St Andrews in Focus Issue 31 Nov Dec 2008 by Mike Collins

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

November / December 2008, Issue 31

the award winning magazine for St Andrews

£1.50

www.standrewsinfocus.com

Acca’s Exile, AD732 They were almost there. They could see the narrow yellow band of the beach; see specks standing; see some horsemen moving to and fro. They could smell the white wood smoke from the fire on the headland and the one on the dunes. Was that a boat emerging from a gap near a band of rocks at the north end?- the rhythmic flailing of oars? A welcoming party? They hoped so. It had been a long day. They had left Lindisfarne before dawn; Holy Island, St Aiden, St Wilfrid, St Cuthbert, but not the haven of safety for them now. This final part of their flight from Hexham had been fraught with delays; finding a boat big enough for their party; finding a skipper and helmsman willing to make the voyage. Money wasn’t the problem – weather and tides were. They had all been seasick. The wind blowing off the land had been capricious. The helmsman worked hard to keep the shore in view. Then came the crossing of the estuary – more an ocean in itself. A mountain, conical shaped on the south shore; a white-capped rock of gigantic proportions teeming with sea birds; a long wedge-shaped island which they drew close to; breakers, heavy swell which rolled their fragile vessel. The province, the Kingdom of Fife, a huge peninsula, looked more like an island; then into a vast, more sheltered bay. Distant shores to the far north. Was that snow on the distant peaks? They had sailed through squalls of driving rain; rainbows had arcked above them and trailed off to the forbidding horizon. Wet and cold and frightened, Acca had led the prayers. Most of the time he invoked the intercession of Saint Andrew the Apostle, whose few bones, his corporeal relics, lay safe within the reliquary he held close to his damp cold body. ‘Holy Saint Andrew, fisherman of Galilee, Christ’s first chosen disciple, Evangelist and Martyr, pray for us, preserve us, lead us safely into exile for the sake of Christ’. If they had intoned that prayer once they had said it a hundred times. Even the stoic helmsman and the crew took up the refrain from time to time. Who could have foreseen this flight? Acca, now a bishop, had succeeded St Wilfrid at the Holy See of Hexham. The great Abbey Church had been completed; dedicated to the Apostle Andrew, whose corporeal relics his predecessor had accumulated with such a passion and persistence. But the battle to entrench the Word of Christ, the message of the Gospels, had been long and hard and not yet over. The Church had largely dispelled and displaced the old beliefs and become a new independent authority, a power to be reckoned with. Not all the warlords respected that, or acknowledged it. Acca had accepted exile when threatened and then compelled to leave. He fought and won the battle of wills to retain the relics and their Holy books. It was as if their enemies wanted to expunge all traces of Christ. Well, through diplomacy if not a little guile, he had saved the revered remains of Apostle Andrew. He had negotiated their flight to Cinrighmonaidth, the greatest Christian settlement north of Hexham. Cinrighmonaidth was already ancient, renowned, revered, and now a sanctuary for himself, his companions, his clergy and Andrew the Apostle. Praise be to God for the common denominator of the language of the liturgy, Latin. But they would learn the language of the locals. They would, however, be foreigners in a foreign land, guests for the duration. The yardarm had been lowered; the sail partially furled; oars now the main propulsion; the sandy sea floor clearly discernible; sea shells, undulating streamers of seaweed, pebbles. The keel cut its first holding furrow. Hands reached out to steady the boat; smiling faces. Acca staggered to his feet, found strength, braced himself against the swaying mast, ‘Deo Gratias!’ he shouted and held the glory of the dazzling reliquary aloft, ‘Andreas Apostolis! Deo Gratias!’, faith, fervour, and relief intermingling. Seven hundred and thirty-two years had elapsed since the birth of Christ. Acca would return home eight years later. The reliquary and the relics would remain. Andrew the Apostle would become Patron Saint of the future nation of the Scots. Illustration & text: © Jurek Alexander Pütter 2008

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

From the Editor I have enough chutzpah to wish myself a happy birthday! This issue marks St Andrews in Focus’ 5th birthday, and in this uncertain world, I feel it is a true cause for celebration. Starting out in November 2003 it was not obvious that the venture would succeed. For me it proved the proverbial steep learning curve. I owe very sincere thanks to all the businesses that have taken me on trust and support the magazine, for they are the foundations. Also, of course, sincere thanks to you, the readers, who have kept me nourished with your encouragement – all you kind people who stop me in the streets, all those emails and letters urging me not to stop, all adding grist to my mill. And the contributors who fill the pages, thank you too, for without you there would be nothing to read! I have unbounded gratitude for University Reprographics, Tayport Printers (now operating as Trendell Simpson), and Elspeth of Guardbridge, for their unfailingly courteous efficiency and integrity in putting together the magazine and bringing it to you. Finally, I thank too, the Periodical Publishers’ Association, who awarded the magazine a Highly Commended Certificate so soon in 2005, and who keep inviting me to enter for more awards. Now that this milestone has been reached and it looks set fair to continue, it might be time to have another go next November. They advised that it would take 4 years to break even, and 5 to make a profit. Let’s prove them right! With your continued good will the magazine can go from strength to strength as The (one and only) Magazine for St Andrews. All my good wishes for the Festive Season. Flora Selwyn

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The views expressed elsewhere in this magazine are not necessarily those of the Editor. NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2008 EDITOR Flora Selwyn Tel: 01334 472375 Email: editor@standrewsinfocus.com Designer University of St Andrews Reprographics Unit Printer Trendell Simpson 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. Subscriptions for 6 issues are: £12.50 in the UK (post & packing included). Please send cheques to: Local Publishing (Fife) Ltd., PO Box 29210, St Andrews, Fife, KY16 9YZ. £22 overseas (post and packing included). Please use PayPal account: editor@StAndrewsinFocus.com Note: please pay with a Personal Bank Account, as credit cards incur a 3.9% charge. Registered in Scotland: 255564 The paper used is 80% RECYCLED post-consumer waste

Cover: Acca’s Exile AD732, by Jurek Alexander Pütter

Contents EVENTS • • • • • •

St Andrews Festival programme Sunday in the Garden Cinderella Singing is fun Season’s Greetings Selected Events

4 5 6 7 8 9

Shops & Services • • • • • • • • •

Competition Dundee Airport Cena Fino TAPAS Golf Links to the Past Christmas Turkeys Eggs that dare to be different The art of Steve Johnston Roving Reporter On the edge of poverty

10 11 11 13 14 15 15 17 19

ORGANISATIONS • • • •

Appeal for new members Toonspot The 200 Club Beautifully blooming!

20 20 20 21

TOWN/gown • •

Insight into a troubled land New pupils at St Leonards

22 23

Out and About • • •

Crete revisited The RBS Calledonian Challenge Arnott’s biscuits

24 25 26

FEATURES • • • • • • • • • • • •

Reviews: – Jude & the Giant of Pittenweem – Portrait of the East Neuk An amazing life Glasgow’s Theatre Royal & St Andrews Busking The Whins are Yellow Memories of War The world of ESOL Salute to Sandy Rutherford Francis Boag, retrospective exhibition Ask the Curator The return of Hamish Christmas traditions

27 27 28 29 30 30 31 32 33 34 34 34 35

NEXT ISSUE – Jan/Feb 2009 Copy deadline: strictly 28 NOVEMBER All contributions welcome. The Editor reserves the right to publish copy according to available space.

EVENTS

23rd November – 3rd December 2008 Please check with the Tourist Information Centre, Market St, St Andrews (Tel: 01334 472 021) and the local press for any last-minute changes and additions.

Sunday, 23 November 10.30am-3.30pm. St Andrews Botanic Garden, Canongate. Fun in the Garden. Friends of the Botanic Garden. See opposite page. Contact: 01334 476 452. www.st-andrews-botanic.org

Tuesday, 25 November 7.30pm. Holy Trinity Church, South Street, St Andrews. Songs of Praise with Billy Anderson and the Rev’d Dr Ian Bradley. Retiring collection.

Wednesday, 26 November 1.15-1.45pm. Younger Hall, North Street. Lunchtime Concert, Ebony & Rosewood. Philip Greene (clarinet) Mark Greene (marimba) Music by Paul Reade, Saint-Saëns, John Carter, and the first performance of a piece by Philip Green. Admission £2. Contact: 01334 462 226.

Thursday, 27 November 8.00-10.00pm. Whey Pat Tavern, City Road. St Andrews Magic Circle. Admission free (donations). Sorry, no children.

Friday, 28 November

2.00-5.00pm. Market Street & Church Square. Live stage & Christmas lights switch-on. Courtesy St Andrews Merchants Association & St Andrews Festival Ltd. 3.00-4.30pm. Madras College, Kilrymont Road, St Andrews. Strictly Salsa for Macmillan. For beginners & refreshers. Tickets £10. Proceeds to Macmillan Cancer Support. Contact: Carolyne: 01382 226150. Email: cnurse@macmillan.org.uk 5.30pm. South Street. Beating the Retreat. St Andrews Town Pipe Band. 6.15pm. Church Square & South Street. St Andrews Day Play, Procession & Oration. Accompanied by the Madras College Pipe Band. The Play will be performed by the Madras College Players in St Mary’s Quad with the Son et Lumière as backcloth. 7.30pm. Younger Hall, North Street. Mussoc Symphony Orchestra. Conductor, Tom Butler. Programme to be confirmed. Contact: 01334 462 226.

