The Royal Northern & University Club

12 Pages·2017·2.57 MB·English

Northerner
THE ROYAL
1854 2015
The Royal Northern And University Club
[ You never know where some journeys may take you. ] Aberdeen
The Magazine of the Royal Northern & University Club • Aberdeen Issue Two Winter 2017
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Your incredible journey starts here.
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VISIT OF ROYAL PATRON, CALENDAR LAUNCH, DIARY DATES, FASHION SHOW, DEAR ROSEMARY
THE ROYAL NORTHERNER ISSUE TWO • WINTER 2017 THE ROYAL NORTHERNER ISSUE TWO • WINTER 2017
Chairman’s Foreword
INSIDE THIS
Chairman, Robert A J Smith LL.B., N.P.
ISSUE
T
he first edition of the Northern was Can I take this opportunity to remind
FO1U85N4DED2 0 115854
very well received; Mike Robson, Members that the Club is now open
ThTeh Re oRoyayla lN NooRrTthheeRrNn AanNdd UUnNiviveresRistiyT Cy lCulbUb
a Member of our Committee, was Saturday daytimes; and Sunday daytimes
Cover Story aAbbeerRddeeeenN wholly responsible for bringing this until 4pm, with Brunch available from
Page 2
to fruition and accordingly our thanks 10 to 2pm; every Sunday throughout
Published by The Royal Northern & University Club rnuc.org.uk
Chairman’s Foreword to him; and here we are again, the the year. Either for a leisurely late
THE ROYAL NORTHERNER
Page 3 second edition, full of news, gossip, and breakfast, or brunch after church, it is
The Official Journal of The Royal Northern & University Club, 9 Albyn Place, Aberdeen AB10 IYE
Royal Patron Visit information for Club Members. an informal setting, on Sunday daytimes,
EDITORIAL COMMITTEE
Pages 4 & 5 The Club is in good heart, despite with families welcome. Before or after
Mike Robson (Editor) • Roddy Phillips (Creative Director)
the obvious commercial reality facing brunch, take a leisurely read of the
Calendar Launch Event Sharon Findlater (Club Secretary) • Robert Smith (Chairman)
Aberdeen at present, with functions well Sunday papers in the Smoke Room.
Pages 6 & 7
DESIGN and PRODUCTION
attended. I hope Members will be able to Lindsay Munro, another of our
Lest we Forget The Agency theagency-aberdeen.com
use the voucher for dinner sent out with Committee, has worked tirelessly on
Page 9 PRINTING
your Membership card, as that is an area attracting new Members, and will
Astute (Scotland) Ltd
Oor Golfer
we would like to see better used; we have continue to do so during 2017; however,
Page 10 PUBLISHER
such a quality kitchen team at present, if each and every existing Member can
The Royal Northern & University Club, 2016
the match for any other in Aberdeen, consider amongst their friends and
THE CLUB COMMITTEE
and I know they, and our hospitality family who might both be suitable for,
Robert Smith (Chairman) • James Hutchison (Vice Chairman)
staff, would welcome a greater use of the and enjoy, Membership, and consider
David Kenwright • Clifford Eastmond • William Mitchell
evening dining facilities in the Club. suggesting it? If every Member’s new
John Fleming (Younger Members) • Lindsay Monro (Membership)
Alexander Urquhart • Richard Wakeford • Mike Robson (Marketing) year’s resolution for 2017 was to
Gordon Williamson • Philip Anderson • Archibald Grant introduce one new Member to the Club,
J Mel Keenan (Ex-Officio) this would transform our finances.
I hope you enjoy the second edition of
During my time as Chairman, I am open
the Northern as much as I did the first.
to meet with any Member to discuss any
Front Cover:
Regards,
issues or ideas, no matter how trivial
The Club was
they may appear, as a lot of what the Club
hugely honoured by
does is about attention to detail, and the
the visit of its’
little things that matter; you can contact
Royal Patron
me through the Club office or email me
H.R.H. The Duke
direct at robertsmith@brudolffhotels.
of Edinburgh in
co.uk Some of our excellent staff team and Club management
August 2016.
The front cover
Reciprocal Clubs
image shows
Page 11 Each time you are arranging an
His Royal Highness
evening out with friends, make sure the
Dear Rosemary
meeting some of the
Club is on your list of possibilities!
Page 12
Club Members and
A pleasant pre and post dining lounge
Membership Matters wives who were
or bar; and a magnificent dining
Page 13 in attendance
room , with attentive staff and quality
Club Societies on that day.
Photograph courtesy of Professor Gavin T. McEwen (Member) cuisine.
