St Andrews in Focus Issue 27 Mar Apr 2008

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

March/April March/April 2008, 2008, Issue Issue 27 27 £1.50 £1.50

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

From the Editor I sat staring at the blank screen with an equally blank mind.

Then Zoë Smith’s words (page 5) came back to me about the “real people of St Andrews”. Real people? How do you define them? If you go back to the origins of the town it would have been inhabited by the direct descendants of the Picts, who gradually became Christians.

Then, there were the fisherfolk, proto-St Andreans living around the harbour area, not mingling too much with those in the growing hamlet on the hill behind them. Over time, there were influxes of people from the west, Irish among them. From the other direction came the Vikings, followed later by thousands of Christian pilgrims from the Continent. Also the English, of course. At present the town comprises a sizeable percentage of incomers, Zoë and myself included, who are happily settled here and consider ourselves as citizens. Walk down the street on any day of the week and you will hear snatches of every language under the sun. Real St Andreans? I guess we’re all mongrels, more or less. Let’s celebrate our strengths, and pull together!

Flora Selwyn

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

Contents FEATURES • • • • • • • • • •

Easter greetings from the Churches A happy memory The Community Council Remembering Old Tom Morris Book Review, The Broken Lyre The Citizenship ceremony Traffic calming, an overview World Class looks ahead Ask the Curator Crossword

TOWN/gown • • • • • •

The sun and its influence The Art of James Watterston Herald Student theatre The International Politics Association A Chinese initiative Kate Kennedy Club – ongoing projects

MARCH / APRIL 2008

Shops & Services

EDITOR Flora Selwyn Tel: 01334 472375 Email: editor@standrewsinfocus.com

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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.

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Fairtrade St Andrews Handyman Rick The Revenue Employment Law, an update Roving Reporter

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Events • • • • •

Sing AwayDay StAnza Sustainable Living Fair Toonspot Selected list

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ORGANISATIONS • • •

The St Andrews Chorus Celebrating the 40 Club EastEnders

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Out and About • • • •

Are you seeing red?

Discovery at the Botanic Garden Conserving bumblebees Last word from the Antipodes

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NEXT ISSUE – May/June 2008 Copy deadline: strictly 28 MARCH All contributions welcome. The Editor reserves the right to publish copy according to available space.

COVER – Bombus distinguendus, the Great Yellow Bumblebee, now the UK’s rarest bumblebee (Photo by Dave Goulson, Director of the Bumblebee Conservation Trust)

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FEATURES

Easter Greetings from St Andrews’ Churches 1. From Rory MacLeod, the Minister of Holy Trinity Church: Easter is all about the Resurrection of Jesus, confirming him as the Son of God and Saviour of the world. The Bible’s description of Jesus as “first fruit of the new creation” encourages us that followers of Jesus (Christians) have a future beyond the grave, which begins in this life. May that prospect fill you with joyful anticipation, whatever your circumstances, and enliven your celebration this Easter!

2. St Andrews Free Church wishes you the special blessings of Easter! Some of us are reading John’s Gospel and seeing again the impact of the Easter Jesus. Mary Magdalene weeps outside the tomb, Thomas doubts the reality of the resurrection, and Peter feels a failure for denying his Lord. But the risen Jesus transforms each of these situations. Christians believe that Jesus still lives, and that today he can comfort and assure and restore, as he did then for Mary, Thomas, and Peter. Happy Easter!

3. An Easter message from St Andrews / St Andrews Episcopal Church EASTER GREETINGS from all the members to all the readers of the St Andrews in Focus magazine.

“HE IS RISEN” “HE IS RISEN INDEED” 4. Easter Greetings from the Eden Church: Tired? Depressed? Ill? We pray that this Easter you will make it a truly great one and discover real life through the resurrection power of Jesus Christ.

Love from all at the Eden Church – 25 years of ministry in St Andrews. (Sunday service: 10.30am Victory Memorial Hall) 5. Leslie Stevenson, on behalf of Quakers (the Religious Society of Friends) May we all experience that transformation of life that Jesus promised us.

6. From Martyrs Church.

At this time when the Church celebrates the death and resurrection of Christ, this prayer of St Columba of Iona can help to guide us: Be thou a bright flame before me, Be thou a guiding star above me, Be thou a smooth path below me, Be thou a kindly shepherd behind me, Today – tonight – and forever.

7. From David Arnott, Hope Park Church It is at Easter that the very world seems to start to come alive again. The days grow longer and warmer, the earth stirs and throws up green shoots soon to bloom and blossom, and behind it all the belief that out of darkness comes light, out of sadness comes hope, out of despair comes joy. So the Easter services, separately and together in the churches reflect that unshakable faith in the power and love of God. Easter is not so much an event, not so much a time of year more an act of faith that tells of the glory and the majesty and the love of God in Jesus.

8. The Very Rev Dr Alan D McDonald, Minister, St Leonard’s and Cameron The St Leonard’s Church Family unite with the other Churches in St Andrews to send Easter Greetings. We extend a warm invitation to come and share our worship at this most special time of the year. The Cross is a scandal in our society in 2008. But the Easter message is that the crucified Christ is the risen Jesus. Despite rumours to the contrary, God is not dead. Jesus is alive and well and living in our midst.

9. The Reverend Canon Jonathan Mason, Rector, All Saints Church, St Andrews The priest proclaims: ‘Alleluia! Christ is risen’ and the people respond: ‘The Lord is risen indeed. Alleluia!’ Thus we greet one another on Easter Day, celebrating the greatest event in the greatest story ever told, the rising of Jesus Christ from the tomb, the conquering of death.

The people of All Saints Church wish you all a very happy and joyful Easter.

(Photo of crocuses at Holy Trinity Church by Flora Selwyn)

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FEATURES Sarah Barton wrote, “I recently came to St. Andrews for the first time and enjoyed myself so much that I wrote an account of my visit for family members living abroad”. This is an abridged version to share her enthusiasm!

A Winter Visit to St Andrews

(known affectionately in our family as St Sanddunes) This account of my visit to St Andrews is a another splendid religious ruin; the tower of series of impressions. Its medieval architecture St Rules; a long wall of empty windows and and the layout of the town, its immaculate Blue leaning gravestones in grassy greenness. It Flag beaches and world-famous University was a sad scene in the drizzle and the mist, no need no introduction, and as runner-up in the fishing boats out at sea. Then to the silent and recent Great Town Awards there is little I can empty St Salvator’s Chapel, with its magnificent add to this paean of praise. organ and beautiful stained I had never visited glass windows, the sun I had never visited the the Kingdom of Fife, and casting light patterns on the Kingdom of Fife, and when I looked on a map old stone walls opposite.

I could not find it. In this Queen Mary’s Thorn tree when I looked on a map spirit of mystery I arrived in and the splendid IIex I could not find it.

St Andrews from Sussex Oak grow in St Mary’s on a dark afternoon in College Quad. It’s after late November, unable to see much and not midday and School is out; the pupils of Madras knowing what to expect. In the evening I spent College crowd the pavements in their youthful an interesting hour in Parliament Hall, a lovely exuberance, hurrying to queue for their lunch panelled room where the original Scottish outside Tescos.

Parliament met twice in the 1640s, when the On the eve of St Andrews Day we dined, Plague raged in Edinburgh, and now where decked out in our finery, amongst the great Town met Gown in a lively debate about the and the good at the University dinner for the numbers of students living in towncentre new Honorary Graduands; quite a few men are housing: such a witty group of young beautiful wearing kilts and black fitted jackets decorated people in their red gowns, and some sombre at the back with silver buttons. A solitary piper town dignitaries. Time was kept by an observant stands at the top of the stairs and plays for us, girl who banged on a table, bringing to a halt as we go in for pre-dinner drinks. Wonderful. over-zealous oratory. As a southerner, used After dinner, he plays again, the Chancellor’s to light pollution, when returning to my new own piper, Martin Lowe, former University temporary home I noticed that the night seemed Secretary at St Andrews. Conversation at our to be full of stars, visible in the rain-washed sky. table is lively – with such interesting fellow The following morning I was ably guided guests and the speeches, both informative and

by Councillor Donald Macgregor in a visit to gracious. the historic old town. We parked beyond the The next morning dawned late and the Kinness Burn and walked up to the centre, weather was dreich – together with braw, haar, and along one of the wynds, walled pathways and wynd, new words for me. We entered the between the backs of long gardens belonging Royal and Ancient Golf Club, which does not to elegant town houses. And then, overlooking normally allow women visitors, but on the sands I saw the ruins of the Castle, St Andrews Day, welcomes them most where Cardinal David Beaton had imprisoned charmingly. We met Ian Syme, who had Protestants and sent them to be martyred. This compiled an informative folder of the history had a special resonance for me as there is a of each of the Club’s rooms. We moved on similar martyrs’ monument in Lewes near my into the Big Room, hung with portraits of home in Sussex. members of the Club, and with huge windows Close to the beach a plaque marks the giving views of the first tee and the 18th green, filming of ‘The Chariots of Fire’, wide sands famous all over the world. We drove along a stretching north to the dark forest of Tentsmuir beach road and clambered over the dunes onto the wide beach, and gazed out across the North and the hills of Angus beyond. West of Tentsmuir lies the RAF base at Leuchars, low Sea and wandered over the wet sand, a few flying planes adding amazing noise and drama people exercising their dogs and hoof patterns to the cloudy skies. We visited the Cathedral, of a solitary horse, the tide was out and the

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waves were far away; the horizon empty except for a tanker, travelling south.

Although the sea mist was still limiting visibility we set out for the fishing villages of the East Neuk. My visit was too short to encompass everything, therefore many of my memories of this trip are rolled into one: a unicorn statue, an old stone doocot, St Monan’s Church overlooking the sea, a rushing burn tumbling steeply over rocks, narrow streets with pretty houses crowding down a slope to the harbour, a windy, wet morning with friendly chatty people, braving the weather. In Anstruther, children were eating their fast food lunches, sheltering from the rain under shop awnings as the municipal Christmas tree swayed in the gusty wind, safe behind its fencing.

In the evening of St Andrews Day, we attended a reception in the Town Hall in Queen’s Gardens with members of the Community Council and members of the Nouvelle Alliance of Loches en Touraine, with which St Andrews has a cultural exchange. The Provost of Fife, Councillor Frances Melville, made a welcoming speech, resplendent in her chain of office and I met so many charming people it was hard to leave. Earlier, standing in South Street, we watched the Pipe Band march up and down, Beating the Retreat.

They swished and turned, twenty pipers and thirteen drummers; harsh, wild music filled the street until, followed by a crowd of people, they marched away playing ‘Scotland the Brave’. It was a magical moment.

FEATURES Zoë Smith, newly elected Chairman of St Andrews Community Council

I was recently asked 3 questions –

Who are you?

Where do you come from?

And, what do you do?

Fair enough I thought, I’ve just been elected Chair of the Community Council, and until a couple of months ago I thought the “Step Rock” was a sweetie! I thought those 3 questions were revealing enough, but on reflection the answers to them are: 1. Zoë Smith 2. Cromarty, and 3. Lots But they don’t tell you anything about me, and they tell you even less about what I hope to achieve during my time as Chair of the Community Council.

I came to St Andrews nearly 7 years ago as a homeless ex-RAF wife. Now I live on Lamond Drive with my partner and three children; a teenager, a toddler, and one inbetween. We have a number of pets, including a vicious ginger tom that manages to convince some of the neighbours that he’s starving, then comes home to sleep off his ill-gotten meal on my bed. Our home

is busy and happy (though the bathroom’s a bit sad, being held together by plumber’s caulk, and mould). Like other families we never have enough time or money, but on the whole life is good.

St Andrews has seduced me over the years. I initially found it a strange, hostile place that cared more for you if you came from the other side of the Atlantic with a penchant for cashmere, than if you came from north of the Kinness Burn and wanted to buy an affordable pair of shoes, but since engaging with the community through school, work, and ultimately the Community Council, I’ve found the people of St Andrews to be friendly, caring, and more than willing to chat. What I discovered over time was that St Andreans didn’t chat about the “World Famous Golf Course”, or the “Historic medieval town”, or even “Scotland’s Oldest University”, they talked about the things people all over Scotland talk about, and they talked about how they

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felt about the town and its people playing second fiddle to its image and status as a “destination”. I soon discovered that, most unusually in these modern times, there is a real community in St Andrews, but noone’s listening to them. With the help of my colleagues on the Community Council, this will change.

It is ironic that St Andrews in Focus should be hosting my introduction, as it was pivotal in my determination to bring some attention to the forgotten St Andrews.

Whilst I do not doubt there is great value in a town magazine, it irks me somewhat that it doesn’t represent the real people of St Andrews and it always carries a romantic image of the town on its cover – how I long to see a picture of the “spider park” on Pipeland Road, accompanied by a rallying call to all readers to come and help clean it up, and to bombard Fife Council with letters and phone calls until they at least re-paint the antiquated play equipment.

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FEATURES Melvyn Hunter Morrow, Old Tom’s great-great grandson, draws attention to

The 24th May 2008

A Day to Celebrate and Remember Old Tom Morris (1821-1908) One hundred years ago on 24 May 1908, St Andrews lost one of her organisations should take note of greatest sons, Old Tom Morris. The funeral was on 27 May at 2.00pm the foresight and planning of The resulting in most of the shops in the Auld Grey Toon closed for the Askernish Team, lead by Chairman afternoon, reflecting the affection the people of St Andrews had for one of Ralph Thompson, and more than their own. The Dundee Advertiser wrote, “Seldom has St Andrews shown ably assisted by Martin Ebert such feelings of honour and esteem towards a departed citizen, one (Mackenzie & Ebert) and renowned evidence of this being the very large gathering at yesterday’s funeral”. Old Green Keeper Gordon Irvine; a truly Tom had a gentle and humble disposition and was always cheerful during magnificent effort which will, no a life of almost continual disappointments and sorrows, with the early doubt, prove popular with golfers deaths of his sons, Wee Tom and Young Tom, and his wife Nancy. He also worldwide. outlived his other three children Elizabeth, John, and James.

