St Andrews in Focus Issue 23 Jul - Aug 2007

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

July / August 2007 Issue 23 £1.50

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

The St Andrews Art Club holds an annual competition for a poster announcing their Summer Exhibition. At the Club’s AGM, contestants display unmounted and unsigned paintings to be judged by all the members. The winner is awarded the Sybil Seath Prize, and the chosen painting is then mounted and framed by the Club to be included for sale at the Summer Exhibition.

Ann Carter reveals the thinking behind her First Prize painting,

Tools of the trade Having decided to enter the competition to design a poster for the Art Club Summer Exhibition, I mulled over several ideas and designs. I made no headway until I began to consider what was required in terms of format, subject matter, and design itself.

I decided that a portrait (vertical) format was probably more appropriate than a landscape (horizontal) one for a poster. The subject matter, I thought, should indicate painting, as it was meant for an art exhibition, and it would be a good idea to include something of local interest. Having reached this point, I played around with my pot of brushes, paint box, and some tubes of colour, and water pot, trying several arrangements, until I was reasonably happy with the composition. I decided to include a drawing board with a very simplified watercolour view of St Andrews from the West Sands to give the local interest.

I was uncertain how this different approach would be received, but was delighted that it found favour with the Art Club members.

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

From the Editor Has anyone heard a cuckoo this year? I must confess I miss the rogue, for he’s part of my childhood memories of unspoiled nature. Cuckoo, or no cuckoo, summer’s definitely here again! Time to recharge those batteries, soak up the sun (in moderation, of course). Time to jettison all those (often pointless) worries. Most of you will have planned long ago for this time of year. But many take a chance and decide on something on the spur of the moment. Whatever your choice, relax, for “What is this life, if full of care / We have no time to stand and stare?” We humans need reinvigorating – I know I do. So I’m off to Madeira with my daughter for a short break. Hope you have a wonderful summer! Be happy!

Flora Selwyn

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

JULY/AUGUST 2007 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: 01334 472375 Email: enquiries@standrewsinfocus.com SUBSCRIPTIONS St Andrews in Focus is published 6 times a year, starting in January. Subscriptions for the full year are: £12.50 in the UK (post & packing included) £21.00 overseas (post & packing included) Paypal available Please send your name and address, together with remittance to: Local Publishing (Fife) Ltd., PO Box 29210, St Andrews, Fife, KY16 9YZ. Registered in Scotland: 255564 The paper used is 75% RECYCLED post-consumer waste

Contents Features • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Community Council Jacqueline McKay comes to the Byre ‘Love and Healing...’

A Changing Sea Scott Mariani – interview More tax advice It’s a long way to Summer School Mary Tudor’s harp lives again The Soil Association Birth of a Lammas ride Reminiscences The Golf Widow’s Lament Ask the Curator Crossword solution Erratum

4 4 5 6 7 8 8 9 10 11 11 13 13 14 14

BOOK REVIEWS • • •

St Andrews, Portrait of a City Letters to and from Hazel Lies and Liberation

14 15 15

Shops & Services • • •

Fine eating at Rufflets Our Post Office 50 years ago Roving Reporter

17 18 19

Events • •

Summer at the Byre Theatre Selected events

20 21

ORGANISATIONS • • • • •

World Class plans The Small Business Club SSAFA Volunteers The Madeleine Steel Trust Learning For Life

22 22 23 23 24

TOWN/gown • •

Photographic enterprise News from the University

25 25

Out and About

NEXT ISSUE – September/October 2007 Copy deadline: strictly 28 JULY All contributions welcome. The Editor reserves the right to publish copy according to available space.

• • •

Letter from the Antipodes Toonspot Behind the Beauty

26 26 27

Cover: ‘Tools of the trade’ an original painting by Ann Carter

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FEATURES Kenneth Fraser, newly elected Chairman of the Community Council, describes

The Arms of the Burgh of St Andrews We can see examples of the coat of arms of the Burgh all over St Andrews, but do we ever think about the reasons behind the design? It is not, in fact, very old compared with the 850 years of the Burgh, having been granted only in 1912, and regranted (with a small modification) to the Community Council in 1978.

The figure of St Andrew with his Cross is an obvious choice for the principal emblem on the shield of the city renamed in his honour after his relics were brought here. But Ursula Hall (herself a resident of the town) has demonstrated in her recent book “The Cross of St Andrew” that the idea that St Andrew was crucified on an X-shaped cross is nowhere to be found in the writings of the early Church, and seems to be a story invented in the early Middle Ages, for reasons that are not quite clear.

The boar in front of an oak tree, which occupies the other half of the shield, also has a long history. Before the Burgh had arms, it used a seal, dating back to mediaeval times, on which the boar was the main emblem, while the Saint was relegated to a small insert at the foot. It must refer to a mediaeval story that King Alexander l had granted the Church a tract of land called the “Boar’s Chase” after an enormous boar that had been hunted there.

This is surely a myth of some kind. It may be connected with the fact that the earliest name we know for St Andrews was “Mucross”, meaning “Promontory of the Pig”. Could the boar have been the totemic animal of the district?

As for the oak tree, who knows? Was the area originally wooded, or might it refer to the liking of pigs for acorns?

Marketing & Sales Manager, David Orr, introduces the

New CEO, Jacqueline McKay, at the Byre A new summer season, new partners, new productions, and a new Chief Executive to lead the way, Jacqueline McKay joins the Byre Theatre, following Tom Gardner’s retirement after 17 years.

Jacqueline joins the Byre from the North Edinburgh Arts Centre, where she was the founding director of the new lottery-built arts centre in 2002. Jacqueline has previously worked with the BBC as a producer & director for television and radio, Scottish Ballet, Northern Ballet Theatre, and Manchester Royal Exchange, before joining North Edinburgh Arts centre, where she won national awards for its programme, education practice, and its commitment to social inclusion.

Welcoming the opportunities ahead, Jacqueline is delighted to be at Scotland’s only 5-star arts attraction, “I’m thrilled to be joining the Byre at such an exciting time for Scottish

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Theatre and the arts per se. The Byre is a wonderful theatre space and arts resource and I’m looking forward to working with the Byre’s experienced staff team and board to continue to build upon the Byre’s reputation for creating and presenting a diverse range of new work across the arts for the widest range of audience.”

Opportunities Jacqueline is keen to develop include a series of outreach programmes across the community, creating more work for children and family audiences, as well as developing creative platforms for emerging artists.

Chairman of The Byre, Dr Frank Quinault is understandably delighted to welcome Jacqueline. “She comes to the Byre with a dynamic track record in cultural leadership and the ability to programme and create new work for audiences of all ages. Jacqueline’s

appointment will enable The Byre to engage with a wider range of audiences to develop the organisation as a leading creative flagship venue for Scotland, nurturing new work and emerging artists. 2007 promises to be an exciting year for the Byre.”

It certainly does. Welcome to the Byre Jacqueline!

FEATURES “Each person’s journey is different,” said Charles Severs, speaking to Flora Selwyn, about his life of

“Love and healing...”

expected to climb up and over the high mast in the grounds. The most At 5 years of age, Charles Severs difficult time was then working in a factory in the East End of London. was precipitated into the austere and After that, he worked on a farm in Suffolk, a place he yearned to return to overwhelming Stepney Causeway home of for many years.

Barnardos. It was May 1937 and Charles’ Charles served seven years in the Royal Navy as a stoker below mother was a the end of her tether. Both decks, then returned to farm life in 1957. He was Admitted and Licenced the men in her life had abandoned her, her as a Lay Reader of the Church, a Ministry in which he has been engaged husband and Charles’ Trinidadian father. Lady Hearn took pity on her for fifty years, working and living in a variety of places; country town, inner plight, arranging the Barnados solution. Charles never lost touch with city – both in the United Kingdom and overseas. his mother, who was able to contribute five shillings a week from her His varied journey has included some of the following working subsequent earnings towards his keep. experiences: postman for almost nineteen years; Lay Chaplain with the It was a confusing and disrupting existence for Charles. Barnados Mission to Seafarers; a novice monk; Administration Secretary for The had been founded in 1866 by Thomas Barnardo, an Irishman distressed Association for Black Clergy; an Ecumenical and National Group of beyond words by the destitute children he found in London, where he had come to study medicine. Young Thomas intended becoming a missionary Clergy; Advisor to the Bishop of Birmingham for Black and Asian Ministry; then serving within the Anglican Diocese of the Windward Islands in in China. Cholera struck London, and Thomas found himself instead the Caribbean as a Reader, to foster and visiting the sick, comforting, and preaching. encourage lay participation in Retreats and 1874 saw the first refuge opened in Stepney it was the vision and the mission for street children, establishing an ‘Ever Open Quiet Days; then his move here to St Andrews of Barnardo himself, which Doors’ policy, which spread thereafter to – a truly varied, and for the most part, exciting and fulfilling journey that has been undergirded every major city in Britain. By the 1930s there probably inspired him most, “with the gift of a Christian Faith encouraged, were 188 Barnardos homes catering for 8000 rather than the institution itself not forced”, during those early years in children.

Barnardos.

Thomas was ahead of his time in many On reflection, Charles says that it was the vision and the mission ways. He understood the need to do more than merely feed and clothe of Barnardo himself, which probably inspired him most, rather than the the children in his care. He provided schooling, and even more important, institution itself. A common theme throughout his own life has been to a trade, so that when the time came to leave the homes, the children were equipped for life outside. “While I value much the result of school work,” welcome the stranger; inclusiveness; showing compassion; striving for Thomas wrote in 1899, “I prize even more the training imparted in the racial and social justice; trying to achieve both in prayer and action the trade shops, in the kitchen, and in the laundry.” healing of wounds and reconciliation. Asked if he is now retired, his Over the years, childcare has, of course, changed dramatically. response is, “No – just changed gear!” He adds, “It has been a journey of Some 30 years ago, the last home was closed. Needy children are cared privilege, grace and healing. The best is yet to come!!!”

On Sunday, 6 May this year, Charles celebrated his 50 years of for today in foster homes, or they are adopted. There are 383 ‘projects’ nationwide, covering fostering, adoption, disability, domestic violence, “what I call a life and ministry of grace really”. The Bishop of St Andrews and poverty. Former Barnardos children are helped to trace their records preached at a service of thanksgiving in All Saints Church, St Andrews, to find out about their past. Research into all aspects of childcare, and followed by a lunch hosted by the Rector, Jonathan Mason. the needs of children, continues apace, as well as the provision of “There’s so much love and healing in my life,” Charles says, training programmes for childcare professionals. Because Barnardos is a highlighting his present peace and security. registered charity, fundraising has fundamental importance, any surplus being re-invested into children’s services.

This then was the backdrop to Charles Severs’ upbringing. It was at times a very lonely existence. Few of the staff listened to what the children had to say. Discipline was strict, the general ambience depending very much on the individual character of the people in charge. Correspondence between the children and the outside world was read – not so much censored as perused – preventing any privacy. Charles say that he was a somewhat rebellious child, who stood up for himself, “you expressed your own feelings in different ways.”

Then came the war and with hundreds of others he was evacuated, living with foster parents in a small village in Hertfordshire.

At 14 Charles left school, having spent the latter part of his education at the Russell Coates Nautical School in Parkstone, Dorset. This was an establishment that trained Barnardos lads for the Merchant Service, and they would begin their service with the Union Castle Line as deck hands.

But Charles withdrew from the nautical training, for he found making knots Boys Garden City, Woodford Bridge and splicing somewhat boring. Also he feared heights, the boys being

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FEATURES

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FEATURES Flora Selwyn had the delightful opportunity to interview Scott Mariani and find out more about the background to his ground-breaking novel.

The Fulcanelli Manuscript is your first novel, what was the inspiration behind it? together quite fluidly and naturally. My interest It was really a coming together of several in the history of alchemy provided one of the things. The main character of Benedict Hope central themes for the story. For many years had been floating around in my head for a any scientist who has tried to investigate any of while, slowly developing into the character he alchemy’s claims seriously has been branded is today. I’d done a lot of research into some a quack. That is slowly beginning to change, of the historical elements, such as the theme but there is still a great of ancient alchemical deal of opposition from secrets that runs through the mainstream. Hence, the story. As I’ve been a for one of the lead non-fiction writer for some characters I created a years, there had been a maverick scientist who non-fiction book planned found herself at odds with a US publisher, with the establishment. which fell through leaving The cruel persecution of me with a lot of unused the Cathars in medieval material. The real trigger France was another that impelled me to start fascinating historical writing, though, was an theme that entered into article in New Scientist the mix along the way. which suggested that And of course I wanted many of the scientific the whole thing to discoveries of Isaac Scott Mariani at his home revolve around the main Newton might have been character of Benedict based on his alchemical Hope, who isn’t a historian or a scientist, but a studies. From the beginning my goal was to rescuer of kidnapped children. All these diverse bring all these themes and ideas together in elements were able to fuse together as the a modern-day setting that would provide the story developed. reader with lots of interesting historical facts, as well as being an exciting story and a characterThe locations have such a ring of authenticity driven piece with psychological themes of guilt – did you travel to all of them yourself? and redemption.

