Beruflich Dokumente
Kultur Dokumente
THE
CALEDONIAN
My recent talk on the Scottish Register of Tartans came at the suggestion of Vice President, Alex Wilson.
The occasion could not have been more enjoyable. My husband Douglas was seated next to Ian Ross and the subject of a possible Club tartan arose. Due to the long-standing relationship between Kinloch Anderson and the Club, we proposed Kinloch Anderson would design a tartan for the Club with our compliments. Ian discussed this with the Club Chairman, David Coughtrie and other Members of the Committee who were delighted to accept. When Kinloch Anderson design a tartan we place great importance on our customers historical background and association with Scotland. If it is a club or society we go back to the founder(s), location/building and may incorporate colours from the club crest or badge. The colour story is based on the Clubs crest and the saltire which is represented in the Club tie. It also includes the purple colour from the tartan-like image in the Clubs branding. As the Club was founded by Neville Campbell the sett of the Clan Campbell tartan was chosen as the basis of the design. Red from the Morrison
tartan was included as 9 Halkin Street was built for Hugh Morrison. The initial design ideas were worked out into computer print-outs and six designs were presented, each accompanied by information on how and why a particular colour or sett size was incorporated. The design unanimously selected has an even balance between purple and blue. Before committing the design to be woven, it is essential that the yarn colours which best match the design are seen and approved. Ian Ross was really keen for the blue to be an accurate
representation of the official saltire blue and great care was taken to find a purple shade which complemented the blue but maintained a classic Scottish image. The yarn colours are very important to the design process. Attention to detail must be given in order to maintain a visual image of a twodimensional tartan picture into a three-dimensional woven tartan design when the coloured yarns cross each other and the tartan comes to life. Ian Ross came to Edinburgh to see the yarn and make the final choice. The Caledonian Club tartan will be ready for Christmas and we trust that the story behind the tartan will enhance its value and that the Members will be proud that this Scottish icon belongs to the Club. The Caledonian Club tartan is now officially registered in Scotlands National Register within the National Archives of Scotland. The numbered Certificate of Registration signed by the Keeper of the Register includes the thread count and colour details. Deirdre Kinloch Anderson
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The Official Journal of The Caledonian Club 9 Halkin Street, Belgravia London SW1X 7DR
EDITORIAL COMMITTEE
To complete email address, add suffix: caledonianclub.com Secretary Secretarys PA Accounts Banqueting and Catering Bedrooms and Dining Chef Events Financial Manager lan Campbell Alison Davis Karen Amira Dee Kelleher Abigail Duggan Frankie ODonnell Paul Hodson Eilidh McCombe Steve Moore ic@ ad@ finance@ dk@ asd@ 020 7333 8711 020 7333 8712 020 7333 8715 020 7333 8716 020 7333 8722
Ian Ross (Chairman) Colin Buchanan lan Campbell Alison Davis Alison Hemmings (Copy Editor) Bill Kerr Elliott
DESIGN & PRODUCTION
PRESIDENT
reservations@ 020 7235 5162 ph@ events@ sjm@ dcb@ ar@ 020 7333 8727 020 7201 1509 020 7333 8713 020 7333 8730 020 7333 8714
W Colin Buchanan Peter A J Gardiner OBE George M F Gillon Euan Harvie-Watt William T McMahon MBE Ranald T I Munro TD Alastair C D Stuart CBE Alex W Wilson A Grahame B Young
CHAIRMAN
David T Coughtrie
VICE CHAIRMAN
David W Guild
COMMITTEE
James Fairbairn James H F Gemmell William E McDermott Iain L Macdonald Leon G Renwick Ian Ross Dr A Ian Schoolar Rodney R T Smith Anthony S Westnedge OBE David L C White
The Caledonian
AUTUMN 2012
CHAIRMANS LETTER
Respice, prospice
Dear Fellow Members, as a Member of 30 years standing it is a great honour to have been elected Chairman of our Club and a privilege to contribute to its future development.