We have approached the St Andrews Links Trust for a monument The time for sadness has passed; now is the time to remember, to (funds to be raised by public donations) for a bronze statue of Old Tom honour, and celebrate his life and achievements. Old Tom is credited with mounted on a plinth, to have the names of all the “Open Champions” being the father of our modern game of Golf. He won “The Open” four with space for future winners. Ideally, this monument should be located times, 1861, 1862, 1864, and 1867. He was also overlooking all the Links Old Tom designed responsible for designing and modifying around and maintained for over 40 years (location 100 courses (over 60 in Scotland; 16 in England; near the R&A Club House). To our surprise the 4 on The Isle of Man; 2 in Ireland; 2 in Northern Home of Golf has no list or Scroll of Honour Ireland; 2 on Guernsey; and 1 in Wales). What for past or future Open Champions on display is so remarkable, is that he not only travelled the to the general public. The monument would be length and breadth of the British Isles by train, similar to the attached photo, but with a taller pony and trap, but the majority of his courses and more decorative base for the list of Open were designed when Old Tom was in his 70-80s.

Champions.

Life expectation in the Victorian age was 65 if Old Tom’s legacy to the people of the British you were lucky, yet here he was travelling to Isles goes further than golf. His two greatplaces like Guernsey, South Uist, Outer Hebrides, grandsons, who also lived at 6 Pilmour Links, Ireland, and the Isle of Man at a much greater age. each achieved distinction in their lives. Jimmy Journeys that today, even with our modern forms became a Scottish Swimming Champion and All of transport, most people would think about twice Comers Scottish Record Holder and represented before undertaking them.

Scotland on many occasions. He was based To commemorate Old Tom’s life and his at the old Step Rock Swimming Pool and later Centenary, we are starting the Old Tom Morris became an International Consultant in the Jute Golfing Association to encourage clubs with Industry. Ian was knighted for his efforts to save a connection to Old Tom to come together; to Rolls Royce in the early 1970s. persuade their members to travel and experience A public monument of Old Tom overlooking other Old Tom Clubs, and hopefully pull in the Links he loved, complete with a list of Open more home and overseas visitors. Over the last Champions around the base, would be a fitting one hundred years or so, many of his courses memorial for the people of St Andrews, for have been modified to accommodate ball/club Golfers, Open Champions, and of course Old Tom technology, but having said that, there are quite To commemorate Old Tom’s himself. a few Old Tom courses and holes still left to play, life and his Centenary, we such as Askernish, Bridge of Allan, Tain etc, etc.

(All photos, courtesy of Melvyn Hunter Morrow; The New Golf Club is planning a local game “The bronze of Old Tom is at Rosapenna Hotel & are starting the Old Tom of golf with a few local clubs, followed by a Dinner Golf Links in Donegal, Ireland and the photo was Morris Golfing Association at the Club on 24 May. My understanding is that issued to me by the sculptor, Mr Paul Ferriter”.) the R&A, who employed Old Tom for 40 years and received his trophies, including the Championship Belt, have decided not to hold their own party or celebrations. However, I am pleased to confirm that there are clubs throughout the British Isles who value their connection with Old Tom. One is Tain Golf Club, which will be holding their second Old Tom Morris Open Competition (only for clubs with a connection to Old Tom) in June on the nearest weekend to Old Tom’s birthday. The inaugural competition last year was a great success, with clubs from Ireland and Northern Ireland attending. This year many more clubs will be attending, including a team from Askernish Golf Club, South Uist, Outer Hebrides.

The course Old Tom designed for Lady Cathcart on South Uist in 1891, now Askernish Golf Club (www.askernishgolfclub.com) and which was lost for 70 years, is currently being restored to Old Tom’s original design (allowing for sea erosion), and will be re-opening in August this year with Kenny Dalglish James Hunter Morrow, as Hon. President. Other clubs and Old Tom’s grandson

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BOOK REVIEW / FEATURES Kenneth Fraser reviews

The Broken Lyre by lorn Macintyre

(Black Ace Books, Perth; ISBN 978-1872988-82-5; £16-95) St. Andrews at present nourishes a remarkable variety of authors, among whom Lorn Macintyre is one of the most versatile. His major project is “The Chronicles of Invernevis”, a series of novels following the fortunes of a family of Highland gentry attempting to maintain its status in an inexorably changing world from the late nineteenth century to the present, more or less at the rate of one book per generation. This is the fourth volume of the series; the earlier ones are to be reissued before long.

When we encounter niall Macdonald of Invernevis, Fellow of All Souls’ College, Oxford, and Territorial officer in the Eighth Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, it is January 1938, and we know, as he and his family and friends do not, that they are about to be swallowed up in the twentieth century’s second great conflict. Those who know the history of that conflict, and in particular of its effects in France, could also guess, from the ominous significance of the Parisian address of the Countess who becomes the love of his life, what direction his own part in it might take – but I have vowed never to give away the plot of a novel I review!

Suffice it to say that it is an absorbing tale of love and war, and of the relationship between the two. “People get caught up in situations utterly alien to their previous way of life”, niall Macdonald realises; “War has its own rules.” And war is often as hard on the women left at home (whether in the fictional Invernevis, or the real world) as on the men who fight it.

In every chapter of the novel, the discerning reader can find examples of the trouble Lorn Macintyre has taken to ensure that its historical background is correct. He has visited all the locations (mostly far from his, and niall’s, familiar Highlands), from an aristocrat’s castle in Austria to the battlefield of Monte Cassino. He has carried out substantial research to produce convincing portraits of the several real characters, ranging from the semi-demented Fascist, Unity Mitford, to the troubled German writer Ernst Jünger, whom niall meets along the way. Even some episodes which might be thought to strain credulity, like the story of the escaped Highland prisoners of war who persuaded the Germans that their native Gaelic was the speech of a remote part of the (then neutral) Soviet Union, are based on fact.

By the end of the book, the devastation of war has subsided, having left its mark even on the remote West Highlands, but other tides of history have also moved on, making the family of Invernevis even more of an anachronism than niall himself had already recognised it to be, and the scene is being set for a final volume of this microcosm of the decline of a social group, in some ways unique to Scotland.

Dawn Malcolm describes her

Citizenship Ceremony Thursday, 29 november was a beautiful late autumn afternoon, when people from eight countries, their friends and families, gathered in the County Hall in the County Buildings in Cupar to swear or affirm that on becoming British citizens they would, “be faithful and bear true allegiance to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Second, Her Heirs and Successors according to the law”.

We also pledged, “to give my loyalty to the United Kingdom and respect its rights and freedoms. I will uphold its democratic values.

I will observe its laws faithfully and fulfil my duties and obligations as a British citizen.” The oath and pledge were not unlike the recitation I made every Monday morning of my schooldays in Australia when, hand on heart, I said, “ I love God and my country, I honour the flag and serve the Queen and promise to obey my parents, teachers, and the laws” This was the first time a group citizenship ceremony had taken place in the County Buildings, as prior to this all group ceremonies, since they began in 2004, had been held in the Town House in Kirkcaldy. From October 2007, as well as Kirkcaldy, the ceremonies will take place in Cupar, and in the City Chambers in Dunfermline. A few private ceremonies have taken place. Everyone participating in the Fife ceremonies lives here and on this occasion their countries of origin included Algeria, Australia, Pakistan, Peru, the Philippines, Iran, South Africa, and Thailand.

The ceremony itself was held in the presence of Mr Bill Pagan, deputising for the Lord Lieutenant of Fife, and Mrs Frances Melville, in her capacity as Provost. Mrs Anne

Williamson, Registration Support Officer, Towards the end of the ceremony Mrs conducted the ceremony and helped to create Melville presented each of us with a beautiful an informal and friendly atmosphere prior to the bone china mug with a frieze of scenes from official solemn ceremony as she checked all Fife around the rim. Along with this, a Certificate our documents and made sure of how names of Citizenship presented by Mr Pagan, and we should be pronounced. A number of small were given a folder with a letter of welcome children, who also became UK citizens with from the Home Secretary, together with forms their parents, added to the happy party feeling. to fill in to be added to the electoral roll, and There were a lot of jokes about my story. I British passport application forms. came to St Andrews in 1971 to get to know my We also enjoyed tea and biscuits and an husband’s family, and to train as a midwife. In informal time to admire the elegant room and fact I was the last midwife to train at Craigtoun take photographs. Most people seemed to be Hospital, now part of the Duke’s Course celebrating with their own small parties; at the complex. I had been here two years previously time I wasn’t aware that two other people from on leave from Papua new Guinea (at that time St Andrews became citizens that day. It would an Australian administered Territory) where have been lovely to include more about them we were then living. I had qualified as a nurse in this piece. I understand that one of them shortly before my marriage to David, who was graduated and moved away in the same week, born and grew up in Strathkinness. At that time but I have not been able to discover anything the health service in PnG had a policy of not about the other person, though I wish everyone employing married women and so there was no well and hope they are enjoying their new rights possibility of furthering my career there. and responsibilities as much as I am.

Lured back by the memories of Scottish I wasn’t sure if the formality of my status cheddar cheese and the view from the top of would make much difference, apart from the Square Tower, my love affair with the practicality of being able to travel in EU St Andrews and with countries a little more Scotland flourished. easily, but I am surprised I am surprised at how much Somehow, during the at how much more “at more “at home” I feel intervening years, plans home” I feel, in spite of to return to Australia having lived here for never came to fruition: we had a family more than half my life. In fact once or twice I (ironically our daughter is married and settled have found myself avoiding saying something in Australia) and the economic climate in negative, that as an incomer I would have the ‘70s and ‘80s made it difficult. I didn’t thought OK. My thoughts have run along the notice that the relationship between Britain lines of, “you can’t say that, it’s disloyal and you and the Commonwealth countries was subtly belong here now.” changing until a migration officer asked an Australian friend in a similar position to mine, (Photo, Mr and Mrs Malcolm why she had never become a British citizen courtesy Mrs Malcolm) – I wasn’t aware of the need for any formal procedure.

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FEATURES Flora Selwyn investigates a local problem

Traffic Calming Efforts A concerned St Andrean wrote to me about the proliferation of speed humps – “euphemistically called speed cushions” as he put it. This suggested a look at the subject, so I Googled ‘traffic calming’.

It seems the idea of calming traffic began in the 1960s in Holland; Delft, to be precise. Angry residents there proclaimed their streets woonerven*. America, too, had similar ideas around the same time. Europe soon saw 30mph and 20mph ‘slow streets’ in the late 1970s, followed some ten years later in Denmark and Germany by calming methods for intercity highways. At the same time, urban arterial roads in France and Germany were treated.

Twenty years on, the US Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) funded a study leading to the Institute of Transportation Engineers’ (ITE) report, Traffic Calming: State of the Practice, by Reid Ewing (1998). By then, assorted measures had been designed, invented – whatever; legal issues resolved; political procedures and policy debated and put in place.

Around St Andrews we have a variety of calming devices; humps, pinchedin carriageways, rumble strips, and the cushions. Each of these has its own justifications. For example, flat top humps (also known as speed tables) lead to no loss of on-street parking and have been shown to be effective in reducing vehicle speeds – some people even like them! The cushions are supposed to be acceptable to both buses and emergency services. Cyclists can pass between them. no doubt the clinching argument in their favour is that they are relatively cheap to construct.

The RAC Foundation Executive Director, Edmund King, is quoted as saying, “There needs to be something more creative than just a bump in the road.” Traffic campaigner Ted Dewar, living in Oxford, has placed furniture in the middle of the street, with people sitting there. Not surprisingly, traffic has crawled round such obstacles! The point made is that drivers are less inclined to be aggressive when both humour and novelty are applied.

My correspondent worries that speed humps can inflict, “real damage on the elderly, pregnant women, and those with back or hip problems…. many commercial vehicles will be able to ignore the humps, while police cars will not!” He says that some councils, such as Barnet, have decided to remove them after several But are speed bumps, of any years of use. Constant slowing and accelerating over the humps not only wears out vehicle suspensions, description, the answer? and possibly tyres, it also causes more pollution. A better solution might be chicanes, which have been in place on the approaches to Edinburgh’s Sick Children’s Hospital.

Traffic unfortunately has become something of a nightmare for all of us.

Ted Dewar comments, “My daughter isn’t allowed to throw snowballs at school, because it’s considered too dangerous. But it’s meant to be acceptable that she can walk home only inches away from cars driving at lethal speeds. There is something weird about this, a deep cultural bias.” But are speed bumps, of any description, the answer?

*

Woonerf is the Dutch name for a “living street” in which the needs of car drivers are secondary to the needs of users of the street as a whole. It is a “shared space” designed to be used by pedestrians, playing children, cyclists, and low-speed motor vehicles, becoming a public place for people instead of single-purpose conduits for automobiles. In a woonerf, vehicles may not impede pedestrians, who in turn may not unreasonably hinder the progress of drivers. – Thanks to Annette Birkett for this explanation.

(Photos by Flora Selwyn)

Rumble strips at Strathkinness

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Strathkinness Main Street

FEATURES Patrick Laughlin, Manager of St Andrews World Class

St Andrews World Class Looks Ahead The St Andrews World Class Initiative has To ensure that an entirely objective report is embarked on the first stages of planning what produced, the consultants have been carrying might become a successor organisation, out their study completely independently and charged with developing and taking forward the impartially, and their report is being awaited with successes and partnerships which have been interest by many in the town. forged in the last four years.

