St Andrews in Focus Issue 16 May Jun 2006

St Andrews in focus • shopping • eating • events • town/gown • people and more

May / June 2006 Issue 16 £1.50

the award winning magazine for St Andrews www.standrewsinfocus.com

St Andrews in focus • shopping • eating • events • town/gown • people and more

From the Editor The media seem to relish everything that’s wrong, all that doom and gloom. The NHS is at the receiving end of all this negativity. Recently I was in Ninewells Hospital for eye surgery and pretty apprehensive about it. I needn’t have worried, for seldom have I experienced such efficiency so full of love, embracing everyone from the domestic assistants to the nurses, medical staff, and of course the patients who benefit from it. Never a cross word or a frown. The wards overlook the Tay and the hills beyond, a vista custommade to lift the spirits. And the picture windows can be opened to let in life-enhancing fresh air (something I’ve never seen in other hospitals I’ve visited). Spotless, is the only word I can use to describe the place, and shining. I have long heard of Ninewell’s reputation, but now I have experienced it for myself I can only marvel at our collective good fortune.

Please, let’s all be positive about it.

Flora Selwyn The views expressed elsewhere in this magazine are not necessarily those of the Editor.

MAY/JUNE 2006 EDITOR Flora Selwyn Tel/fax: 01334 472375 Email: editor@standrewsinfocus.com DESIGNER University of St Andrews Reprographics Unit PRINTER Tayport Printers Ltd. DISTRIBUTER Elspeth’s of Guardbridge PUBLISHER (address for correspondence) Local Publishing (Fife) Ltd., PO Box 29210, St. Andrews, Fife, KY16 9YZ. Tel/fax: 01334 472375 Email: enquiries@standrewsinfocus.com

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COVER: St Andrews Harbour; an original oil painting by Alan Stephens.

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Contents TOWN/GOWN • • • • •

Simon Pepper – Rector Charity begins at Uni LINK The Lumsden Club Head Boy – St Leonards

3 4 4 5 6

SHOPS & SERVICES • • • • • • • • • • •

The Old Course Hotel made new Johnstons of Elgin returns Stagecoach update Summer challenge, the Territorial Army way Tips for business success Diabetes UK Weightwatchers Hearing Dogs for the Deaf St Andrews in Focus Scheme Financial wisdom Roving Reporter

7 8 9 10 & 11 12 13 14 14 15 15 16

EVENTS • •

Selected Events list The National Theatre

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FEATURES • • • • • • • • • • • •

Waiting – how long?

The National Arts Collection St Andrews – Loches Alliance ByreRythm North Vietnamese Adventure The Early Harp A cat called Hamish The Wasteless Society Toonspot Ask the Curator Dawning Great Scot! solution & winner

19 19 20 20 21 22 22 23 23 24 24 24

OUT AND ABOUT • • • • •

Cambo Estate’s volunteers ScotWays – Law made easy China in the Botanic Garden The ‘Enchanter’ is here Bums off seats

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NEXT ISSUE – Jul/Aug 2006 COPY DEADLINE: STRICTLY 28 MAY All contributions welcome. The Editor reserves the right to publish copy according to available space.

TOWN & GOWN Simon Pepper OBE, newly elected Rector of St Andrews University, spoke in his Rectorial Address of 16th March 2006 about

Changing The World – a role for citizens, young and old In his rectorial address in 1922, J.M. Barrie famously urged the students to question the wisdom of their so-called betters. “The war” he said, “and other happenings have shown you that age is not necessarily another name for sapience [wisdom]”. He advised youth not to start a rebellion, but to look for a partnership with their elders. “Doubt all your betters who would deny you that right of partnership”, he said. “And be adventurous.

But don’t think only of yourselves”.

That sounds like good advice today in the face of huge global issues, and it’s good to see it being heeded in a number of initiatives currently underway in the University, such as the discussions on the subject of ethical investment. A partnership between students and University authorities, blending ideals with weighty responsibilities, creates a powerful combination which helps the younger partners to explore their potential for influencing change.

Geoff Mulgan, former head of the Strategy Unit at No 10 Downing Street, has charted the role of social innovation in driving change. Most of the great reforms in our democracy have been driven – not by politicians, who often get the credit for the culminating legislation – but by individuals or groups in society, creating a case for reform which eventually had to be incorporated into the mainstream.

Many of the good ideas, which end up being accepted as selfevident truths, have actually started out attracting ridicule and opposition from vested interests. Take the Fair Trade movement, now bursting unstoppably into the mainstream.

The individual does have power in this kind of effort. It is too easy to be deterred by the huge scale of the issue, to blame someone else – the government – for not taking the lead. But governments don’t really lead at all. On the whole, the system resists change; political leaders pretend to pull, but really they are pushed, by waves of public opinion. Someone caught the essence of this when he said, “reform happens when it can no longer be resisted”.

It’s important for us all to engage in the great issues of our time in whatever way we can, because they are increasingly urgent. This is the new, really compelling dimension of climate change, for example. The evidence is that we are already on course to trigger really dangerous change in the next 50 years unless we take serious evasive action. Coping with these issues is desperately hard for us all, especially if we are set in our ways. The danger is that we ignore or – worse – deny it for too long, exhausting the potential for timely and relatively painless remedy.

We’re dealing with issues affecting not just an island, but the whole planet. It is quite scary.

But, as in any crisis, the answer is to be calm and decisive. Faced by seriously worsening problems, we have an enormous – but perfectly achievable – task of re-ordering the way we live and meet our needs. We can’t go on consuming as if there were another couple of planets like this one zooming round the sun.

The sooner we start, the less difficult it will be. It’s a challenge for everyone on Earth, but surely especially so here in developed countries where the

most privileged 1/5th of the world’s population currently consumes 4/5ths of the world’s resources. And it comes closer to home than that. The future surely holds a special role for the top slice of academic achievers who make it to University and are destined to be future leaders. Especially, therefore, at places like St Andrews.

So far, universities have tended to distinguish themselves mainly on the research side of this challenge, rather than the teaching. Too many graduates still go out into the world without the least grasp of these issues, the need to address them, or the best ways of doing so.

But it’s good to see St Andrews bucking the trend: one of a very few UK universities with undergraduate degrees in sustainable development, in both the arts and science faculties, involving eight different schools from all parts of the University, with modules which can be followed as additionals by anyone doing any degree – all led by world class researchers and educators. On the whole, employers have been slow to catch on to the need for this kind of qualification, but the current explosion of interest is bound to change that.

The important thing is that these skills are like literacy – not a specialism for some to follow while others get on with ‘business as usual’.

It’s for everyone. We must all see ourselves as global citizens, broaden our horizons, learn about these things, question the established ways and the profligate use of resources. Consider the issue of justice for others in the world, and for future generations. We are in an age when the consequences of our decisions will last millennia. If nuclear power had been invented in the Stone Age, we would still be caring for its waste today.

But it’s important not to be too ambitious, aim too high, expect too much, too soon. Ghandi said, “Be the change that you want to see in the world”. That’s enough. It can be a liberating experience.

We can all be part of the solution – we all must be, whatever our age, occupation, country of origin. Acting on our principles, we can all help build the wave, and applaud when our political leaders perform the right way!

Photograph courtesy University of St Andrews

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TOWN & GOWN David M. Bean, Director of Student Development and Activities, University of St Andrews Students’ Association explains that the

St Andrews Voluntary Service Joins The Students’ Association On the evening of Wednesday, 22 March, The day-to-day operations of the SVS, the St Andrews Voluntary Service (SVS) which recruits and places volunteers at a wide voted unanimously at its AGM to affiliate variety of community projects including work to the Students’ Association. It now exists with children, the elderly and those with special as a subcommittee of the Student Services needs, shall remain virtually unaffected by the Committee (SSC), in the same fashion as its affiliation. One new project, proposed by David theatrical, debating, and charitable arms.

Bean and adopted by the SVS with enthusiasm, Prior to the affiliation, both groups were is the Millennium Volunteer Awards scheme. very much looking forward to coming together.

This programme allows student volunteers, Initially the plan was conceived to remove the both in the local community and within the problem faced by the university (including SVS as an independent those administering The SVS is one of St Andrews’ registered charity that societies, etc.), to premier student organisations. the members of its receive certificates student committee, recognising their It offers a wealth of services classed as trustees, completion of to the local community, were forced to assume 50, 100 and 200 legal responsibility hours of work. The serves as a strong bridge for any damages Association has between town and gown, and raised against the already successfully group; as part of the registered as a body provides valuable training and Association they are with the statutory experience to students. freed from this burden authority to issue to concentrate on their these awards, and real aim of promoting volunteering projects. the SVS will handle the administration of the During the negotiations that led to the affiliation, project. These certificates will not only provide headed by SVS Convenor Faith Baker and a valuable incentive to students to undertake Director of Student Development and Activities voluntary activities, but will also provide a David Bean, it transpired that the SVS could recognisable enhancement to students’ CVs. gain a number of other advantages, including A new convenor for the SVS will be elected sabbatical support, closer relations with other on a cross-campus basis at the forthcoming student groups, and the guarantee of keeping by-election, and in the meantime, Faith, the their office on the top floor of the Association. retiring convenor, is continuing in that capacity.

Most significantly, the Association secured Faith and the Committee are tremendously an agreement from the University to extend pleased with the result at the AGM, believing its insurance cover of student groups to the that the unanimity of the vote in favour of SVS free of charge, saving the SVS the £2,500 affiliation reflects the openness and honesty per year it had previously spent on insurance with which the negotiation process was premiums for its separate policy. This sum conducted; throughout the proceedings there was the group’s largest annual expense, so was constant consultation with the SVS the agreement presents a massive boost to its Committee and membership. finances. Nonetheless, whilst most of its funding A special party was held in Venue 2 on is sourced from the Charities Campaign, a Tuesday 25 April, to welcome the SVS to the situation that will continue pending the outcome Students’ Association and mark the official of the Campaign’s charity nomination process launch of the Millennium Volunteer Awards at its AGM, the SVS is keen to stress that it scheme (after which there was a push to did not seek affiliation with the Association publicise it to the whole of the student body). for financial reasons, and has not sought any Naturally all students were welcome, and form of monetary grant from the Association’s representatives of the local voluntary sector general budget. were also in attendance.

David Bean commented, “The SVS is one of St Andrews’ premier student organisations.

It offers a wealth of services to the local community, serves as a strong bridge between town and gown, and provides valuable training and experience to students. We in the Students’ Association feel honoured that such a group has chosen to become part of us.

Faith and I have been working hard to ensure that the affiliation process was transparent and consensual, and are immensely pleased to have received unanimous approval at the AGM. From this point onwards, the SVS will be treated as one of the Association’s most valued assets, and so the real work has only just begun. In the coming weeks and months I’m very much looking forward to working with Faith, her successor and the SVS Committee to help strengthen the group even further.

I’m particularly excited that the Millennium Volunteer Awards scheme is going ahead even more quickly than planned, and want to thank the SVS for taking it on. This is only the first example of how the SVS and the rest of the Students’ Association will be working in partnership to promote the vital student volunteering movement.”

Faith Baker commented, “This affiliation has secured the future of the SVS, providing a safe environment within the Students’ Association to allow our volunteers to continue to provide highquality services to the local community, and to expand and develop these services for the benefit of those who use them.”

Safety Panel

Town & Gown: New Links . . .

St Andrews students and local employers have a new opportunity to work together for their mutual benefit in an initiative being developed by the University Careers Centre. The Local Internships Network (LINK) Scheme aims to create student work placements and work-shadowing opportunities with local employers.

Penny Law from the Careers Centre says, “St Andrews students are a valuable resource right here in Fife. Our students thrive on a challenge and a LINK student might be just the person an employer is looking for to deliver a project or undertake a piece of research. As well as intelligence and initiative, St Andrews students could contribute language skills, and cultural insights on other countries. Most of the opportunities created by this scheme are open to all students. However, we are particularly encouraging international students, who may not have considered working in Fife, to apply for the scheme.”

A further benefit of the Scheme is the development of the network between the Careers Centre and local employers. The Careers Centre

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is always keen to hear from employers who can offer opportunities to students whether through the LINK Scheme or the Job Shop which deals with term-time employment.

The LINK scheme is part of a project funded by the Scottish Executive ‘Fresh Talent: Supporting International Students Challenge Fund’.