Page 14
The Old Boy Network Editors Note:
I do hope you like this second edition of ‘The Royal Northerner’. Again many thanks to all the contributors
Pages 16 & 17
and advertisers who have made this publication possible. It has been a pleasure working on it with all the
Summer Style Event editorial team, with such a busy Club there was a great deal of ground to cover and any errors or omissions
Pages 18 & 19 are mine alone. I should also like to acknowledge the support of the Club Secretary and the Chairman in the
production of this issue, the work of Norman Shepherd of The Agency for his design and layout work (and
A Christmas Tale
patience), and finally the outstanding printwork of our magazine printer, Astute (Scotland) Ltd.
Pages 20 & 21 If there are any topics or subjects you would like to see in the next issue, do please drop me a line at
[email protected]
Dates for your Diary
Page 22
Although every effort is made to ensure accuracy, neither The Royal Northern & University Club nor the authors can accept liability for errors and
omissions. Views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of the Club. All information contained in advertisements within this publication
is correct at the time of going to press. No part of this magazine may be reproduced without the written permission of the publisher.
Page 2 Page 3
THE ROYAL NORTHERNER ISSUE TWO • WINTER 2017 THE ROYAL NORTHERNER ISSUE TWO • WINTER 2017
Visit of Royal Patron
Club receives the Royal seal of approval from the Duke of Edinburgh
M
onday 29th August 2016 saw Above L/R: Charles Henderson, Bill Mitchell, Lady Catto, Richard Wakeford, HRH The Duke of Edinburgh,
the visit of the Club’s Royal John Fleming, J Melvin Keenan (Chairman) David Kenwright and Clifford Eastmond.
Patron, His Royal Highness
The Duke of Edinburgh.
The Duke was accompanied by Brigadier
Archie Miller-Bakewell, Private Secretary
to H.R.H. The Duke of Edinburgh.
H.R.H was greeted at the Club by Lady
Joan Catto, Lord Lieutenant and J Melvin
Keenan, Chairman.
His Royal Highness last visited the Club
in 1989 to celebrate with Members the mber)
Me
granting of the Club’s iconic coat of n (
we
arms. E
Mc
The Duke arrived at 12.10pm for a n T.
reception with Members which was Gavi
t dheopTraohruteug rhDely u wekneitj ohy weada s b coyp parylel s peonrfe tesTedhn et.o nR oyhaisl urtesy of Professor
Northerner, a Club calendar and a copy hs co
oMf eBmlubdeire, HDarr lIaawn Aa Obolosokn w. ritten by our hotograp
P
Page 4 Page 5
THE ROYAL NORTHERNER ISSUE TWO • WINTER 2017 THE ROYAL NORTHERNER ISSUE TWO • WINTER 2017
Club Calendar Launch Event The Art of the Club
T
he Club’s limited edition calendar, The Art of the Club
‘The Art of the Club’ was launched
at an evening reception on Tuesday RNUC CALENDAR 2017
28th June 2016.
The Lord Provost, Mr George Adam,
was in attendance and he very kindly
commenced the silent auction of the
Catriona Millar painting ‘Millie’, which
was bought anonomously by a Club
Member with funds going directly to the
charity Charlie House.
The RFRooeunynoadwlen deN din of o1rr8 t5ith4s e fairnnnhed a cgTsau iavinseh ildnnTo en ie,Utgh s s auRnRnepoidey vr aoRibell lfrsuaoytsscatiitarlytuiioytsaliu e fsoCs l lhfNlo loisurNwt oebionnro ygt•,e R ar art9 navT dtiiFnAs hirihtOena lAt1tgbaeoU8e i yabbnAR5nrNnsbe4ed et Nn DorroPRd vtEeled hedarADeannc2 eipb neeg0Nr yehe1 1 estAQd5ne 8daNnub5cte c 4eeUdonUmar ydVnm iaeNocntdieo aveinrtliieva eogA niaren,nB ttsR1h 18aei06ns tCd3 il 1,yud TtYbih g CyhenE aiRf sli• oeCky duea0 pall1bt tN m2pUoao2rcsbtpe4h hwe e5rirnte8h .a 3tnh2de 9 Uch2nai vn•eg rirsnintgy u tCimclue.bso. rg.uk
The Lord Provost receiving his calendar from the Club Chairman and Secretary CttThohrh aeperasrlPteioee rvvn moiaHditocnrhieniongeoeut gmuchds os elsi byn ng u difeSfsiroit alt-ordiattmmo uo fnargrc dsithet,eiatha onhayrnidne isC,strd hyscl au itaephdwb nlcsve,ech iihwonyriccu eeiadfht ararhaa arml lgsrnoyiuie det l wpAhi fhepaecsisooumrtl,isrl puv iit wnplbisist o heeytecrsho ht .Hd et oiao oltonrrd onleeog ri nardeip.tgnnautahae yr-ksgd weieaemna i ntttsiihodsntl, a o sCnrlfiCi e bhfcShwleiaci-ar noclrarigtullcmlisimtae’eii nvst oHtHidiunat.itogn oeiIu cnsnu seag aessans .end.dr.ddu ihlntiiesfo elpn-as
Design, artwork andT prhoidsu cptiaong eby hthaes a bgeenecyKn :e ktehnienaadnge lRync esyc-pyaocblenirnsdgoe er-ne .wdcoo bmrky i nKPager tweicniutlahanr y toRhauen kctsoy tcco rlGeinoartgdeo Lna tH gdern e r eykn foeerr e hfnius taeudnirteor.reiacl ysucpploirnt ign. tchoe p.ruodkuc t i on of this calendar Photographs courtesy of Dr Peter Duffus (Member)
The Reception was very well attended and
enjoyed by all present. Pictured here are
some of the evening’s guests enjoying Club
hospitality at its best.
