From Allan Castlehow - Canada
1)
As others have stated the gauntlet was a a fearful challenge that first day and
it usually started as soon as you arrived in the school yard. All the first
years were easily identified by their spanking new clothes and shoes. The usual
thing was a clip on the head (scuffing up your nice hair style) or scuffing up
of your new polished shoes. I was fortunate to start in the Sept of 52 following
the departure in July 52 of my elder brother Tom Castlehow.
As he was a 49er his school chums were still there in 4th year and
subsequently knew I was arriving and they protected me from the gauntlet ( like
protective brothers) I believe the two main ones were Dave Porter and Ronnie
Niven.
2) After assembly and class assignment 1A my Form mistress was Miss Davis. After
about 15 minutes Mrs Youngs came in and whispered to Miss Davis with the
Question, “Will which one of you who is Castlehow stand up" which I did.
The next comment was, “sit down your nothing like him”.
3) First break walking across the assembly hall with two others we were stopped
by Archie Campbell again with the comment which one is Castlehow, when ! said I
was you can guess what Archie’s question was as he coached the school soccer
team. Can you play as god as your brother?
Because if you are half as good as him you will do for him and then make
sure you come for a trial.
I wondered what on earth I was in for as this comparison went on for the next
two years, however I enjoyed my time there especially as I met my wife at the
Central ( entered the Central system in my 3rd year.
Allan Castlehow