Having spent a lot of time in Paris and the What made you choose to base the story on south of France when I lived abroad, I knew the the alchemist Fulcanelli? locations pretty well already. But yes, I did travel Fulcanelli is such a fascinating and enigmatic around a bit just to refresh my memory and character, a true mystery story. His sudden get into the feel of the settings – I think that’s disappearance in 1920s Paris has been important for a writer. Those rugged mountains the centre of much speculation, but never and ruined castles of the Languedoc are an explained. I thought it was very rich ground incredible backdrop for any story. for a novel, as it’s so inherently dramatic and The reader is taken from one scenario to intriguing. As with all unsolved mysteries, of another, on “a roller-coaster ride”, as one course, the writer is left free to speculate on reviewer calls it – how did you manage to what might have happened, and where that keep track of all these changes; did you might lead… and I’d like to think I’ve made it have to resort to a grid of some sort? lead to some interesting places!

Any complex storyline requires a lot of management. Some authors pin all their ideas Did the ideas all come at once or were up on a big notice-board. I tend to follow the you led from one theme to another as you method film-makers use, and ‘story-board’ progressed with the story line? each scene individually, looking for the best I don’t think many, if any, novel plots occur to sequence and flow. Pacing and continuity are their authors all in one package, so to speak. the biggest challenges. It’s a lot of fun to do, but However, I found that the ideas all came

it takes a great deal of fine-tuning; and this is before you even get to the actual writing stage.

Tell me about the many languages the book is already being translated into.

To date, foreign language rights have been sold to Italy, Poland, Bulgaria, and Romania, but my agent has had interest from Germany, Portugal, Spain, and elsewhere.

I believe you have also had interest from the Far East? Can you explain the attraction for, say, a Chinese reader, given that the story is rooted in European history and AngloEuropean mores?

That’s right – China, Taiwan, and Korean publishers have all expressed an interest in The Fulcanelli Manuscript. I think everyone, across the globe, is intrigued by the same themes of ancient secrets and mystery; as well as being entertained by a good old fast-moving story.

Just look at the worldwide popularity of The Da Vinci Code! And of course one of my novel’s themes is alchemy, which was a burgeoning science in ancient China, Egypt, and Arabia long before it ever reared its head in Europe.

I gather there has been interest from the film world. Can you tell me about that, too?

My agent has been approached by a couple of producers and there have been discussions.

The transition from book to film is a slow process and there are many stages. I hope it happens! Many readers comment that the novel is very filmic, very visual in the way it plays out in their imagination. It would be wonderful to see it adapted for the screen.

Do you have any advice for a budding new author?

Believe in yourself, believe in what you write, arm yourself with plenty of knowledge of the writing world, and – most importantly – keep writing.

It’s a tough and competitive arena, but you can even the odds considerably in your favour if you know what you’re doing and persist.

The special offer to readers of this magazine is still available: by mentioning where you read the above article, or the original review (in issue 22), you can order a copy of the book for the discounted price of £16 (post free) from Combined Book Services (01892 837171).

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FEATURES Andrew Wright asks

“Who’s Been a Naughty Boy (Girl) Then?”

You may have read that the Inland Revenue have recently been successful in obtaining details from five major UK banks of customers with UK addresses operating overseas accounts. This, together with information available from European banks as a result of the European Savings Directive, means that they have far more information than they can cope with. Their response has been to announce an “Offshore Disclosure Facility” (ODF) for those with undeclared overseas tax liabilities with tax-geared penalties fixed at 10% (normally 30%+).

UK tax residents are liable to tax on their worldwide income, not just on their UK income (there is an exception for those who are not UK domiciled for tax purposes), therefore untaxed interest from overseas accounts should have been declared on Tax Returns.

The sorts of situation that could have given rise to a UK tax liability are: 1. a businessman did not record all the sales of his business in accounts and VAT returns submitted, choosing to hide these in an overseas bank account.

2. Mr and Mrs X deposited a family inheritance into a high earning offshore account failing to declare the resulting interest on their tax return.

3. Miss Q purchases an overseas villa, rents out the property, and operates an offshore interest-earning savings account to service the utility costs of the property. The rent and the interest on the savings account were not declared on their tax return.

To take advantage of the reduced penalty regime, taxpayers need to take the following steps: 1. the intention to make a disclosure must be notified to HMRC by 22nd June 2007.

2. This is a form-filling exercise (see HMRC website; “hmrc.gov.uk”). The taxpayer will then be provided with a registration number.

3. after initial notification,full disclosure must be made between 23rd June and 26th November 2007.

4. Payment of the total tax liability, including tax, interest, and 10% penalty, must be made with the disclosure before 26th November 2007.

5. If the total of the undeclared income is less than £2500, no penalty will be payable (just tax and interest).

6. HMRC will not accept a disclosure that they suspect is incomplete or materially wrong.

7. So as to be even-handed, HMRC have offered a similar reduced penalty for other (UK based) disclosures on the same terms.

For those involved, this limited “offer” from HMRC should be taken seriously. Although you cannot be sure your name is on the list, it may be foolhardy to assume it is not. Also, although the major banks are the only institutions involved so far, it is almost certain to extend to smaller ones in future. Unfortunately the reduced penalty offer only lasted until 22nd June 2007.

If you are in this position, I suggest you consult your professional advisor. If you do not have one, I suggest you either come to see us or follow the instructions on the HMRC website.

For further information on this, or other matters, please consult: Henderson Black & Co. 149 Market St. St Andrews.

Tel: 01334 472 255

Andrew Nicol from Auckland, New Zealand, asks

Why would anyone travel halfway around the world to St Andrews?

The annual Royal Scottish Country Dancing Society’s (RSCDS) Summer School is the reason I have made the journey for the last three years. What, then, is it that makes the Summer School so appealing that I’m already booked to return in a few weeks?

Although other branches of the RSCDS host schools in various locations around the world, the unique atmosphere of St Andrews makes this the premier event in the Scottish Country Dancing calendar. I find this a great opportunity to catch up with friends met in previous years, as well as getting to know new people. Everyone at the School has a common interest – dancing and music. However, this is just a starting point in conversations. The immense variety of experiences and stories that so many of the participants have to share, intrigues me.

Being a world-wide organisation, inevitably there are going to be variations in styles and interpretations of dancing. This annual school held here in St Andrews provides an anchor point to bring these views together and ensure that the standards promoted by the RSCDS are retained. I have danced almost continuously from childhood and enjoy the social aspect both on and off the dance floor. The week at the Summer School provides ample opportunities to dance with many others. There is informal social dancing in University Hall on some

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evenings, dancing to live piano music, but I have seen a few changes since my first often supplemented by a fiddle, or accordion, Summer School as a teenager in 1976, when and sometimes even the mellow tones of a Jean Milligan, the co-founder of the RSCDS, was Director. 30 years ago, most dancers flute. While on other evenings in the Younger Hall there is more formal dancing on a grand attended for two weeks and the protocol was scale, with a larger number of dancers all more formal. I recall in my early days, that it enjoying the fantastic music provided by some was only the men who were allowed to buy of Scotland’s premier tickets for the dances bands. The Younger Hall in Younger Hall. Each I have seen a few changes is a wonderful venue for man was permitted to since my first Summer dancing, with its sprung purchase two tickets. floor, great acoustics.

These would be on sale School as a teenager in My other passion, one night, earlier in the 1976, when Jean Milligan, closely associated with week after dinner and dancing, of course, is the trick was to find a the co-founder of the playing music for Scottish seat for the meal, close RSCDS, was Director Country Dancing. to the door, so that one Summer School provides could escape quickly an opportunity for musicians keen to develop and join the queue. The single men always had the skills and techniques required to play extra attention from the ladies on that day, each successfully for dancing. Being competent at vying for the opportunity for the second ticket! playing one (or more) of the commonly used The meals themselves were also formal. All instruments for dancing is just the starting dancers were expected to be seated before the point. The teachers on the music course are start of the meal, at which point the doors were all experts with many years’ experience. Their shut. Any latecomers would not dare to attempt passion for playing and their willingness to a late entry! share their knowledge makes this course a The Summer School is now more relaxed, must-attend event at least once for anyone with self-service meals and ladies allowed to serious about developing their playing skills. purchase their own tickets. However, the allThis year will be the fourth year in succession important magical atmosphere still remains, and that I’ll have joined the music course. The first I suspect that the atmosphere at St Andrews, two years focused on playing bass, which the friendliness and willingness of the locals to provides the all-important rhythm for the embrace the Summer School for 4 weeks each dancers, and then last year developed my skills year will ensure that the event will continue for on the piano. I now regularly play the piano many more years. for dancing classes back in Auckland, where dancing is a large part of my social scene.

FEATURES Harp virtuoso Simon Chadwick (see issue16 p22) on

Commissioning a Replica Medieval Harp On Tuesday 15th May this year, I gave a lunchtime recital in the perhaps unfamiliar surroundings of the ‘Prior’s house’, a small vaulted chamber in the grounds of the Cathedral ruins. The room was packed to bursting – indeed people were turned away at the door. The event was the St Andrews debut of a very special new musical instrument.

The ‘Queen Mary’ harp is one of Scotland’s national treasures, displayed in a glass case in the Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh. For many years it was carefully preserved at Lude in Perthshire by the Robertson family. The story goes that it was a gift to their ancestor, Beatrix Gardyn, from the hand of Mary Queen of Scots herself. The harp was old even then; it may have been kept at Lindores Abbey before the Reformation. It was originally made in Argyll, in the fifteenth century.

In May 2006 I asked Davy Patton, a wood sculptor from Roscommon in Ireland, if he would like to try his hand at reproducing it. We visited the museum together to doublecheck our notes and drawings.

We examined the original’s construction and also looked carefully at the decoration, especially the traces of medieval paintwork.

The harp is carved from only four pieces of timber, slotted together without the use of nails, screws, or glue, and held together only by the tension of the strings. For the top part, or neck, Davy used sycamore or plane, as it is hard, strong and pale to take the decoration of burned lines and circles. The front pillar is heavily carved and decorated. We used a piece of apple wood whose grain follows the curve, making it very strong. Davy said it has “no straight lines or square edges” – every surface is subtly curved, or angled. And every surface is covered with decoration! Davy incised the design lightly into the surface of the wood, and then filled in the fine cut lines with black

ink. On the rounded sections the design is deeply carved. Then the backgrounds to all the designs are painted. We used ‘casein’ paint which is a medieval recipe using milk as its base.

The hollow soundbox of the harp was the last piece to be made, hollowed out from a single block of willow. The idea was to use green, unseasoned timber, so that it will dry and season under the tension tension. Because there is 1/3 of a ton of stress of the strings. Davy found a on the whole thing, I did this over the course suitable willow tree in Dublin of a week, going up one note every day. The in January, and carved it out, inaugural recital was on 12th April in the house and finished it with burned of Falkland, and I only just finished tuning it up lines and circles. that morning!

The other parts of the Now that it is all settled down a bit the harp are a thin wooden board front of the soundbox is bulging out like on the to close the back of the original, and its voice has started to develop so soundbox – made from very it is sounding exceptionally sweet and mellow. rare rowan wood from the Iron The wood is darkening a bit so it looks slightly Mountains in Leitrim – and the less garish than when it was new, but it is a truly metal fittings. There is a brass stunning art object. The decoration has certain strap nailed on each side of ecclesiastical associations – as well as a vine the neck, which helps keep curling up the front which sprouts tiny crosses, the tuning pins in place. The the mythical beasts have been interpreted as tuning pins are also of brass, Christian allegory. There is a lion, a griffin, a each one hammered to shape unicorn, and a couple of serpents or dragons. and decorated with grooves.