Tuesday, 2 December 8.00-10.00pm. Whey Pat Tavern, City Road. St Andrews Magic Circle. Admission free (donations). Sorry, no children.

6.00-7.00pm. Holy Trinity Church. Playfair Book Launch. Admission free

Wednesday, 3 December

8.00pm. Byre Theatre. Michael Marra. Tickets from the Box Office 01334 475 000. Online: www.byretheatre.com

1.15pm. Younger Hall, North Street. Lunchtime concert by the Tayside Symphony Orchestra wind section. Music by Gounod, Piazzolla. Admission £2. Contact: 01334 462 226.

Saturday, 29 November 5.00-10.00pm. St Mary’s Quad, South Street. Son et Lumière – ‘Scotland’s Celebration’. A St Andrews Festival Ltd production. Tickets £1 (concessions free) at the gate. 7.30pm. Younger Hall, North Street, St Andrews. St Andrews Chorus. Conductor, Edward Caswell. Music by Bach, Saint-Saëns. Contact: 07786 548 788 or email: eric@mcs.st-and.ac.uk

Sunday, 30 November – St Andrews Day 11.00am. Holy Trinity Church, St Andrews. Civic Service. Guest preacher: John Bell of The Iona Community, with contributions from local schools. The church will be open from 2.00-6.00pm.

7.30pm. at the Younger Hall, North Street, St Andrews. Scottish Chamber Orchestra, Conductor, Olari Elts; Isabelle Faust, violin. Music by Cherubini, Dvorak, Weber. Tickets from the Byre box office: 01334 475 000 or the Music Centre at the Younger Hall – Mon-Fri 10.00am-6.00pm. Saturday 10.00am-1.00pm.

During the Festival British Golf Museum 22 November – 30 December 10.00am-4.00pm daily. Bruce Embankment, Free entry. Contact: 01334 460 046 St Andrews Fine Art – Scottish Paintings 23 November – 7 December, 11.00am-5.00pm Monday to Saturday (closed all day Tuesday), 2.00pm-5.00pm Sundays. The Old Bakery, Crails Lane. All paintings are for sale. Visitors are advised to wrap up warmly. A Vision of St Andrews 22-30 November, Daily 2.00-5.00 pm. St Andrews Preservation Trust Museum & Garden, 12 North Street. NO WHEELCHAIR ACCESS Admission Free. Enquiries 01334 477 629, curator@standrewspreservationtrust.org The Royal Burgh of St Andrews Community Council – 10th Art and Photographic Exhibition 28, 29 and 30 November, 11.00am -5.00pm (4.00pm Sunday). Victory Memorial Hall. Art for sale. All Welcome. Sessions – groups of musicians who come together informally to play for the ‘craic’. Enquiries 01334 479 348. St Andrews Fair Trade Campaign Fairtrade Competition: “Why buy Fairtrade?” More details on our website – www.fairtrade-standrews.org.uk/ Tel: 01334 840 387. Simon Morison Photographer Scotland Untouched Fairmont, St Andrews.

Sunday, 30 November – Free Open Day at the following: •

St Andrews Castle & Cathedral, 9.30am-4.30pm.

•

Lodge St Andrews No 25. Enter from South Street, 2.00-4.00pm. Members on hand to guide visitors.

•

R & A Golf Club, Bruce Embankment, 10.00am-5.00pm. Guided tours of the Trophy Room and Big Room.

•

St Andrews Art Club Exhibition, 14c Argyle Street, 12.30-4.30pm. Meet the artists at work. Contact. 01334 478 016.

EVENTS Jean Kemp is certain there is plenty to interest everyone on

Sunday in the St Andrews Botanic Garden 23rd November 10.30am – 3.30pm Our theme will be Conservation in the Garden

Our Garden is here to protect Plants, and you can find out how we try to do it. We are lucky enough to have the help of Lawhead School in this task. Pupils are helping to look after a rare form of the Sticky Catchfly, and if you would like to find out more, meet Bob Mitchell, our honorary Curator, and the Lawhead children in the Order Beds at noon for a special ceremony.

Conkers

• It’s hungry work being a Conservationist!

Don’t worry though, you can keep your energy levels high with hot bacon butties served to you throughout the day by the Friends’ Chairman Louise Roger, and Garden Secretary Sheena Scott. You’ll find them in the marquee outside the Glass Class.

• Storytelling in the Potting Shed

We would like to welcome Sheila Kinninmonth to the Garden as our teller of tales this year. Young and old will enjoy her stories of plants and animals.

• Conservation of Champion Trees

We have a number of very special trees in the Garden. These are trees which are protected here. If you want to find out all about them go with Ian Douglas, one of the Friends of the Garden, on his walk and talk about tree conservation

lers

Ferryport Fidd

• Herbs need protection too!

Medical herbalist Rebecca Holloway will explain how herbs can improve your quality of life. She will demonstrate therapeutic uses of the marigold and there will be quizzes and colouring sheets for the children.

• Where have all the Minibeasts gone?

Many of our minibeasts are in danger too and need protection. Go on a hunt with Fife Ranger, Deirdre Munro to find the little creatures who need our help.

• Follow the Giant’s Footsteps

Many Scottish plants, like the Sticky Catchfly, the Maiden Pink, and Good King Henry are being protected in our Garden. Sheila Lamb’s outdoor quiz will take you to other Scottish plants in the Garden.

Cookery

• Know your Trees

Being able to name plants will make you a better Conservationist. Kate Campbell has a game to help you to identify trees.

• Music for Conservation Day

Back by popular demand, the Ferryport Fiddlers, under the direction of Morag Anne Elder, will charm you with their exciting rhythms and familiar Scottish melodies.

• Poetry in the Temperate House

This is a new activity for St Andrews Sunday. Come and make your own poem with the help of a real poet!

ity

Curios

• Junior Hortus supports Conservation Day

You may think of driftwood as Nature’s rubbish. Not at all! Reni Timmermans from Junior Hortus Club will show you how to make something very attractive using sedum and driftwood.

• Fungi in the Garden

It is important to know which fungi can be found in the Garden. Go with Fife Ranger Tony Wilson on a foray and help him with his record keeping.

• Fun with Leaves and Cones and Sticks

Our Education Tutor, Jayne Fraser, will help you to make a collage to take home.

• Try some simple Screenprinting

Our tutors Anne Lightwood and Brenda Hunter will show you how to produce an instant print for a card or folder.

Christma

s Decora

tions

• It’s going to be a long Winter!

Many little creatures in the Garden will need help to survive the cold. Graham Kemp will help you make homes for them out of wood.

• Disposable nappies – a Conservation Nightmare!

Support the Real Nappy Brigade and save our Trees. Find out all about it!

• Refreshments and Things to Buy

At the stall run by the Friends of the Botanic Garden, you can buy plants, and honey from the Beehives in the Garden. Neryl Malcolmson will be selling cards with a botanical touch.

• Chairman’s Seventh Annual Conker Contest

To complete the day, everyone is invited to join the contest at 3.00pm. Chairwoman Louise Roger will present a fabulous prize to the winner.

Face Painting

EVENTS David Orr, Marketing & Sales Manager at the Byre introduces

“Cinderella”, The Panto At The Byre! This Christmas the Byre Theatre invites you to attend the New Byre’s very first panto! Writer Johnny McKnight first produced Cinderella in 2007 and performed it in Stirling to 5-star reviews from the Scotsman & the Herald. Now he brings a new & improved version to St Andrews! Poor Ella is in trouble. She dreams of dancing at the Royal Ball where the handsome Prince Fraser Campbell Wright is looking to find his one true love. But her days and nights are taken up looking after her ugly sisters, FiFi and FouFou, and their infamous Dame Academy. As the evil Madame DeMon attempts to rule over the pantosphere, Ella’s time is running out. Cinderella, will feature some favourites from the Byre and St Andrews, including Angela Darcy, well remembered by Byre audiences for her hilarious performance as Mrs Twit in the 2006 Byre production, The Twits, and a well-known face to local customers of Gorgeous on Bell Street, who will recognise Lawrie McNicol as one of our ugly sisters! Will her best friend, Buttons, ever tell her that he loves her? Will Ella have the time of her life? Will they all live happily ever after? Find out at this year’s magical pantomime “Cinderella” at the Byre Theatre. Performances 2.30pm: 6th, 13th, 20th, 23rd, 24th, 26th, 27th December 7.30pm: 3rd-6th, 9th-13th, 16th-20th, 23rd, 24th, 26th & 27th December Early Bird all first week £13 (£10-£6) £15 (£12-£10) Cinderella Art Exhibition Following the hugely successful Katie Morag & Fungus the Bogeyman Art Competitions, the Byre now offers an excellent chance for all our young artists to display their work on the walls of the Byre this Christmas. The age categories and art themes are: 0-3 4-6 7-10 11-12 13+

The Prince’s Palace Cinderella’s Magical Coach Cinderella in her Ball Gown The Ugly Sisters The Wicked Step Mother

Please submit A4 or A3 artwork to the Byre by the 12th November. Entry is free, and the gallery opens on the 19th November, when the winners will be announced. Remember to put your name & age on the back of the picture! Bells at the Byre! And that’s not all at the Byre this festive season! Following last year’s sell-out we are delighted to bring back Bells at the Byre! Where better to bring in the New Year than at Fife’s premier venue for 5-star entertainment and hospitality?

