myself. However I managed to hang on until after landing and a friendly NAAFI lady gave a white-faced youth a cup of tea to settle him |
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Rifle Team "We also had a .22 rifle team. My father, who was a Sergeant Major in the local Home Guard, managed to acquire some ammunition for me to practice. He also took me out onto the end of Granton breakwater with his men to fire a machine gun at targets floating in the Forth. It was great fun but highly unorthodox. The father of one of my friends had a garage workshop in his back garden. It was 'off limits' to us lads, but we found a way in, and managed to make gun out of some .22 tubing. We took it to Cramond woods and fired it across the river Almond. We were caught by some local woodman and warned away. |
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Joke Whistle The garage workshop featured in some other unfriendly neighbourhood activities, one of which involved a joke whistle won at a local fair. It was huge, and almost impossible to blow. We overcame this by connecting it to a high pressure air tank. The resulting piercing noise was unbelievable and shattered the wooden pea inside the whistle. It also nearly drove the neighbour's dog demented. I don't know how we got away with it all, but we did." |
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Brian V Fox, Wells, Somerset, England: January 7, 2008 |
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Recollections 7. Joyce Messer North Island, New Zealand |
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Trinity Academy after World War II Joyce Messer, North Island, New Zealand, wrote: |
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Geography Teacher "I remember some of the teachers he mentions, especially Mr Smith the Geography Teacher, a kind, long suffering man." Joyce Messer, North Island, New Zealand: January 9, 2008 |
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Recollections 8. David Malcolm North Island, New Zealand |
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Trinity Academy to 1950 David Malcolm, North Island, New Zealand was one of the performers in Trinity Academy's production of 'The Pirates of Penzance' in 1950. David sent me a copy of a photo of a rehearsal for the production. Unfortunately the copy was in poor condition, so I've not been able to reproduce it on the web site. The following year, 1951, David went on to become a student at Leith Nautical College. He left Edinburgh in 1956. |
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David wrote Pirates of Penzance "I have a photograph of Trinity Academy's Head Teacher, Scott Allan, conducting a rehearsal of 'The Pirates of Penzance' for the school's end-of-year ceremony at Usher Hall. David appeared in the top left of the photo." David Malcolm, North Island, New Zealand: January 16, 2008. |
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Recollections 9. Michael Henderson Polmont, Falkirk, Stirlingshire, Scotland |
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Trinity Academy 1990-94 Michael Henderson left this message in the guest book. He would like to hear from others who were at Trinity Academy between 1990 and 1994. Michael wrote: |
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Leith and Trinity Academy "I moved from Leith 24 years ago to Polmont, Falkirk. I miss things I was brought up with and the people I went to school with at Trinity Academy between 1990 and 1994." Michael Henderson, Polmont, Falkirk, Stirlingshire, Scotland: June 29 2008. |
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If you'd like to contact Michael, please email me, then I'll pass your message on to him. Thank you. - Peter Stubbs |
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Recollections 10. Alan Fentiman Bournemouth, Dorset, England |
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Thank you to Alan Fentiman who wrote: |
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Trinity Academy 1967-72 "There seems to be plenty of interest on the site about my old school, Trinity Academy, mostly from ex-pupils who are older than me. I attended Trinity Academy from 1967 to 1972. At the time, I couldn't wait for my school days to be over but now that I look back on them, it is with fond memories. The fondest, perhaps, relate to the school production each year." |
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The School Production "I recall 'La Belle Helene' and 'The Pirates of Penzance' and whilst I did not take part in them I did assist with the making of the scenery. It is just as proud a feeling when the curtain goes up and there in all its glory stands a pillar you helped to build, a distant skyline etc." |
