Alumni Series: David Nicholas Henderson James
David Nicholas Henderson James
Name: David Nicholas Henderson James
School Dates: 1940 to 1946
Senior School: Loretto
University and what you studied: National Service then Peterhouse Cambridge to study Economics
What are you up to now?
I live in Edinburgh and am now retired.
I enjoy all manner of outdoor activities such as golf, fishing and shooting. And of course some brain busting Sudokus!
Is what you are doing now (either career or hobby) inspired by your time (or a teacher) at Ardvreck?
I love to fish, this was definitely inspired by Headmaster David Smythe
What is your overriding memory of your time at the school?
Wartime Austerity. Camerarderie between Staff and Pupils. Emphasis on Outdoor Activities i.e. Greeks and Trojans and “Barvick”.
What do you think sets an Ardvreckian apart from the crowd?
Enthusiasm for outdoor pursuits.
Do you have an Ardvreck family (friends from Ardvreck) for life?
I have some very long term friendships (75 years) from Ardvreck and now future generations are enjoying making friends for life including my grandchildren, Poppy and Patrick. I was lucky enough to be Captain of Cricket and Athletics Champion. This is Patrick winning a Pre-Prep sports cup – it would be wonderful to think that he may enjoy sport as much as I did.
What did you want to be when you grew up?
Safe, Secure and Successful
What inspires you?
Heroic Deeds (especially by those with disabilities)
Is ‘being happy’ important to you.
It is a “sine qua non”
Are you happy?
Yes. Extremely so.
