John Peattie (1939) died very suddenly at home on 16th November 2003. On leav ing School John was called up to serve in the Royal Artillery, serving in It aly and Germany from 1945-48. Afterwards he returned to the family business in Cupar, J H Galloway, Outfitters, which had been bought by his father in the late 1920s. He carried on the business in both Cupar and Leven until he retired in 1999. John was also made an Honorary Sheriff and sat regularly on the bench in Cupar. He was a Past President of the Rotary Club of Cupar, was much involved in the campaign for a swimming pool in the town and was a member of Ladybank Golf Club. John is survived by his wife, Margaret (née Logie), and his daughters Janet and Grace. He was predeceased by his son John (qv) in 1997.
John Peattie
(1962-97)
John Peattie died very suddenly in June 1997. He was a director of Galloways, Gents' Outfitters of Cupar. He had been suffering heart problems and had major surgery to cure a hole-in-the-heart as a child. Nevertheless, John became a keen golfer and swimmer.
Thomas Forsyth Taylor Peebles
(1924-2012)
BBS 1936-38
Tom Peebles entered Bell Baxter School around 1936. After leaving School he went to work in Walton’s Garage in Cupar. Tom had been a member of the Air Training Corps, but a bad illness prevented him being accepted for war service. After 20 years with Walton’s, Tom moved to Drysdale’s Garage, also in Cupar, though later he transferred to the Kirkcaldy branch which he helped to build up. He retired from their employment as the Service and Parts Director.
Tom was thought to be the last member of the original war-time Air Train ing Corps Squadron in Cupar to reside lo cally. He was an inspiration to the present squadron staff as the original squadron was disbanded shortly after the Second World War.
It was not until the mid 1990s that a unit of the Air Training Corps was reformed in the town as a Detached Flight of 2163 (Auchtermuchty) Squadron. The Detached Flight was eventually formed into a Squadron in 2010. The present Commanding Officer, Fit Lt Euan Barbour, was delighted to be put in touch with Tom who provided much valu able information and most importantly the original squadron number, and so it was that 571 (Cupar) Squadron was reborn on Sep tember 1, 2010.
The squadron was pleased to invite Tom back as one of their principal guests at their banner presentation service when the Squadron was presented with a new banner by Mrs Dorothy White, widow of Henry J White, who was chairman of Auchtermuchty Squadron for a considerable number of years.
Tom died peacefully at home on 25 February, 2012. He is survived by his daughter Maureen, two grandchildren and one great grandchild.
Thomas Penrose
(1944-1973)
From the Fife Herald 22 July 2011:
A medal belonging to a young Pitlessie soldier mur dered in Northern Ireland was due to go under the hammer in a sale of militaria on Thursday 21 July 2011.
It was expected that the general service medal awarded to Sergeant Thomas Penrose would fetch up to £800 when it went on sale at Spinks in Bloomsbury, London.
Sergeant Penrose, who attended Pitlessie Primary and Bell Baxter High Schools, was just 29 when he was shot by an IRA gunman in 1973 while he was serving with the Royal Corps of Transport.
Along with three other soldiers, he was lured into a Belfast flat by a woman.
Two men sprayed the soldiers with gunfire and Sergeant Penrose died the following day.
Alexandra Petrie
Alex studied economics at Dundee University after leaving Bell Baxter. She is now co-director of her own company, VoxPopulus. With an eye for design and a head for business Alex's skills lie between creativity and commerce, which is no surprise really as that is what VoxPopulus is all about.
As the Creative Director behind VoxPopulus, she gets down to the nuts and bolts of projects working hand in hand with our talent database to create the best in design. From styling at photo shoots, full scale event production and costume design to communications strategy at boardroom level she is creatively commercial and media savvy.
With commercial experience in marketing and communications across many industries including Digital Marketing, Retail, Media and Leisure she brings a focused and professional outlook to any project.
Callum Petrie
School Vice-Captain for 1996-97 was Callum Petrie (Auchtermuchty).
Lynn Petrie
From Issue 7 of the FPA Newsletter: Japanese Link - A former pupil of the school, Lynn Petrie (1981-86) is an Assistant Teacher of English at Tochigo Girls’ High School, 80km north of Tokio.
Margaret Phillips
(1916-95)
Mrs Peggy Boyd (1928) died in May 1995, aged 79. Peggy trained as a teacher in Dundee and taught in Luthrie and Kilmany. Later she became an infant teacher in Castlehill School, Cupar. When the new Castlehill Primary School opened on the Ceres Road site, she was appointed Head of the Infant Department, a post which she retained until her retiral.
After retiring, she devoted much of her time to writing, particularly con centrating on the history of Cupar and education in the Burgh. She served on Cupar Town Council before Local Government reorganisation, and she was a Justice of the Peace.
Margaret Phillips
Mrs Peggy Boyd (née Phillips) (1949) died at home on 20th September 2000 after a long illness. On leaving School, Peggy qualified as a lawyer. She married Douglas Boyd, also an FP, and they lived in Ilkeston, Derbyshire. Peggy is survived by her husband and 3 sons.
George Ian Philp
George Philp entered BBS in 1932. After School he went to St Andrews University, but this was abortive because of the Second World War. He served in the Forces from 1940-46 before going to Veterinary College and following a career as a vet. He retired in 1985. George lived in Forfar.
Martin Pirie
Martin Pirie (1945) died in Lunardi Court Nursing Home on 18th January 2009 after a long period of declining health. He had many interests, including climbing and hill-walking, music and curling. He enjoyed travelling. He was an active member of Cupar Burns Club. For a short time he was a member of the FPA Committee. He is survived by his two children.
Neil Pirie
Neil, who left Bell Baxter in 1988, has an honours degree in Marketing and Business and over 18 years industry experience including director level positions in several major companies. His speciality is the building long relationships with his customers. He represented the RAF in Rugby and Skiing and went on to play over 100 times for Howe of Fife RFC. While playing for RAF Lossiemouth he amassed over 600 points in 94/95 season which is still a club record. He now plays golf to a single figure handicap. His claim to fame was that he drove an RAF Land Rover through a communist rally and survived!!
In 2000 Neil won the 1st prize of £1500 in the Final of the Shell Livewire Young Business Start-up Awards which is supported by Fife Council. He runs a firm called Select Vehicle Brokers Ltd., which started in April 1999. The firm finds new or used vehicles to customer specifications and provides a range of financial, warranty and breakdown facilities. Much of his business comes via the Internet.
Norman Pollock
Norman Pollock (1951) died in hospital in Glasgow on 17th June 2000 after a short illness. Norman was a Civil Engineer and he later took a Business Management Degree. He worked in the Glasgow area throughout his career. While he was at School, he was a keen member of the 1st XI Cricket Team and golf became a major sporting interest after he graduated. He is survived by his wife, Jean.