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

Enjoy your hogmanay celebrations with a traditional Scottish dinner, and dance the night away on main stage in our stunning auditorium. Wednesday 31st December Bells at the Byre! £50 Dinner & Ceilidh 7.30pm £35 Ceilidh 9.30pm For tickets & information for Cinderella, and Bells at the Byre, please call 01334 475 000 or book online at: www.byretheatre.com

EVENTS Eric Priest will tell you that the

St Andrews Chorus Finds Singing Is Fun St Andrews Chorus is flourishing this term under its charismatic conductor Edward Caswell, one of the top conductors in Scotland, who helps us all improve our singing and makes rehearsals such fun. It is a highly successful town-gown collaboration with a wide range of ages, including many townsfolk as well as students and university staff. We have been working hard for our next concert (Saturday 29 November in the Younger Hall at 7.30) with some wonderful music by Bach (2 cantatas) and Handel (Dixit Dominus, a setting of Psalm 110 that is “resplendent with bright colour, vocal virtuosity, expansive structure and driving energy”). This will be followed by a concert of “Christmas Music and Carols for All” in the

Younger Hall on Thursday 11 December at 7.30, under the baton of the incomparable Jill Craig: proceeds will be for charity. St Andrews Chorus will be hosting it, but is inviting all local choirs to join us. The music will be straightforward, with one rehearsal, and is an opportunity for local singers of all shapes and sizes to come together and thoroughly enjoy singing some of the great music of this season. So if you have not received an invitation and would like to join us you would be most welcome – just email Eric Priest for details. New singers are also welcome to join St Andrews Chorus after Christmas, when we shall be rehearsing Bach’s inspirational work the St John Passion. There is a wide

A selection of the Chorus singing beautifully at a concert range of singing ability, from learners to highly experienced. If you can hold a tune and enjoy singing, that is fine – there is no audition. We meet on Friday evenings from 7.00 to 9.15 in the music auditorium of St Leonards School – you just go down South Street and turn right through the Pends and it is a few yards along, second turning on the right. So if you are interested, just turn up at any rehearsal – we restart rehearsing on 9th January – or if you would like further information, contact Eric Priest at 01334 474 975 or eric@mcs.st-and.ac.uk. (Photos courtesy The Chorus)

The Chorus rehearsing for a concert in Younger Hall

EVENTS Kate Stephenson, on the Play Club’s

‘Season’s Greetings’ In the year when Alan Ayckbourn premiered his 71st and 72nd plays, Life And Beth, and Awaking Beauty, the St Andrews Play Club returns with one of his earlier outings, Season’s Greetings as their winter production. Arguably Britain’s most famous living playwright and certainly one of the most popular and prolific professional writers, Ayckbourn’s plays have been translated into more than 35 languages and are regularly performed the world over, he is also an internationally acclaimed director. Ayckbourn wrote his first play, The Square Cat, in 1958, which was swiftly followed by Love After All, performed in the winter of 1959. Both productions premiered at The Library Theatre in Scarborough, a town which has maintained very strong links with the playwright over the intervening years, and the majority of Ayckbourn’s plays have premiered there since, although latterly at The Stephen Joseph Theatre. Over 40 of these plays have transferred to the West End and Ayckbourn has won copious awards including seven London Evening Standard Awards and a Laurence Olivier Award.

Although written in 1980, Season’s Greetings has lost none of its relevance today. It is a black, though often farcical, comedy about a dysfunctional extended family and friends, set over Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and Boxing Day in an average English suburban house. The owners of the house, Belinda and Neville, host various houseguests such as Neville’s drunken sister Phyllis and her feeble-spirited and mediocre husband, Bernard, whose annual puppet show is the stuff of legend and terror to both young and old alike. Also included are the lacklustre Eddie, his pregnant wife, Pattie, Harvey a cantankerous and slightly senile uncle, Belinda’s emotionally-fuddled sister Rachel and a rather suave young writer, Clive, who is embroiled in a non-starter of a relationship with Rachel. The tensions resulting from such close proximity and forced seasonal jollity

The ‘New’

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manifest themselves as petty and not so petty squabbles, often with hilarious results. Season’s Greetings will be performed at the Byre Theatre from Thursday 13th November – Saturday 22nd November 2008. Tickets are available now from the Byre Box Office on (01334) 475 000 or at: www.byretheatre.com If you are interested in getting involved with the Play Club in any capacity (acting, backstage, directing, costumes etc), do get in touch on: kepstephenson@yahoo.co.uk New members are always welcome and previous experience is not necessary.

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

9 Albany Place, St Andrews Tel: 01334 477 840 Open Mon – Sat 10.00am -1.00pm and 2.00pm – 5.00pm

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

EVENTS

Selected Events Saturday, 1 November – 9.00am-1.00pm. Argyle Street car park. Farmers’ Market. Sunday, 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 November – 2.00-3.00pm. St Andrews Museum, Kinburn Park. Music in the Museum. Admission free. Contact: 01334 659 380. Monday, 3 November – 12noon-1.00pm. Lower College Hall, St Salvator’s Quad, North Street. La’s Orchestra Saves the World – read by the author Alexander McCall Smith. Tickets £3 from Waterstone’s Bookshop, Market Street. Contact: 01334 477 893. Wednesday, 5, 12, 19, 26 November – 1.15-1.45pm. Younger Hall, North Street. Lunchtime concerts. Admission £2. Contact: 01334 462 226. Friday, 7 November – 7.30pm St Salvator’s Chapel, North Street, St Andrews. Abelard and Heloise – a mediaeval love story, Canty (female quartet from Cappella Nova) and William Taylor (medieval harps, symphonie) Contact: 01334 462 226. – 7.30pm. St Leonard’s Chapel, St Leonards School, St Andrews. University Madrigal Group, candlelight recital. Tickets at the door. For further information contact: tef5@st-andrews.ac.uk Sunday, 9 November – Sunday, 11 January – 10.30am-4.00pm. St Andrews Museum, Kinburn Park. The Art of Giving – a humorous look at the stories of how, what, and why objects end up in museums. Free. Contact Curator Lesley-Anne Lettice for more details – 01334 659 380. Wednesday, 12 November – 7.30pm. Town Hall, Queen’s Gardens. Scottish Ornithologists Club, Fife Branch. Contact: Howard Chapman, 01334 870 768. – 8.00pm. St Leonards Music Auditorium, The Pends, St Andrews. Martinu String Quartet. Music by Beethoven, Martinu, Smetana. Tickets, £10 (£9), students £5, juniors £1 Contact: St Andrews Music Club: katie.elliott@btopenworld.com Sunday, 16 November – 2.00pm. The New Picture House, North Street, St Andrews. Engelbert Humperdinck’s Hänsel & Gretel. Conductor, Kazushi Ono; Director, Laurent Pelly. Under the auspices of Glyndebourne in Cinemas. Monday, 24 November – Till 12 noon. University, Raisin Monday. Tuesday, 25 November – 7.30pm. Holy Trinity Church, South Street, St Andrews. Songs of Praise with Billy Anderson and the Rev’d Dr Ian Bradley. Retiring collection. Saturday, 29 November – 7.30pm. Younger Hall, North Street, St Andrews. St Andrews Chorus. Conductor, Edward Caswell. Music by Bach, Saint-Saëns. Contact: 07786 548 788 or email: eric@mcs.st-and.ac.uk Sunday, 30 November – 11.00am. Holy Trinity Church, South Street, St Andrews. Civic Service, with contributions from local schools. Guest Preacher, John Bell of the Iona Community. The Church is open from 2.00-6.00pm. – 11.00am-4.30pm. Kellie Castle, Fife. Christmas Fair. Gifts of every kind, Christmas eats etc. – entry free. Visit Father Christmas in his grotto, entry £3 (includes a gift). Also a Traditional Victorian Christmas in the Castle – all adults £2, children free. Contact: 01333 720 271 for essential advance booking. – 7.30pm. Younger Hall, North Street. Mussoc Symphony Orchestra. Conductor, Tom Butler. Programme to be confirmed. Contact: 01334 462 226.

