St Andrews in Focus Issue 30 Sep Oct 2008

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

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

September/October 2008, Issue 30 £1.50

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

From the Editor Two quotes, both from New Scientist (7/6/08): “For its diminutive size, Scotland’s [science] research base has excelled. It produces around 1 per cent of the world’s research with less than 0.1 per cent of the world’s population. It also boasts 12.5 per cent of the UK’s toprated [science] departments, despite being home to less than a tenth of the total UK population.” And: “Over time, 200 million stars have exploded in our galaxy, producing almost all the elements that make up our bodies. The atoms in your left hand may have come from a different star than those in your right; we are all star children.”

The frisson I get from that second quote, against the background of the first, is why I would like to encourage young science undergraduates to hone their language skills to help better public understanding of science. A retired St Andrews scientist has very kindly and enthusiastically offered to sponsor a prize through this magazine for an essay by a first-year science undergraduate to explain what subject has been chosen, why it has been chosen, and what is intended for it in the future. The competition will be judged by a panel from both town and University. The essay will be published in this magazine and the prize will be presented at a special event (to be announced). It’s an exciting prospect and I very much hope it will prove successful and popular.

Flora Selwyn

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

SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2008 EDITOR Flora Selwyn Tel: 01334 472375 Email: editor@standrewsinfocus.com Designer University of St Andrews Reprographics Unit Printer Tayport Printers Ltd. Distributer Elspeth’s of Guardbridge Publisher (address for correspondence) Local Publishing (Fife) Ltd., PO Box 29210, St Andrews, Fife, KY16 9YZ. Tel: 01334 472375 Email: enquiries@standrewsinfocus.com SUBSCRIPTIONS St Andrews in Focus is published 6 times a year.

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Cover photo courtesy RAF Leuchars

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Contents FEATURES • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Bill Henney – a Festschrift Bill Henney Gordon Christie’s RAF Elizabeth Bushnell – a St Andrews childhood Kara’s Scotland James Wilson Remembering George Buchanan The Community Council Competition winners Toonspot South Street Café Ask the Curator Book Reviews

3 4 6 7 8 8 9 10 10 10 11 11 12

TOWN/gown • • • •

From the Principal The IPA Transition towns Student music in St Andrews

14 15 16 18

ORGANISATIONS • • •

Firefighter Gary Johnstone Medau The world of ESOL

19 20 21

Shops & Services • • • •

Nightmares & tax returns I see, therefore I believe!

Party time!

Roving Reporter

23 23 24 27

Events • • •

The Air Show The St Andrews Chorus Selected Events

28 28 29

Out and About • •

Fife’s far frontiers Musa & the Botanic Garden

30 31

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

FEATURES Flora Selwyn has great pleasure in gathering together these affectionate reminiscences that celebrate the life of one who has given so much to St Andrews. May he enjoy reading this mini festschrift in his well-earned retirement, and know that he is always in our hearts.

The Rev Dr William Henney Mrs Ishbel Whyte: The Very Reverend Professor James A Whyte retired from St Andrews University, after being Principal of St Mary’s College. The very next day he became the Associate Minister of Hope Park Church, with a new remit and a new boss, Bill Henney. For nine years the pair worked happily together, with Bill as the boss calling the shots and telling Jim what to preach on – and Jim loved it.

Once Bill announced it might be good to ’do’ some thoughts on Habakkuk. Jim was somewhat dubious, for the Book of Habakkuk has only three chapters. This pair, in their 9.30 morning learning services, managed to keep the series going for six weeks. As a parishioner said at the end of the series, “Well, I can spell Habakkuk now!”

Both agreed those nine years together were the happiest time of their ministries. Bill was awarded an Hon. Doctorate by the University, and so was Jim, when he became Moderator in 1989.

The discussions on life – their fellowships together – the problems of life and the passing years bound these two very special lads together.

St Andrews, the University, and the Ministry were indeed blessed.

Mrs Hazel Gifford: My first memories of Bill are from when we first came to St Andrews in 1950.

Douglas was a newly appointed lecturer in the Spanish Dept. We had 2 small children, and in 1951 we rented the comparatively spacious East Scores House. Bill came to stay in a spare room, as a young Theology student. He was always cheerful, always enthusiastic about everything he was involved with. I think he sang with the Madrigal Group, as did Douglas at that time. Certainly he became their Director later in that year. Already a fine bass, he could sing huge chunks of ‘The Messiah’ by heart, though he always said he couldnt read a note of music.

I can still see him sitting out on the lawn in the summer term of 1952, conducting rehearsals for the Group, with our wee Frances tucked comfortably on his lap; she was only 20 months old, and had doubtless been ‘joining in’ the practice from her pram!

Later, though we kept in touch socially, we were not of his congregation; yet when Douglas died suddenly and unexpectedly in 1991 (aged only 66), Bill was down within the hour, asking so lovingly if he might say a prayer at the bedside.

These are the signs of friendship, dear Bill, that are never forgotten. By such small incidents are true Christians revealed. May you continue to enjoy retirement and many happy memories too.

Professor John Howie: In June 1978 I became organist at Hope Park Church, and later that year Bill Henney became minister. I recall playing some Bach at the induction service, which turned out to be the right thing to do, for we instantly established a rapport based on our joint belief that good music enhances public worship. Relations between ministers and organists are not always easy, but with Bill there was no problem, only encouragement week by week. His strong baritone voice was an extra bonus when the choir did something special, and Bill was a fine soloist in Stainer’s Crucifixion

and Fauré’s Requiem. Just occasionally he used this voice to take a different view from mine concerning the tempo of a hymn; the people in the pews were confused, but the Hope Park organ packs a punch, and the confusion was quickly resolved!

Bill is warm-hearted and immensely conscientious. From time to time I tried to persuade him to have Friday evenings off and to sing in the St Andrews Chorus, and on at least one occasion he did manage to attend for a few weeks. In the end I gave up: the man was an incurable workaholic. His work, however, was all for the Saviour he had followed throughout his life. In his work, as in his life, Bill is an example to us all. It is a privilege to know him.

Mrs Frances Room: Our family has been privileged to have Bill Henney as a valued friend for over 50 years. Bill and my father sang together in Edinburgh at the Festival in1953, so Bill’s love of music was known before he came to Hope Park. He had a lovely baritone voice and the congregation enjoyed his singing from the pulpit and as a soloist at social gatherings.

His enthusiasm and willingness to entertain were greatly appreciated, as was the training and encouragement he gave to the children in the choir he formed for them.

Dad had written the History of Hope Park in 1973 and had proposed to Bill to move the organ to the gallery in 1954. Dad had a lot of common interest in the fabric of the Church.

Margaret and Bill remained loyal friends to Dad, and we are pleased that the friendship continues and that Bill was able to be with us when Stan and I celebrated our Diamond Wedding in in 2006. Thank you Bill!

Mrs Isabel Dowie: When the Rev Dr Bill Henney retired in 1996 he was a well-known and well-loved Parish Minister of Hope Park Church, St Andrews. But Bill’s ministry went much wider than our parish because we had many students for the ministry at St Mary’s College ‘attached’ to Hope Park Church, and they benefited from Bill’s advice, guidance, and supervision. It was always a standing joke with the students that when Bill asked them to visit a member of the congregation, he knew the house and the street, but never the number, and would say, “You can’t miss it, a white door, roses down the path, round the corner from the pillar box”; they all agreed his description was spot on when you got there. Bill’s sense of fun even when he was centre of it was well known.

When I attended this year’s General Assembly I was asked by quite a few Ministers, “How is Hope Park and how is Bill?” I served with Bill at Presbytery and know his experience, expertise, and wise counselling was much appreciated by members of Presbytery. He was Convener of the Business Committee for two 4-year terms and also Moderator of the Presbytery.

The Worship each morning is an important part of the General Assembly and many people will remember Bill as Precentor, a position he held for 20 years. At that time Psalms and Paraphrases were all sung unaccompanied by an unrehearsed “choir” of up to 1500 voices, Bill not only singing the opening notes, but directing pitch and pace keeping everyone under his control by the movements of his hand, conducting in his own inimitable style. ‘Uplifting and inspiring’ describes it.

Hon. Doctorates for Bill Henney and Prof. James Whyte (Photo courtesy Ishbel Whyte) Mrs Margaret Brown: I moved to St Andrews in 1981 with my family when my husband took up an appointment in the town. My first meeting with the Rev Bill Henney was when I took my children to join Hope Park Church Sunday School, where we received a very warm welcome. Over the years, friendship between the two families grew, and I helped Margaret Henney on many occasions with family celebrations. For a number of years I have been helping Bill with his garden and on one occasion I referred to myself as ‘Margaret the Gardener’, which caused great hilarity within the family. Bill has given many years’ service to Hope Park Church and the congregation, and it is a pleasure to give something back to him.

Ian Dochard: I first met Bill Henney in 1958 while I was on the staff of the TSB Bank, Blairgowrie, and Bill was parish minister in neighbouring Rattray. During his time in Rattray Bill formed the Lyric Choir and this group of singers built up a glowing reputation in various venues throughout the surrounding area. I was very fortunate to be given the opportunity to join this choir and it is a personal experience I cherish to this day. Bill has a strong love of music and the success enjoyed by the choir was entirely due to his unquestioned talents and strong leadership. As a young man Bill was faced with a difficult choice – a career in music or entering the ministry. He opted for the ministry but Cedric Thorpe Davie once told me that Bill could have had an outstanding career in music. Bill’s ministry in the church took him from Dundee to Rattray to Johnstone and after a spell at 121 George Street, Edinburgh, he eventually arrived at Hope Park Church here in St Andrews. All of these charges benefitted from his love for the church, his drive and enthusiasm, his caring approach and devotion to duty. These attributes were rewarded when Bill was invited to stand for the highest honour the Church of Scotland can bestow – the Moderator of the General Assembly. Bill turned this opportunity down due to his concerns for Margaret and their young family. Jean and I have greatly enjoyed a close friendship with Bill and his family for over 50 years and value many wonderful memories. I personally look on Bill as a special friend – a best friend.

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FEATURES Bill Henney, himself –

“Since singing is so good a thing, I wish all men would learn to sing” William Byrd I was born in Alloa, Clackmannanshire (‘The Wee Coonty’). I went to South Primary School and then Alloa Academy where, grasping the precious Highers, I set off for St Andrews University.

Why St Andrews? Because there I had won a small bursary.

I had never been in St Andrews before and it certainly turned my attention. On seeing the old buildings in town as well as gown I was deeply impressed. It looked like a University town. It felt like a University town. There were obvious contrasts between Alloa and St Andrews, but then there are obvious contrasts between most towns and St Andrews. I took to it immediately; the University, the streets, the castle and the cathedral, the sporting facilities and the beaches.

There was just one problem. I was 17 – and the place had lots of ex-service people and they looked so big! I was just a skinny wee thing. I had to get into something to meet people.

I took the obvious road with football and basketball, but there was something more unusual waiting. I found it on a notice board in the quadrangle: ‘Those who wish to take an audition for membership of St Salvator’s Chapel Choir please get in touch with one of the music staff’. I duly did, and to my amazement I was accepted! The Master of Music, Cedric Thorpe Davie, was to help me and many others in choral and solo work. I was introduced to members of the Chapel Choir and the Music Society; I took part in various recitals and they were all so friendly. I enjoyed every kind of music, but was especially grateful to pass an audition for the Madrigal Group. This was a group of around 16 students, the singing mostly unaccompanied.

The Honorary President was Professor Edgar Dickie. I became Director, following in the footsteps of such as Martha Hamilton. It was all a new world of music to me, but strangely enough I found it very singable.

The Madrigal Group had great traditions attached to it, like the Pier Walk on May morning at 6.00am. Lots of students turned out to listen and The Coffee Shop opened specially to warm up the singers! Then there was Principal Irvine’s gatherings. In those days it was not customary for students to visit the Principal’s house, but at Christmas he opened his doors to the Group. We sang the carols, he provided the drinks!

Next thing was a few of us being enrolled in the Cast of ‘The Thrie Estaits’, a medieval play, at the Edinburgh Festival. It was a magnificent play. The text was edited by Robert Kemp and the production was the brainchild of Tyrone Guthrie. The music was composed and the singers trained by Cedric Thorpe Davie. It was a joy to work for such talent and with others such as Duncan Macrae, Roddy MacMillan, Madeline Christie and Fulton Mackay.

My crowning glory moment was being thrown off the stage! It was all for the cause!

So thus early Cedric was encouraging us all and inspiring us by his choice of music, by his skills of direction, and not least of all with his fun and laughter. I still recall Fauré’s ‘Requiem’; Wight Henderson, the visiting organist for the performance in Chapel, looking misty-eyed…

I could reminisce all day about those very happy times. In fact I did that very thing a few weeks ago when I met Ian Dorward, who sang in the choir at the same time I did. We were agreed it was like a turning point for us and many other generations.

Indeed, it was also to help me in three parishes in the Church of Scotland.

I went first to Rattray in Blairgowrie. I decided to try to form a town choir. I was surprised how quickly a choir came into being, gathered from Blairgowrie, Rattray, Coupar Angus, some of the Glens, Dundee, and including one MOD winner. There was the man who nearly got away, but I was too quick for him! With great sympathy I said to him, “Can you sing?” He assured me, “No”.

But it was a friendly persuasion that led Ian Dochard to be a founding member of the Blairgowrie Lyric Choir. He was secretly delighted. Just ask him! In that choir we sang several of Cedric Thorpe Davie’s versions of old Scots songs.

The time came when I arrived in the West of Scotland, in Johnstone, near Paisley (the town where Cedric had been born!). Others were providing the music, so I turned my hand to producing plays. But the music still crept in and I found myself choreographing a dance sequence to a piece of medieval music!

I was to get the opportunity to come back to my roots in music when I became Precentor to the General Assembly, a post I held for nearly 20 years. It was a great thrill in Assembly Hall, back where ‘The Three Estaits’ production had taken place! I remember a particular year when the Queen was in attendance. My first daughter had been born the night before and the Moderator, John R. Gray, stopped the Assembly to announce that “The Precentor had been presented!”

You can imagine my delight when I got the opportunity to come back to St Andrews and be the minister of Hope Park Church.