D
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
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NEWS IN BRIEF New Club Committee 2012-13 RECIPROCAL CLUBS The Commonwealth Club Canberra The Country Club, Johannesburg NEW MEMBERS Welcome to the Club Membership Update OBITUARY Ian Caithness Menzies 1940-2012 SOCIAL SCENE Photo update on recent social events CLUB SOCIETIES Rounding up activities of the Club Societies MEMBER INTERVIEW In conversation with Sit Tom Farmer ROUND-UP St Andrews Day Dinner with Rt Hon Lord Forsyth of Drumlean SPOTLIGHT ON THE CALEDONIAN LECTURE Celebrating the life of Eric Liddell COMING UP For your diary Forthcoming events
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www.caledonianclub.com
espite the current economic situation, we are attracting an increasing number of new male and female Members in every age group. This has had a positive effect on life in the Club with the many successful events that are being held providing a lively buzz most evenings. While the all afternoon corporate lunch of yesteryear has largely gone, it is encouraging to see that we have so many Members entertaining friends and business colleagues during the day, in spite of the shorter time generally available. To remain successful we need to think of ourselves as a business that will sustain and improve the traditional standards that have been the hallmark of our club for over 100 years, and so ensure that we prosper for the rest of the century and remain the centre of Scottish life in London. Recent surveys of Members have reinforced our perception as a friendly, welcoming club that is not stuffy and continues to move with the times. The phrase, In order to stay the same, we need to change, comes to mind describing the way we are going forward. As part of this trend, the Club will have a smart business dress code on Fridays to allow those Members and their guests who dress extremely smartly but without a tie to use the Club for lunch on a Friday. This extends the existing code for Friday evenings. The Club Committee reflects the views of Members when anticipating and planning our future needs and direction. In turn this is contained in the Business Plan, which is currently being updated to guide us through the next three-year period. Working with our first class senior staff under the leadership of the Secretary, these plans will ensure that we have a healthy and successful club for years to
come. We are fortunate in having a good cadre of staff, many of whom we see but also those behind the scenes, who contribute to our success. The donations made to the Staff Fund reflect the good standing in which we hold all of our staff. Members and staff alike have been saddened by the passing of Ian Menzies, Vice President, past Club Chairman and troncmaster. His memory will live on through the good work that he did over the years, particularly his overseeing of the extension of the Club. I hope that all Members will continue to help defray the cost of the extension and the new lease that was obtained, by purchasing Crannogs and leaving legacies via the Signet Club.
The Caledonian
NEWS IN BRIEF
Territorial advance
Congratulations to Vice President of the Club, Brigadier Ranald T I Munro TD (Late Parachute Regiment (Volunteers)), currently Assistant Commander Support Command, who has been appointed Deputy Commander Land Forces (Reserves), in the rank of Major General, in succession to Major General the Duke of Westminster. This appointment sees immediate past Chairman Ranald take on the most senior role in the Territorial Army.
Last Name:
Behind the public site, Members can log on for club calendar, accounts and billing information, events, pricing, etc, which will save you time and keep you in touch with whats happening at your Halkin St homefrom-home. You can look up your fellow Members and whilst youre there, please do update your own information for others to reference. Club events are simple to book. Information can be seen at a glance, with full details at a click.
Click on Validate Now enter a memberable user name and password of your choice. Click Create User If you require any help with registration simply call Alison Davis on 020 7333 8712 during office hours and shell talk you through it. Please do let the Club know if you change your contact details.
The Caledonian
AUTUMN 2012
AUTUMN 2012
The Caledonian
NEW MEMBERS
MEMBERSHIP UPDATE
NEW MEMBERS Thomas A Adamson David Barclay Douglas A Benzie Dr Youssef Boutros-Ghali Joseph A H Burton Les Clifford Christopher Cruden Professor Robert A Cumming I Douwe Cunningham Gordon W Davidson Xavier Delestrade Bernard Delomenie Dr Peter A Emerson Henry J Evans Craig B Forrest Stanley W Fraser Denis Gorbunenko Frederick P Gray William R Haldane Mark W Hammond R Alexander Hammond-Chambers David Harrison Mary Heaney Jane S Henderson Julian C H J Ings-Chambers Alexander M Keddie Fraser M Kerr Peter B Knight Iain N S Laird Kevin Lynch Annalena McAfee Mark McDavid Simon P MacDonald David Macfarlane Stephen J McGlennan Alexander J MacGregor Neil J F McIntosh Robert G Mackenzie Alastair MacLeod Thomas R Markham Stuart P Milne A James Munro Sean OHare John P Phillips Jon D Ramsay David H Rennie Denise Y Riley Douglas R K Robb Robert Robinson W Gordon Sellars Mrs Regina M A Sharma Christiaan J T Smith Jessica F T Smith Colin Watson Douglas B Watt Dr Robin S A While Ciaran D Woods Allen L R Worrall Christopher Young RE-ELECTION Robert Parkhill IN MEMORIAM Bruce M D Durkie Mrs Alison M F Forbes Ronald N McDonald Ian C Menzies Eric H Stevenson Mrs Elizabeth D Taylor Lionel M Walker-Munro
A selection of some of the Members who joined in the course of the year
SNR Denton where he was a partner and member of the firms Global Advisory Board. He worked for a number of years in the Middle East and is now a director and Chief Operating Officer of Hybrid Air Vehicles Limited, a UK-based aerospace company. Steve lives in Wimbledon with his family and is a member of Roehampton Club where he enjoys playing golf. He has recently had his first experience of salmon fishing on the Tay and hopes to be able to continue this sporting activity with fellow Club Members.
Neil J F McIntosh
Neil, born in Glasgow and raised in Dunoon, graduated from Napier University in 1996. He is now Deputy Editor, Europe for The Wall Street Journal, his career in journalism having taken him through the newsrooms of the Edinburgh Evening News, Scotsman and, in London, the Guardian. He has a keen interest in technology and business, and completed an MBA in 2006. Outside work, his passions are his young family and football, the former keeping him somewhat in shape for the latter.
David Barclay
David was brought up in Edinburgh where he enjoyed rugby and golf. After studying Maths at the University of Edinburgh he joined the oil business in London which took him around the world. He was very impressed with the quality of Scottish country dancing in South America! He now manages a speciality oil company providing high grade fuels to racing teams. Davids interest in rugby is now confined to supporting London Scottish and he still manages break 80 now and again on the golf course.