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Teachers "The most amazing thing about the memories of the 'older' former pupils was their mention of teachers who were still there in my years. Mr Neill was the Rector until, I think, about 1969, then William Brodie took over - a small, very stern and serious fellow. Mr Turpy, Miss Munro and Miss Jamieson were there also. My first register teacher was a very pleasant chap called Mr Kennedy, English Department. I also recall very fondly Messrs Forsyth and Thompson in the Technical Department, Mr Storey in Art and Mr Khilo(?) and Miss Watt in French." |
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Sports "Looking back from this distance, the memories of turning up at Bangholm at 8.30 on a frozen solid Saturday morning to play rugby also seem rosy - what a great thing time is!" |
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Alan Fentiman, Bournemouth, Dorset, England: July 5, 2008. |
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Recollections 11. Ruth Nordhoy (née Hamilton) Whidbey Island, Seattle, Washington, USA |
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Thank you to Ruth Nordhoy, Seattle, Washington, USA who wrote: |
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Friends "I've just spent a considerable time reading your web site. I couldn't tear myself away!! I was pleased to read the comments from: - Joyce Messer (2+7 above). - Winifred Huff (née Mackie) (3 above). - Jim Mowat (4 above). I've remained best friends with: - Winifred Huff, now living in California and - Maureen Coyle, now living in Vancouver, Canada. A couple of years ago, we all attended a celebration of our 70th birthdays at Winnie's home." |
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Granton Primary School "It's a long time since we three first met at Granton Primary School where we marched into class from the playground with Miss Rob playing the piano. The title of the song escapes my memory, but, of course, we had our own words for it!" |
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Trinity Academy The hockey and tennis matches at Trinity are etched in my memory (although there are times I wish I had paid more attention my studies!!). My sister, Sheila, who lives in Stockholm and I returned to Edinburgh for the school reunion. I have to admit I was disappointed to find that very few of my classmates attended, but had a good time anyway. I have very happy memories indeed of Trinity and would be very happy to hear from any classmates from either Granton or Trinity Academy. |
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Ruth Nordhoy, Whidbey Island, Seattle, Washington, USA: August 10, 2008 |
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Ruth Nordhoy If you'd like to contact Ruth, please email me, then I'll pass on your message to her. Thank you. - Peter Stubbs: August 11, 2008 |
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Recollections 12. Winifred Huff (née Mackie) California, USA |
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Trinity Academy - 1948 to 1953 Thank you to Winifred Huff (née Mackie) who wrote again. Winifred wrote: |
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At School "It's great to read so many stories about the people I used to know and and even went to school with at Trinity Academy. Does anybody remember: - buying a Penny Vance at the little 'Mom and Poop' store across the side street from Trinity Academy. - all the times we came out of class for the day to find the air let out of our tires. Who did that?" Winifred Huff, California, USA: August 11, 2008 |
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Return to the School "I made a trip back to Scotland with my daughter about 20 years ago and was happy to see that the old high school hadn't changed very much, I wonder if it has changed now? Thanks to all who are contributing. It's so good to hear from you." Winifred Huff (née Mackie), California, USA: August 11, 2008 |
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Trinity Academy still looks very similar to me today, at least from the outside. - Peter Stubbs: 12 August 2008 |
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Recollections 13. Stephen McMahon Munich, Germany |
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Trinity Academy - From 1968 Thank you to Stephen McMahon, now living in Germany, who wrote: |
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Former Pupil Web Site "Here is, perhaps, a general battle cry to former pupils of Trinity Academy: I'd like to try and start an FP website, linked to the school's own website. Is anyone interested? I have old magazines, a few photos, my Prefect's and School Vice-Captain's badges, my Prefect's tie, and regular contact with probably the school's best music teacher, if anyone still remembers, Margaret Munro. She's still around, has so many stories to tell and is in contact with a lot of (admittedly musical or school opera-related) FPs Please get in touch if you're interested in sharing your memories and photos." Stephen Mc Mahon, Munich, Germany: December 15, 2008 |