Another report which will be available The Initiative has expressed the hope shortly has been examining road and that by mid-2009, it might have evolved into pedestrian signposting in St Andrews – a body retaining the existing particularly in the town centre. strengths of local leadership and As has been highlighted the consultants participation, whilst becoming before in the pages of even more representative, have been briefed St Andrews in Focus, accountable, and financially signposting is not currently one to offer clear, sustainable. of the town’s strengths. Traffic But there are not yet any consultants Faber Maunsell frank advice and clear ideas about how this will shortly be finalising a recommendations report for St Andrews World goal might be reached, so, to this end, St Andrews World Class, which will recommend Class has enlisted the help of Britain’s leading ways to rationalise and improve signs. Once specialists in this field, Locum Consulting. The implemented, their proposals should help traffic company has successfully delivered similar management, reduce sign clutter, and assist work in dozens of other towns and cities visitors to find their way around more easily. including Canterbury, Carlisle, Chichester, Meanwhile, St Andrews World Class is pleased to announce that well-known local norwich, and Worcester. By the start of this summer, Locum will have produced a detailed corporate, operational, and business plan for the proposed new St Andrews organisation.

This plan will, among other things: 1 2 3 4

resident Jane Ann Liston has joined its Executive Group. Jane Ann, a graduate of St Andrews University, served for several years as a local Fife Councillor, stepping down at the local elections in May 2007. She is perhaps equally well known for her successes in recent years on BBC TV’s “Mastermind” and Radio 4’s “Brain of Britain”!

Another appointment announced recently is that of Charles Head, General Manager of Fairmont St Andrews, who has joined the Board of St Andrews World Class Ltd. Charles has an impressive track record in hotel management around the world, most recently managing Fairmont’s 340-bedroom property in Winnipeg, Canada. His talents and experience will further strengthen the World Class Initiative as it continues its efforts to help make St Andrews an even better place to live, work and visit.

For further information about the Initiative, contact the Manager, Patrick Laughlin, at: pl18@st-andrews-ac.uk or call him on 07905 857250.

fully define and detail those functions and activities which could be performed by any successor body to St Andrews World Class; articulate how such a body might benefit the town; set out how – and if – it could be sustainably resourced, both operationally and financially; describe how it could be managed and governed in an open and accountable manner.

Since January, Locum has been consulting widely with partner agencies, business groups, civic bodies, community organisations, and others in and around St Andrews, and the consultants have been briefed to offer clear, frank advice and recommendations about what might, and might not, be realistically achievable for a successor to St Andrews World Class. Any political, financial or other constraints will be highlighted in Locum’s report, as will any early opportunities for action.

Congested Market Street – could a new St Andrews organisation help to improve matters?”

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FEATURES Lesley- Anne Lettice, Assistant Curator of St Andrews Museum, replies when you

Ask the Curator Q. I recently heard that James V was married in St Andrews. Can you tell me if this is the case?

A. James married his second wife, Marie de Guise, in St Andrews Cathedral in June 1538. A proxy marriage had already taken place in Marie’s native France on 9 May. It is recorded that 40 days of feasting and celebration took place in St Andrews, including a masque written by the famous Fife poet, Sir David Lyndsay.

The royal couple stayed at the Hospitium Novum (New Inns) in the Cathedral precinct. This had actually been built to welcome James’ first wife, Magdalene of France. She came to Scotland in 1537 but tragically died six months later at the age of just 16.

Q. I walk through Kinburn Park regularly and I was hoping that you might be able to give me some information about the statue of General Sikorski?

A. General Wladislaw Sikorski was born in 1881 and studied engineering at the University of Lwow. He joined the military during World War One. As well as having a long and distinguished military career, he was also Prime Minister of the Polish Government for six months in the 1920s. As Minister of Defence, he was responsible for rebuilding the Polish Army.

When the Polish Government was exiled to Romania on the outbreak of war in September 1939, Sikorski went to Romania and then to France. Here, he became Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Commander-In-Chief of the Polish Army in Exile. After the fall of France in June 1940, he came to Britain, organising the evacuation of Polish servicemen from France, and rebuilding the Polish Army.

General Sikorski carried out a number of diplomatic missions to Soviet Russia, Canada, and the USA, to establish post-war Polish borders. He died in an air crash off Gibraltar on 4 June 1943 on his way back from inspecting troops in the Near East.

The memorial to General Sikorski, now sited in Kinburn Park, was created thanks to the efforts of Polish ex-servicemen resident in Fife. The bust was unveiled on 13 September 1993. Some restoration of the paintwork was recently undertaken by St Andrews artist, Jurek Pütter.

(Photo Flora Selwyn)

Crossword This crossword has been devised by Ian M. Malcolm. He is generously offering £10 to the first correct solution received by the Editor before 28 March 2008. You may photocopy the crossword if you prefer not to cut it out, and please don’t forget to include your name and address when sending your solution. The winner’s name will appear in the May/June issue of the magazine.

ACROSS 1. Hebridean channel (5,2,5) 8. Prime Minister at start of WWII (5, abbrev.)

9. Wrong (9) 11. Lots (6) 12. A nagging woman (8) 14. South African plant named in honour of Queen Charlotte, wife of George III (10) 15. A mountain ridge (4) 18. The probability (4) 19. Fails to animate (10) 21. Where you’ll find pincers (2,6) 23. French coin (2,4) 25. How a student can reduce rent (4,7) 26. When one expects to leave the City of Angels (3,2 abbrevs.)

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27. Unladen ships carry these to add weight (7,5) DOWN 1 Thrown about (9) 2. A gamp (8) 3. Food regime (4) 4. Troops march in them (10) 5. A Scottish town (6) 6. Spoken audibly (5) 7. A pledge (6,6) 10. A city in Venezuela (3,9) 13. Natives of the Home of Golf (10) 16. Coaxes (9) 17. An insect of the mayfly genus (8) 20. A Christmas decoration (6) 22. When I was in _____ (5)

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TOWN & GOWN Dr James McLaughlin, of the University’s Solar & Magnetospheric MHD Theory Group, describes

The Sun and its Effect on the Earth and on Space Travel The Sun is often thought of as a giant fireball sitting in the sky. In fact it is a star, made up of hot material called plasma, and is threaded by a strong magnetic field.

Churning motions deep beneath the solar surface drag this magnetic field around and, as a result, the fieldlines become tangled. When the stresses become too great, the magnetic field can snap – resulting in a solar flare (a gigantic release of electrically charged particles and energy) or a Coronal Mass Ejection (CME) where the force of the explosion actually expels solar material into space.

The Sun regularly spits out these giant clouds of hot material and inevitably some of them are directed towards Earth. In addition to these violent, impulsive events, there is also a constant magnetic outflow from the Sun, known as the Solar Wind. Fortunately, the Earth also has a magnetic field, connecting the North and South poles. The solar wind deforms this field, stretching it out into a tear-drop shape, with the tail always pointing away from the Sun. The Earth’s magnetic field hollows out a protective cavity in space, called the magnetosphere, similar to a rock in a stream deflecting water around itself.

When a CME hits the Earth’s magnetic field, it is deflected, but is so powerful that it clings to and is dragged over the magnetosphere. The force of the CME can then pinch together the fieldlines in the magnetic tail on the far side of the Earth, and this can lead them to snap and ‘reconnect’, which catapults some electrons and protons back towards the

White light image of a sunspot with size of the Earth for comparison. You could line up 109 Earths across the face of the Sun! (credit: Swedish Academy of Science).

Earth – literally providing a back door inside the magnetosphere. Electrically charged particles travel along the fieldlines and stream down into the atmosphere at the North and South poles. These particles collide with atmospheric gases and dissipate their energy in the form of dazzling curtains of colour; collisions with oxygen molecules produce green light, whereas nitrogen produces red – an effect we call the X-ray solar corona as viewed by the Aurora (Northern or Southern lights).

Yohkoh satellite (credit: Yohkoh website).

However, magnetic storms can also have serious consequences for our technology.

Satellites, now essential to our daily routine, Firstly, many communication systems use the also get caught in solar storms. Dangers to Earth’s ionosphere (the uppermost layer of satellites include fast moving protons causing our atmosphere) to reflect radio signals over physical damage to solar panels, and electrons long distances (the method used by Marconi penetrating satellite circuitry and causing to receive the first trans-Atlantic radio signal catastrophic electrical discharges. Solar in 1901). During a magnetic storm, electrons storms also heat the upper atmosphere, which funnelling down into the atmosphere create increases atmospheric magnetic disturbances. This drag. Low orbit satellites deforms the ionospheric Clearly, the Sun has then require regular relayer and interferes with a profound effect boosting back into their radio communications. correct orbits, since re-entry Secondly, these on the Earth, and is fatal to them! disturbances also directly understanding its many Violent solar activity affect operations that use can also present a danger magnetic measurements, features is essential to to astronauts, such as such as exploration surveys the modern world those on the International for oil, gas and minerals.

Space Station (ISS). A Thirdly, magnetic variations solar flare can deliver a fatal dose of radiation can induce electric currents in long conductors, to any astronaut unlucky enough to be caught such as power lines, pipelines, and train tracks, during a spacewalk, and the ISS has a special causing blackouts, sparks, and power spikes. thick-walled room to retreat into during times of The Sun also heats and drives the increased solar activity. circulation of our atmosphere, and plant growth During the Apollo Programme (1968-1973) has been shown to vary with the strength of the astronauts were only in space for a short the 11-year solar activity cycle. While the solar time and were simply lucky not to have been cycle has been nearly regular during the last caught in a major solar eruption. This highlights 300 years, there was a period of 70 years one of the problems associated with potential during the 17th and 18th centuries when there travel to Mars; a Moon trip takes about 10 days was very low magnetic activity, evidenced by whereas a trip to Mars takes about 6 months – very few sunspots on the solar surface. This one way. Thus, a moon mission has good odds corresponded with a period of extremely low of avoiding a major solar event, but a Mars temperatures on Earth, known as the Maunder mission has very little chance of avoiding one.

Minimum. Records show that the Thames Clearly, the Sun has a profound effect regularly froze over during this time! on the Earth, and understanding its many Before 1970, there was a clear link between features is essential to the modern world.

Earth’s climate and solar activity. However, in Research scientists in the Solar and the last 30-40 years, there has been very little Magnetospheric Theory Group change in underlying solar activity, but global (http://www-solar.mcs.st-andrews.ac.uk) at temperatures have increased incredibly rapidly. the University of St Andrews are world leaders Hence, even though the Sun greatly influenced in constructing state of the art mathematical the climate in the past, it cannot at all account models of solar flares and CMEs, in order to for the increasing temperatures we have seen predict their occurrence in the future. in recent times.

Satellite observation of the Sun and artist’s impression of Earth’s magnetosphere, not to scale (credit: ESA/NASA SOHO).

The Aurora above Alaska (credit: US Air Force).

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TOWN & GOWN From Laura Paterson, a student on the University’s Museums & Gallery Studies Course

heralding a Forgotten Artist.

Sketches from Life: The Art of James Watterston Herald This month sees the opening of an intimate new exhibition chronicling the received critical acclaim whilst in Edinburgh, and his work was exhibited life and works of the enigmatic Scottish artist, James Watterston Herald. at the Royal Scottish Academy. In 1891, he decided to further his artistic Curated by postgraduate students on the University of St Andrews’ development and enrolled at Hubert von Herkomer’s School of Art at Museum and Gallery Studies course, ‘Sketches from Life: The Art of Bushey, Hertfordshire. The following year he moved to Croydon, a suburb James Watterston Herald ’ profiles Herald’s life through his sketchbooks, in the south of London. However, the flux of artistic fashion and trends in correspondence, and artworks. the capital city never sat well with his artistic spirit. He remarked, “I like A significant archive of sketchbooks, small prints, and personal the chaps that belong to no school or clique that are always alone and left correspondence was recently donated to the University’s Museum to think for themselves – they are generally the best.”

Collections Unit. Complemented by finished In 1901, Herald returned to Arbroath. He artwork borrowed from art galleries and private wrote in several letters at the time that he only A reclusive character who collectors, the vignettes discovered in these intended to visit Arbroath, yet he never returned recently-researched materials form the essence to London. He continued to paint and draw the died young, Herald painted of the exhibition. The exhibition is an integral east coast of Scotland, such as his landscapes for the love of art rather than part of the Museum and Gallery Studies course, of bustling harbours in Angus and the East neuk giving students the experience of researching and for any commercial purposes of Fife, as his patrons in London continued to organizing an exhibition to professional standards. exhibit his work in the capital’s art galleries.

Herald remains elusive within Scottish art.

However, Herald acquired “a sort of worldA reclusive character who died young, Herald painted for the love of art weariness” in Arbroath, developing an alcohol problem, and he died on rather than for any commercial purposes. Despite being highly regarded 10th October, 1914, aged 55. in art circles, Herald remains a relatively unknown artist. This exhibition Despite the fact that many of the collections in Scotland’s art galleries aims to introduce Herald to a new audience in the area which so inspired include works by Herald, he remains a neglected character within Scottish him and establish his place within Scottish art. art. However, his popularity amongst private collectors continues to grow James Watterston Herald was born in Forfar on 29th July 1859. His – a recent appeal launched for this exhibition requesting details about artistic tendencies were evident from a young age: before he could even Herald’s artwork received a barrage of replies from private collectors in walk he was using chalk to draw over his mother’s floor. Educated at West the area. The last exhibition devoted entirely to Herald’s art was at Perth Burgh Primary School and Forfar Academy, he was seen as something of Art Gallery in 1988. Twenty years on, it seems time to bring this forgotten a troublemaker, spending his time drawing on slates and school books. In Scottish artist to a new audience.