Jonathan M McMahon
Jonathan is a Partner at Mazars, an international audit and advisory firm. He graduated from St Andrews University in 1998, where he met his future wife, and subsequently lived in the United States and Ireland, where latterly he was involved in the restructuring of the Irish banking system. He spends as often as he can in Scotland, where he and his wife have close family in Pitlochry; and a good amount of time and money supporting the Scotch whisky industry from his home in Suffolk. He recently hosted a reunion of St Andrews University contemporaries at the Club.
Mark McDavid
Mark was born in Galloway and spent his early years in Aden, Samoa and Nigeria. He then became a boarder at George Watsons and attained an engineering degree from Napier University. A career followed in consumer goods in the UK and USA and he is currently Managing Director of Aunt Bessies Ltd. Mark is married to Lesley, with two daughters (23 and 21) and they divide their time between Yorkshire and Scotland. His interests are tennis, badminton and real ale.
Dr Peter A Emerson
Now retired from being a Consultant Physician and Dean of the former Westminster Hospital Medical School, Peter, from his home across the road in Halkin Street, has long been an admirer of the outside of the Caledonian, and is now delighted to enjoy the splendour of the inside and the conviviality of his Scottish neighbours.
Stephen J McGlennan
Stephen was born in Scotland and attended the University of Edinburgh and the University of Pennsylvania. He qualified as a solicitor in Scotland and then went on to work in the City for Slaughter and May and
Frederick P Gray
Fred was born in 1944 near Paisley. He attended senior school at Daniel Stewarts then Edinburgh University (MA) then CA Articles.
from work, Alastair enjoys hill walking, travelling and sailing (especially in the West Highlands). He sailed across the Atlantic in 2009 with his fiance Alexandra.
The Caledonian
AUTUMN 2012
NEWS IN BRIEF
Flying visit
RAF Club Member stays for Bomber Command unveiling
We were delighted to help out by offering accommodation to 91yr old Squadron Leader Edgar Pickles DFC & Bar when the RAF Club was fully booked on the occasion of the Bomber Command Memorial dedication. As a Lancaster Bomber pilot, Edgar completed two tours, flying 50 sorties over Europe/Germany during 1943 & 1944. Edgar travelled from his home in New South Wales, Australia to attend the dedication and unveiling by Her Majesty the Queen and at the conclusion of the ceremony was amongst a number of Bomber
Command veterans who were invited to meet and shake hands with the Queen. It was a very emotional and memorable day which was followed by a most entertaining and enjoyable evening at The Caledonian Club.
Can you give up as little as One Hour per week on a Voluntary basis to mentor at one of the many schools we are working with. full training and support are provided and volunteers will be expected to undergo the CRB clearance process in order for them to work with young people. If you dont have the free time available then you can help the students we work with on their journey of discovery in other ways. Either through sponsorship of our work, by making a donation, offering complimentary educational/ stationery supplies or simply advertising our services. Together we can make a difference, so if you feel that you or your company is up to the Challenge then please contact Denise Riley by email at driley@positivepete.co.uk
Budding Andy Murrays can cross over to Belgrave Square Gardens, two minutes walk from the Club, to use the tennis courts therein.
AUTUMN 2012
The Caledonian
OBITUARY
1940 -2012
kindness and enthusiasm for the Club which he shared with Members young and old. This lead to his immense popularity with staff and Members alike. Our Club will miss him I know I will. Yours aye, Alan J Wallace Shooting Society
Euan Harvie-Watt with the late Ian Menzies, Trustees of the Common Good Fund accepting a cheque from Chairman, David Coughtrie. The proceeds were raised by a Silent Auction at the Summer Ball in June.