Alexander Gordon Porter
Gordon Porter was born at Cults House, the fifth of seven sons of the Minister, William Porter. He entered BBS in 1917. He began his career at Hilton of Carslogie, then attended the Agricultural College in Edinburgh. From the tenancy of Turfachie on Cortachy Estate, he moved to West Scryne, Carnoustie and later to East Scryne. He was Chairman of the Board of Governors of the Scottish Horticulture Research Institute from 1977 to 1989 and played a major role in establishing the Scottish Crop Research Institute. He was Session Clerk of Panbride Parish Church and a governor of Edinburgh Agricultural College, a County Councillor, a Rotarian and an Honorary Vice-President of the Royal Highland Agricultural Society. He married Myra, and they had two sons and two daughters.
Andrew Dickson Porter
Andrew Porter entered BBS in 1917. He served as an Education Officer with the Colonial Service in Mauritius from 1931-38, Nigeria 1938-52 and was manager of the Panmure Trading Co. Monikie from 1952-76. He retired to Dundee.
Jason Porter
There cannot be many students who start their career at College by win ning a £100 draw. That happened recently toJason Porter who had been attending a Learning Skills preparatory course at Dundee College before undertaking a music course. The win came on his 18th birthday.
Thomas Porter
(1978-
Thomas Porter of Logie won the Robert Adam Memorial Prize for Mathematics for achieving the highest marks in Higher Mathematics in Fife in 1994. He was School Captain and Dux Medallist in 1995-6.
Sula Powell
Published in Fife Today on Saturday 24 March 2012 14:00
A teenage beauty queen is among the local people who will help carry the Olympic flame as it makes its way round the UK this summer.
Sula Powell (15), a pupil at Bell Baxter High School and reigning Miss Teen Fife, is one of five torchbearers who will carry the flame through Cupar on June 12 2012.
She learned of the honour when organisers of the Olympics announced the names of the 7300 people who will carry the flame on its 8000-mile journey through the UK before it arrives at the Olympic Stadium in London on July 27 for the lighting of the cauldron at the opening ceremony of the 2012 Games.
All torchbearers have been chosen in recognition of their achievements and the contribution they’ve made to their communities.
Sula, who lives in Windygates, has used her success as a beauty queen to help others, raising thousands for the cancer charity Maggies and the Children’s Hospice Association Scotland (CHAS) by organising fashion shows and other events.
Alan G Potter
Alan Potter (1942) died at the end of August 2005 in Havant in Hampshire, where he had lived and worked in education. Alan was brought up in Markinch. He distinguished himself in Modern Languages and Latin, and was awarded the French Prize in June, 1948. He was a School Prefect from 1946-47, and was appointed School Captain in August, 1947. It was a very popular choice, and he was well liked by both staff and class colleagues.
He then went to St Andrews University, where he was awarded an Hon ours Degree in French and German Language and Literature in June 1952, being a distinguished performer in an extensive, demanding course. He had decided to enter the teaching profession, and proceeded to do a Di ploma in Education at St Andrews. He followed this with a year teaching in a French school, which was the customary practice for language teach ers at that time. National Service calls had to be fulfilled, and he joined the Army becoming an Instructor in the Royal Army Education Corps.
Alan was an engaging personality with a great sense of humour and a sense of fun. He adapted well to changing situations and related well to people. He was an excellent companion. Whilst generally interested in sport and supporting East Fife FC from time to time, his great passion was tennis and he was a top class player, who was completely dedicated to the game. In August 1947 he entered the Scottish Boys' Championships at St Andrews. He succeeded in reaching the Final, but was eventually de feated by the reigning champion, Colin Baxter, of the Glasgow Titwood Club. He brought great honour to the School by this excellent performance. Alan continued his enthusiasm for the game at St Andrews University, where he was an automatic regular member of the team and captain in 1952. He was very strong around the court and had a very powerful ser vice.
In his early teaching years Alan spent a period in Kenya teaching for some years in a School for Boys in Nairobi. He then returned to the UK and spent most of his time in education in Surrey and Hampshire, where he re tired. He is survived by a son and daughter.
(Contributed by Alan's old friends, Aileen Dempsey and Sandy Turpie.)
Hugh Prentice
Hugh Prentice, who was a pupil in the early 1930s, died on 14th August 1992 after a long spell of ill health.
H S C Proudfoot
Mrs Cash entered BBS in 1935. She lived in Small Heath, Birmingham. She was a shop assistant at Fisher & Donaldson before working in Quality Control with Lucas.
Lindsay Proudfoot
Has National Diploma in Forestry; with Forestry Commission at Ben More, Crianlarich, Perth shire. Attended BBS in the early 1940s.
Margaret Proudfoot
Was receptionist at Royal Hotel, Cupar; Mrs McCathie, 62 Invergowrie Drive, Dundee. Attended BBS in the early 1940s.
Thomas Proudfoot
Had been (in 1964) 14 years with Metropolitan Police; 4 Woodwise Road, Sutton, Surrey. Attended BBS in the early 1940s.
William Proudfoot
Bill Proudfoot (1938) died in hospital on 13th November 2006 after a long period of ill health. On leaving School, Bill was apprenticed to a local plumber/electrician until he was called up to serve in the Navy. After completing his service, he returned to his old job for a time, then moved to work with Civil Defence as a Training Officer. His next post was with Kirkcaldy Town Council where he worked in the Surveyor's Department before becoming a Regional Building Inspector with Fife Council. When he retired in 1993 he continued to live in Kirkcaldy. He is survived by his wife, Isobel.
Helen Provan
A former pupil who is a vet in Cupar had an unusual call-out in May 2002. Helen Provan works for Wilson and Partners in Cupar, and they are members of the British Divers Marine Life Rescue. The problem was a stranded whale. It had become trapped in shallow water off the Berwick Holiday Park Beach. It was a juvenile long finned pilot whale, 3.5m long and weighing about a ton. A small inflatable was used to enable the team to approach the whale, and with the additional aid of snorkellers, they were able to herd it back out to sea, where it swam off, no doubt gratefully.
Clifford B Purves
BSc (Hons.) St Andrews, PhD (St Andrews), DSc (Hons.) Laurence College, Wisconsin; Com monwealth Fellow at Bureau of Standards, Washington; Research at Marischal College, Aberdeen and US National Institute of Health. Was Associate Professor of Cellulose Chemistry Massa chusetts Institute of Technology. then E B Eddy Professor of Industrial and Cellulose Chemistry, McGill University, Montreal, and Head of Wood Chemistry Division of Pulp and Paper Research Institute of Canada. Member of American Chemical Society; 1961 Medal of Chemical Institute of Canada “for distinguished achievement in chemistry”; 1963 Anselin Payen award by American Chemical Society for the contributions of his research group through the years to cellulose chemistry. 2 Hudson Avenue, Westmount, Montreal.