Cedric had retired by this time, but I hoped I would catch up with him sometime. Meantime, the Church had a very healthy choir and an excellent organist in John Howie. John had all the gifts of music: soloist, choir master and musician, thoroughly reliable and doing an excellent job for Praise and Voluntaries. The town had great opportunities through the hard work of such as John Howie and also Tom Duncan and Gillian Craig. Going back a bit there was Bob Taylor and the Cloister Singers, a town choir, but students were welcome; Irene Redford became Director after Bob. Jean Lucas was another who gave to the community through her work in Primary Schools. Also Hettie Buchanan, a fine cellist. And, of course, there was the Renaissance Group.

And then there was Billy Anderson. Billy, who can make the accordion so much more than an accordion! It’s a sound of great beauty. He has a great ability to give pleasure and fun to people; his talent and kindness are well known in St Andrews. I recall one day when Billy turned up at our front door, said “hope you like this” and ran away! It was a 25th Anniversary Waltz written for myself and Margaret. It was something we both treasured – a Billy Anderson original!

It’s impossible to name everybody who has impressed me over the years and to explain how the music kept popping up.

Even as I say that, I remember ‘Thomas and Sally’ by Thomas Arne, arranged by Thorpe Davie. It was all great fun. That

I could reminisce all day about those very happy times

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FEATURES generation of teachers has greatly inspired generations since. Town and gown join in the Gaudi, gown and town both take part in the music societies and concerts, and great pleasure can be given as well as received. We are surely blessed to share with the student company in keeping the song going on. And despite all the road works, St Andrews hasn’t changed much.

There was a St Andrean who had been ill for many years, but who still managed to play the piano in revue and concert as well as getting out and about in the town. Before he died he wrote a little poem and gave a copy to me. It’s not exactly Burns, but it has something most humorous and true: “St Andrews for me,

St Andrews for me.

There’s nae ither toon but

St Andrews for me.”

The Madrigal Group c. 1952: L to R back row – Mac Simpson, Douglas Gifford, George Storey, Archie Chisholm, Ralph Smith; L to R middle row – Gillian Johnston, Kathleen Peel, Shirley Hancock, Jo Oram, Bill Henney; L to R front row – Gill Braybrook, Valerie Evans, Hester Mounsey, Clare Sawyer, Sheila Matheson, Prof. Dickie Gillian Henney writes Hester in a recent letter to Dad: “I still look back on my 3 years in St Andrews as very special indeed and the Madrigal Group under your guidance was always a highlight – and such fun!”

University of St Andrews Music Centre

Opportunities for Musicians

The Music Centre is open to town and gown to give everyone the opportunity to play and enjoy a wide range of music. Here is just a selection of the groups that we offer.

• University Strings: meets on Wednesdays at 7pm. Open to violin, viola, cello and double bass players of all abilities.

• Scots Fiddle Group: meets on Saturdays at 9.30am. All violinists/ fiddle players welcome.

• Chamber Orchestra: meets on Mondays at 7.30pm.

Auditions on 29 & 30 September.

All groups directed by William Baxter.

Full details available from: Music Centre, Younger Hall, North Street, St Andrews, KY16 9AJ Tel: 01334 462226, Email: music@st-andrews.ac.uk www.st-andrews.ac.uk/music The University of St Andrews is a charity registered in Scotland. No: SC013532

Does Hearing Loss Affect Your Quality of Life?

If so, contact your local hearing aid specialist:

St Andrews Hearing Services Ltd (Graeme R Cockburn RHAD) Independent Hearing Aid Audiologist Open Mon-Fri 9.00 to 1.00pm – or at other times by appointment • latest digital hearing aid technology • • 30-day trial • • 2 to 5-year guarantee on systems •

24 Argyle Street, St Andrews KY16 9BU telephone 01334 470 011 to make an appointment

Music Centre The University Music Centre, based in the impressive Younger Graduation Hall in North Street, offers a warm welcome to everyone, student and non-student alike, interested in any branch of music, whether as performers or listeners.

• Tuition available to all ages from beginner to diploma in voice and many instruments • A wide variety of orchestras, ensembles, and choirs open to everyone, including groups specifically for young people. New for 2008: French horn ensemble for young beginners • Practice and library facilities, music technology studio with Sibelius • Instruments for loan • Regular concerts including Wednesday lunchtimes Full details available from: Music Centre, Younger Hall, North Street, St Andrews, KY16 9AJ Tel: 01334 462226 Email: music@st-andrews.ac.uk www.st-andrews.ac.uk/music The University of St Andrews is a charity registered in Scotland. No: SC013532

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FEATURES Gordon Christie celebrated his 94th birthday on 6th August. To coincide with the renewed Air Show at Leuchars we look back at Gordon’s involvement with flying, not as well known as his golfing ties. Gordon will be wined and dined all day in the Veterans’ Corner at the Air Show.

A many-faceted Life Gordon’s father had contracts associated The RAF provided Gordon with another wealth of stories and with pilots, giving Gordon his first memorabilia, including the Cosford Journal written up nightly from introduction to the world of flying. In those Standard Technical Training Notes. When Air Chief Marshall Sir Trafford Gordon at the RAF Leigh-Mallory KCB DSO was due to visit RAF Hibaldstow, Gordon was days the Christie family garage was in Freedom of the City Bridge Street in St Andrews detailed to clean out the Nissen hut Crew Room. parade, in South Street, and pilots would do loopWashing, then polishing the floor, doing up the rusty The RAF provided 19 June 2008. the-loops over it by way of stove and generally making the place tip-top, Gordon (Photo by Flora Selwyn) Gordon with another was in trouble with his Sergeant because of a ‘dirty greeting. In August 1919, on his birthday, Gordon got wealth of stories and lampshade’. Gordon prevailed upon him to “get up on a lift at the first civil air display on the West Sands. He a chair, and he would find the lamp shade was yellow memorabilia recalls apparently heading straight for Rusacks Hotel with age.” Then there was a WAAF who was sitting on chimney stacks, “but it was an optical illusion!” Naturally, the tail section of a spitfire to hold it down in February memories of that day remained vivid, “My late father James Christie, 1945. She should have jumped off when the plane taxied for take-off, and I boarded the aeroplane, which was an Avro 504K. The rear cockpit but somehow missed her timing and took off “on a circuit of the airfield at had a bench seat to accommodate two passengers (not strapped in)….

600ft. The watch tower informed the pilot to return to base immediately, I remember very clearly taking off at the West Sands, first viewing the and he was surprised when she pushed open the cockpit hood when he Castle, then the harbour, following the Kinness Burn until we came to brought the plane down on the runway.” This Margaret Horton Spitfire Maggie Murray’s Bridge. The pilot turned north, then circled round the Mark v AB910 is now with the Battle of Britain Memorial flight at RAF Garage and House, over the Gibson Hospital, Rusacks Hotel, and landed Coningsby, Lincolnshire, and takes part in special fly-pasts.

Up at 2.00am on 15th August 1945, Gordon celebrated VJ Day at on the West Sands, where we had our photograph taken.”

He said it was the first view of St Andrews from the air, RAF Syreston. And then was informed he would be giving him just another long-term interest in his manyposted to RAF Mauripur in India. Here he was in the Gordon, we are all faceted life. It lead to Gordon joining the RAF, but as a until Easter the following year when he indebted to you for your workshop member of the ground crew, “to get away from returned home and was demobbed.

St Andrews”. Actually, the first time Gordon tried to join Since then, Gordon has attended over 50 devotion to our town up he was told he worked in a ‘reserved occupation’, reunions of the Operational Training Unit (OTU), which puzzled him, wondering how mending bicycles and being a partdonated his memorabilia to the St Andrews Preservation Trust, and given time fireman counted. So it was not until 1st May 1941 that his ambition many interviews and talks. His memories form a vital part of the history was fulfilled. Bicycles being an integral part of family life, Gordon took of St Andrews, and he has justly been honoured with the Freedom of the his machine with him to use on duty. He was told to remove it or face City in recognition of his life-long contribution. being confined to barracks. However, his commanding officer relented Today he lives quietly overlooking the West Sands, scene of so many when he realised how it saved time crossing airfields and, “I was of his life-forming early experiences. Gordon, we are all indebted to you allowed to keep it.” for your devotion to our town.

Gordon and his father, West Sands 1919, first civil air dispaly.

Photo, St Andrews Citizen 1942, Gordon with brother Ian, sister-in-law Elsa and niece baby Wendy

(Photos courtesy The Preservation Trust)

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FEATURES Elizabeth Bushnell recalls her childhood in St Andrews

80 Years Ago One of my earliest memories is of walking my seeing the horse rolling in agony, having down South Street and coming towards us, obviously broken its legs, and hearing the a tall distinguished-looking gentleman with shot putting it out of its misery. a beard; I had met him before when my The annual horse-parade at Cockshaugh father took me to the Bell Pettigrew Museum.

Park was an event to look forward to. The Professor D’ Arcy Thompson greeted us, parade of carthorses, heavily decorated with swung me up onto his shoulder and marched polished and jingling horse brasses was an along into Smart’s sweet shop, bought me impressive sight. the biggest box of chocolates, returned me The Lammas Fair was lively, but much quieter than nowadays. I – on my feet this time – to my mother, and suppose everything must have been worked without electricity; there went on his way. He was one of the first were certainly no electric streetlights. I enjoyed watching the lamplighter people we met after we had moved from progressing down South Street with his long pole, lighting one gas lamp Staffordshire to St Andrews when my father after another. became University Librarian One of the added attractions of the Lammas Fair in 1925. I loved spending Oh, it all seems like was unintentional. The wooden caravans parked all time in “his” Museum down North Street, their horses pastured beyond Jacob’s a different world! gazing at the exhibits. To his students he was probably a Ladder – opposite the then Goods Station. On Sunday formidable figure, but to one small girl he took the place afternoon we would walk along North Street admiring of the grandfather she had never known. For many years he brought me the beautifully painted and decorated caravans, so clean and polished, mementoes of his travels: among them a necklace of seed heads from and each one distinctive. There were vases of flowers and ornaments on the island of St Helena and large cowrie shells and others, from India. The the windowsills, doors wide open to let in the air (as well as inviting our latter formed part of the shell collection I still have, augmented by tiny, inspection!) almost iridescent shells from Portugal, brought Sometimes in the summer a man, or back for me by Miss Fletcher, who owned the gift woman, with an hurdy-gurdy arrived in town, shop in South Street. complete with small monkey, surely a survivor of Dickensian times!

Equally kind to this small girl were the artists Ada Hill Walker and her two sisters, There was no electricity in our house in Elizabeth (known as ‘Tibs’) and Agnes. Almost South Street near the Cathedral, although in always together, they frequently passed our 1931 when we moved to Queen’s Terrace, house and soon became friends of the family. electricity was installed before we moved Very distinctively dressed, they were easily in. The lack of light had its humorous (or recognisable, as each one confined herself to frightening) moments, such as when a visiting one – or at most two – colours and was dressed friend got lost in the dark among the maze of from head to toe In that colour: ‘Tibs’ in some pantries and walk-in cupboards on the ground shade of green, Agnes in blue or purple, Ada floor of the South Street house and was Newly arrived in St Andrews, making friends in pink or lilac: the co-ordination included hat, eventually rescued when someone noticed with “Polonius”, a neighbour’s cat! (1925) shoes, and stockings. What wonderful subjects that she had not returned upstairs where the they would have made for colour photography! living rooms were! It was a very long time, however, before electricity was I delighted in going to the Pierrots in the Pavilion behind the Step used domestically for anything other than lighting. When radios moved on Rock and especially when an elderly plus-foured gentleman I had met from the ‘cat’s whiskers’ sets, they were run by a combination of batteries previously with my father, joined the troupe on stage in a chorus number, (nothing like the small cylindrical objects we call batteries nowadays) and breaking into a solo, “Did you ever see an oyster walk upstairs…” (I bulky accumulators. cannot remember how it continued!). W.T. Linskill (for it was he) is Oh, it all seems like a different world! remembered for his Ghost Stories; but as well as his story-telling and performing, he was a serious local historian and an amateur archaeologist, an active member of the Town Council and Dean of Guild. I loved hearing of his opening of the Square Turret to find the Whlte Lady, and of his quest for an underground tunnel from the Castle to the Cathedral – also of his fortunate escape from death in the Tay Bridge Disaster. As he died in 1929 I was privileged to have known him.

“Cynicus” (Martin Anderson), of postcard fame, I met when my father took me to Cynicus Castle in Balmullo, but I have no mental picture of him.

Another character of the time, whose name I have never known, was the one-armed greengrocer in Market Street. Less than a decade after the end of the First World War one would see a man with a wooden leg, but this was the only old soldier I ever saw who had lost an arm. He was so adept at weighing and bagging up fruit and vegetables despite his disability that I was quite fascinated!

His little shop was one of a handful of small ones between Macgregor’s furniture shop and Union Street. Later they were demolished to make way for the Buchanan Building. The furniture shop was David Macgregor‘s, brother of the Provost and owner of the furniture shop. He was a painter and decorator and his wife an amateur artist. I believe their son became an artist teaching in the Glasgow area. Next came Bayne’s Dairy, then the greengrocer and lastly Haggart’s paper shop where I could buy lovely ‘scraps’ (then widely collected and stuck into albums by children). Miss Haggart wore her hair in tight earphones of plaits round her head. The shop, which she ran with her mother, was always overrun by cats.

One very vivid memory is of shopping in Market Street with my grandmother when, suddenly, a runaway horse from Johnston’s stables careered down the road chased by stablemen. The horse slipped, came down heavily, and my grandmother’s desperate attempts to drag me away in the opposite direction did not prevent

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FEATURES 13 year-old Kara Wilson, from Richmond in Virginia, USA, visited St Andrews last April.

On her return to Richmond, Kara wrote this piece as part of a school project about holidays.

Scotland I miss Scotland and wonderful fragrance of Auntie’s famous Lentil everything about it.