Sellafirth, Yell , Shetland The best of Shetland art and crafts Open from Easter weekend until the end of September or by appointment www.shetlandgallery.com tel. 01957744259
The Caledonian
AUTUMN 2012
NEWS IN BRIEF
the unionist/nationalist divide and we are toying with the idea of publishing our findings in some format, possibly supplemented by a brief opinion survey. Although only in existence for a short time, the Book Club has already led to some exciting developments. As part of our review of a recently published novel (The Flight of Gemma Hardy by Margot Livesey) we were able to enter into a dialogue with the author, who kindly sent us some previously unpublished notes on the background to her work. Another author, of a biography of Simon Fraser, Lord Lovat, who was the last nobleman to be executed for treason, has agreed to speak to us later this year. Having recently discussed Robert Louis Stevensons Kidnapped,
Book Club members were delighted to attend the Arts Groups Stevenson Evening on Thursday 26th October. If you have not tried the Book Club yet, please give it some thought. We would love to see you! There is no membership fee and no commitment to attend every session. You may also participate by email if you wish. We will be drawing up our next reading list very soon and we have already had some fascinating suggestions. If you have any views on what you might like to see on the list, please get in touch. The Book Club meets in the Library from 6-7.15pm with an option to retire to the bar or dining room afterwards to continue the debate. Hilary Reid-Evans
Of a the arts
The Caledonian Club Arts Group was inaugurated last year. Membership now exceeds 50. The Club has many arts-related assets and activities. One aim of the Arts Group Committee is to try to enhance benefits derived from these by the Club and Club Members. Another is to identify opportunities and organise events that will expand enjoyment of the arts by Group and Club Members. At the Groups Walter Scott evening on 12 April 2012, Professor David Purdie spoke illuminatingly and wittily. On Thursday 25 October 2012 the writer Ian Nimmo gave an illustrated talk, preceded by a reception and followed by supper, on Robert Louis Stevenson, the Appin Murder, Kidnapped, and the new Fire Service wilderness walk, The Stevenson Way. training On Thursday 22 November 2012 there will be an Arts Group afternoon visit to Linley Sambourne House, followed by tea at the Club. Linley Sambourne (above right) was a celebrated book illustrator and Punch cartoonist. His house is the best surviving example of a late Victorian home. The Arts Group has helped facilitate attendance by Club Members at shows such as Masterpiece and auction-sale previews, for example, of the contents of Old Battersea House. The support of Club staff with these activities is greatly appreciated. Edmund Gordon
AUTUMN 2012
The Caledonian
SOCIAL SCENE
Spring and summer saw Members and their guests enjoy a wide variety of highly entertaining social events at the Club
Caledonian Club S
L-r: Anthony Westnedge, David Mundell and Colin Buchanan
Above: Alba Lunch outing to Chelsea Physic Gardens last June Right: Musical Evening Ivana Gavric
Clockwise from above: Anthony Westnedge, Lady Stewart and Hector Falconer; The Duncan family; Donald McNab and Mark Bradley; Glenis and Bill Kerr Elliott; Denise Riley & friends; Colin McKerrow; Jane Gordon & Beryl Cross; James Grieve
NUMBER 9 SOCIETY
Right: Chairman David Coughtrie presents Vice President Colin Buchanan with his tie celebrating 40 years as a Member
Golfing
Below: Bill Martin regales the Members with stories of his songwriting career. Left: Golfing Society member Paul Reid at Brora GC Right: Golfing Society members Ian Jones and Dr Malcolm Gillespie at Brora GC Above: (Pictured left, with Vice President Colin Buchanan) Club Member and writer of legendary pop songs 'Shang-a-lang' and 'Puppet on a String' (not to mention the England World Cup song 'Back Home',) three-time Ivor Novello-winning Bill Martin spoke at the October lunch.
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The Caledonian
AUTUMN 2012
Summer Barbecue
CIGAR EVENING
Top: Jim McGhee of Hunters & Frankau Below: Members enjoyed dinner and cigars on the Terrace on Thursday, 5th July
Racing Society
Right: Members of the Racing Society at Goodwood 2012
Society
Below: Racing Society visit to Hughie & Mary Morrison's home at Summerdown Stables in July
AUTUMN 2012
The Caledonian
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CLUB SOCIETIES
SHOOTING SOCIETY
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The Caledonian
AUTUMN 2012
Members turned out with their guests in near record numbers for the Diamond Jubilee Ball. It was an especially dressy occasion with some men in full white tie regalia and ladies in tiaras. This year dinner was served at the tables, with the splendid menu (including Queenie Scallops and Balmoral Venison) taking some inspiration from that offered in the Club (for the equivalent of 60p!) on Coronation Day, Tuesday, 2nd June 1953.
The summer of 2012 will be remembered for its rain, but the sun shone on the London Scottish mini pipe band playing outside as guests arrived. After dinner the Karl Sandeman Trio gave flight, while the Ballrooms sprung dance floor gave added lift, to the Scottish country dancing.
Diamond J
In a new departure, we ran a silent auction which included five days at an Italian spa donated by Sir Rocco Forte and lunch with four tickets to a home game donated by Manchester United FC Manager and Club Member, Sir Alex Ferguson. Nearly 5,000 was raised for our charity, The Common Good Fund.
Jubilee Ball
The casino was as popular as ever. The raffle attracted good support with among others a week at Cul na Craig in Sutherland, donated by Mrs Sarah Scott, a private view at the Fleming Gallery and dinner for two at the Halkin Hotel.
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Chairman: David Coughtrie James Fairbairn Andrew Fraser Dr Ian Galbraith Pipe Major Ian King RVM Bill McDermott Dr Gordon Paterson Mrs Hilary Reid Evans Ian Ross Dr Ian Schoolar
In the Drawing Room the DJ tracked the 60 glorious years of Her Majestys reign. Our sponsor Johnny Walkers mixologist was kept busy in the bar and the whole Club was happily animated. The official end came at one oclock when consomm and kedgeree were on offer to fortify revellers for their journey home, but many lingered to reflect on a memorable night celebrating a remarkable reign.
In 2013 the Summer Ball will be held on 7th June. Tickets may be reserved by contacting events@caledonianlcub.com or booked directly at www.caledonianclub.com. For details of Membership please call Anne on 020 7333 8714 or if you wish to hold an event at the Club, call Eilidh on 020 7333 8722 or see details on the website.