I wonder if the original was commissioned by On the soundbox there are a Bishop or a monastery? Certainly the new 29 tiny brass horseshoes, to harp felt very much at home when I played it at protect the wood from the pull the Cathedral. I chose some music from the St of the metal strings. These Andrews Music book, a medieval manuscript are of two different designs that was kept here at the Cathedral in the to copy exactly the original. There are also thirteenth century, and I also played a grand two iron fittings for an extra string in the bass, lament for a Scottish added by a later owner; bishop. these too were faithfully The Prior’s house is a The Prior’s reproduced on the perfect venue for the rich and house is a perfect replica. venue for the rich After treatment with otherworldly sound of the and otherworldly linseed oil and beeswax gold and silver strings sound of the gold the harp was ready, and silver strings, and I went to Belfast and in association with Historic Scotland I will to pick it up. I had already stocked up on wire be performing four more lunchtime Cathedral – specially hand-made medieval bronze for recitals this summer. They will be at 12.45 on the treble, sterling silver for the mid range and the second Tuesday of each month from June 18 carat gold for the bass. Once the strings to September. were installed the harp had to be brought up to

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FEATURES Indira Mann, Information and Media Officer,

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Boxing-clever business Bellfield Organic Nursery is a family-run business based in Abernethy, and they’ve been growing their own since 1985. All their plants are nurtured from seed, ensuring organic produce of the highest quality.

Box schemes are an excellent way to receive a regular supply of local and seasonal produce and Bellfield will deliver straight to your door. As well as vegetables and fruit, they can also provide household staples such as milk, bread, eggs, and bacon. www.bellfield-organics.com, and for a calendar of farmers’ markets in your area check out, www.scottishfarmersmarkets.co.uk

If you buy organic food, you are one of a growing number of consumers who have turned this one-time niche market on its head. In the last Planting the seed few years, demand for organic food has rocketed – in 2005 the market Nestled in the rolling countryside of Fife lies Elmwood organic Farm, grew by 30% – and that trend looks set to continue. Many people buy part of Elmwood College. This 105-hectare holding has been farmed organic because they believe it is healthier and tastier, as well as better organically since 2001. It provides a practical for the environment and animal welfare. It may example of sustainable farming for students, seem to be a recent phenomenon, but a UK We have also developed school pupils, and the wider public. environmental charity has been championing its For information, contact Peter McKinnon, cause since 1946. organic standards for areas Farm Resources Manager, on 01334 658900 or The Soil Association was set up after the not covered by government or email him at pmckinnon@elmwood.ac.uk Second World War by a group of individuals concerned at the impact of intensive farming on European law, including fish Root cause health, animal welfare, and the environment. farming and textiles East Fife organic Gardeners (EFoG) was Today, the organisation is still guided by the formed in 2001 after local members of the principle that organic farming offers a safe, Henry doubleday Research Association – now called Garden organic sensible way of producing healthy food that doesn’t cost the earth, quite – met to gauge interest in a local gardening group. They have since gone literally. As world leaders and policymakers wrestle with the issues of from strength to strength and have a varied calendar of talks, workshops, climate change, pollution, and human health, our messages are more and social events. A regular newsletter keeps members up-to-date with pertinent than ever. intriguing projects.

Soil Association Scotland was set up in 2002 to bring the So if you live in the Fife area and want to organisation’s expertise closer to farmers, manufacturers, consumers, find out more about the group, get in touch with and policy makers in Scotland. As well as supporting and advising organic secretary Gill Russell (grussell@rmsupply.co.uk). farmers who are building an organic future, we work with Scotland’s She’ll be delighted to hear from you. policymakers to promote sustainable ways to produce food and revive our rural communities.

The devolved Scottish parliament has given us a huge opportunity to WIn A cOpy OF engage with politicians. And as we get to grips with a new administration Organic Places to Stay in the UK at Holyrood, we will continue to campaign for nothing short of a food [a Soil Association Scotland promotion] revolution in Scotland.

We have six copies of Linda Moss’s And speaking of campaigns, recent successes include the Scottish Organic Places to Stay in the UK to give Executive’s endorsement of our award-winning Food for Life programme, away. Join the Soil Association between aiming to transform school meals. As part of this scheme, schools are 1 July and 31 August 2007 to enter our encouraged to dish up healthy meals made from fresh, local, and organic prize draw. ingredients. Food education is a priority and we have forged links with a Simply contact Soil Association network of open farms where children find out more about food and how Scotland on 0131 666 2474, quoting reference: St Andrews in their food choices affect the environment.

Focus, and give us your joining details.

We also promote local food networks, bringing consumers and This beautifully produced, full-colour book is based on producers together: vegetable-box schemes and farmers’ markets Linda’s organic Places to Stay website, are excellent examples of this. Last year’s which won the Environmentally Friendly organic Food Festival in Glasgow, the Website Award in 2004. first event of its kind in Scotland, brought As a member of the Soil Association consumers and producers together in a you’ll receive regular editions of our celebration of all things organic – including award-winning magazine Living Earth, textiles and health and beauty products. It free entry to our organic food festivals in was such a positive experience that we’ve Bristol and Glasgow, plus hundreds of decided to do it again, and this year promises discounts from organic farms, shops, and to be bigger and better. More details later in delivery services. the year.

(To buy a copy of Organic Places to you may be familiar with the Soil Stay in the UK visit Green Books at Association logo – found on over 70% of www.greenbooks.co.uk) Britain’s organic produce – but are you aware what lies behind this symbol of trust? organic producers and processors licensed by us, (Photos courtesy Elmwood College, sign up to a strict set of animal welfare and and the Soil Association) environmental standards. These meet the UK government’s minimum requirements, but

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FEATURES Alan Sturrock of A.J.S Video productions, describes

The Day ‘Bomber Mark 2’ came to Town Sunday August 6th 2006 marked a special day in the history of the Lammas Market, for that was the day the Bomber Mark 2 came rolling into town. The word from the fairground enthusiasts’ websites was that M&D’s, who have Scotland’s Family Theme Park, spread over 20 acres in beautiful Strathclyde Country Park with over 40 major rides and attractions, had bought a new ride. It was said to replace the company’s smaller ride called, the Bomber.

The new one was to be even bigger and more powerful, and it was to be called, the Bomber Mark 2.

M&D’s have always been in the forefront of the ever-changing fairground technology, giving us novelty rides like The Invader, The Terminator, Kamikaze, King Loops, The Bomber, Street Dancer, and now Bomber Mark

2, all of which have made appearances at the the second one. By this time it was well under construction, so M&D’s said Yes. Lammas Market. I headed up north to Nairn to interview Travis Davis, manager of the Bomber Travis flew back and forth to the factory, Mark 2, for my DVD. five or six times in the next couple of months, Travis told me that picking the colours for the M&D’s have a good working ride to go to the paint shop.

M&D’s have always relationship with Fabbri, Towards the end of the who manufacture rides for construction, Travis, two been in the forefront travelling showmen and workers and a technician, of the ever-changing went over and stayed just amusement parks. It all started for Fabbri in 1950 fairground technology over a week to help finish when they manufactured their the ride. The technician was first ride. After dominating the there to help Travis with the Italian market, they broadened their horizons, legal side of things. and in the ‘70s the first rides were sent abroad I asked Travis how high the ride is; he said to European countries. When Fabbri consider he hadn’t measured it himself, but the factory bringing anything new out they will approach told him it stands 52.5 meters tall. “The speed M&D’s, and if they want to invest in it, M&D’s it rotates at is 11 rpm in the centre, to bring that get the first one. This is to the end of the arms, you are talking about 70 what had happened with mph, the g-force tester says it’s pulling between the small Bomber, Travis 4.2 to 4.3 g’s at full speed“, he told me, with a said. big smile on his face! The factory advised him When Fabbri not to run it at full speed over a certain period of approached M&D’s to time, as the ride will slow itself down. say they can produce It seats 16 passengers, 8 on each end. The a bigger Bomber with amount of power the ride takes to drive it, when more capacity, they were running up to full speed, is 568 amps for just very interested. M&D’s, under 6 seconds, and when you convert that however, was not first in into kva, at it’s peak, it needs 430 kva to drive it.

M&D’s have invested in a 500 kva generator at line for the new Bomber Mark 2; there was a a cost of just under £30,000. The Bomber Mark Spanish family lined up to 2 was a hit at last year’s Lammas Market, and it get the first one. But their will be back again this year. deal went pear--shaped, so Fabbri came to M&D’s All my DVD’s are available from me, at AJS and asked if they wanted Video Services: 07710 501 458. the first one instead of (Photo courtesy Mark J & Alan S, fairgroundtrucking@fotopic.net)

Peter Robinson of Ipswich

Reminiscing It was a 30 foot putt with a left-to-right swing (or was it 25 metres and was: would it be the clockwise or antiright-to-left?). It was the 8th green (but it could have been the 11th on the clockwise circuit of the town? A pint to way ‘home’). The year was 1972 (or was it 1973?). be downed in the Cross Keys or The What is certain, however, is that the dew lay heavy on that green Star around lunchtime, and somewhere carpet, and that putt carved a tracery on its way to the hole. It was a along the way, a little ‘retail therapy’. diamond-bright St Andrews morning. A bird hovered above that putt and, But my favourite port of call of all was a as I looked back to the silhouette of the town, the realisation crept over wonderful delicatessen, sadly no longer there, up from Murray Mitchell the me that I could not be happier than this.

Butcher, which was run by two balding brothers. Geddes Fine Foods was It would be sometime about 8.00am. In those distant days the golfer a treasure-trove for all who appreciated something a bit different! could begin his round at any time. The gentle ‘putt-putt-putt’ of a 50cc By 4.00pm it was time to try and put right all that went wrong during motorbike meant that it was time to pay one’s the morning round. The Eden Course began green fees – they were collected by the biker. behind the Old Course Hotel in the 1970s, it was the communion with A blether then ensued and, when the attendant working its way out to the Eden Estuary, as it the land, the sea, and the sky, does today. A gentle ‘18’ to end the day, followed knew it was the last day of my holiday, he gave me a free round! This was the last verbal contact by a meal in Kate’s Restaurant, now occupied by together with the wonder of with humanity for the next two hours, as my the Balaka Indian Restaurant. playing on these ancient links communion with the land continued.

In those days, every round of golf I ever By the 16th green, the sun was rising higher, played at St Andrews I played on my own, and that meant everything to me the outline of the town took on more detail, and that was the way I wanted it to be. The long drive the tension of the moment began to ensnare me. was stimulating, the precision of each shot was Walking up ‘18’ one could be overwhelmed by all that had gone before. the challenge, but it was the communion with the land, the sea, and the I never prayed to the gods of golf, “Please grant me a great shot”, only sky, together with the wonder of playing on these ancient links that meant that I didn’t disgrace myself! Eyes were watching from behind curtains; everything to me. My first visit had been the year the railway ceased. In early risers were out for their morning paper, and thus, I departed the 18th the succeeding thirty-seven years I must have visited the town close on green to my base at the Station and Windsor Hotel, at the end of Market a hundred times, and blethered to so many St Andreans. To Jim Douglas Street, where the chef (such a kind soul) cooked me a late breakfast. (of Union Street), Doreen McMillan of the Links Clubhouse, Fiona at the The routine of those days rarely changed, although expenses Eden Clubhouse, David Brown, and on my last visit, Jim (who has lived certainly did. A round of golf on the Old Course was under £2. I had to in the town all his life and is now in his nineties), and his dog Merk, my think twice about the increase in the Station and Windsor tariff: £290 for grateful thanks. I was there when Seve holed that putt in1984, when high season B&B! Costantino Rocca holed his putt in1995, and when Jack Nicklaus holed And so into town. The Victoria Café (still there) for coffee, a sticky his in in 2005. Wonderful memories to take forward to the autumn – and bun, and a read of the morning paper. The only decision then to be made the Dunhill Cup – and my next visit!

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FEATURES

NPH Cinema 117 North Street St Andrews

– Children’s Parties – Latest Digital Projector installed in Screen 1

UK Independent Cinema of the Year – RAAM Award of Excellence 2007 –

Luxury Electric vip Seats Leather Armchairs VIP ticket price now includes a glass of wine or beer.

www.nphcinema.co.uk Tel: 013334 474902

The ‘New’

David Brown Gallery The David Brown Gallery Invites you to view an exciting selection Of contemporary art by – Henderson Cisz; Charlotte Atkinson; Sheree Valentine Daines; Steven Jones; Duncan McGregor; Charlotte Cooke; Mikki Corker Also local views by Wendy Sabine; Mhairi Lafferty; John Gifford; Terry Adams; Daniel Campbell 9 Albany Place, St Andrews Tel: 01334 477 840 Open Mon – Sat 10.00am -1.00pm and 2.00pm – 5.00pm

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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 • Credits for existing qualifications • Fee Waiver scheme for people on low income or State benefits Find out more from: The Evening Degree Co-ordinator Telephone: 01334 462203 Email: parttime@st-andrews.ac.uk

FEATURES Mystery! This poem appeared one day on my door mat. Who put it there, who wrote it, where it comes from, I’ve no idea. Can someone please tell me?