Dorothy Purves
MA (Hons.) St Andrews; did secretarial course; worked in Music Publishing and Advertising Companies; was Director of Nicholson and Watson Publishers, Ltd. Mrs Sander, 133 Hornsey Lane, Highgate, London, N.6. Attended BBS prior to 1930.
J Grant Purves
MA (Hons.) Philosophy and Psychology; studied at University of Freiburg in Breslau; Exhibitions Secretary, Central Council for Health Education, London; 1940-45 German News Service BBC, London; Joined Foreign Office Staff as Press Secretary, H.M. Legation Berne, Warsaw, Tel Aviv, Bangkok, Angola, Lille. Then in Johannesburg as Her Brittanic Majesty’s Consul; P.O. Box 10101 Johannesburg; Long Roof, Walberswick, Southwold, Suffolk. Attended BBS in the 1930s.
Ian Ramsay
From Issue 3 of the FPA Newsletter:
Ian Ramsay has been promoted to the post of Manager of the Bridge of Allan branch of the Clydesdale Bank.
Dr Rona Ramsay (Mrs. Dennis) (1963 entry), who was an Assistant Research Biochemist at the University of California, has now taken up the post of Reader in Biochemistry at St Andrews University. She was involved in the fascinating study of the relationship between Parkinson's Disease and the symptoms experienced by users of "designer drugs". Rona completed her secondary education at Perth Academy.
At one of the St. Andrews University Open Association lectures in January 2004 Rona took part in a most unusual lecture, along with Professor Robert Crawford, Professor of Scottish Literature and Poetry. The lecture was the culmination of an experiment which brought together poets and scientists. Pairs were organised to meet over lunch to discuss their work and ways of thinking to see if there was a "meeting of minds". As no notes were taken during the lecture unfortunately, it is not now pos sible to give a detailed résumé of the stimulating content.
Callum Rankin
Callum Rankin won Gold in the Long Jump and Discus at the Scottish Schools' Track and Field Championships in the 1997 Summer Term.
Claire Rankine
Head Monitor (3rd yr) for 1996-7 was Claire Rankine (Cupar).
Magdalene Rattray
Mrs Lena Thiel (née Rattray) (1940) died in Hospital in Dundee in early August 2000 after a time of increasingly poor health. Lena was born and brought up in Cupar. She pursued a career in secretarial work, and her last post was with the Britannic Assurance Company. She was a faithful member of the Baptist Church. She was predeceased by her husband, Bernard, who was Polish, and to whose family in Poland Lena became very close.
David Haxton Carswell Read
(1909-2001)
The Reverend Dr David Read (1922 approx.) died in January 2001 in the USA. He was educated partly at Bell Baxter and graduated from Edinburgh University, following which he studied at Montpellier, Strasbourg, Paris and Marburg and finally at New College, Edinburgh. He was ordained in 1936 and took up the charge of Coldstream West. In 1939 he was called to Greenbank Church, Edinburgh. Five years of his time as Minister there were spent in a German Prisoner of War camp, for he went to serve as a Chaplain with the 51st Highland Division and was captured at St Valery. He returned to his charge in 1945 and remained there until 1949 when he became the first Chaplain to Edinburgh University. In 1952 he was apppointed Chaplain to Her Majesty the Queen in Scotland. In 1956 he was called to be Senior Minister of Madison Avenue Presbyterian Church in New York where he remained until he retired in 1989.
He was a world-renowned preacher, a National Radio Pulpit preacher for 25 years and, from 1981-89, had his own weekly Sunday slot entitled Thinking it over. He was also deeply involved in organisations which worked for tolerance and understanding. He was the author of more than 30 books, held lecturerships throughout the world and was awarded 9 Honorary degrees.
The following obituary appeared in the New York Times:
David H. C. Read Dies at 91; Pastor to a Far-Flung Flock
By DOUGLAS MARTIN
Published: January 11, 2001
The Rev Dr David H C Read, who brought his Calvinist theology, an outspoken approach to contemporary issues and a showman's verve to the pulpit of one of New York City's most prominent churches, died on Sunday at his home in Manhattan. He was 91.
Dr Read, who was always called that on the strength of his many honorary degrees, was pastor of the Madison Avenue Presbyterian Church from 1956 until 1989. But his regular radio sermons, some broadcast nationally by the National Council of Churches, were carried far afield from the Victorian Gothic church at Madison Avenue and 73rd Street.
He published more than 30 books of his sermons. And each Monday, the church mailed out sermons from the day before as part of a subscription service.
The Rev Dr Fred R Anderson, Dr Read's successor, said the joke among preachers desperate for topics was that Dr Read's sermons were preached by the hundreds all over America the following Sunday.
The following is an extract from a sermon preached by Rev Dr Fred R Anderson in Madison Avenue Presbyterian Church on 21 January 2001:
I have found myself this last week thinking how much David Read loved the church. Not just this congregation, though he was clear about his devotion to us, but to the entire assemblage of saints, both visible and invisible, militant and triumphant. Yet David was no romantic triumphalist nor sentimental pietist. He knew the church as Paul knew it and, like Paul, loved it still. He knew its weaker parts, its foibles, failings and most of all, the idolatry it engages in when its people get their priorities and loves misplaced. David’s approach to this was humor. He loved to tell stories which punctured the idolatries of minister and parishioner alike, deflating the pomposities of church leaders whether ordained or lay. A favourite target was the Scottish Beadle. Beadles are legendary for being ever armed with a storehouse of caustic quips, and eternally, though often wrong-headedly committed to protecting ‘the Kirk’ and its property as though it were his own house rather than God’s. David loved the story of the Beadle who unceremoniously turned a bunch of teenagers out of a country church mid week. When told by the minister that the young people had come to have a prayer vigil, the Beadle responded ‘Aye, I even caught some of ‘em tryin’ it.’ And, of course, the story that the New York Times managed to quote correctly in David’s otherwise rather confused obituary: the Beadle who said only three things were wrong with the minister’s sermon: it was read, it was read badly, and, it was not worth reading.
All of this was David’s way of pointing to the silliness of those who mistook their call as one to authority and power rather than service. All ministry is about service. Whatever authority might come with the office comes only to enable that person to be a more effective servant. On this day when we elect new officers it is important that this word be heard.