1873, Herald was awarded a government-sponsored bursary at the High School of Dundee to study art, where he won the prize for excellence The exhibition opens from 22nd March, to 18th May, at the Gateway in drawing. Conventional trades did not suit his artistic temperament: a Galleries, north Haugh, St Andrews, tel: 01334 462 417. stint as an apprentice decorator in Dundee ended when, forgetting the Monday- Friday 09.00-17.30 address of a client in Broughty Ferry, instead of admitting his mistake Saturday 10.00-17.00, and returning to the workshop, he threw his tools into the Tay and walked Sunday (Apr-Nov only) 10.00-17.00. home to Forfar.

For further event listings, please visit our website: Upon retiring in 1884, Herald’s father decided to move the family to www.st-andrews.ac.uk/~jwherald Edinburgh to provide his sons with better career prospects. Herald’s work

Kieran Hennigan reports on

Theatre For all Tastes / Find Company in Student Theatre / Another Semester of Great Student Theatre March and April ‘Company’ has received numerous Tony are perhaps the Awards and is based around the lives of Bobby most popular (a single man unable to commit to a steady months for student relationship), his three girlfriends, and the five theatre. 2008 is married couples who are his best friends. It is no different and the number of productions one of the first musicals whose songs centre on taking place within St Andrews means that the actual characters and their problems, rather you are very likely to find something to your than simply developing the plot. This is shaping taste. The University’s ‘Just So Society’ up to be potentially the biggest selling show of (celebrating their 21st birthday) are once 2008. again organising some of the best projects Just So’s other production is ‘Broadway within the town. In november, ‘Whistle down Baby 2’ which is returning by popular demand. the Wind’ was the main Just In April 2007 it once So production, selling out 3 again sold out in the Byre Student theatre nights at the Byre Theatre Theatre, and is a unique and receiving great acclaim. combination of songs generally offers great The show was the first of its choreographed, shows at fantastic prices directed, kind in St Andrews in that and performed by students. it included students and This show promises to be local schoolchildren working together in a even better than the original ‘Broadway Baby’ professional arena. This semester the Just So and like ‘Company‘, will pull together the best Society are producing the smash hit musical talent throughout the University.

‘Company’, plus their own musical revue Student theatre generally offers great show ‘Broadway Baby 2’. shows at fantastic prices, as tickets for most

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shows are usually priced at £5 or £6 for the general public. Make sure not to miss out on either of these as tickets tend to sell out relatively fast. Another student theatre project that must be mentioned is ‘Showcase’ – the largest performing arts festival in St Andrews.

Between the 23rd and 26th April, a variety of shows, including comedy, one-act plays, and live music can be found at the Byre.

At the time of writing, no venues for ‘Company’ or ‘Broadway Baby 2’ shows have been finalised, but both will take place middle to late April. Check the Just So website: www.st-andrews.ac.uk/~justso for full details of the current shows, as well as all previous productions and pictures. Alternatively you can check for posters around the town – perhaps most notably outside the University library, or call Kieran on 07950 597 092 for ticket information.

(Photo: ‘Whistle down the Wind’ courtesy of Ali Cromey)

TOWN & GOWN Anna Corinna Hummel & Martha Ivanovas, Co-Presidents of the IPA, introduce the

International Politics Association Be it the intricacies of diplomacy and conflict The principal activity of the IPA is to invite resolution, factual academic analysis of current accomplished and distinguished speakers from affairs, or agitated political campaign and the fields of parliamentary politics, diplomacy, topical debate, at the academia, and journalism, International Politics to give talks, some of Because our events, are Association (IPA) we which comment on likely to be of interest to believe in Seneca’s international affairs, motto: “Audiatur et altera while others are personal different people, they are pars” – hearing all sides, accounts of professional open to everyone subject considering all aspects experience in the realm of international politics. of international relations. to a small admission fee Thus our non-profit, Thus the Society also required to cover the costs aims to facilitate the non-partisan student organization, founded in career choices of of hosting speakers the early 1980s, hopes students of International to promote political awareness and stimulate Relations by introducing various employment discussion among students and staff of this options. Because our events are likely to be university and the citizens of St Andrews at of interest to different people, they are open large. to everyone subject to a small admission fee required to cover the costs of hosting speakers.

Membership (£10.00 per annum) offers the advantage of free admission to all events throughout the academic year.

In an attempt to uphold the tradition of presenting such high-profile speakers as F.W. De Klerk, Lord Hurd, and Michael Douglas, the current IPA committee, serving its second one-year term, has brought a number of highranking personalities to St Andrews, including Russian Ambassador Yury Fedotov, German Ambassador Wolfgang Ischinger, former High Commissioner to Canada Lord Moran, former UK Ambassador to the United Nations Lord Hannay, Commonwealth Secretary-General Professor Ansari, Martha and Corinna

Li Shen, MSc in Finance, and his Chinese colleagues have a new

Initiative Li Sheng, from Mainland China, is studying mathematics here. He and his colleagues would like to enhance friendship and understanding between the many nationalities in our University and town. 1000 students have been asked whether they approve of the scheme intended to bring this about. Li is now asking 1000 townspeople for their support. The plan is as follows: •

Every month a party will be held for University staff and students, at which different nationality groups will be asked to show off one aspect of their culture, the first to be held in the Byre Theatre on 8 March at 9.30 pm.

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The party-goers will then vote on the best presentation

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The winners will repeat their presentation for the wider community, maybe in the Town Hall, or the Byre (to be decided)

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This will become a rolling programme every month throughout the academic year

Li hopes by this to strengthen ties between cultures. He says that students in Xiamen University in China will hold similar events and he would like universities everywhere to follow suit. Results of a survey conducted here before Christmas shows there is plenty of support for our Chinese students’ initiative. Good luck, Li Sheng and friends!

PS – Li expressed surprise that out of 488 British students surveyed,140 stressed that their nationality is Scottish rather than British!

Don McKinnon, The Guardian columnist Andrew Brown, Ethiopian Prince-in-Exile AsfaWossen Asserate, Iran expert Ali Ansari, US top intellectual Amitai Etzioni, Euro-Islam expert Bassam Tibi.

In spring 2008 we are proud to present former UN Chief Weapons Inspector Hans Blix, Pakistani High Commissioner Maliha Lodhi, former Chairman of the Liberal International, Otto Count Lambsdorff.

Ambassador Fedotov and the Co-Presidents For detailed information, updates, and membership inquiries, please email: ipamail@st-andrews.ac.uk and look out for our posters around town.

(Photos, courtesy the IPA)

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 • 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 www.st-andrews.ac.uk/admissions/Eveningdegreestudents/ The University of St Andrews Court is a charity registered in Scotland, No: SC013532

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TOWN & GOWN Will Roome, President of the KK Club surveys

Ongoing Projects I would first like to take this opportunity to wish the surprisingly heavy Gonfannon during the you all a Happy New Year and lots of luck for service. the coming months. As we enter the second This semester has also seen a marked semester, and being in the fortunate position of improvement in our Club website. Mr Tom having some time off, I can reflect on what the Fothergill has turned our previous, rather Kate Kennedy Club had achieved during the 1990s attempt at technology into something last semester, and look at what is in store for worthy of the 21st Century. Please visit us at 2008. www.katekennedyclub.org.uk to learn about The Martinmas Semester of 2007 was upcoming events, our history, or to contact us another huge success, involving many Club about anything.

Members, in many different areas. Most This next Semester always proves to notably, the Club began working closely be a much busier and exciting time as we with the COSMOS Community Centre from welcome in new Club Members, host numerous last October. Several Club Members help events, and most importantly of all, put on the with after-school activities on a Monday Procession. The Procession is a unique afternoon, often getting covered in paint, St Andrews event and continued support from or beaten at football for the townspeople and their troubles!! They have students helps make the The Procession is, we all thoroughly enjoyed day a huge success. This believe, part of what themselves so far and I year the Procession will be certainly hope that this on Saturday 19 April and it makes St Andrews so will become a long-lasting would be marvellous to see special, and the coaches relationship, which will a huge turnout once again. benefit the children and The end of 2007 are a key part of that Club Members equally. saw rapid development We have also continued our work with of the Abbotsford Coach House project. The HomeStart, located on South Street, in Abbotsford Coach House is situated off Pilmour celebrating their 20th Birthday and helping Place, opposite Golf Place. It once housed to remove the odd unruly weed, which had Archbishop Sharpe’s coach, before it moved to crept into some gardens around St Andrews. its current location. To make the Coach House HomeStart were also the beneficiary of suitable to store both coaches considerable our rather atrocious, yet unique Christmas work is needed to the interior of the building. singing. I apologise to anyone caught within We aim to have this completed, and officially earshot… We also continued to earn our open the Coach House during the procession green fingers helping St Andrews in Bloom weekend. This is only going to be possible plant flowers around the town. however, if we raise the money in time.

Several Club Members were involved at To this end we are launching an extensive Holy Trinity Church, both in the St Andrews campaign aimed at both the Club’s Life Festival Procession and at the St Andrews Civic Members and across the town and university.

Ceremony, notably Mr Will Hunter who carried The Procession is, we believe, part of what

makes St Andrews so special, and the coaches are a key part of that. They help give St Andrews a unique identity. The proper storage of these coaches, together with the opportunity we have been given to restore a building, unused for many years, is a fantastic opportunity for the Club. This is an appeal that reflects both the aims of the Club, and an event particularly close to the hearts of many townspeople and students alike.

If you would like more information about the Abbotsford Coach House project, or you would like to donate towards its renovation, then please contact either myself (wor@st-andrews.ac.uk), the campaign manager, Mr David Borowsky (db288@st-andrews.ac.uk) or the Club in general at: The Kate Kennedy Club The Mail Room The University of St Andrews Library North Street St Andrews Any and all help will be gratefully received.

Beyond this, our charitable work and contributions continue. This Christmas, COSMOS Community Centre, Families First, and HomeStart all benefited. We are always looking to expand our knowledge of and contribution to charities around Fife. If you know of, or are involved in, any charities then please e-mail a brief description to the Vice-President, Mr Edmund Page (ejp38@st-andrews.ac.uk).

I cannot guarantee that we will be able to meet all requests, and our resources are at times rather limited, but we will help as much as we can, whenever we can.

I hope you are all well and I look forward to hearing from you soon.

(Photo: April 2007, courtesy Flora Selwyn)

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SHOPS & SERVICES Alice Curteis and Marie Robinson present

A Fairtrade Town – past, present, and future lifestyle. (Details of time and venue for this The road signs tell you that you’re entering a and other events are available on our website: Fairtrade Town and the certificates in shops address below.) and cafés tell you where to find Fairtrade And into the future: it won’t be long before goods, but what does it all mean?

Scotland becomes a Fair Trade nation, building St Andrews became a Fairtrade Town on on the work of the hundreds St Andrews Day 2005, a little over a year after we are pleased we can of local campaigns in villages, cities, the St Andrews Fairtrade announce that Fairtrade universities, and towns like St Andrews.

Town Campaign was set up. To achieve this Town status was status (awarded by the Now for some questions recently renewed up to Fairtrade Foundation) and answers about there had to be a certain November 2009 Fairtrade... numbers of shops and cafés selling at least 2 Fairtrade products, What is Fairtrade? and evidence that a significant number of Fairtrade is about better prices, decent working businesses and community organisations conditions, local sustainability, and fair terms of were using Fairtrade products. In addition, the trade for farmers and workers in the developing campaign group had to have raised awareness world. By requiring companies to pay aboveof fair trade with events and publicity, and market prices, Fairtrade addresses some of the attained the support of Fife Council. It also injustices of conventional trade. The producers’ helped that the campaign was endorsed by lot is improved and they have more control over the local Community Council and Merchants’ their lives.

Association.

What are Fairtrade products?

To keep our status, we have to build on Fairtrade products carry the FAIRTRADE this year by year, and we are pleased we can Mark to show that their producers receive announce that Fairtrade Town status was guaranteed, fair and stable prices for their recently renewed up to november 2009. There products, along with a little extra to invest in are now at least 45 outlets for fairly-traded their community and environment. products in the town, with more shops and What is the FAIRTRAdE Mark? cafés and more products appearing all the This logo appears on UK product labels as a time. guarantee that the producers have received Activities during 2007 included the a better deal. It is awarded by the Fairtrade distribution of our certificates for businesses Foundation, a registered charity set up by (still available – please contact us if you’d CAFOD, Christian Aid, Oxfam, Traidcraft like one) and our Spot the Certificate schools’ Exchange, and the WDM. Fair trade, however, competition during St Andrews Festival Week is not a form of charity. to highlight their widespread use.

So much for the past. This publication What products are available and where can goes to press in the midst of Fairtrade I find them?

Fortnight 2008, February 25th – March 9th.

Over 2000 different retail products carry the Local activities to celebrate the fortnight reach FAIRTRADE Mark. A wide selection is available far beyond the efforts of the campaign group, locally: see the comprehensive town directory with churches, schools, the University, and on our website. others, being involved. One highlight will take What does it mean for the producers? place on the evening of March 5th when Julius There are an estimated 1 million farmers and Ethangatha, a tea producer from Kenya, will other workers directly involved in Fairtrade. be here to give personal testimony to the huge Millions more (possibly 5 times as many) benefits of Fairtrade for communities like his, benefit indirectly from investments of the social where trading conditions now permit a decent

Our Fairtrade supporter’s certificate. premium in communities – helping schools and clinics for instance. It means better terms of trade and decent production conditions.

Inspections and checks by the Fairtrade Foundation maintain standards. how does Fairtrade differ from ethical trading?

Ethical trading means companies are involved in a process of trying to ensure that the basic labour rights of the employees of their suppliers are respected. The FAIRTRADE Mark applies to products rather than companies, and aims to give disadvantaged small producers more control over their own lives.

Is Fairtrade a subsidy? no. Subsidies are government payments that lower the price of goods to encourage their production or consumption, or to make them more competitive. Fairtrade is a voluntary model of trade that brings consumers and companies together to offer producers better and more stable prices that allow a sustainable livelihood. Getting a higher price through Fairtrade allows investment, and diversification where desirable.