Wednesday, 3 December – 7.30pm at the Younger Hall, North Street, St Andrews. Scottish Chamber Orchestra, Conductor, Olari Elts; Isabelle Faust, violin. Music by Cherubini, Dvorak, Weber. Tickets from the Byre box office: 01334 475 000 or the Music Centre at the Younger Hall, Mon-Fri 10.00am-6.00pm. Sat.10.00am-1.00pm. Thursday, 4 December – 7.30pm. Younger Hall, North Street. Charity concert. Student choirs & ensembles perform a variety of music. Contact: 01334 462 226. Saturday, 6 December – 9.00am-1.00pm. Argyle Street car park, St Andrews. Farmers’ Market. – 4.00pm. Younger Hall, North Street. University String Orchestra. Conductor, William Baxter. Music by Mozart, Grieg, Holst. Contact: 01334 462 226. – 8.00pm. St Leonards Music Auditorium, The Pends, St Andrews. Recital – Arta Arnicane, piano. Music by Handel, Clara Schuman, Jazeps Vitols, Grieg, Brahms. Tickets, £10 (£9), students £5, juniors £1. Contact: St Andrews Music Club: katie.elliott@btopenworld.com Sunday, 7 December – 7.30pm. Kellie Castle, Fife. Priory Singers. Programme to be confirmed. Tickets £10 (include a complimentary glass of mulled wine). Contact: 01333 720 271 for essential advance booking. Tuesday, 9 December – 5.15pm Younger Hall, North Street. Youth Choir concert. Contact: 01334 462 226. Wednesday, 10 December – 7.30pm. Town Hall, Queen’s Gardens. Scottish Ornithologists Club, Fife Branch. Contact: Howard Chapman, 01334 870 768. Thursday, 11 December – 7.30pm. Younger Hall, North Street, St Andrews. St Andrews Chorus & many members of local choirs. Christmas Music and Carols for All. Conductor: Jill Craig. Contact: eric@mcs.st-and.ac.uk Saturday, 13 December – 10.00am-4.00pm. Victory Memorial Hall, St Mary’s Place, St Andrews. Book Sale of new books. Admission free. – 8.00pm. Younger Hall, North Street. University Chamber Orchestra. conductor, William Baxter. Music by Haydn, Schubert. Contact: 01334 462 226. Sunday, 14 December – 2.00pm. New Picture House, North Street, St Andrews. Rossini’s La Cenerentola. Conductor, Vladimir Jurowski; Director, Sir Peter Hall. Sung in Italian (with subtitles) Under the auspices of Glyndebourne in Cinemas. Wednesday, 17 December – 7.30pm. Younger Hall, North Street. Mussoc Windband & Chorus. Conductors, Jethro Dowell & Christian Büttner (Windband) Tristan Franklinos (Chorus) Christmas music & old favourites. Contact: 01334 462 226.

Antique, restored, & hand-painted furniture, curios, linen & lace, gifts, prints, Scottish crafts. New collections New styles New you! 205 South Street St Andrews Fife KY16 9EF

For something unique visit us at:

Time & Tide

01334 474999

Burghers Close, 41 South Street, St Andrews, Fife Tel: 01334 461 427 Open 6 days (closed Thursdays)

SHOPS & SERVICES

Word Search Competition The Byre Theatre is pleased to offer 2 tickets for their Christmas Pantomime to the first correct entry received by the latest, 7 December. Please send your completed Word Search, together with your own name & address to:

63 advertisers to be found:

Local Publishing (Fife) Ltd, PO Box 29210, St Andrews, Fife, KY16 9YZ

Safety Panel

Wilson & Partners

You may photocopy the page. Good luck!

Nahm-Jim

Community Council

New Picture House

Byre Theatre

Mike Barr

Henderson Black & Co

John Birrell Johnstons of Elgin St Andrews Taxis Fisher & Donaldson Susan Sloan University Challenge

Littlejohns

John, the Gents’ Barber

The Beauty Room

St Andrews Health Foods

Peppercorns Grill Kingdom Runner Artery Gallery St Andrews Hearing Services St Andrews Blinds Elite Care Foot Clinic St Leonards School Jamie’s the Florist D & E Garden Services Jahangir Restaurant One O One Connection Maisha Restaurant

Deliveries in the St Andrews area 5pm-11.30pm 52-54 Market Street, St Andrews, KY16 9NT Tel: 01334 471000 / 473165

Little Italian Shop

D M Motors

J. & W. Tulloch

Open daily, 12 noon till late

InStitches Time & Tide

The Cocoa Tree Shop

Lunchtime offers with free canned drink, Monday to Friday, noon to 3pm

Mr O Scotland

St Andrews Mortgage Centre Elspeth’s of St Andrews

KEBABS, PIZZAS, BURGERS sit in, or take away

A. M. Nicholson MBE, (Mail Boxes Etc)

Gordon Christie Toy Shop

Has satisfied Fife Council under the Food Safety Act 1990

Botanic Garden Friends

Juicylicious

The Fraser Gallery The Dining Room Dundee Airport Beetle Gorgeous Ferguson’s Shoe Repair Rogerson Shoes Play Club Cakes by Abigail Marmaris Rusacks Hotel T D Forster & Son Zest Hillcrest Studio Gallery Con Panna David Brown Gallery The Hairloft Alan Tulleth

91 Market Street, St Andrews We think we have the best juices, smoothies, and coffee in town! – at good prices!

SHOPS & SERVICES Nathaniel Anderson, Public Relations & Marketing Manager, Highlands and Islands Airports Limited, informs us of

New Developments at Dundee Airport It has been all change at Dundee Airport this year with its transfer to a new operator, the appointment of a new manager, and the introduction of Flybe flights. The airport transferred from Dundee City Council to Highlands and Islands Airports Limited (HIAL) last December. HIAL, owned by the Scottish Government, already operated 10 airports in the north and west of Scotland with the largest being at Inverness.

Dundee-born Graeme Bell was then appointed airport manager in the spring and joined the business at an exciting time in its history, as Loganair started flights to Belfast and Birmingham in May under its new Flybe franchise. Graeme, 35, was educated at Harris Academy and then gained a BSc in Quantity Surveying at the University of Abertay. Before joining HIAL he was an HR Manager with Asda in the city, where he had previously worked in roles including profit-improvement manager and customer-care manager. The opportunity to play a leading role in developing the Airport was one of the key attractions in his new role. “The Airport is an important economic driver for the city and the surrounding region. HIAL wants to develop the business, and it is great to be playing a part in that. There’s a great team at the Airport and I’m enjoying working with the different disciplines involved, be it air traffic or fire service. It is also an opportunity for me to develop skills and knowledge in a new environment, as HIAL provides a comprehensive training and mentoring programme for the operational aspects of the job,” said Graeme. The Flybe routes are now established, while the Airport continues to provide a link to London City Airport, now operated by City Jet, for Air France. Graeme explained that, “The air services from Dundee are not just about point-to-point travel. There are many onward connections available via Belfast, Birmingham, and London City, which means that the Airport is connecting people both in the UK and internationally. That’s one of the exciting aspects of the industry and what makes the Airport so important for the regional economy.” For more information on Dundee Airport and its flights visit: www.hial.co.uk (Photo Graeme Bell by Flora Selwyn)

Flora Selwyn and Pamela Wilson enjoyed a taste of

Cena Fino TAPAS Michael Henderson, the proprietor of really well with the salmon. Peppercorns Grill, 179 South Street, has Pamela called it, “an inventive re-opened his upstairs restaurant with what combination of flavours”. he calls “a loose concept of Tapas”. Every Then we diverged. Pamela lunchtime you can slip upstairs, either through chose from the hot choices, the a separate door outside or within the Grill itself, Lemon, Garlic & Parsley Roast to savour a selection of what is on offer in the Confit Scottish Salmon Foie gras Loin of Pork on Wild Mushroom evenings as “Chef’s ‘TAPAS’ Plates”. Michael and Parmesan Risotto finished has also devised a full Christmas TAPAS with Cream and Fried Quails’ Eggs. I had Pamela finished with a pot of tea and I had Party menu for around £20, served throughout Twice-Baked Parmesan Cheese Soufflé on a single espresso. We lingered over these for November and December, but by prior booking Sweet Corn & Leek Fondue with Spicy Tomato rather a long time, pleased that no-one hassled only, (see his website at: www.cenafino.co.uk) Salsa. Again, we agreed that these were us to leave. All in all we both felt comfortably Pamela and I went along one Saturday imaginative and well-conceived combinations. replete, happy with the discreet, friendly service at 12.30pm with high expectations, that Pamela liked the tender pork with its almost by a young American waitress from Seattle, were happily well fulfilled! crisp outer texture. She who is studying at the University. Good value We found a pleasantly Good value for money? said the risotto was perfect, for money? Most definitely! decorated room in the 18th not sticky yet moist. I had PS – In line with all good restaurants, the Most definitely! century building, with nicelyexpected a risen soufflé, Cena Fino TAPAS menu changes regularly, so spaced tables (so you don’t as you no doubt would, please consult it when planning your visit. feel crowded). Embroidered table runners are and found instead two slices of what looked complemented by linen napkins and I was like pastry! Delicious! Exactly what a soufflé pleased to see a jug full of water as part of the should taste and feel like, to my amazement. setting (so often in restaurants you have to ask The accompanying corn and leek ’fondue’ was for water, which is then brought grudgingly one equally delicious, though not easy to describe glass at a time). (go on, go and try it!) A glass of suitably chilled We opted for a three-course lunch. From Manara Pinot Grigio Rosé for me, and one of a choice of five starters we both decided Candidato Blanco (Viura) 2007 for Pamela, on the Confit Scottish Salmon with Baby added the finishing touches. Spinach and Fresh Mango Salsa. This came Desserts were also delectable! I had the with lovely warm, crisp bread, and a dish of Dark Chocolate Pavé with Pistachio Ice Cream. green and black olives (can’t resist those!). Pamela had the Star Anise Panna Cotta with The salmon was everything one could wish Mulled Wine, Scottish Berry Compote and for, succulent, well flavoured, satisfying. The Vanilla Ice Cream. We exchanged bites, and I unusual combination of spinach and mango have to say there was nothing to distinguish the was excellent, beautifully dressed, marrying yumminess! Restaurant (with Michael in the background)