On the other hand, David knew first hand the frustration of being denied the power and authority to enable him to serve. When called to service as the Senior Minister of this church, he inherited a staff of associates who, for the most part, did not consider him their supervisor much less their senior. He once told me it took eight years and several changes in ministerial staff to become the Senior Minister of this congregation. But his problems were not just with staff. Though it is hard for us to believe today, David lived for some time with the criticism of those for whom no one could ever follow George Buttrick. When in Scotland on our trip several years ago, he recounted to me the story of a somewhat defiant elder who reminded him that Buttrick’s shoes were awfully big shoes to fill. David’s response? ‘I try never to wear anyone’s shoes but my own.’ David knew well the downside of his calling, and was graced with the gifts of both humor and patience by which he deflected its pain, punctured its pomposity, and outlasted his critics.
David Read loved to tell the story of the night the famous Scottish preacher and orator, Dr Blackwell, was supposed to preach in Glasgow Cathedral. As it happened, Dr Blackwell’s car broke down on the road between Edinburgh and Glasgow, and as the time for the evening service came nearer and nearer, the event’s leaders went looking for another preacher. None of them was willing to step into such big shoes, and therefore somewhat cunningly co-opted the new, unknown, young minister who had just moved to Glasgow from a highland parish. As his fellow ministers prepared him for his task they insisted that he must tell the congregation that he was not Dr Blackwell; the famous preacher had been delayed. He understood. As he walked into the Cathedral chancel, an elder took the occasion to remind him that he must tell the congregation that he was not Dr Blackwell, but simply standing in for him. Of course he would. As the Beadle escorted the substitute to the high pulpit and locked him in, he too took the occasion to remind the minister that he must tell the congregation that he was not Dr Blackwell. Yes, of course. And so the young minister looked out on a cathedral packed with expectant worshipers and said: ‘I have been asked to inform you that I am not Dr Blackwell. Dr Blackwell has been delayed with car trouble and will not be our preacher for the evening. Therefore, let us worship God.’
The David H.C. Read Preacher/Scholar Award is an annual competition to recognize and encourage excellence among graduating Protestant seminarians with outstanding promise as preachers and scholars who are committed to entering parish ministry upon completion of seminary.
Madison Avenue Presbyterian Church established this award in 1990 to honor internationally renowned preacher, scholar, author and ecumenist David H.C. Read upon his retirement as Senior Minister of the church.
Eligible candidates must be in the final year of a Master of Divinity degree program at a member school of the Association of Theological Schools in the United States, scheduled to receive the degree not later than June of the year of competition, and must be nominated by their seminary. No more than two nominations from one theological school will be considered in a given year.
The David H.C. Read Preacher/Scholar Award is given solely on the basis of merit – not need – without regard to race, color, sex, age, denomination, national or ethnic origin or handicap.
The 2014 winner will receive a $20,000 gift, while each of three runners-up will receive a gift of $1,000.
The Reverend Dr. DAVID H.C. READ (1910-2001) was Senior Minister of Madison Avenue Presbyterian Church from 1956-1989. During this period he also served as a National Pulpit Preacher for 25 years; was a Vice-President and leader of the Appeal of Conscience, an interfaith organization dedicated to fostering religious freedom and understanding throughout the world; authored some 30 books; held many lectureships and received nine honorary degrees. Born in Scotland, Dr. Read was educated a New College, Edinburgh, and the University of Edinburgh, and pursued other studies at Montpellier, Strasbourg, Paris and Marburg. He served as Chaplain to the Forces of the British Army during World War II, spent almost 6 years as a German prisoner of war, was First Chaplain at the University of Edinburgh, and for three years was Chaplain to Her Majesty the Queen in Scotland.
Matthew Redelings
Matthew and Patrick Redelings from the USA came to Scotland in 1995 when their father started a course at St. Andrews University, and they were at Bell Baxter School until 1997.
Patrick Redelings
Matthew and Patrick Redelings from the USA came to Scotland in 1995 when their father started a course at St. Andrews University, and they were at Bell Baxter School until 1997.
Kathryn Reed
Kathryn Reed of Wester Lumbennie, who left school in the summer of 1999, was awarded the Certificate of Excellence by the Modern Studies Educational Trust for outstanding achievement in the Higher Modern Studies examinations in that year. From over 8,000 candidates who sat the examination, she was one of only 26 who gained a Band 1 award. She went on to study at Falkirk College for an HND in Interior Design.
Fraser Reekie
Fraser Reekie, who hails from Balmalcolm, has successfully completed the initial phase of officer training at Britannia Royal Naval College, Dartmouth, in his bid to become a warfare officer in the Royal Navy.
Fraser (26), a former pupil of Bell Baxter High School, Cupar, joined the Royal Navy in May 2011.
After leaving school. Fraser worked in retail and the ski industry before embarking on studies at Dundee University.
He gained an honours science degree in product design and graduated in 2010.
Sub-Lieutenant Reekie has now begun the Initial Warfare Officer (Foundation) course at BRNC where he will continue to develop his navigation and maritime skills.
Gavin J Reekie
(1944-2011)
BBHS 1956-62
Gavin J Reekie, former chairman of the G Reekie Group, Cupar, has died aged 66.
Mr Reekie had worked with the Reekie Group since 1972, taking over as chairman from his father, Gavin snr., who also passed away this year.
Born in Three Bridges, West Sussex, he was educated at Bell Baxter High School before studying at Dundee College of Technology where he gained a BSc in
mechanical engineering.
As a speedy rugby winger he was part of a successful school side and a member of the Howe of Fife 1st XV.
In later years he participated in a number of full and half marathons.
He was a very active member and Past President of the Rotary Club of Cupar. As extension officer, he established the new Rotary Club of Howe of Fife 25 years ago.
Three years ago he was made a Paul Harris Fellow for services to Rotary.
Mr Reekie was also very active in the local Chamber of Commerce, taking on the role of chairman and working to further the opportunities for the local business community.
He was a very fit and active person never without a hobby or pastime. He enjoyed sailing, firstly around the Tay and east coast before moving to the west coast, and always delighted in bringing someone on board for their first time.
Two years after his retirement from the familv business in 2003 he moved down to Woodbridge, Suffolk. There he once again became immersed in Rotary, joined the RSPB and continued cycling having taken this up in Fife.
It was on a Sunday morning cycling run four years ago that he was involved in a road traffic accident. While never fully recovering, it is a mark of his fitness and inner resolve, together with the care and support of his wife Susan that he fought bravely to overcome his considerable injuries from which his untimely death occurred on September 26.
Mr Reekie is survived by his wife Susan, daughter Elizabeth and grandson Finlay.
A 'Gathering of Remembrance' was held in The Lounge, Cupar Old Parish Centre, on Friday, October 28th 2011.