The Golf Widow’s Lament Of aw the sports that you men play I’ll bet women rue the day, When some auld boozy, kilted Scots Invented cleeks and played some shots, And then retired tae some auld howff, And organised this game ca’ed gowff; And to the British way of life The puir wee soule – the gowfer’s wife, For them it’s no’ a life o’ ease He’s sure to catch the dread disease, He says it’s shank and then it’s hook, And fair devours Ben Hogan’s book, And so he leaves us tae oor fate, Until he hits that gowf ba’ straight.

Sunday morning – crack o’ dawn, He’s up and got the kettle on, A cup o’ tea, a rasping cough, A slamming door – the beggar’s off.

Be it sunny – be it rain, That’s ouer long lie spoilt again, Then they hear the neighbours say, “Gowfing on the Sabbath day!”

Back at night – the hungry beast, Expecting her provide a feast, And a thing they canna thole – That smell o’ drink frae the 19th hole.

As for the garden at the front, This man of mine simply won’t Jist cut the grass or trim the hedge, He’s roond the back tae swing a wedge.

But noo, here’s ample compensation – -They’re going to the presentation; And as he walks up for his prize, A furtive tear is in her eyes, Despite your wee bit o’ social strife, They’re proud tae be – a gowfer’s wife.

Ask the Curator Lesley-Anne Lettice, Assistant Curator of the St Andrews Museum, has the answers Q. Can you tell me anything about the coat of arms on the gate at the entrance to St Mary’s College on South Street?

A. The design is an amalgamation of the arms of Archbishops James Beaton and John Hamilton – the latter was the last Roman Catholic Archbishop of St Andrews. The motto below – ‘in principio erat verbum’, can be translated as, ‘In the beginning was the Word’.

Q. When was the Scores Hotel built and can you tell me anything about its history?

A. The building now known as the Scores Hotel was originally two buildings – Seaton House and St Salvator’s School. The school was founded in 1882 at No 2 The Scores, and was an independent, fee-paying boys’ school with an average of 50 pupils. According to the prospectus, it was designed, ‘to provide a sound general education to prepare boys for the Public Schools of England and Scotland and to qualify candidates for Naval Cadetship’. Most of the school roll was made up of day pupils, although there were a few boarders.

The original Headmaster, Gerald Blunt, sold the school to Alfred George Le Maitre in 1902. He sold the building in 1931, when it was remodelled to become the Scores Hotel.

Seaton House was built in 1864 for John Buddo. It was designed by St Andrews-born architect, George Rae (1811-69), who also designed the R&A Clubhouse, Playfair Terrace, and houses in Gillespie Terrace, Queen’s Gardens, and other areas around the town.

Originally built as a private residence, from 1919 to just after the Second World War, it was the home of the James Mackenzie Institute for Clinical Research. The eminent heart specialist believed that the climate of St Andrews was perfect for his research. The building was later bought by the owners of the adjoining Scores Hotel.

Q. I recently spotted a plaque outside Rose Park which mentions the Woodcock Bequest Trust. Can you tell me anything about this?

A. Elizabeth Woodcock Bumby was the elder daughter of Beatrice Tullis and William Woodcock, a prominent St Andrews solicitor.

During her lifetime she made many generous donations to the town, including the clock on the south corner of the Town Hall, given in memory of her father. On her death in 1971 she left over £100,000 to be set up as a Trust for unmarried women and widows, who found themselves in ‘straitened circumstances’. The Woodcock Bumby Bequest now manages Rose Park – formerly Mrs Woodcock Bumby’s own home – as a retirement home.

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CROSSWORD / BOOK REVIEW

GREAT SCOT! – solution Ian Seeley’s occasional crossword proved too difficult!

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Flora Selwyn is pleased to announce –

Hot off the Press!!

Just published: the new second edition of St Andrews, Portrait of a city by peter Adamson and lorn macintyre (see, this magazine issue 7, p25).

There are over 30 new photographs in the book, which has been designed in a very different style, with double-page spreads and ‘fully-bled’ pages. Commenting on the first edition, one major bookseller in town said, “We’ve been waiting 20 years for this book!” The print run of 3000 copies was sold out in one and a half years, raising a concern that no more would be available. The demand was such, that we now have a book whose whole structure, in Peter Adamson’s words, “is different, which I think is very much better.”

Both J & G Innes (South Street), and Waterstone’s (Market Street) stock the new book, price £25.

Peter Adamson and Lorn Macintyre have also published Dundee, Portrait of a city, also available here, in dundee, and all major book stores.

Completing the trilogy, the authors are currently working on Portrait of the East Neuk, anticipated to be on sale in June or July 2008. As they say, watch this space!

erratum Apologies to the family of J K Wilson, who does not appear with Bing Crosby in the photo on p15 of the last issue. Louise Wilson, his great niece, pointed out my error, and Bill Robertson confirmed that the photo in fact shows John Robertson in the middle, the first winner of the tournament. Incidentally, Bill added that it is Danny Sweeney in the background, holding the replica 1800s old-style golf club, which he made and presented to Bing Crosby as a gift.

Summer at Elspeth’s of St Andrews

9 Church Street, St Andrews Tel: 01334 472494

Ferguson’s Shoe Repairs Where better to give your footware new life?

Fine quality leather gifts for all occasions • • •

Carlton travel goods Sadler handbags & purses Samsonite wallets 151 South Street, St Andrews Tel: 01334 472134

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BOOK REVIEWS Betty Willsher reviews

Letters To Hazel 1943-1947 Edited and published by hazel Gifford (dec. 2004). Available at £10 each from local bookshops, or from Hazel Gifford, 3 Balfour Place, St.Andrews, Fife, Kyl6 9RQ. Douglas and Hazel first met in Oxford in November 1942, and were engaged within the year. Through the war years of separation they wrote almost daily, and posted when possible. The letters were a source of strength, of mutual support. They were love letters, but much more. They were a means of discovery through discussion. Hazel and douglas shared the same Christian beliefs and the standards held by many young people at that time – of mutual respect, loyalty, duty, trust. Anybody who knew douglas will recognise that he wrote these letters just as if he were speaking. His sense of fun, of the ridiculous, eased the hardships of war, the grimness, and the fear. He illustrated his anecdotes with sketches, which appear in the text. He recounted zany situations during his army training at the

Quebec Barracks, Northampton. An intellectual, a linguist, he describes his attempt to ‘strip off and reassemble’ a motorcycle, and comments, ‘Aren’t I a low type of unmechanical-minded specimen?’

Accepted for the Intelligence Branch, douglas was sent to the Continent to travel from place to place, taking his part in the ‘De-Nazification’, intervewing suspected spies and informers. He wrote, ‘Getting a confession out of somebody is generally a bitter business – at times the whole thing seems wrong to me. I am daily, on my own responsibility, taking away fathers and sons, mothers and daughters from what they hold nearest and dearest. My religion and my job clash’.

Music was a source of joy and of strength to both Hazel and douglas.

The wireless was a boon, also the gramophone and the occasional concert performance. douglas described his discovery that Fidelio was to be seen in Brussels and he got a seat. Joy! I found this book both enlightening and entertaining.

Letters To Douglas 1943 – 1947 Edited and published by hazel Gifford (2006).

The letters begin when Hazel was in the first week of a new post in Northampton, living in digs in Kettering. She was one of a team of three; they were employed lecturing in evening classes for the Workers Educational Association, This was not always an easy job, but Hazel wrote to douglas, ‘I just love it.’ There were so many vicissitudes in wartime life, and reading first-hand accounts may revive memories – the Black-out, Rationing, Digging for Victory, and worst

of all, Air Raids – buzzbombs, doodlebugs, rockets. Long separations ... And travelling – -Hazel had one experience when she missed the bus after Night Class. She managed to borrow a bicycle from the Working Man’s Club. ‘What a bike! No gears, a tiny saddle, very low – and all in a thick fog. My legs up to my chin pedalling round at a furious rate, and the handlebars way up high like a Penny – Farthing.’ And there is a sketch of the episode!

What a wonderful thing to have these two books of letters, written daily, at the time, during four years of that long war. It is history brought alive. It is very moving and it is admirable.

Sandra Carey Cody* reviews

Lies & Liberation: The Rape of Europa

By Barbara Berot (publisher Streetcar Books; ISBN 978-0-9748899-1-7 Price £14.50).

In Lies & Liberation: The Rape of Europa, Barbara Berot examines love in its many manifestations and turns upside down some of our most closely-held ideas of what it means to love. She explores the nature of commitment and creates a scenario that pits the challenge of being true to oneself against responsibility to family and society. However, while this novel deals with important themes, it is, at its heart, a very human story, full of passion, with twists and surprises throughout. And it is the humanity of the story that makes it so eminently readable.

The story continues Annie d’Inard’s search for happiness begun in When Europa Rode the Bull and follows her conflicting love for two men: Andrew Stuart-Gordon, an aristocratic Scotsman and Mike Rutledge, a successful American attorney. Annie has hard choices to make, formidable obstacles to overcome, and she meets them head-on. Berot balances her strong heroine against a truly malevolent adversary and uses his villainy to show what happens when evil is covered up rather than confronted.

The novel is peopled with well-drawn characters, including Annie herself; Janet, the possessive, self-destructive wife; Mary, the patrician mother; Annie’s servants, Lisette and Didier, worldly-wise as only the French can be, and numerous others. Annie’s extraordinary quest is played out in settings worthy of its grand scale: dramatic architecture, lush private gardens and the stunning scenery of the Scottish Highlands and the vineyards of Southern France, all described with an attention to detail reminiscent of the novels of an earlier era. I was there in each sumptuous place. I especially loved being vicariously piped to sleep during the Laird’s Day celebration in a Scottish castle and eavesdropping on a tête-à-tête with a very special guest – I won’t spoil it by telling you her name.

Berot is a born storyteller. Her vocabulary is extensive, yet accessible, and perhaps most important, she believes in her own characters. I was hooked from beginning to end, reading “just one more page” well into the night – and reaching for the tissue box more than once. *

Creator of the Riverview Manor mystery series: Put Out the Light – Avalon Books, June 2005; Consider the Lilly – coming from Avalon in February 2008.

Why buy mass-produced when you can buy your future antiques? Affordable, accessible art from Scotland and across the world Paintings: Sculpture: Furniture: Jewellery: Ceramics: Handmade Clocks: Handmade Mirrors: Useful Art 43 South Street, St. Andrews, Tel: 01334 478221 Mon – Sat 9.30 – 5.30 and 22 King Street, Crieff, Tel: 01764 755722 Tue – Sat 10.00 – 5.00 You can also shop securely online at www.arteryuk.com

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SHOPS & SERVICES

Albany HOTEL the

Award Winning Fish & Chip Shop 2006 and 2007 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

Soyez les bienvenus chez Le Rendezvous!

You are always welcome at The Rendezvous!

82 Market Street, St Andrews, 01334 461020.

Private events a speciality.

Catered for over 2500 guests at the Kinkell May Ball 2007

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 www.oneoone.co.uk

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KEBABS, PIZZAS, BURGERS sit in, or take away Open daily, 12 noon till late Lunchtime offers with free canned drink, Monday to Friday, noon to 3pm Deliveries in the St Andrews area 52-54 Market Street, St Andrews, KY16 9NT Tel: 01334 471000 / 473165

SHOPS & SERVICES It’s always worth going that little bit further out for a good meal, as Catherine McDonald and Flora Selwyn will confirm.

Happy Eating!

The warmth of Rufflets Country House Hotel where the dessert plates had little on the Strathkinness Low Road welcomed indentations all around them for a Catherine McDonald and me on a chilly day at sample of everything on the sweet the end of March. We were about to be two of trolley! Come to think of it, I haven’t those “ladies who lunch”! seen an old-fashioned sweet trolley Our table was in the newly refurbished anywhere for a very long time.