Page 6 Page 7
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The year was 1976. Concorde took excellence. The past 18 months have been very
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Harold Wilson resigned as Prime explained: “We have one east of Scotland, and Hall Morrice
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Lest we Forget
With extensive experience in all major business sectors, we offer a full
range of services including accounts, audit, business advisory, corporate
As you enter the Club by the main entrance foyer, pause by the small
finance and taxation services. alcove on your left and look at the plaque which hangs beneath the clock.
It reads simply:
The staff work as one team across all departments and all share the aim ‘In Memory of all Members and Staff of the Royal Northern and the
University Club who died serving their country in the Great War
of a commitment to providing quality business solutions and advice.
1914-18 and in all subsequent conflicts’
Unveiled by John A. Cruickshank V.C.
The firm continues to grow, its success tied to the success of its clients.
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Aberdeen City and Shire, the ‘Town and the Gown’ was no exception,
sending a great many volunteers and conscripts to fight, particularly in
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the Gordon Highlanders.
Both Clubs and all the families associated with them will have been
greatly affected by the conflict. It is therefore a fitting tribute to their
6 & 7 Queens Terrace Aberdeen AB10 1XL
duty and service and indeed to those Club Members who also fought in
[email protected] the Second World War and all other conflicts right up to the present day
that we remember them here.
Tel: [phone]
And who better to unveil the Memorial Plaque but distinguished Club
Member John A. Cruickshank whose heroism in WW2 was to win him
AUDIT ACCOUNTS CORPORATE FINANCE
the coveted Victoria Cross.
BUSINESS ADVISORY TAXATION
Page 9
HallMorriceAdvert.indd 1 09/11/2016 15:46
THE ROYAL NORTHERNER ISSUE TWO • WINTER 2017 THE ROYAL NORTHERNER ISSUE TWO • WINTER 2017
Oor Golfer Reciprocal Clubs
Gordon Henry
Club Member and past Chairman Gordon Henry was The Royal Northern & University Club is delighted to have reciprocal arrangements with:
recently involved in an amazing charity project which
raised a great deal of money for a very worthwhile Janak Puri Club, New Delhi, India
cause and also gained them a huge amount of The Janak Puri Club is located in a prime business centre popularly
coverage in the local and national media, known as Janak Puri District Centre and is in close proximity of
Gordon explains: the Metro Station which connects to the whole of the city of Delhi
and is 17km from Indira Gandhi International Airport. The Club
T
he Dolphin Trail in Aberdeen during the summer
has accommodation, restaurant, bar, conference and car parking
of 2014 proved popular with locals and visitors.
facilities.
The auction of the wonderful and sometimes
Cultural Complex District, Janak Puri, New Delhi - 58.
weird creations raised vast sums of money for charity.
Tel: 011 - 2550 5353 Email: [email protected]
My own effort the Golfin’ Dolphin was based on and at
www.janakpuriclub.com
Royal Aberdeen. It was signed by all the players
taking part in the Scottish Open Golf Championship Kitzbühel Country Club, Austria
there, including the winner Justin Rose. It attracted a As the first and only Private Member Club in all of the Alps, the
stagering bid of £55,000. Club is located in the midst of the most fantastic scenery of the
Tyrolean Mountains in the heart of Austria next to the legendary
Based on this success it is little wonder that the
sport destination, Kitzbühel. The Club offers a multitude in the
organisers of the Oor Wullie Bucket Trail in Dundee
realms of leisure and luxury living, sports, skiing, hiking, hunting
asked me if I would paint one of the models as Oor Golfer
among others - and the fine arts.
for the British Seniors’ Golf Tournament being played
Kitzbüheler Str. 53, 6370 Reith bei Kitzbühel, Austria
at Carnoustie in the summer of 2016. Not realising the
Tel: [phone] Email: [email protected] www.kitzbuhel.cc
scale of the model, I agreed to help, fondly imagining
being able to set it up in my studio, turning it round
Karen Country Club, Nairobi
easily to view it from every angle as I worked. What
a hope! The Karen Country Club is a family oriented club, founded in
1937 and prides itself in being one of the oldest golf clubs in Kenya.