Soup for lunch with a choice of cheese and I miss the crisp, cool crackers. For dinner we ate my favorite dinner, breeze and walking smokies with potatoes and turnips. After dinner down the Lade Braes we watched TV waiting till 11.00pm for Auntie to in St Andrews wake up from her dozing off to make us our cup watching the people of hot chocolate for the night. Then to bed with with their dogs and kids playing in the park, my memories of the day that will last a lifetime. breathing in the fresh air; remembering the I would wake up going downstairs with the memories of my past when I was here at 5 sound of Auntie humming, and she’d ask me years old, shopping in town looking at the old what type of cereal I would want and if I wanted buildings from long ago and looking at the any toast. She’d always ask me if I wanted any unique things that are different glucose in my cereal; I loved it I miss Scotland and from here. Eating salty fish and when she would ask me that. I chips, and at the bakery my enjoyed my breakfast and cup of everything about it mom and I ate the most delicious tea looking outside the window fudge donuts and drank the richest whole milk at the birds that were eating raisins and seeds. that tastes like cream. While we were walking After breakfast I would go into the living room back to the house, with our stomachs full, my to sit in my favorite chair and then Uncle would mom was telllng me the stories of when she come in from town with the newspaper saying was little here. We came back to the house with “good morning”. We’d all get ready for our trip the welcome greeting by my Uncle and Aunt. to Crail. As we were on our way I’d look outside As we walked in the house we could smell the through the window watching the beautiful

scenery pass by, looking at the rolling hills with the sheep and highland cows grazing on them.

As soon as we got there we went straight to the pottery that had been made in the shop. Then we’d walk to the dock area where the boats were. This is where they bring the crabs in. For lunch we headed off to the “Craws Nest” where I had the most delicious fish and chips in the entire world. We headed back home with a cup of tea waiting for us. Every time we had a cup of tea she’d always ask if we wanted any “wee nibbles”, which meant if we wanted anything little to eat. Just the little things Auntie would ask me made me feel warm inside, l loved it when she’d ask me those types of questions.

Everything there is so different from here: the land, the grass and soil, the way people live their lives. It’s like a totally different world from what we live here in America. Once I got there it felt as if I didn’t have to worry about anything anymore. That’s why I want to go back. I just hope that one day I can go back to the place that I love the most, Scotland.

Billy McIntosh met Rex Wilson (who was on his honeymoon in Scotland last May) – the 7th generation grandson of

James Wilson First of all I felt ashamed – why had no-one told me about this man? Then veto, and judicial review. His prominence I was angry – why, indeed, had no-one told me about this man? in the Convention was recognised by this James Wilson was one of only six men to sign both the Declaration of description of him, “Mr Wilson ranks among Independence and the Constitution of America. Heed the words of former the foremost in legal and political knowledge.

President Gerald Ford, “As an attorney, legislator, and former President, I He has joined to a fine genius all that can can attest to the values and standards set by these documents. To each set him off and show him to advantage.

United States’ citizen, their words convey the spirit of America. If we He is well acquainted with Man, and look more closely, we realise that these words also mirror the spirit and understands all the passions that influence soul of the authors, James Wilson being one. He took the principles and him. Government seems to have been his (Courtesy of St Andrews ideals that he acquired as a young Scotsman and unselfishly provided peculiar study. All the political institutions of University Library leadership and guidance to a young country struggling for identity. We are the world he knows in detail and can trace Ref: GPS-WILSONJ[A]-1) deeply grateful to him and to Scotland for his contributions.” the causes and effects of every revolution Praise also, from ex-President Jimmy Carter, “After receiving his from the earliest stages of the Grecian commonwealth down to the education at Scotland’s University of St Andrews, Wilson moved to the present time. No man is more clear, copious, and comprehensive than colonies and became one of the most influential figures in the early Mr Wilson, yet he is not a great orator. He draws attention, not by the formation of American government. He helped to inspire the American charm of his eloquence, but by the force of his reasoning.”

Revolution, being one of the first to verbalise Some of James Wilson’s other achievements the ideal of ‘no taxation without representation’. may give a further insight. A pamphlet developed Wouldn’t it be nice if the Wilson was one of only six men to sign both the Americans, who come in droves to the concept, later known as the ‘Dominion’ or Declaration of Independence and the United States’ ‘Commonwealth’ status of the British colonies. play golf or trace their ancestors, Constitution, documents which define the backbone This was six years before Thomas Jefferson or could find a centre that pays and character of America. We are grateful to Mr John Adams began to use the same argument, Wilson for the pioneering spirit that helped guide and seventy years before the British actually tribute to James Wilson? our beloved country over two centuries ago.” adopted the policy.

President Theodore Roosevelt paid tribute to Wilson, stating, “I cannot Wilson was recognised as “unquestionably the best qualified lawyer do better than base my theory of governmental action upon the words and in Pennsylvania.” He was chosen by Conrad Alexandre Gérard to be deeds of one of Pennsylvania’s greatest sons, Justice James Wilson.”

France’s Avocat-Général in 1779. The appointment was confirmed by The revival of interest in James Wilson led to his second funeral in Louis XVI in 1781, and Wilson served until 1783, when he resigned 1906. He was taken from his grave in Edenton, North Carolina, on an because the King was unwilling to pay the high fees he required. armed cruiser, for a state funeral in Philadelphia, his adopted home, and Ultimately Louis gave him 10,000 livres for his services. laid to rest again beside his wife, and his associate Benjamin Franklin.

This is but a token account of Wilson’s many, many achievements The American nation turned out to pay their belated respects, one of the and of his trans-Atlantic acknowledgements. Can’t Scottish history of this eulogists being Andrew Carnegie. importance be taught in schools? Wouldn’t it be nice if the Americans, who Wilson attended the Constitutional Convention as one of the eight come in droves to play golf or trace their ancestors, could find a centre who had framed the Declaration of Independence. He was a member of that pays tribute to James Wilson? I suggest one in Craigtoun Park, since, the important Committee of Detail, and reportedly had, “the final revision as a student, Wilson probably passed it on his way home to his father’s of the Constitution committed to him in regard to grammatical accuracy or farm. Or how about a James Wilson Trophy for a golf competition on 4 correctness of style.”

July, followed by a knees-up? I would like to see the original Colonies He was a consistent advocate of a system of government based flag with the Saltire added (the flag of St Andrew) and Wilson’s face! I firmly on popular sovereignty. As such, he made some of the most don’t know of any other Scot with such influence on the world’s stage, yet progressive proposals of the Convention. For instance, he advocated largely forgotten by his ‘ane countrie’. the direct election of the Executive, the direct and proportional election of senators, and the principle of ‘one person, one vote’. But Wilson was (Quotations and references from James Wilson: an American Statesman not unaware of the problem of tyranny by the majority. To prevent this, he 1742-1798 by Andrew Bennett, 1928; brought out by Eric Motley in 1998 supported several counter-majoritarian institutions, such as the executive as a Kate Kennedy Club Bicentennial Commemoration edition)

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FEATURES John Michael Buchanan is the great-great-great-great grandson of John Buchanan, Maltman of Glasgow, the first Boxmaster (treasurer) of the Buchanan Society. John is a Physics graduate of St Andrews University. His father, Dr John W. ‘Ian’ Buchanan (1913-2000) was a Director of the Society, and his mother Hettie, the well-known cellist, still lives in St Andrews.

The George Buchanan Birthplace Memorial Restored The Grade ‘A’ listed birthplace monument to George Buchanan (1506tutor and admirer of Mary Queen 1582) a humanist of international standing, in the Stirlingshire village of Scots (1542-87). He was the of Killearn, has recently been restored. This major programme of first lay moderator of the General Refurbished Monument work cost in excess of £100K. The monument is an obelisk 31 metres Assembly of a young Church of (Courtesy Gordon S. Valentine) (101 feet) high and is made of white millstone grit from a local quarry.

Scotland. He held many teaching It was designed by James Craig, the architect who, aged 23 years, posts, and in his later years, a variety won a competition to design the Edinburgh New Town in 1767. Using of senior court and official positions. This very learned Scotsman, one of explosives, he also refashioned St Salvator’s Chapel in St Andrews. the greatest intellects in 16th century Scotland was Renaissance poet, When Robert Burns (1759-1796) was still in his prime and during the scholar, historian, churchman, dramatist, teacher, translator, administrator, Scottish Enlightenment, in 1788 the obelisk diplomat, politician, and polymathic was funded by public subscription, some survivor. He was a lucky man who, George Buchanan was a student 200 years after George Buchanan’s death. perhaps, made his own luck. At times, he in St Andrews, graduating from In 1881 after some repair work, it passed was a senior placeman in state intelligence to the ownership of the Buchanan Society, and interrogation services, a propagandist St Leonard’s Colleqe in 1525 as Scotland’s oldest clan society, founded and a 16th century spin-doctor, a stylish Georgius Balquhannane, pauper in Glasgow in 1725 as The Buchanan’s wordsmith for all seasons.

Charity. Other structures of comparable Having survived an outbreak of plague height to the obelisk are St Rule’s Tower (108 ft) and the clock tower of two years earlier, he died, a life-long batchelor, in Edinburgh on 28 St Salvator’s Chapel (125 ft.). Further afield, the 12th century round tower September 1582. In Greyfriars Kirk, a stained glass window was placed in Abernethy is 74 ft. high and the Leaning Tower of Pisa 166 ft. (51m). in his memory and a memorial in the adjacent cemetery. St Andrews The recent restoration work concerned mainly the wall around the University and elsewhere marked his jubilees in 1906, 1982, and 2006 by base of the monument, which had been badly damaged by tree roots. conferences, exhibitions, and the release of new publications. £75K was found from Historic Scotland and Portraits of him belong to the Buchanan the balance from a successful whip-round Society, several Scottish Universities and His works were the standard texts of the members of the Buchanan Society, national collections. In St Andrews, he on Scottish history for hundreds of whose primary purpose is the support of features in the Gateway Museum space. students and the old of the clan in financial years in Scottish secondary schools The Buchanan Building (modern languages) need. is named for him, as is the Buchanan Chair George Buchanan was a student in French. He is portrayed in the in St Andrews, graduating from annual Kate Kennedy Procession.

Dr Brian Lang, Principal of St Leonard’s Colleqe in 1525 as Georgius Balquhannane, pauper. He St Andrews University has recently then followed his tutor, John Major, undertaken to enhance his profile to Paris. Much later he became in St Andrews by placing a plaque Principal of St Leonard’s College, on an appropriate building and by leaving in order to tutor James VI for including a feature on him in 8 years. The University of St Andrews MUSA (Museum of University of holds an extensive collection of his St Andrews) scheduled to open works. In contrast to some of his in the late summer this year. peers, such as Patrick Hamilton and Buchanan’s often pithy epigrams George Wishart (martyred in their and perceptive observations of 20s), he survived many dangers in Scottish life, mores, and events, the Reformation by making several and his writings on political theory timely and well-judged moves as well as his concern for religious between Scotland, France, Portugal, freedom and against abuses Italy, and England. He always of power have topicality today. seemed to land on his feet, finding They are relevant as debate and satisfactory and well-paid work. conversations develop about Between his fourteenth and fiftyScotland’s future and external sixth birthdays he spent only seven relations in the UK, Europe, and years in Scotland. He fell foul of the the world. Several new publications inquisition in Portugal, but lived to tell about him are in the pipeline. the tale.

It is ironic that the use of Using Latin, a common practice Latin in the 16th century allowed in his day, he soon became the a Scotsman to reach a panforemost poet and dramatist of his European audience, but that today age. He was a prolific writer and that language acts as a barrier for commentator on many diverse contemporary Scots in seeking out themes. In many parts of Europe the deep historical origins of their his were the works of choice in the culture and traditions. The further Scottish Enlightenment, two centuries development of Latin/English after his death. His works were the parallel texts and perhaps the standard texts on Scottish history use in films of sub-titles could be for hundreds of years in Scottish valuable aids in bridging this 500(Reproduced courtesy of the University of St Andrews secondary schools. In addition to year wide divide.

Museum Collections Unit) tutoring James VI, he was earlier

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FEATURES Zoë Smith, Chair of the Community Council, on

‘Affordable’ housing (?)

We are in the grip of a housing crisis. There is a lack of affordable housing, particularly for first-time buyers, and in some areas of the UK, house prices are dropping for the first time in many years.

It’s a statement often made by the media and it’s a subject that has come up many times at Community Council meetings. Living in the house-equivalent of a leaking rabbit hutch, it’s a subject close to my heart.

Seduced by the “Right-to-Buy” dream, I now rent our house from the bank (for far more than we paid the council!) and the list of “repairs we can’t afford to do” gets longer every day. There is no scope (or money!) for moving to a larger house in the town we have grown to love, so we’re stuck.

We outgrew our house some 3 years and 5 months ago and have recently had to be resourceful and imaginative with curtains and DIY in order that we grown-ups don’t have to share a room with the insomniac toddler any longer. We felt guilty that our 11 year-old daughter was having her space reduced by half (more than half she’d argue) and losing the privacy of a room to herself, but then I thought back to my own childhood. One of 5 children, I often shared a room, often with more than one sibling, and I lived to tell the tale – and so did they, I hasten to add.

Before we purchased our home from the council we were offered the chance to buy one of the newly built “affordable” houses planned for the John Knox Road development. We declined the offer as the houses were not affordable to a family of our size on one wage.

Little has changed, and I still am frustrated by the term “affordable housing” as it is rarely defined and often unaffordable.

I was recently party to a planning discussion that involved a disagreement over the siting of a scheme of “affordable homes”. It was clear the developer did not want to build his quota of affordable homes near the main development, stating that it would be “inappropriate on economic grounds and would lead to an imbalance of social harmony” to do so. A statement clearly pointing out the

Competition Winners Mail Boxes Etc is pleased to award the Gentleman’s presentation watch to . . .

Allan Brown of Scone, Perthshire And the Lady’s presentation watch to . . .

Mrs Audrey Watson of St Andrews The record number of entries all spotted the deliberate omission of ‘Photo Portraits’!

Well done all of you, and thank you.

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difference that exists between the “mainstream” housing market and the “affordable”. Or snobbery, as it’s also known. I am reminded of a question once put to me when I said I lived on Lamond Drive – “is it a house or a flat?”

The housing market in St Andrews is a constant source of amusement and bemusement for me. I initially planned to sell my flat on Lamond Drive, pocket the profit and move to a bigger, better house elsewhere, and who can blame me when the promised profits were so huge? But, as I’ve said before, St Andrews got under my skin and became home without me even noticing.

St Andrews became my home as much by stealth as my leaking, tiny, flat on Lamond Drive became my home. As much as I dismay that hanging a picture inevitably involves Polyfilla at some point and that the bit hanging off the bottom of the front door makes sneaking in or out impossible, I can’t imagine being anywhere else.