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Contacting Stephen McMahon If you'd like to contact Stephen McMahon, please email me, then I'll pass your message on to him. Thank you. - Peter Stubbs: December 18, 2008 |
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Recollections 14. Fiona Morgan (née Forbes) Durban, South Africa |
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Trinity Academy - From c. 1964 Thank you to Fiona Morgan who wrote: |
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Trinity Primary School "I was born in Edinburgh in 1959 I grew up in Trinity and went to Trinity Primary, then left for Durban, South Africa, in 1971. Radio Broadcast "I remember when we did a recording for the radio. We all sang, and some of the pupils told the listeners what we were doing regarding weather. At that time, our teacher, made a weather research area on the top of the primary school building. What a good time we had!" Playing "I must say, that I had the most fantastic childhood in Edinburgh. The parks around where we stayed were great for make believe: Victoria Park, am I right? - Yes, that's right. It is beside Trinity Academy. My brother was a scout at the old scout hall in the lane between the park and houses and I was a brownie" Family "My Mum and Dad were brought up in Edinburgh, my Mum in Granton. She passed away 3 years ago, but her sister is still living in Edinburgh. We living at 31 Park Road and Dad used to play his classical music for all to hear, while he sat in the garden! He is now 89 years of age and still going strong. He fought in Burma and India during the war but will not talk about it. I don't blame him." Fiona Morgan (née Forbes), Durban, South Africa: August 7, 2009 |
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Recollections 15. Milson (aka John Norman) MacLeod Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada |
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Trinity Academy - 1948-50 Thank you to Milson MacLeod (aka John Norman) who wrote: |
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Travelny "My time at Trinity was Easter 1948 until 1950, when I went on to Edinburgh University. I have travelled a bit since then, living in Germany, Cyprus, Turkey and now Canada (Vancouver)." Teachers "It was good to hear that at least one of the teachers I knew was still around - Margaret Munroe. She would probably recollect me more by associating me with my girlfriend throughout my Trinity years - the school soprano, Fiona." I remember some of the other teachers' names, though I did not attend their classes - but I do remember Bulldog Drummond. I think my Latin teacher was also a Drummond. I remember the benevolent Mr Smith and Geography (which appeared on my Senior Leaving certificate, thanks to him. Music Gilbert & Sullivan, as well as Don Giovanni, are fond memories, I enjoyed playing cricket and watching rugger. I think an FP website is a good idea. I have created about 125 websites since the mid-1990s when the internet started to become popular and I am willing to help. Change of Schools Philosophically, I had an advantage in moving from one school to another midway through 'senior high'. It shows just how important teachers are - the subjects I did well in at Greenock High kept me going through Trinity, while the subjects I was not so good at improved immensely at Trinity, resulting in 6 Highers. That was my luck .....!" Milson (aka John Norman) MacLeod: Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada: 2 + 28 Feb, 2010 |
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Recollections 16. Malcolm Lauder Florida, USA |
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Thank you to Malcolm Lauder who wrote: |
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Trinity Academy - 1948-50 "I'm frustrated because I found no names of school mates that I recognized! I was at Trinity from 1945 to 1948 (and still have a copy of the school magazine from 1947 and 1948.)" Friends "Of course, I recognize many of the teachers’ names, but no fellow students! I would love to hear from: - Janet Beveridge - Betty Blyth - Jim McAslan - Fiona McDonald - Flora McGilivray - Doulas Laird - Stewart Louden - Ruby Miller - Findlay Orr - Bill Ritchie - LaVerne Turley
I see that many
FPs now live in the States as I do, but no recognizable names. Malcolm Lauder, Florida, USA: February 2, 2010 |
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Reply to Malcolm If you'd like to send a reply to Malcolm, please email me, then I'll pass on your message to him. Thank you. Peter Stubbs: February 28, 2010 |
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Update 1 Malcolm. I've just received an email from Avril Young. I expect she will contact you soon. Peter Stubbs: April 2, 2010 |