01334 478396

Gift Vouchers available

Orders now being taken

Christmas Hampers, Panettone, Prosecco……. Torrone, Grappa, Olive Oil and much, much more……

SHOPS & SERVICES

www.thelittleitalianshop.com

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

SHOPS & SERVICES Lesley MacIntosh, Assistant Manager at the shop in the Old Course Hotel, tells the story behind

Golf Links to the Past How can life be so exciting after you’ve had your hand on the key of an Intercontinental Ballistic Missile? Well, Eddie Papczun has found a way. Graduating from Kent State, Papczun wanted to become a US Air Force pilot, but was forced through inadequate eyesight to follow another path in the service. During the Cold War, the former Air Force Major was a nuclear weapons launch officer, manning an ICBM launch facility. Following that, he was with the US military’s Nuclear Survivability Force, set up as aerial command posts designed to oversee the survivable launch of ICBMs from the air should operations centres on the ground be taken out by a surprise Soviet attack. That’s the past. Now Papczun gets his adrenaline rush as Founder and President of Golf Links to the Past – proprietor of the world’s finest golf antiquities and collectibles. These days he is stirred by his acquisitions, such as a collection of 53 personal letters from golf-great Bobby Jones to writer Charles Price, or a signed photograph of Old Tom Morris. When Papczun left the Air Force in 1996, after eleven years of active duty, he invested his $40,000 severance package as initial capital for Golf Links. He used some of that money to acquire the start-up initial inventory, not an easy task. “To find truly undervalued items, the types of collectible not generally on someone’s radar, you have to do the estate sale thing,” says Papczun. “And you have to be a little lucky. Bobby Jones’ home was once part of an estate sale, and items that had been in his family for years went on the auction block. I once purchased one of Bobby Jones’ personal engineering books, which was offered in that sale, with his name signed inside, for just $50. Today, an autograph of Bobby Jones sells for thousands.”

dinners and had been signed by everyone in attendance – that meant every living Masters Champion – including players like Sam Snead, Gene Sarazen, Arnold Palmer, and in one case Tiger Woods. In fact, one of the menus featured the dinner selections of then-reigning champion Nick Faldo. Papczun, 47, from Ohio says: “I am a passionate person who loves history and golf, and I have found something that allows me to deal extensively with both.” Today, the Company is recognized for its famous shop just across from the Lodge at Pebble Beach. And this past October, the Company added the perfect complement to the Pebble shop on this side of the Atlantic, with the opening of a sister shop in the home of golf – St Andrews. Located just off the lobby of the Old Course Hotel, the new shop looks out upon the Old Course’s famous “Road Hole”, offering an ideal setting to browse and enjoy the shop’s unique and special pieces of history. Golf Links to the Past offers an upscale range of products embracing the history of golf and its traditions. It specialises in the acquisition and sale of the world’s most sought-after golf antiquities, as well as creating an unparalleled product line of modern collectibles.

The St Andrews shop focuses on the very finest in golf antiquity building on its reputation, stocking an unparalleled selection of original Old Tom Morris memorabilia, including one-of-a-kind signed pieces as well as historical pieces relating to the town and its special place in golfdom. There are original watercolours, oil paintings, historic photographs, and beautifully presented historic golf books in custom hand-made leather clamshells. The product mix includes: hickory-shafted golf clubs, rare and reproduction golf balls, upscale specialty publishing, handtooled leather bindings, historic golf sculptures, gentlemen’s accessories, original watercolours, oil paintings, limited edition art, historic golf photography, original historical documents and autographs, rare golf books in custom, hand-made, leather clamshells and other similarly fine golf-based gift products. Servicing an international clientele, the company is an official These early acquisitions became the foundation of his commitment vendor of Bobby Jones, Gary Player, Ben Hogan, Jack Nicklaus, Arnold to the legend of Bobby Jones. He managed to negotiate an agreement Palmer, and Tiger Woods collectibles and has striven to offer only the with the Jones family to become the exclusive licensee for Bobby Jones best -- painstakingly authenticating each and every item offered. Clients collectibles, a relationship in its 10th year, giving the company’s founder purchase with confidence and can rest assured that they’ve invested in a great deal of pride. In describing the relationship, Papczun stated, one of the finest golf collectibles in the “I have always viewed Bobby Jones’ world. legacy with the utmost reverence – to Thus, my goal is to take the things our “It’s not about money,” says be associated with his legend is an golf-loving forefathers created, and protect Papczun. “With my military absolute honour, which I’ve always background, I have gone through life taken very seriously.” and present them in a way that people not as a ‘me’ person. We, as people, As in all new businesses, Papczun 100 years from now will be excited to own are only here for a short time. But had to search and negotiate for pieces while we’re here we try to be the best like the Price letters. However, as the stewards possible to the game and its history. Thus, my goal is to take business grew, so did the number of people who began bringing their the things our golf-loving forefathers created, and protect and present treasures to him. Now, frequently, items of considerable value fall right them in a way that people 100 years from now will be excited to own. into his lap. For instance, a few years back Papczun received a call from And to be able to offer these wonderful items from St Andrews and an individual who had a number of signed Master menus for sale. These Pebble Beach – that just makes it all the better.” were from the famous Champions’ Dinner held annually on the eve of the hallowed Major. According to Papczun, the amazing thing about (Photos courtesy Golf Links to the Past) these particular menus was that they represented three different years of

SHOPS & SERVICES Roger Ranson of BHR Communications extols these

Christmas turkeys – a truly family enterprise Traditional Christmas turkeys proved mulled wine, mince pies, locally so popular with consumers last year grown vegetables, home-made chutney, and lots of festive cheer. that Fife farmers Ross and Emma The farm produces arable Forster are stepping up production crops, potatoes, and broccoli, for this Christmas. “Even although we doubled our numbers to 300 last and with most of the field work year we sold out easily, so this year done by December this leaves time to devote to processing and we‘re producing 425,” says Emma marketing the turkeys. “The turkeys Forster, of Peacehill Farm, Wormit. are one enterprise where the whole The Forsters have been rearing the turkeys from day-old poults since family can help,” adds Emma. early July. “Our KellyBronze turkeys “It’s one especially enjoyed as we are very slow growing and we feed see the entire process from the Ross and Emma Forster them a natural diet with no growth poults right through to meeting the (Photo courtesy the Forsters) promoters or hormones. They customers, who are going are free range in a lovely grass They are free range in a lovely to enjoy our product. This pasture by day and have the grass pasture by day and have happens all too seldom in shelter of a huge straw barn modern farming, with most the shelter of a huge straw by night – so they lead a very products going away to barn by night – so they lead a happy and free life! We find supermarkets.” they are the most inquisitive The Forsters are one very happy and free life! animals, and they’ll follow you of the KellyBronze Farmers everywhere. We’ve hung up old CDs as a type of producing the award-winning product under a franchise scheme, which allows farmers and toy, and they love pecking and playing with them!” smallholders to develop local markets with the New this year to their selling and marketing support of Kelly Turkeys. The turkeys are bred for is the website www.peacehillturkeys.co.uk where the wild, reared on pasture, stubble or woodland, orders can be placed online and you can keep up fed on locally-produced grain, and grown to maturity to date with current activities. Emma Forster will be cooking some of her turkeys for farmers’ markets to achieve the succulent flavour and texture at Cupar, St Andrews, and Dundee this autumn so associated with the product. people can sample the moist and succulent meat for themselves. She makes the selling days at the For more information, please contact Emma Forster: farm shop a great occasion with Christmas music, 01382 541 783 / 07736 846 945

Elspeth’s

of St Andrews

9 Church Street St Andrews Tel: 01334 472494

SHOPS & SERVICES Selling at our Farmers’ Market, Jon Dark of Jamesfield Farm, makes the case for