For further information please contact Paul Brown Director Careers Centre 01334 462688 or e-mail careers@st-andrews.ac.uk

TOWN & GOWN

Introducing The Lumsden Club Emily Lane, PR Officer

Louisa Lumsden [1840-1935] was the first prominent female member within the University of St Andrews. After graduating from Cambridge in 1873 she became one of the chief founders and the first Head Mistress of St Leonard’s school in 1877. In 1882 she went on to be the warden of the first residence for female students, University Hall. In 1911 she was awarded an LLD by the University for her active promotion and integration of female students, before being honoured with the title: Dame Commander of the British Empire, in recognition of her services to female education. It is by the example of this woman’s powerful and inspiring pro-activity within the University, town, and beyond, that The Lumsden Club was founded in 2003. Since this date we have enjoyed a healthy growth in both members and reputation within the University. We are an all-female Club and our aims include supporting women’s and children’s charities, promoting women throughout the University of St Andrews, and celebrating the arts in the town and the surrounding areas. The charities we support include the locally based East Fife Women’s Aid, the Crawford Arts Centre, and the Children’s Hospice Association Scotland. Kids in need of Education, and Save the Children, are two of the national and international children’s charities we patronize. Save the Children has recently received a £200 cheque from us as a result of our fundraising Valentine’s event, ‘Casablanca by Candlelight’. Other recent events have included a ‘Gin and Sin’ party at the Byre, where guests enjoyed sipping pink champagne and cool gins whilst jazz music peppered the air. Each year our infamous Pimm’s Party promises a lazy summer garden party complete with a plethora of Lumsden ‘waitresses’ serving brimming jugs of Pimms to all! The event has made the pages of the Scotsman and The Tatler and we believe it

is our most successful and popular fundraising event to date.

All proceeds from our parties naturally go to one of our many charities and thus make them all the more worthwhile to hold in the first place. In addition to knowing how to have a thoroughly good ‘knees up’ each semester, we also have a firm belief in the giving of time, as well as that of a financial nature. Therefore, we volunteer at East Fife’s Women’s Aid and visit Argyle Court Residential Home on at least a monthly basis. Both have ensured we maintain exceptional ‘Town / Gown’ relations as a University club, as has our new event: The Lumsden Arts Prize.

The Lumsden Club held its first annual Lumsden Art Competition at the Byre Theatre on Saturday 18th February. Students from local primary and secondary schools entered drawings and paintings into the competition, and the top three winners in each category were awarded prizes, medals and certificates. The winning schools were awarded the ‘Louisa Lumsden Art Prize’.

Participating schools included Canongate Primary School, Dunino Primary School, Kingsbarns Primary School, Guardbridge Primary School and Madras College. There was some incredible work, and the Club were thoroughly impressed by the high standard.

we also have a firm belief in the giving of time

The Lumsden Club Committee

Secondary School Category: 1) Sarah Gillespie, Madras College 2) Fiona Callaghan, Madras College 3) Kirstie Behrens, Madras College.

This was a great opportunity for us as a Club to promote art, particularly among the youth of Fife, and we feel very strongly that this will be an event that continues for years to come.

As we are fairly new we believe we have come a long way in just three years and thoroughly hope the spirit of Louisa Lumsden will live on through the club in the future. Do look out for our very own President Harriet Jenkins, who will be dressed as Louisa Lumsden herself in the approaching KK procession.

Photos, the Lumsden Club

Results Primary School Category: 1) Laurie Scott, Kingsbarns Primary 2) Rebecca Anderson, Dunino Primary 3) Hayley Jack, Guardbridge Primary.

Primary School Winner

The Lumsden Art Exhibition

Secondary School Winner

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TOWN & GOWN Andrew Bradley reflects on his year in office, and draws parallels with the world outside the school walls.

Head Boy of St Leonards School When I became Head Boy last March I was assured that the workload would be slightly lighter this year, as for the first time, the Headmaster had decided to appoint a Deputy Head Boy as well. So, on hearing that my unflappable classmate Sanday Rowan was to take up the reigns of this new post, I felt assured that at least one of us would execute our duties in a cool, calm and collected manner. Lesson learnt?

– the importance of a good team.

In fact having taken part in myriad school productions at the Byre Theatre, I’ve come to appreciate that the supplementary point here is the true value of behind-the-scenes work.

I still recall how the Headmaster evoked the idea of Collective Cabinet Responsibility in my interview for the position. The Heads of School would be granted free and frank discussion in the Headmaster’s study, the decision-making hub of St Leonards. In addition, there would also be a more ambassadorial public role for us. This seemed a singularly apt analogy and I began to look for other resemblances between being Head Boy and the world of politics, one interpretation of which centres on authority or power.

St Leonards is a global microcosm and, consequently, the Heads of School do well to remember that, in theory at least, they are representing each and every member of every age group. This may be a difficult task, but that doesn’t mean we should shirk it. In a Sixth Form Politics class I was introduced to the concept of primus inter pares, namely that the role of the President of the European Commission, for example, is constitutionally that of first amongst equals. However, a closer inspection of Mr Barroso’s time in office confirmed that such magnanimous ideals are seldom to be found in the real world. Who knows if I have succeeded, but I have certainly tried to strike the balance of talking less and listening more?

On other occasions, talking was an absolute prerequisite.

Walking into an Auditorium of St Leonards Seniors, an eminent if somewhat formidable group of former pupils gathered en masse, was one such daunting experience; I may have left my bedroom that morning clad in suit and tie in preparation, but all of a sudden I felt rather naked. It would be a case of Mr Blair and the Women’s Institute, I thought to myself. But in fact the ladies couldn’t have been more entertaining in the anecdotes they told from their days at St Leonards, and there was no slow hand-clapping after I spoke, which put me at ease.

The tenure of Head Boy lasts for a full three terms at St Leonards, spread over two academic years. This means I’ll hand over to a competent new pair of hands at the end of term,

while I sit my A Levels in the summer, reprising the role for one day only at Speeches on July 7 in the Younger Hall. It’s been a great privilege and, I now realise, good preparation for my imminent Politics exams too. So I’m glad that I paid no heed to the History and Politics teacher who told me shortly after my appointment that, as a boy, he had rejected the offer of being a prefect on egalitarian grounds. A man of great principle no doubt, but perhaps it wasn’t the most constructive choice, and politics is the art of the possible after all!

St Leonards is a global microcosm

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Evening Degree Programme Keen to get a degree?

Too busy to study full-time?

Try the flexible route to your MA General degree at the University of St Andrews via the Evening Degree Programme • • • • •

One or two evenings of classes per week Broad range of subjects Minimum age 21 Flexible entry requirements Fee Waiver scheme for people on low income or State benefits

Find out more from: Alison Andrews Evening Degree Co-ordinator Telephone: 01334 462203 Email: parttime@st-andrews.ac.uk

SHOPS & SERVICES A surprise invitation took your Editor to an alternative universe that exists right on the doorstep of St Andrews – The Old Course Hotel.

Out of This World!

The idea of spending a night at a 5-star hotel within walking distance of my own home seemed rather strange. I was being invited to the opening of the newly refurbished spa facilities at The Old Course Hotel. I trotted along with high expectations.

I was not disappointed! Greeted by the General Manager, Jonathan Stapleton, I thought he was joking when he told me I was booked into a suite. And what a suite!

Sumptuously redecorated in superlative good taste, that world-famous view over our golf assets and the Bay; I was instantly transported. Sitting room, bedroom with its superking-sized bed, fabulous bathroom, miniature kitchen; a place to dream, and since the east wind was hurling rain at the windows on that day, a supremely comfortable retreat.

In the evening, Jonathan Stapleton hosted dinner in the Road Hole Grill on the 4th floor, reputed, along with the Road Hole Bar, to be every true golfer’s Mecca. Why? For the quality of its food, its service, and of course, its view.

And it certainly lives up to its reputation.

Last year, in July, this magazine was privileged to publish an interview with Herbert V. Kohler, when he had just bought The Old Course Hotel. He told me then how excited he was with his acquisition and how he planned to refurbish it. He has not wasted a moment, already he has accomplished his vision. 19 of the Hotel’s 32 suites have been transformed

by French designer Jacques Garcia (famed for his work in Paris and Monte Carlo); in place, a new state-of-the-art conference wing able to accommodate anything from 8 to 400 people, and the Kohler Waters Spa – a truly magical place that just has to be experienced.

The total area of the Spa is 13,616 square feet. Within it there are 11 treatment rooms, described thus, “2 wet, with bathing units, 1 with a Vichy shower, 2 featuring KOHLER showers, 9 are multi-purpose”. There is a thermal suite comprising a hydrotherapy pool; an 8-foot cold plunge pool; a Japanese salt steam room; a sauna with light therapy. The new swimming pool is 20 metres long, truly a swimmers’ pool, and it has a waterfall cascading down the end wall. The roof is glass. There are crystal steam rooms in the men’s and women’s locker rooms.

For the exercise devotee, there is a studio “featuring Precor cardiovascular equipment with personal viewing screens, and strength training equipment, 2 flat screen TVs.” Up on the roof of the Hotel there is now a relaxation space with a hot tub for 8 people and an open-air pole shower.

The Kohler bathing treatments “recreate a marine environment that promotes health and relaxation….. the healing properties of earth‘s natural-mineral-rich waters.” Andrea Molloy, the Spa Manager, is on hand to advise. Andrea has a Higher National diploma in Beauty Therapy, a full teaching qualification, and has worked as Spa Operations Manager in the Four Seasons in Hampshire, Terre Blanche (South of France) and Dublin. She says, “I am looking forward to the challenge of opening a new world-class spa with a completely new concept.” Treatments have exotic names; “Cooler near the Sea” (a signature Treatment costing £70 for 50 minutes); “Rain Water Experience” (£70 for 50 minutes); “SOK Bath” (£50 for 50 minutes); “Kohler Massage” (£65 for 50 minutes); “Citrus Sugar Scrub” (£45 for 25 minutes).

a truly magical place that just has to be experienced

There are 8 membership categories for the Spa, ranging from £600 per annum for a single member, to £1,884 for a combined husband/ wife Spa and Golf, including Thermal Suite.

Each category also has a joining fee, from £255 to £610.

Herbert Kohler’s energy has transformed not only the interior of the Hotel, but the exterior as well. Mature trees, better landscaping, new approaches to the building, all speak of his care. And this extends to the Duke’s Course, now extensively redesigned by Tim Liddy.

I walked home with a light tread after my brief sojourn in heaven. St Andrews can be very proud of The Old Course Hotel, very proud of its new owner, and very proud that he has come among us.

For further information about the Spa, call 01334 474 371 Email: reservations@oldcoursehotel.co.uk Website: www.oldcoursehotel.co.uk Photographs courtesy of the Old Course Hotel.

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SHOPS & SERVICES

Johnstons of Elgin Johnstons are delighted to announce the re-opening their St Andrews’ specialist fine woollens shop. The world-renowned largest private textile company in Scotland, employing 700 people in its mills in Elgin and Hawick, is fiercely proud of its independence and its “Made in Scotland” marque. Johnstons is re-launching its exclusive range of cashmere and woollen accessories, knitwear, and clothing, at newly-refurbished premises at Johnstons, 4 Pilmour Links, St Andrews, KY16 9JG, Tel. 01334 472216 The shop was officially opened by Sir Alan Smith, Honorary Life President of Todd & Duncan, who spent a lifetime building Scottish Cashmere brands and who, like James Sugden, Group Managing Director of Johnstons, firmly believes that there is a place in the global world for textiles made in Scotland.

Speaking from the Borders, James Sugden, said: “2005 saw head-on competition with Chinese cashmere in the market place. We believe that we have firmly established the principle that you get what you pay for. Johnstons’ brand is about quality, design, colour, and service, and for these attributes the luxury Scottish market receives a premium. We are, however, by no means complacent, and have to continue to strive for excellence in all these areas. There is no doubt that there are some who would write off all manufacturing in the UK, textiles included, but we are not one of those doubters.

We believe in a balanced economy, not wholly dependent on service industries, but also comprising high added-value textile manufacturing companies. We are not tempted by the frequent offers we get to move offshore – our roots are in our 200 year tradition of tweed, cashmere and fine woollens and, although this guarantees nothing, we have a following of customers world wide who believe in the same precepts.

The shop at St Andrews is a further consolidation of our belief in our products, and will help to build walls round our business for the future.”

Johnstons is a unique company in textile manufacturing, over 200 years old and operating on the same site continually in Elgin in the far North of Scotland. The mill is the only vertical mill in Scotland carrying out all processes of dyeing, spinning, weaving, and finishing on one site. Sourcing the finest cashmere and superfine wools from China and Australia, and processing these fibres in tried and tested manner through the woollen system, Johnstons’ ranges are unique. Cloth, accessories, and knitwear are supplied to over 50 world markets. The secret of Johnstons’ cashmere is not just the verticality and independence of the company, but also the finishing of the products, which is still governed by the use of our supremely soft, clear, Scottish water that gives the final garments an unparalleled glow, sheen and softness of touch. It is no coincidence that it is that same Scottish water that is used in the famous Speyside Malts.

100% in every way When you understand the difficult journey Johnstons cashmere makes from the farthermost reaches of Inner Mongolia, you will understand why it is in such high demand.

A scarce commodity Cashmere is one of the most precious and prized commodities in the world. It comes from the downy underfleece of the Cashmere goat, which makes its home in the highest and most inhospitable plateaux of Mongolia and Xinjiang in China. Each year one goat produces a meagre 4.5 oz (125 grams) of underfleece, painstakingly combed out every spring by nomadic herdsmen. It takes the hair of one goat to make a scarf, 2 to make a lady’s sweater, 3 for a man’s and at least 24 for an overcoat. 60% of each fleece is discarded. But it is what happens next that makes the difference between run-of-the-mill and quality cashmere.