Charlie & Craig Reid
(1962-
Strikingly individual, twin brothers Craig and Charlie Reid have over the years enjoyed huge success across the globe as the emotional honesty, political fire, wit and sing-along raucousness of their songs and their extensive touring has enlightened and entertained fans new and old. The Proclaimers have carved out a niche for themselves in the netherworld where pop, folk, new wave and punk collide. In the process they have enjoyed Gold and Platinum singles and albums in UK, USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.
After a rapid writing period in the second half of 2008, Craig and Charlie Reid headed back to the legendary Rockfield Studios in February with producer Steve Evans (Robert Plant, Siouxsie) to record a new album ‘Notes & Rhymes’ (W14/Universal) for release on 15th June. Craig and Charlie then went over to Austin, Texas to make their debut at SXSW where they performed a series of seven acoustic showcases, including a one-off Scottish extravaganza, sharing a bill with Glasvegas and Primal Scream.
2008 saw The Proclaimers bring a 129 date, yearlong World tour to a triumphant conclusion with 2 final shows July 19/20 in front of 15,000 fans at Edinburgh Castle and a big top at Bught Park, Inverness. Craig and Charlie then got down to writing new songs for the remainder of the year.
March 2008 had seen The Proclaimers tour across Europe before heading off to USA & Canada for a 2 month coast to coast tour. They followed that with a variety of shows from Muscat to Bermuda, alongside English seaside resort gigs and European festivals including their fourth Glastonbury appearance.
September 2007 had seen The Proclaimers release their seventh studio album ‘Life With You’ (W14/Universal) in the UK to fantastic critical acclaim and great commercial success. October then saw The Proclaimers kick off their biggest ever UK & Ireland tour, 44 dates to over 100,000 fans. In Scotland, they sold more gig tickets than any other single act in 2007. The summer saw them play at a number of festivals, including 2 exhilarating main stage performances at V Festivals.
Earlier in 2007 they topped the UK singles chart in March with a rousing new rendition of their classic anthem I'm Going to Be (500 Miles), a collaboration with comedians Peter Kay and Matt Lucas for Comic Relief, raising over a million pounds in the process. EMI relaunched their 2002 Best Of collection, re-entering the Album Charts at No 5 with sales soaring beyond platinum.
Born in Leith in 1962, Craig and Charlie Reid grew up in Edinburgh, Cornwall and Auchtermuchty in Fife. At home, they listened to early rock 'n' roll and country greats such as Jerry Lee Lewis, Merle Haggard and Hank Williams. At school they played in punk bands and formed The Proclaimers in 1983. With a fervent live following growing in Scotland, particularly in Inverness where they performed regularly, their first big break came late in 1986 when they were invited to tour with The Housemartins. Then in January 1987 they made a now seminal appearance on the Channel 4 pop programme The Tube, performing Letter From America & Throw The ‘R’ Away. Singing in regional accents about Scotland - its emigration and its politics - they were a far cry from the mid-Eighties playlist staples of Rick Astley and Sinitta, and became a phenomenon almost overnight, signing to Chrysalis within a month and recording their debut album acoustically, This Is The Story, a week later, produced by the man who also signed them to Chrysalis, John Williams. Voted NME Readers Best New Band that year, they toured the UK extensively and a new ‘band’ version of Letter From America, produced by Gerry Rafferty went Top 3 in November.
Complementing their raw, stripped down delivery with the greater musical scope of a full band, they then embraced country and rock on their second album, 1988's Sunshine On Leith produced by Pete Wingfield, which also saw them form their first full live band and go on a 9 month World tour. In addition to the deeply moving classic title track which has gone on to be an anthem for Hibs fans, the album featured hit singles, the raucous, euphoric I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles) and I'm On My Way, The latter track subsequently accompanied one of the pivotal scenes in the hit movie Shrek (2001) while in 1989 I'm Gonna Be spent 6 weeks at number 1 in Australia and a was a top 10 college radio hit in USA. The song went on to soar to No. 3 during a 6-month reign in the US Billboard Singles Chart in 1993 after appearing on the soundtrack of the Johnny Depp film Benny And Joon. Previously in 1990 The Proclaimers had a huge UK & European hit with their King Of The Road ep. The Proclaimers returned with 1994's Hit The Highway, an album that featured a three-piece brass section yielding the hit Let’s Get Married. A longer than intended break then ensued before a fourth album, 2001's Persevere, was cut in Minneapolis. Produced by Chris Kimsey with an all star American musician line up, another fantastic collection of Reid/Reid songs re-established The Proclaimers as they went back on another mammoth year long World tour.
Since then, the band have barely stood still, following the 2002 release of their Best Of with two more acclaimed studio albums, 2003's Edwyn Collins produced Born Innocent and 2005's more soul orientated Mark Wallis/David Ruffy produced Restless Soul. In addition, they have been extremely active on the live front, touring constantly and wowing festival crowds at the likes of Glastonbury, T In The Park, V Festival, Isle Of Wight and Womad, while also opening the bill at the 2005 Live 8 concert at Murrayfield Stadium. Another, rather more unusual show saw them perform on the pitch at Hampden Park to over a billion TV viewers before the 2002 UEFA Champions League Final between Real Madrid and Bayer Leverkusen. 2006 also saw a notable appearance in an episode of Family Guy.
Their songs, too, have provided the inspiration behind an enormously successful, highly acclaimed, award winning new musical, Sunshine On Leith, put together by the Dundee Rep Theatre. Written by Stephen Greenhorn. The drama follows the highs and lows of 2 soldiers returning home from Afghanistan. Families, relationships and life in Leith are not all plain sailing in this exceptional love story about every day life in Scotland. Directed by James Brining, the musical first toured Scotland in Spring 07, returning in November 08 for a 4 month run that took in Dundee Rep Theatre, Edinburgh Festival Theatre, Inverness Eden Court, Aberdeen His Majesty's, Glasgow's Kings Theatre and its first foray into England at Coventry's Belgrade Theatre. With over 140,000 people having seen the show so far, the success of the show ensures the musical will run again in 2010 not only in Scotland but likely to tour in England and abroad.
The following piece is taken from a list of prominent Fifers (FP100) published by the Fife Free Press Group.
IT'S been more than a quarter-of-a-century since twins Craig and Charlie Reid formed the Proclaimers and they have proved to be one of Scotland's most enduring success stories.
Born in Leith in 1962, Craig and Charlie moved to Auchtermuchty as youngsters and townsfolk are proud to claim them as their own.
Having toured with the Housemartins, the pair had their first major break in 1987 when they appeared on the pop show 'The Tube' and performed 'Letter from America' and 'Throw the 'R' Away'. Singing in regional accents about Scotland and its politics, they became a phenomenon almost overnight.
In 2007, they enjoyed a resurgence in popularity after they topped the charts with a new rendition of their classic 'I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles)', a collaboration with Peter Kay and Matt Lucas for Comic Relief.