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Update 2 Donald MacSween wrote: "To Malcolm Lauder: Amongst the names of those that you wanted to be in touch with was Bill Ritchie. This may be the same person as Bill Ritchie who subsequently became a History Teacher at Trinity, mine as it happens! I think I can find out if he is still alive through another school chum of mine. Do you recall my brother Kenny MacSween. He was, at some point, in the same class as Bill. They both went on to do history at Edinburgh University." Donald MacSween: July 10, 2012 |
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Update 3 Malcolm Lauder RIP I sent an email to Malcolm Lauder to let him know about Donald MacSween's message in Update 2 above. Sadly, I received a reply from his wife, Margaret, telling me that Malcolm passed away on September 16, 2011. Peter Stubbs: July 17, 2012 |
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Recollections 17. Winifred Huff (née Mackie) California, USA |
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Trinity Academy - 1949 to 1953 Thank you to Winifred Huff (née Mackie), who wrote again. Winifred wrote: |
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Usher Hall Concerts "Looking at the pictures of the Usher Hall again brought back such great memories. I was a student at Trinity Academy from 1949-1953 and every spring, faithfully, we had our end-of-the-year concert at the Usher Hall, after many weeks of rehearsals. It was really such fun for all of us to perform for our parents and 'do our thing'." Gilbert & Sullivan "We usually had an excerpt from a Gilbert & Sullivan operetta. I particularly remember: - 'Trial by Jury' starring Stanley Robertson, a neighbor of mine who lived in the Pilton area - 'Pirates of Penzance' - 'Iolanthe' where I was a fairy! (In vain to us you plead - don't go!) It was great fun and left me with a life-long appreciation of G & S works." Christmas Pageants "Scott Allen and Miss Munroe were responsible for the all performances and they always did a great job. I think this is what encouraged me to work with my children in elementary school and put on a Christmas pageant every December - a lot of work but so much fun for everyone. Now, I've been able to watch my own children and grandchildren go through school drama performances in the U.S. and it always brings back memories. Let's keep the arts alive in the schools. It is so important." Winifred Huff (née Mackie), California, USA: June 6, 2010 |
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Recollections 18. Jim Pringle Tobermory, Ontario, Canada |
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From around 1947 Thank you to Jim Pringle for replying to Malcolm Lauder's comments above. Jim wrote: |
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Friends "Malcolm Lauder of Florida (16 above) mentioned several names of classmates. He was a couple of years ahead of me but mentioned Findlay Orr and Billy Ritchie. I understand that Findlay is a Doctor and was an eye specialist in Hamilton Ontario but it is second hand knowledge. I was in class with Alan Ritchie, Billy's brother but I knew Billy well as he lived around the corner in Jessfield Terrace. Billy married and moved close to Glasgow but that's all I know." Jim Pringle, Tobermory, Ontario, Canada: August 20, 2010 |
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Recollections 19. Marion Glynn Ireland |
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Thank you to Marion Glynn for adding some of her memories of Trinity Academy to the EdinPhoto guest book Marion wrote: |
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Lunch Times "I am from Leith/Newhaven originally and went to school in Trinity Academy. I have really enjoyed reading some of the pages on this site and reminiscing about games we played and sweets we ate and words we used etc. etc. I remember at lunch times going over to the baker's shop, across the road from Trinity Secondary and eating pies and sausage rolls stuffed with beans, then following up with cream cookies dusted with icing sugar - bliss!" Marion Glynn, Ireland: Message posted in EdinPhoto guest book, September 26, 2010 |
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Recollections 20. Ann Begbie (née Watson) Edinburgh |
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Thank you to Ann Begbie (née Watson) for replying to Malcolm Lauder's message in 16 above. I also liked Ann's story about the Huts at Trinity - another story from before the days of 'Health & Safety'. Ann wrote: |
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Reply to Malcolm Lauder "I left trinity in March 1948. - Bill Richie taught History at edinburgh Uni. - Ruby Miller married Ian McLure who taught at George Heriots." |
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The Huts at Trinity "Bill Smith taught Geography in the huts at Trinity. There was a hole in the corner of the floor. Kenny Deans and, I think Jimmy Thomson, used to disappear into the foundations then re enter the class through the door. Bill used to look confused as he could not remember them asking to leave the room." |