Keeping out the coarsest hairs Every season we carefully select the best fibres from the finest producers in China and bring them to Scotland, where the coarse ‘guard hairs’ are removed and the transformation from raw fibre to finished article begins.

By making sure that only the finest and longest fibres make it through to the next stage, we can be sure the end product will be as soft and downy as can be.

Hand-checked at every stage To say something is 100% cashmere is only the beginning of the story. What sets Johnstons apart is the workmanship which goes into

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everything we produce, whether it is tweed, cashmere, merino wool, or lambswool. Our cashmere goes through 30 different exacting processes, each of them watched over by the latest generation of Elgin and Hawick craftsmen. At every stage the cashmere is checked for the tiniest imperfections.

Fully-fashioned for a perfect fit Johnstons knitwear collection is fully fashioned, meaning that each garment is knitted to shape to give the best fit. The ribbed trimmings, cuffs, collars, welts, pockets, and straps are knitted on specialised machines, which create the essential tension needed to preserve the shape of the garments in wear.

Hand-finished One thing you’ll notice about Johnstons knitwear is how neat and flat the seams are. We bring together the main elements of front, back and sleeves stitch by stitch in a single-needle seam for a neat and comfortable low profile finish. Many of the finishing touches, such as sewing the point of the V, are done by hand.

Soft highland water Finally, to remove any remaining impurities and oil, we wash each garment in the same soft highland water that is used to make the world’s finest whiskies. Some say it is the softness of the water that makes Johnstons cashmere feel so special.

Johnstons latest ranges, shown world wide at trade fairs in Milan, New York, Tokyo, and Dusseldorf, will be available at the new shop, which is, to use James Sugden’s words “the epitome of the best that Scotland can offer and a vote for the future of all Scottish cashmere and woollen manufacturing, which industry still employs over 6,000 people and accounts for an export turnover of £100 million”.

SHOPS & SERVICES

Forget the Car – Take the Bus Exactly one year ago this magazine published drawings of the innovative bus station which Stagecoach was planning for St Andrews.

This exciting and much needed new landmark is now almost completed. Stagecoach outlines below how today’s environmentally aware people can give the car a rest.

Amidst the construction site at St Andrews bus station, Stagecoach in Fife are keen to advise passengers of the progress and inform St Andrews residents of future service improvements within the area.

With much of the preparatory and underground work completed at St Andrews bus station, the site will soon look much busier as the steel framework and roof are constructed. Work is due to be completed in late June / early July, when the renovated bus station will offer electronic bus time information, indoor seating, a travel shop, toilets, and lockers for luggage storage.

As the network map shows, a number of services operate in and around St Andrews.

The St Andrews Megarider ticket offers 7 days’ unlimited travel around St Andrews and as far as Strathtyrum, Dewars Mill, Craigtoun Park, Cairnsmill caravan park, The Grange Farm and Kinkell Braes caravan park, for just £7 (or £4.50 for students!).

A good network of services offers alternative travel options for those using the car and finding parking spaces! Local service 91 connects Scooniehill with St Andrews, the local health centres, and Morrison’s supermarket, with the fare costing up to 90p whilst service 92 offers connections for students to David Russell Hall and the Student Union.

A further number of services which are widely used and give good coverage to surrounding communities include the corridor to Cupar (services 23, 24, 64 and X24) with two journeys departing per hour and single fares priced at £2.60. There are three journeys per hour to Leven (services 95, X26 and X60), single tickets costing £4. Services operate to Dundee every 20 minutes (services 42, 96 and 99) costing £3.10 with service improvements planned for the route commencing in May 2006.

Eight new low-floor easy-access vehicles will operate along the route, offering greater comfort and more environmentally friendly travel. The timetable will improve to offer a daytime frequency of up to every 15 minutes between St Andrews and Dundee.

For those who fancy a shopping trip further afield, Express services X24, X26 and X60 operate to Edinburgh and Glasgow for £9 return. The Express network also calls at Glenrothes (X24) and Kirkcaldy (X26). For more information about any of our routes, fares or tickets, drop into one of our travel shops, or visit our website at www.stagecoachbus.com

A good network of services offers alternative travel options for those using the car and finding parking spaces!

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SHOPS & SERVICES

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SHOPS & SERVICES

Territorial Army

Take The Summer Challenge!

For most students, the long Summer break from college or university means enduring yet another mundane job.

Instead of stacking shelves or waiting on tables this year, the Territorial Army can offer a more appealing option which promises to be both physically and mentally rewarding.

and self confidence. Passing the “However, it is not just students that Summer Challenge will be a fantastic we are looking for because the course addition to your CV and is guaranteed is open to anyone aged 171⁄2 to 32, to impress any so even people future employer.” even people who already who already have a regular job have a regular job Lieutenant Colonel are eligible, as are eligible, as many Jim Wilson, Chief many employers Instructor at the will offer them employers will offer The TA in Scotland is offering all adults TA’s Regional sabbatical leave to them sabbatical leave to aged between 171⁄2 and 32 years Training Centre participate.” participate of age, the chance to earn nearly is in charge of £1500 by taking part in a seven week, the course. He Everyone who residential training course, on which explained: “The TA is looking for people takes part in the TA Summer Challenge 250 people are expected to participate. from all walks of life to be soldiers in course will be paid the equivalent their free time. The Summer Challenge of Regular Army rates for every day From 1st July to will provide of the course. In addition, all food, 20th August 2006, individuals with accommodation and travel expenses Passing the Summer the programme will the opportunity to are covered. Participants can expect Challenge will be a take place in three experience firstto earn £1469 and if you successfully fantastic addition to your hand what the TA different locations. complete the course, you could receive In Inverness, has to offer and an added, tax-free bonus of £371 at the CV and is guaranteed you will receive is a great way to end of the TA Training Year (in March to impress any future expert military start a TA career.

2007.) employer instruction including For future, or even weapon handling current employers, For information on the course call: and practice manoeuvres. In nearby participating in this course sends a 0800 389 5220 or visit Aviemore, you will enjoy a range of clear message that you’ve got what www.scottishsoldier.co.uk adventure pursuits including rock it takes to go all the way to the top. climbing, windsurfing and canoeing.

The course will also include a period in Glenrothes where you will be given professional driving instruction.

Stop Press . . . Stop Press

St Andrews man Malcolm Mitchell is the Recruit Marketing Officer for the Territorial Army and covers the Northern two thirds of Scotland. He said: “The Summer Challenge is designed to transform you from a civilian to a trained TA soldier in the shortest time possible and offers an adventurous, exciting and challenging opportunity for all adults this summer.

In addition, the course places a great importance on developing skills which are valued in the civilian workplace, including teamwork, problem solving

Last year’s TA Summer Initiative campaign was such a success that it has been nominated for an Innovation Excellence Award in the Scottish Marketing Excellence Awards. Malcolm Mitchell, Recruit Marketing Officer for the Territorial Army, was delighted to hear of the nomination. He said: “In today’s competitive marketplace, it’s essential for organisations to be innovative in order to stand out from the crowd. We created the idea of a TA Summer Initiative last year to give young adults the opportunity to learn new skills and build their CV during the long Summer break. This year’s campaign has even more to offer, so we are expecting a huge amount of interest in the course.”

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SHOPS & SERVICES John Ferguson offers advice on

Starting Up in Business – Independently As the owner of one of St. Andrews’ most successful small businesses I am often asked how to reach the position that my company finds itself in after almost 10 years of trading. Psyche’s Garden, of which I am now the sole proprietor (having been in partnership with my father until his recent retirement), has grown from a local curiosity shop into a nationwide business, with further expansion very much in the pipeline over the next few years. My company specialises in crystals and gemstones along with healing therapy products and literature. Psyche’s Garden has increased its turn over, client base, and its profile every year since its inception and bucked the worrying trend of diminishing profits in the retail industry.

So, what’s the secret? Well, first-hand experience is a great way to learn. I personally studied retail management at University in Glasgow and followed that up by managing several high street units within the city. I then went on to become a management consultant to independent retailers, which rounded out my knowledge in the field. However, as an old Chinese proverb says, “A fool never learns from his mistakes, while a man always learns from the error of his ways…but a wise man does not make mistakes…he learns from other people’s”.

Many of the mistakes that occur in small businesses are the result of bad planning. Making a loss in the first year of any business is expected due to the set-up costs, but breaking even should always be the first achievable goal. Lack of planning and research will almost certainly make this a longer process. Most business start-ups are so excited about their “great idea” that the time-consuming nature of planning and market research are given little time, if any.

at Elspeth’s of St Andrews 9 Church Street Tel: 01334 472494 Triumph’s doreen luxury

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Spending time looking at the competition in your chosen field is essential. Find out what market share you require and establish who your competitors are. Can you compete with them on price, quality, service, and availability? You need to know the demographics of your customer base and whether the relevant clientele is interested in your business, product, or service. Are they easy to target in terms of marketing / advertising / promotion?

Hopefully your concept is good enough to move on to the next area of research. The location of any new business is vital. Weigh up the rent and rates against the increased customer flow or larger area you will benefit from. Try and judge the customer flow at relevant hours to the possible location. Ensure it is accessible and there is appropriate parking. The premises must be of a relevant size to your business, and always take into account any extra refurbishment required to ensure opening in time for peak season trade. Finding the right unit can take a long time and a lot of research should go into this. Find out how previous businesses have fared on any preferred site.

A lot of money, time and effort can be saved by some simple market research. But if these questions can all be answered in a positive way for your business, then it is time to move on to the next step – how to finance a new business. We will have a look at the options and the various pitfalls in this area in the next issue.

SHOPS & SERVICES Robert McPhee, Publicity Officer (01592 654 450), introduces

Diabetes UK

(The British Diabetic Association) – the charity for people with diabetes At a recent meeting held in St Andrews, the committee members of the East Fife Group of Diabetes UK, chaired by Ross Kerr, discussed with local interested parties the setting up of a fund-raising and working group for North East Fife.

The outcome of this very successful meeting resulted in a committee, whose members are: St Andrews area, Liam Law 01334 476 163, Marjory Burnett 01334 472 319; Cupar area, Enid Barker 01334 654 504.

If you can, and wish to, help, please get in touch with any of the above committee member. And please remember, you are not alone!

St Andrews Garden Centre 199 South Street, Tel: 01334 473 342

INVALID SERVICES Ltd. 01334 472834 / 01382 770303 24 hour a day “Care at Home” service Throughout Fife & Tayside Licensed by the Care Commission

We have a breathtaking display of top quality trees, shrubs, fruit, both top and soft herbs, herbaceous etc. We talk to our plants every morning and that keeps them nice and fresh.

Our orange and lemon trees have already produced fruit and our olive plants will soon do so.

The orchids are terric and our houseplant section is second to none.

Have you seen our ower stand? Full of delicious lovelies – we send owers for all occasions – all over the world. Weddings a speciality! We are part of the Independent Businesses Group.

Award Winning Fish & Chip Shop 2006 Traditional Fish & Chips, Pizzas, Burgers, Kebabs, Baked Potatoes, Kiddies Meal Boxes Our batter is made to our own special recipe Pizzas are freshly made on the premises Shop here with confidence

Open every day from 12 noon Friday and Saturday nights open extra late Delivery service (St Andrews only) 131 South Street, St Andrews Tel. 01334 470400

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SHOPS & SERVICES

Spring Clean To a Healthier You on a Thursday Morning at the Cosmos Centre!

With spring right here it is a great excuse to give your home, garden – and yourself – a spring-clean!

Those chilly winter months probably mean that you have been hoarding away all sorts of clutter in your wardrobe and cupboards – now’s the time to make a fresh start – and take the steps to a cleaner and healthier environment!

Local Weight Watchers leader Helen Torrance, who lost nearly four stone with Weight Watchers, says: “Following Weight Watchers isn’t just about what you eat, but how small changes to everyday habits can help you make wiser and healthier choices – for your total wellbeing“.

Helen and her members at the Thursday morning Weight Watchers class at the Cosmos Centre will be taking the following steps to ensure that their weight loss continues into the summer. The members have already lost, since Christmas, over 300 pounds, and more every week . The meeting is a fun way to loose that unwanted winter weight and get you looking great in your summer clothes.

So why not come along at 10am on a Thursday morning to a very warm welcome, and collect your coupon for free registration.

For other Weight Watchers meeting in your area call, 08457 123 000

Here are some tips on how to Sort Your Surroundings, to get you started: –

Take a good look at your cupboards, fridge and freezer – are the contents going to help you to achieve your weight-loss dreams?

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Is there a dress or pair of trousers at the back of your wardrobe that you would love to fit back into? If you are determined to lose weight, dig it out and keep it somewhere you can see it giving you motivation to succeed every time you spy it!