Library, with white linen cloths elegantly Catherine preferred the Selection of covering the attractively-laid tables. Otherwise Scottish Cheeses served with Apples, the faux bookshelves, a witty extravaganza, Celery, grapes, and Rufflets Chutney, still decorate the walls. The Music Room bar and a variety of delicate oat cakes. remains an essential stop-off for the whisky We both enjoyed lingering over lover, and the extensive wine list is still one of espresso coffees in the lounge at the the best in the area in terms of value. end of our meal, then wandered in the The lunch menu – available from Monday beautiful garden abounding with signs to Saturday, 12 noon of spring. to 2.00pm – had an The meal, appetising choice of we agreed, dishes. There were 4 had been absolutely starters, 5 main courses, delightful, a feast for and 4 sweets to choose the eye as well as the from, followed by 4 palate. There’s very different coffees, ordinary real skill in producing and speciality teas, and a well-balanced hot chocolate. meal, leaving one After some pleasantly satisfied discussion, Catherine without being stuffed. decided on Risotto of I hadn’t particularly Crab and Fennel with taken note of the Pancetta Crisp and Citrus words, “oven-roasted” Dressing – “very delicate in the description of and palatable, with its my starter, so I was complimentary lemony surprised to find a Gavin dressing,” – followed by warm tomato in my Pan-seared Bream with Herbed Potatoes, mouth! It went remarkably well with the rocket Mixed Greens, Hollandaise Sauce. I chose to and dressing, though it would never have start with Rocket and Parmesan Salad with occurred to me to Oven-roasted Vine Tomatoes, and Balsamic marry warm with cold Reduction. Then because I couldn’t resist like that. But that’s fish, I plumped for the same main course as the sort of surprise Catherine.

I like. The bream Catherine treated herself to a half bottle was succulent, well of Marques de Riscal Rioja, which, she said, supported by the “was beautifully served, I hoped it would have perfectly cooked a rich, oaky taste, and it had – that’s what I vegetables. Catherine like! And it left a lovely taste in my mouth for met one cheese and the rest of the afternoon.” Being the driver I a dark oat cake that erred on the safe side with a glass of House were new to her, and Chardonnay. which she liked very much. My dessert melted Desserts are always my delight, so I in my mouth.

Stephen Owen, who was appointed relished my Apple Shortcake with Mascarpone Sherbet and Apple Sauce. I tend to trot out as General Manager in September 2005, my greed in recounting a detour long years outlined the fresh approach he’s taking. He ago to a Michelin 3-star restaurant in France is intent on offering his visitors “good, honest cooking.” Neither ‘bar food’ nor ‘restaurant food’ – Stephen says he “doesn’t like to have it labelled.” He is full of praise for head chef Mark Nixon, who together with sous chef Kyle Davies are the driving force in the kitchen. Stephen went on to explain that, “we can vary what we do, change with the seasons, and that allows the kitchen to be creative. We’re here to offer choice, not educate our customers.” The menu therefore changes daily. Traditional Sunday lunch is served in the

Manager Stephen Owen restaurant. In summer, meals can be enjoyed in the garden.

Rufflets goes out of its way to please.

Stephen told us of one visitor who had had his fill of eating out and said he longed for simple beans on toast. The waiter arrived at his table bearing a covered dish. With due dignity the cover was lifted, to reveal…beans on toast!

Local produce, especially seafood, is a priority. Vegetables and herbs used to come from the Hotel’s own garden, but an extension is currently being built there, which will cater separately for weddings and other functions (allowing the ordinary day-to-day business of the Hotel to carry on at the same time). A field beyond the garden will become the new vegetable, flower, and herb plot.

The Hotel staff are a veritable United Nations, at the moment with 9 languages between them, including Afrikaans.

After almost two years at the hotel, Stephen is delighted to be managing such a beautiful property. Rufflets is in good hands; hardly surprising, therefore, that this year it has won the title of Country House Hotel of the Year, at the Scottish Hotels of the Year awards. Warm congratulations!

The meal, we agreed, had been absolutely delightful, a feast for the eye as well as the palate

Del (Photos courtesy Rufflets Hotel)

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SHOPS & SERVICES This magazine has twice lauded our devoted postal workers (issues 7 & 13).

Now, with drastic changes in the offing, Pat Anthony recalls her Clothes of distinction — here for you . . .

205 South Street St Andrews Fife KY16 9EF Tel: 01334 474 999

Memories of St Andrews Post Office nearly 50 years ago In 1959 I returned to my native city after a of narrow paper emerge from a machine. two-year stint as a Postal & Telegraph Officer This was a telegram coming through from in London. A general knowledge and maths Buckingham Palace to congratulate a couple exam had been held in 1957 to appoint on their Diamond Wedding. The message someone to the St Andrews office. Lewis was then stuck on to a standard form and Rodger, another native St Andrean, attained delivered to the recipients by a telegram boy. the highest mark and was given the job.

In those days sickness benefit I was offered the chance to work in cheques were cashed in the post office London in a busy branch office in Moorgate in and I remember a colleague adjusting his the heart of the city. I spent two happy years spectacles, holding the benefit cheque at there before becoming homesick. I didn’t arms length and enquiring of the bemused have a job when I arrived back in St Andrews, customer, “Are you better?” When issuing but walked into the local a 7/6d dog licence to post office and asked a young man I was the nightly balance could to see the supervisor. amused to be told on sometimes last until 8pm. asking his name that it Amazingly, I was asked if I could start work the Lassie.

If your colleagues wanted wasWe following Monday as a had no to finish early and your relief P&TO covering St calculators or Andrews and Anstruther. computers then and the till couldn’t balance, you The long wooden nightly balance could were very unpopular! counter at that time sometimes last until stretched along the left8pm. If your colleagues hand wall, and not every position dealt with wanted to finish early and your till couldn’t all transactions as today. Parcels and stamps balance, you were very unpopular! Nearly 50 were at the far end. There were always years on I can still add a column of figures in queues, but not as long as they are today. a trice.

Postal orders, dog licences, national savings My working colleagues were Marian stamps and certificates were the most Milne, Margaret Finlay, George Gibson, common purchases and nearly everyone had Jimmy Souter, Willie Myles, Fergie Calder, a Post Office savings book. We were taught and Lewis Rodger. Two of the cheery postal to remember the acronym CAIRO when workers in the back room were Ian Burgess issuing tax discs – Cash, Application form, and Jimmy Bruce. I enjoyed my time at the Insurance, Registration, and Old licence. We local post office as they were a friendly, did a brisk trade in telegrams, Friday being helpful bunch, much as the present staff who particularly busy for Saturday weddings. serve us today.

We had to count the number of words and Wanderlust struck again and after 18 months I went off to Derby to be a psychiatric charge so much a word. Andy Cumming was in charge of telegraphy and while in his office nurse for the next 35 years, but that’s another one day I was astonished to see a stream story.

Safety Panel

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SHOPS & SERVICES

Roving Reporter — was impressed by the hard work being put into the launch of Fine Rogerson Footware, 74-76 Market Street, (01334 473 730), the latest improvement to the retail scene in St Andrews. It has introduced a “vibrant atmosphere” in which “to buy a fantastic range of quality footware”. A family-owned business, with its Head Office in Peebles, William and Sarah Rogerson are the fourth generation to run this prestigious enterprise, started in 1905. This is their 14th shop in Scotland! “We sell a unique range of quality footware for adults”, said manageress Ruth Wood, adding, “We give a really excellent customer service. We advise on the best brands for customers’ feet. The girls are all well trained and keen to help you make the best choice.

All brands are different, some wider, some deeper, or narrower, some giving more support, and so on.” The shop sells over 35 brands, Reporter learned, many unique to Rogerson. Their core brands include Gabor; Vandal; Mephisto; Ecco; plus many other European brands. “We’re not an extreme fashion shop,” Ruth assured Reporter,”quality, comfort, and value are very important. We sell only the best shoes available.” Prices are wide-ranging, but quality will always come top of the equation!

Welcome, happy feet, says Reporter brightly!

*****

2. Jamie Carver has rejuvenated St Andrews Golf Store, at 1c St Mary’s Place, St Andrews (01334 476 796). Jamie told Reporter that some 16 years back he worked for Jim Farmer, who owned the shop for 20 years. In fact ‘weel-kent’ manageress Linda Cooper and her staff have stayed on, lending continuity to the business. Jamie’s family are all Fifers, and although Jamie himself was born south of the border, he has been a member of St Andrews Golf Club since his teens. For the past 9 years, Jamie has been attached to golf clubs all round Scotland, gaining wide experience as a PGA Professional.

It is this which makes his new venture so instantly successful, for he is able to give his customers sound, professional advice on all their purchases. In fact, this is the only shop in the centre of the town to have a golf pro. and one, in addition, who teaches once a week at the driving range. Apart from golfing visitors, Jamie is “trying to cater for the home market as well, the positive side of being something a bit

different.” So, although about a third of the stock is “designed around the Old Course”, there is plenty to attract everyone, young and old alike. Jamie’s mission is customer satisfaction with a friendly, approachable ethos. With two young daughters, Jamie intends to settle here “for a long-term stop.

Besides, it’s drier over here!” Reporter is relieved, since he says St Andrews is all the better for this wonderful shop.

*****

3. Reporter is truly lucky – once more he chanced to discover newcomers, and they were just shutting the door! However, he was humoured, and allowed in to meet Susan Allan and her daughter Eve Gilmour, who were getting their new venture organised, Time & Tide, 141 South Street, St Andrews (01334 461 427).

Here is another welcome addition to the family-owned retail trade. It has been Susan’s dream to restore furniture, “I’ve always had an interest in it,” so this is the main basis of their trade. Reporter was shown an “Edwardian oak dressing chest” from which Susan had removed all the old, dark varnish, to discover “the signature of the maker, a St Andrews man!

And the date, 1909” – almost 100 years old. Susan deals in items to her own taste that she would enjoy having in her own home, but she is taking her time to get a feel for her customers’ wishes.

Eve will be helping. Husband Douglas is a photographer, as well as a wood-turner making ornamental bowls etc. Sister-in-law, Issy Pitcairn, makes wonderful craft work: embroidered hand-made cushions; throws; and Susan showed Reporter a Chinese quilt that was soft and luxurious. All the craft objects for sale are “one-offs, completely original.” Reporter had never before seen a fascinating “root wood” casual table made of elm. And there are kists of all kinds; pirate, silver, blanket. Go and look, he says!

4. Natasha Saunders wrote this for Reporter, who is happy to add it to his column, having already sampled some of Zest’s delights!

The Juiciest News in Town Pardon the pun, but in a town with as many coffee bars as actual bars, and more golf shops than one cares to count, St Andrews finally has something new!

Zest, a juice bar, has recently opened on South Street, and is already a favourite amongst students and families alike. The fully open front, leather armchairs, and modern décor instantly catch the eye of passers-by, and the staff are out-going and always up for a chat, giving the place a real community feel: Zest is a place for town AND gown!

Smoothies like the Hangover Helper and the Stress Relief Booster are bound to be popular with the student population, but Zest is also the perfect place to take the family for lunch or a quick treat. 100% natural ingredients, fresh juices, Kidz Smoothies, and a wide selection of salads, wraps, and paninis, offer great-tasting, but healthy and balanced meals. If you fancy something sweet then as well as the great selection of freshly baked cakes, why not try some of the award-winning Mackie’s ice cream? And for all you caffeine lovers, do not despair, Zest has a wide range of coffee and teas to keep you going.

As well as being the first juice bar in St Andrews, there is something else unique about Zest: the boosters. These are supplements tailored to help your body’s specific nutritional needs. Feeling a little under the weather? Why not add a Flu Fighter supplement to your smoothie, or try a shot of Wheatgrass? Feel like you need a detox? Add the antioxidant booster. But don’t worry; they are all 100% natural. The kids are bound to love the Banana Man, Funky Monkey, and Mr Incredible smoothies. But if nothing on the menu strikes your fancy then you can design your own smoothie! With plenty of booster supplements, fresh fruit and juices to choose from Zest really does have something for everyone. So whether you’re on your way to a lecture, out with the family, or just looking for a place to relax and watch the world go by, then “Come and savour the taste of Zest!”

L to R: Peter McNeely, Assistant Manager; Joanne Dexter, Owner; Lisa Cathro, Manager.

*****

*****

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David orr, Marketing & Sales Manager, says, “Excitement, diversity, family fun, education, community, opportunity, fun, great entertainment!” – that’s the next

Summer of Family Fun at the Byre All of those words can accurately describe our summer programme. It is an exciting time at the Byre Theatre; we have come a long way in the past year, as this new programme shows.

The changes haven’t just been on stage, but with plenty of action off stage too, such as the retirement of our Managing director Tom Gardner.

With 17 years’ service to the Byre, Tom can count the creation of the new 5-star theatre as one of his proudest moments in a long successful career.

Leading the way forward for the Byre now is our new Chief Executive, Jacqueline mcKay. Jacqueline arrives at the Byre from North Edinburgh Arts Centre, a venue synonymous with high quality theatre-for-all, and commitment to communities and family involvement.