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Hockey Practice "Miss Jamieson used to take us for Hockey Practice on Thursdays. When it was getting dusk it was creepy in goal at the far end of the pitch as the Nuns over the wall were walking around chanting." |
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Other Teachers "Molly Mckay, English Teacher struck terror into us. Scott Alan used to have a History test once a month. Failure meant six of the best, ouch! |
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School Magazine "The 1947 copy of the School Mag was that the one with the poem
"The
boys and girls of Class 3d |
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Ann Begbie (née Watson), Edinburgh: March 16+20, 2011 |
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Recollections 21. Edouard Dunnachie Carnwath, Lanarkshire, Scotland |
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Thank you to Edouard Dunnachie who wrote asking if people remember either Susan Chalmers or Judith Bisset. Edouard wrote: |
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Susan Chalmers "I was at Leith Nautical College in 1968/69 and was in student digs at the home of Susan Chalmers. Does anyone remember her? She left Trinity around 1969. Her parents were Bob and Jessie: - Bob worked for 'Boots the Chemist' as Clerk of Works. - Jessie was a Domestic Science teacher at Trinity Academy." |
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Judith Bisset "Does anyone remember Judith Bisset? She was a close friend of Susan Chalmers and lived across the road from her. Judith also left Trinity around 1969. Like Susan, I ended up in nursing. I retired in 2010, after working for 39 years at Hartwood Hospital Shotts. The hospital finally closed down February 2011." |
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Edouard Dunnachie, Carnwath, Lanarkshire, Scotland: April 12+13, 2011 |
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Reply to Edouard? If you would like to send a reply to Edouard, please email me, then I'll pass on your message to him. Thank you. Peter Stubbs, Edinburgh: April 13, 2011 |
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Recollections 22. Iain C Purves Waterdown, Ontario, Canada |
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Thank you to C Purves who wrote: |
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1940s "I left Wardie School after the 'Qually' and went to Trinity Academy, attending school there with the sons and daughters of many of Newhaven's community." |
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Deliveries "I found after school work delivering the groceries from Leith Provident Store on Craighall Road where the manager Jack Wardrope always was on the lookout for Trinity pupils to deliver the milk and groceries. It was a great time in my life, and made easier by the fact that the train ran, in those days from Leith to Craighall Road and East Pilton." |
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Iain C Purves, Waterdown, Ontario, Canada: October 3, 2011 |
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Recollections 23. Malcolm J B Finlayson Arbroath, Angus, Scotland |
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Thank you to Malcolm J B Finlayson who wrote: |
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My Brother's Classmates "One of my earliest memories of Trinity involves some of my brother's classmates in 1956. My brother, Derek, being about 3 years my elder, commenced school in 1952. I recall some of his classmates: - Frankie Campbell, who, I believe, lived at Lower Granton Road,. - Ian? "Smiggy" Smith - Mary Wells (the sister of my best schoolfriend and classmate, Geoff - Sandra Whiteman. "Smiggy" "Smiggy liked to change the lyrics of songs of the time. Hence: "Ma, he's making eyes at me" became " "Ma, he's throwing pies at me" whilst wording in Doris Day's iconic "Que Sera Sera" became:
"Will I be pretty, will I
be rich, ** Willie Bauld was a Hearts player of the era Malcolm J B Finlayson, Arbroath, Angus, Scotland |
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Hi Malcolm: "Smiggy" Might Ian? Smiggy Smith that you mention be Robert Smiggy Smith? Robert has already been mentioned a few times on the EdinPhoto web site, on these pages: - Edinburgh Clubs & Discos Page 1 - Edinburgh Clubs & Discos Page 2 - Dumbiedykes: Searching for People Peter Stubbs, Edinburgh: August 7, 2013 |
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Recollections 24. Jim Macfarlane Gibraltar |
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In 2007, Jim Macfarlane sent me this photo of Trinity Academy, together with some of his memories of the building: Now, after seeing this photo of Trinity Primary School teachers, taken around 1954, on the web site Jim has written again, with some of his memories of the teachers Thank you, Jim. Jim wrote: |