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Weight Watchers research found that 80% of successful members say that putting tempting foods out of sight in as effective way to help with their weight loss.

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Do you still have the odd box of chocolates in the cupboard, left over from Christmas? Why not donate it to a local hospital, a raffle or as a ‘thank you’ gift to a neighbour, or hairdresser.

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Swap your rich creamy pasta or curry sauces for lower fat options – or even make your own tomato-based sauce using herbs and spices, making meal-times healthier.

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If you like to snack during the day, try to replace the biscuits and crisps in your cupboard with rice cakes, fruit or low fat yogurts.

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Get your garden ready for summer. This extra activity will earn you bonus POINTS™ and, as the weather gets warmer, you will be able to sit out and enjoy your garden.

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Many of us have families, so we can’t remove all temptations from the house, however try keeping all the family treats in a separate cupboard that you don’t need to go into.

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The key to success is to remember: RECOGNISE what foods you need to change in your house, REMOVE the foods that you know will temp you and REPLACE them with healthy, low fat alternatives.

Flora Selwyn learns something new every day. When she got a card with details of Hearing Dogs on it she immediately got in touch with Mrs Margaret Arthur, who supplied the following information

Hearing Dogs for Deaf People The Hearing Dogs concept was born in America. Bruce Fogle, a British vet, went to the States in 1979 and was so impressed that on his return he contacted Lady Wright of the Royal National Institute for the Deaf (RNID). Told that Lady Wright was indeed aware of American work in this area, and that, though deafness was much-neglected in Britain, the deaf charities could not finance such a scheme, Bruce Fogle felt challenged to act.

After a successful pilot scheme financed by many interested parties, (among them Pedigree Petfoods, the Daily Mail, ‘Pebble Mill at One’) the Charity, ‘Hearing dogs for the Deaf’, was officially launched at Crufts Dog Show in 1982, under the auspices of RNID. By the following year the first hearing dog, ‘Lady’, was placed. Full charitable status was granted in 1990, enabling the first property to be purchased. The 100th hearing dog was placed in that year.

By 1991, demand for dogs was so great that Desmond Wilcox appealed on BBC Lifeline for funds to purchase and run a second training facility in the north of England, to enable waiting times to be halved.

In 2002, the charity celebrated its 20th birthday with a new logo and image. Henceforth, all registered hearing dogs would wear burgundy jackets! Hearing Dog of the Year awards were inaugurated in 2003.

Also in that year, the first dual purpose guide and hearing dog, ‘Roddy’, was placed with a profoundly deaf and visually impaired person in Cheshire. One year later, dogs were being trained to detect cancer, and HRH The Princess Royal was shown a demonstration of how this was done. By last year, 2005, 1100 dogs had been trained and placed.

So what are the attributes of a Hearing Dog, and how are dogs chosen? Roughly 75% come from rescue centres, and can be any breed other than working collies or guarding breeds. To begin with, dogs undgo socialising; that is, living with volunteer families for six months and receiving basic obedience training. They are then assessed for temperament and readiness to investigate sounds. If selected at this stage, dogs are matched to a recipient to receive intensive tailored training to respond to specific sounds such as the telephone, doorbell etc. as well as hand signals and spoken commands. Dog and new owner are in constant close touch with the Charity’s training and placement officers, who support recipients all the way. Those recipients are themselves subject to certain criteria; they must be over 18 years of age, severely or profoundly deaf, alone a lot of the time and wishing to become more independent, and they must genuinely like dogs and be prepared to look after them properly. Having said all that, “Hearing Dogs retains ownership of, and responsibility for, every working hearing dog.”

By last year, 2005, 1100 dogs had been trained and placed

Photograph by Paul Keevil

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For more information, please contact Mrs Margaret Arthur, Tel: 0141 812 6542 or email the Charity, info@hearing-dogs.co.uk The website is, www.hearing-dogs.co.uk

St Andrews in focus

schemer www.standrewsinfocus.com

the award winning magazine for St Andrews

SCHEME Look out for the St Andrews in Focus Schemer sticker in the windows of the shops listed below. Each issue of the magazine will carry a different coloured Scheme coupon to cut out (see overleaf). Take it to the shops in the Scheme to find out what is on offer. Each colour is valid for 2 months, until the next colour appears.

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St Andrews Health Foods, 123 Market Street James Senior, 47 South Street Macgregors Gift Shop, 71 Market Street Elspeth’s of St Andrews, 9 Church Street Psyche’s Garden, 61 South Street Jahangir Restaurant, 116a South Street

7. St Andrews Art & Music Shop, 138 South Street 8. The Scotland Shop, 147 South Street 9. The Three B’s, 47-49 Kinnessburn Road 10. Ian Joy, 13 Bell Street 11. One O One Connection (Fish & Chips), 131 South Street 12. Lucci, 68 Market Street

The Budget: An Overview

by Andrew Wright The purpose of this short article is to provide an overview of the recent budget rather than setting out details which can be readily accessed elsewhere.

In the old days there was just one (dramatic) budget a year, with no press leaks beforehand (although plenty of speculation, much of it misinformed).We now have a pre-budget report in November with several press releases in the weeks leading up to the March budget. A lot of the excitement (!) has gone.

On the face of it, there were few new tax initiatives announced in the recent budget . However the detailed budget papers presented a rather different story. Whilst there were only five press releases , there were 64 budget notes together with supporting documents.

Included in these was an unwelcome announcement that the filing date for the 2007/08 tax returns is to be brought forward from January 2009 to 30th September 2008 (or to 30th November for on line filing).This is as a result of a recommendation in the Carter Report whose remit was to improve the take up of on line services . Apart from the additional pressure on taxpayers who will have less time to gather their information together, it will have serious cost and management implications for the staffing of accountancy firms. The quiet months at present are February and March which are used to catch up on planning and administration.

However a doubling of these quiet months to four (December/March) will lead to a reappraisal of optimum staff levels.

Other “nasties” hidden in the detail were the withdrawal of tax relief for computers and mobile phones supplied by employers to their

workforce (much to the chagrin of two government departments who were well advanced with plans to spend taxpayers’ money on this worthy cause) and the withdrawal of favourable tax relief for “accumulation and maintenance” trusts and for “interest in possession” trusts.

A feature of successive Brown budgets has been the (over)complication of the tax rules in an attempt to close loopholes and maximise tax take. This makes it increasingly difficult for the layman to complete a Tax Return without danger of an important omission as ignorance of complex tax laws is not an excuse acceptable to the Courts Sometimes however the taxman brings good news in the guise of a tax repayment. Apparently, the Washington Post recently ran a competition where one letter changes in existing words that are interesting. The winner was “intaxication” which is defined as the feeling of euphoria one gets on receiving a tax rebate before realising it was one’s own money in the first place.

For all financial services – Henderson Black & Co. 149 Market St. St Andrews.

Tel: 01334 472 255

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St Andrews in focus

SHOPS & SERVICES 1. St Andrews Health Foods, 123 Market Street

scheme

2. James Senior, 47 South Street 3. Macgregors Gift Shop, 71 Market Street 4. Elspeth’s of St Andrews, 9 Church Street 5. Psyche’s Garden, 61 South Street

the award winning magazine for St Andrews

www.standrewsinfocus.com

6. Jahangir Restaurant, 116a South Street 7. St Andrews Art & Music Shop, 138 South Street 8. The Scotland Shop, 147 South Street

FOLD

FOLD

9. The Three B’s, 47-49 Kinnessburn Road 10. Ian Joy, 13 Bell Street 11. One O One Connection (Fish & Chips), 131 South Street 12. Lucci, 68 Market Street

Roving Reporter welcomes . . .

1. Jack Wills – the definitive British preppy brand. It was born in the upmarket, hedonistic summer playgrounds of Salcombe, Aldeburgh, Rock and Cowes. Jack Wills has slowly grown up through the affluent university towns of Cambridge, Bristol, London, and has finally graduated and come to Scotland.

We are pleased to announce the opening of our first Scottish store at 35 Bell Street in St Andrews.

Jack Wills has a rock solid, traditional British heritage, inspired by vintage sportswear, beachwear and classic British public school style for men and women.

Who is Jack Wills? Jack Wills is Pete Williams, the managing director’s grandfather. Pete and his university friend Rob Shaw started the Jack Wills clothing brand in 1998. They both left university and went to work in the City, but decided that they wanted to work for themselves. They wanted to work in an environment which was more fun and inspirational other than a boring office. They wanted to work with young, cool, enthusiastic, fun people who were into the things they were into – sailing, skiing, music, holidays and generally having a good time.

In a nutshell, they wanted to build a brand which epitomised everything they loved at a British University.

In keeping with the heritage of our early stores, Jack Wills is an inspirational lifestyle destination, selling through a dozen Jack Wills own brand stores across the UK and on line at www.jackwills.com We are really excited that St Andrews is our first store in Scotland, please pop in and say hello to the team and have a look at our new Spring collection.

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2. Reporter had the pleasure of tasting real Turkish tea while chatting to Kemal Ouayoiu, the new owner of the Marmaris Kebab & Pizza Restaurant, 54 Market Street, St Andrews, Tel: 01334 473 165 – home delivery 01334 471 000.

Kemal came to St Andrews only 6 months ago, after 7 years in London.

He told Reporter that the previous owner of Marmaris decided to move to Edinburgh, and simply phoned him to

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come and take over. Kemal was born in Pazarcik in Kurdish Turkey.

Since he hasn’t much of a social circle in the town, Kemal lives for his work.

His aim, he says, is to produce good food, to satisfy his customers, and hopefully to see the benefits of his hard work. “My only break,” he told Reporter, “is when I talk to my customers!” His hours are daunting: open from 12 noon to midnight on Sundays, Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays, and from 12 noon to 1.00am on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. Kemal is proud that he has built a lot of family trade over the months; children call him ‘Dad’, and he says that when families come in together to enjoy his food it is a good sign for his future. Students, too, enjoy the friendly eatery.

Kemal uses fresh, local produce – only prawns and mussels come in frozen. Everything else is prepared fresh every day. There are daily special offers for lunch, which include a free drink. Prices are modest; for example, doner kebabs are £5.50; shaslik kebabs (diced marinated lamb with green peppers, onion, and mushroom) are £5.60; pizzas are between £3.40 (for a 10 inch cheese and tomato) to £7.60 (for a 12 inch Turkish style doner pizza). All kebabs and burgers are halal, and most dishes come with salad. “I like my job,” enthuses Kemal, “I cook for my customers, and I have never served anything I wouldn’t eat myself.” As Reporter was busy writing all this down, a satisfied customer came up and assured him, “The best garlic sauce in town, and the rest is pretty good as well!”

Kemal welcomes customers’ comments. “Every remark of whatever kind is two steps forward towards improvement!”

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3. “And then my heart with pleasure fills......” wrote Wordsworth.

Reporter always waxes lyrical when confronted by flowers and he breathes the perfume deeply whenever he enters a florist’s shop – which he did in 24 Bell Street when he went to talk to Loreen MacKenzie about a change of ownership.

In January this year Kathy Philip and her husband Bob retired.

Their staff took the business over, having set up a legal partnership between six of them, and to retain continuity they have chosen to call the shop, “The Ladybirds at Kathy Philip Florist”. It was a natural choice, since Bob affectionately called his staff “the ladybirds” because the logo was a ladybird.

Reporter asked where the flowers were destined. “We do a lot of contract work for hotels, offices and restaurants”, Loreen explained, “Also many weddings and funerals. We’ve helped with the decor for occasions such as student balls, themed parties and special anniversaries, which gives us the opportunity to do something different. If it’s feasible, we’ll tackle anything!” Deliveries cover a wide

SHOPS & SERVICES area, all over the East Neuk of Fife, as far as Elie and also to Tayport and Newport – but not across the Tay. There is no fixed price range. Customers are asked how much they would like to spend, and flowers are made up accordingly. “We actually have an amazing range of customers, from children with their pocket money to students, pensioners, and even Royalty! Styles are available to suit everyone, from the traditional to the ultra-modern. The Ladybirds are always ready to develop new ideas, flexibility being at the heart of their flourishing business. The shop’s windows and the bouquets they devise are testimony to their innovative dedication and hard work.

From left to right: Jill Flanagan, Joyce Harris, Amanda King, Loreen MacKenzie, Julie Grice and Diana Ferguson.

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4. ‘Small is beautiful’ – Reporter spoke to the owner of a miniature coffee shop/sandwich bar.

Kaya runs Caretta, 7 Bell Street, St Andrews. Originally from the western, Mediterranean side of Turkey, Kaya first came to study English at Dundee College.