These values are highlighted throughout our summer programme.

25th Pittenweem Arts Festival Over 90 Exhibitions 4-12

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Elizabeth Blackadder John Houston August 2007 The Edinburgh Quartet Christopher Rush Rocket 88 Ian Stewart Tribute Art Cinema Children’s Workshops Fireworks www.pittenweemartsfestival.co.uk

PITTENWEEM ARTS FESTIVAL 2007

EVENTS

On stage this summer Commencing from June, we have an exciting mix of theatre, music, family fun, and dance, including choreographer david Hughes, but more on him later.

Into July & hot on the heels of last year’s Roald Dahl sell-out success, “The Twits”, Birmingham Stage Theatre in Association with The Byre Theatre present dahl’s “George’s marvellous medicine”, adapted by Stuart Paterson. See a trailer of the show on www.birminghamstage.net Follow George as he dabbles in medicine to make a potion that will make his miserable old granny less nasty! It doesn’t quite work out as planned in this hilarious classic children’s tale.

The National Theatre of Scotland partners and the Byre bring you the multi-award-winning production Wolves in the Walls, before it tours to the USA. Take the opportunity to visit the Wolves as they appear at The Byre from 7th – 25th August.

Lucy hears wolves in the walls of the old house where her family lives, but at first no-one believes her. Her jam-making mother, tuba-playing father, and video game obsessed brother think the noises are really mice, or rats, or bats. But they are wrong, and she is right, as they will all soon find out. . .

To round off the Byre’s vibrant summer season entertainment, what better way to finish than to have a play, a pie & a pint? Yes, Oran Mor comes to the Byre for a three-day festival celebrating the very best of Oran more! Featuring 4 shows from the successful Glasgow company; relax at lunchtime and enjoy the show, or enjoy a double bill in the evening. New one-act plays, written, directed, and performed by many of Scottish theatres’ leading lights! children’s workshop with Baloo!

And for all the kids inspired by what they see on stage, we present a great opportunity to try acting and performing for themselves. Join Baloo, Shere Khan & Mowgli in the Jungle Book. symG will provide children & young people with the opportunity to develop existing skills, or to get an introduction to acting with this fun 7- day summer school, ending with a production of the Rudyard Kipling classic adventure, so giving the actors the opportunity to show off their new skills! An opportunity that will inspire, create, and excite.

Introducing our new partners Reflecting the diversity of our programme this season we would like to introduce our two new partners in residence at the Byre, The david Hughes dance Group, and Al Seed. Through the SAC partners project both artists and their collaborators will be based at The Byre Theatre to develop their own professional work whilst working with the community to introduce and develop dance & physical theatre. This is an exciting opportunity for the artists, the Byre, and the Fife community to learn from some of the UK’s most respected dance and physical theatre artists.

The Byre’s vision to offer a creative space to nurture and platform new and exciting work in the arts takes off this summer!

Great food for all the family!

We don’t just do great theatre and education. We do great food too and to complement our new programme we’re re-launching our menu. Don’t miss our new menus, themed for families to relish. Are you brave enough to try some of George’s medicine?

For tickets and further information call 01334 475 000 or visit www.byretheatre.com Excitement, diversity, family fun, education, community, opportunity, fun…all summer long at the Byre. – See you there!

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George and Grandma (Photo courtesy of the Byre)

EVENTS

Selected Events Now until Sunday, 26 August – St Andrews Museum, Kinburn Park. OK, OKAY – the art of communication. Varied work by contemporary artists, making us reconsider familiar forms of communication. Fife Contemporary Art & Craft. Curated by Dundee-based artists Stuart Fallon, and Charlotte Jones. Open daily 10am-5pm, admission free.

Now until Sunday, 23 September – 2.00-5.00pm daily. Preservation Trust Museum, North Street, St Andrews. Speak Up! Communication in St Andrews. How people communicated in St Andrews; part of a series called ‘Making Connections’ organised by the Fife Museums Forum.

Admission free.

– The Bell Pettigrew Museum of Natural History is again open on Tuesday and Friday afternoons. Follow the signs from South Street through St. Mary’s Quad to the School of Biology, Bute Buildings. Admission, as always, is free.

Sunday, 1 July – 6.00pm Fairmont Hotel, St Andrews. Scottish Chamber Orchestra. Music by Mozart, Schubert. Director from the violin, Alexander Janiczek. The East Neuk Festival: tickets from the Byre Theatre Box Office, 01334 475000, email, boxoffice@byretheatre.com Friday, 6 July – 7.30pm at Kellie Castle, Pittenweem. The Fife Strathspey & Reel Society – an evening of Scottish music and song. Tickets £10, concessions, £8 Contact Kellie Castle, 01333 720 271.

Tuesday, 10 July – 12.45pm. St Andrews Cathedral. Recital, on the replica Queen Mary Harp – Simon Chadwick Contact: simon@simonchadwick.net Friday, 20 July – 7.30pm at Kellie Castle, Pittenweem. Simon Thacker Classical guitar recital. In the interval, a complimentary glass of wine. Tickets £10, concessions £8 Contact Kellie Castle, 01333 720 271.

Thursday, 26th July – 6.00pm at Waterstones Bookshop, Market Street. British author Lesley Riddoch will be talking about and signing copies of her new book in store.

Details: www.waterstones.com Saturday, 28 July – 9.45 -11.30am. The Town Hall, St Andrews.

Coffee Morning. The Madeleine Steel Charitable Trust.

Contact: 01334 472 877.

Sunday, 29 July – Friday, 3 August – St Andrews International Football Festival. Details Lyn Barnett: 01686 622 666.

Sunday, 29 July – North Haugh, St Andrews. Highland Games. Contact: Ian Grieve, 01334 476 305.

– 2.00pm. Botanic Garden, Canongate. Guided Walk celebrating the Linnaean Tercentenary.

– 7.30-11.00pm Boys Brigade Hall, Kinnessburn Road, St Andrews. Traditional Ceilidh Dance. Gary Sutherland Ceilidh Band; Guest singer, Charlie Braid. Tickets at the door £6 (children under 12 Free). Raffle in aid of the Nathan Johnston Trust. Bring your own refreshments. Contact: 01334 472 375.

Friday, 3 to Tuesday, 7 August – Lammas Fair. Contact: Fife Council, 01334 417 846.

Saturday, 4 to Sunday, 12 August – opening at dusk, Fireworks with Music. Pittenweem Arts Festival – one of Scotland’s major art events, attracting over 20,000 people in 2006 – celebrates 25 years. Booking opens on 9 July. Telephone 01333 313 903.

Information: www.pittenweemartsfestival.co.uk Sunday, 5 August – 2.00pm. Botanic Garden, Canongate. Guided Walk celebrating the Linnaean Tercentenary.

Wednesday, 8 August – 7.30pm at Kellie Castle, Pittenweem.

Antonio De Innocentis – classical guitar recital. In the interval, a complimentary glass of wine. Tickets £10, concessions £8.

Contact Kellie Castle, 01333 720 271.

Tuesday, 14 August – 12.45pm. St Andrews Cathedral. Recital, the replica Queen Mary Harp – Simon Chadwick Contact: simon@simonchadwick.net Sunday, 26 August – 12 noon-4.00pm. St Andrews Harbour Gala.

The Madras Pipe Band will process down South St and the Pends to open the Gala. New attraction – Giant Slide (not into the water!). Refreshment tent. Volunteers needed, contact: David Martin, 07778618634 or Alison Gilmour (evenings), 01334 473536.

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ORGANISATIONS Manager Patrick Laughlin reports on

“World Class” Plans for the Year Ahead The St Andrews World Class Initiative has produced its Action Plan for 2007 and 2008. The ambitious document describes a wealth of projects to be undertaken, all aimed at helping the town to become an even better place in which to live and work, as well as improving its appeal to visitors.

Taking its cue from the findings of the independent “Town Audit” carried out in late 2006, the Action Plan aims to tackle a range of infrastructure and skills issues. Amongst the main projects being mooted are: 1 A new integrated system of signposting: replacing the piecemeal existing pedestrian signs (pictured) with a new, sympathetically designed signing system which links all the major attractions and locations in the town centre to gateway points and key car parks. Also, reducing the visually intrusive clutter of road signposts by combining and Current signs rationalising them are not always where possible. attractive 2 Installation of high-quality visitor interpretation throughout the town centre – the aim being to remove old information panels and in their place provide attractive, high quality, consistent, environmentally sensitive, accessible, and enjoyable sources of interpretation, at a large number of locations around the town – ideally, using a range of interpretative techniques other than simply traditional fixed panels.

3 Helping provide an even higher standard of service skills. The intention is to bring together all existing training provision for employers by establishing a “Skills Academy” in St Andrews, focusing on developing skills and training for tourism, hospitality, and leisure businesses.

5 Major environmental upgrading to Market Street, the town’s main commercial thoroughfare, which, it is generally agreed, is less attractive than it should be (pictured).

Widespread public consultation on the different options being considered will begin later in the year.

4 A variety of events with local schools, aimed at promoting tourism and hospitality as a first choice career. These include the successful “Discovery Trail” (pictured) which had 320 young people from five local secondary schools participating this year.

Local pupils get into the swing of the Discovery Trail at the British Golf Museum These are just a few of the Initiative’s ambitious plans for the next 18 months as it aims to help St Andrews move from being simply world famous to being both world famous and world class.

Most would agree that Market Street is far from being “world class” at present

For further information, visit the website at http://vision.standrewsworldclass.com or contact the Initiative’s Manager, Patrick Laughlin, at pl18@st-andrews.ac.uk

Janet Torley introduces

March and continues to meet on the The small Business Club launched recently in Cupar, bringing its second Thursday of each month at unique blend of informal networking and business development 4.00 pm. opportunities to the small business community of Cupar and North Janet continues, “Our early East Fife. St Andrews in Focus recently caught up with founder meetings in Cupar have been Janet Torley from Fife. Janet explained, “I set up as a self-employed fantastic, and the event organiser in 2005 and, of course, tried out all the buzz in the venue different networking groups in Fife. But I soon found was amazing. Cupar that I was missing something – the chance to keep There are now seems ready for some improving my business skills as well as networking.

There wasn’t anything to offer this in Fife, so I set up ten clubs across fresh new networking opportunities and a group myself starting off in Dunfermline at East End Scotland I really hope that Park in September 2005. I honestly thought that a few The small Business Janet Torley friends and colleagues would come along and then it Club can deliver would drop off. But there were over 30 people at the that. I would encourage any small business to come along and first event and it has never stopped since then” give it a try. If anyone is interested all they need to do is visit Janet quickly developed the club with the informal and www.thesmallbusinessclub.co.uk to find out how to book” informative format of asking various members to share tops hints Janet recently won the prestigious “Most Enterprising Business and tips in their area of business expertise, which let fellow business 2007” award run by Fife Women In Business, when the judging panel owners and entrepreneurs improve their own business. 2006 was commented on the guts and determination taken to develop her a period of getting the business model in shape and Janet started business so quickly starting with nothing. Janet finished by saying, to see that there was a nationwide gap in the market for affordable, “Being part of The small Business Club network is so exciting and I friendly networking groups. There are now ten clubs across would encourage anyone in business to give it a try” Scotland. At the turn of the year, Janet started to recruit a group of licencees to run clubs further afield and felt the time was right to (Photos courtesy of Janet Torley) head north to Cupar. The first club launched at Elmwood House in

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ORGANISATIONS Veronica Wootton, Publicity Committee Member for the SSAFA in Service Volunteers would like to know if you

Want to Make a Difference?

Have you time to make a real difference? If you have, then RAF Leuchars detachments, and training. We have a constant need are on a drive to recruit more volunteers for use within our Service for more volunteers. community. SSAFA Forces Help is the Volunteers are vetted, interviewed, national charity for serving and ex-Service Community Volunteers have proved invaluable approved, and then given training men and women as well as Service covering a wide variety of topics. This to the Service community and have been a families in need. The initials stand for includes improving skills in listening, lifeline for many families and single personnel Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, & Families in communication, how to deal with Association. Anyone over 18 can apply to children, knowing about other welfare be a volunteer. agencies and resources in the area, and also some child protection We already have some volunteers who have undergone training, but training. Community Volunteers are supported on the Station by due to the dynamic nature of the Forces, many are lost through postings, the Volunteer Coordinator and the SSAFA field worker, who acts as consultant to the project. There is also a Volunteer Development Manager for Scotland who links local projects with SSAFA Central Office in London and makes sure there is access to any training or events run nationally.