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Teachers "I remember: - Mr Finlayson. He was my teacher, and a good one too. - Mr Brown, our rugby coach. His thing was to kick the ball over the bar from the half-way line. - Miss Campbell, the Head. She was strict. She confiscated my Dinky truck." - Miss Hancock, Mr McAlpine, and Bremner who I believe was Miss Campbell's replacement as Head. Jim Macfarlane, Gibraltar: 31 July + 1 Aug 2013 |
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Recollections 25. Malcolm J B Finlayson Arbroath, Angus, Scotland |
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Thank you to Malcolm J B Finlayson for writing again with more memories of Trinity Primary School. Malcolm wrote: |
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Physics at Primary School Misbehaving "I can recall instances where, surprisingly, I was taught Physics at the Primarym School. Miss Jean Barr, our Primary 4 teacher, would occasionally open her cupboard door to apply more make up. Initially, I could not fathom how she knew when I was misbehaving, when she was adding the make up. Then I realised that her mirror was at a discreet angle. Whilst in Physics in secondary school I realised that she was expert in utilising the principle of the angle of incidence equalling the angle of reflection of light, which resulted in me being belted." Time "In Primary 6 and 7 at Trinity, where we had a good view of the clock faces of the original Chancelot Mill clock, I was fully aware that time seemed to pass more slowly between 2.30 and 3.30pm. Unwittingly, as I eagerly awaited for the bell to ring, I was endorsing Albert Einstein's theory that time is not constant." Malcolm J B Finlayson, Arbroath, Angus, Scotland |
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Recollections 26. Malcolm J B Finlayson Arbroath, Angus, Scotland |
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Thank you to Malcolm J B Finlayson for writing again, this time in response to Jim Macfarlane's Recollections 24 above. Malcolm wrote: |
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Teachers Mr Finlayson "I was delighted to read the item from Jim Macfarlane who considered my father to be a good teacher. For his interest, and that of any other pupil or colleague, my father transferred to the Secondary to teach Maths. He was in classroom 8, in a wooden hut, initially, until the new wing was opened. He became aware that the hut was not watertight when a boy exclaimed "Please Sir, my seat has a pool of water on it" He left Trinity to become Depute Rector/Principal Teacher of Mathematics at the newly-built Arbroath Academy in April 1962, a position he held until he retired in January 1981. Unfortunately, he died in August of the same year." Malcolm J B Finlayson, Arbroath, Angus, Scotland: August 21, 2013 |
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Recollections 27. Malcolm J B Finlayson Arbroath, Angus, Scotland |
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Thank you to Malcolm J B Finlayson for recalling the Police Road Safety Unit's visits to Trinity Academy Primary School The unit certainly seems to have left a lasting impression on Malcolm, and no doubt also on others at the school. Malcolm wrote: |
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Trinity Academy Primary School Police Road Safety Unit Dance and Song "Undoubtedly, one of the most popular events at Trinity Academy Primary was the biannual visit of the Police Road Safety Unit consisting of a sergeant, constable, a Jaguar or Riley police car - and a plastic football. The playground was transformed into a road, and proceedings commenced with the burly sergeant creating hilarity by dancing about, whilst teaching us to sing:
Cars and Ball "The event we eagerly awaited followed. The constable revved the car and sped down the makeshift road, where, at some point, the sergeant threw the ball in front of the car, which skidding to a halt, hitting the ball, which bounced into the air. The ominous message was explicit. If we did not exercise road safety we would be the ball. Latterly, we marveled at the skid marks that lasted for weeks." Do Others Remember? "I wonder if any other primary school kids in the 1950s and 1960s had similar experiences." *** Malcolm J B Finlayson, Arbroath, Angus, Scotland: May 26, 2014 |
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Reply *** Yes. Others do remember! About an hour after I added Malcolm's memories above to this page, I received a reply message from Gordon Davie giving his memories of similar Road Safety Visits to his school, Abbeyhill Primary School. Peter Stubbs, Edinburgh: July 9, 2014 |
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More Recollections of School Visits For more recollections of visits to schools by the Police Road Safety Unit, please see: |
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Recollections 28. Ruth Nordhoy (née Hamilton) Whidbey Island, Seattle, Washington, USA |