When it arrived it took four of us to lift it out of the
The Residences at Karen are tucked away in a pleasant forested area
van and I ended up having to carry out the work at my
overlooking the second hole of the golf course. The Residences
garage door, much to the amusement of neighbours and
at Karen embody comfort, luxury and serenity, perfect for any
passers-by. Several dogs growled, I’m not sure whether
getaway.
in fright or appreciation.
Karen Country Club, Karen Road, Nairobi Tel: [phone]
The artist who draws Oor Wullie in the Sunday Post Email: [email protected] www.karencountryclub.org
had given a broad outline of how Oor Golfer might be
dressed but the interpretation was left to me. Apart The NUSS, Singapore
from having to cut up some old clubs to put in the golf The Kent Ridge Guild House is the largest of three guild houses
bag, I decided to paint the Fairisle pullover suggested managed by the National University of Singapore Society
using golf tees as a motif and added golf balls as an all (NUSS). It offers a plethora of facilities including a fitness centre,
over pattern on his shirt. The golf glove and two-tone a swimming pool, squash and tennis courts, restaurants, bars,
shoes were obvious accessories. karaoke rooms, and billiard and function rooms. It’s a great place
to unwind and meet up with fellow friends and graduates.
Kent Ridge Guild House, 9 Kent Ridge Drive, Singapore 119241
Tel: [phone] Fax: [phone] www.nuss.org.sg
Working on Oor Golfer
The Bucket Trail in Dundee was every bit as successful as the Dolphin Mangalore Club, Karnataka, India
Trail in Aberdeen. It gave pleasure to residents and tourists and the Mangalore Club, one of the oldest clubs in South India, has a
auction raised more than £800,000 for charity, including the £20,000 quaint old charm and a scenic location. Situated on the banks of
paid for Oor Golfer. river Netravathi in the city of Mangalore, the Club holds a place
of pride in the hearts of its Members. The Mangalore Club was
Having just finished tackling two versions of Kelly’s Cats for the Cat
started in 1876. A dining room with an extensive menu, tasteful
Parade in Aberdeen, I wonder what form my next project will take.
bedrooms, a gym, rooftop swimming pool and shuttle court.
Mangalore Club, Near Morgan’s Gate, Jeppu, Mangalore - 575
Winner Justin Rose about to sign the Golfin’ Dolphin
001, Karnataka, India Tel [phone], Fax [phone],
Email [email protected] www.mangaloreclub.com
Page 10 Page 11
THE ROYAL NORTHERNER ISSUE TWO • WINTER 2017 THE ROYAL NORTHERNER ISSUE TWO • WINTER 2017
Membership Matters
Dear Rosemary
..........your problems solved..............
Lindsay Monro
T
he Royal Northern and University The Committee all agreed the Club
Club Team during 2016 have needed to expand the current profile,
A continuing series, in which Rosemary Whyte,
continued to ensure all our existing reaching new people to boost the
fragrant doyenne of the City and Shire social
Members are at the very forefront of all Membership numbers, and doing so not by
scene, continues her peregrinations around No 9 Club matters. Every Member shares copying other clubs whose entry criteria
equally, the equity of the entire Club, or dress codes are much more relaxed.
Albyn Place, and dispenses her wisdom on Club
and with that the responsibility of us The Membership Team have benefited
etiquette and the problems of Members, with a
all to work together in maintaining greatly from the commencement of
deft and loving touch. the traditions, sense of belonging, the ongoing campaign introduced by
exceptional values and ethics which we our Committee Member Mike Robson.
Q. What are the rules on tipping staff at the Club? At Christmas, regard so highly. All Members are right Mike has produced a range of very high
I and the many guests whom I entertain at the Club were very
to feel proud of the high standards of quality marketing materials, including
appreciative of the excellent service we always received from all
professionalism, camaraderie, good the excellent 2017 Calendar, and a
those who work there, but I am unsure of Club protocol. One
humour and genuine warmth throughout vastly improved Website in an effort to
of the other aspects of Club life which I most enjoy is that many
the Club and within all the flourishing introduce “Aberdeen’s best kept secret” to
staff seem to have the knack of remembering Members names Q. I have recently joined the Club, and while relaxing in the
Societies so well attended and supported. others who are suitable to be considered
almost automatically, and also many of our individual foibles! Smoke Room after lunch and reading a well-thumbed copy of
DB, Aberdeen. ‘The Royal Northerner’, I overheard a conversation between Very Few Clubs today are owned entirely for Membership.
two Members discussing a gentleman who had been nominated by its Members, something which It has been a great privilege to have
A. The Club Byelaws state that, ‘No Member shall give or offer a
for Club Membership (not this Club I hasten to add), but who makes our Membership Unique but also invited and arranged fortnightly tours
gratuity directly to an individual employee of the Club.’ “The Character of our
had unfortunately suffered the disgrace of being blackballed. Aberdeen’s best kept secret. Members of our of the Club during 2016 and met
There is however the facility when you pay your Annual Subscription to
What exactly does this mean? Club are aware of today’s Commercial prospective candidates, many of who Unique Membership”
include a sum which covers Staff Gratuities and this is your opportunity
CH. Maud, Aberdeenshire. Realities, the costs of maintaining the have been recommended and introduced
to thank them for their service throughout the year.