N o 9 H A L K I N S T R E E T . B E L G R AV I A . L O N D O N S W 1 X 7 D R . T E L E P H O N E : 0 2 0 7 3 3 3 8 7 2 2 . FA X : 0 2 0 7 2 0 1 1 5 0 0 . E M A I L : B A N Q U E T I N G @ C A L E D O N I A N C L U B . C O M
www.caledonianclub.com
MUSIC SOCIETY
LONDON SCOTTISH FC
Impromptu improvisations
A special audience comes to these concerts; very knowledgeable, with liking, affection and loyalty towards the Music Society and very welcoming to new Members and guests. The 2013 season starts on 19th February, with a fifth appearance at the Club of the popular pianist Mitra Alice Tham (below) playing Rachmaninov, Gershwin, and impromptu improvisations.
An encouraging start
New seasons news from London Scottish Rugby Football.
ollowing a nerve-racking final match which kept us in the RFU Championship for a second season, Scottish spent the summer bolstering the squad with players experienced at this level. Top level Scottish players were also recruited in order to continue our tradition of being the third Scottish team, after Edinburgh and Glasgow based in London. Pre-season preparations were pleasing, with wins over Cardiff and the auld enemy Richmond, and we scored a hard fought win over Rotherham in the first game of the season at home. Later we gained a bonus point against a recently relegated but impressive Newcastle.
In the newly structured British & Irish Cup we have drawn Gala for a mouthwatering fixture at Richmond on January 19th. The Club will be arranging an excursion to this not to be missed event and details will be posted on the website www.caledonianclub.com. We continue the journey in the second tier of English rugby. Members and guests are most welcome to follow us at home or away. So, come on over to see London Scottish at Richmond Athletic Ground; see website for details of fixtures www.londonscottish.com. Cmon Scottish! Jock Meikle
On 19th March, Laura Kelly (Mezzo-Soprano) in conjunction with Classical Opera will include in a varied programme the monumental Cavatina: Una voce poco fa (Rosina) from Rossinis opera The Barber of Seville. On 23rd April, we welcome painist Vivian Choi (below), playing Schumann and Brahms. Vivian was described in the Washington Post as an exacting pianist affording more than simply cerebral enjoyment of complexity, letting brilliant cascades of notes ring out grandly High standards are required and delivered by the performers. The format of the evening is a champagne reception at 6.45pm, followed by a concert for one hour and a buffet supper, all at extremely reasonable cost. Albert Cowie, Chairman, Music Society
BRIDGE SOCIETY
AUTUMN 2012
The Caledonian
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CLUB SOCIETIES
GOLF SOCIETY
A summer of golf
We are near the end of our golfing year and by the time you read this we will have played the Autumn Meeting at Worplesdon and the Donald Black foursomes at Denham and our Annual Dinner was on 31st October with principal speaker Rob Wainwright. In September our match against Royal Perth was at Woking and Royal Blackheath. We lost heavily in perfect conditions at Woking and after late-night training and a great dinner at the Club, we halved at Blackheath and Royal Perth took the trophy back to Perthshire. Thanks are due to David Smith for organising a great couple of days. What a splendid year it has been. Yet again we came second to Boodles in the Winter League, we retained the Stirrup Cup in our match against the Reform Club at Hankley Common, but at last we managed a win against the East India Club at The Berkshire. This is the first time since the matches started some 10 years ago that our name will appear on this splendid trophy, although it does appear as part of the inscription as it was presented to The East India Club by our Club in appreciation of their hospitality after The Caledonian lost its St Jamess premises due to a wartime bomb. The Captains team halved their match against the Past Captains at Woking, and they retain the trophy. We had a very successful Spring Meeting at the Captains course at Denham. The winner of the Duncan Collie Medal was Colin McCosh in difficult golfing conditions. The highlight of the year was our visit to the north of Scotland for our Summer Meeting, a break with the tradition of going to Le Touquet. 36 members and guests travelled to Brora and played in the best weather imaginable in the morning anyway. We also played Royal Dornoch and Castle Stuart (above) only a few weeks before they hosted the Scottish Open. All agreed it was the best Summer Meeting for a very long time; a truly superb golfing and social occasion. David Smith was Victor Ludorum, Colin McCosh won the Summer Cup and Bill McDermott the Rennie Anderson Trophy. We were back in Scotland at the end of August to play against the Western Club, Glasgow at Western Gailes, which lived up to its name. With the score at three matches each, and after a very sociable dinner in the Western Club, we played the
Alasdair Cockburn finally collecting the trophy after the East India Club match at The Berkshire 2012 with Captain of the East India Club Golfing Society, Paul Blows
second day at Killermont, where we narrowly lost and the Western Club retained the trophy. At the post-match debriefing it was put down to overtraining at dinner the night before. As ever we had a splendid couple of days with great hosts. Looking forward to 2013, the Spring Meeting will be at Porters Park on 17th April and the Summer Meeting in Scotland towards end of June. We will be visiting Aberdeen to play the RNUC, and we host the New Club here at beginning of September. Further details of all events will be sent to Society Members in early December, and will be posted on the website. Finally, our membership, currently 116, continues to grow and new members are always welcome. To join contact Anne Rowland at Membership ar@caledonianclub.com. Bill McDermott, Honorary Secretary
NUMBER 9 SOCIETY
