Lent 2008
The second half of term started as busy as the first. The Lent term is notorious for cramming a great deal into a short space of time, and the boys have thrown themselves into the fast pace of life right to the end of term and even had one or two self-imposed early nights! Before half term the Senior House Hockey was left hanging in a tantalising situation – the top three places would only be decided when the last match had been played. In the end Matheson’s came second, a well-deserved position in what was a fairly open competition. Notable performances came from Magnus Schuler, Angus Walker and Sam Large. Sam Mountain was impressive in goal in his first outings with a hockey stick in spite of a knee injury, and many others played well (hockey’s loss is clearly football’s gain!).
The juniors made a valiant effort in the House Football competition. While the gods did not steer their ball into their opponents’ goals more times during their matches, the boys showed spirit and skill throughout, and I was impressed with the way they showed sporting integrity in the face of some highly questionable tactics and play from some of their opposition.
One of the great things about life at Glenalmond is the variety of events open to all the boys, and Matheson’s produced an entertaining play for the House Drama festival. David Ives’ entertaining short play Soap Opera was our choice, and under the skilful direction of Nick Cox and John Howe, the boys put on a funny show. The competitive nature of this appealed to my Classical tastes and while Matheson’s did not win they put on a performance which revealed great efforts from several boys, all of which ran surplus to their normal daily school commitments, and showed some creative interpretation and directing.
College wide, Matheson’s boys continue to excel in all areas. We have representatives of all the major first team sports at all levels. Musically, Tom Francis especially works hard in the Jazz Band and the Concert Band, and messrs Cox, Walker, Francis, Risk, Findlay and Sharp are loyal members of the splendid Chapel Choir. We also have a number of pipers in the various College bands; Gavin Morgan and Angus Walker especially work hard at this. Fraser Burt, Oscar Eriksen, Campbell Findlay and Owen Martin starred in the junior play, Much Ado About Something, and all put in very entertaining performances. Indeed, there were several scenes which had just the three Matheson’s boys. I only hope that Oscar is not now typecast as a smooth talking womaniser for the rest of his acting career!
From the U6 sampling stovies at the Pitcairngreen Inn (a new experience for Ian Lu who, in patriotic fashion, sampled the “Glenalmond”, and Sebastian Trilsbach who went, appropriately, for the “Highlander”) to hot cross buns (which had, to the amazement and eternal gratitude of one of the boys, actually been buttered for him), Matheson’s has enjoyed various social moments. The boys have all enjoyed tutor outings in their respective groups as well, and some of their costumes and outfits for balls and socials have been an education to say the least.
We were very pleased to welcome Chris Wilcox from Brooks School as part of the exchange. He immediately threw himself into life in the House and the College, and we all enjoyed seeing his transatlantic view of life over here. I hope he comes to visit if he comes to university in St Andrews.
Thus ended another good term for Matheson’s even if the trophy cabinet does not bulge (though it did fall off its shelf and smash to pieces at the end of term, and the augurs have not yet interpreted this omen). Over the holidays, the Senior Common Room has changed appearance dramatically with the removal of the desks, and various other plans continue to be implemented over time.
Finally, the Pounders were delighted with the arrival of their new baby Oliver Jack on April 3rd. He weighed 8 lbs exactly, and after 24 hours in the Special Care Unit due to breathing difficulties, he is now doing brilliantly and there is no doubting the power in his lungs!