He has been running his tiny, but welcoming, eatery for eight months now. ‘Caretta’ means ‘sea turtle’ in Kaya’s native land, and is apparently a popular name for cafés there. Reporter wonders if the fact that the turtle is an endangered species plays some part in the connection! However that may be, Kaya said he has many satisfied regular customers, especially among students, school children, and tourists. On offer are a host of paninis, toasties, sandwiches, baked potatoes, and pizzas, as well as doner kebabs, soup, and of course, many hot and cold drinks. The very special offer is a choice of 2 daily soups-of-the-day with cheese toastie for £2.50. Paninis range from £2.20 for mozzarella, tomato & onion, to £2.90 for spicy beef, tomato sauce & mozzarella. Included among the drinks is Turkish Elma tea, which is a mild black tea drunk without milk. Also on sale are intriguing strips of very colourful Turkish fruit teas, used in the same way as instant coffee – pour boiling water on a couple of spoonfuls in a cup. Most drinks are Fair Trade, and Kaya says, “We’re hopefully going to make it all Fair Trade”. Caretta has a complete take-away range, though there is no delivery. If you suddenly remember you

need a greetings card, there are limited edition cards with beautiful black & white photos for £1.90. Feeling hungry now? As they say in the trains, Go Eat!!

5. Artery opens up in St. Andrews!

Following on from their successful Four Star rated gallery in King Street, Crieff, Artery Gallery are about to open at 43 South Street, St.Andrews.

Artery may be locally based, but its international reputation is growing fast, thanks in no small part to an excellent website. In addition to local talent, there are contemporary works by artists such as Australian Andrew Baines, whose paintings have an antipodean quirkiness and a bright, lively feel – highly collective; Leoni Schmiedel’s beautiful collages from Santorini and Manolis Patramanis’ ceramic faces from Crete – very unusual!

Joining them is Canadian Cliff “Watch the birdie” Turner, met by owners Jason Michaelson and Elaine Crook on their recent tour of the Maritimes at the invitation of the Canadian Government.

Jason said, “We are really excited to be opening in St.Andrews.

I fell in love with the town on my first visit four years ago and always wanted to open Artery here. St.Andrews is a welcoming town and since Artery is known for being friendly and accessible, we think we’ll fit in very well”.

Closer to home, Fife artists Karen Edward and John Lowrie join Jackie Gardiner from Arbroath, Judy Fairbairns from Mull, Comrie’s Peter Davenport, Jacki Wright from Kyle of Lochalsh, Gordon Bruce of Aberdeen and many more.

The above form only part of the rapidly expanding Artery family of artists, as it has a reputation for encouraging and nurturing new talent as well as showing those more established.

In addition to a large range of paintings and unique ceramics, there is jewellery by Patricia Segrillo, whose work is collected by Hollywood star Orlando Bloom, and jewellery designers from Scone, Aberdeen, London, and Spain. There are photographs, sculptures, textiles, handmade clocks, mirrors, metal bowls, and much more.

You ask, “Why buy mass-produced when you can buy your future antiques?” and you’d be hard-pushed to disagree when you’ve visited Artery.

The Three B’s Bedding Bits & Bobs 47-49 Kinnessburn Road, St Andrews, KY16 8AD Phone 01334 470700 Photocopying 5p per sheet A good selection of haberdashery, including a range of craft materials for card-making.

Wools include, Plumé 3ply & 4ply, double knitting, Chunky, Aran, and Wendy Wools Ribbons, including tartan Jewellery Cosmetics Dance wear now in stock – shoes and outfits

Come in and see what we have!

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EVENTS

Selected Events Every Sunday in May & June – 2-5pm.Trinity Church Hall, Queen’s Terrace, St Andrews. Ceilidh / Old time Dance. Live music, demonstrators. Ticket, £3 at the door (includes tea/coffee, biscuits) Everyone welcome. Contact, 01334 472 375.

Wednesday, 3 May – 5.15pm in the School of Biology, School III, St Salvator’s Quad, North Street. Inaugural Lecture, Prof M G Ritchie.

Wednesday, 3 May – 5.30pm at St Salvator’s Chapel, North Street, Vespers for Bishop Kennedy, the Renaissance Group. Contact, 01334 462 226.

Saturday, 6 May and Sunday, 7 May – All day, FREE tennis coaching for juniors and adults at the St Andrews Tennis Club, Kinburn Park, Doubledykes Road.

Saturday, 6 May – 9am -1pm in the Argyle St Car Park (tbc) Farmers’ Market. 01383 730 811.

Saturday, 6 May – 12pm. St Andrews Museum, Kinburn Park.

Isabel Clelland reveals the hidden history of women’s underwear through samples, discussion, and demonstration. Free.

Sunday, 7 May – 2pm. Botanic Garden Guided Walk; Friends of the Botanic Garden, Botanic Garden, Canongate. Contact, 01334 476 452.

Wednesday, 10 May – 4.30pm Staff-postgraduate Seminar in the School of Art History, 9 The Scores, St Andrews The Collections of St Andrews University: issues in University heritage – a talk by Zenobia Kozak. Also Simone Martini and the Emperor – a talk by Brendan Cassidy.

Friday, 12 May – 3pm. St Andrews Museum, Kinburn Park.

Fife-based fashion designer, Margaret Moffat displays her work and gives her own perspective on the current state of fashion in Fife. Free.

Wednesday, 17 May – 8.00p.m at Dura Den. Batwalk with East Fife Rangers, 01592424 300.

Thursday, 18 May – 7.30pm at Hope Park Church Hall, Howard Place, St Andrews. Fuchsias – a talk by Tom Moscrop St Andrews Gardeners’ Club. Contact: 01334 477 429.

Saturday, 20 May – 10am Town Hall, Queen’s Gardens.

Coffee Morning & Plant Sale – St Andrews Gardeners’ Club Contact, 01334 477 429.

Sunday, 21 May – Isle of May boat trip with East Fife Rangers.

Trip lasts around 5/6 hours. Please book through the May Princess on 01333 312 228.

Wednesday, 24 May – 8.00p.m Myths & Legends, Dunino. East Fife Rangers, 01592 424 300.

Saturday, 27 May to Sunday 24 September – at the Preservation Trust Museum, North Street, St Andrews, Past Pleasures and Play Pursuits, an exhibition of leisure in St Andrews through the ages .

Saturday, 27 May – 10.00a.m. at Elie Lighthouse, Harebells & Hermits, East Fife Rangers, 01592 424 300.

Sunday, 28 May – Isle of May boat trip with East Fife Rangers.

Trip lasts around 5/6 hours. Please book through the May Princess on 01333 312 228.

Early June to Mid September – 2-5p.m. Tuesdays and Fridays – The Bell Pettigrew Museum, the Bute Building, St Mary’s Quad, South Street will be open. Free admission. Contact the University, 01334 476 161.

Saturday, 3 June – 9am-1pm in the Argyle St Car Park (tbc); Farmers’ Market. Contact, 01383 730 811.

Thursday, 8 June – 6.00p.m. Rock pools at East Sands Leisure Centre, East Fife Rangers, 01592 424 300.

Tuesday, 13 June – 7.30p.m. in the Chemistry Dept, North Haugh, St Andrews. The Annual Lecture of the Friends of the Botanic Garden – Twenty-five Years On, by Bob Mitchell.

Thursday, 15 June – 7.30pm Hope Park Church Hall, Howard Place, St Andrews Plant Hunting in the Himalayas – a talk by Alistair McKelvie. St Andrews Gardeners’ Club, 01334 477 429.

Saturday, 24 June – 10am-5pm Town Hall, Queen’s Gardens, St Andrews Antique & Collectors Fair. £1, concessions 50p, kids free. Contact, 01334 880 254 / 838 217.

Sunday, 25 June – 11am-5pm the Preservation Trust’s Hidden Gardens tour of the town’s gardens. £3.50, kids free. Stalls and refeshments available, Contact, 01334 477 152.

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David Orr, Marketing & Development Manager at The Byre Theatre announces that

The National Theatre comes to the Byre The National Theatre of Scotland will be making its first visit to St Andrews this May with the production of The Crucible.

Performing at the Byre Theatre, this Arthur Miller classic was inspired by the witch trials in Salem, Massachusetts, and puts Truth on trial, the actions of a group of young girls fuelling a lethal climate of fear and intolerance.

Directed by Guy Hollands of the well known TAG Theatre company this production will be inclusive of each local community they visit, as well as featuring professional actors. Regional auditions were held around the country for amateur roles in the production and the successful actors will be treading the boards in their home region with the professional cast.

Local schools around Fife were also involved and encouraged to take part in the auditions.

This involvement with the community is one of the huge benefits of the National Theatre, who utilise their resources to involve the community with a professional touring production allowing many aspiring and amateur actors a fantastic opportunity.

The combination of the new excitement that the National Theatre has produced, with the steady, experienced hand of TAG Theatre, has resulted in an ambitious project that will leave you riveted to this intense and timeless classic by Arthur Miller, who has been described as “the greatest American dramatist of our age” The Crucible is at the Byre Theatre from Thursday 4th May to Saturday 6th May, starting at 8pm, with a 1.30pm matinee on Friday the 5th. To book tickets please call 01334 475 000 or book online at www.byretheatre.com.

Suitable for those aged 12 years and over.

FEATUTRES Donald Macgregor comments,

‘If you can wait, and not be tired by waiting . . . ’ (Rudyard Kipling, ‘If’ ) Should we need any evidence that life is much more complicated today than it used to be, local as well as national and international events demonstrate it clearly.

Take for instance the Kinnessburn.

From the point where the burn enters St Andrews from the west, and especially over the section between Maggie Murray’s Bridge and the sea, it is mainly confined within man-made walls, much like a canal.

The canalised part used at one time to be dredged every few years, the silt being lifted out by a tractor driven along the stream bed with an appropriate attachment.

Things are not so simple now. In the first place, the construction of extra foot bridges since those days would (we are told) make it much more difficult for such a dredging machine to pass. Secondly, SEPA (the Scottish Environmental Protection

Agency) has strict guidelines about what can and cannot be done to river courses and it has the final say about any removal of silt or vegetation, lest, in its view, the natural habitat that remains should be damaged. I understand that even if Fife Council wanted to dredge the burn, SEPA would not let it.

Many St Andreans will remember the mighty flood in 1988. At the most spectacular moment (3 a.m.) some gardens on the northern bank stood under nearly three feet of water. Much more seriously, the cellars of some unfortunate residents of Kinnessburn Road on the south side were feet deep in overflow – as has happened all too often since – and water also reached, and was soaked up by, the wooden frames of some of the lowest sited and recently built houses in Dempster Court. A significant factor in the damage was that a lot of water had sluiced down across the fields from the southern hill slopes through the ‘new town’ to add to the mess, carrying earth from some people’s gardens away with it as it surged into the valley.

After that, Fife Regional Council announced that a new and costly underground tank was to be installed in the Pipeland Road football and play park (where the ice rink used to be) and that the problems would be solved. The tank was constructed, but at the next flood the cellars flooded as before. People crossing the bridge near Dempster Brae in the growing season regularly remarked on the unsightliness (as most of them, though not all, regarded it) of the vegetation.

Recently at the Community Council we had a presentation by Fife Council officials about the latest Kinnessburn Road Flooding Report, commissioned some time ago by Fife

Council from consulting engineers who were asked ‘to assess levels of flood risk and to identify, quantify and cost possible flood prevention measures.’

To no-one’s surprise, the study found that there were flood risks at various levels of probability. It suggested a number of measures to reduce the risks, all of which could attract Scottish Executive grants of up to 80% if they were to be promoted

by Fife Council. The possible measures include, removing ‘vegetation berms’ in the watercourse; providing fixed floodwalls; raising or removing some footbridges which at present can obstruct water flow; and providing ‘upstream storage locations’ to control flood levels. The estimated costs of the various schemes however range from £1.15m to £3.53m.

So what comes next? Initial discussions between Fife Council, the Scottish Executive and SEPA; then, if it’s decided to go farther, a public consultation with an exhibition of possible proposals; then further consideration; a report to committee to seek approval; preparation of a bid for capital funding (which would have to compete against all other Fife Council capital projects); a report to Environment and Planning to seek approval to prepare a bid to Scottish Executive; preparation and submission of such a bid; at the same time planning approval would be sought.

All this – at the most optimistic – could not be achieved before 2008/9. That is, if Fife Council has enough ‘internal’ money, and if external funding is obtained.

Maybe the best advice is to keep our fingers crossed – but our wellies handy in the meantime.

National Arts Collections Fund (The Art Fund)

by June Baxter, Fife Representative Fife members of The Art Fund enjoyed a memorable evening recently, when they were guests of Norman Reid, head of Special Collections at the University Library.

Last year with the help of £15,000 towards their acquisition from the Art Fund, the University bought nine photographs

by David Octavius Hill and Robert Adamson to add to their distinguished collection of Photography.

Norman Reid gave us a fascinating talk about the pioneering role of St Andrews in early photography, mainly due to the physicist Sir David Brewster (inventor of the Kaleidoscope ) who was principal of the United Colleges from 1838-1859. He introduced Hill and Adamson to each other and was thus responsible for an extraordinary partnership. In addition to the

photographs, Norman Reid had also put out a number of treasures from the Library, which we felt very privileged to be able to see.