The Club is indeed fortunate to have so many dedicated and long-serving A. Blackballing is as old as Club’s themselves, and refers to the practice of level of professional management staff, by our Members. During these tours we which has helped enormously in gaining
members of staff, some of whom have become Club institutions themselves, a Nominated Member being refused membership by the Club Committee, an excellent Kitchen Brigade lead by our have been able to utilise the knowledge many new Full Members.
and I agree entirely with your observation about the familiarity of Club usually due to some past misdemeanour. Head Chef who continues to expand his and experience from past Chair, Vijay We continue the campaign during 2017
staff with Members idiosyncrasies. I am myself particularly partial to It may be a relatively minor indiscretion such as adultery with another excellent repertoire and providing the Jandial who has been most generous with and look forward to your continued
Chef’s deep fried haggis balls, and when a guest of the Club it is a joy Members wife (a Cad); occasionally it will be something much more food Members and their guests enjoy. his time and enthusiastic participation valued support.
to sit down to Friday lunch and find them in front of me, without even serious such as deliberately altering your Golf Score-Card (a Bounder).
a glance at the Menu. It was formerly the tradition that the Member who had nominated
the blackballed Nominee was themselves blackballed due to the
Q. I note that there is a ‘Suggestions Book’ on a table in the
embarrassment caused all round, and this was certainly an incentive Recent new Members
Club Cloakroom, and understand that this is a commonplace
to ensure that anyone nominated for Club membership was unlikely to
throughout ‘Clubland’, can you tell me a little more about this Quentin Stephens • Richard Campbell • Roger Doherty • Michael Wilson • John McCall • David Reid
cause a problem.
book and its function?
I shall have a quiet word with the Club Chairman over our weekly Gin Robert Swanson • Stephen Rampton (re-join) • Alan Denison • Nicholas Roddy • Gavin Wyley • Nicholas Henderson
JF, Midstocket, Aberdeen.
and Dubonnet and gently suggest that this tradition be re-instated. Robert Bain • James Gregg • Christopher Tindall • Aidan McKenna • William Reith • Barry Dunsmore
A. With pleasure! Perhaps the most succinct description of a Club
Q. I live in a remote part of Aberdeenshire, Upper Donside to
Suggestions book comes from a gentleman by the name of Mr Van
be precise. My social life is non-existent, and I was therefore
Gielgud, who wrote in his book, ‘Conduct of a Member’,
surprised and delighted to receive a ‘Valentines Day’ party
‘The entry contents varied from the purely frivolous to the studiedly It is with great sadness that we have to report the deaths of the following Members and friends who are missed by us all:
invitation from a very louche old lawyer friend who lives in the
offensive. For the most part they dealt with the shortcomings of the
west end of Aberdeen. The Invitation however also states that it April 2016 Sheriff Ronald D Ireland • October 2016 Stephen P Redgrave • November 2016 Angus T Taylor
House Committee in regard to the daily menus, the state of the wine-
is an ‘LGBT Celebration.’ November 2016 Douglas Ashmead • November 2016 David A Price
list, the condition of the lavatories, and certain habits of the more
Although I went to a good school I haven’t a clue what this
eccentric Members.
might mean. My Housekeeper Mrs Mingins, and Beaumont the
The pages were liberally peppered with sarcasm, occasionally with wit,
Butler have conferred, and thinks it refers to a dress code. I
principally with ill-tempered trivialities. The Suggestions Book was Obituary: Angus Thompson Taylor (Cults)
am unconvinced, particularly as Mrs Mingins had been at the
cherished by the Club, partly as the main source of reading for its less
Sherry. Can you please enlighten me, and do you have any
literate Members, partly as a convenient medium of expression for its Peacefully at Angusfield House Care Home, Aberdeen on Wednesday 9th November 2016,
suggestions as to what I might wear?
exhibitionists. Angus Thompson Taylor (ATT) passed away surrounded by his family.
CE, Strathdon.
Sir Giles Underwood referred to it as a useful safety valve for letting off
Angus is survived by his wife Olive and his brother Willie, also brother of the late Bewick and Robbie.
steam - and hot air!’ A. Your staff are in fact correct. It means ‘Little Glittery Black Top’, but
A loving father to Lorraine, Amanda and Atholl, he was also a proud Grandpa to Gregor and Cameron.