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Thank you to Ruth Nordhoy for writing again, about six years after sending her Recollections 11 above. This time, Ruth wrote about her recent mini-reunion and sent the photo below of the participants.: |
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Reunion After 58 years! "Four of us, friends from Trinity Academy, got together recently: - Frances Aschenberger (Scott), Canberra, Australia - Winifred Huff (Mackie), Fresno, California, USA - Maureen Coyle Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada - Ruth Nordhoy (Hamilton), Whidbey Island, Seattle, Washington, USA Reunion Photo Photo taken on the Deck at Ruth's house at Whidbey Island, Washington, USA - Summer 2014 Marion Colye, Ruth Nordhoy (Hamilton), Frances AsAschenberger (Scott), Winifred Huff (Mackie).
© Reproduced with acknowledgement to Ruth Nordhoy (née Hamilton), Whidbey Island, Seattle, Washington, USA: Frances and her daughter, Emma, flew into Vancouver and spent a week with Maureen and then Maureen drove them down to Whidbey Island in Washington State. Winifred flew up from Fresno to Whidbey and we spent about ten days reminiscing about our school days at Trinity Academy and our lives growing up in Edinburgh. I had not seen Frances for about 58 years! We had a grand time and we all agreed that we grew up together in a wonderful era. Maureen, Winifred and Ruth have been best friends since Granton Primary School and Frances joined us at Trinity Academy. I realize that this will perhaps never make it to the Guest Book page, but did want to share that friendships can last forever!!" Ruth Nordhoy, Whidbey Island, Seattle, Washington, USA: September 1, 2014 |
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Recollections 29. Rosemary Wilson Canada |
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Thank you to Rosemary Wilson who wrote:: |
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Late-1930s My First Day at School "When I turned 5 years old in Feb 1936, I was happy and excited to start school at Trinity Academy. I did not know you were not allowed to talk, so I got the strap on my first day. I don't remember the teacher's at all, as I got measles and was off school for a long time." Royal Visit to Edinburgh "I do remember the Royal visit, perhaps 1937. -We all stood outside waving flags as the King and Queen drove by in an open carriage drawn by horses. I had paper dolls of the little Princesses in their Coronation robes." School Friends "I had a good friend, Catherine Ramsay. We sat together in school. Her older brother, Thomson, taught me how to ride a bike. The Ramsays lived on Ferry Road near Summerside Place where we lived.. War came and we moved away" Rosemary Wilson, Canada: May 10, 2015 |
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Recollections 30. Bruce Johnstone Haddington, East Lothian, Scotland |
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Thank you to Bruce Johnstone who wrote: |
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1957-63 My Change of School "I attended Trinity Academy from Easter 1957 until July 1963, having attended Wardie, one of its feeder schools. The change was significant. The idea of having a timetable of several distinct subjects, all requiring pupils to plan for and transport relevant books each day was new to me. 'Forgot my text book, Sir' was only tolerated for a couple of times. Character forming or not, especially when you thought the teacher was ex-French Resistance! (see below)." The School Buildings "The school comprised of: - the main building, - the Assembly Hall. - the wooden huts, beyond the dated Gym - the steel huts (two classrooms dedicated to those following a commercial course, primarily typing)." Cycling to School "I was one, along with tens of others, who cycled to school . Bikes were left unlocked against the huts or the railway perimeter wall. Arriving early for school had its downside as it meant your neatly parked bike was often under numerous other bikes placed there by late-comers. On wet days, damp clothing and cycle capes were hung up in the basement cloakrooms." R E Teaching "I don't recall any regular Morning Assemblies at the school, but I do recall that up until end of 'Year 3' we had 15-minute RE classes, mainly readings and in some cases, prayers. My registration teacher in 1A was Miss MacCrae, from the Highlands who was quite intense in her RE teachings." School Layout "The main building had the 'Boys Entrance' and 'Girls Entrance' from the playground. Everyone had to line up under the watchful eye of the Prefects. - The Headmaster's Office and 2 Secretarial staff were on the ground floor overlooking the street and Tuck Shop. - The first floor comprised of classrooms. Halfway along, the middle classrooms had folding doors as a wall which when open closed off the corridor for exams to be held. - On the top floor were two of the Science Rooms, Art Rooms and others that I cant remember. - In the Basement was the Woodwork classroom."