Wherever you are in St Andrews, you are within walking distance of a beach; you could probably see at least one tree out of one of your windows and your children can walk to school. Your house may not be big enough, modern enough or in quite the right place, but it is your home.

There are too many people in St Andrews with no home. Not just the obvious ones who live on friends’ floors, or cramped with family, but those in the uncertainty that is “temporary accommodation” – accommodation that you can be in for years, but is never your home.

These people aren’t sitting waiting for developers to decide which part of town to grudgingly build their “affordable homes”, these people are waiting for council houses meeting their needs that preferably don’t involve moving to a new part of Fife, away from family and friends, work and school.

St Andrews does not need new luxury apartments, or executive homes, nor does it need “affordable housing”: what it needs is good quality homes for rent, with long-term assured tenancies and reasonable rents. As a Community Council colleague said to me recently, “sadly, and for once, St Andrews needs to go back in time”.

Wanted: One time machine . . . . . .

FEATURES Lillias Scott Forbes

South Street Café Here, poised in time they sit, as actors en retrait Gracing the café scene Braced, ready for curtain up Impatient for the morning fix: Waiters whip round, attentive, Especially towards those ageing habitués: Charity-clad, comme il faut, Hung in discreet draperies Their ‘good taste’ still on view, intact.

No blast of ‘muzak’ here, To quell stray early-morning eddies Brushing tired brows, Lifting dog’s-ears of yesterday’s lost news, Within, the academic file, averse to talk, Deaf to the ten-cup coffee grinder’s snarl Anticipates the innocent draught of smoothies; Until at last, spiralling out to the pavement That steaming cup, that fragrance – Stuff of dreams – that moment by the Pont Neuf – Eyes sparkle, senses quicken, tongues loosen across tables – So nearly like the Boul’ Miche – so far away!

Lesley-Anne Lettice, Curator at the St Andrews Museum, answers more of your questions.

Ask the Curator Q. Can you tell me anything about the carved stone panel on the Roundel, South Street?

A. The panel shows the arms of Prior James Haldenstone and dates from the early 15th century. Haldenstone’s coat of arms can also be found carved into one of the walls of the Pends – the now ruined vaulted corridor leading from South Street down to the Harbour.

The Pends was originally the great ceremonial entrance to the Cathedral precinct.

Q. Can you tell me anything about Jessie Moir, who I believe was the only female Provost of St Andrews?

A. Jessie Moir was educated at St Leonards School and Glasgow University. She returned to St Andrews in 1930 and became a member of the Town Council during World War Two. She was elected Provost in 1952 and also served as a Justice of the Peace. Her main concerns while in office were lack of housing in St Andrews and child welfare. In recognition of her contribution to the town a street was named after her – Moir Crescent (c.1973). She died in 1987.

Q. When visiting the Cathedral I noticed marks on the side of St Rule’s Tower which seemed to indicate that there had been another building attached to it at one time. Can you tell me anything more about this?

A. In his article The Church of St Rule, St Andrews, Stephen Heywood refers to these ‘scars’, which can be seen on the west wall of the tower. His understanding is that they are part of the original 11th century structure because they ‘show that the masonry was thoroughly bonded’. A number of architectural historians believe that these are all that is left of the walls that had previously been attached to the tower, forming a porch leading to the original entrance to the church. The church itself was attached to the east wall of the tower. The nave of the church is estimated to have been 26ft. The church itself was probably built around 1124, but is thought to have been extended within a decade of its completion.

A much more detailed explanation can be found in Heywood’s article in Medieval Art and Architecture in the Diocese of St Andrews, edited by John Higgitt (1994).

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FEATURES: BOOK REVIEWS Kenneth Fraser reviews

“St Andrews in the 20s, 30s, and 40s”, and “St Andrews in the 50s, 60s, and 70s”,

by Helen Cook (Stenlake Publishing 2008, £7.99 each) Helen Cook is well known not only in St Andrews, but in Scotland as a whole, for her numerous contributions to the “Scots Magazine”.

This background made her an obvious choice to compile the book of photographs of “Old St Andrews” published in 2001 by the firm of Stenlake, who by now have produced a similar one for every significant town in Scotland. Like the rest of that series, “Old St Andrews” (which is still in print) was largely devoted to postcard photographs of the pre-1914 era, but now, using mainly the remarkable collections of the University Library, especially the many photographs taken by George Cowie, readers can have a look at St Andrews in more recent times.

There are two major pitfalls into which the compiler of such a book might stumble; needless to say, Mrs. Cook has deftly avoided them both.

The first is to include too many photographs of views which look much the same today as they did fifty years ago; that would be very easy to do in St Andrews, with its numerous old buildings. The answer is to include aspects which have changed. Thus, on the cover of the book on the 20s to 40s, we see the harbour wall in the background, looking not very different from its appearance today, but the foreground is occupied by a large rowing boat of traditional appearance, crewed by lifeguards (some of whom can still be identified). The second avoidable error, as an experienced local studies librarian once pointed out to me, is to include in the captions information which the reader can already see in the photograph: “Note the horse-trough on the left”. Here again, Mrs. Cook has ensured that her captions add to the reader’s knowledge. On every page there are examples of the thoroughness of her research. She knows the prices charged at the Cinema House; the size of the stage at the original Byre Theatre; the timetable of the special train to the Empire Exhibition of 1938; and

even the technical details of the 25-pounder gun.

As the last of these examples suggests, the Second World War looms large in this book, with evacuees, military parades, and more tragically, the two bombing raids on the town. But many happier events are also depicted: King George V’s Silver Jubilee celebrations; Bobby Jones’s last round of golf on the Old Course; the kick-off of a charity football match in fine style by the Matron of the Cottage Hospital.

Everything that has been said in general about the book on the 20s to 40s is, of course, also true of the one on the 50s to 70s. Some photographs depict traditions which have ceased: the travelling knifegrinder, the donkeys on the West Sands. Others show events which are still carried on, but in a different manner; old-style caravans parked in North Street for the Lammas Market. It is instructive to be reminded how many prominent buildings have disappeared even during this relatively recent period; the old College Gate, West Port House, and the more humble prefabs in Warrack Street (the most extensive disappearance, the whole east side of Abbey Street, is shown in the earlier volume). Other buildings are still with us, but in a different guise; the present University Chaplaincy Centre was once a petrol station.

As before, special events are also featured, such as the street parties for the Coronation (perhaps some of the children shown will recognise themselves). The photograph of the archaeological excavation in Abbey Street in 1970 makes me feel like a historical character, for I had a minor part in it (but am not in the photograph).

These two attractive books will bring back memories for older St Andrews people, and will inform younger ones about the lives of earlier generations. Many copies will surely be departing in the travelling bags of visitors, or appearing under the Christmas trees of St Andreans at home and abroad.

John Sharp gives an overview of the author and his

A Commentary on the Gospel of Mark

by Thomas H. Glover Published by Ambassador @ £10.99 and available at the Ladyhead Bookshop, North Street, St Andrews Simple and Sublime – not a description of the author, but the subtitle of the first book by the Rev. Thomas H. Glover, Pastor at Lower Largo Baptist Chursh. It was launched at a signing in the Ladyhead Bookshop St Andrews on Saturday, 19 July. The Rev. Canon Jonathan Mason, All Saints Episcopal Church, welcomed all present, recalling the founding of the Ladyhead Bookshop 25 years ago, and confirming Tom Glover’s status as friend of All Saints. In addition to Tom’s gifts as an author, he is an accomplished member of the Scottish Vienna Horns of St Andrews, and plays in All Saints at his ‘horn lessons’ most Fridays. He is also now leading a short monthly devotional moment at Craigmount Care Home, just along the Scores, combining ministry of both word and music.

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A Commentary on the Gospel of Mark – Simple and Sublime, to give Tom’s book its full title, deals with the shortest, perhaps the most urgent and direct of the four Gospel versions of the life and ministry of Jesus, providing a very sound and readable companion to anyone seeking to get to know Jesus through Mark’s page-turning, exciting account. Tom’s aim is to guide the reader in a simple, readable manner, without avoiding the deeper substance. Tom became Pastor in Lower Largo eight years ago.

He grew up in the wild west of Wishaw, in a Lanarkshire where life was neither simple nor sublime, with shortage of jobs, dying industry, and a hard life. Tom experienced serious illness as a teenager, which disrupted his education.

Leaving school at fifteen, he served a full fiveyear apprenticeship as a painter and decorator,

and he hasn’t lost any of these skills – go and admire the gold drainpipes across the road from All Saints Church by the same author!

After eleven years in the insurance industry, Tom gave up wealth and security to train for full-time itinerant evangelical ministry, travelling throughout the UK, and teaching at the Bible Training Institute in Glasgow – a challenging time for Tom, his wife Dorothy and their two young children. Then came parish ministry in the West of Scotland for several years, and full circle, the call to Lower Largo, where this story began, and continues.

FEATURES: BOOK REVIEWS Owen Williams reviews

Banquet for the Damned

by Adam L G Nevill (Published by Virgin Books Ltd. @ £7.99 and available at Waterstone’s, J & G Innes, and all good bookshops) John Henry Fuseli’s famous 18th century painting, The Nightmare, depicts a gothic psychodrama in oppressive oils; a sleeping woman sprawled across a bed, the sheets in disarray, with a boggle-eyed incubus squatting on her chest, clearly planning some terrible mischief. For many years it adorned the cover of a Penguin omnibus of Gothic novels, and it’s explicitly referenced in Ken Russell’s 1986 movie, Gothic.

It’s also a key source for Banquet for the Damned; a supernatural horror novel set in St Andrews. Local students are reporting night terrors, specifically in the form of visitations from a heavy-breathing demonic presence in their rooms, which seems to paradoxically induce both sleepwalking (the students often find themselves in the ruins of the Castle) and horrifying paralysis. The dreams are recurrent and increase in power until the point where many of the dreamers don’t live to see the next

morning, and the victims are all linked by their previous attendance of occult-tinged classes by the maverick academic Eliot Coldwell. Into this story wanders Dante (geddit?), a struggling rock musician planning his difficult second album around an elderly book of Coldwell’s – The Banquet of the Damned itself, which seems to be a sort of Seven Pillars of Wisdom crossed with The Golden Bough. Coldwell’s blessing for the project involves inviting Dante to St Andrews as his research assistant, but it quickly becomes apparent that his motives are far from benevolent.

The novel is the official debut for St Andrews alumnus Adam L. G. Nevill, although his biography admits to nine other novels written under a pseudonym for Virgin Books (which means he wrote for their saucy Black Lace and Nexus imprints). It was originally published in 2004 as a limited hardcover by the exclusive PS Publishing, who also boast fancy editions of recent works by big hitters like Stephen King and Steven Erikson.

Re-published this year as a Virgin paperback, it has received positive reviews and generated

a certain local buzz. Nevill’s knowledge of St Andrews is thorough, and there’s a great novelty value for local readers in his evocative descriptions of the Cathedral and Castle, the beaches, the Pier, The Scores, the University departments, and the high street.

Rather like Donna Tartt’s, The Secret History, it’s a little ambiguous when Banquet of the Damned is actually set: some characters rush for phone boxes while others have mobiles, and his Market Street certainly doesn’t feel as if it contains anything as modern as a Tesco, or a Subway, or even a Boots. But it’s a bit of artistic licence that’s perfectly acceptable in an homage to the classic supernatural tales of the likes or M. R. James or Dennis Wheatley. Nevill is rather fonder of grue than his heroes, Eliot Coldwell is a bit of a poor man’s Alesiter Crowley, and the present tense prose sometimes displays a rather ballistic approach to the use of the adjective, but this is a solidly creepy novel with the added frisson of familiar locations made to seem uncomfortably alien.

If Nevill ever turns his attention to Pittenweem, this reviewer will be first under the covers!

Isabelle Salit reviews

The Mozart Conspiracy

by Scott Mariani Published by Avon / HarperCollins, paperback (ISBN: 987-1-84756-080-3).

Price: £6.99 Available from Tesco, Amazon, and Waterstones.

Having read, and thoroughly enjoyed, Scott Mariani’s debut novel The Fulcanelli Manuscript (now available in paper back as The Alchemist’s Secret ), I was delighted to hear that the second thriller in the Ben Hope series was now out. I was looking forward to reading it, and was not disappointed.

After delving into the mysteries of alchemy in his first book, the St Andrews-born author now takes us on a fascinating and thrilling historical journey investigating the mysterious death of the composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Was he really murdered in 1790s Vienna?

Was he poisoned by a jealous rival composer? Was he killed for breaking the Freemasons’ code of silence? Or was a shadowy historical Order somehow involved in his death? Was the bizarre and brutal murder of pianist Oliver Llewellyn two centuries later somehow connected?

These are the questions facing former SAS soldier Ben Hope, whose calling in life is to rescue those in trouble. Returning home from a dangerous mission in Turkey, Ben gets an unexpected call from an old

flame, the beautiful opera singer Leigh Llewellyn. Eleven months after the tragic death of her brother Oliver, someone is coming after her – and it is becoming clear that Oliver’s death was no accident.

Through this intrigue, Ben and Leigh are plunged headlong into a thrilling chase across Europe. Their only clue to help them solve the mystery is a letter, rediscovered after many years, believed to have been written by Mozart himself.

I found this to be a real page-turner of a book, compelling from start to finish. Scott Mariani has not only created a dazzling and exciting thriller, he also comes up with a stunning new theory concerning the tragic death of the great composer that surely makes The Mozart Conspiracy every bit as controversial and provocative as The Da Vinci Code. Very highly recommended!