Community Volunteers have proved invaluable to the Service community and have been a lifeline for many families and single personnel. If you become a volunteer you could end up walking a dog, escorting clients to hospital, or befriending someone who feels isolated, which might not seem a lot, but can mean a great deal to someone in need.

Our newly-formed Committee will also concentrate on fundraising to directly help our own serving individuals and families here at RAF Leuchars, as well as community projects, if our funds allow. If you can help with fundraising, please let us know. Just a few hours a week is all that is required, but we do need people who are committed and enthusiastic. Age is immaterial and experience is not essential as we offer excellent training and on-the-ground support.

Becoming a volunteer is a rewarding, challenging experience.

If you are based near RAF Leuchars and are interested then please contact Jennie Brown, the Volunteer Development Manager for Scotland: 01334 871384; email jennie.b@ssafa.org.uk or Jo Hamblin, SSAFA Field Worker: 01334 839 471 ext 7318.

(Photo by RAF Leuchars photo section)

Judith Steel writes about the

Madeleine Steel Memorial Fellowship Charity registration number: SCO 33732. Tax reference CR 54106 The first Madeleine Steel fellowship was awarded in 2005. The second, in 2006, enabled a trainee specialist from Newcastle to travel to Toronto to learn a special diagnostic technique using follow-up of patients who have

Made by Judith Steel for guess-the-weight on 28 July, coffee morning (see Selected Events)

had surgery for a complex heart abnormality, “Fallot’s tetralogy”. The third (2007) has been awarded to a London-based doctor in the final stages of specialist training before taking up a consultant appointment in the UK. She is studying advanced techniques in cardiac imaging at the Boston children’s hospital, USA. We shall be able to advertise further fellowships of £5000 for at least the next three years. There has been strong competition for the awards and we hope it will be possible to extend the scheme for many more years and to encourage more applications from nurses, radiographers, and other members of the professions allied to medicine. The scheme is administered by the British Paediatric Cardiac Association.

The family of Madeleine Steel set up this travel fellowship in 2005. The fellowship will be offered on an annual competitive basis to doctors and allied health professionals working in congenital heart disease in the United

The ‘New’

David Brown Gallery

Kingdom. It will enable the holder to travel to a centre of excellence in North America (or, in exceptional circumstances, elsewhere) to gain experience, learn a new technique or conduct research that will benefit children with congenital heart disease in the UK. Madeleine Louise Steel, universally loved as “Maddy” was born on June 5th 200I in the Simpson Memorial Pavilion in Edinburgh. She was Andrew and Nonny’s first child and was cherished by all her family.

Maddy died in her mother’s arms on November 24th 2001, following essential heart surgery for a severe form of congenital heart disease, but her memory and her fight go on in the treasured memories of her family and in the practical form of the Fellowship established in her name.

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Jewellery repairs, restringing, engraving.

Jewellery design service, with the Exclusive St Andrews Hallmark.

At The David Brown Gallery, 9 Albany Place, St Andrews Tel: 01334 477 840 Open Mon – Sat, 10am – 1pm and 2pm – 5pm.

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ORGANISATIONS Tracy Buchan shares an original way to promote

Learning for Life – embracing core values A brisk early morning walk along the East So what had brought on this deep, Sands invigorating both the body and mind, I contemplative mood, and stirred childhood found myself drifting in thought, contemplation memories? I stumbled upon an organisation as deep as the sea before me. Where do we called Learning for Life, which runs a project get our inspiration from? Inspiration comes encouraging young people to reflect on their in many forms; I tend to personal development; be inspired most often ideas for successful living; it doesn’t matter who by nature; flowers in their how to turn things around you are, or where you eternal search for sunshine, and develop relationships. buzzing bees going about The project, directed by Sir Tom Farmer presents come from, work hard David Lorimer, MA, PGCE, their highly organised duties a regional award and strive to be the – but what of the other FRSA, a local writer, influences in our lives? We Tessa Ewart from George Heriot’s School best person you can be lecturer, and editor, was know that we are touched successfully piloted during decided on a more poetical approach in her by people we meet, or learn about, but can our 2005-2006. Twenty schools took part in the description of friendship: lives really change through such influences?

Values Poster Competition. Since then the To My Pal – I believe they can, I distinctly remember project has grown in leaps and bounds, with Does anyone know?

Mr Devlin, who taught our class in an inner city new additional regional competitions and soon Does anyone care? primary school. His approach seemed very it may expand over the border to schools in Where you go, or how you fare? strict, too strict in our young eyes. He didn’t do England.

Whether you smile or whether you sigh, things the same as other teachers, he referred Funded by the Templeton Foundation, the Whether you laugh or whether you cry, to us by our surnames, and created ‘News project provides schools with free teaching Glad when you’re happy, sad when you’re blue, Talks’ – each morning we discussed current resources and materials, as well as £50 prize Does anyone care what becomes of you? events. What I couldn’t see at the time, but money for the winners in each class, up to a I do pal – I’ll say I do. appreciated much later, is the real difference limit of £250 per school. The real reward, of When asked to write about inspirational people, he made by his encouragement. Often in the course, is in the work produced by the pupils, many chose famous figures, popular choices afternoon, after our work was complete, he such heart-warming insights and wisdom from being Martin Luther King, Nelson Mandela, would animatedly describe anecdotes of the the young people of Scotland.

Mahatma Ghandi, and Dame Kelly Holmes, but ‘Black Street Kids’, children from an even more Holly May Thomson, a second-year pupil at some not-so-famous inspiration figures, have deprived area, and their struggle to get on in Pitlochry High School reflects on happiness: touched the lives of our younger generation too: life, how their determination and hard work “I think happiness is important because Michael Lucas Paas, firstcould get them where they wanted to go. In being happy makes other year student at the High turn he had anecdotes of the ‘Hutchy Grammar people happy. When you The real reward, of School of Dundee chose Boys’ from the local private education school smile at someone they smile course, is in the work Hayley O’Kimes and has and how, despite their improved education and back, then they feel better class, they often had the very same struggles. about themselves and smile produced by the pupils this to say about her: “Hayley is eight years I never found out if any of his tales were at someone else” old and suffers from the fatal genetic condition true, but both versions resulted in the same Jennifer Lothian, in her second year at the Progeria, which accelerates aging from High School of Dundee, on positive outlook: message: it doesn’t matter who you are, or about 18 months after birth. Children with the where you come from, work hard and strive to “A positive outlook is the most crucial condition eventually die from heart disease at be the best person you can be. I am sure now aspect of social development. It increases an average age of 13, or if they are lucky they the whole class remembers him with fondness your enthusiasm and focuses your attention. live to about 21. I choose this little girl as my and are thankful he became our teacher.

It makes you more content and boosts your inspiration because, despite knowing she is He touched our lives, gave us ambition and self-esteem. It helps you set higher standards going to die, she refuses to give in to it. She the belief we could do better – bless you Mr and to learn from your mistakes, so further lives as normal a life as she can and devotes a Devlin! developing yourself as an individual.” lot of her time raising money for other children with her condition, inspiring us all. To me Hayley shows how important life is and that even when everything seems to be against you, you just don’t stand back and feel sorry for yourself, but make the most of what you’ve got. Hayley is an inspiration to children with disabilities, celebrities, and the rest of us, to make the most of our lives and to give as much as we can” These are just a few of the outstanding entries from previous competitions, there are many more available on their website – www.learningforlife.org.uk This year the hope is that even more schools will become involved. All schools are welcome to take part, and are being individually invited to compete. If your school would like to take part, but hasn’t yet received an invitation, or you run a company that would like to sponsor this most worthwhile cause, please contact: www.learningforlife.org.uk Learning for Life, Gibliston Mill, Colinsburgh, Leven, Fife, KY9 1JS Phone: 01333 340490 admin@learningforlife.org.uk Sir Tom Farmer with David Lorimer, Judges Julia Ogilvy and Prof John Haldane, back row.

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(Photos courtesy John Caton)

TOWN & GOWN Danielle Johnson and Amaury Triaud organised

An Exhibition On the 8th May, just as St Andrews’ students and staff were preparing themselves for a fortnight incarcerated inside during the exam period, two students, Danielle Johnson, and Amaury Triaud – also known as Nahiz (see St Andrews in Focus issue 20) – organised an exhibition of their respective photographic works.

The exhibition was the product of a joint desire to show friends, lecturers, and some townspeople the result of artistic endeavours spanning a three-year period. A collection of thirty pieces, presented as mounted prints and photos on canvas were on show. The and providing English language tuition, supporting local handicrafts subject of the photographs – mainly inspired by abstract nature patterns, through the running of an artisan school which trains young people in but also featuring street photographs and interior views – varied as much woodworking and weaving, and the support of an orphanage in Lhasa, as their locations, which ranged from the UK to France, with more than the capital of Tibet. This July, Danielle will be half the works taken in the East Neuk. spending three weeks visiting locations where The event was also an occasion to exhibit The exhibition was the product the TVP works. Her role will be a mixture of experiments with a new technique for the assessing the progress of TVP projects such presentation of the artists’ photographs. Two of a joint desire to show friends, mobile health clinics, teaching English in companies offered their support and help to lecturers, and some townspeople as village schools and orphanages and helping print several photographs on stretched canvas. to record Tibetan cultural practices such as To produce different effects, several sizes were the result of artistic endeavours folk music. Danielle hopes to use the money used, spanning from large 20x16 inch black spanning a three-year period raised from the sale of her photographs in and white works, to smaller square panels in order to pay for provisions for the villages colour. Fruit Art Ltd, of North Yorkshire, expertly she will visit, such as notebooks, pens, and warm clothes. She is also produced Nahiz’s canvasses while Danielle’s were very kindly donated currently looking for donations of useful equipment, such as good quality

by Portobello Art Ltd, of Kent. Both retailers can be found on the web at: clothing and educational resources. http://www.fruit-art.co.uk and http://www.portobelloart.co.uk The generosity of these two companies also allowed Danielle to For more details on the work of the Tibetan Village Project please visit further her goal of fundraising for a non-governmental organisation, the http://www.tibetanvillageproject.org Tibetan Village Project, which she will be working with this summer in A number of works are left for sale. For more details of Nahiz’s Tibet. The Tibetan Village Project helps to raise the standard of living for photographs, see http://nahiz.blogspot.com Danielle’s photographs are rural Tibetans by providing training in and supplies of indigenous herbal available for viewing by appointment: dej2@st-andrews.ac.uk medicines, building health clinics and bridges, handing out school supplies

The University of St Andrews Development Team has inaugurated,

‘St Andrews in the News’ an e-newsletter that brings you up to date with what’s happening in the University. With their permission, here are some extracts: ‘Phenomenal rise’ for University in latest rankings The University of St Andrews has been named fourth best university in the UK and the ‘big success story’ of this year’s Guardian University Guide.

The ranking is the highest ever achieved by the University in any league table and the placing is testament, not just to our continued strengths in research and teaching, but our sustained popularity with both existing and prospective students.

Individual subjects performed particularly well in the rankings with several being placed in the top five in the UK. New Art Competition Launched, Courtesy of The Vettriano Trust The University of St Andrews has launched an exciting new annual art competition, open to schools across Fife. The MUSA Young Artist Award, organised by the University of St Andrews and sponsored by The Vettriano Trust, aims to recognise and support creativity in schools, and to promote learning, using the University’s museum collections as a starting point. The award anticipates the creation of MUSA, the new Museum of St Andrews, due to open in summer 2008.

To make a donation or support MUSA, please contact: Development Office, University of St Andrews, Tel: 01334 462113, email: develop@st-andrews.ac.uk Chancellor leads the way in recognising sporting excellence In celebration of St Andrews’ centurieslong association with sporting excellence, the University has founded a Hall of Fame to recognise the distinguished sporting achievements of alumni, staff, and other close friends of the institution. Leading the first round of inductees was Sir Menzies Campbell, former Olympian and record-breaking sprinter, and now Chancellor of the University. Also recognised were famous golfers, including, Colin Montgomerie, Severiano Ballesteros, Peter Alliss, Jack Nicklaus, and Charlie Sifford, who all hold honorary degrees from the University.

Superbugs cured by bullfrogs?

Researchers at the University of St Andrews have co-opted the American bullfrog in their attempts to find a cure for MRSA. A team led

by Dr Peter Coote, of the University’s Centre for Biomolecular Science, has discovered that ranalexin, derived from the Rana frog species,

acts as an inhibitor on the bacterium when combined with another antimicrobial compound, offering a potentially novel way of combating MRSA via surface treatment or impregnation of wound dressings.