The Art Fund was established in 1903 by a group of art lovers who were concerned that a large quantity of works of art from historic private collections was being purchased by overseas buyers. This threat still exists, so the need for the Fund continues. Last year £4.3 million was offered for acquisitions in museums and galleries across the UK. The Fife Branch, founded in the 1970s by the late Countess of Crawford, has a membership of nearly 300. We organise a number of fund-raising events and visits each year, and in 2005 were able to send a cheque for £1,800 to the Fund.

For enquiries about the Art Fund please contact June Baxter, Fife Representative, 01334 474995.

Photographs by David Octavius Hill

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FEATURES This year the unique St Andrews – Loches Alliance celebrates its 10th anniversary. The stupendous and unexpected discovery of two paintings by Caravaggio in the Parish Church of St Antoine in Loches gives the anniversary an even greater resonance.

Virginia Fowler, the Alliance Chairman, fills in some details.

A Very Special Entente Cordiale!

Virginia says that “since its inception in 1996, the St Andrews – Loches Alliance has gone from strength to strength. There have been seventy exchanges involving over seven hundred people from all sections of the community, including schools, the University of St Andrews, the Merchants Association, St Andrews Tourist Information, football and rugby teams, artists, writers, choirs, musicians, academics, and politicians.”

Many events will take place over the year to cement the relationship between us. At the beginning of March the St Andrews Community Council gave a reception at the Burgh Chambers for a delegation of pupils and their teachers who came for a week, staying with families of St Leonards School pupils.

Over Easter, Di Gilpin of Di Gilpin Handknits in Burghers Close, South Street, took a stand at the Foire de Pâques.

She hopes to set up a joint project between schools in Loches and St Andrews, making a banner to mark the 10th Anniversary of the Alliance. A tennis tournament is planned for this summer and in August, David Joy is scheduled to take a selection of his creative work to display in the Mairie in Loches.

In September an official delegation will come to St Andrews. Virginia said that, “…representatives from all sections of both communities will be present at a reception at the Town Hall on Saturday 30th September. The signing of an official document by the Mayor of Loches and the Provost of Fife, recognising the Cultural Partnership between Loches and St Andrews, will, undoubtedly, be the highlight of the weekend.”

Speaking of highlights, the pièce de résistance of recent events has been the unprecedented discovery in Loches of two, now authenticated, Caravaggio paintings. A visitor had queried the Béthune coat of arms on the paintings’ frames. Philippe de Béthune, Conte de Selles, was the French ambassador to Rome in the 16th century. An enthusiastic collector of art, he befriended Caravaggio, even helping the artist to escape a prison sentence for brawling. Béthune is known to have bought four of Caravaggio’s paintings. They were confiscated at the time of the French Revolution in 1789, but two were returned to Loches in 1813 and presented to the Parish Church of St Antoine. They

Burgh Chambers reception.

(Courtesy of Bill Hill, Pittenweem) were thought by church officials to be rather irreverent and were relegated to the organ loft, where they hung undiscovered for almost two centuries. Now estimated to be worth £100m the paintings will soon be proudly displayed in Loches for everyone to admire.

A lecture about Caravaggio, and in particular the provenance of these two works, will shortly take place at the University of St Andrews .

If you wish to join the Alliance – membership is still only £5 – please contact Marjorie Fenton on 01334 476 966.

Email: marjfen@netbreeze.co.uk

Helena Buchanan writes –

“Mature Yet Still Funky” is how Perth’s Horsecross described ByreRhythm, a group of Taiko Drummers based in St Andrews.

Taiko is a Japanese art form grown from rituals of ancient religious and secular use. Thus Taiko can lead to some understanding of that Eastern culture. Using drums of diverse size and pitch, rhythms of varying complexity are played in celebration at local festivals. Recently, Taiko has become an art form in itself, sometimes incorporating instruments of other cultures in a blend of world music.

ByreRhythm was born from a taster series of workshops held by Haydays; the Arts Project for people aged 50 and over held weekly at the Byre Theatre. Fiona Ewen, the tutor, so enthused participants that many more workshops and classes followed, eventually leading to the formation of the group now known as ByreRhythm in 2004.

ByreRhythm members formally constituted the group and in May 2005 received recognition as a charity. Later that year a grant from the Scottish Arts Council enabled the purchase of authentic Taiko drums. Until then, ByreRhythm had only the use of second-hand and borrowed Western drums, but are now delighted to have one Shime and four Okedo drums.

These have been a boon to the group, who are now working hard to obtain funding to purchase further Taiko instruments.

Of the fifteen musicians in the group, all but one brave soul are women! New members are recruited from beginners’ workshops run by Fiona at the Haydays Project. The weekly rehearsals are envigorating, strenuous, fun... and generate plenty of noise!

ByreRhythm have performed for many local community projects, including the Cupar Children’s Gala; HeartStart; The Age of Creativity conference at the Byre Theatre in March 2004; the SAC Strategy Launch at Stirling in April 2004; Methil Gala last summer; as well as for Children In Need at the Byre in November 1993.

Performance of paid gigs help finance running costs and future purchases of equipment. Most recently, ByreRhythm performed at the

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opening celebrations of the New Concert Hall in Perth. The National Theatre of Scotland have invited ByreRhythm to play for their upcoming project which will be putting on a production of The Crucible at the Byre Theatre Photo courtesy the Byre Theatre in early May. ByreRhythm also offer workshops to community groups, schools, theatre staff, youth drama groups and other interested parties. Taiko is beneficial to people on a variety of levels, including physical, mental and emotional health, coordination, and mental agility.

Taiko drumming is not just about playing drums; concentration, memory, vocalization, stance, co-ordination and formalised movement are all part of the physical and mental process. Co-operation between players is a vitally important aspect in performing a piece and thus Taiko workshops can be beneficial to all sorts of groups who want to improve team spirit. Above all, the fun, satisfaction and joy obtained in the learning and playing of a piece gives an emotional lift to participants.

Apart from Taiko, ByreRhythm play some Samba and can offer introductory workshops in that music style as well.

ByreRhythm are supported by the Scottish Arts Council and The Byre Theatre.

ByreRhythm can be contacted by post at: ByreRhythm, The Byre Theatre, Abbey Street, St Andrews, KT16 9LA or by email to helenabuc@yahoo.co.uk

FEATURES Aileen Cameron, who is a keen hill-walker, chose an unusual holiday destination for her family.

North Vietnamese Adventure Nowadays it really is Good Morning Vietnam. life of pomp, preferring to live This country, where Communism is loosening simply in a little house nearby, its grip, is awakening to the benefits of tourism the House on Stilts. This is open and so becoming easier to holiday there. Our and worth a visit. The final part family booked a package to North Vietnam of our tour took in Hoa Lo prison during the Chinese New Year. We contracted to vestige, a grisly reminder of how spend time in Hanoi, trekking in the North West the French colonial government Highlands, and a voyage on a junk in the Bay of Indochina suppressed of Ha Long in the South China Sea. We were Vietnamese dissidents. not sure what to expect from this holiday due Confined for years in tiny cells to the fact that Vietnam is a country which we with chains and leg irons, they knew had been ravaged by several apocalyptic endured savage treatment conflicts during the 20th century . by prison guards and often We flew to Hanoi via Ho Chi Minh (Saigon), sent to the guillotine, of which waiting to greet us our Tour Guide and a mini an original is still on show. bus for the duration of our stay. This city is the From 1964 to1973 it became old capital of North Vietnam. Its crowded streets a Prisoner of War detention are full of exotic smells, sights, and sounds. centre for US pilots shot Grand boulevards are the elegant heritage of down in the war. Its sarcastic Holiday junks in the South China Sea a French colonial past. They coexist, however, nickname among this group with narrow, congested thoroughfares, was, ‘The Hanoi Hilton ‘. Many hazardous to negotiate on foot as the of the US prisoners’ artefacts are on show, a smattering of English and they quizzed pavements are used for parking motorbikes, both fascinating and macabre. The remainder us constantly about the big wide world we seemingly the main of our day in Hanoi came from. The occasion was made all the method for citizens was spent browsing more convivial by the liberal pourings of their to get around. One is through colourful powerful rice wine! The sad fact, however, is forced to walk in the street markets, their that this delightful and happy people’s simple gutter, where a honking stalls crammed way of life is about to be eroded for ever, tide of bikers sweeps with Japanese and demonstrated by the satellite dish on one hut past within inches.

Chinese gadgets, and the Harley Davidson at the door.

Crossing the street is war curios, batik, silk, We returned to Hanoi by the night train and a heart-stopping affair basketry, leatherware, after freshening up at our hotel, we set off in our due to the absence of lacquerware, and mini-bus for Ha Long Bay on the Gulf of Tonkin, pedestrian crossings every conceivable kind part of the South China Sea. This was to be and traffic lights. One of food. Westerners the last chapter in our Vietnamese adventure of the highlights of may avert their eyes – a sea voyage in an authentic Chinese our stay here was from the skinned dogs junk. It turned out to be a beautiful craft with a terrifying ride in on hooks and semicomfortable en suite cabins and a Pullmana ‘cyclo’ (bicycle conscious chickens type lounge, where we could view the passing The highlight of our stay rickshaw). Our hotel dangling upside down. basalt rock formations rising everywhere out here was a 5-hour trek could easily have We left Hanoi at of the sea. We visited a stunning cavern within been transported 10 pm. on the sleeper one of these massive columns and waved to along ‘The Buffalo Trail’, a from Montmartre, train to Beijing. After passing fishermen in their high-prowed vessels mountainous path unmistakably Parisian a fitful night clattering with eyes painted on the bows to look for the in style and decor and and rumbling over fish. Pearls were on sale from a local oyster scrupulously clean. gorges and viaducts we arrived close to the bed at bargain prices for black, pink, and white Our sightseeing tour began with a museum Chinese border. From there we were driven varieties. Sadly the weather was so poor that visit, followed by President Ho Chi Minh’s some 40 km up precipitous sunbathing and swimming mausoleum. The goose-stepping Soviet-style roads to Sapa, a hill station in were out of the question. For guards who took us in caused a frisson of fear the NW Highlands of Vietnam. anyone fond of seafood, dinner among those of us who were able to recall the Sapa, founded by the French, was a gourmet treat. The Cold War. The great man’s embalmed body is about 5 thousand feet above onboard chef had prepared a lies in state in a glass case; we filed past in sea level. It felt cold, but the banquet of every conceivable silence and awe. Next on the agenda was the thin mountain air was quite marine delicacy.

Presidential Palace, official residence of Ho Chi intoxicating. Our hotel was Thus did our vacation Minh when in power. In fact, he eschewed the more like an alpine hostel, but draw to a close on the high the rooms were spacious and seas. Pre-holiday anxieties afforded stunning vistas over about safety and health terraced valleys and towering issues (kidnap, robbery, or peaks. The highlight of our bird flu) had been groundless. stay here was a 5-hour trek Fears about the bureaucratic along ‘The Buffalo Trail’, a problems that might arise in mountainous path. We passed a Communist regime were bamboo forests (home of bears likewise without foundation. and tigers according to our Although it is early days in guide), and steep rice terraces terms of tourist development, with the eponymous animals things went very smoothly grazing in them. On our way thanks to our hardworking and A Black H’Mong child we traversed villages of the likeable guide. Our schedule demonstrates how to mountain people, the Black was very tiring with all the spin his top H’Mong. These farmers came travelling in so short a time, but originally from China, their features showing it did enable us to see a large part of this oh, this lineage. We stopped for lunch in one of so beautiful land. All in all, it was a raw, exciting their dwellings, where a log fire burned in and cheap place to visit, a highly enjoyable the centre of the floor. The budding tourist holiday. industry in these parts has given the people Photos by Aileen Cameron The Black H’Mong tribe go to market in Sapa

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FEATURES Simon Chadwick, and

The Early Harp I moved to St Andrews with my wife in the middle of February and one The harps are not played in the of the first things I saw here was a copy of St Andrews in Focus on the modern style by plucking with the doorstep of our new flat, so I was delighted to be invited by the Editor to fingers. Instead long fingernails are explain who I am and what I do. used, rather like plectra, which give Most of us in Scotland are familiar with the clàrsach; it looms large a loud bright metallic sound with a as a national symbol as well as exemplifying Scotland’s traditional music very long sustain. It can sound like and poetry, as a symbol of the “bardic arts”. Indeed at the opening of the playing the piano with all the pedals STAnza poetry festival we were regaled with lively clàrsach music by down – so to keep the music clear Norman Chalmers. The more historically minded of us might know that I have to touch individual strings there are two fine examples of early clàrsach preserved in the Museum of to silence the ones I don’t want to Scotland across the Firth in Edinburgh hear. Also unlike piano or modern What is less understood is that these are really two quite different harp the left hand plays the treble musical traditions, sharing only the name “clàrsach” and the vaguely and the right the bass. it is a difficult familiar triangular outline. After the ancient clàrsach tradition died out in technique to learn and I am still discovering new things after 7 years! the 18th century, the modern clàrsach had to be invented anew for the As well as studying the manuscripts and trying to work out how a first National Mod in the 1890s. tune written down over 200 years ago might be played on this curious What I am doing now is to try and understand and recreate the early, instrument, I enjoy teaching what I have discovered. I run a free pre-19th century clàrsach music. Using accurate measured replicas of information website, www.earlygaelicharp.info which is used by early harp the ancient instruments preserved in museums in Ireland as well as in students and researchers from all over the world. Some send me things to Edinburgh, I study the wealth of 17th and 18th century manuscripts and put up; others depend on it for finding out about the old traditions. music books which contain harpers’ tunes and techniques.