ur welcome is extended to all Club Members and guests with our speakers drawn from a wide range of interests and occupations who talk on a topic of their choice from 2pm, followed by questions, to end at about 2.30pm. Speakers are often invited on the recommendation of Club Members. Our average attendance is 40, our lunches being happy, informal and relaxed occasions. Our Autumn programme began on 4 September when, thanks to Club Member David Halls introduction of Sir Sherard Cowper-Coles, former Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Israel and Afghanistan, we were treated 14 The Caledonian
AUTUMN 2012
to a sparkling and comprehensive review of major political and military interventions in the Middle East during the last 100 years. He drew a graphic picture of Western governments repeatedly making the same fundamental mistakes in their successive, largely oil-driven, moves. Summing up, he offered two salient forecasts for the region: that by 2020 the USA will be self-sufficient in oil and gas, and that human developments resulting from the spread of education of the populace will no longer be dealt with by external force. On 2 October Club Member Bill Martin enlightened us on his career in the world of
pop music, its presentation and fascination, not least as writer of the first British winner of the European Song Contest. On 6 November the Rt Hon Michael Moore MP, Secretary of State for Scotland (right), gave us a unique opportunity to learn first-hand from him of the campaign being organised for the No vote in the Scottish Independence Referendum. Finally, another Club Member, John Vine, Chief Inspector of UK Borders and Immigration Control, has accepted our invitation to join us on 4 December, having been recently in the headlines relating to entry delays at Terminal 5, Heathrow Airport. Colin Buchanan, Chairman and Anthony Westnedge OBE, Vice Chairman
RACING SOCIETY
Racing ahead
Years 2011 and 2012 have been the Societys first attempt at leasing.
e have two high quality horses, but this season has been made difficult by the wet weather, the horses developing at different rates and some minor injuries which have all contributed to them not being able to perform to their potential. However, they have had seven runs this year with Port Charlotte the better at fourth, second, sixth and fourth to date. Shortly the Trustees will be announcing proposals for the formation of the 15th Syndicate. The seven Society events have been very well supported, however our thoughts for a visit for the Ayr Gold Cup proved too costly. Society membership stands at 67 and we welcome our new members and hope they are enjoying our company. Next year we will be arranging activities for the younger members. We owe particular thanks to Member James Stewart and his wife Marie Dominique for a most fascinating visit to their lovely
Wellsummers Stud Farm. We learnt about the fine balance to achieve successful breeding and our thanks for the delicious lunch. On 25th August 24 members enjoyed a box at Goodwood with some exciting racing and reasonably kind weather. Our Annual Dinner on Wednesday 14th November will be very special since we have the well-known author, journalist, and racing broadcaster Brough Scott (left) as our guest speaker. Brough has written seven books including Galloper Jack, the biography of his grandfather. The evening is open to all Club Members and their guests, so please book early. Alec Moir, Chairman
Contact: Eilidh McCombe E ejm@caledonianclub.com T 020 7333 8722
WELLSUMMERS STUD
AUTUMN 2012
The Caledonian
15
MEMBER INTERVIEW
IN CONVERSATION WITH
The wee corner shop, Tyres and Accessory Supplies, Buccleuch Street, Edinburgh, where it all started
BKE: But what you were doing was illegal. TF: Yes, but the law was eventually changed. We had two important
publications at home, the Bible and The Sunday Post and you believed everything in both. The Sunday Post did an article on me and they asked where I got my tyres from. I told them I met up with suppliers in laybys in the middle of the night, and opened up the shop at 8am. I said the big tyre manufacturers were trying to put me out of business. The front page headline read Tyre King Tommy Squeezed Out By The Big Boys. The next morning there were forty cars queuing up outside the shop. It never stopped, I could hardly cope, but the business took off from there.
BKE: When you set up back in 1964 did you ever dream that you
would become such a huge success? TF : No, the one ambition I had was to make 15 a week, 5 for the rent, 5 for Mum, and 5 to take the girls out at the weekend. I did all right because I went out most weekends.
BKE: You sold the business in 1969 for 450,000 and after a brief
most unbelievable environment. My mother and father were quite simply the greatest you could ever have had, the kind of things text books talk about, and thats what I owe any success in life to. I had a great sense of security and never came home to an empty house. I was a Leither. Leith is the capital of Edinburgh and Edinburgh is the capital of Scotland!
BKE: Aged 15 you set up Kookers Kleaned As New, what was that all about? TF : I was always a chap with high energy, always doing things. When I was 13 or 14 I was always buying second hand bikes, cleaning them up and selling them on. My Mum always hated cleaning the range, as we called it, so I put an advert in the local paper charging five bob a time. I used to go out three nights a week and do two cookers, so that was thirty shillings. BKE: You seem to like the letter K. TF : I was never particularly good at English and spelling was never my
retirement in the States came back to found Kwik-Fit in 1971. TF : I spotted in the States that people were specialising in just brakes or exhausts so thats what I did initially, then all the big tyre companies came knocking at my door again and we built it up dramatically through acquisitions into 2,300 centres in 18 countries. Its very easy, just give the customers what they want. I sold the business to Ford in 1999.