Pioneering Professors made Fellows of the Royal Society of Edinburgh The new St Andrews Fellows are Professors Kishan Dholakia (Physics & Astronomy), Michael Bird (Geography & Geosciences), John Beath (Economics & Finance), and Steve Buckland (Mathematics & Statistics).

University of St Andrews Scientists partner with M Squared to deliver further laser innovations Laser technology specialist M Squared has joined forces with the University of St Andrews to develop and commercialise a new micro system, which it claims could revolutionise the laser industry. The St Andrews approach provides high output power, high efficiency, and small device size, making it readily adaptable to industrial use. The uses may include hydrocarbon detection in mining operations and drug and bomb detection at airports.

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OUT & ABOUT Alistair Lawson, our intrepid countryside correspondent, sends this

Letter from the Antipodes (with apologies to the memory of the late Alistair Cooke)

to 4 million people), plus cattle, deer, Our last First Minister told us that and even alpacas, it may be that a little ”Scotland is the best small country rustling goes on, hence the defensiveness in the world”, and who would doubt of owners. The question of access is it? However, at the far end of further muddied by the shooting and the world’s longest air journey is trapping of the various vermin introduced “another Scotland”, a small country Mt Cook, highest point in to New Zealand by short-sighted with a not dissimilar population, Australasia, 2755m; ‘Aoraki’ Europeans, and which have become with strong Scottish connections or ‘cloud-piercer’ to the Maori pests: wild cats and dogs, possums and with a strong claim to that title: (some 70 million of them), stoats, weasels, and ferrets. These pests have New Zealand. Where else would A kea, the world’s only alpine had a catastrophic effect on habitat in general and on many of the native a pro rugby team be called “The parrot, encountered on the Kepler birds, including the kiwi, which have no natural defence against mammals, Highlanders” and where else (other Track, Fiordland, South Island New Zealand’s only native mammal being the bat. than Edinburgh) would one find In general, the private / public issue does not Hanover Street, Frederick Street, and Castle Street nestling cheek by jowl, as they do in Dunedin? seem to be acute; within certain recreational areas this writer was One could write several guide books’ worth about or on certain tracks, if one passes from DOC land to the varied charms of New Zealand, from the glaciers private land, notices say as much and enjoin due care interested to see and fjords to the volcanoes and geysers, but the and respect, and the system seems to work. Some how resources and theme of this column has always been countryside and 30% of New Zealand is managed as National Parks management compared (14), Conservation Parks (20) or as other sorts of recreation, and this writer was interested to see how resources and management compared with Scotland, reserve (3500!), so there is no shortage of managed with Scotland particularly in the light of (a) our Land Reform Act of recreational opportunities for the public, hence no 2003 and (b) New Zealand’s reputation for having an great pressure to use areas not so designated. egalitarian society, sharing land resources between owners and public.

A unique aspect of the access issue is that of Maori lands. Following New Zealand’s equivalent of our Scottish Natural Heritage is the new interpretation of the 1840 Treaty of Waitangi, certain areas have Department of Conservation (referred to familiarly as DOC), which been given back into Maori ownership. This does not mean that Maori people retreat into these areas and live as they did in the past; manages the trails – “tramping trails”, to be correct – of national conversely, it usually means that they take control of these lands and importance, above the local level. Many of these are classics and are manage them, in 21st century fashion, whether for farming, tourism, or known well beyond New Zealand: the Tongariro Crossing, the Abel commerce. From the standpoint of the visitor, the only problem arises with Tasman Trail, the Heaphy Track, the Routeburn Track, the Copeland spots or areas known to be sacred Track and the Kepler Track, to name just a few. These are well marked to the Maori, it being hard to know with yellow-on-green signs, boardwalks, bridges, and ladder steps, and whether these should be visited, out are equipped with huts at strategic intervals for those undertaking multiof interest, or avoided, out of respect. day hikes – sorry, “tramps”.

As a compromise, “managed cultural Certain things immediately strike the Scottish eye as being different: experiences” are available. (a) signs appear at distant path junctions, even in high or remote areas Viewed from here, the major and even in World Heritage Parks, whereas in Scotland there is an access problem is surviving the undercurrent of objection to any such suggestions; (b) the signs show never-ending flight; 12,000 miles at times, which is clearly meant to be helpful, 500 mph means some 24 hours in the but is not, because the times are so air – plus stops – but infinitely worth generous that users of average fitness it when you find what’s there at the easily better them, whereas in Scotland NZ Department of Conservation other end! we give people distances and leave them signposts in the Tongariro to assess for themselves how long the National Park, North Island (Photos courtesy of Alistair Lawson) route will take them; (c) the trails are just about litter-free and the huts are immune from vandalism, whereas in Scotland our local boneheads have long ago vandalised most of the remote and charming bothies in the Highlands; (d) it is hard to get lost, because the trails are often defined by dense “bush”, by swirling rivers or by drop-offs on one side and steep rock on Ngauruhoe, 2287m, one of the other, i.e. turning off to one side or the three volcanoes in the making one’s own route choice is just not Tongariro National Park an option.

All this is most refreshing and exciting, given that one is often surrounded by stunning coastal or glacial or volcanic scenery. It is all the more surprising, therefore, to find, on farmed ground, the occasional notice with the all too familiar words “Private – Keep Out”, even in situations where there is no immediate population catchment and where it is hard to imagine why any member of the public could possibly want to go onto such uninviting and apparently uninteresting ground. A little gentle questioning revealed that the “settler mindset” still lingers, and owners feel, as they do in Australia and the USA, that what they and previous generations have bought, cleared, worked, and brought into production is theirs, and is certainly not a free public resource. Given the amount of good provision in all the best places, it is probably not too important that this attitude persists, though there are early debates going on to try to bring about legislation in the spirit of ours, i.e. access for all, if exercised responsibly. The general view seems to be that these debates are not going anywhere – at least not for now.

The above issue is muddied by the hunting question; as in the USA, another throw-back to the settler era is the assumption that one can look to the land for meat for the pot and for sport in seeking that meat. Given that much of New Zealand is under sheep (47 million sheep as opposed

26

OUT & ABOUT Brian Cunningham takes a peek

Behind the Beauty At the St Andrews Botanic Garden, many of the plants are grown in areas representing their natural habitat. A plant that is naturally found in the mountains will be placed in the Rock Garden, while a plant that grows in the jungle will be placed in the Tropical House. We also like to do what every other gardener in the world does and that is grow plants for their beauty.

What could be simpler than a tree or shrub covered head to toe in attractive blossoms brightening up a dark corner of the garden? If we look a little deeper we can see that every plant has an interesting story behind it. The Order Beds at the Botanic Garden help to explain parts Order beds at the Botanic Garden of this story.

In his time, Linnaeus named around 6000 plants, of which around In the Botanical world, plants are classified by their flowers, fruits, 800 grow at our Botanical Garden. As well as plants, Linnaeus’ work and other features. Those that share similarities are placed together in extended to the whole of natural history, where he also named iconic a group known as a family, e.g. the Rose, Rowan tree, and Potentilla all creatures such as our native red belong to a family called Rosaceae, while squirrel, Sciurus vulgaris. This year, Heathers and Rhododendrons belong The man responsible for the international to celebrate the 300th anniversary to a family called Ericaceae. By walking through the Garden’s Order Beds you will plant-naming system we use today was a of his birth, the Garden is hosting a summer of celebrations, which see this and also discover which families Swedish naturalist called Carl Linnaeus include Garden trails, an exhibition other plants belong to. and Garden tours, where you There can also be similarities are invited to come along and learn more about the work of this between families and this too is demonstrated in the Order Beds. For extraordinary man, or come along just to enjoy the beauty of the instance, in one bed Magnolia of the Magnoliacae family grows beside Garden.

Poppies of the Papaveraceae family. Although one family consists of trees and shrubs and the other of herbaceous plants, they are linked, (Photos courtesy of Richard Cormack) as both families have open and bowl-shaped flowers. Families that are related in this way form a group called an Order.

Such relationships are demonstrated at St Andrews following a system that was developed by Arthur Cronquist of New York Botanic Garden, used by Gardens and their botanists for over half a century.

However, time is overtaking this system. DNA studies have entered the plant kingdom, rearranging the botanical family trees and developing a new system, which is already being taken on by larger establishments such as the Royal Botanic Gardens Kew. Initial work on DNA, for instance, has already discovered that the Peony, known for its bold foliage and showy blooms, should now share a family bed with the ground-hugging mountain Saxifrage.

The second part of the story is about the naming of a plant.

Invite you to visit a hidden treasure Why does something that offers us simple pleasure also give us the sensation we have lost the feeling in our tongue as we read the label in the heart of St Andrews and try to pronounce the plant’s name? The man responsible for the international plant-naming system we use today was a Swedish WOODLAND & WATERGARDENS naturalist called Carl Linnaeus. A plant’s common name is not ideal, HERBACEOUS & SCREE as the same common name can be used in different countries and ALPINES & RHODODENDRONS different regions within countries to describe different plants. So in the GLORIOUS GLASSHOUSE COLLECTIONS 18th century, Linnaeus invented a scientific naming system based on Latin, the universal language of his time, which uses only two words to OPEN DAILY ALL YEAR ROUND describe each plant.

Rosmarinus officinalis is commonly known to us as Rosemary, and CELEBRATION OF TERCENTENARY we use its aromatic foliage as a culinary herb. In the wild, the plant is of a marine habitat and OF BIRTH OF LINNAEUS that is described in the July 15th – August 12th first part of its scientific Exhibition, Guided Walks, Activities name (the Genus) where –marinus translates as ‘of the sea’. The second part OPEN DAY – FREE ENTRY of the name (the Specific ENTERTAINMENT & ACTIVITIES Epithet), officinalis, FOR ALL THE FAMILY translates as ‘sold in the Sunday July 29th shops’ and refers to the plant’s availability to be purchased for its herbal TO JOIN THE FRIENDS AND SUPPORT THE GARDEN properties. Words that CONTACT MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY. describe the shape of the Canongate, St Andrews, Fife KY16 8RT. foliage, the habitat of the Tel: 01334 476452. plant or the colour of the flowers are also used in www.st-andrews-botanic.org Rosmarinus officinalis (Rosemary) in the this system for the naming Herb Garden of plants.

27

95 South Street, St Andrews

G BURSTIN WITH FL AVOUR

Choose from over 20 different kinds of delicious juices and smoothies we use only the freshest fruits from around the world.

Also at Zest Panini Sandwi ches Soups Breakfa st Rolls Cof fees Cakes Ice Crea ms

Measuring up for the perfect fit When it comes to choosing shoes for their children, mums don’t always know best.

According to children’s shoe specialists, Start-rite, many parents could unwittingly be making the wrong footwear choices for their children, storing up foot health and posture problems for the future.

A Start-rite study revealed that whilst the majority of parents recognise the importance of having children’s feet professionally measured and fitted for shoes, most are unaware of how frequently this should happen and at what stages in their child’s development.

Fortunately, help is at hand for customers at St Andrews’ children’s shoe shop, Linsey’s Shoebox, 160 South Street , which offers a professional fitting service and stocks a wide range of colourful and stylish fitted footwear from well-known brands such as Start-rite.

“Parents need to apply the same principle to their children’s feet as they do to their teeth. By looking after them properly from the start they can help prevent problems later in life,” said Ann Scott, proprietor of Linsey’s Shoebox.

Throughout the formative years, badly fitting shoes can affect the alignment of soft bones. Like jelly in a mould, children’s feet can take on whatever shape they are forced into, leading to deformities such as hammer toe and bunions.

Left untreated, foot health complaints in youngsters can lead to painful foot and posture problems in later life, with experts estimating that around 70% of foot problems in adults can be attributed to ill-fitting shoes worn in childhood.

This is why it is so important to buy children’s shoes from a shop which offers a professional fitting service from trained experts, and which stocks shoes in whole and half sizes in a full range of width fittings.

If you are looking for a personal pro-active letting service at low cost, call our professional team of letting advisors on 01334 474347 E mail: standrews@premierlet.net Web site: www.premierlet-standrews.com

Charles Boyce, Start-rite’s Fitting Services Manager says: “Children’s feet are as unique as their personalities and there’s no such thing as an ‘average’ foot. Shoes which come in only one width fit less than a third of children, so it’s important to choose a retailer who stocks shoes in whole and half sizes and offers the greatest choice of width fittings. Variations in arches, insteps, and toes make using a qualified shoe-fitter as important as any other expert where a child’s development is concerned.”

For professionally fitted children’s footwear visit us at:

Linsey’s Shoebox 160 South Street St Andrews KY16 9EF More advice and information on 01334 479493