Are there organic Fairtrade products? yes, but being organic is not a requirement.

Some Fairtrade tea, coffee, honey, cocoa, chocolate, and bananas are organic.

What about genetically-modified crops?

All Fairtrade products are GMO-free. does the FAIRTRAdE Mark apply to UK farmers? no, Fairtrade efforts are focussed on enabling producers in developing countries tackle poverty through trade. The Fairtrade Foundation is not convinced that a labelling scheme is the answer to problems that affect UK farmers.

What is the St Andrews Fairtrade Town campaign?

Our group tries to promote interest in and knowledge about Fairtrade products and issues in St Andrews, as well as maintaining Fairtrade Town status. It comprises seven ordinary folk including a student member.

We would welcome anyone who would like to help or join us: please see our website, www.fairtrade-standrews.org.uk for contact details or e-mail, secretary@fairtrade-standrews.org.uk.

The FAIRTRADE Mark: the logo you will see on Fairtrade products.

Success! New road signs announce that St Andrews is a Fairtrade Town, October, 2006.

(Photos, courtesy Fairtrade St Andrews)

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SHOPS & SERVICES Rick Mitchell chatted to Flora Selwyn about his role as

Handyman Rick My dictionary defines ‘handyman’ as someone to be grateful to him, especially if who is “employed to do various tasks…a man they lock themselves out, which has skilled in odd jobs etc”. This is Rick Mitchell to happened a few times! At least one a T. well-known restaurant is glad of Rick’s Born in Peterborough in Lincolnshire, a commitment, as well as the owner of bricklayer by trade, Rick has always shown one of our most expensive residences. an independent streak, which he puts to good Recently, Rick has found a garage effect. Always self-employed, he has not on Bridge Street just opposite the only gained experience in his many jobs, but Bus Station . This is now his main made sure he has also gained the necessary workshop and I was impressed with qualifications to be considered seriously. Thus its tidy, busy appearance. The notice he has certificates to show he’s a competent on the door attracts passing vehicles, tiler, plumber, joiner, landscaper etc. many drivers stopping to note his I asked him how he came to be in details (sometimes causing traffic holdSt Andrews. Tricia, his partner, is a St Andrean ups!) Most of Rick’s clients, however, and her family live here. She hankered after her come to him through personal recommendation. roots and is now front-of-house manager at the He will tackle anything, from building a kitchen, Golf Hotel. Naturally, in 2006, Rick came along to hanging a picture on a wall, to lifting wheelie too! In his short time here, Rick quickly found a bins onto the pavement, to tidying a garden. niche market for odd-jobbing. A true workaholic, He keeps one day a week free for “small jobs. I he walked the town don’t want to get too 6 hours a day putting big, because I’m a A true workaholic, he walked the his leaflets through handyman after all!“ town 6 hours a day putting his Never a dull moment, everyone’s door to announce his new though, he’ll tell you! leaflets through everyone’s door business. It has paid On one occasion to announce his new business off handsomely, and he was chatting to he has “never looked a client, when she back.” happened to ask him where he lived. “Fordyce Rick is on call 24 hours a day. He holds the Court,” replied Rick. It turned out that the lady’s keys to many apartments, which he maintains father was Provost Fordyce, after whom the to a high standard. Many students have cause street is named!

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With his busy schedule, four children and a home, I asked Rick if he had any time left for hobbies. “Fishing’s my passion”, came the reply. He used to be a competitive coarse fisher, “I’ve won a few,” but nowadays he concentrates on fly fishing. He confesses to taking the odd chance on the horses, “I’ve won a few pounds here and there, and lost as well!” Also he enjoys a game of on-line poker, and when I spoke to him he’d come “fourth last Friday and won some money there!”

Ebullient and full of bonhomie, Rick Mitchell lives up to his slogan, “Rick’s your man”.

He can be called: 01334 473 063 or: 07843 936 160.

SHOPS & SERVICES Andrew Wright reviews

The Revenue’s Shifty Customers When I was growing up in the tax world many years ago, ‘tax avoidance’ was defined as managing your financial affairs in a legitimate way so as to minimise your tax liability, whereas ‘tax evasion’ involved using illegal means to achieve a similar end. Avoidance was regarded as a reasonable aim, nay duty, of tax practitioners, whereas evasion was definitely not. About ten years ago, coinciding with the introduction of spin doctors, tax avoidance began to be portrayed as somehow unfairly defeating the aims of tax policy.

Something similar is now happening with the proposed “income shifting” regulations to be introduced from 6th April 2008 ( the choice of title is apparently deliberate because it suggests there is something “shifty” in income shifting). Following the landmark “Arctic Systems case”, where a working husband paid a supportive wife significant amounts of dividend from the family company, the Government vowed to crack down on businesses where individuals shifted income to another person, who was subject to a lower rate of tax and often a family member.

Manifestations of this were normally found within limited companies or partnerships, where income was shared by means of salaries, dividends, or partners’ profit shares, so as to minimise the overall family tax burden. The proposed legislation targets companies or partnerships that make income-shifting arrangements to gain a tax advantage.

The targets are not just husbands and wives, but include other family members, unmarried couples, and same-sex couples. Any transfer within these groups has to be “commercial”, which means similar to those made between unconnected persons acting at arm’s length. The definition of

what is commercial in these circumstances is likely to be a contentious area. A Tax Inspector’s subjective view of this can be challenged, but ultimately would be decided by the General Commissioners in a court hearing.

How do you value the support of an apparently non-working partner, who shares the worries, discusses the problems, and maybe owns a share of the property that has been used as collateral for a business loan?

I fear this will be another tax regulation that is too complicated for the average layman to understand. It has been roundly criticised by tax practitioners on a number of fronts, particularly that it is not clear, too broadly drafted and reliant on HMRC guidance. Until the issues are clarified, I shall remain a “shifting”, but not shifty, tax practitioner.

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

Tel: 01334 472 255

Jeni McCabe, of Simple Corporate Resource Solutions (SCRS), offers an

Employment Law Update Employment law is a constantly changing environment with new case laws constantly shaping the way things are done. It is little wonder that so many small and medium sized employers end up in the tribunal courts for failing to follow just one simple stage of a procedure. Even missing out on the smallest detail can result in hefty penalties to pay. Most businesses just do not have the time or the resources to keep up-to-date with this fastpaced environment.

SCRS is a human resource and employment law consultancy and has compiled some update alerts that local employers should be made aware of: Tribunal Awards Limits The Employment Rights (Increase of Limits) Order 2007.

1 The maximum compensation in an unfair dismissal case is capped at £63,000.

2 The maximum weekly pay to be taken into account when calculating statutory redundancy payments, and the basic award in unfair dismissal claims, has increased to £330.

3 There is still no capped limit for cases of discrimination.

These are effective from 1st February 2008.

Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act New measures to help tackle illegal migrant working came into force on 29th February 2008.

These measures include: 1 a system of civil penalties for employers who employ illegal migrant workers – it is proposed that the maximum civil penalty per illegal worker will be £10,000;

2 a new criminal offence for employers who knowingly employ illegal migrant workers – this offence will carry a maximum twoyear prison sentence and/or an unlimited fine; and, 3 a continuing responsibility for employers of migrant workers with a time-limited immigration status to check their ongoing entitlement to work in the United Kingdom.

Employers can protect themselves against the above by having clear records of ID documents and copies of any forms and payments which have been sent to the home office for registering a foreign employee.

These checks should be updated at least every 12 months for employees with limited leave to enter or remain rights in the UK. However, this will not be the case if the employer knowingly employs an illegal immigrant. Further guidance is to published in the near future by the Border & Immigration Agency.

Statutory Pay Changes From 6th April 2008, the following rates will apply.

1 Statutory maternity pay (SMP), Statutory paternity pay (SPP) and Statutory adoption pay (SAP) – the flat rates will increased to £117.18* per week (or 90% of average weekly earnings if less).

2 Statutory sick pay (SSP), the flat rate for SSP will increase to £75.40* per week. * The increases are subject to parliamentary approval.

ICE Regulations Employers with 50 or more employees will have additional duties to consult their employees under the Information and Consultation of Employees (ICE) Regulations 2004.

The Standard Provision states that employers must inform and consult with their workforce in the following areas: 1 Information on recent and probable developments of the undertaking or establishment’s activities and economic situation.

2 Information and consultation on the situation, structure and probable development of employment, any anticipatory measures that are envisaged, especially where there is a threat to employment.

3 Information and consultation on decisions likely to lead to substantial changes in work organisation or contractual relations.

Health & Safety Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Act 2007.

Corporate Homicide will relate to Scottish law and will be effective from 6th April 2008. This is a new offence, to convict an organisation of gross breach in the duty of care, resulting in the death of an employee. Organisations found guilty of management failings throughout the organisation will be liable to an unlimited fine.

Further sentencing guidelines are expected in Autumn 2008.

Individuals can still be found guilty of gross negligence / manslaughter and culpable homicide as well as other health and safety offences.

Please Note The information provided in this document is to be used as guidance only and is not a substitute for professional advice. All information is correct at the time of submission, but may be subject to updates. Please contact Jeni McCabe, SCRS, 07899 933 089, if you are in any doubt or require further guidance.

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SHOPS & SERVICES

Roving Reporter told Reporter that five years ago he opened his first shop in Fochabers in Moray, and has since identified a need for specialist clothing and footware in Fife as well. So, the obvious question – why St Andrews?

Willie’s wife and co-owner, Jean, is a Fifer.

1.

the St Andrews connection. Born and bred here, she went to Madras and has also always wanted to open a business in the town! Go, suggests Reporter, and spoil yourself in this traditional coffee shop with a difference, where you can buy local artists’ works and crafts, read the books and papers, or play chess with a friend.

*****

34 South Street, St Andrews (01334 479 091) has re-opened as Kingdom Runner.

Walkers and runners will be delighted; no more rushing around to all corners of the country, or surfing the Web to find those very specialist items they require. Willie Johnstone, who owns the shop, is a runner himself, and can give expert advice on everything, from shoe-fitting to the best underwear, and all the accessories anyone could wish for. Assistant Jean Bowman took Reporter on a tour of the goods. Apart from the clothing and shoes, there are backpacks, bum bags, body belts, water bottles (for that necessary hydration), even small key purses that can be fitted to running shoes. There are also restorative electrolyte drinks from the Science in Sport Co. Prices are competitive within the specialist sports market. Reporter was unaware that, for example, marathon runners (or moonwalkers) needed to do some 300 to 400 miles of training and, “if you’re wearing the wrong kind of shoes, you can do yourself a lot of damage.” Willie

2. From South Africa to 13 Bell Street (01334 479 531) where Jonathan Polling has opened Couch. Reporter found himself ensconced in a homely, comfortable coffee house full of inviting seating and people chatting or playing games, while enjoying the goodies on offer. “I’ve always wanted to open a coffee shop with books and games and things,” Jonathan explained. Together with wife Mandy, also from South Africa, realising one day that they had never seen snow, they “decided to go to Scotland!” For four months in 1996 they worked in a hotel in Pitlochry, when the snow was ‘deep and crisp and even’, one of our coldest winters, “so we did see our snow!” said Jonathan.

Both graduates, Jonathan with a degree in geology and geography, Mandy with a BA in psychology, the next step was to open a hotel with a beautiful garden in Leven – Brannigans. Because St Andrews and its University reminds the Pollings very much of Grahamstown in South Africa with its Rhodes University, they don’t feel homesick. However, Jonathan has touches of South Africa in Couch and hopes to add some foodstuffs, such as biltong, before long. And Manager Gillian Dobie cements

Jonathan with Gill Dobie

*****

3. Reporter bumped into Keith Griffiths of In Stitches now relocated at 22 Bell Street.

Keith and his wife Pam have downsized, but they are happy to be in St Andrews still. They have an extensive workshop in Cupar at the Barony in Milgate. Keith asked Reporter to tell everyone that “they thank all their loyal customers, and apologise to those who were inconvenienced by In Stitches’ temporary absence.” It’s nice, says Reporter, that a missed local trader has turned up safe and well and back in the Auld Toun.

Reprographics Unit

Elspeth’s of St Andrews

We welcome commercial enquiries

They’re here!

205 South St St Andrews Fife KY16 9EF 01334 474999

The services we offer include: • High Quality Colour Digital Printing • • Pull-up Exhibition Display Stands • • Graphics & Pre-Press • • Illustration • • Report/Dissertation Printing & Binding • • Wide Format Poster Printing • • Short run customised folders • Reprographics Unit St Katharine’s West, 16 The Scores St Andrews, Fife KY16 9AX Telephone: (01334) 463020 Email: amm@st-andrews.ac.uk www.st-andrews.ac.uk/reprographics/ The University of St Andrews Court is a charity registered in Scotland, No: SC013532

St Andrews & District Community Safety Panel

For more information about your local panel please contact PC Joanne Francis, Community Safety Officer Tel. 01334 418745 EMail joanne.francis@fife.pnn.police.uk

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Free bra fitting service

9 Church Street, St Andrews Tel: 01334 472494

EVENTS Gillian Craig talks about the coming

Singaway Day For many years the Rotary Club of St Andrews has put on a charity fund-raising concert in the Spring which has raised thousands of pounds for good causes both local and international. This offers singers an opportunity to get together on its SINGAWAY DAY, rehearse and put on a concert in the evening, This year the SINGAWAY DAY will be held on Saturday, 15 March 2008 in the Younger Hall, St Andrews. All singers are welcome to take part in this exciting opportunity to join a massed choir and The Heisenberg Ensemble conducted by Gillian Craig. The programme will range from madrigals and popular folk songs through Mozart’s sublime Laudate Dominum (soloist Angela Bell making a welcome return to St Andrews) to Gilbert and Sullivan with Ben McAteet, and some up-tempo hits, a truly varied programme which hopefully has something to appeal to everyone. Guest artists will be the University Madrigal Group directed by Jenny Forbes, and Saxtrvaganza (returning by popular request).