BKE: What made you want to join The Caledonian Club? TF : I was proposed by the Edinburgh lawyer Charles Fraser, Purse
Bearer to the Queen, and when I first saw the grand staircase and elegant public rooms I didnt think it was for the likes of me, but I do now. Its a wonderful Club.
great strength and still isnt, but K for cookers and K for quick just seemed to make sense. It had a certain catchy ring about it and it worked!
BKE: In 1964 you set up Tyre and Accessory Supplies from nothing in a wee corner shop in Edinburgh and as an impoverished student I was one of your early customers. What was the thinking behind that? TF : At that time there was retail price maintenance, so if you sold tyres at a discount you could be prosecuted, but I saw an opportunity and thats what I did. I was just a wee lad from Leith trying to make tyres affordable. Up until then you had to book your car into a garage a week before and pay well over the odds. I kept the tyres inside and I used to jack up the cars outside on the pavement. Often Id get the customers to jack up their own cars and Id just fit the tyres.
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FROM THE LIGHT AND SPACIOUS SALOON AREA BESPOKE LUXURY YACHT CHARTER SUMPTUOUS ACCOMMODATION FOR UP TO 6 PEOPLE ALL EN-SUITE CABINS SKIPPER & HOSTESS FULLY CATERED FAMILY HOLIDAYS & SHORT BREAKS 2 TO 14 NIGHTS CORPORATE ENTERTAINMENT UP TO 10 PEOPLE ON A DAY SAIL WILDLIFE & WHISKY TOURS
For further information visit our website www.capriceyachtcharter.co.uk or Email us at info@capriceyachtcharter.co.uk DISCOVER THE LAND OF YOUR ANCESTORS DETAILS OF CLAN GATHERINGS AVAIILABLE UPON REQUEST
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Eric Liddell
THE FLYING SCOTSMAN
erhaps it was no surprise to have a full capacity audience for the second of our Caledonian Lectures as this years subject was Eric Liddell and it was given by Sally Magnusson, the Scottish broadcaster and author. In 1981 Sally wrote The Flying Scotsman, a biography of Liddell, to coincide with the film, The Chariots of Fire, which highlighted his achievement in winning a Gold Medal in the 400metres at the 1924 Paris Olympics. The book and the Lecture covered much more of Erics life than the narrow view of the film. Both covered his story from his birth in Tianjin to Scottish missionaries, growing up with the Chinese name Li Airui, attendance at a local school before being enrolled at Eltham College, where he developed his love of sport and,
subsequently, studying at Edinburgh University, where he discovered his talent for running fast! Given that Eric Liddell was born in China, it seemed appropriate that Mr Cong Piewu, the Chinese Charg dAffaires, should introduce the story of Li Airui, reflecting on his life in China as a teacher and missionary until his death in the Japanese Weihsien Internment Camp in 1945 and the continuing importance in China of his achievements in sport. Sally Magnusson then delivered a beautifully structured lecture, drawing at the start on Erics declaration that he ran not for his country but for himself. She proceeded to give a fascinating insight into the character of a man who lived out his life with a passionate Christian faith.
The evening rounded off with an enjoyable dinner, during which Members and friends who had personal knowledge of Liddell reminisced about his family and the making of the film. David Coughtrie Chairman
Sir James Duncan, Mrs Dorothy Clark, Mrs Kerstin Bruno and Angus Clarke CBE
James Fairbairn, Cong Peiwu (Charg d'Affaires at the Chinese Embassy), speaker Sally Magnusson and Chairman David Coughtrie
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ROUND-UP
demanding course, beautifully laid out in absolutely stunning surroundings and perfectly
Vice President Alex Wilson pictured at the Simon Gillespie Studios where the painting was restored
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READER OFFER
As the spectacle unfolds on the course, The Official Open Championship Hospitality Village gives you and your guests the perfect space in which to relax and savour fine food and stimulating company while watching the golf below.
VIP Entrance and parking Relaxed bistro style area Welcome desk with hospitality hosting staff Morning offer of pastries, tea and coffee and the morning papers A sumptuous Chef s Table providing a 3 course lunch offer, featuring local Scottish produce Complimentary house wines, beers and soft drinks throughout the day Afternoon Glenmorangie whisky and canap reception
ituated on Muirfields 9th hole, no other location on the course provides such a setting in which to absorb the atmosphere, build relationships and see the worlds greatest golfers compete for the sports oldest Major. The Official Open Championship Hospitality Village offers the perfect space in which to relax and savour fine food with breakfast, lunch, traditional Open afternoon tea and a complimentary bar service throughout the day. Comprising premier restaurants and exclusive private suites The hospitality pavilion provides a variety of options to suit all tastes, including our Premier Suites, The Gallery Restaurant, The 1860 Club or The Champion Bistro. Caledonian Club members have the chance to win a pair of hospitality tickets for The Open Championship 2013 at Muirfield on Saturday 20th July 2013 courtesy of The Official Open Championship Hospitality.