So there you have it. My confidential understanding is that of over 300 anything with sequins will do at this event, irrespective of your gender.
entries in the Suggestions Book of the Royal Northern and University Do keep an open mind about these sorts of things; however as you live Angus, formerly of Elgin and latterly of Cults, was a Partner with
Club made in the past 25 years, 4 have been acted upon. Bearing in in the solid farming country of rural Upper Donside I do not think that Chartered Surveyors F.G. Burnett and renowned for his good humour and great “joie de vivre”.
mind the above, read into this what you will. you will find anything at the party that will appear out of the ordinary.
Page 12 Page 13
THE ROYAL NORTHERNER ISSUE TWO • WINTER 2017 THE ROYAL NORTHERNER ISSUE TWO • WINTER 2017
Club Societies
Here is a selection of the Club’s many Societies. If you would like to join any of these please contact
the Club Secretary or add your name to the various lists that go up within the Club itself.
INVESTMENT CLUBS - At present BRIDGE GROUP - This group meets
there are three Investment Clubs which on Tuesday evenings from 7.00pm to
FO1U85N4DED2 0 115854
meet once a month on Monday or 10.30pm between October and April.
Tuesday to discuss and invest in stocks CHERISHED CAR GROUP - This ThTeh Re oRoyayal lN NooRrTthheeRrNn AanNdd UUnNiviveresRistiyT Cy lCulbUb
and shares.
group has been recently formed by car
Aberdeen
HILL WALKING GROUP - This enthusiasts in the Club. A series of road abeRdeeN
group is not restricted to Members only trips is planned throughout the beautiful
- partners and colleagues may also take countryside of the north east and perhaps
part. The walks are of varying difficulty beyond. On completion they will return
but are usually not too strenuous and to the Club where they will have supper “The Best Restaurant
FILM AND THEATRE GROUP -
usually end with refreshments taken or afternoon tea and trade their separate
This group meets once a month from
in a suitable establishment. Walks are experiences.
September to June. Dates are usually
scheduled for the third Sunday of each
determined by what is on at the theatre in Town”
month.
or Music Hall. The format of the
meetings involves dining at the Club and
attending selected theatre performances
or films being featured in local cinemas Fine Dining at The Club
or possibly the showing of a selected film
programme in the Club itself. GARDENING SOCIETY - The
Enjoy the finest contemporary British Cuisine
Gardening Society meets during the
MAHJONG - This group is looking
winter on a Monday evening once a
for more participants. It meets every with our own modern twist, in the best restaurant in town.
month to listen to a speaker followed by
Tuesday (October - March/April) in
supper. In the summer they plan visits to
the Library from 14.00 to 17.15. Light
local gardens of interest.
refreshments are served at 15.30.
GOLF - The Golf section is organised by
the Captain Graham Templeton and he DISCUSSION GROUP - This group
would be delighted to discuss any aspect meets on the 1st Tuesday of the month
of this section with you. during the winter and spring.
SNOOKER - The Club Snooker
CHESS GROUP - The Chess Group
competitions start at the beginning of
meets once a month on a Wednesday for
autumn each year. A notice asking for
SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCING supper followed by play.
combatants (!) is displayed in the Hall
- The Scottish Country Dancing Group
every September. PHOTOGRAPHY GROUP - The
meets on Wednesday nights during
Photography Group was formed in April
BOOK GROUP - The Book Group the winter months starting in August
2011 to explore all areas of interest
meets approximately once a month to and uses the facilities at St. Margaret’s
involving photography. This can be It’s just Club sense really
dine and discuss a different book or School.
anything from technical help to picture
books at each meeting.
CURLING - A group of Members and composition or discussing ethical issues.
For Reservations Tel: [phone]
FLY-FISHING and ANGLING partners meet every second Wednesday There is a monthly competition based
SAILING and POWER BOATING from October to March at the Aberdeen around a theme, which the photographer
INDOOR BOWLING
Curling rink for fun matches. is free to interpret as they see fit.
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THE ROYAL NORTHERNER ISSUE TWO • WINTER 2017 THE ROYAL NORTHERNER ISSUE TWO • WINTER 2017
The Old Boy Network
D: Apparently Nicola had been saying, “Scotland has voted highlight. Did you go to that? I didn’t see you at it.
‘Remain’”. Well, that came as a surprise to most of us. We D: No. I had to go to the car wash that day. I told you what
thought the question on the ballot paper had been “Do you the Harlaw Academy lassie had written on my rear window.