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

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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TOWN & GOWN From Dr Brian Lang, Principal of the University of St Andrews

“…growth will have to be ‘smart’…”

Successful universities in the 21st century are simultaneously local student body. If we wished to grow the student body much larger than and international. The creation and sharing of knowledge take place the present 6800 or so, we would need to take great care in how to at institutions that seek the best staff and students wherever they bring that about, such as not to damage our ‘brand’. For the University can be found. This means that there are many universities like our of St Andrews, growth will have to be ‘smart’, by relying on collaboration own St Andrews whose populations of scholars – whether teaching, with other universities, in Scotland and abroad, and by exploiting new researching or studying for technology to take the a degree – may represent University to its students many countries of the rather than bringing them world. However, it can be to Fife. no mystery that so many of We shall continue the most successful higher to develop our estate, education institutions, replacing buildings that are measured by the quality of no longer fit for purpose, the ideas and graduates refurbishing others, and we that they produce, and their also need at least two new impact on the world around student halls of residence, us, are relatively small, given the pressure that has situated in towns rather than been growing on the local big cities, are centuries old, private letting market. The and have close relations new building rising on the with the non-academic North Haugh, for instance, neighbours among whom replaces the Bute Building they live. Oxford, Cambridge, that is now more than one Princeton…even Harvard hundred years old and so regards itself as belonging to is now unsuited to 21st Cambridge, Massachusetts century interdisciplinary rather than the coterminous research processes. and much larger neighbour The new Arts Building Boston. The University on The Scores has won of St Andrews shares so architectural awards and many of the characteristics is a fitting home for our of those academic peers, world-famous School of and the city (we regard it as International Relations. such because we have a High on the priority list is cathedral and not because a project to refresh and we are big and industrial) refurbish the main Library, in which it is situated is that which is not only physically compact, visually distinctive in need of love and care, and beautiful setting that can but needs to be able better more than hold its head up in to respond to modern such company. library technology and While the University is the changing demands of not a ‘business’ in the sense readers and other library that its purpose is to produce users. The Library is as profit for distribution to important to academics in shareholders, it nevertheless the Arts and Humanities as has to behave in a businessare the new research and like manner, by being teaching facilities in the efficient, providing value for new medical building on money and having a firm eye on its central mission, in this case teaching the North Haugh to those in Science and Medicine. The last few years and conducting research. Financial disciplines have to be observed have seen an unprecedented period of university building, reflecting and the University has to ensure that it remains competitive so as to but also contributing to, the institution’s unprecedented success. The continue to attract the best staff and students. Most businesses have to University’s rise to 5th ranking in the UK is a measure of which we grow. Their cash turnover and customer are very proud, and it is to be hoped base have to grow so as to generate that the citizens of St Andrews share ever more profit and also to convince this pride. The past eight years have investors, including banks, that they are been, for me, fulfilling and happy. My The University’s rise to 5th ranking in healthy and successful, still responding colleagues and fellow townspeople the UK is a measure of which we are to a growing demand for their goods or have been supportive, encouraging, services. This University is not like that, very proud, and it is to be hoped that the and a pleasure to work with and to in that substantial growth within live alongside. As I move on from citizens of St Andrews share this pride St Andrews would have to be undertaken St Andrews, I will bear in mind that only with very great care. Our very inextricably close relationship between nature could change, we would risk town and gown and the way in which, failing to attract scholars on the basis as I have frequently remarked, of the collegiality for which we are noted, our reputation could suffer St Andrews and its University have always taken their personalities from and most seriously of all, our relationship with our host St Andrews and one another. Long may that be the case into an even more successful its people could be compromised. The present physical infrastructure future. We want the people of St Andrews to be as proud of their of St Andrews could not, in any case, cope with a significantly larger University, as we in the University are proud of the town.

14

TOWN & GOWN Anna von Wachenfelt on

An interview for the IPA It was mid July when I picked up the phone to call Robin Paijkull Knapp for a short discussion on the International Politics Association (IPA).

Robin, residing in his native Sweden during the summer, is a third-year student of International Relations, and currently the vice-president of the Association.

Robin, first of all, tell me some more about the IPA? – Well, I can start with Seneca’s maxim that the Association has embraced as its own, Adiatur et altera pars, that is, always hear the other side. As such, the IPA started off as a student society aiming to increase awareness of politics by providing interesting and motivating speakers from the political field. The key has been to remain totally politically impartial, thus giving our events the ability to cover a broad spectrum of views, and just as Seneca put it, always to hear the other side. The IPA almost Last year’s committee with Dr. Hans Blix (Photo, courtesy IPA) died out a few years ago because of poor management, but some real enthusiasts kept act as a complement to the IR department in are not just “University business”, but for the it alive and started to restore the role of the bridging the sometimes too-wide gap between local community as well. The Hans Blix event Association in the community of St Andrews. academia and political reality. This is something showed that this is possible. This year IPA Now, our aim is to have a big I think gives great strength is trying to reach out to the local community crowd of both students and to the Association, and it more than ever, and I really want to take this The IPA has for a long time local townspeople coming was especially apparent opportunity to urge people from the town of St maintained that its events to every talk, and to provide when Hans Blix came Andrews to come to our talks. are not just “University a wide range of speakers to speak at one of our business”, but for the local from different political creeds meetings. Surely most of Robin ends the interview with a cunning, but and backgrounds to make us had followed Dr. Blix honest answer to my question about future community as well this possible. We always and the quest for Weapons events: encourage people to suggest speakers they of Mass Destruction in the news, but listening – I wish I could give you a good answer, but want to hear in St Andrews, because in the end, to him made me realize that what seemed like as it works, in July we have no final schedule the IPA was formed to provide speakers people a distant political event was actually not that of speakers. What I do know for sure is that want. distant.

Michael Evans, defence editor of the Times The event was in the spring of 2008. Dr will pay us a visit; and that Gabriel Gabiro, a So Robin, how come you chose to join IPA? Blix, earlier head of UNMOVIC, and Director young Rwandan journalist who covered the – I realised early on that this was the kind of General of IAEA, attracted such a large UN International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda society I wanted to get involved in, since IPA audience that IPA had to change location three in Tanzania, will give us a speech on Western not only gives people an opportunity to listen to times before the event was finally held in Holy Media and its attitude to Africa. Two speakers interesting people, but also brings the political Trinity Church. About 600 people came to listen that I am looking forward to hearing! to its audience by giving the young scholar, to Dr. Blix and I called it, “a great success for or the interested layman, the chance to meet the IPA”. I added that the visit was a success IPA ’s list of speakers will be available end of a professional. This is especially important for us not only because we could host an event September at a University with such a renowned and with such a potent speaker, but also because immensely popular International Relations we managed to attract people from both the More info on IPA can be found from the department as St Andrews University. In that student body and the local community. The IPA President of the IPA Anant Rai Mahendru respect, I really hope and think that IPA can has for a long time maintained that its events email: ipamail@st-andrews.ac.uk

University of St Andrews Open Association The Open Association is an exciting and diverse programme encompassing a Friday Evening Lecture Programme, Short Courses and Day Schools to name but a few of the available opportunities.

The Open Association welcomes members of the St Andrews’ community and beyond to explore, learn, discover and participate in a wide range of frontier stretching programmes.

Courses run all year, beginning September 2008 For full details please contact: Oliver Jackson-Hutt Telephone: 01334 462206, Facsimile: 01334 463330 E-mail: open.association@st-andrews.ac.uk St Katharine’s West, 16 The Scores, St Andrews, KY16 9AX The University of St Andrews is a charity registered in Scotland. No: SC013532

Extension Language Programmes Evening Language Teaching Enrolment is now open for The University of St Andrews Evening Language Teaching Programmes. These classes are open to all, offering outstanding professional tuition, support and value for money. We offer tuition at a wide range of levels from Beginner to Advanced in Arabic, Chinese, French, Gaelic, German, Greek, Italian, Japanese, Russian and Spanish.

2008 Courses

Courses run all year, beginning September 2008 For full details please contact: Oliver Jackson-Hutt Telephone: 01334 462206, Facsimile: 01334 463330 E-mail: saep@st-andrews.ac.uk St Katharine’s West, 16 The Scores, St Andrews, KY16 9AX

The University of St Andrews is a charity registered in Scotland. No: SC013532

15

TOWN & GOWN Professor Jan Bebbington, Director of St Andrews Sustainability Institute in the School of Management, describes

Transition Towns global oil production will reach its peak between 2006 and 2012, before starting to fall.

Peak oil and climate change will cause some huge changes in the way we live and work in the future. Rather than just ignoring the problems and waiting for them to happen, we can choose to prepare for these changes. Rebuilding resilience is about not having all your eggs in one basket (or oil drum). By re-localising our society, using fewer and more diverse finite resources and being more in control of the resources we do need, we can create a society which is better prepared to flourish in the face of future challenges. We don’t have to go back to ‘how we used to be’ – it is a positive step forward to a different, but more rewarding lifestyle.

The first Transition Towns, Kinsale and Totnes in Devon, embarked on their journey in 2005. There are now around 50 registered Transition Initiatives in England, and 5 in Scotland (Portobello, Biggar, Dunbar, Forres and North Howe Toun – which covers the Fife villages of Letham, Monimail, Collessie, Giffordtown, and Bow of Fife), with many more exploring the initial stages. Learning from their experiences so far, the transition network acts as a support group for communities, helping them to embark on what is now a tried and tested journey.

The first steps towards becoming a Transition Town will involve raising awareness of the issues within the community, gathering together likeminded individuals, finding “For all those aspects of life that this community needs in order to funding, and then lots of sustain itself and thrive, how are we going to: communication – with • significantly rebuild resilience (in response to peak oil) residents, local town Garden and community groups, • drastically reduce carbon emissions (in response to businesses, local ‘green’ groups, and the transition network itself. climate change)?”

Becoming a Transition Town involves trying to imagine what Most of us are familiar with carbon emissions and climate change, but not the community might be like in an energy-constrained future, whilst resilience and peak oil. Oil and related energy sources have brought us maintaining family and business life, and then thinking about the steps convenience – the ability to drive our own car, have heat and light at the needed to get there. This is a huge task, and is tackled by forming smaller flick of a switch, buy food from all over the world. But this dependence working groups, each looking at aspects of life such as energy, food, also makes us very vulnerable. Damage to a power education, transport, arts, business/livelihoods, line disabled many businesses in the town; no power housing, and infrastructure, then finally pulling them it is a positive step meant no lights, no tills, no credit card machines. all together to produce an Energy Descent Action Industrial action coupled with panic buying of fuel forward to a different, but Plan. Some of these issues may already be under caused disruption to transport and supply chains. development by existing ‘green’ groups in the area, more rewarding lifestyle Whilst oil prices are influenced not only by supply, but for instance cycling or local food groups, and it is also political and economic factors such as tax, the important to pull together all this local expertise current situation is a warning of the problems we will face as we reach a into the transition plan. Another critical part of the transition process is “peak oil” situation. This is not when the oil runs out, but the point at which re-skilling – training to give members of the community the skills they the rate of global oil extraction starts to decline. Even though there are will need to implement the action plan, such as gardening, woodwork, still untapped oil reserves out there and rising prices are making it more machinery repair, or sustainable building skills. economical to extract oil from less productive areas, it is estimated that Climate change and peak oil will cause challenges to both the town and University of St Andrews – for instance we depend on large numbers of overseas visitors, both tourists and students. On the positive side, the area has huge local food and potential energy resources. A Transition St Andrews would complement and build on the already successful initiatives such as our status as a FairTrade town, the farmers’ market, and the recently launched plastic bag-free campaign. St Andrews is lucky to have such a long history to look back on – the very least we can do as citizens of the town is to look forward and plan for its ongoing survival and prosperity.

Climate change and the price of fuel are two topics rarely out of the news headlines these days. These affect everyone, yet it seems that there is little we can do about them. Whilst governments the world over must take action to move towards a more sustainable future, there is now a growing movement of individuals grouping together at community level to shape their own futures.

One pathway towards a more sustainable future was developed

by Rob Hopkins, working as a Permaculture tutor at Kinsale Further All Saints Companions Education College in Ireland. Based on the prediction that by the year 2021, Kinsale will only have about half of its current fossil fuel resources, Rob’s students produced an Energy Descent Action Plan; an attempt to visualise how a less energy-intensive Kinsale might look in 2021, and what steps could be taken to get there. The action plan was formally adopted by Kinsale town council in 2005, and the lessons learned during the process now form the basis of the Transition Towns initiative.

So what is a Transition Town? The name implies change, which in itself can sometimes be seen as a scary prospect. But Transition Towns are about seeking positive changes, driven by the members of the community, for the benefit of the community. A Transition Town (or village, district, island etc.) is one which has made a positive decision to consider the following question:

For further information: Transition Towns website (with links to individual TT websites) www.transitiontowns.org/ Rob Hopkins’ Transition Culture website http://transitionculture.org/ Kinsale Energy Descent Action Plan http://transitiontowns.org/Kinsale/Main/KinsaleEnergyDescentActionPlan

Farmers’ Market

16

Interested in exploring what a Transition St Andrews might look like?

Please contact Flora Selwyn, Editor at editor@standrewsinfocus.com For other areas of Scotland, please contact the Scottish Transition network coordinator, Eva Schonveld at eva@transitionscotland.org

TOWN & GOWN

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17

TOWN & GOWN Jessica Cook, studying English, discusses

The Student Musical Scene The potential of the St Andrews music form of bars and pubs. Aikman’s bar-bistro scene rests somewhere between the dulcet in particular has a lot of live performances of tones and interspersed beat boxing of the diverse talent, both student and local. A list University’s contemporary a cappella group, of events can be found on their website and The Alleycats (recently featured on the BBC’s the atmosphere is relaxed and comfortable, show, Last Choir Standing) and the thick consisting of a musically affluent crowd. The acoustic roots of KT Tunstall’s childhood.

Byre Theatre hosts an open mic jazz night As the summer months draw to a close new on Thursdays, and on Fridays has a varied arrivals to St Andrews will be haunted by and entertaining musical selection. To name a the dilemma that potentially the only music few, The Rule, The Raison, and Victoria Café nightlife they will experience consists of cooing also feature live music which can be relied seagulls and the crashing of upon for ambiance, and like a roaring tide. Upon further most bands in small towns Due to the size of investigation the potential these performances have St Andrews the real their own steady following. and diversity of St Andrews’ musicality is not a lost cause. musical experience For a slightly different music With a constantly scene The Lizard Bar below here lies mostly fluctuating population caused The Oakrooms, and Catch, by a high proportion of student the Aquarium’s late-night in participation, or venue, have regular DJ inhabitants and tourists, the nurturing links with musical scene is diverse nights that attract students and eclectic for a city of this and locals alike and cater for the social side of size, particularly during term those with a preoccupation the music scene time. For students, the Union with the more electronic provides a musical outlet, beats of rave and dance. If with a collection of societies from Roc Soc to you’re interested in classical or choral music, there are regular concerts at the Younger Hall Rave Soc and the opportunity to attend a wide selection of music events from the festivalduring term time, and both the St Andrews style Starfields to the 2007 appearance of The Chorus and St Andrews Music Club offer a Pigeon Detectives at The May Ball. However, vibrant experience. As far as local bands are although some of the student events are open concerned you have to keep an eye on notice to the public and visiting students, many of boards and go to lots of different venues, them are limited to matriculated St Andreans. (sound advice, if somewhat of a cop out).

