Gus Neilson: Murray Watson - 'Distorted by Time'

At last Thursday's meeting Dr Murray Watson, an honorary research fellow at the University of Dundee and local author, gave an interesting talk on his recently published first novel "Distorted By Time".

Murray was prompted to write a novel following his work in co-authoring, with Ian Landles, the book to mark 150 years of Hawick RFC "Voices of Hawick Rugby".

He explained that well into retirement he had become re-acquainted with the discipline of a working day by the time that book was finished and was keen to do more research.

Murray decided to channel his experience of the use of oral histories into writing a novel and the result was "Distorted By Time".

The book tells the story of diverse characters from three generations of four families; Italian, German, English and Scottish and their journey from Stobs Camp. Moving across continents, the action takes place between 1890 and 1990s.

To illustrate the fact that the novel begins in a primary school (which could have been any in Hawick), Murray's talk made humorous use of audience participation with the reciting of the 7 times table and and exercise in reading out aloud!

Murray did not tell the book's story in his talk but explained a little about the sources he used to create the story. These were essentially personal memories, conversations with others, books, oral history interviews and a range of contemporary documents.

His talk did include, however, true stories of schoolboys visiting Twickenham, a young mill lassie's bride-to-be rituals and a dental patient who sold his teeth (for use in making dentures) to fund his treatment - all of these ultimately included in the story.

The talk closed with Murray thoroughly recommending those present to go for a walk around Stobs camp, extolling the virtues of the scenic and wild setting as one of the most impressive archaeological sites in the UK of a military, POW, and internment camp.

The interesting and at times humorous talk by Dr Watson was tantalising enough for those present, who had not already read the book, to seek out a copy.

A hearty Vote of Thanks was given by club secretary Andy Tyler.