Buff Hardie, MBE
think Britain should remain in or leave the EU?” Nobody What I didn’t tell you was there were two loons with her, and I
A: That was the story I heard. Most of the Members of the ever asked us anything about Scotland. I mean, I’m sure I couldn’t begin to tell you out loud within these hallowed walls
Club have heard it. From me, I have to admit. would have noticed if there had been a question about Scotland. what they had written on my rear window. It needed to be
D: Thanks, old friend. I mean, I was only stuck on the A: Aye, you’d have thought so. Mind you, it is confusing this removed ASAP.
pavement for ten minutes - much to the amusement of some “Scotland or Britain?” “Scottish or British?” business. But I’m A: So you’re saying the visit of the Duke had to take second
passing Harlaw Academy pupils. One of them had the nerve quite clear myself: I’m Scottish and I’m British. Like Andy place to that?
to print in the grime on my rear window: “Please clean me”. Murray. He’s a Scot, no doubt about that. But he knocks his D: It sure had. Well, I always think life is about getting your
Cheeky little besom. pan in and gives it no less laldy when he’s representing Britain priorities right. And anyway I can’t say he’s ever been my
A: Another example of changing behaviour patterns. Do you in the Olympics, or at the Davis Cup, or even at Wimbledon, favourite Royal, Prince Philip.
remember Miss Rose? Formidable Girls’ High headmistress? where he gets great support from his fellow Brits, who happen A: No? Oh, I thought you would have had a fellow-feeling for
That would never have happened with her. to be English, most of them. him. I mean, you and he, you both married Elizabeths. You and
D: No. Miss Rose would never have written on anyone’s rear D: It’s the same with Rugby players. he both got your feet under the table pretty quick, Philip under
window. A: Exactly. I know where you’re coming from. If you’re a the King and Queen’s, you under old Tommy Ingram’s. Full
really good Rugby player, the height of your ambition is to be marks to you. Donald, when you snapped up your Elizabeth.
A: Anyway, you’ve no problem now about getting into the front
picked for the British Lions. It doesn’t matter if you’re English, Old Tommy Ingram’s daughter was quite a catch for a tighthead
car park?
Scottish, Irish or even Welsh, to play for the British Lions is prop with a propensity for getting offside and serious problems
D: None at all. Which was just as well the morning after the
your ultimate goal. with operating car park barriers.
Two venerable Members of the Royal Northern and University Brexit vote, when I arrived here hot foot and desperate for a
D: That’s right. I mean, I’m as Scottish as they come, but D: Look, Tommy was very happy when Elizabeth and I got
Club, Donald and Andrew, have a rendezvous for coffee in cup of coffee.
when I was young and playing Rugby my ambition was to play married. We may not have been the most glamorous of couples
the Smoke Room at the Club. As Donald arrives, his friend A: How come? What was your rush that particular morning?
for the British Lions. -
D: It’s a bit complicated. But you’ll remember I was a strong
hails him.
A: But you never did. Or did you? Maybe I missed it in the A: Oh, come on, Donald. You do yourself and Elizabeth an
“Remain” man? As opposed to “Leave”.
A: Over here, Donald. Next to the window. Coffee’s on its paper. injustice. I remember your wedding, and let’s just say that
A: I do.
way. D: No. If I’m going to be honest, it was never really on. when you were a young couple, OK you weren’t exactly the
D: And so was my better half, Elizabeth. We both assumed
D: Sorry, Andrew, I did see you. But these days any time I Though when I was in my twenties, I was a pretty useful Brangelina of Burnieboozle -
Cameron would have had the sense to have the result of the
reach the Smoke Room I stop to admire the new set up. I like tighthead prop for Third FPs. D: Anyway, old Tommy was very generous to us when we got
referendum totally buttoned up before he called the damn’
the chairs, and I like the new small tables. A: For Third Aberdeen Grammar School FPs? married. And in return we gave him the gift of five lovely
thing.
A: I agree with you, Donald. Though not everybody does. D: Aye. I did get one game for the Seconds on a day when grandchildren.
A: Well you would have thought so, I agree. I mean, there are
I’ve heard the odd grumble of disapproval. But you’ll always four or five of their forwards were at a wedding. And it was A: And the expense of buying five gifts every Christmas when
cock-ups and there are cock-ups .........
get that when it comes to questions of aesthetics. And of course the highlight of my career. It was at Rubislaw against Second the kids were little. I can still remember Tommy moaning
D: Well, the morning after the vote, Elizabeth was up before
there’s always folk who are against change of any kind. Gordonians. What a game that was. Even now I can still about that. But fair play, he would be pleased to see how well
me, and by the time I went downstairs to the kitchen the telly
D: Well, I think this is a change for the better. And it’s not the remember the buzz. they’ve all done. Especially Joe. He was always Tommy’s
was on. Well, when she saw me Elizabeth gave me a look like
only one that happened in the Club last year. A: I’ll bet. You wouldn’t get a buzz like that nowadays - at favourite How old’s Joe now?
thunder -
A: Yes, last year was quite a year. Here’s a test for you, your indoor bowling, or playing on a Sunday afternoon with the D: Joe’s 35.