Brewster’s Eggs – Eggs that dare to be different conditions to produce Why do Brewster’s eggs taste so much better than ordinary excellent quality eggs. All eggs? We use more traditional eggs have a flavour you will breeds and these older, never forget. more established breeds are Brewster’s eggs are all generally more athletic and special, not only due to the careful choice of breeds, but fitter than the more modern because of the poulterer’s hybrid hens. It is self-evident attention to the health and that a stronger, more muscular welfare of his hens. The bird lays a superior egg. It is birds have the privacy of the case that modern chickens have been developed as individual nest boxes, access “laying machines” which can to dust bathing areas and produce 320 or more eggs adlib feeding. They are free per year, whereas our birds to range and forage on lush green pasture from dawn produce approximately 30% to dusk giving us happy fewer eggs. We aim to deliver quality not quantity. More food hens free to fly and fulfil all and energy go into each of their natural instincts. In this our eggs and our birds only respect we can truly bring you Free Range Organic concentrate on producing 4 Farm eggs. eggs per week, as opposed to 7 eggs per week. The result is that the eggs have a better Brewster Blues flavour, with a denser texture Hens which lay turquoise, and a noticeably thicker, blue, and olive eggs were harder shell. Our birds’ eggfirst seen by missionaries laying is a pleasure, not a in South America in the burden, and it is very evident sixteenth and seventeenth in the produce. Our medley centuries, but their history in is “hand selected” and brings Britain is much more recent. you two each of Brewster blue In the 1920s the botanist and eggs, Brewster brown eggs, explorer Mr Elliot, toured the and our Leghorn white eggs. world and brought back from Patagonia three hens and Reared on Jamesfield a cockerel of the blue Farm on the Perthshire/ We believe our hens have the laying breed, Araucana. Fife border, all our hens optimum conditions to produce The cockerel did not are kept in small mobile excellent quality eggs. survive the journey, but henhouses (150 per the three hens did and house) from which they were used in genetic studies by Professor range throughout the day on green pasture. They have a natural, vegetarian, organic cereal Punnett at Cambridge University in 1930. diet. We believe our hens have the optimum From this research, and four generations of

crossing, the Cream Legbar was developed. Direct descendents of these Cambridge Cream Legbars are kept at Jamesfield Farm and with continued research we now have a Brewster Blue which lays a better number of sky blue eggs. The colour of the eggs is perfectly natural. These Blue eggs are very special, not only for their good colour, but because they have a stronger, thicker shell, a denser texture and a larger yolk than most other eggs. This huge difference is partly due to the fact that the birds lay only 220 to 240 eggs per year compared with the modern commercial hybrid hen, which lays over 320 eggs per year. The Brewster Blue’s large, deep yellow yolk is due to the hen’s completely natural diet of organic cereal, maize and grass. The eggs have a wonderful rich taste, which is perfect on their own or in baking. They are the favourite among some of our top chefs, including Jamie Oliver and Rick Stein Point of lay pullets are available for sale. Tel: 01337 840 248 or 0785 102 3609 (Photos, courtesy Jamesfield Farm)

Scott Carruthers introduces the art of

Steve Johnston Artery Gallery in St Andrews is exhibiting new works for the first time from years ago. Jason of Artery renowned Glasgow-born painter, Steve Johnston. Gallery explains, “Being able to bring in the calibre Steve is attracted to figures that create a great shape. Details such of work from an artist as ‘how’ someone is standing or ‘what’ they are doing come into play such as Steve Johnston afterwards. It is the graphic shape of the ‘body mass’ that inspires the first ideas. He takes the shape of his figures from photographs, generally reflects what we are trying using side or back views to create a more anonymous character. For this to achieve here at Artery. same reason he prefers minimal backgrounds. He says, “I approach my We always strive to bring ‘backgrounds’ very much as an abstract painter – colours, this quality of composition etc. are chosen instinctively rather than being work forward, Steve likes to pre-planned. Certain images can unlock powerful emotions, and in doing experiment, which can be separate from the actual content of the so help to “Distant Lights” and play with picture....the aim is to portray essences and emotion rather make the colour to draw as best original than a precise person or specific location.” Using a mixture of oil and acrylic on the same canvas, artworks more accessible. Exhibiting the up-and-coming much emotional artists side by side with the more established names not just Steve likes to experiment, and play with colour to draw response from the across Scotland, but Internationally too, makes us all the as much emotional response from the image as possible. image as possible more unique.” The backgrounds are always in acrylic, whilst the figures are always in oil, so that they can be worked to make them New paintings by Steve Johnston are now exhibiting at stand out from the background. Artery Gallery on South Street, St Andrews (01334 478 221) and online Steve Johnston joins a growing list of renowned Scottish artists at: www.arteryuk.com who have exhibited at Artery since opening in St Andrews just over two (Photo courtesy Artery Gallery)

SHOPS & SERVICES

For exotic gifts from around the world

St Andrews & District Community Safety Panel

16 BELL STREET St Andrews, FIFE, KY16 9UX 01334 472286

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

Karen and the girls would like to extend to all our valued clients the Season’s best wishes

Bell Street

WE’RE ALL HERE

151 South Street

Argos

Lane

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

Cheese Shop

South Street

Ferguson’s Shoe Repairs Where better to give your footware new life? Established over 30 years we offer, with a smile, a traditional service for that local touch. Now selling a wide variety of purses and wallets, ideal for that searched-for gift. Also available are Carlton suitcases which help to make your journeys memorable! 151 South Street, St Andrews Tel: 01334 472134

Alan Tulleth Ltd. (Dyno Secure)

Now at 151 South Street, St Andrews. Tel: 01334 478 274 We cut all types of keys: electronic keys • keys cut to code • normal household keys • also install security systems We operate as a 24-hour locksmith, 7 days a week NO CALL OUT CHARGE Established for 15 years working from our bright Orange Vans, we are proud to serve the community with good, reliable service for all your lock and key needs

SHOPS & SERVICES

Roving Reporter – keeps his nose to the ground!

1. Roving Reporter is saddened this time by the closure of a shop so long a part of the town, Ian Joy in Bell Street (see issue 19, Nov/Dec 2006, p15). Proprietor Michael Joy told Reporter of the effect of the Internet on his business. After 62 years, falling margins, coupled with digital printing failing to fulfil expectations, a decision had to be made. He pointed out that he is not alone; Dundee no longer has an independent photographic shop, and Edinburgh has only one, where there used to be eight or nine. Michael has plans, however, to continue offering his photographic skills. He is available for weddings and social occasions, as well as for commercial and golfing-related events. The shop closed on 18th October, after which Michael and his wife Frances took off with their caravan for a short, well-earned holiday. “I’m actually looking forward to working alone,” Michael confessed, “and to having the time to be creative and being more flexible in my outlook. I’d like to thank all those of our customers who have supported us for over 60 years.” Another idea Michael has is to give 1:1 camera tutorials in the comfort of people’s own homes, if there is a demand. “Phone me up and I’ll come round to your home” Michael said. He can be contacted by phone: 01334 472 264 by mobile: 0780 329 9389 or email: ianjoyphoto@gmail.com website: www.ianjoy.co.uk

cullen skink. Reporter should feel this is worth the taste-test.” Indeed!

Left to Right: Peter McNeely, Lisa Cathro, Charlie MacLean, and Lisa Ciftci (Photo courtesy Zest)

*****

3. Reporter is also delighted to find a new and vibrant addition to the retail scene. He thoroughly enjoyed meeting proprietor Kathy Watts at Watch, 15 Bell Street, St Andrews (tel: 01334 461 292). She told Reporter that Watch has been brought here by Cupar-based Joe Cool UK Ltd, following on from its success in Edinburgh. She continued, “specialising in midpriced, contemporary designer watches and clocks, sparkling ‘Guess’ watches sit alongside hard-wearing ‘Swiss Army Divemasters’, and the cool surf styling of ‘Roxy’ and ‘Quiksilver’. In addition to this impressive collection, we also offer a beautiful range of wooden, glass, and shell jewellery by Joe Cool, also a handful of volcanic stone and Murano-style glass pieces by Fife-based designer Katherine Malcolm. For quick gift ideas, there is a rainbow variety of Oriental silk scarves and a selection of hand-made bags to match.” Do go along, says Reporter.

side, because “people like to walk in the sun.” Reporter was interested to learn that law and catering share the same need for attention to detail. Moreover, since Euan’s late father had been President of the Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland, Euan has an educated eye for architecture, which explains the bright, attractive appearance of Juicylicious, so welcome in St Andrews. The juices on offer are all made with fresh fruits and vegetables, none are concentrates, frozen, or canned. There are some exciting combinations: Popeye Punch (apple, spinach, pineapple, lemon, over ice); All Rounder (apples, beetroot, broccoli, celery, cucumber, pineapple, lime, over ice). There are also smoothies, such as Cherrylucious (black cherries, blackberries, red grapes, apple juice + low fat yoghurt). Orkney ice cream makes its début here, “exceptionally creamy”. And Wheatgrass is available too, for aficionados! The coffee is a rich Italian blend. A delightful place to relax, says Reporter.