In previous years funds have been raised for McMillan Cancer Support, Prostate Cancer, Maggie Centres, CHAS, RNLI and many, many more. International projects also benefit, last year’s funds going to a Plastic Surgery and Burns Unit in Ghana.

A fee of £20 (£12 students) covers the cost of the provision of music for the day, tea and coffee breaks, plus lunch and pre-concert supper).

Great value for a fun day’s singing!

Application forms for intending singers are available from the Younger Hall, or by phoning the number below. It is hoped many local singers will come and join the choir.

For those who prefer to listen, audience tickets are available from The St Andrews Music and Art Shop: 01334 478625 and from the Music Centre, Younger Hall: 01334 462 226. Each year the Rotary Club tries to fill the hall. Please come and support us this year.

For further information please phone Gillian Craig: 01382 540 031.

Last year in the Younger Hall (Courtesy The Rotary Club)

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EVENTS From Kate Dunn, Press Officer for StAnza

StAnza brings sheer poetry to St Andrews the festival’s first Masterclass on Translation, led by After its outstanding 10th birthday celebrations in Edinburgh poet-translator Ken Cockburn.

2007, StAnza, Scotland’s Poetry Festival, returns A celebration of another kind is also on the to St Andrews with over 60 poets and artists taking programme. The Glasgow Scene brings some of part in a diverse series of events. From 12-16 the greatest talents from that city to St Andrews.

March, the town will be buzzing with national and Glasgow’s own Poet Laureate, Liz Lochhead, will international literary talents as well as audiences be In Conversation with Glasgow-based writer keen to make the most of the readings, discussions, and journalist Alan Taylor. The festival’s other In master classes, performances, music, and Conversation will feature the Glasgow novelist exhibitions on offer.

Janice Galloway. Eminent poets Tom Leonard and Two major poets from the United States Michael Schmidt and city voices Cheryl Follon, – August Kleinzahler, winner of the Griffin Prize in Magi Gibson, Alexander Hutchison, and A.B. 2004, and prolific poet and writer, Tess Gallagher Jackson also promise plenty of West Coast wit and – will join renowned poets from Scotland and the sharp observation.

UK: Penelope Shuttle, Kenneth White, Alison Performance poetry will be a prominent Brackenbury, Michael Schmidt and the awardpart of the festival, from the lively poetry slam winning John Burnside, who teaches creative and open mic evenings to the lunchtime Poetry writing at the University of St Andrews. New voices Cabaret sessions at the Byre include Annie Freud, Matthew Theatre – the ticket price for Hollis, Jane Duran and the young The secret of the the Cabaret includes a drink winners of this year’s prestigious success of StAnza and a traditional buttery rowie Eric Gregory Awards. from local bakers Fisher & Many of these and other . . . is that its identity Donaldson. poets will be involved in StAnza’s is still integrated with StAnza will be offering two themes. The first, Poetry encounters with poetry in & Conflict, will be the focus the town of St Andrews several innovative ways, for Sarah Maguire, this year’s and with Fife itself from Poetry Breakfasts to the StAnza Lecturer. Conflict is intimate Round Table readings. at the core of her most recent The Poetry Film programme includes an event in collection, The Pomegranates of Kandahar. Adrian partnership with Berlin’s prestigious Zebra Film Mitchell, the festival’s Poet-in-Residence, was a Festival. And expect the unexpected when awardprominent anti-Vietnam war campaigner in the Sixties and wrote the famous poem, Tell Me Lies winning poet Tim Turnbull stages his extraordinary About Vietnam. A former war reporter, James poetry/music hall extravaganza, Caligula on Ice. All Fenton, drew on his experiences from Cambodia this plus a range of stunning art and photographic and Vietnam in his early collections such as, The exhibitions, magazine and pamphlet fairs, and Memory of War. A new poetic voice, American much, much more… soldier poet, Brian Turner, depicts his experiences The secret of the success of StAnza, now one in Iraq in, Here, Bullet. One critic wrote that his of the most prominent literary festivals in the UK, is “poems are indispensable not only of their craft and that its identity is still integrated with the town of penetrating lyric power, but for the circumstances St Andrews and with Fife itself. This is clear, not just under which they were written.” through local sponsorship and funding, but through The second theme is Sea of Tongues, which the enthusiasm of an army of local volunteers. will celebrate poetry in a wealth of languages, with Above all, the participants and audiences are readings by poets writing in French, Norwegian, attracted by the beauty of the town: its historic and lesser-known tongues Franconian German, buildings, stunning beaches, fine accommodation, and Dutch Frisian. Some of the Franconian poems and excellent shops and restaurants. of Fiitzgerald Kutz have already been translated Brian Johnstone, Festival Director and cointo Scots. From nearer to home, poet musician founder of StAnza, says: “It would have been easy GearÛid Mac Lochlainn, has given a reggae beat for StAnza to rest on its laurels and carry on with to the Irish language and Kevin MacNeil, from the more of the same – but that is not the StAnza Isle of Lewis, delights audiences in Gaelic. Scots way. Just take a look at the list of participants voices include Robert Alan Jamieson, whose and it’ll be obvious that the festival has gone after Shetlandic poetry links Scots and Norwegian, some huge names once again and, what’s more, something StAnza’s poets from Norway, Odveig packed out the programme with a strong line-up of Klyve, and Finn ÿglÊnd will appreciate. The acclaimed and rising poets. On top of that, we’re importance of poetry in translation is a key element still innovating and will again present a whole batch of new and, we hope, inspiring events to our everin these readings, discussion panels, and during increasing audience. If you’ve not done so before, come and join us!”

StAnza is held at various venues in St Andrews from 12-16 March 2007. Festival and programme details can be found at www.stanzapoetry.org Tickets are available from the Byre Theatre Box Office: 01334 475 000. To order a programme, call 01334 474 610.

Tess Galla

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Kenneth White

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Brian Turner (credit Voigt)

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StAnza is supported by The National Lottery and the Scottish Arts Council.

Principal Sponsor: Waterstone’s and others.

Festival Funders: University of St Andrews; Fife Council Arts Development & Fife Council Major Events Funding Programme.

Supper Room reading

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(Photos, courtesy StAnza)

Janice Gallow

ay

EVENTS Susan Horsman, University Environment Officer

Sustainable Living Fair and Green Week Interested in the environment? Concerned about your carbon footprint?

Or simply want to save money on your energy bills? Then roll on 13 March, as the University’s Environment Team has teamed up with a group of students to organise a Sustainable Living Fair, and the public at large is positively encouraged to come along.

Susan Horsman, Environment Officer says, “Global Warming is receiving a lot of press coverage these days, but people sometimes feel a bit overwhelmed when it comes to reducing their own carbon footprint.

The Sustainable Living Fair aims to demystify all this talk about going The Rest of the Week green, by highlighting easy, practical steps that everyone can take to This Fair will be the highlight of the reduce their carbon footprint. We hope that this event, and the Green University’s Green Week, which will be Week that sits alongside it, will make people’s carbon footprints a little packed full of events and campaigns lighter”. to raise awareness of environmental The Fair will be held on Thursday, 13 March, 11.00am-5.00pm, issues and the easy, practical steps that in Venue 1 of the Students’ Union on St Mary’s Place. This event will we can all take to take to reduce our showcase numerous different elements of sustainability, and there will carbon footprint. be something for everyone.

Do you want more details on your local recycling Fun, interactive facilities? Fancy pitting your leg muscle against activities for you and your children Although the Students’ a light bulb to see how long you can power it? Or Green Week is linking up with National Science simply interested in buying some lovely ethical Union is normally for Week to demonstrate to local school children the goods? Then come along and find out more – and links between Science and the Environment.

University use, members don’t be put off by the venue. Although the Students’ Union is normally for University use, members of the of the public are welcome Take the Green Week Challenge Those of you following environmental issues in public are welcome at this special event. at this special event. the news will be aware of political discussions surrounding the use of plastic bags. So why not Find out how to reduce your rising fuel bill with do your bit and take part in the Green Week Challenge: can you go for advice from the experts a week without taking any plastic bags from shops? Try reusing your old For anyone who is interested in improving the energy efficiency of their plastic bags or, even better, use reusable cloth bags instead. home, IRT surveys will be on hand, promoting their thermal imaging service. This service will take thermal photos of your house, highlighting Green Week demonstrates how sustainability can be easily incorporated any areas from which heat is escaping, helping you to focus your efforts into your everyday life, from what you buy, to whether or not you switch on the key areas of your house where energy efficient measures would your lights off when you leave the room. It might seem like nothing to you, help. A discount for this service will be offered to anyone who signs up on but if everyone does it, it will make a real difference. the day.

See what a wind turbine looks like up close Renewable energy will be demonstrated through a selection of goods, ranging from a solar-powered toy car through to a wind-powered computer and a working wind turbine.

For up-to-date information, visit www.st-andrews.ac.uk/greenweek.

(Photos courtesy The Environment Team)

Touch and feel the latest fuel-efficient cars The Association’s car park will become your local garage forecourt for the day, with a display of the latest super-efficient cars on the market, with the opportunity to line up test drives for a later date. This is a unique opportunity to compare the most environmentally friendly cars on the market, with the cars on display ranging from small to large, including both hybrid and fuel-efficient diesel cars; there should be something there to suit all tastes.

Take your pick of freshly refurbished second-hand bikes Also on display will be a selection of second-hand bikes. All checked over and repaired by fully-qualified bike mechanics, these bikes will be as good as new, but available for one day only at a fraction of the cost. Come along and take your pick of the bikes on offer.

Treat yourself to some eco-friendly goods The lovely smells coming through the door may well be emanating from the stall of Caurnie Soaperie, who will be selling their fantastic range of soaps, shampoos, and washing-up liquid, which just happen to be vegan and organic.

Other innovative products on offer will include a wide selection of household appliances powered by renewable energy, from wind-up radios to water-powered clocks; and a variety of other ethically-produced goods, from stylish bags made from discarded plastic bags, to fair trade vases and candleholders.

Find out what the University is doing For those more interested in what the University is doing on environmental issues, this event offers an opportunity to meet the friendly Environment Team. Residential Business Services and the University’s Sports’ Centre will also be on hand, to explain what they are doing to reduce their environmental impact, from energy efficiency to enhanced biodiversity.

And that’s just a taste of what will be on offer that day.

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EVENTS

Selected Events Saturday, 1 March – 10.00am-4.00pm. Victory Memorial Hall, St Mary’s Place, St Andrews. Book Sale – new books ‘at a fraction of the original price’. Free admission.

– 2.30pm and 7.30pm. The Byre Theatre. Hail the Bride.

A musical based on Gilbert & Sullivan. St Andrews Operatic Society. Tickets £11 (£9). Contact: 01334-475000.

– 7.30pm. Younger Hall, North Street. Rossini’s Petit Messe Solennelle. St Andrews Chorus.

Thursday, 6 March – 11.00am. Church Square. Bums Off Seats, guided walk to Lade Braes.

Saturday, 8 March – 2.00-4.30pm. Cambo Gardens, Kingsbarns, Fife. Designing & planting a tapestry of spring bulbs. An RHS practical event with Head Gardener Elliott Forsyth. RHS members £9.60; non-members £12. To book contact: 08456 121 253.

– 8.00pm. St Leonards School Auditorium, The Pends. Concert by the Heath String Quartet. Music by Haydn; Debussy; Stravinsky; Brahms. The Music Club. Tickets at the door, £10 (£9), Students £5, Kids £1.

Wednesday 12 – Sunday 16 March – various times, venues (see programme) Annual StAnza Poetry Festival.

Thursday, 13 March – 11.00am. Gateway Centre. Bums Off Seats, guided University walk.

– 11.00am-5.00pm, in Venue 1 of the Students’ Union on St Mary’s Place. Sustainable Living Fair and Green Week. For up-to-date information, visit www.st-andrews.ac.uk/greenweek Thursday, 13 March – Sunday, 16 March – 2.00-5.00pm weekdays, 10.00am – 5.00pm weekends. Preservation Trust Museum, North Street, St Andrews. Verse on vinyl. A StAnza exhibition of sleeves, covers, gatefolds from poetry records.

Admission free. Contact: 01334 447 629.

Saturday, 15 March – 10.15am – 5.30pm. Younger Hall, North Street. Rehearsal (with lunch & breaks) for the Rotary Club’s Charity Sing-Away-Day Musical Gala. Conductor, Gillian Craig and the Heisenberg Ensemble. Also The Madrigal Group, and Saxtravaganza.

– 7.30pm. Younger Hall, Sing-Away-Day performance (see details p19).

– Cost for the day (including food) £20, Students & children £12.

Contact: 01382 540 031.

Thursday, 20 March – 11.00am. Church Square. Bums Off Seats, guided walk West Sands.

Saturday, 22 March – Sunday, 13 April – 2.00-5.00pm daily at the Preservation Trust Museum, North Street, St Andrews.

Easter Exhibition, High Days and Holidays: Special Events in St Andrews. Admission free. Contact: 01334 447 629.

Monday, 24 March – Friday, 28 March – The annual Scottish conference of the Bridge Pastoral Foundation. The conference is open to all. Contact: Bernadette McWilliams, tel: 01501 735 393.

Wednesday, 26 March – 7.30pm. Younger Hall, North Street, St Andrews. A Musical Portrait: an all-Schubert concert by the Scottish Chamber Orchestra. Olari Elts, Conductor; Stephan Loges, Bass-baritone. Tickets from the Byre Theatre and the Younger Hall. Further information: www.sco.org.uk Thursday, 27 March – 11.00am Church Square. Bums Off Seats, guided walk Lade Braes Friday, 28 March – 6.45pm for 7.00pm. At the New Golf Club.