HOW TO ENTER
To enter this free competition please answer the following multiple choice question: What year was Muirfield Golf Club founded?: A: 1871 B: 1881 C: 1891 To enter the competition please visit: www.TheOpen.com/hospitality
Terms & Conditions: 1. Entry to this free competition is limited to Caledonian Club Members who are aged 18 and over, who are residents of the UK. 2. The prize is 2 hospitality tickets for the Open Championship 2013 at Muirfield on 20 July 2013. 3. The prize will include award winning hospitality, access to the tented village and 2 Official Open Championship admission tickets.4. The prize will be issued in the form of a non-transferable hospitality tickets that will be valid for The Open Championship 2013 only. 5. To enter this competition please visit www.TheOpen.com/hospitality and answer the following multiple choice question: In what year was Muirfield Golf Club founded (a) 1871; (b) 1881; or (c) 1891. 6. Entries will open on 15th November and the closing date for entries will by 12 noon on 29th March 2013 in Great Britain. 7. All correct entries will be put into a hat and the winner drawn at random. 8. Sodexo Prestige would like to contact you with marketing communication from time to time if you are willing to receive correspondence from them, please indicate this in your answer. 9. Entry to this free competition confirms acceptance of these rules. 10. No purchase necessary. 11. The winners name will be available by contacting Kerry.hill@sodexo.com from Sodexo Prestige at One Southampton Row, London, WC1B 5HA. The winner will be notified by post within 5 days of the prize draw date. 13. Only one entry per person is allowed. 14. The promoter is Sodexo Prestige.
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COMING UP
FORTHCOMING EVENT S
Number 9 Lunch
John Vine CBE QPM, Independent Chief Inspector of Borders and Immigration. As, Independent Chief Inspector of Borders and Immigration, John Vine CBE QPM is responsible for the independent scrutiny of the UK Border Agency and Border Force, reporting directly to the Home Secretary. No stranger to a demanding role, John was Chief Constable of Tayside Police in Scotland from 2000 to 2008, during which he led the policing operation for the G8 World Leaders Summit at Gleneagles. He joined West Yorkshire Police and was subsequently appointed Commander of the Halifax Division in 1992. In 1996 he became Assistant Chief Constable of Lancashire Constabulary and later was President of the Association of Chief Police Officers Scotland. One of only two Chief Constable Representatives he served on the board of the Scottish Police Services Authority (SPSA). John was awarded the Queens Police Medal for distinguished service and a CBE in the 2007 Queens Birthday Honours. He is married to Christine, a solicitor, and has three children.
Tuesday, 4th December 2012 E events@caledonianclub.com T 020 7333 8722
NOVEMBER
5 Mon 6 Tue 9-18 Fri-Sun 10 Sat 13 Tue 14 Wed 22 Thu 23-6 Jan 27 Tue 28 Wed 29 Thu New Members Dinner By invitation only Number 9 Lunch Rt Hon Michael Moore MP London Jazz Festival Various venues Lord Mayor's Show & Firework Display Book Club A Darker Domain by Val McDermid Racing Society Annual Dinner with Brough Scott: see pg 15 Arts Group Visit to Linley Sambourne House: see pg 9 Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park Musical Evening Christina Lawrie (Piano) St Andrews Day Dinner Lord Forsyth: see pg 18 Alba Society Bridge Please reserve
DECEMBER
3 4 4 17 19 Mon Tue Tue Mon Wed Proposers & Seconders Dinner By invitation only Number 9 Lunch John Vine, Independent Chief Inspector of Borders and Immigration Book Club The Impossible Dead by Ian Rankin Christmas Carols & Childrens Panto Members' Christmas Lunch
JANUARY
12-20 Sat-Sun 25 Fri London Boat Show ExCel Burns Supper Principal speaker John Sessions
FEBRUARY
10 13 19 21 Sun Wed Tue Thu Chinese New Year Year of the snake Golfing Society Social Evening Musical Evening Mitra Alice Tham 25 Year Lunch By invitation only
MARCH
1 2-16 Fri Sat-Sat Scottish Country Dance Evening RBS Six Nations rugby: Calcutta Cup Twickenham (excludes match tickets)
At the time of publication, accommodation was available at the Club for all of the above dates. Double rooms for Members are 160 weekdays, 120 Fri-Sun (guests: 180 & 140 respectively), singles: 125 weekdays & 100 Fri-Sun (guests: 145 & 120). Price includes a hearty Scottish breakfast and VAT. Why not make a weekend of it?
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ADVERTORIAL
Sharing the same underlying values of quality, tradition and the desire to celebrate Scottish culture, Bowmore and the Club make perfect partners. In The Bowmore Room, guests can look forward to being taken on a sensory journey of discovery to Bowmores magical island home of Islay. From whisky-pairing events to
A Taste of Islay evenings; from Burns Suppers to Caledonian Lectures, The Bowmore Room will play host to a range of exciting events for Members and guests alike. Cara Laing, Bowmore Marketing Manager commented "We are very excited to bring a little taste of our magical island of Islay
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