Their songs have become immortalised in the smash-hit musical 'Sunshine on Leith' and in 2009 they released their eighth studio album, 'Notes and Rhymes', and performed 95 sell-out shows.
Read more www.theproclaimersofficial.co.uk
Dale Reid
(1959-
BBHS 1970-75
From Issue 6 of the FPA Newsletter:
Attachment: Ladybank GC
Birthplace: Ladybank
Born 20/3/59
Turned Professional 1979 Joined Tour 1979 Tournaments Entered (1990) 18
Best Performance (1990) 1 win Hanings Ladies’ Open Stroke Average 71.94
Top Ten Finishes 7
Career Best Performance 20 wins (European Record)
Career Winnings £325,288.00p
Amateur Record: Scottish International 1978, Runner up French Girls’ Championship 1977.
Hobbies: Music, Tennis, Badminton.
After leaving school she concentrated on her amateur career until turning professional in 1979. Since then she has been one of Europe's most successful lady golfers. Dale holds the record for the greatest number of wins on the tour and is the joint holder of the world record for the number of strokes under par (20) over 72 holes.
Dale was selected to represent Europe against the Americans in the Solheim Cup where she won her singles. She has twice been voted the SKOL SPORTSWOMAN OF THE YEAR, once in 1984 and again in 1987.
From Issue 3 of the FPA Newsletter:
Dale has had an outstand ing year. She is the first lady golfer to be elected to Golf's "Hall of Fame". She is on the Board of Directors of Women's Professional Golf. Her year culminated in her participation in the successful Solheim Golf Match between Europe and America.
From Issue 18:
Dale will captain the European side at the Solheim Cup golf competition between Europe and America at Loch Lomond in October 2000. Her Vice-Captain is fellow Scot, Pam Wright, and it is one of Dale's duties to pick the team.
From the Daily Telegraph 2 May 2008
by Lewine Mair
When Dale Reid captained the Solheim Cup side to victory over the Americans at Loch Lomond in 2000, the caddies carried her shoulder-high from the 18th green. In the process, though this is the first they will know of it, they burst the stitches after a disaster of a hysterectomy.
"All week," recalls Reid, who is playing in this week's Aberdeen Asset Scottish Open at The Carrick and opened with a round of 80 yesterday, "I had been in terrible pain - but I had to keep it from the players. It wouldn't have done any good for people to know."
Thanks to a Bacardi or two, Reid got through the night before heading for home and more treatment. In all, that hysterectomy led to three further operations and she lost six years of her life. The hospital put it down to a bug under her skin and bad luck.
Reid says: "I accepted then that it was bad luck, but if it had happened a few years later, when people were starting to talk about MRSA, I think I would have been suing for loss of earnings."
In the 1980s and 1990s, Reid, now 49, had pocketed more than £1 million from 21 tour wins and two Orders of Merit. But, as she struggled with her health, so that dream receded. Corinne Dibnah, a former British Women's Open champion and the partner with whom she had shared 12 years, gave up her golf to help with the nursing.
In the men's game, multiple winners will be made for life, as will anyone who captains Europe. Not so in women's golf. Instead of making millions like Ryder Cup captains, Reid dipped into her own pocket as she kept an eye on prospective team members.
Before too long, her and Dibnah's once-lavish lifestyle came to an end. The fast cars went first. Then they had to move in with Reid's mother when their mortgage payments became too much. Dibnah went to work in a fruit factory; Reid returned to the job which she had done as a teenager - a care assistant in a nursing home, at the North Eden in Cupar.
There, she empties bedpans, changes soiled sheets and cleans up vomit. Far from thinking of the work as demeaning, she loves it: "I look at these people and I think they could be my father or mother and I treat them accordingly."
Many of the residents are people she has known all her days. Those who followed her career will sometimes ask why a top golfer and an OBE is working in a care home.
This week, she is playing more for fun than anything else. But she does not deny that she has half an eye on the US women's senior tour. "I miss the competition, but I know that even winning at golf doesn't beat the smile you get when you've done something for someone at the North Eden."
From FPA Newsletter Issue 19:
Dale crowned her achievements in October 2000 when she captained the Women's Solheim Cup Team to victory over the Americans. That was a noteworthy success and all the reports indicate that Dale's captaincy was in no small measure responsible.
From FPA Newsletter 20:
Dale achieved the spectacular feat of captaining the Ladies' Golf Team to success in the Solheim Cup in the autumn, when they played the Americans at Loch Lomond. Great praise was lavished on her afterwards by many, including a distinguished member of the team, Laura Davies, who expressed the opinion that Dale and her Vice-Captain should be re-appointed for the next match. Laura Davis is quoted as saying: "She is the first captain of our team who has ever played in the Solheim Cup. She knew what she wanted to do....They get my vote hands down." Dale played in the only previous European win at Dalmahoy in 1992 and she has admitted that she would love to try to retain the trophy in Minnesota in 2002. It seems that this wish has been granted.
She was subsequently appointed OBE in the New Year's Honours List and was Ladybank's Citizen of the Year. She is a member of Ladybank Golf Club.
From the Dundee Courier:
By STAFF REPORTER, 28 June 2010 7.52am. Updated: 26 November 2012 12:10pm.
Former professional golfer Dale Reid has been involved in a car crash in Australia which killed two people.
Dale (51) — who recently emigrated from Ladybank in Fife — escaped serious injury when the seven-ton truck in which she was a passenger collided head-on with a four-wheel-drive vehicle at 4am on Sunday on the Bruce Highway near the coastal town of Gladstone, Queensland.
The incident killed a boy, believed to be around eight years old, and the 31-year-old male driver of the smaller vehicle.
The boy was travelling with the 31-year-old as well as a 26-year-old woman and a girl, believed to be about four years old, who was airlifted to a Brisbane hospital in a critical condition.
The driver of the truck, a 48-year-old man, was also airlifted to hospital in a critical condition.
The 26-year-old woman was taken to nearby Gladstone Hospital with serious injuries.
Ms Reid and an 18-year-old man travelling in the truck were not seriously injured.
Ms Reid's brother-in-law Roy Wicks (72) told The Courier he had spoken to her from his Ladybank home.
"She phoned to speak with us and her mother, who lives with us," he said.
"She is okay but has a lot of cuts and bruises and is somewhat traumatised by the whole event."
Ms Reid's sister Valda Wicks said, "We are just so happy she is okay. She is obviously very tearful because she is thinking about the other family."
She added, "She went into the wreckage afterwards to try and help."
Ms Reid left Scotland for Australia four months ago to live with her partner, who is from the country.
Mr Wicks said, "The truck was returning to Brisbane with furniture but I don't know if this was for them or not.
"We still don't know all the details of the situation."