St. Andrews and District Inter-Club Quiz Challenge. This is a fun event for a team of three. Around 30 clubs participated last year, representing many of the clubs and societies in this area.

All groups are welcome and the proceeds go to local charities.

Further details from: Donald Stewart, Secretary XIXth Hole GC, tel : 01334 473792.

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Saturday, 5 April – 7.30pm. Younger Hall, North Street. Elgar, The Dream of Gerontius. Cupar Choral Society and Helensburgh Oratorio Society, Claire Luxford (Musical Director). Contact: The Music Centre: 01334 462 226.

Thursday, 17 April – 5.15pm. Younger Hall, North Street. Islam and Science, A University of St Andrews James Gregory Public Lecture by Prof. Bruno Guiderdoni, a Moslem and an astrophysicist, head of the Lyon Observatory and director of the Islamic Institute for Advanced Studies. This talk is followed by a reception at 6.30pm. Contact: Eric Priest: eric@mcs.st-andrews.ac.uk Saturday, 19 April – 2.00pm. Old Quad, North Street, St Andrews.

Start of the annual KK Procession. A pageant of historical figures, led by St Andrew.

Saturday, 26 April – 10.00am – 4.00pm. Victory Memorial Hall, St Mary’s Place. Book sale. New books ‘at a fraction of the original price’. Admission free.

Sunday, 27 April – noon to 4.00pm. Cambo Gardens, Kingsbarns, Fife. Spring Plant & Craft Fair. Gardens open – woodland walks to the sea – teas. Entry £4 (includes tea): 40% to Diabetes UK; 60% to charities of Scotland’s Gardens Scheme. For further information: 01333 450 054 and www.camboestate.com Saturday, 30 April – 7.30-9.30pm. Kellie Castle, Fife. Knee Deep in Claret. ‘A celebration in story & song of the Scottish connection with some of the great wines of the world.’ Tickets £12 (include complimentary glass). Advance booking essential: 01333 720 271.

ORGANISATIONS Donald Phimister is delighted to report that the

St Andrews Chorus Goes from Strength to Strength St Andrews Chorus is in buoyant mood this season, with many new us come along at the beginning of the evening, tired and weary after a singers across a range of ages (student – retired) and of experience (from week’s work, but then we leave the rehearsal with our spirits lifted from beginner to highly able). Numbers attending have risen from about 80 the joy of immersing ourselves in music. It is one of life’s pleasures to to about 110. We comprise singers both from town and University (both make music in such a way. students and staff). No tests are required to join, just In March the chorus will perform two works: 1 an enthusiasm to sing and an ability to hold a tune.

No tests are required to join, March – Rossini’s Petite Messe Solennelle in the Younger Hall; 16 March – Verdi’s Requiem in the More are welcome, but particularly male voices. just an enthusiasm to sing We rehearse on Friday evenings from 7.00 pm Caird Hall, Dundee (in conjunction with Dundee and an ability to hold a tune to 9.15 pm in the St Leonards School music room off Choral Union). the Pends. These rehearsals are a lot of fun under Rossini’s Petite Messe Solennelle was first the leadership of Edward Caswell, one of the finest choir conductors in performed on 14 March 1844 in Paris in the house of Louise, Comtesse Scotland, who comes through each week from Glasgow to rehearse us. de Pillet-Will, to whom the piece was dedicated. Napoleon III described He is himself a singer, who teaches at the Royal College of Music and it as “not little, nor solemn, nor particularly liturgical”. Rossini’s own Drama. It is a real privilege to spend Friday evenings with him -- many of description was “music for the blest” or “just some blessed music”! There is a distinct operatic tone to the work giving it a distinct “joie de vivre” – (taken, with kind permission, from the web notes of John Bawden, Musical Director from 1994-2006 of Fareham Philharmonic Choir).

Verdi’s Requiem is a magnificent musical setting of the funeral mass. It was completed to mark the first anniversary of the death of Alessandro Manzoni, an Italian poet much admired by Verdi, in May 1874. This is a very striking and popular work and the singing of this by two fine choral groups should give a stunning performance, particularly when A close-up of singers in fine voice The Chorus rehearsing in the Younger Hall supported by first-class soloists and orchestra, all under the direction of Edward Caswell, who directs both choirs.

The photos show the St Andrews Chorus at rehearsal and in concert.

The Messiah Concert in the Younger Hall

Some members of the Chorus singing carols outside HolyTrinity Church under the baton of Marion Paton

If you require any further information about concerts or are interested in joining in future, please look at our web site: http://www.saint-andrews.co.uk/sac/ or contact Eric Priest: 01334 463709 or Donald Phimister: 01334 479440.

(Photos, courtesy Eric Priest)

40 Club Secretary 1990-2008, Margaret Wilson, celebrates

75 Years of the Forty Club without the interference of mass On Monday, 14 January, a Civic Reception was media entertainment. held in the Burgh Chambers, St Andrews, to By 1936 it was decided at the mark the 75th anniversary of one of the town’s AGM that the oldest clubs, the Forty Club.

By 1936 it was decided at weekly meetings The first minuted meeting should consist of was on 9 January 1933, the AGM that the weekly although it has been said by Scottish Country meetings should consist some St Andreans that there Dancing only, and of Scottish Country were informal gatherings this has continued Dancing only, and this before this date. The Forty until today. Over Members of the Forty Club, invited guests, Provost Melville Club has met regularly the years there and Councillors at the Civic Reception on Monday 14th has continued until today have been 6 without interruption ever January to mark the 75th anniversary of the Forty Club. teachers – Miss Baptie 1933-36; Miss since, in various venues in the town. In the first J. Smith 1936-67; Mrs. I. Caithness 1967-70; three years, Club activities and outings, which Club celebrations will continue, culminating Miss I. Bennett 1970-2006, assisted by Mrs. were wide ranging, were a reflection of an in an anniversary dinner on 17 March in the A. Gibb from 1995, and now Mr. J.M. Sturrock era of simple pleasures in convivial company Scores Hotel. It is hoped that this special and Mrs. S. Gardiner. The Club has also had a event will be an opportunity for the committee host of musicians, 11 in all, including Mr. Billy to welcome former members, teachers, and Anderson 1964-67, and Mr. David Gibb 1972musicians. Further details can be obtained from 2006.

Mrs. J. Paterson, tel: 01334 477129 In honour of the Club’s landmark 75th A special illustrated booklet recounting the anniversary, Miss Irene Bennett, Chairman history of the Forty Club has been printed, and of the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society information about copies can be obtained from (RSCDS), devised a new dance called the treasurer, Mrs. E. Penny, tel: 01334 470150.

“The Forty Club Jig”. It was danced by Club This Club is a thriving organisation with a members for the first time after the Civic waiting list. Anyone who wishes to be on the Reception on 14 January 2008. This was waiting list, should make contact with either of indeed a memorable occasion for everyone the above office bearers. present. We were all part of something special Past and present musicians and teachers (Photos courtesy The 40 Club) in the history of the Club. associated with the Forty Club.

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ORGANISATIONS Jeffrey Ashcroft explains

How Friends and Neighbours turned into EastEnders One shouldn’t make a drama out of a crisis, as What are we to do? The forces undermining the insurance advert used to tell us, so a group our community are local reflections of national of us living in the east end of the old town of political and economic realities beyond our St Andrews turned our crisis into a soap-opera local power to change. Even the policy to instead. control licences for houses in Concerned about the multiple occupation has still not Twenty-five years mounting problems of our materialised, despite CSARA’s ago our east end community, we decided it and our Councillors’ efforts. So needed a residents’ association EastEnders has concentrated Union Street had a thriving, mixed covering the top of South Street, its energies on grass-roots community of families tourist information office, through our residential North Street from Union Street aims. Most basically, we have area, to the Castle, cliff-top, Cathedral, and eastwards, the narrow Market encouraged neighbours to get harbour. Negotiation with Fife Council’s Street, the two Castle Streets, and the East to know each other better. By holding open Transportation Team has already set in motion Scores down to the Shorehead, and what else meetings, we have given members the chance the first stage of this project. The improvement were we to call it? I have to admit we live rather to express and discuss common concerns. of Union Street is complete, and during January quieter lives than our TV namesakes, though By inviting guest speakers from Fife Council to May the narrow Market Street is acquiring our meetings do get a bit lively at times! and from other organisations, like St Andrews new widened footpaths and a narrowed Twenty-five years ago our east end had a World Class and the Harbour Trust, who are carriageway without car parking. We envisage thriving, mixed community of families – children, looking to improve the town, we have tried to that the abuse of the “access-only” street as students, the young-to-middle aged, in a range encourage some joined-up thinking and action. a rat-run will be curbed, and the improved of professions from fishing to teaching, retired And we have come to realise that we achieve streetscape will make it safer and more people, and the elderly. It was still possible to more by dialogue and by co-operation with attractive for pedestrians. find an old house to restore on a quite modest local agencies than by the howls of protest, We are not the only (though we are income. A snapshot survey of a corner of our the anonymous letters to the press, and the the largest) residents’ association which is territory taken a couple of months ago shows entrenched negative opposition, that seem responding to the threat to the viability of a very different picture. In South Castle Street invariably to greet initiatives good and bad in communities in the town. and the narrow Market Street, out of 71 flats or our town. houses, 10 were student HMOs, 21 non-HMO It has begun to bear I hope we can offer a model Groups in Queen’s Gardens and in Hope Street/Howard student flats; 10 flats or houses of non-resident fruit. We have organised to other interest groups in Place are long established. absentee owners (7 of them occasionally used, ourselves to oppose HMO St Andrews of how to A South Street group has 3 permanently unoccupied); 30 – well under half licences and planning formed and co-operates – were owner-occupied or tenanted houses and applications where these overcome the negativism, closely with EastEnders. flats in permanent occupation. The population seemed likely to damage our which so often blights There are now also wild of the two streets was 129, comprising 84 community further – some public affairs in our town west-enders out there in student and 45 non-student residents. Among we’ve lost, some we’ve the badlands of Hepburn these 45, there were no children of pre-school won. We have organised Gardens! All these are affiliated to the Central or school age, and just a small handful of adults public meetings on the Parking Plan and the St Andrews Residents’ Alliance which aims to aged between 25 and 60. The population is local election. Through constructive dialogue co-ordinate and represent community interests polarised between students and a minority with officials of Fife Council, we have had a on the wider local and national political stage. pedestrian crossing installed in North Street, consisting very largely of the retired and elderly.

What East-Enders may claim to have EastEnders is not an anti-student protest which in particular helps elderly people from achieved has come about because we have movement. Our student neighbours are Marine Place to reach shops more safely. identified specific local needs and goals, considerate and (relatively) sober citizens. But We are co-operating with Council officials to discussed them thoroughly and agreed on what entirely understandably they have no stake in improve waste disposal and recycling facilities we want to see happen – and then argued our the town and the local community, other than as in our area, and to set up a pilot scheme to case in a friendly and positive spirit with the a picturesque backdrop to their different lives. tackle the menace of nesting and roosting agencies, particularly Fife Council, who are in a In vacations they disappear and our streets seagulls. Our major initiative is a plan to position to implement our plans. In that sense are eerily deserted. At the end of the academic regenerate the streets in the east end where I hope we can offer a model to other interest year they disappear forever and are replaced in pavements and roads are in a poor state and groups in St Andrews of how to overcome the September by a new transient cohort. Summer there are acute traffic management problems. negativism, which so often blights public affairs visitors and the owners of holiday homes bring One of our main ambitions is to help create in our town. fresh life and colour to our streets, equally a pedestrian-priority route, for residents and (Photo by Flora Selwyn) temporarily visitors, from the shopping centre and the

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OUT & ABOUT Ranald Strachan, Fife Ranger Service, and Countryside Ranger for St Andrews up to the Tay Bridge and the manager of the Eden Estuary Nature Reserve, asks

Are You Seeing Red? No? They are here. Scotland is home to approximately 75% of the UK Most people associate population of red squirrels. These enigmatic and endangered squirrels red squirrels with the great face a perilous future. The main threats to their survival in Scotland are pinewoods of the highlands habitat loss through the clear felling and fragmentation of woodland, and many people assume the presence of grey squirrels, literally eating them out of house and that Fife has no red squirrels. home, and the disease carried by greys, squirrel poxvirus. This virus has The truth is very different, Fife entered Scotland and is slowly working its way north with devastating has some fine populations of effect. The grey squirrels appear to be immune; however, to the red red squirrel. These populations may be relatively small, but they are quite squirrel it is fatal, with symptoms similar to myxamotosis in dense in certain areas and are widespread throughout Fife rabbits. from Devilla Forest to Tentsmuir. A fantastic place to see In late 2006 the Fife In 2006, Fife Ranger Service launched the Fife Red red squirrels up close are the woods surrounding Ladybank; Red Squirrel Group Squirrel Project to focus red squirrel conservation efforts the squirrels here can be encountered in good numbers, came into being in Fife and to bring together all those interested in red but please do not approach too close and if possible leave squirrels. In late 2006 the Fife Red Squirrel Group (FRSG) your dog at home. came into being. It has a remit to support and conserve red squirrels in Around St Andrews, red squirrels have been regularly spotted in their natural habitat whenever possible. The group is made up of such Tentsmuir, local woods near Leuchars, Kemback woods, and the woods organisations as Scottish Natural Heritage, Forestry Commission, Fife around Kingsbarns. Unfortunately there have been no sightings for several Coast and Countryside Trust, and others. More importantly the FRSG years within the town itself, mainly due to the presence of grey squirrels, is also open to anyone with an interest in red squirrels, and one of the St Andrews having an abundance of these introduced and more group’s key roles is to recruit and support red squirrel troublesome cousins of the native red. volunteers.

