Features - Reminiscing, the 1940s

First time away from home - the train journey from Edinburgh to Aberdeen.
Being met at Aberdeen station by a Rolls Royce taxi. The first few weeks of terrible homesickness.
The first morning when the wake up bell went in the dormitory and somebody called out "Benedicamus Domino".
Serving Mass for "Wee Mac" in the nuns' oratory, leaving the main chapel at the Sanctus and being back before Communion.
Serving a prof's Mass late and being given a special breakfast in a private room.
Going to the Mill Inn for tea on your Saint's day.
The bread pudding we sometimes got for lunch and the "festy pud" we got on high days and holydays.
The home-made film shows put on by our history teacher Fr. McKee.
Having my name called out on Sunday evening by "Big Jeb" (Fr. John Edward Breen), Master of Discipline.

Fr. Mick McConnell and another priest singing "A Policeman's Lot Is Not A Happy One" at feast day concerts.
Could not wait to be promoted from pup to brat.
I remember one lovely Sunday night concert given by a quartet of prisoners of war who were being held somewhere near. There was a particularly talented bassoon player.
The wonderful four part choir which flourished under Fr. Duffy (Francis, I think), and the voice of John McAllister when he sang solo. I believe he is now a priest in Edinburgh diocese.
When I was there my bishop was Archbishop MacDonald. The rector was Mgr. McGonagle and the spiritual director was Fr. Stephen McGill.
I also remember two sets of brothers - the Fitzsimmons brothers and Philip and Henry Docherty. Philip was a particular friend of mine.
Where are they now?

(With thanks to Pat Burns)