Teachers "I remember: Maths - Mr MacKenzie. English - Mattie McQueen History - Scott Allan. He would stand outside his Ground Floor Room between classes, we presumed checking out pupil alliances and friendships. He organised a few cycling SYHA holidays. I think he was a teacher ahead of his time. Geography - Bill Smith. Science - Miss Bonnington. French - Mr Byers. He always referred to "my village in France" Rumour had it that he had had a role in wartime France. As a class we had to all stand, and in French describe the day, date, weather and if anyone's birthday. Latin - Miss MacRae. Latin with a broad Highland accent Art - Mr Watson. Music - Miss, Munro, She was accomplished mountain climber - see obituary in Scotsman. Reg Lister PE - Alec Harper. Pupils aspiring to be involved in sport realised it could be done despite the pall of cigarette smoke in his office. He became a SRU team selector in the late 1970s
In later years, my teachers were Maths - "Joe" Campbell, Mr Carnie English - Mr Ball, Mr MacAulay, Miss Cowper Geography - Mr Masterton Science - Mr Turpie French - Mr Rodgers, Miss Gordon. Latin - Mr Russell, Mr Ironsides (k/a Tinribs) Art - Mr Crawford."
Secretarial "Mrs Gall was the School Secretary. Her daughter Glennis, in the year below me, became a life- long friend of my wife Sandra Mellors." New Buildings "Between 1960 and 1962, the New Block was constructed and classes were split over 'old' and 'new'. The Library was a significant addition as was the modern Assembly Hall. The new Gymnasium actually had showers. Teachers were also considered and were given a large Common Room where they could have a cigarette and a break from their charges. A new Dining Hall was built. As I only had regular school lunches in my final year, I had no previous facility to compare it with. In fact, I cannot recall an earlier on-site facility. Old or new school, the Tuck Shop remained." Bruce Johnstone, Haddington, East Lothian, Scotland |
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Recollections 31. James McFarlane Gibraltar |
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Thank you to Jim MacFarlane for sending me two photos of classes at Trinity Academy: - Class 2B, 1954 and - Class 3A, 1955. Unfortunately, I don't have the resources to add these photos to the EdinPhoto web site. (It can take me a long time to add photos to the web site, and I already have several class photos from Trinity Academy on the site, so I feel that I should devote my time to other aspects of the web site. However, I've kept a copy of the two photos that James has sent to me, so that I can pass them on anybody who emails me telling me that they would particularly like to see them. Here is the message that James sent to me: |
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1950s Class Photos "Here are photos of two of my classes at Trinity Academy: - Class2B in 1954 (when I was aged 13) and - Class 3A in 1955. I believe that the photographer was Prophet, a Company that did all of our school photos." Friends "These two photos contain nearly all the friends I knew at Trinity Academy. The friends were boys - in those days the girls were known but we did not get together much." James McFarlane, Gibraltar: 1 May 2017 |