I also have been working in Ireland for the last three years to help run Early clàrsach music is very distinctive and very different from most an annual summer school, Scoil na gClàirseach, which is held in Kilkenny modern traditional music including modern every August. The number of beginner students clàrsach. This was a time before modern at the summer school, and the lack of good Early clàrsach music is very national borders had separated the Gaels replica instruments, meant that last year we distinctive and very different from of Scotland from those of Ireland; the harp started ordering harps from a top American music was a high-status art form patronised by harpmaker. He had already visited the museums most modern traditional music kings and lords on both sides of the water and and measured the old harps, so he was able including modern clàrsach harpers travelled freely to study and perform to start building them in time for last year’s in Ireland as well as Scotland. The large harp summer school. “Be as accurate as you can” I have a replica of was played by Denis O’Hampsey, from co. Derry; he we told him, insisting that we wanted all the quirks of the old instruments was touring in Edinburgh in 1745 and performed on it in front of Charles reproduced. Often a harpmaker building a replica of an old harp will Stuart in Holyroodhouse. The two smaller instruments copy two of the quietly “improve” the design to make it easier for modern musicians to surviving medieval instruments; the “Queen Mary harp” which spent much play. But by ordering the wooden components according to the museum of its life in Lude House north of Perth and is now kept in Edinburgh, measurements, and assembling and stringing them here in Scotland and and the “Trinity College harp” which is pictured on the Irish coins and the Ireland, we can be sure that the authentic old designs are being respected.

Guinness label, and is preserved in Dublin. Both were probably made in Now that I am in St Andrews, as well as playing for weddings, Argyll in the 15th century. receptions and recitals, I hope to meet people interested in early music, The old instruments in the museums have no strings, and could not both to play together – the early clàrsach blends very well indeed with be strung and played – they are too fragile. So we have to consult early voices or with viols – and also to teach early harp technique. No need sources for clues. I am using a combination of brass harpsichord wire, to worry if you have never played music before or have no harp – I have and pure gold and silver wire to string my harps. There is a lot of trial and instruments to loan. You can contact me on 01334 474263 or email error and experimentation needed to get the best sound. simon@simonchadwick.net

Hamish If you walk along South Street, you are likely to meet a ginger Aristo-cat, Hamish by name.

He is dignified beyond measure, and he knows exactly where he wants to go and what he wants to do. He may deign to let you stroke him, but beware! there are limits!

So who is this paragon, where does he come from, what’s his story?

Marianne Baird chose him some 6 or 7 years ago from a house in Murray Park, when he was just a few months old. “He was the liveliest kitten. He definitely put himself forward,” remembers Marianne. Coming home one day – Hamish was all of 9 months old then – Marianne couldn’t find him in the house.

Searching all over, she was suddenly aware of foot prints around the fireplace that went up the chimney!

Sure enough, young Hamish had somehow climbed up the chimney, gone over the roof, and

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“But I tell you a cat needs a name that’s particular, A name that’s peculiar, and more dignified, Else how can he keep up his tail perpendicular, Or spread out his whiskers, or cherish his pride?” (from The Naming of Cats, by T. S. Eliot) into the garden! There was no holding him. “I used to go out and look for him every evening, and if he wanted to come, he came and allowed himself to be carried home – I became a kind of personal cat-taxi service!”

Marianne began to receive phone calls in the middle of the night, could be 2 o’clock in the morning, suggesting she came to collect her pet (he wore, and still wears, a collar bearing his phone number). Lamond Drive, the North Haugh and even David Russell Hall were some of the far-flung destinations. Callers have said, “I’ve come home and found this cat on my bed.”

To Hamish’s obvious disdain, a dog entered his life. Thereafter he removed himself to Queen’s Gardens, deciding that his home was “not a safe abode.” He never returned.

However, Marianne has not abandoned him in any way. “He acknowledges me, “ she says, “unless I have the dog with me. I take him to the vet for his annual jab, and I insure him for

accidents, illness etc – just pet insurance. He has a chip in him in case he jumps on a lorry and disappears!”

So Hamish steps lightly, visiting any open door, always finding a welcome and something to eat. He can be found curled up among Di Gilpin’s wools, or snoozing on a chair at Dynamic Hair. Pizza Express has been seen to open its doors with a flourish, Hamish strolling in nonchalantly, tail held high.

Now you know, please don’t imagine that Hamish is an abandoned cat. On the contrary, Marianne will tell you, “It’s not that the owner moved away and abandoned him – he abandoned the owner!” Marianne avers that he is amoral, to the point of entering a house and purloining any food not originally meant for him – “he certainly does that to my neighbour to the chagrin of her own two cats!”

All the same, Marianne is “sad that he doesn’t come home – I’m very fond of him!”

FEATURES An article in Positive News, winter 2005, was so inspiring that Flora Selwyn got in touch with the people in South Shropshire. Dave Palliser, Press Officer of the Society, kindly wrote this very brief summary describing

The Wasteless Society Owned and run by local people, it began life around South Shropshire. He said in the mid ‘90s as a local South Shropshire that the beauty of this biodiesel is recycling group managing recycling facilities that it can be used in any normal and trading in waste material. For a number diesel car without costly conversion of years it pioneered work alongside a local technology. farmer in turning green waste into energy via The Wasteless Society said that anaerobic digestion. Since then the district the biodiesel on sale in Bishop’s council has taken up the challenge and Castle was not only 100% better for enlarged the scheme over the whole of their the environment, it is cheaper than district. The plastic recycling in Bishop’s Castle ordinary diesel, and in many cases is still carried out by the Wasteless Society improves fuel economy. for the district council and although this is still The independent garage on The photograpgh was taken on the day of the biodiesel a very important part of the group’s work, our Union Street in Bishop’s Castle launch, it includes Richard Hill (local farmer’s son, who has remit has expanded. hopes that biodiesel sales will help set up a small plant to manufacture 100% biodiesel), Steve Most members recognised that just looking in their struggle to make some profit Owen (owner of garage), Adam Kennerley (Chaiman of at waste issues is not enough and thus remargin when trying to compete with Wasteless Society), Karen Bovastock (owner of garage), invented themselves. In 2004, they undertook large supermarket petrol stations, Phillip Dunne, Local MP, opening pump). a ‘Carbon Footprint’ survey of the small town they have already been amazed of Bishop’s Castle and found more carbon is by the uptake in trade in this small used per person than many other towns in the Marches market town. time staff to survey homes in and around the area – due to our older housing stock and not The biodiesel tank was supported and Bishop’s Castle area and recommend energy being on a mains gas line. There was a strong helped with funding from organisations brought and money-saving changes in their homes. desire to do something together by The Wasteless Another project is our Green Electricity about reducing this and Society, including South Most members recognised scheme – Green Energy UK. We offer ‘green’ getting it down way below Shropshire District Council, electricity through the Wasteless Society to the current national level.

Shropshire County Council, that just looking at waste anyone (not just in our local area!). We took a To undertake this work, Bishop’s Castle Town issues is not enough close look at the claims made by the companies the Society has evolved Council and the local which offer the type of tariff, to ensure that the into a community-owned Energy Agency. electricity supplied is sourced from renewable enterprise promoting, for the benefit of the Another project launched this year is sources and the money from your bills is environment and the community, a reduction in Wasteless ‘escape’, an energy services club. reinvested in new renewable schemes. the use of the earth’s finite resources, the work It is there to help people ‘escape’ high fuel bills To find out more about the energetic being carried out under our ‘Climate Change and fuel poverty and to find ways to become activities of the Wasteless Society or how to Strategy’ more energy efficient. We were successful in start a similar project in your area visit our web A number of ‘carbon reduction’ projects gaining grant funding from the Energy Savings site: www.wasteless.co.uk are underway; for example, the Wasteless Trust which has enabled us to employ partSociety, along with a Bishop’s Castle garage and a biodiesel manufacturer, have launched the first 100% biodiesel for sale on a UK garage forecourt. This happened earlier this year and within three weeks, over 50 people had signed up to purchase the fuel on a regular basis from this garage. The biodiesel forms part of the Wasteless Society’s strategy for forming low carbon businesses. Our local MP, Philip Dunne, along with the mayor of Bishop’s Castle, Jane Carroll, launched this UK’s first in January.

While cutting the green ribbon to declare the biodiesel tank open for business, Philip Dunne said that biodiesel not only holds the key to solving the world’s fuel crisis, it could provide a future for Britain’s farming industry. As the ribbon was cut, a queue of cars formed, eager to try out this new fuel.

Richard Hill’s company, Intelligent Energy Services of nearby Linley, manufactures the biodiesel from used rapeseed oil collected

“Summer time, and the living is easy”.

Party time, and the beaches call!

Please, please remember the environment, remember the wildlife, and take your litter away with you.

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FEATURES

Ask the Curator

Lesley-Anne Lettice of the St Andrews Museum answers your questions Q. I am a student living in Hamilton Hall. I believe that the building was originally a hotel? I would be very interested in any information you might have regarding the building’s history.

A. Hamilton Hall was originally the Grand Hotel. The distinctive red sandstone was quarried in Dumfriesshire and transported to St Andrews via rail. It was designed by Glasgow architect, James Monro, and was completed in 1896. Its sheer size, its colour and its distinctive copper dome led to its dominating the local landscape. Rising to six storeys, with 130 rooms, the Grand Hotel quickly established itself as a palatial establishment catering for wealthy visitors – competition for the equally luxurious and nearby Rusack’s Marine Hotel, which opened in 1887.

The Grand Hotel was requisitioned by the Government during World War Two and used to billet RAF cadets.

The damage to fixtures and fittings was such that the owners decided to sell rather than pay to restore the hotel to its former glory. The Town Council initially refused an offer from the University on the grounds that too many town centre buildings were already in University Hands, but changed its mind when the Catholic Church showed an interest in buying the building as a seminary for young priests.

The Grand was re-modelled to provide 78 rooms for 100 students and was named Hamilton Hall in honour of

one-time Chancellor of the University, Lord Hamilton. The building was severely fire-damaged in 1970 and the famous copper dome was replaced by a fibreglass copy.

its restoration. In Fife, Robert Lorimer’s own work can be seen in the restoration of Earshall Castle, near Leuchars (1899), and Hill of Tarvit, near Ceres (1905).

Erected in 1922, the St Andrews War Memorial originally bore the names of local men who fell during the First World War (1914-18). The names of those who died in the Second World War (1939-45) were added in the late 1940s. The shaft of the monument is white granite – the panels on which the names are inscribed are bronze. Lorimer also designed the Scottish National War Memorial at Edinburgh Castle (1919).

Q. Can you tell me who designed the War Memorial at the top of North Street?

A. The memorial was designed by Edinburgh-born architect, Robert Lorimer (1864-1929), noted for his restoration of, and alterations to, old Scottish houses and castles, and his promotion of the Arts and Crafts style in Scotland. In 1878, his parents took over the lease of Kellie Castle, near Pittenweem, and set about

Dawning Gavin C Reid

WINNER

— Great Scot Competition And the winner is – D. Smith of St Andrews.

Well done!

Looking north through the astragal panes I see diced dawn, in pale blue ink, worthy of the dyer’s craft.

And thank you to all those who entered. There’ll be another opportunity in a later issue.

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desiccated bird-song I hear, sieved through the rising mist, early this St. Andrews’ morn.

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16

OUT & ABOUT Fay Smith, PA/Office Manager, introduces

A New Breed of Volunteer! paths and planting daffodils, the SCTV (Scottish Conservation Trust for In general volunteers Volunteering) organises a weekend once a year, usually in autumn or seem to be becoming a spring, spending the weekend in one of the self-catering apartments in silent, unpaid section of the Cambo House in return for working in the woodland. Members of the country’s workforce, but Tree and Frog Society from St Andrews University are also frequent volunteers on Cambo Estate visitors and enquiries were recently made by a Scout Group in Edinburgh near Kingsbarns usually find interested in coming during the winter months. The Victorian Walled themselves amply rewarded Garden also attracts its share of volunteers and several garden-lovers for their efforts. None more work regularly in the walled garden under the supervision of Head so than the volunteer pigs!