However, if you’re seeking musical When you’re buying music the size of our diversity, the shuffle mode on your iPod isn’t quaint little town becomes a distinct problem. the most effective solution. Smaller musical Since the closure of Fopp, our options are venues in St Andrews can be found in the limited to either the supermarket charts or

18

Unknown Pleasures (which incidentally is also the name of a Joy Division album) and if you’re interested in vinyl then charity shops can produce interesting finds.

Now that most of the details are out of the way I want you to think outside the box.

Well not literally outside the box. What does this box even refer to? Isn’t the universe infinite? What kind of subject has a box? I’ll have to think about that… I suppose (I say grudgingly) it makes sense. Now to the point.

What would I recommend? Due to the size of St Andrews the real musical experience here lies mostly in participation, or nurturing links with the social side of the music scene. The best music I’ve heard all year was in a living room at four-thirty in the morning, and on various occasions while sitting by a bonfire on Castle Sands. Delving slightly into the bounds of obscurity I would recommend listening to buskers – a habit developed mainly from being broke and living in Cambridgeshire – what more could you want than music for which you can choose your admission? A lot of bands experience this in the early stages of their career, and whether or not it appeals to your musical tastes it’s a unique and more personal form of performance. From two violintoting girls rehearsing outside Accessorize, to more regular appearances from flute players, accordions, and singer-songwriters, the cobbled streets of St Andrews offer, at the very least, an individual experience.

ORGANISATIONS Gary Johnstone is a born St Andrean, an officer with the Airport Fire Service at Dundee Airport and a Retained Firefighter with the Fire Service in St Andrews.

So what is the International Fire and Rescue Association?

We are a Scottish-based charity of Firefighters, based at St Andrews as a retained firefighter, Rescue Personnel and civilians, working for the there was no problem getting time off to last 6 years to assist Fire Services in countries travel. So early on a Sunday morning in June, affected by war/civil unrest or are too poor to myself along with two other fire officers from provide a Fire Service of their own. At present Edinburgh Airport and Northumberland Fire we have assisted in Bosnia, Kosovo, Albania, Service departed with an ex-Northumberland Serbia, Romania, and other countries (13 in 1987 Volvo Fire Appliance. The total travel was all). We have many sponsors and they have in excess of 2000 miles, 1400 of which was supported us in all our endeavours, including by road and would require us to travel through in 2003 when we hosted 2 6 countries en route. The Bosnian Fire Officers for 4 journey was not without its weeks of training. There are at problems – the vehicle broke present around 100 members down in Belgium, as well as of IFRA and over the 6 years the Italian Customs not being we have sent 40 fire and rescue able to understand why we vehicles, tons of equipment, were taking a British Fire and also supplied instructors to Engine to Albania, the latter assist with training and support eventually being solved when on 21 missions. Without the they thought we were on a support of all the Fire Brigades church mission! and company sponsors we Eventually we arrived and would not have been able to the equipment was gratefully help as many countries as we received by the Albanians, so have. Vehicles and equipment much so that we appeared on that would otherwise have been the Albanian News twice and lying in stores, sold for small had four meetings with the amounts of money or scrapped are still saving City Mayor. The next ten days were spent giving lives, and it is because of this that firefighters on valuable training on the appliance as well as all the other side of the world are able to carry out the equipment donated. It was very humbling their duties, safer and in what they regard as to find out that their former Chief of the Fire modern fire appliances and modern equipment Service had been recently killed in a road traffic and training. accident, now we were My first involvement delivering equipment and the equipment was started back in 2006 when training that would be used a colleague at Dundee to save lives and could gratefully received by Airport approached the possibly have saved his. the Albanians, so much As well as all the training, management to get the airport involved in assisting so that we appeared on we also assisted in fighting IFRA. I soon became a a fire that had broken out the Albanian News twice at a local high school, and member and helped raise some much-needed funds, witnessed first hand the and had four meetings as well as assisting in the difficulties the firefighters with the City Mayor collection of equipment, faced on a daily basis. before being asked this For the future, it is year if I would travel to Albania to deliver an hoped that another appliance, together with appliance and assist in giving some training. more equipment can be sent out to Albania.

My first thoughts were, “where is Albania?”

This is as well as the other missions ongoing For those of you who don’t know, Albania in a number of countries. Hopefully it will is situated north of Greece on the Adriatic be accompanied by me and a number of Sea. It was one of the world’s most isolated other Instructors, who will train the Albanian and controlled countries until about 1990. It Fire Service on the latest firefighting & is going through a period of change, but the rescue techniques. The cost of sending a infrastructure of the country, including the Fire Fire Appliance together with equipment and Service is in a terrible state. Out of the three fire Instructors can be very high. To do this, we engines in the city of Lushnje, one is of 1967 raise the funds through a variety of fundraising vintage, a second from 1971, and the third is a means and sponsored events. We are always converted milk tanker! The firefighters have no on the lookout for sponsorship and any protective equipment and regularly tackle fires donations given would be gratefully received. in just a pair of trousers and a T-shirt. The cutting equipment we took is only the second IFRA is a registered charity set in a country of nearly 4 million – in (Charity Number Sco 033401). comparison, St Andrews alone has 2 sets.

For more information and/or to make a donation Luckily, as IFRA is supported by email: garyjohnstone@btinternet.com both Dundee Airport, where I am a Crew Or online at www.ifra.co.uk Commander with the Airport Fire Service, and also Fife Fire & Rescue Service, where I am (Photos, courtesy Gary Johnstone)

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Gary with anot her fire-fighter together with the deliv ered applianc e and all the crew from Lu shnje.

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Gary in the ca r being cut ou t by the Albani an crew using the equipment de livered.

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19

ORGANISATIONS Fiona Vincent has made sure that

Medau continues A popular St Andrews exercise class has been is benefiting as much as given a new lease of life this year, as Fiona possible. And at the end, Vincent takes over from Rosalind Batchelor. many people go off for a cup When Rosalind arrived in St Andrews in of coffee together!

1974, she was disappointed to find that her Over the years, Rosalind favourite Medau exercise classes weren’t set up a number of other available locally. She grew up in Surrey, where classes, on subjects as diverse as Yoga, her mother was a fully-trained Medau teacher, and Rosalind had been enjoying these classes Geology, and Enjoying the for most of her life. Finding that there were Countryside. Many people none in the St Andrews area, she herself in the area have enjoyed underwent the three-year teacher training her weekly meetings, and course, and started up her own classes here. also her famous summer Over the years, many scores of women field trips to remote and in and around St Andrews have enjoyed her fascinating parts of Scotland. weekly sessions. Fiona Vincent joined the And she and her husband Thursday morning class in 1988; at the time, Richard keep busy with their Fiona with Rosalind Batchelor (Photo, courtesy Fiona Vincent) she was working at the Mills Observatory large organic garden, where in Dundee, and she was looking for a way they grow vegetables and to reduce her stress levels and improve her also encourage wildlife. under Rosalind’s supervision. “Everyone was general health. She quickly found that Medau Recently, however, she started finding very patient with me while I was learning,” movement was just what she had been looking that it was increasingly difficult to devote as she says, “and I hope that, as a fully-qualified for, with its combination of music and rhythm, much effort as she wished to all her different teacher, I’ll be able to give them really good and its friendly atmosphere. She kept coming enterprises. Reluctantly, she realised that classes.” to the classes even after she stopped working. something would have to be abandoned. “My Fiona has found a number of other one-hour Medau Dance-Fit class took more So what is it that makes Medau movement advantages in taking over an established so special? It has been around for over 50 effort than anything else,” she said, “so I class. She is using all Rosalind’s apparatus, years: other keep fit decided to give that up.” and also her extensive collection of recorded fashions come and go, Fiona and the other music. So regular class members will still hear The movements are fun, but this one has never class members were some of their favourite tunes – though Fiona using a wide variety of gone out of style. It is dismayed at losing is always on the lookout for more music of her suitable for women of all their regular Thursday own! music to bring out the ages, whether they spend morning exercise. So There’s also the great bonus of using natural rhythm of the body it was Fiona’s turn their time sitting over a St Andrews Town Hall for the classes. Those computer, or running a to tackle the Medau who have never seen it without chairs or home and family, and it is equally good for teacher training. Nowadays it takes only a little other furniture might be surprised at what a older women who don’t like to find their bodies over one year; Rosalind was able to teach her big, bright space it is, with windows all down stiffening up. “My body feels like a comfortable some of the syllabus in St Andrews, but she one side, and the high, richly-painted ceiling. suit of clothes now,” says Fiona. “It allows me has also been making regular trips to London Hall keeper Sheila Tilbrook and her assistant to do whatever I want to.” for one-day and weekend training sessions.

Adam Robertson clear the hall ready for each The movements are fun, using a wide “We learn how to use music and rhythm, and class, and the floor is always beautifully clean. variety of music to bring out the natural rhythm appropriate apparatus, and how to tailor the Medau movement is best done barefooted, so of the body. No-one is ever asked to do more lesson to the individual class members,” she this is important. than feels comfortable, but they leave the explains; “we also study anatomy, basic first class feeling relaxed and invigorated – it’s a aid, and all the various legislative framework Fiona’s Medau Move to Music classes start this common experience to feel more full of energy that surrounds a professional exercise winter on September 18th; they run from 10.00 when you leave than when you arrive! Every teacher.” am to 11.00 am on Thursday mornings. You can class is different; the teacher pays close At times it was hard work – but Fiona get more details by phoning 0750 338 0711, or attention to the class members, and adapts knew she had the full support of the rest of Email: medau@ravenscourt23.demon.co.uk the lesson plan to make sure that everyone the class. She began teaching last winter,

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20

ORGANISATIONS Derek Young writes about

The World of ESOL To many outsiders, St Andrews is that wee Fife seaside town with its points to cover. Frances Marnie, the ESOL Organiser for East Fife, then castle and sands. Internationally, it is the celebrated Home of Golf, conducted interviews with the prospective students to make a detailed symbolised by the image of the R&A Clubhouse standing majestically assessment of their language levels and learning requirements. It was then up to experienced tutors Derek Young and Fiona Barnard to prepare over the sacred greens and fairways of the Old Course. To some parents, it is that prestigious University where one day their sons and daughters the coursework and actually run the classes.

A typical two-hour Monday evening class involves Derek and will oblige them with the finery of a graduation ceremony.

To those of us who live here, it is a remarkably cosmopolitan place, Fiona arriving at the hotel at 4.00pm. They have prepared lessons for thanks mainly to year-round tourism and the diversity of the academic two groups based on the general aims of the class, introducing new community. You only have to listen to the passing voices in Market Street vocabulary and grammar points each week and using tasks aimed at to appreciate this. St Andrews is a medieval developing speaking, listening, reading, and townscape populated by the global society of skills. They are usually greeted by Maura One common challenge facing writing the 21st century, albeit slightly perplexed by the Petrie of the HR team, who makes sure that all these groups is the need to either the training room or another location in glottal tones of the native Fifers.

But there are deeper levels to the local the hotel is available and who occasionally has communicate in English cultural mix other than students and tourists. to disappear along the backstairs corridors to The University attracts overseas researchers, round up stray students. who also bring their spouses to stay here too, as do NATO personnel It’s fair to say that motivation to improve is high among the students. on assignment to RAF Leuchars. Local families needing help with Although their fees are paid by the hotel and they get time off to attend, childcare bring in young au pairs from across Europe. Then there is the they often have to come in either before or after a long, hard shift. international army of migrant workers, who keep the hotels, restaurants, Most are young, from the Czech Republic and Poland, with a variety farms, and sundry other businesses going. of backgrounds and experience. They currently work in kitchen and Lastly, there are the settled immigrants. You may immediately think of restaurant service, housekeeping and laundry.

Asked what they like about Scotland, they reply: “friendly country and long-established communities such as the Italians, the Poles, the Asians, people, beautiful landscape, lochs for fishing, history… life is hard, but or the Chinese, but there are individuals now from all over the world who nice.” They all have ambitions to do well, and if opportunities remain they have chosen to put down roots here, often married to locals. Foreign will stay on. travel and the internet are bringing people together as never before.

One common challenge facing all these groups is the need to Next issue, we will meet some more of the ESOL students and tutors, communicate in English. To cope with the daily necessities of life, to make and share their experiences. Meanwhile, for more information about friends and socialise, to find work, or enter further education requires classes or volunteer tutoring, contact Frances Marnie, ESOL Organiser, English language skills. For many years, Fife Council has operated an 2 St Mary’s Place, St Andrews, KY16 9UY or phone 01334 659 363 ESOL service (English for Speakers of Other Languages) to help with or email Frances.Marnie@fife.gov.uk this, so that people can participate in and contribute to local life, rather than live in isolation and dependency.

A small band of professional and trained volunteer tutors offer classes and one-to-one tuition, day and evening, from beginner level to advanced. They teach in community and opportunity centres as well as in private homes. At any one time, there are about 100 students registered from around 30 different countries across the globe.

For the tutors it’s interesting work. Not only do they encounter individuals from a complete range of cultures, but because of the informal and personal nature of the teaching they get to know their students and the kind of lives they lead. When problems other than language come to light, tutors can refer their learners to other specialists working in fields such as employment opportunities, training, or legal rights. Nevertheless, all sorts of knowledge will come in useful sooner or later, from best places to shop, to how to apply for British citizenship, or make sense of a utility bill.

A recent development has been to take ESOL classes to the workplace, as many of those in employment encounter difficulty in finding convenient class times. A pilot class was first set up almost a year ago at the five-star, Canadianowned Fairmont Hotel, situated above the town on the coastal road to Crail. The Fairmont was approached because it was anticipated that as part of a leading international group of hotels, there would be a strong commitment to staff development and established internal training programmes.