22 Bell Street Personalised Clothing Service Embroidery & Printing 01334 478 722

***** 2. Reporter learned that, “Lisa Cathro, the

long-time manager and now new owner of Zest Juicing, in South Street, is passionate about good food. In under a year she has turned what was just another St Andrean coffee shop into an oasis of fresh salads, fruits, and all things homemade. For those with a craving for roast beef, chicken, or gammon, Lisa and her staff have found the non-watered, the halal, the mouth-watering. For those who love their four-legged friends, there are plenty of vegetarian and vegan options, all prepared daily and sourced locally. And for everyone with a sweet tooth there are fresh-baked scones and a huge cake cabinet that the Zestians keep brim full. This includes plenty for the glutenfree among us. All this keeps food miles to a minimum and preservatives out of the picture. Lisa hopes only to expand from here. With Zest’s new chef, Charlie MacLean, Lisa is planning evening main meals from 5.00pm to 8.00pm this autumn. With much more than haggis, Lisa’s dishes will include new vegetarian variations on stovies, aloo gobi, and an incomparable

InStitches.org.uk

*****

4. St Andrews never fails to amaze Reporter. Where else would you find such an eclectic mix of entrepreneurs? Euan Campbell had his own law practice in Glasgow, now here he is with his wife Louise and 4 year-old Matthew (“our master taster – if he doesn’t approve what he tastes, it isn’t included!”) with Juicylicious, the Real Juice Bar, at 91 Market Street. “I thought,” said Euan, “it would be innovative and something different from normal.” He and his family are not entirely new to catering, having previously opened one of Glasgow’s first pizza shops, inspired by a visit to Canada and the USA. Having now lived in St Andrews for two and a half years, Euan was sure he wanted to be in Market Street – and on the sunny

SHOPS & SERVICES

Our chefs use fresh local produce to create delicious dishes from Bangladesh, India, Thailand, and Scotland. Together with Bangladeshi and Indian Beer and spirits you are sure to have a unique experience ! The best food, the best service and all-in-all friendly atmosphere second to none. 3 Course Early Evening Meal ÂŁ9.95 5-7pm (except Saturday) 3 Course Lunch ÂŁ5.95 12.00-2.30pm (except Sunday) Takeaway menu available Home Delivery Service 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

SHOPS & SERVICES Andrew Wright advises those

On the Edge of Poverty Among the many unfortunate victims of the “credit crunch” and of the consequent fall in share prices and pension fund values are the self-employed. I am focusing on pensioners and the young starting up in business in this article, but the principles may apply to others as well. Pensioners, who were self-employed in their working life, will normally have low state pensions because these will not have been bolstered by any earnings-related element. Their personal pension funds, with no contributions from employers, may have suffered from a combination of poor contributions and decimated fund values (because of the state of the stock market). Pension Credit , administered by the Department of Work and Pensions, is available to pensioners on modest incomes. If you or your partner are aged 60 or over, you will probably get pension credit if your income is less than £124.05 a week (single) or £189.35 (for couples).For those aged 65 or more, the figures are £174.00 (single) or £255 (couple). There are higher limits for those with a severe disability, or are caring for a severely disabled person, or who are still paying a mortgage on their home. It is not dependant on claimants’ national insurance contributions record and can still be claimed even if the claimant is living with grownup children or other relatives. To apply, call: 0800 99 1234. For more details, access: www.thepensionservice.gov.uk/pensionscredit

Working Tax Credit, administered by HM Revenue and Customs, is available to all working people on low incomes. Recently, I have been involved with two youngsters setting out on artistic careers (one an artist, one a writer). Because they have some income they must register as self-employed, but their income in the early years is low. Traditionally, they may have been supported by their family, but they may also be eligible for working tax credit. To apply, call: 0845 300 3900. For more details, access: www.hmrc.gov.uk /taxcredits From my experience in practice, I know some people are not claiming the government credits they are entitled to. For further information on this, or other matters, please consult: Henderson Black & Co. 149 Market St., St Andrews. Tel: 01334 472 255

ORGANISATIONS From Zoë Smith, Chair of the Community Council

Appeal for new members The Royal Burgh of St Andrews Community Council has 3 vacancies for new members and I would like to invite those interested to apply. • Applicants must be on the electoral register. • Community Councillors should be residents of St Andrews, preferably permanent residents who can commit to regular attendance, as many decisions are far reaching and affect the long-term future of St Andrews. • There are no formal qualifications required to be a community councillor, but desirable qualities include an interest and knowledge of St Andrews, enthusiasm, an ability to communicate, objectivity, honesty, and integrity. • The minimum commitment expected from a community councillor is attendance at the monthly meetings, but there are opportunities to join one of our sub-committees and do some real work for the people of St Andrews.

Anyone interested should contact me, by letter or email with a short statement about themselves and their reasons for wishing to join the Community Council. Zoë Smith, Chair Royal Burgh of St Andrews Community Council 170 Lamond Drive St Andrews Fife KY16 8JP Email: zoesmith@ymail.com

Larry Reed, Administrator of

The Royal Burgh of St Andrews Community Council 200 Club As its name implies, the Club potentially has 200 members, each paying £2 per month by standing order. A draw takes place at the monthly Community Council meetings. The prizes thus drawn are £50, £30, and £20. As the Club’s constitution states, all the proceeds from the balance are then “used to support and sponsor events, and help local groups, organisations, and individuals.” The Club grants small awards. Within the last twelve

months, it has helped such local groups as, Arthiritis Care; the St Andrews League of Hospital Friends; 1st St Andrews Boys Brigade; St Andrews District Girl Guides; 8th Fife (St Andrews) Scout Group; Fullerton Football Trust; East Fife (St Andrews) Stroke Club; and many others. All applications for awards are made to the Administrator, considered by the committee, and a decision taken.

Membership is sitting at approximately 50% of maximum at the present time and we need anyone, individuals, businesses, to boost membership so that we can put more back into the community. For only £2 per month you can make a difference: to local groups for the young, the elderly, and those in need of assistance in helping others in our town.

Application forms are available from: Larry Reed, Administrator Royal Burgh of St Andrews Community Council 65, Lamond Drive St Andrews, KY16 8DD email: Lwr303@hotmail.com

Alternative parking in South Street – spotted by Flora Selwyn

ORGANISATIONS

Carolyn Miller has reason to be happy, for St Andrews is

Beautifully Blooming! Isn’t St Andrews looking “blooming lovely”!!! This was recognised at the very recent Beautiful Scotland awards, when St Andrews won the ‘Best Coastal Town in Scotland’ with a silver-gilt medal. All thanks to Carolyn Miller, Jill Hardie, Jenny Sibbald, and all the wonderful helpers and supporters of St Andrews in Bloom. The “Bloom” was taken over only a year ago by the three ladies and thanks to their amazing enthusiasm and hard work every corner and pavement is awash with vibrancy, colour, and fragrance all the year round. Having taken on the responsibility at very short notice, the Committee were both excited and daunted by the fact that not only were they responsible for all the floral displays in town, they were also faced with being entered into the prestigious “Best Coastal Town” category of the Beautiful Scotland awards. This does not just mean “pretty tubs and barrels”. The awards constitute four main sections: A: Horticulture, seasonal and permanent planting. This covers the town planting by the Bloom Committee of all the baskets and tubs, Fife Council parks and public areas, the war memorial, businesses, and residential planting of gardens. B: Sustainable development and biodiversity. This involves sustainable initiatives to conserve energy, protect wildlife, flowers, and marine habitats – green issues and eco initiatives. The judges were impressed by the Blue Flag beach awards, the compost and green waste treatment by the University, and the bat boxes at the Castle! C: Local environmental quality. This is the cleanliness of the streets and the general public areas of the town. Here the judges liked the chewing gum disposal units. D: Public awareness and participation. This section highlights community involvement, fundraising initiatives, and here the judges particularly liked the way that the Bloom Committee acts as a catalyst for local organisations, both official and voluntary. The Committee has lots of ideas and projects for the future and is always looking for helpers and any innovative ideas that locals may have. Next year with more community and business participation the Committee is positive that they can go for GOLD!! Our grateful thanks to the town and everyone involved. (Photos courtesy St Andrews in Bloom)

TOWN & GOWN Natasha Saunders, in year 4 of International Relations, offers a personal

