The seventh year, 1969: a leadership crisis and an exciting liaison with the local school system

The events of 1969 occurred on a background of my possible departure from Dingleton, and the fluctuating emotions aroused by speculation, anxiety, unrest and anger. My deputy, Dan Jones, showed no eagerness to replace me. Although he had been recruited as Deputy Physician Superintendent two years previously, he had always kept a low profile and was content with his role as leader of the Roxburghshire team, where he was an outstanding success. The rest of the senior staff resisted assuming extended leadership roles, and Jimmy Millar faced a serious crisis as described later. This temporary upset in our established multiple leadership pattern forced me to face a vacuum at the top which was resolved quickly and demonstrates how regression can be one dimension of growth. In response to these circumstances my role changed considerably with more emphasis on training and less on administration. In the community we became much more closely involved with the local high schools, largely due to an empathetic new Director of Education.