This indeed was the case and the hotel was quick to see the advantages of English language teaching for its overseas members of staff. The obvious one lies in the realm of customer service, which is at the core of the hotel’s whole business philosophy. Staff are encouraged to go out of their way to assist clients, and to achieve this they need to feel confident with simple conversational English. Behind the scenes, understanding instructions in a busy environment, or health and safety notices on complex specialist kitchen equipment, is essential. Although staff are recruited on general ability, there is always room for improvement, even for those with relatively good levels of English.

Setting up the class involved Jackie Cannon, Director of Tutors, staff, and students celebrate the successful completion of the Workplace Human Resources, and departmental managers selecting pilot course at the Fairmont Hotel. (Photo, courtesy ESOL) suitable students and providing a checklist of important

21

SHOPS & SERVICES

To expand the selection of services we are able to offer we have teamed up with an Overseas Property Specialist. We can help whether your overseas property is an investment only, or for your own personal use.

Buying a house in the UK can be a daunting experience. Combining this with the added stress of conducting the process in another country with a different legal system, foreign currency issues, and language barriers, makes it easy to see why professional advice should always be sought.

St Andrews Mortgage Centre Ltd in association with MAP International Properties can assist you by providing a complete buying service, which includes: Finding the correct property to match your budget and needs Help you with legal and taxation advice Acquiring the appropriate finance or mortgage Offering you a selection of furniture packages for your overseas home u Presenting you with a wealth creation opportunity through various letting opportunities u u u u

Clients purchasing abroad today have so much choice, a situation which can also lead to confusion. We can, through our panel of providers, offer a fantastic range of quality properties throughout the world. Whether you are looking for a one-bedroom studio or your own architectdesigned villa, we can provide you with the guidance and expertise required to help make your purchase as smooth as possible.

Golf Links to the Past

Golf Links to the Past

exquisite golf art, photography, autographs, rare books, hickory-shafted golf clubs and one-of-a-kind collectibles are defined by their uniqueness and world-class craftsmanship. Each item we offer is deeply rooted in the history and antiquity of the game – affording our clients an opportunity to own the world’s finest golf gifts and collectibles, while revelling in the romance of golf’s historic past.

services the international clientele and is the official provider of collectibles from Bobby Jones, Ben Hogan, Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, Tiger Woods and other greats from the golfing past.

A Shop at the Old Course Hotel, St Andrews Old Station Road, St Andrews, Fife, KY16 9SP. sa@golfspast.com www.golfspast.com Tel.: 01334 470024

22

So come and revel in the romance of the game and its traditions and visit Golf Links to the Past in the Shopping Arcade at The Old Course Hotel.

SHOPS & SERVICES Andrew Wright, indignant about

Nightmares and Tax Returns It is becoming increasingly difficult for the average layman to complete Government stated its views on the role their Tax Return each year as taxes grow ever more complex. of taxation in its first budget. “Taxation is All politicians seem to pride themselves on being radical, and so to not neutral in the way it raises revenue .... preserve the status quo for a few years is not an option for them. If there how and what is taxed sends clear signals were such a subject as Political Ethics, someone could usefully study the about the economic activities which the manifestly unfair situation whereby ignorance of (tax) law is no excuse Government believes should be encouraged and yet it is practically impossible for the tax practitioner (let alone a and discouraged, and the values they layman) to grasp all the situations when tax may become payable. The wish to entrench in society. ..... A tax rules on “Pre-Owned Assets” are an example of system should this. There is a box on the Tax Return referring Remember also that the fact you have be well designed, to meet the objectives of to this, but how many taxpayers are going the Government of the day, without generating not been sent a Tax Return does not to read the accompanying notes, which are undesirable side effects; it must keep taxpayers’ exonerate you from a tax liability complicated and difficult to grasp. There are compliance costs to a minimum; it should avoid many other areas where the same situation the less well off bearing an unfair burden; arises. Remember also that the fact you have not been sent a Tax Return and attention must be paid to any implications for the UK’s international does not exonerate you from a tax liability. Is it right (or ethical) that competitiveness.” Eleven years on, how successful have they been in ordinary citizens may find themselves breaking the law through ignorance meeting these objectives? and at the mercy of an ambitious Tax Inspector?

What a gloomy article! I think it is time to disappear on my summer We hear a lot about “flat rate tax systems” that some of the new EC holidays. I promise to be more cheerful in my next article!

Countries apply and how much simpler these are. I imagine that such a system in the UK would be lambasted for being unfair to the poorer citizens at the expense of the wealthier ones. You can imagine a furious For further information on this, or other matters, please political row erupting , similar to the recent one with the abolition of the consult: 10p tax rate, with lists of winners and losers in all the newspapers. It Henderson Black & Co. would take a very strong Government to introduce a flat rate system in the 149 Market St., St Andrews.

UK, even if it was right.

Tel: 01334 472 255 So, while most of us would agree the tax system should be simplified wherever possible, there are clearly limits to this approach. This

Flora Selwyn is convinced –

I see, therefore I believe!

People claim many things; ergo, scepticism breaks out! When I first heard of Mr O Scotland, the Domestic Oven Cleaning Company it sounded interesting. Then I glanced up at my disgustingly greasy oven hood, which I had grossly neglected, and thought, “Hmn, why not give it a try?”

Above: Cooker hood before

Cooker hood after

As Jill Sutherland points out, “Cleaning your oven, or hood can be a bit of a nightmare – so wouldn’t it be nice to get someone else to turn your nightmare into a dream“. So, to turn my nightmare into a dream Jill duly arrived along Cooker hob before with Ian Brown carrying a large black bucket and a bottle of bluish liquid.

It looked remarkably simple. Ian dismantled the hood and sprayed it carefully. Then he wiped everything, using hot water to rinse out his cloths. In what seemed like no time at all, my hood was sparkling again, 18 years of grime gone, and just like new. While he was at it, Ian then decided to clean my gas hob. Before long, all the burnt-on rims were back to their silver selves again – magic! There was no chemical smell, no mess, and I was told that both hood and hob should remain decent for at least a Cooker hob after year, and then they would get in touch again and ask if they should return. can imagine, the ovens haven’t been touched!”

Jill, who has a BA Hons Degree in All ovens, hobs, extractors, Agas, Rayburns, Commerce from Abertay and microwaves, can be University, told me that cleaned.

Cleaning your oven, or hood people often want to know Jill and Ian plan to can be a bit of a nightmare why they should bother expand, with staff and cleaning an oven when vans to service an ever– so wouldn’t it be nice to get eventually they can simply growing client base. someone else to turn your buy a new one. The answer Completely independent, nightmare into a dream is twofold: cleaning back to and highly trained, new adds another ten years they are set to become to the life of the oven; and in today’s wasteindispensable to householders far and wide. conscious world, why dispose of a perfectly I shall certainly recommend them to all my usable commodity? Only eco-friendly chemicals friends and relations, and welcome them are used, no Brillo pads or harsh abrasives. back when the gremlins mess up my cooking There are no residues left to contaminate food, paraphernalia again! or dangerous fumes to inhale. Ian sprayed his hands to show me that what he used is perfectly They can be contacted on 01382 541 280 or safe to the skin (no gloves!) He ran his hand 07908 718719 And they have a website: over my nice clean hob – it literally squeaked! www.mr-o-scot.co.uk “We get a lot of student flats,” mused Jill, “you (Photos by Flora Selwyn)

23

SHOPS & SERVICES

Party Time!

Celebrating in style the improvements to the narrow end of Market Street!

The residents invited the Council workmen to a party in All Saints Church Hall on 14 June.

(Photos by Flora Selwyn)

24

SHOPS & SERVICES

Award Winning Fish & Chip Shop 2006, 2007 & 2008

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

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

25

SHOPS & SERVICES

Elspeth’s of St Andrews

SPECIALIST bra fitting service AVAILABLE (includes swimwear) Our chefs use fresh local produce to create delicious dishes from Bangladesh, India, Thailand, and Scotland, with Bangladeshi and Indian Beer and spirits you are sure to have a unique experience !

9 Church Street, St Andrews Tel: 01334 472494

The best food, the best service and all-in-all friendly atmosphere second to none.

3 Course Early Evening Meal £9.95 5-7pm (except Saturday) 3 Course Lunch £5.95 12.00-2.30pm (except Sunday)

New collections

205 South Street

New styles

Takeaway menu available Home Delivery Service

New you!

St Andrews Fife KY16 9EF 01334 474999

Open 7 days Lunch 12pm-2.30pm Dinner 5pm-midnight Sunday 5pm-midnight 5 College Street, St Andrews, Fife KY16 9AA Tel: 01334 476666 Fax: 01334 475380 Email: maisharestaurant@hotmail.co.uk www.maisharestaurant.co.uk

Reprographics Unit

We welcome commercial enquiries The services we offer include:

• Illustration

• High Quality Colour Digital Printing

• Report/Dissertation Printing & Binding

• Pull-up Exhibition Display Stands

• Wide Format Poster Printing

• Graphics & Pre-Press

• Short run customised folders

Reprographics Unit, St Katharine’s West, 16 The Scores, St Andrews, Fife KY16 9AX Tel: (01334) 463020 Email: amm@st-andrews.ac.uk www.st-andrews.ac.uk/reprographics/ The University of St Andrews is a charity registered in Scotland, No: SC013532

26

SHOPS & SERVICES

Roving Reporter

– is always pleased to be contacted by newcomers to the town.

1.

Here is Marianne Verhoogt, at St Andrews Osteopaths and Natural Health Clinic, 136 South Street. 07765993977, web: www.tayporttherapies.com She writes: “I have started working as a psychotherapist in St Andrews.

I became interested in complementary medicine, after being treated for a malignant melanoma (an aggressive skin cancer) 13 years ago. I left my career in advertising, and decided to follow my instinct to be a wellbeing therapist.

My interest is in the mind / body / spirit connection, having practiced mindfulness meditation for many years, and studied Buddhist philosophy and understanding of ‘self’. The type of psychotherapy I practice is Core Process Psychotherapy, which centres on combining eastern and western psychology. These are some reasons why people may come to psychotherapy: •

• • •

For support when going through a significant life crisis related to illness, bereavement, work, or personal relationship To find a way to work with past and present trauma To address recurrent feelings of depression, anxiety, loneliness, isolation, When suffering from a vague sense of unhappiness and dissatisfaction and ‘stuckness’ An initial half-hour meeting is offered free of charge.

This is a good opportunity for both the potential client and the therapist to explore if and how they would like to work together”.

*****

2. And another one, for “Local Eyes: After refurbishment, the former AC Scott Optometrist, 147 Market Street, St Andrews; 01334 475 353, has re-opened as Duncan and Todd Opticians. Founded in the North-East of Scotland in 1972 with the aim of providing a professional, local eye care service, this innovative independent optician is delighted with the acquisition of the practice and its expansion into St Andrews. Frances Duncan, Managing Director adds, “As one of the leading independent opticians in Scotland we are committed to providing local communities, like St Andrews with a first-class professional service in modern comfortable surroundings.”

Previous owner and optometrist Mr Alistair Scott, with staff Nancy and Joyce, will continue to assist. The experienced team is completed with practice manager Michelle Wilson, FBDO. With a range of superior services and prestigious products to suit all ages and budgets, bonded with unrivalled customer service, Duncan and Todd is sure to be a welcome addition to St Andrews. Come along and see for yourself”. Good idea, adds Reporter humbly.

*****

D M MOTORS ST ANDREWS HIRE SERVICES HIRE EQUIPMENT (Over 100 Items – Full List Available)

62 Largo Road, St Andrews, KY16 8RP Tel/Fax 01334 477335 / 477020 email: dmmotors@btconnect.com www.mowersandtools.com THE ONE STOP SHOP FOR ALL YOUR GARDENING NEEDS PLANTS – LAWNMOWERS (push & ride on) – STRIMMERS – HEDGE CUTTERS – LOPPERS COMPOSTS – BARK CHIPS – GRO BAGS – FERTILIZERS – WEED/MOSS KILLERS – BBQs PATIO/GREENHOUSE HEATERS – AND OTHER HAND TOOLS GARDEN MACHINERY SALES/REPAIRS/SERVICING/PARTS DEPT/WARRANTY PETROL/ELECTRIC/CORDLESS CALOR GAS MAIN AGENTS ALL CYLINDER SIZES IN STOCK (Delivery Available) ALSO CAMPING GAZ/CARTRIDGES HEATERS/FIRES/COOKERS/STOVES MAKITA POWER TOOLS....IRONMONGERY....TOOLS....

VEHICLE ACCESSORIES CARS & LIGHT COMMERCIAL VEHICLE ENGINEERS MANY MORE ITEMS IN STORE

27

EVENTS

Celebrating 90 years The Royal Air Force Leuchars Airshow 2008 will take place on Saturday 13 September.

This unique event will feature spectacular flying, with displays including The Red Arrows, Typhoons, The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, and a variety of aircraft from around the world. In its 90th Anniversary year the RAF will showcase many of its assets and demonstrate operational capability by featuring a simulated airfield attack. This official military air show, and the only one of its kind in Scotland, is self-financing, with surplus funds being donated to charity.

Visit our website www.airshow.co.uk or e-mail info@airshow.co.uk for further details.

Donald Phimister highlights coming

Music in St Andrews – The St Andrews Chorus The Chorus will be resuming rehearsals on 3rd October for next season’s 2 concerts under our Director, Edward Caswell. Every season we look for new talent to join our group of around 120 singers from both “town and gown”, as we know from past experience real talent is arriving in the town every year.

Our first concert in November comprises Handel’s Dixit Dominus and two Bach cantatas, Come Redeemer of the Gentiles (Nun Komm der Heiden Heiland, BWV 61) and Sleepers Wake (Wachet Auf, BWV140).

Don’t worry, like many of us who have never heard these works, you soon learn. Music is supplied, unless you wish to purchase your own.

In March 2009, we plan to present Bach’s St John’s Passion, which is well known and loved by many. But no worries if it is new to you as we get well rehearsed by Edward, our MD. Concert dates are arranged to suit student term and exam times as far as possible.

In addition to our two main concerts we try to put on 2 small summer concerts performed in local churches. Our own members conduct these and the music is wide ranging. The choir is usually quite small as many of us are on holiday by this time.

Edward Caswell our director is a professional musician who went to Christ Church Oxford and studied singing at the Royal College of Music.

