Report on FP Club Dinner : Friday 7 September 2018

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Report on the Annual Dinner: 7 September 2018

Sixty members and guests sat down to an excellent 3-course meal prepared by our in-house caterers, following pre-dinner drinks in the bar.

Colin Rigby, an SRU Council Member and Former Pupil, very kindly agreed – at the last minute – to fill the gap left by our main speaker who called-off unexpectedly the week before. Colin spoke eloquently on Agenda 3, the formation of the Franchises, better known as the Super-6 and why the SRU see this as the way forward for Scottish Rugby at all levels.  Colin went on to explain how this new structure will impact on school and club rugby and the Super-6 themselves for the foreseeable future.  He also gave examples of how clubs are taking steps to meet the challenges that will face them following implementation of the new structure in season 2019/20 e.g. closer collaboration between SMC RFC and Heriots RFC, which will see more ‘nails’ on the pitch at Inverleith.

Linda Moule, the new ESMS Principal, replied on behalf of the school encompassing, for our benefit, a resume of her career to date. During her speech, amongst other things, she brought us up-to-date on the academic achievements of both schools viz-a-vis the 2018 examination results, progress on the current developments on the Queensferry Road estate and the threats facing independent schools if certain Government policies are implemented.

Jack Mainland replied on behalf of the Club, emphasising the importance of the part the affiliated sports clubs play in the well-being of the Club.

Ross Johnston, SMC Head Boy, gave a very articulate and interesting speech on his ‘Perspective of life at SMC’; how the school had shaped him as a person over the years from P1 to S6.

John Archer proposed the Toast to the Guests, which was graciously replied to by Rob Heatly, Watsonian Club President. Bob Young brought the official proceedings to a close by giving the Vote of Thanks.

After saying their ‘Good-byes’ to those that had to leave early(ish), the remainder of the company repaired to the bar for a chat and ‘one-for-the-road’. All-in-all, a good time was had by everyone.