Ms Reid is one of the most successful professional golfers in the history of the Ladies European Tour, with 21 tournament victories.
She topped the prestigious Order of Merit twice in the 1980s and played for Europe in four Solheim Cups.
In 2001 Ms Reid was made an OBE, following the 2000 Solheim Cup win.
James Reid
(1933-2009)
A FORMER Cupar man who went on to become a leading barrister in Canada has been honoured at a well-attended memorial service.
Jim Reid, who left Scotland for Ottawa in 1956 after finishing his studies at St Andrews University, died in February 2009 aged 76.
The son of William and Elizabeth and the brother of Bob (qv), Mr Reid attended Castlehill Primary School and Bell Baxter High School.
The family owned the butcher's A C Anderson, and at the memorial service Bob traced the path of Mr Reid's success from early arguments in the Bonnygate shop to the contentions in the Supreme Court in Ottawa.
A keen golfer and the 1947 presi dent of the Debating Society, Mr Reid graduated MA LLB from St Andrews and validated his Scottish degree at Canada's top law school, Osgoode Hall.
SUCCESSFUL
He graduated well and joined Ottawa's City Council, where he defended the City Plan for a number of years before entering private practice as a partner in one of Ottawa's most successful law offices.
In 1976 he was made a QC, one of the youngest ever awarded in Canada.
Mr Reid's wife Vivienne, who bat tled with Alzheimer's for eight years, predeceased him, but his later partnership with Marilyn lightened his final years.
At the service in Ottawa this month his career was lauded by the Associate Chief Justice of Ontario, the Honourable Justice Morden, who praised Mr Reid's contribution and identified his encyclopaedic knowledge and quickness of mind as the two key factors that under pinned his success.
Bud Hewitt, aged 84 and the sen ior of Jim's partners, described how Mr Reid had the huge regard of his colleagues and the affection of the office.
Jim was the elder brother of Robert Reid (qv).
The above appeared in the Fife Herald, while the piece below is from the FPA Newsletter.
James (Jimmy) Reid (1943), in February, in Canada. Jim was President of the School Debating Society in 1947 and he made this the platform on which he would build a distinguished career. Leaving Scotland in 1956 with his MA LLB from St. Andrews he began a long career as a Barrister in Ottawa. Validating his Scottish degree at Canada's top Law School, Osgoode Hall, he graduated in the upper echelons and entered the service of Ottawa's City Council where he defended the City Plan for a number of years, following which he entered private practice as a partner in one of Ottawa's most successful law offices. His achievements were recognised in 1976 when he was made a QC, one of the youngest ever to be so honoured in Canada. His wife Vivian predeceased him and his partnership with Marilyn after her death lightened his final years which had been burdened by Vivian's eight year battle with Alzheimer's. Golf learnt on the slopes of Hill of Tarvit remained a passion throughout his life. (Contributed by his brother, Sir Bob Reid).
James C Reid
James Reid, who lived latterly in Dalgety Bay, died sometimne in 2012. He started at Bell Baxter in 1946.
Jessie Reid
BBS 1928-34
Jessie Reid died on 8th August 2013 in Edinburgh. Jessie studied English Language and Literature in St Andrews and graduated in 1938 with First Class Honours. She taught for around 10 years before deciding to pursue further studies in Education and Psychology, graduating M Ed with Distinction. She then worked in the Sick Children’s Hospital at a clinic for children with educational and emotional problems.
This led to a research project with a paediatric neurologist to study a group of children with reading difficulties but no obvious other problems, leading to findings which revealed much that was not previously known about dyslexia. During the 1960s Jessie helped to set up the Scottish Centre for the Study of Dyslexia, a diagnostic and treatment centre. In 1956 she had been appointed Senior Research Fellow at the Department of Education of Edinburgh University and this gave her scope to begin a series of outstandingly original investigations into the problem of children with reading difficulties, finding that they were affected by both semantic and syntactic context. In 1969 Jessie set up a new reading programme, "Link-up" which has been widely used.
Her interest in helping children continued almost to the end of her life for just 2 months before her death, she had her last pupil who was urgently in need of help, a 12-year old boy, who later commented: "She opened up a window for me."
Jessie's academic talents were wide- ranging for, in addition to being a good linguist, she was also a fine mathematician. She was also very practical, enjoying cooking, dress making, upholstery and book- binding. Her great passion, however was music. She was an accomplished pianist and accompanist.
(Thanks to Sandy Scott for sending this Scotsman obituary)
John James Andrew Reid
(1924-1994)
BBHS 1940-43
Sir John Reid KCMG CB TD MD FRCP FRCPGLAS FFPHM DPH died on 10th July 1994. He was a specialist in public health and former Scottish Chief Medical Officer. Born in Newport, he came to Bell Baxter in 4th year (1940) and studied medicine at St Andrews. After National Service in the RAMC he became a lecturer in public health and social medicine in St Andrews from 1955-59.
After his time as a County Medical Officer in Northamptonshire and Buck inghamshire, he became Deputy Chief MO at the DHSS from 1972-77 and Chief Medical Officer, Scotland, from 1977-85. From 1977-79 he was Vice-Chairman, then Chairman of the Executive Board of the World Health Organisation. He was consultant advisor on international health at the Department of Health from 1986-91 and president of the BMA 1992-93. Shortly before his death he addressed a gathering at the WHO on The political significance of health for all.
(Most of this material, which appeared in Isue 7 of the FPA Newsletter, was taken from the British Medical Journal article1, which was sent to us by Peter Gordon, BBHS 1944, now a GP in Currie).
His entry in the 1964 Chronicle reads as follows:
J. J. A. Reid—B.Sc., M.B., Ch.B. (with commendation) D.P.H., M.D. (with high commendation); Was President of British Medical Students’ Association, President of S.R.C. and University Medical Society ; Served in Army; Lecturer in Public Health and Social Medicine in St Andrews (1955-59); Now County Medical Officer of Health and Principal School Medical Officer, Health Department, Guildhall Rd., Northampton; Is Lieutenant Colonel R.A.M.C. (T.A.); Awarded Territorial Efficiency Decoration; Awarded World Health Organisation Fellowship.
Myra Reid
Mrs Myra Thomson (née Reid) (1955) died on 15th December 2003 in Ninewells Hospital after a long period of ill health. On leaving School, Myra studied Ge ography at St Andrews University and then became a teacher. Her teach ing career was spent largely at Kirklands High School, Methil, where she became a Principal Teacher of Guidance. She married Dereck Thomson - a teacher of English in Dundee – in about 1990 and took early retire ment from teaching. She was a life-long member of St John's Church, where she became superintendent of the Primary Sunday School and for 20 years was Clerk to the Congregational Board. Myra enjoyed travel, mostly on the Continent, and her other hobby was bridge. Two years ago she received a kidney transplant which was initially successful, but serious problems resulted, which led to her final illness. Myra is survived by her husband.
