History of the Association
Emerging from the War Years
Britain emerged into a period of austerity from the difficult war years. In 1948, it was proposed that a memorial, sponsored by the Association, should be erected to former pupils who had fallen in the 1939-1945 war. Contributions from members were invited.
It was reported in later minutes that Mr Morren had received the stone for the war memorial and that he had started work on it. A date of 3 September 1950 was settled for its unveiling.
The minutes of the AGM of Monday, 28 April 1952 note that the title of the Association should be changed to the original one of ‘The Gordon Schools’ Former Pupils’ Association’. And so it remains to this date.
The minutes of the AGM in 1958 indicate that:
‘Surprise was expressed that no representative of the Association had been invited to the opening of the new School, especially when the Association had been connected now for 33 years, during which prizes were donated yearly.’
During the mid-1950s there had been significant building and redevelopment of the school. A number of important educational and administrative areas were added at this time, including the Assembly Hall. This was a significant move forward in terms of facilities.
The secretary of the Association was instructed to write a letter of concern to Aberdeen County Council about their oversight.
Membership in 1963 was noted as standing at 260 Ordinary Members and 359 Life Members.
Dr Hugh Brebner and Mr Ewen McDonald in the staffroom at the 2010 Social Event
In 1964, the Association advised Mr McDonald, Rector, that they would like to help in any way possible relating to the proposed new swimming pool for Huntly. It was seen as being a benefit to all pupils at school.
The Association decided in 1965 that they would like to revive the idea of having a Former Pupils’ tie for members. A design was accepted. Scarves for ladies, using the same design, were also agreed.
An anonymous donation, a significant sum, was received in 1973. Concern was expressed in 1974 that this money was still lodged in a local Bank, rather than being invested in a Building Society. Concern was also expressed that Association savings had only benefited from an interest rate of nine and a half percent. Changed days!
A Dinner Dance was held at Christmas 1974, with a record attendance of 220 guests. £60 was donated to the Students’ Charities Campaign.
An Anniversary Dinner was planned, to celebrate 50 years of the Association.