A: Tell me about it, Donald. I had exactly the same experience
Donald. Arrange in order of importance the following events Club Croquet Section. A: And he’s still doing OK? Despite the down-turn in the
when I came down for breakfast the morning after Trump was
that took place in the Club in 2016: the re-furnishing of this D: Do you know who was on the touch-line at that match, price of oil?
elected in America. The way Fiona glared at me you’d have
room; the first issue of the new Royal Northerner magazine; shouting us on? Shouting encouragement to us? Dear old D: Aye, it doesn’t seem to have affected Joe. He’s still doing
thought it was my fault.
the visit of our Patron, the Duke of Edinburgh; the installation Donny Innes. really well. He and Isobel have moved house, of course.
D: Getting back to the morning after the Brexit vote, apart
of the barriers at the front car park. A: A great man, Donny. That was typical of him. How They’ve moved into town. With the property market a bit
from the look Elizabeth gave me, she spoke to me. Only one
D: Well, that’s a no-brainer, Andrew. It has to be the many caps did he get for Scotland? Now he could have been a wobbly they took the opportunity to down-size to Rubislaw
installation of the barriers at the car park. word, mind. She said, “Leave”. Well, I took it as an order. British Lion but for the War. But he was always ready to ‘put Den.
A: Spot on, Donald. I’m with you all the way. I mean, where A: And left? something back’ into the game when his playing days were over. A: Very good. Where about in the Den are they?
else would you get guaranteed parking free at this end of Union D: Too true. I upped and got the hell out. Out the back door, D: Yes, the first XV were away playing in the Borders that day, D: Wait till I think. Yes, they’re on the south side of the North
Street? into the car, and down to the Club. Pronto. but there was Donny, supporting the Seconds. I remember Den.
D: Exactly. That entrance barrier has fairly enhanced the A: I get the picture. And when you got to the Club? talking to Donny about the match years later. He remembered A: Very wise. Couldn’t be better. I wouldn’t want to think
quality of life of the Members of the Club. D: Well, there were a lot of long faces around. And then it too. He said, “We should have won that match. We were Joe and Isobel were slumming it in a dodgy part of Rubislaw
A: Quite so. And you’re managing to operate it OK now? two more fellows came in. They’d been watching a telly winning 8 - 6 with two or three minutes to go, when some Den.
D: What do you mean - “now”? I got the hang of it very somewhere, and they’d seen Nicola Sturgeon in the middle of a clown got himself offside right in front of our posts. Gordonians D: No. It’s a nice house. Much better than that barn of a place
quickly. great heap of kids. kicked the penalty and won 9 - 8. I can’t remember who the they had out at Alford. And it was the right time to move into
A: Great. I’m delighted to hear it. It was just that word A: God! Not again. She’s always being photographed, and idiot was who gave away the penalty, but -” town, the kids being the ages they are.
did get round the Club that on your first shottie you made a almost always surrounded by kids. Does she ever do any work, A: What did you say to that? Did you refresh his memory? A: How old are their kids now?
complete hash of it. that lassie? And another thing: those photographs she appears D: No way. Let’s just say even if Donny had been reminded D: Well young Donald’s three past, but the twins are coming
D: No, no. Quite the reverse. There was no hash. That was in don’t take themselves. You wouldn’t believe the amount of who it was, it wouldn’t have done him any good. And it up for five. They’ll be five in May.
the problem. I forgot to press the hash key first. So I was stuck administrative time and effort that goes into setting up these certainly wouldn’t have done me any good. A: So they’ll be going to primary school after the summer?
half-way out on to the pavement, till eventually I got out of the photo-calls. It’s probably a full-time job for some high-flying A: Getting back to what a year 2016 was for the Club, I would D: Yes. And that’s another good thing about Rubislaw Den.
car and chapped on the window of the bar and got some help. civil servant with a Double First from Oxford. have thought the visit of the Duke of Edinburgh was surely the It’s in the catchment area for Albyn.
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THE ROYAL NORTHERNER ISSUE TWO • WINTER 2017 THE ROYAL NORTHERNER ISSUE TWO • WINTER 2017
Summer Style Event Stylish and Sparkling
A
stylish and sparkling Afternoon
Tea and Fashion Event was held at
the Club last summer.
Laura McNeil, Personal Styling Specialist
showcased the season’s fashion highlights
and shared her styling expertise gained
from over 20 years in the Fashion
Industry to an appeciative audience.
The latest collection by Siobhan Mckenzie
of Scottish Contemporary Kiltwear was
also showcased.
There were 48 ladies in attendance at the
event which was thoroughly enjoyed by
all. Afternoon tea was served with a glass
of Prosecco and a gin cocktail.
m
a
Te
her
nd
ura a
a
urtesy of L
hs co
hotograp
P
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