Robert Paul Reid
(1934-
At the time of writing Sir Bob Reid was Chairman of everyone's favourite ‘Aunt Sally’, British Rail. (He retired from this position in 1995 – Ed.). Bob was clearly going to be someone to be reckoned with from childhood. The now well-known accident in his father’s butcher's shop which caused the loss of his right arm provided a stern test of character. That he has gone on to a distinguished career and to be an outstanding golfer is proof that he passed the test with flying colours.
After playing in the 1st XV, taking an active part in school drama and being School Captain, Bob went on to study at St Andrews University. After graduation, he went into the world of industry, more particularly the oil industry. Shell sent him abroad, and much of his career has been spent in foreign parts - Brunei, Nigeria, Australia, Thailand and Iran, to mention some.
He returned to Britain in the eighties to become Chairman and Chief executive of Shell UK in 1985. He occupied this post until September 1990, when he accepted a new and very different challenge, that of being the new Chairman of BR.
It is clearly a task which required great courage even in the accepting of it, never mind in the execution of the duties and responsibilities. Clearly not one who is afraid to speak his mind in his unadulterated Fife accent (refreshing to hear when he is interviewed on Radio or television), we must have great hopes that the long litany of complaints most people have about BR will gradually diminish. We can be very sure that, if they do not, it will not be for want of effort and skill on the part of British Rail's Chairman.
Bob received an Honorary PhD in 1989 from his Alma Mater, St. Andrews University.
Bob has not allowed success to blot out the needs of other people. A recent article in the Readers Digest highlighted his concern to put something into whatever society he may be living in, be it through community work in Nigeria or Shell's schemes to help young people get a start in business. One of these schemes is Livewire, which helps young people to draw up their own business plans with the help of advisers.
In his present job, Bob has said that he wants to run a rail system in which the trains run on time and are safe and which provides a good service. We wish him success in his efforts. If he does succeed, we shall be even more proud to acknowledge him as a fellow FP than we already are.
Bob later became Chairman of London Electricity plc.
Sir Bob Reid is the Chairman of ICE Clear Europe and the Former Deputy Governor of Halifax Bank of Scotland.
Sir Bob joined Shell International Petroleum Company Limited in 1956 and spent much of his career overseas, including posts in Brunei, Nigeria, Thailand and Australia.
He was Chairman and Chief Executive of Shell UK from 1985 until September 1990. He was Chairman of the British Railways Board from 1990 until he retired in 1995.
Sir Bob was Deputy Governor of Halifax Bank of Scotland from 1997 to 2004. He also served as Chairman of Avis Europe from May 2002 until he retired from the board in May 2004.
In 2007, Sir Bob became Chairman of ICE’s wholly-owned European clearing house ICE Clear Europe. He has been Director of ICE since June 2001 and has served as Chairman of the International Petroleum Exchange (today known as ICE Futures) since 1999.
Sir Bob has been Lead Director of CHC Helicopter Corporation since 2005, after joining the board as an Independent Director in 2004. He is also Director of Diligenta Limited and Merchants Trust plc.
Bob was the Guest of Honour at the School Prize-Giving in 2003.
Bob’s older brother Jim (qv) was also a Bell Baxter FP.
Valerie Reid
Valerie Reid (late 1970s) from Pitlessie showed great promise as a singer when she was at school, and she is fulfilling that promise in her career. While she was studying at the RSAMD in Glasgow, she won the Governors' Recital Prize, The John Noble Bursary, three Caird Scholarships, the Worshipful Company of Musicians’ Silver Medal and was twice a finalist in the Kathleen Ferrier and Royal Overseas League competitions. She graduated BA Mus (Performance) in 1986 and immediately joined Glyndebourne. In 1987 she was awarded a scholarship from the English Speaking Union to complete a song course at Banff, Canada, after which support from the Friends of Covent Garden set up a year's study at the National Opera Studio in London. Since then she has sung many rôles with English National Opera and Scottish Opera, among others. Her engagements include the rôle of Rosina in "The Barber of Seville" at the Festival de la Vezere, Carmen in Hong Kong, and concerts in many parts of the world. Her plans for the future include performances with English Na tional Opera and others at the Queen Elizabeth Hall, Music Theatre Wales, with Northern Sinfonia and in the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, where she will be taking part in Mahler's 8th Symphony.
In 2006 Valerie and her husband, Graeme Danby, had the distinction of being the first ever husband and wife to receive Honorary Degrees on the same day from the University of Northumbria. They both received Doctorates of Civil Law for their contribution to opera and to charity. Her husband had recently been appointed to a Professorship at the university. The couple met when they were working on the Marriage of Figaro with Scottish Opera.
Tober Reilly
Tober Reilly,a pupil in the mid '80s, from Lathrisk, Falkland, is making news in the world of musicals. He has been given the second lead in Andrew Lloyd Webber's "Sunset Boulevard", which opened at the Adelphi Theatre on 1st April 1996. Tober's first public performances were at Bell Baxter school con certs, where it was clear that he had considerable talent. Before going to Bell Baxter, he had attended St Mary's Music College in Edinburgh. On leaving school he went to drama college and then took a year out, touring on ocean liners. After a dispiriting peri od, it looks as though the future could be bright.
Tober held a "Master class' for Drama Students at Fife Col lege in Dunfermline in 2003. His advice covered such things as how to prepare for auditions, how to choose the right song, and how to choose material which highlights one's strengths. He left Bell Baxter 12 years ago to pursue a career in singing, having performed with distinction in some of the school concerts. Around this same period he has been working at the Byre Theatre in St. Andrews, where he had a leading role in "Firebird". He took three different roles in this performance - Tsar Sultan, a toothless wolf and an evil sorcerer. His roles in London have included parts in "Sunset Boule vard” and "'My Fair Lady”. In the former, he played the part of Artie opposite Elaine Page and then Petula Clark. Quite a start to a career!
William Rennie
Willie Rennie (1980) was elected MP for Dunfermline in a by-election in February 2006. It is no reflection on Willie to say that it was an astonishing win given the huge majority by which Labour had held the seat at the previous General Election. Willie overturned a majority of more than 12,000. It is, of course, possible that the General Election majority reflected sympathy for a popular local MP whose health was already poor and whose death led to the by-election. The new MP lives in Kelty with his wife and 2 children.
On leaving School, he took a degree in Biology, but his interest in politics took over and he moved first to Cornwall to become an election agent. In 1997 he returned to Scotland to become Chief Executive of the Scottish Lib Dems. More recently he has worked in the media and communi cations field until he decided to stand as candidate in Dunfermline.
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