Grey squirrels can do tremendous damage to trees Grey squirrels can do Volunteering with the FRSG can be fun and and will eat birds’ eggs and young. Their presence within tremendous damage to rewarding, a volunteer may be interested to regularly St Andrews deters the red squirrels from returning to the trees and will eat birds’ walk their local wood and report any sightings of town and one of the key food sources in St Andrews for eggs and young squirrels, and they may wish to be involved with greys is bird food put out by well-meaning folk. If you do research, maybe carrying out a proper squirrel survey place bird food in your garden please consider a squirrelwith other volunteers or maybe helping promote red squirrels at a local proof feeder and, if possible, do not put out peanuts, a big attraction to event. There are many ways in which your involvement can make a real grey squirrels. difference.

Red squirrels are here in Fife, why not join the Fife Red Squirrel Group Co-ordinating the Fife Red Squirrel Project is Pete Etheridge, and head out to a local wood and see if you are any good at ...seeing red.

Fife’s own red squirrel officer, dedicated to improving the situation for Remember...tell Pete where you saw it! red squirrels in Fife; however, he has only one pair of hands and really needs help and information from local communities, farmers, and (Photo by John Anderson of Crail Birding, gamekeepers. Anyone interested please call Pete on 01592 741212. who has donated this image to the Red Squirrel Project)

Edith Cormack

Discovery for All at St Andrews Botanic Garden ‘It was cool’ wrote a primary school pupil. humid rainforest; pond-dipped to catch and ‘Fantastic classes – more please’ said a Senior identify mini-beasts; watched and learned Citizen. Both had had a wonderful time learning about bees in a wildflower meadow. These about plants and animals at are just a few of the worlds St Andrews Botanic Garden that can be discovered in Guided discovery Over the last few years, the company of experts at intrigues grown-ups too thanks to Friends of the the Botanic Garden through Garden and the Education school visits, Open Days, or Trust, thousands of schoolchildren have found Junior Hortus gardening club. themselves in an imaginary desert surrounded Guided discovery intrigues grown-ups too. by living cacti; explored amongst plants of In the near future, there are opportunities to find out about herbal medicine, with Jay Mackinnon, Medical Herbalist of BBC Scotland’s ‘The Beechgrove Potting Shed’: to learn about trees suitable for your garden, in the company of Ian Douglas, past Chairman of the Friends and Past President of the Scottish Rhododendron Society: and to consider the ins and outs of growing a wildflower meadow in a small garden, at home, or at school.

(In collaboration with Flora Locale) Garden walks are very enjoyable and well established. Botanic Bonanza, a weekly medley Sorbus sargentiana in autumn of wide-ranging topics

Herb Garden at St Andrews Botanic Garden connected with plants, will be back by popular demand in the autumn with a new third series.

(In collaboration with Fife Council and The University of St Andrews.)

The Botanic Garden, which has recently had its VisitScotland 3-star award renewed, is there for everyone to enjoy, all year round, for its looks and learning! Go now to see the early Rhododendrons outside, or everything in the Glasshouses if it is a bit chilly!

Further details Medical Herbalism: Jay Mackinnon phone: 01821 641 345 email: jay_mackinnon@yahoo.co.uk All other courses: Jean Kemp, Education Officer, St Andrews Botanic Garden KY16 8RT Phone: 01334 476 452 www.st-andrews-botanic.org (Photographs by R.M. Cormack)

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OUT & ABOUT Lucie Southern, BBCT Conservation Officer, makes a serious plea to us to

Get a bigger buzz from your garden this summer Bumblebees are among the most endearing and familiar of garden insects.

The sound and sight of bees droning methodically from flower to flower is a quintessential part of a summer’s day. They are also very important pollinators of many of our wildflowers and crops. Sadly, changes to the farmed countryside in the last 60 years mean they are now struggling to survive in a modern world of habitat loss, pesticides, and intensive agriculture. The number of species that can be found in most of lowland Britain has roughly halved since 1950. Three species have gone extinct in the UK and several more may follow in the near future unless we act quickly. Further bumblebee declines could result in poorer harvests and sweeping changes to the countryside, as wildflowers set less seed and disappear. This would have catastrophic knock-on effects for other wildlife.

In response to these concerns, the Bumblebee Conservation Trust (BBCT) was formed in 2006 to help co-ordinate and promote efforts to conserve bumblebees in the UK. One of the most effective ways to help conserve bumblebees is to replace some of the habitat that has been lost.

Gardens provide a valuable flower-rich refuge in a landscape that is all-too-often lacking in flowers, and as a result gardens have become a stronghold for some bumblebee species. Please do your bit for bumblebee conservation by creating your own bumblebee haven this spring.

Gardening for Bumblebees Gardens cover more than 1 million hectares of Britain, far exceeding the combined area of all our nature reserves. However, at present a lot of gardens are not especially friendly to wildlife. Many are regularly doused in pesticides, and are populated with the intensively bred bedding plants that are so widely planted in borders and hanging baskets. Most of these have little or no nectar, and so are of no interest to wildlife. Pansies, petunias, busy-lizzies, begonias, and the like, undoubtedly add a splash of colour, but years of selection for increasingly showy blooms have resulted in the flowers losing their original function (to attract pollinating insects).

To encourage wildlife it is far better to grow old-fashioned cottage garden perennials such as lavender, lupins, Aquilegia, and sage, which will attract a multitude of insects. Better still, make room for some wildflowers in the garden. Some wildflowers are already accepted as garden flowers; foxgloves and bluebells are good examples, and both are much loved by bumblebees. But there are many other less well known wild flowers that look beautiful in the garden, and can help to provide food for beleaguered wildlife. Viper’s bugloss is a splendid example and there are many others: comfrey, sainfoin, tufted vetch, bird’s foot trefoil, teasel and knapweed all make lovely garden plants.

It is important to provide suitable plants throughout the bumblebee season, from March to September. If everyone provided just one plant from each of the seasons shown in the table here, the number of flowers available for bumblebees would be vastly increased, and the future of our surviving bumblebee species would be a little more secure. For a longer list of plants, please contact the BBCT. Providing Nest Sites It is also very easy to provide nest sites for bumblebees. All they need is a dry, dark, ventilated space, roughly the size of a half-deflated football. They will often nest under garden sheds, in compost heaps, tit boxes, or rockeries. Suitable sites can readily be created using upturned flower pots, or paving slabs/ stones placed over cavities in the ground, leaving a 2cm hole for the bees to get in. Bumblebees tend to nest in shady sites, along hedge bottoms, banks, and at the foot of walls, so these are ideal places to situate an artificial nest site. A nest in full sun will be unlikely to be used. Fill the cavity itself with dry moss which the bees will use to insulate their nest. For a fact sheet about providing nest sites, please contact the BBCT. Identifying and recording bumblebees A surprising majority of people are unaware that there are lots of different types of bee in Britain, including bumblebees (genus Bombus), honeybees (Apis mellifera) and numerous solitary species.

Bumblebees are large, furry, and often very colourful. Honeybees, widely kept in domestic hives for their honey, are smaller, slender, drab, and relatively hairless.

Depending on where you live, and what flowers you grow, you may see up to about a dozen bumblebee species in your garden, half of the UK’s 24 surviving species. This may make the task of identifying them seem impossible. However, with a little practice, you can quickly begin to recognise some of the common species.

Unfortunately, there are few bumblebee recorders, so that our distribution maps, even for the most common species, have large holes in them from areas where there are no recorders. The distributions of some species appear to be rapidly contracting, while others are expanding, but we have only a hazy idea as to what is going on. We urgently need to recruit bumblebee recorders.

You can help the BBCT by taking part in their Beewatch 2008 survey. Please request a recording form and bumblebee identification sheet from the Trust (contact details at the end of this article) and start honing your identification skills! If, at any point, you are not confident of your identification, take a photograph with a digital camera. Send the photograph to beewatch@bumblebeeconservationtrust.co.uk and the trust will identify the bumblebee and add your sighting to its database.

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Flowering time Plant March and April

Bluebell Bugle Flowering Currant Lungwort Pussy Willow Rosemary Dead-nettle Erica carnea

May and June

Aquilegia Campanula Chives Comfrey Cotoneaster Everlasting Pea Geranium Foxglove Honeysuckle Laburnum Lupin Thyme

July and August

Buddleia Cornflower Hollyhock Lavender Marjoram, Rock-rose Scabious Sunflower Heathers

If you would like any further information about the Trust, bumblebees or Beewatch 2008, please contact the BBCT at: enquiries@bumblebeeconservationtrust.co.uk or the School of Biological & Environmental Sciences, University of Stirling, FK9 4LA. Alternatively, visit: www.bumblebeeconservationtrust.co.uk (Photo, courtesy BBCT by kind permission of John Anderson.)

OUT & ABOUT Alistair Lawson wrote about land management and conservation in New Zealand in issue 23, p 26. One of his Kiwi acquaintances in Christchurch, sent the article below in response to points raised.

Letter from the Anitpodes (III) public roads. A great number have solved the If you read Tim Flannery (“The Future Eaters”) problem by fencing off a small corridor to the you will be familiar with the idea that whenever river with a sign up saying, ‘Angler Access’. a new land is settled by migration, there are In the last few years a system has been put always plenty of resources in the early days, in place called Tenure Review, applying to all Jack’s as good as his master, and everyone Crown leasehold land. This gets along fine, hence the is mostly the high country in egalitarian society which I know exactly what you South Island, where farmers we had for so long here in mean by the difference New Zealand. It is only later who hold the leasehold have been able to graze stock. on, when people exploit the between navigating in the Recently it has become available resources too far, Scottish hills and here obvious that sheep and deer that squabbles arise, and have been damaging the therefore hierarchies, class fragile ecology of high altitude lands, and DOC systems etc, as you are familiar with in the UK. (Department of Conservation) have wanted to Those early days are the origin of our societal attitudes in NZ, but for how much longer? control it. The Tenure Review process allows a long consultation to take place between Crown Are you aware that there exist, about negotiators and the farmer. If agreed, the 800 km east of here, a small group of islands farmer gives up to DOC all claim to the higher known as the Antipodes Islands? They are part of a World Heritage Site, a Nature Reserve, altitudes, he is paid for this, and also receives the right to freehold of some of the Crown lease with no landing rights for ordinary people, only scientists. Some early explorer gave them the name, as they are more exactly the antipodes of the UK. My daughter has spent time as one of those lucky scientists, banding albatrosses on the main island.

When I was young, many aeons ago, our education system was far more Eurocentric than it is at present. At primary level we were shown a map with New Zealand superimposed upside down on Europe. Keeping the latitudes accurate, it turns out that our northern tip (Cape Reinga) sits atop Morocco, and Stewart Island is approximately at Calais. So all of the UK is Lupins in Mackenzie Country nearer to the North Pole than anywhere here is to the South Pole.

You have seen the “Keep Out” signs on farm fences. I think a lot of farmers have had unpleasant experiences, not so much with sheep rustling, though that has happened, but more with folk who simply do not ask permission, before crossing private land on their way to fish in a river. In theory, all fishing in New Zealand rivers is open to anyone who pays the annual licence fees, but access across private land is by private treaty, and farmers get More lupins – Church of the justifiably annoyed when careless people leave Good Shepherd, Lake Tekapo gates open, allowing sheep to escape onto

Approaching Hamner Springs

Broom-covered hills land at lower altitudes. The Green Party wanted this, as its members were very keen to see the higher lands cleared of introduced animals.

However, two consequences – which they did not foresee – have not pleased them so much: a) The uplands were once in ecological balance. With the advent of sheep, rabbits, and goats, this balance was disturbed, many native plants simply eaten out. The farmer controlled the weeds because it was in his interest to do so. DOC does not have the resources to do it, and these same uplands sometimes become weed-infested, to the dismay of old-timers who worked hard to clear them. b) Farmers are now within their rights to sell off the newly freeholded lowlands, and in some cases these are bought up by developers trying to make a mint out of selling high country lodges, lake-front sections (plots) etc. Anyone who can pay – and many wealthy Americans can easily do so – may buy these superb sites and build exclusive mansions, denying access to the waterfront to ordinary NZ citizens, and creating a totally new urban landscape in the mountains. No one wants this, but it will be hard to stop, as the Regional and District Councils lack the financial clout to refuse Resource Consent (Planning Permission). Dollars – US Dollars, that is – talk bigger than Kiwi Dollars!

The Green Party, who lobbied so hard for this Tenure Review process, are regretting what they have done.

Finally, I know exactly what you mean by the difference between navigating in the Scottish hills and here. I vividly remember taking a carload of schoolboys to climb a mountain near Crianlarich ( I taught in Scotland at one time in the 1960s). It was very foggy.

We climbed to the top, and after a while started down, unfortunately down the wrong ridge – it looked the same as the right one! – and we ended up 28 miles by road from my car! I had to hitch back, and then come back for the boys.

I think we were very late back and missed evening chapel (it was a residential school).

The HM was not pleased! That sort of mistake would hardly ever happen here, as the river valleys are so much steeper, and the maps very clear – possibly in the rolling pumice hills of central North Island, but not here in the south.

Morning fog tends to burn off by 10.00 am.

People do get lost, but many carry an emergency locator beacon, and the helicopter pilots are very clever these days, so long as the weather allows flying. Solo tramping (hiking) is frowned on, also inadequate food and clothing, and not carrying a beacon or a mountain radio.

Some intrepid folk rely on cellphones, without realising that coverage may be marginal or nonexistent in the mountains. Recently one guy was rescued after his cellphone battery went flat, but the weather was fine, and he had the presence of mind to leave the battery out in the hot sun for an hour before trying again!

(Photos courtesy Wilson Nicol)

27

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