Gardener, Elliott Forsyth, helping out with weeding, pruning, whatever is Pigs are being used in required. Indeed the cedar shingles on the aging summerhouse by the different locations around burn are currently being replaced by a volunteer, at his own instigation. the estate to clear the ivy In 2005 a scheme was introduced whereby self-catering which smothers the snowdrops and threatens the trees. accommodation was provided in exchange for a few hours a day working Holly and Ivy are two matronly sows who have been resident in the in the garden and this has proved an enormous success. One lady has woods for the past five years and have paid for their keep by clearing vast just returned for her third visit areas of the woodland on which and her jobs have ranged from snowdrops are now thriving. two glamorous Tamworth piglets, who were so loved by pricking out seedlings (between They were joined two years ago by two glamorous Tamworth two young visitors to Cambo that summer that they asked seedlings and cuttings the garden produces in the region piglets, who were so loved by Peter and Catherine Erskine, the estate’s owners, if they of 7000 plants per annum), two young visitors to Cambo manure-spreading, to sorting that summer that they asked would name the piglets Helen and Emma after them snowdrops for the mail order Peter and Catherine Erskine, the business. estate’s owners, if they would Volunteers at Cambo are obviously of considerable benefit to the name the piglets Helen and Emma after them. estate and the upkeep of the garden, but the benefits are not just oneGlamorous girls always have handsome suitors in their wake and last sided, as feedback from those who have already enjoyed the experience autumn Jaspar came to visit for a month or two. Eleven Tamworth piglets indicates that skills are learned and much pleasure had. resulted and it wasn’t long before they, too, were rooting among the ivy.

When Peter and Having honed their skills at Cambo they have now gone off to woodlands Catherine Erskine of Cambo new to continue the volunteering spirit.

Estate near Kingsbarns After the pigs have done their best, people-power is required to cut welcomed their first volunteer the ivy at the base of the trees, pull up the remaining strands and make to help in the Victorian Walled sure the area is clear for re-planting with trees and wild flowers suitable Garden several years ago for woodlands. Ivy-clearing and bonfiring days now take place on the they little realised how their second Sunday of each month and over the years have attracted many volunteer workforce was to local people – particularly those who regularly enjoy the Woodland Walk, expand. created in 1998 as a spur of the Fife Coastal Path.

Various groups have also been involved in this work. Under the Photos courtesy of supervision of a Countryside Ranger a group of young people from Cambo Estate the Robert Gough Centre in Leven worked for several weeks on the

Alistair Lawson, Field Officer for ScotWays on

The Law Made Easy ScotWays (the Scottish Rights of Way & Access Society) has just published a revised and updated version of their long-standing guide to the law in Scotland, with financial support from the Law Society of Scotland.

Whereas previous editions dealt with Rights of Way law only, the new edition now includes the new Scottish Land Reform Act, which has been operational since February 2005.

The new edition is written by Professor Roderick Paisley of Aberdeen University and builds on the earlier work of Professor Sandy Anton, one-time chairman of the Society. The intention is to present the hard facts of the law in non-legal language, so this is a book for all users, whether local authority employees, legal practitioners, community councils, office-bearers in walking clubs, or members of the public who want to know a little more about the detail of their rights, beyond what is included in the revised and expanded Countryside Code. The new code is known as “SOAC” (the Scottish Outdoor Access Code) and exists both as a handy, pocket-

sized leaflet and in a desk version for home reference.

The new Guide steers a careful course between the two sets of law which now determine countryside rights, indicating the strength of rights of way – which remain available 24 / 7 – and the new law, which formalises significant new rights, but which allows for their temporary suspension when countryside management activities so require.

Contrary to the populist view that the new law gives an unbridled right to go anywhere, do anything, there are important exemptions and controls. Careful reading is required to understand the subtleties, but the underlying theme of the new law is simple: act responsibly and the countryside is there for your enjoyment; act irresponsibly and you may forfeit your rights.

The new Guide has already been widely welcomed: the “Scots Magazine” states, “An invaluable guide, ideally suited to layman and legal expert alike”, and Scottish Natural Heritage has also given its backing, saying, “Essential reading for all access professionals”.

Further information from the ScotWays office at 24 Annandale Street, Edinburgh EH7 4AN. Phone: 0131-558-1222. www.scotways.com

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OUT & ABOUT Join long-established botanical gardner Brian Cunningham at the St Andrews Botanic Garden, on a tour of

China on Our Doorstep Having a botanic garden in our town allows us the opportunity to admire many beautiful plants from around the world while taking an afternoon stroll. At St. Andrews Botanic Garden there are glasshouses of Cacti, Orchids, Mediterranean, and Tropical plants. Outside in the Garden there are trees, shrubs, a 50m long herbaceous border and Rock Garden, home to a collection of mountain plants.

One country that is a source of material for the Garden is China. The mountains of China are rich in flora and have been the fascination of many a plant hunter and scientific expedition. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries plant hunters such as Pere Delavay, Ernest Wilson, and Scotsman George Forrest were sent to explore the mountains of China and send back seed of the treasures that they found. The plants that these men discovered are still popular in our gardens today and are the ancestors to many garden cultivars.

Away from the Woodland Garden there is also a bed that is solely dedicated to China.

This originated as a home for shrubs and trees collected by the Garden’s Honorary Curator Bob Mitchell from The SinoBritish Botanical Expedition to Cangshan (SBEC) he co-led in 1981. The significance of this trip was not only the important scientific work the party carried out in the field, but also the re-building of relationships between the two countries as the first expedition allowed into China for such work after the country’s borders were reopened to foreign visitors.

Much of this collection is still growing strongly today with Lonicera setifera being one of the first flowering shrubs Primula vialii to greet us in the New Year when it starts flowering in early January.

Growing among the wild collection are other plantings of Chinese origin. The Maidenhair tree Ginkgo, best known for its herbal qualities, has unusual fan-shaped bright green leaves. In May and June, fragrant cup-shaped flowers hang from Magnolia wilsonii that are followed by the equally attractive hanging orange seed berries in late summer. This is named after Ernest Wilson who also collected the regal lily, Lilium regale, which can be found in both the Chinese bed and Woodland Garden. After collecting this summer-flowering bulb he was struck by an avalanche, Woodland garden breaking his leg, and was left with an injury he referred to as his ‘lily limp’.

From his efforts, we now have a wonderfully scented, elegant lily to thank The conditions provided in the Woodland Garden at the Botanics are best him for. suited to some of those treasures. Tall pines and broadleaved trees give Plants from China can be found throughout the Garden growing side frost protection in winter, while in the summer months they help to create by side with plants from all countries of the world. When looking at a plant a microclimate of warm humid conditions, aided by the Kinnessburn that growing in the Botanics you can discover where it comes from by looking runs adjacent to the Garden. Plants thrive in the acidic, moisture-retentive at the bottom left corner of the name label. You can also learn a little soil and benefit from an annual top-dressing of nutrient rich leaf mould. about the environment where the plant This part of the Garden comes to life as comes from by reading the information early as February when Rhododendron Plants from China can be found throughout boards placed around the Garden. You moupinense provides us with bell-shaped the Garden growing side by side with can reach the Garden on foot using the flowers of light pink at a time when we Viaduct walk from the Argyle Street Car most need reminding that spring is not plants from all countries of the world Park, perhaps making a circuit to include too far away. The centre point for wild the Lade Braes. If coming by car follow Rhododendron species is the Asiatic the signs to the Garden, where we have ample parking space, while the zone, with the Chinese Himalayas a particular hotspot. Tree and large No. 94A bus service passes nearby, (get off either at Nelson Street or shrub Rhododendrons dominate the foothills and middle ranges of the Broomfaulds Avenue, followed by a short walk). mountainsides, with dwarf and carpeting species found up in the alpine zone.

Photos courtesy of Richard Cormack Around 60 different species of Rhododendron can be found in the Woodland Garden. In April and May they are at their best, displaying a highly colourful scene of white, yellow, pink, purple, and red, whilst after the flowers have passed, the architectural display of the branches, smooth bark and the silvery or felted undersides on the large-leaved species can be admired. Another springtime delight is Pieris formosa forrestii – named after its collector George Forrest – an evergreen shrub that produces white flowers with the new foliage growth, which itself is a brilliant red colour. The seed he collected of this plant was one of the first of thousands of seed batches he sent to this country from his first collecting expedition to China in 1904.

The Chinese collection in the Woodland Garden is completed with plantings of Iris, Astilbe, Lilies, Paeonia, Primula, and particular gems including the ‘Himalayan Poppy’ Meconopsis, Arisaema, Gentians, and Nomocharis. All the plants combine to provide flowering interest all throughout the growing season from April to October. Of the Chinese Primula, Primula vialii has to be the most outstanding. In May, bluishpurple flowers open from the bottom of the flowering spike where the red coloured unopened buds above give an effect of a burned tip. The colours led to it being described in 1904 by the then Regius Keeper of The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, Professor Bayley Balfour, as, ‘the most Magnolia wilsoni extraordinary of all Primulas’.

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OUT & ABOUT

An Enchanting Tale!

Sunday 29th of January witnessed the arrival of a new addition to the boats in St. Andrews Harbour. ‘The Enchanter’ , at 55 feet the largest boat to be resident in the harbour since the 1920s, is now a restoration project. Built in Fraserburgh in 1967, larch on oak, ‘The ‘Enchanter’ was originally a side-winder trawler, fishing the dangerous North Sea, with a crew of 6 hardy souls. Decommissioned in 2000, she had been lying unused for some time on the Forth near Leith, and unfortunately had become the target of vandalism. Her new owner, who lives in St. Andrews, said, “I’m delighted I could rescue this lovely boat from the scrap yard and I’m especially grateful to skipper David Martin and his crew of volunteers who brought the ‘Enchanter’ to her new home. The project will take several years to complete, but the exterior of the boat will be sensitively restored and the interior, (currently the fish hold!) will be refurbished as befits a comfortable leisure craft. With a project of this nature, it’s all down to time and money!”.

Would you like to walk more for pleasure or exercise?

“Bum off Seats” the Fife Walking Initiative organises a programme of short weekly led walks across Fife. Since the project began in 2002 more than 1,600 people in Fife have joined the led walk programme. There is a walk in St. Andrews on Monday evenings at 6pm. The walks all start from Church Square in St. Andrews and are around 2.5 miles in length. The routes include the Lade Braes, the West Sands and the East Sands.

Physical inactivity has been described as the ‘silent killer of our time’.

Lack of physical activity is one of the biggest causes of illness and death in Scotland and increasing activity levels is now a priority for many national and local organisations. People who are active are more likely to live longer, enjoy more healthy years of life, and remain independent.

Walking is an ideal activity to promote; it is free and needs no special equipment; it is a realistic goal for inactive people and it is a low risk activity.

Janice Meehan, Project Officer for “Bums off Seats”, explains, “the social element of the led walk programme has been the key to its success. The led walk programme combines all the physical benefits of activity with an opportunity for social contact and support.”

The programme of led walks began in July 2002 with a single weekly walk in Dunfermline; there are now around 20 walks per week across Fife. “Bums off Seats” would like to hear from anyone in the St. Andrews area interested in joining the walks, either as a walker, or as a Volunteer Walk Leader.

Make the most of the lighter nights, come and enjoy a local walk and meet new people along the way.

The spring programme of walks in St. Andrews can be obtained by calling Janice Meehan on 01592 414300 or e-mail, Janice.Meehan@fife.gov.uk

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Invite you to visit a hidden treasure in the heart of St Andrews WOODLAND & WATERGARDENS HERBACEOUS & SCREE ALPINES & RHODODENDRONS GLORIOUS GLASSHOUSE COLLECTIONS OPEN DAILY ALL YEAR ROUND LECTURE PROGRAMME Tuesday 13th June at 7.30 pm Chemistry Dept., North Haugh ENTRY FREE – ALL WELCOME CONDUCTED GARDEN WALKS First Sunday at 2.00 pm SUMMER BEDDING SALE From Saturday 13th May – 10.00 am Continues throughout season in plant sales area TO JOIN THE FRIENDS AND SUPPORT THE GARDEN CONTACT MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY. Canongate, St Andrews, Fife KY16 8RT Tel: 01334 476452 www.st-andrews-botanic.org

NPH Cinema 117 North Street St Andrews

St Andrews Play Club present

THE LAST PROVOST A Comedy by A B Paterson Thursday 25th May to Saturday 3rd June 2006 BYRE THEATRE Nightly at 8pm Matinee 2.30 on Sat 3rd June Tickets £9 (£7 Concessions) The Last Provost is set in a small town in Fife in 1975 when Burgh Councils were abolished and Fife Regional Council was set up. The Provost of this ancient burgh decides to lead his town along the route of independence, with hilarious results.

Reprographics Unit For all your printing requirements and much much more All types of printing and design work undertaken, from simple b/w membership cards to full colour brochures Please contact us for a free estimate • • • • • • • •

Dissertations Theses Soft Binding Colour and B/W Printing and Copying Large Format Poster Printing Laminating Encapsulating Mounting Now located at St Katharine’s West, 16 The Scores, St Andrews, Fife KY16 9AX

Telephone: (01334) 463020 Email: amm@st-andrews.ac.uk www.st-andrews.ac.uk/reprographic/latestrepro.html