Jane Heatly
(Class of 1969)

I am writing today to tell you about the Heatly connection with GWLC and GWC, my journey, eventual settlement in Australia and connection with the New South Wales Watsonian Club, some of my recollections of GWLC , my friendships which I still cherish today and the wonderful story about my eldest son who has just become engaged to a lovely young Doctor from another Watsonian family.

The Heatly Family’s connection with GWLC began when my parents decided to to send my sister Ann to St Alban’s Road in 1953. I followed in 1955 and fell under the magic spell of Miss Wilson our Nursery teacher. It was a great beginning and I loved it. Ann left in 1967 and I followed in 1969. We also had two brothers who attended GWC. Peter left in 1973 and subsequently married Susan Bowie, another Watsonian from the class of 1972. Their children Gary and Louise are also Watsonians. Brother Robert left in 1976 and is the Watsonian Club’s immediate Past President. His son, James Heatly, also attended GWC and is well known for his sporting achievements in Diving. Like his grandfather he is a Commonwealth Games medallist. In 2018 Robert enjoyed a Watsonian function both for visiting Watsonians and those who were living in Queensland, including myself who now lives on the Pacific Ocean in Bargara, the seaside suburb of the town of Bundaberg. Our father, Sir Peter Heatly, followed our education careers with interest and encouragement. He joined the Merchant Company and became Treasurer from 1986-1988 and subsequently Master from 1988-1990.

Being the second daughter I couldn’t wait to start Nursery School: the stories I heard were so exciting. I remember sitting for my “Nursery Test”. The lovely Miss Wilson displayed a number of coins and I proudly identified them all correctly. I must have answered all the other questions correctly as well and soon my GWLC journey was beginning. My first day is still vivid in my memory, sitting next to Anne Dunlop and Anne Gould and enjoying all the interesting activities.

Primary School at St Alban’s Road was idyllic. Living in Balerno we had quite a drive in the mornings. My father collected a number of our friends on the way and 6or 7 of us would pile in the car, no seatbelts and maroon berets and bags floating around amongst the giggles and laughter. Mothers would have a roster for getting us home again. By Primary 3 we were all allowed to come home by bus. I had to take 3! One to Princes Street, one to Juniper Green and the country green bus to Balerno. Only once did I leave my school bag at the bus stop as we were all so busy playing games! Fortunately we found it in lost property. I remember these days with fondness. I enjoyed all my teachers: Miss Purves, Miss Fraser, Miss Clark-Wilson, Mrs Allen to name but a few.

Our workbooks had to be very neat and tidy and fortunately learning in the early years came easily to me. I still have some of the books from these days but they were taken over to Edinburgh for our 50th year reunion in 2019 and I left them there for the 150 years of GWLC. I shall find them again when I can travel overseas once more.

I loved History: we had a story, wrote about it and drew a picture. Not the current way of teaching History but I learned a lot and enjoyed it. I also loved sewing, knitting and craft. I still have my needle case and remember choosing the particular colours and stitches. Visits to the Art Room were always exciting.

Lunch time could sometimes be confronting: we had to eat everything on our plate and could miss out on the first afternoon lesson if we resisted. Fortunately I didn’t have too many dislikes but one day I found the semolina pudding so inedible: I was very sad!

Playtime in the gardens of the three houses in St Alban’s Road were so much fun. Although it must have been cold I remember sitting on the grass making daisy chains, running around playing childhood games, climbing the big metal climbing frame( SO dangerous) and sheltering in the glass house if it rained. Mrs Officer, the janitor’s wife was there to patch up scraped knees if we fell on the gravel.

Sometimes we would be taken on a “crocodile walk” around the neighbouring streets: I loved that. I also enjoyed gym lessons in the hall.

As a teacher now I think we had a wonderful experience at St Alban’s Road and I still love to walk past and reminisce when in Edinburgh.

I am lucky enough to maintain friendships from these special times and until now We would meet up on my journeys to Scotland.

In Primary 6 we made the transition to George Square. Although sad to leave the homely classrooms of the Lower Primary, I soon became used to the many classrooms and subjects on offer. I particularly liked my Grade 6 room overlooking the Gardens. It was bright and cheerful compared to my Year 7 room which had no view at all. Fortunately we were able to use other rooms for some lessons such as singing, art and sewing.

On cold mornings we could huddle in “The Admiral’s Kitchen” sipping hot chocolate made by Matron. Dance lessons in the Assembly Hall were great and the gymnasium was always exciting. We soon became used to the many stairs and corridors. I loved the sewing room with Miss Brockway who demanded perfect work! Art with Mr Henderson was another pleasant way to spend a couple of lessons . Unlike classrooms today we mainly had to work in silence. However I think we received a wonderful education and I enjoyed most of my subjects.