He has sung with The Monteverdi Choir, BBC Singers, and the ENO. He currently teaches at The Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama and at Glasgow University. He is a regular member of Capella Nova, The Dunedin Consort, and is associated with other choirs in Britain and on The Continent.

Our accompanist, Marilyn Boulton, is a professional pianist and harpist who has taught music in schools for many years. She is very sympathetic to all our efforts and combines well with the Director to provide a warm and friendly atmosphere for our practices.

In concert mode, with soloists The rehearsals are held in the music room of St Leonards School (Second right down the Pends at the east end of South Street) every Friday night at 7.00pm prompt. No auditions are needed just a reasonable voice, the ability to follow a score and a willingness to sing with others.

So if you feel like some hard work with a lot of enjoyment, fun and fellowship and a feeling of satisfaction for a job well done why not come and join us?

If you want more information contact Eric Priest our president: eric@mcs.st-and.ac.uk or telephone: 01334 474 975 (Photos courtesy The Chorus)

The Chorus at rehearsal

28

EVENTS

Selected Events Wednesday, 3 September – at Cambo Estate, Kingsbarns, Fife. Flower arranging from your garden with Mary Law. A day workshop including lunch. For information phone 01333 450 054. www.camboestate.com Thursday, 4 September – 11.00am from Church Square.

Bums off seats organised walk round the Lade Braes.

Contact: 01592 583 343, email: Susan.Easton@fife.gov.org Saturday, 6 September – 9.00am-1.00pm. Argyle Street Car Park, St Andrews.

Farmers’ Market.

– 11.00am-5.00pm. Preservation Trust Museum, North Street, St Andrews. Autumn Fair. Contact: 01334 477 152.

Tuesday, 9 September – 12.45-1.15pm. Priors House, St Andrews Cathedral. Medieval replica clarsach recital by Simon Chadwick.

Free, but please collect tickets from the Cathedral visitor centre.

Contact: 01334 474 263.

Thursday, 11 September – 11.00am from Church Square.

Bums off seats organised walk round East Sands.

Contact: 01592 583 343, email: Susan.Easton@fife.gov.org Saturday, 13 September – Leuchars Air Show. £20, seniors & kids £10. Contact: 01334 839 000 – 2.00-4.30pm. Cambo Estate, Kingsbarns. The naturalistic potager & creative annual planting. An RHS event with Head Gardener Elliott Forsyth. Contact: 01333 450 054. www.camboestate.com Thursday, 18 September – 11.00am from the Gateway Centre.

Bums off seats organised walk round the University. Contact: 01592 583 343, email: Susan.Easton@fife.gov.org Friday, 19 September – 7.30pm Kellie Castle, Fife. A classical guitar recital by Simon Thacker. Tickets £10 (£8 concessions) include a glass of wine during the interval. Contact: 01333 720 271.

The New Picture House Winner of the RAAM Independent Cinema of the Year Award for Excellence Enjoy a pre-show drink in our lounge or book an exclusive function or children’s party with a private screening

Saturday, 20 September – 10.00am-4.00pm. Town Hall, St Andrews. Antique & collectors’ fair with live jazz. Tickets £1 (50p concessions & students.

Accompanied children free). Contact: 01334 838 217.

– 10.00am-4.00pm. Victory Memorial Hall, St Andrews. Book sale.

Admission free.

Sunday, 21 September – 2.00-5.00pm at the Boys Brigade Hall, Kinnessburn Road. Freshers’ Welcome Ceilidh. Gary Sutherland, accordion; Billy Anderson accompanying Gillian Stewart, Highland Dancer. All welcome. Contact: 01334 472 375.

Saturday, 27 September – 10.00am-4.00pm. Kellie Castle, Fife. Apple Day; something for everyone, food, games, competitions, guided tour of the orchard.

Tickets, adults £3.00, children £2.

– 10.30-12.30 same venue. A talk by Willie Duncan with tea and cake, £5.00. Contact: 01333 720 271.

Saturday, 4 October – 9.00am-1.00pm. Argyle Street Car Park, St Andrews. Farmers’ Market.

Tuesday, 14 October – 10.00am at St. Andrews Bowling Club, Kinnessburn Road. Probus – first meeting of 2008/9 season of the Club for Retired Business and Professional Men. New members welcome. For further information contact 01337 830 262.

Saturday, 18 October – 10.00-4.00pm. Victory Memorial Hall, St Andrews. Book sale.

Wednesday, 22 October – 7.30pm. Younger Hall, North Street, St Andrews. Scottish Chamber Orchestra, with Truls Mørk (cello).

Music by Haydn, CPE Bach, Beethoven. Tickets from the Byre box office: 01334 475 000.

Sunday, 26 October – 10.00am-4.00pm. Town Hall, St Andrews.

Antique & collectors’ fair with live jazz. Tickets, £1 (Concessions & students 50p. Accompanied children free).

Contact: 01334 838 217.

www.nphcinema.co.uk 117 North Street, St Andrews Tel: 013334 474902

Friday, 31 October – 6.30-8.30pm. Kellie castle, Fife. Haunting Halloween. A spooky evening for youngsters, with a competition for the best Halloween costume (not recommended for very young children) Tickets, £6.00 per child. Accompanying adults £8.00.

Contact: 01333 720 271.

29

OUT & ABOUT Alistair Lawson visits

Fife’s Far Frontiers (II) This is the second in an occasional series, (see issue 26 for the first) highlighting walks at the uttermost ends of the Kingdom, crossing the frontier, leaving the familiar things of Fife and venturing into the strange lands beyond!

The Three Lomonds The circuit described starts and finishes at The Cross, close to Falkland Palace.

Follow the streets westwards for 500m to the car park at the approach to House of Falkland, Grid Ref 247 075, then follow signs to Maspie Den, where old estate paths lead through a short tunnel and up by the Maspie Burn; where these double back, a newly-made (2007) path leads on up to Craigmead car park (toilets), conveniently situated (Grid Ref 227 063) between East and West Lomonds.

The new Maspie Den path also facilitates a N-S traverse of the hills.

By taking the road southwards from Craigmead for 1 km, a Rights of Way Society sign (“Balgothrie and Leslie”) is found (see return route below), which then leads to the Lomonds’ reservoirs and so to Leslie or Glenrothes.

From the Craigmead car park, follow the well-trodden, gently-rising track leading roughly westwards and over Balharvie Moss; after some 3 kms, this reaches the final steep ascent onto West Lomond, though a more gentle, spiral approach can also be made via the north flank. From the summit, no fewer than six paths lead downwards; take that leading SSE and aim for a T-junction of dykes and a stile at Grid Ref 202 061. From the stile, continue downhill / south for 500m and turn right / west onto the well-trodden right of way path leading to Glen Vale. After some 700m, go through an old metal gate in the dyke on the left / south – thus passing out of Fife – and follow a variable track uphill and generally southwards as far as a gate on the right / west at Grid Ref 193 051. Grassy paths lead uphill on either side of the dyke, either through, or south of, a sparse scattering of trees; both lead to the western edge of Bishop Hill, the so-called ‘Third Lomond’, where sudden and dramatic views open out over Loch Leven, and the Kinross-shire basin, defined by Benarty Hill, the Cleish Hills and the Ochils. The north top (Grid Ref 185 044) of Bishop Hill is not far away, after which good grassy tracks lead south for 1 km to the south top (Grid Ref 186 032 – aim for the telecommunications ‘golf ball’), which again offers fine views over the loch.

Continuing the circuit, the next 4 kms involve a gentle descent eastwards, first of all along the dyke marking the forest edge for 500m, then by a track between the trees and so down to West Feal – crossing the frontier again, back into Fife – on to West Balgothrie and to the dam at Holl Reservoir. Below and at the north end of the dam, a line of telegraph poles and a naturally-trodden path lead up a forest ride, emerging after 500m of ascent into open grassy terrain, with views ahead to Ballo Reservoir. Approaching Balgothrie, a by-pass, well-waymarked, skirts the buildings on their west side, after which a grassy path leads parallel to the shore and to a fishing bothy at Grid Ref 229 050. Turning directly away from the reservoir, a waymarked path leads up the hill to the NE and shortly to the public road leading from Falkland to Leslie. A Rights of Way Society signpost here points the way southwards, to “Balgothrie and Leslie”.

To complete the final leg of the circuit, follow the road for 1 km to the NW, to Craigmead car park (again), then take the prominent track on the east side of the road, which leads, in a short 2 kms, to the summit of East Lomond, which offers fine views of the Howe of Fife and the Forth Estuary, together with the opportunity to review the route traversed thus far. From the summit, a steep path descends east then ENE, entering woods at Grid Ref 249 065 and so down to Falkland, finishing down Cross Wynd, and so back to the Cross at the centre of the village.

30

Invite you to visit a hidden treasure in the heart of St Andrews WOODLAND & WATERGARDENS HERBACEOUS & SCREE ALPINES & RHODODENDRONS GLORIOUS GLASSHOUSE COLLECTIONS OPEN DAILY ALL YEAR ROUND

PLANT SALES AREA Open till end of September CONDUCTED WALKS 2PM 1st Sunday September & October WINTER LECTURE SEASON 7.30PM Starts 1st Tuesday in October Chemistry Dept. North Haugh TO JOIN THE FRIENDS AND SUPPORT THE GARDEN CONTACT MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY. Canongate, St Andrews, Fife KY16 8RT. Tel: 01334 476452. www.st-andrews-botanic.org Charity No. SC006432

OUT & ABOUT A new art competition for local schoolchildren has proved phenomenally successful. Competition organiser Alison Hadfield, from the University of St Andrews Museum Collections Unit, explains how new links are being forged with Fife schools and the St Andrews Botanic Garden.

Young artists inspired by St Andrews’ secret garden To help schools prepare for the The MUSA Young Artist Award competition, a team of experienced Last year, the University of St Andrews and enthusiastic tutors ran a series of launched the MUSA Young Artist Award, educational workshops at the Garden a new, annual art competition for local between April and June, introducing schoolchildren. Sponsored by the Vettriano pupils to a wide Trust, the competition aims variety of plants and to recognise and support Judging by the busloads habitats, from alpines to creativity in schools, and of schoolchildren arriving ponds to tropical rainforests. to promote learning, using at the Botanic Garden, Pupils were encouraged to the University’s museum this year’s collaborative experiment with different art collections as a starting techniques and to consider point. It is open to all schools approach to the competition how artists such as Andy and special education units was a real success Goldsworthy, Georgia in Fife, from nursery age to O’Keeffe, and Henri Rousseau responded to early secondary level. the subject of nature. Most importantly perhaps, The launch of the competition coincides the workshops allowed pupils to spend time with another exciting development in the town: away from the classroom, over the past two years a new learning new skills in an Museum of the University of exciting outdoor setting.

St Andrews (MUSA) has been Judging by the busloads taking shape, and is expected of schoolchildren arriving to open its doors to the public in at the Botanic Garden, this early autumn this year. Located year’s collaborative approach next to the School of Art History to the competition was a real on the Scores, MUSA will success. Approximately 650 provide greater public access pupils from 21 schools took to the University’s historic part in the workshops (almost collections, and showcase double the number participating treasures such as the stunning last year) and a total of medieval maces, a unique set of 427 entries were received.

17th and 18th century archery Transport and art materials medals and rare scientific were subsidised by combined instruments. The MUSA Young Artist Award is funds from the Vettriano Trust an important way of building relationships with and the St Andrews Botanic local schools and raising awareness of the new Garden Trust. Teachers were museum. very enthusiastic about the workshops and the opportunity Garden of Secrets they provided to ‘get up close’ Each year the competition takes a different to nature. The competition was theme, and with the University’s close historic judged by Frieda Morrison (BBC ties to the St Andrews Botanic Garden, there Radio Scotland’s Beechgrove was an obvious opportunity for collaboration, Potting Shed), Carolyn Osborne using an outdoor environment as a stimulus (Vettriano Trust), Jean Kemp for artwork. Children were invited to visit the (Botanic Gardens) Brendan Garden and create an original work of art in any Cassidy and Alison Hadfield 2D or 3D medium, on the theme of a ‘Garden (University of St Andrews). of Secrets’.

The judges were looking for artworks showing originality and creativity, confident handling of materials and an obvious link to the plants and wildlife in the Botanic Gardens. However, the sheer volume and high standard of the entries meant that the panel faced a difficult task picking the final winners.

All fifteen 1st, 2nd and 3rd prize winners received a MUSA Young Artist medal and a selection of art materials or vouchers.

Eleven additional pupils received certificates for their work, which was highly commended. A special ‘Beechgrove Potting Shed Prize’ was awarded to Molly Scott of Kingsbarns Primary School for her charming papier mâché

rendition of Rhuairidh, a red squirrel, popular resident of the Botanic Gardens, and a feature of their education programme until he recently fell prey to a cat!

On Tuesday 2nd September a prizegiving ceremony will be held in the Gateway Galleries, to which 100 people have been invited, including the winning pupils, their families and teachers, local councillors and representatives of the education and museum sector. All the winning artwork will be displayed for the occasion, and will remain on show at the Gateway Galleries, until the end of November. The works can also be viewed on the competition website at www.st-andrews.ac.uk/museum/art-competition/ If you would like more information about the 2008 competition, or are interested in entering next year, please contact the Learning & Access Curator, Museum Collections Unit, University of St Andrews, Tel. 01334 462 396 / 462 417.

About the venues: The St Andrews Botanic Garden is set within 18 acres of impressively landscaped grounds between Kinness Burn and Canongate. It is home to about 8000 species of ferns, herbaceous plants, shrubs and trees and runs a dynamic education programme for schools and lifelong learners.

Its links with the University go back to 1889 when a garden was first established behind St Mary’s College, South Street, for University teaching and research. It moved to its current site in 1960, and in 1987 the garden was leased to Fife Council, which now carries full responsibility for its management.

The Gateway Galleries are located on the North Haugh and are open from 09.0017.30 Monday to Friday and 10.00-17.00 at weekends. The Galleries feature highlights from the University’s varied collections and an exciting programme of temporary exhibitions and events.

From this autumn MUSA, on The Scores, will provide a central museum facility, bringing together objects from all the University’s collections to tell the story of St Andrews as a place of learning. The new museum will house four galleries, a Viewing Terrace and a dedicated education centre called the Learning Loft, designed for use by schools, FE and HE students, community groups and lifelong learners.

(Photos courtesy Alison Hadfield)

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