Daily Assemblies were held with Miss Fleming officiating from the Balcony. I always looked forward to the Nine Lessons and Carols: I still know most of the Hymns and Carols from memory.

Highlights of Upper Senior School were the trip to Balquidder where we learned how to canoe and sail, and Miss Morris’ Tour to Paris where we attended the Lycee Camme See(spelling?!) Paris was a dream come true and as it was 200 years since Napoleon’s birth there were numerous extra exhibitions. Anne Dunlop and I had a wonderful time exploring the city.

I was an average student so took great delight in winning a Biology Prize in 6th year. My other success as swimming Captain for Lauriston House was winning the House swimming events. I didn’t fare too well in hockey or athletics due to serious asthma but I always tried my best.

Friendships were very important to me and I continue to see them on my visits to Edinburgh: Inez Richardson, Lesley Hay, Norma Cook and Jane Kille to name but a few.

Before leaving for Australia I helped organise our 20th Reunion, a beautiful occasion held in Jean Innes’ garden on a very sunny and warm evening. I have also managed to attend 30,40 and 50th Reunions. I always enjoy the company of all.

After George Square I studied History( influenced by Miss Nicol)at Edinburgh University and then studied Upper Primary and Middle School Teaching at Oxford.

After 2 Teacher Exchange Programs I made my home in Queensland, Australia.

Two of my very good Watsonian friends ( Helen Leckie and Pat Liddell)live in New South Wales and were able to give me welcome support. The NSW Watsonian Club, currently with Pat as its President, is very strong and I regularly fly down for their annual Burn’s Supper. As yet we don’t have a Club in Queensland and we live 5 hours drive north of Brisbane where most live.

I have been lucky that I am able to return to Edinburgh regularly and maintain the connection with my family and friends. I also enjoy showing my new country to friends who visit Australia.

I am now the proud mother of three sons: Robert, Alexander( a commercial Pilot based in Darwin, Northern Territory) and Christopher( an Energy Trader in Brisbane).

They attended a new school in Bundaberg, St Luke’s Anglican College. I chose to send them there as it was similar to Watson’s, catering for Kindergarten to Year 12 on the same campus. The Primary area was beautifully set amongst trees and flowers, reminding me of St Alban’s Road.

I continued teaching in the area and have had a very varied career here including French Teaching in 4 Rural schools for 5 years, History and English contracts at St Luke’s and contracts in Primary Schools. Last year I was invited to fascilitate the on line learning for the children of the essential workers at St Patrick’s Primary. It was a very rewarding time and helped to keep my mind focused during the pandemic. We were lucky that the Autumn weather was beautiful and we could spend a lot of time outside.

Unfortunately I missed my annual trip last year and look forward to the time when I can meet up with family and friends again. I also want to look at my Watson’s memorabilia which I took over for our very successful 50th Reunion.

I shall conclude by telling you about my eldest son , Robert. He spent six years as an Officer in the Royal Australian Navy during which time he was deployed twice to the Middle East on Operation Manitou ( on HMAS Darwin and Newcastle). As a Lieutenant his final year year was spent on HMAS Wollongong, a patrol boat in the north where he was second in command.

However he had met a lovely young doctor from Edinburgh who was working in a hospital in Brisbane . Claire is the youngest of four beautiful daughters and, yes, they are all Watsonians. Heather, Fiona, Debbie and Claire along with their father, Fraser, all went to GWC.

I have met all the delightful family including Heather’s husband Ben Di Rollo who is currently Vice President Elect of the Watsonian Club. It is such a small world!

Robert was able to leave the Navy after six years and he followed Claire back to Edinburgh where they have bought a house in Colinton only a few hundred metres from where I used to live. They announced their engagement on Christmas Day so despite the distance we are very happy.

So no matter where we travel in the world there are always Watsonians to be found.

I have so many more memories and reminisces of GWLC and I was looking forward to sharing them at the 150 Reunion. Of course at this stage that is not possible for Helen and me. We both had planned to attend as much as we could. Now we shall just have to wait and see what happens in the coming months.

We have been very lucky here in Queensland and I constantly think about Edinburgh family and friends in Lock down.

My years at GWLC have a left a very strong impression on my life. I still uphold the values I learnt from my time at school and miss many of the traditions and friendships from that time. But the wheel has turned and as well as hopefully getting to some of the Celebrations we should have our son’s wedding to another Watsonian to enjoy.

Jane McRae née Heatly (Class of 1969)