Insight into a troubled land the cooperation that takes place daily between The conflict between the Israelis ordinary people, and this conflict is no exception. and the Palestinians The advantage of living in the Bethlehem is one on which most people have an opinion. You area in the West Bank, and Jerusalem just across can’t pick up a paper or turn on the news without the wall, is that it is in NGO country and you reading or seeing something about a suicide get to witness first-hand the cooperation that attack, or a military incursion, or the blockade of takes place between the two sides in working Gaza. Everyone has something to say and it is towards a peaceful resolution to this conflict. I rarely ever positive, and, for the majority of our was working at one of the oldest joint Israelipopulation, it is almost never based on personal Palestinian organisations called the Alternative experience. I was fortunate enough to spend this Information Center, founded in 1984. Here, summer living and working in the West Bank, internationals, Palestinians, and Israelis all in the town of Beit Sahour on the eastern side work together, though the geographical realities of Bethlehem, the City of Peace. Beit Sahour mean they cannot always be in the same office together. Nevertheless, Israelis and Palestinians is the place where the Angel Gabriel is said to have appeared to the shepherds to announce came together 24 years ago to establish this the birth of Jesus, and a somewhat gaudy sign organisation and it is still going strong. The AIC is engaged in the dissemination of information, reading “Gloria in Excelsis Deo” stands above political advocacy and critical analysis of both the the entrance to the site known as the Shepherds’ Israeli and Palestinian societies, as well as the Field. Beit Sahour is a peaceful Israeli-Palestinian conflict. and relatively prosperous The purpose of its news It is ordinary Israelis town, just 25 minutes or so website and its monthly and Palestinians who from Jerusalem. To walk down publications (including News the street in Bethlehem, or Beit From Within, published in cooperate on a daily Sahour, you wouldn’t realise English, Arabic and Hebrew) basis in the pursuit of a that both towns were besieged is to provide analysis of just 3 years ago – very few the main trends in Israeli just and lasting peace visible signs remain. Though and Palestinian societies, and this cooperation you don’t have to look very challenge the Zionist nature hard for the most visible sign needs to be remembered of the Israeli occupation of the occupation – the Wall and the authoritarian and applauded (a giant concrete wall that nature of the Palestinian meanders its way through the Authority. Its other major West Bank). publication, Economy of Occupation, written by Living in the West Bank you get to see Israeli economist Shir Hever, touches on issues what life under occupation really means. The such as inflation, debt, trade, employment, and soldiers, the jeeps, the wall, the roadblocks, the poverty, and discusses the influences that these checkpoints, are an ever- present reality for a have on the daily lives of Palestinians and Israelis – it is often forgotten that the occupation of the people without a state of their own. They file Palestinian territories also takes its toll on the through checkpoints like cattle being taken to Israeli economy, not simply the Palestinian, and market (I can tell you from first-hand experience that this has implications for the possibility of how deeply humiliating this is) and you can’t drive peace. The AIC is by no means the only joint for more than 20 minutes without being stopped at a military roadblock. Then you cross one of the Israeli-Palestinian NGO (though it is one of the major checkpoints that separate the West Bank most successful). There are also many Israeli and Israel and you are faced with a new reality. organisations that work to help the Palestinians The towns are nicer, cleaner, more modern, but living under the occupation, a fact that often yet there is something amiss there too. People escapes observers. B’Tselem (the Israeli Human look twice at you, and everyone else walking Rights organisation), the Israeli Committee down the street. If you look hard whilst riding a Against Housing Demolitions, Rabbis for Human bus you can see people looking for a bag without Rights, the Peres Centre for Peace, and others an owner, or someone who looks Arab. Soldiers are all Israeli NGOs dedicated to the cause of are everywhere in Israeli cities too, not just in the a just peace and equality for Palestinians and West Bank – they ride the buses and the trains Israelis. The Peres Centre for Peace even hosts a in their uniforms, carrying their guns – signs of a summer camp every year for Palestinian children population that sees itself constantly engaged in a from Gaza and Israeli children from the town of struggle to survive. Sderot just across the border so they can learn Living in an environment like this, and about and from each other. watching the news back home, it would be easy We too often forget that this is a conflict that to think that there is nothing on which the two affects two peoples. We must always be wary of sides agree and that there is so much hatred painting a government and its population with the and animosity on the part of normal people same brush. As with so many conflicts in history that a peaceful solution will never be possible. the solution lies with ordinary people. It is ordinary Israelis and Palestinians who cooperate on a daily Elements of this are true – there is a great deal basis in the pursuit of a just and lasting peace and of animosity on both sides, and there are issues this cooperation needs to be remembered and on which they disagree, namely Jerusalem and applauded. the Right of Return for the Palestinian refugees. But it becomes so easy in times of strife to lose sight of the common ground and lose sight of (Photos courtesy Natasha Saunders)

Some wall graffiti on the wall in Bethlehem

Outside The Qalandia checkpoint which separates Jerusalem and Ramallah

Looking towards the Old City in Jerusalem

The Church of the Nativity (said to be on the site where Jesus was born)

Inside the Huwarra checkpoint south of Nablus

A section of the Separation Wall

TOWN & GOWN Graeme Mutch, St Leonards School PR Officer, reports on

New pupils settling in at St Leonards The start of another school year has In a colourful climax to the settlingmeant new faces aplenty. New arrivals in process, the entire Senior School across all year groups have seen the came together for a day of fun and School roll rise to 451, the largest it has games to celebrate St Leonards Day. been for some 25 years. And to help This annual event saw students take the new-starts get accustomed to their part in a series of games and activities surroundings, a number of ice-breaking to try and earn points for the different activities have been taking place. teams to which the School’s pupils Pupils in the Lower Sixth Form are assigned. Dressed in the colours (S5) got better acquainted with an of each of the four teams – Skye, evening of traditional Scottish Country Harris, Mull, and Lewis – the pupils Dancing, a guided tour of St Andrews took part in tug-of-war and frisbee and a series of sports events. The competitions as well as hockey and highlight came when the cohort, swimming events. The day provided who will be studying for the two-year an opportunity for new students to International Baccalaureate (IB) get to know their team mates as well Diploma, took part in a series of armyas kicking off the year’s inter-team led team- building exercises. Captain activities, which will see the pupils earn Alice Rawdon-Mogg led the Stirlingpoints for music and drama events, as In a colourful climax to the settling-in process, the based 51 Scottish Brigade Technical well as sporting competitions. Physics entire Senior School came together for a day of and Logistic Recruiting Team as they teacher, Diane Lindsay, who is team put the students through their paces in leader of Harris and helped to organise fun and games to celebrate St Leonards Day activities that included assault courses, the day’s events, said, “St Leonards obstacle courses, and command tasks. Alice said, “The idea has been to Day is great because it gets all the year groups within the teams mixing. do some IB team-building exercises to help the students bond. Hopefully We have 16 different nationalities in the Senior School, so the team what they learn today will help the students with their sixth form studies, system means that the students get a chance to know people from all their team work, and leadership skills.” over the world.” She added, “The pupils got right into the team spirit and The students also enjoyed a day of whitewater rafting in Aberfeldy that’s what it’s all about. It was competitive as well – they wanted to do and Karen Wowk, who took over as Head of the Sixth Form College well because they really care about their teams!” at St Leonards during the summer, revealed the motive behind the The preparatory school, St Leonards-New Park has also been organisation of the events. She said, “The activities that we have welcoming new faces as its Headmaster, Andrew Donald revealed. arranged are all about getting the students to mix and work together. He said, “We now have two Year 1 classes and we are pleased to be Most of the year group are Scottish and many of them have been at welcoming almost 30 new pupils to the School this term. St LeonardsSt Leonards for some time, but we also have a number of new students New Park is moving forwards and I myself look forward to seeing the with representatives from Russia, Belgium, Ireland, Taiwan and China. children working hard, developing and enjoying themselves.” It’s a great mix and we’re trying to help everyone feel at home.” With so much going on at St Leonards, its new pupils have certainly Meanwhile, Year 8 students, who have made the transition from been busy… St Leonards-New Park to the Senior School, enjoyed mixing with those who have come from external schools at a team-building session at Bonaly Outdoor Centre near Edinburgh. 32 students spent an actionpacked day problem solving, hitting the target in archery sessions, and braving the cat walk, a form of aerial assault course. Andrew Lang, Head of the Senior School, said, “The students had a great time. It was good to see them working together and it’s nice to get them away from the School for a while. It’s particularly rewarding to see friendships develop between the students who have moved up from St Leonards-New Park and those who have come from elsewhere.”

(Photos courtesy St Leonards School)

OUT & ABOUT Felicity and Bob Mitchell reflect on

Crete Revisited summer drought and baking sun the bulbs were beginning to show. The Mollie Pirie Mediterranean The Sea Squill – Ungernia (Drimia) maritima, was in full flower with its Climate Glasshouse is developing well in St Andrews Botanic 3ft tall white spikes dotting the countryside from sea level to the high plateau, while the Sea daffodil – Pancratium maritimum, with white Garden. It contains five borders each representing a part of the scented flowers, was confined to the coastal dunes. Autumn crocuses world which has wet winters and – Colchicum macrophyllum, had started to flower and we found them dry summers. Apart from the where we had seen the leaves in the spring. We found the first flowers Mediterranean area, California, of Cyclamen graecum at the west end of Crete, showing its fine red central Chile, Cape Province lines on the pink petals, but still no heart-shaped marbled leaves. We in South Africa, and the two were certainly too early for Sternbergia, Crocus and other colchicums, southern tips of Australia are perhaps in some measure due to the late high temperatures, but there represented. Not surprisingly was enough to entice us back there in October next year. Samaria Gorge these areas have a large Sadly there is so much natural vegetation being removed and representation of bulbs, but there are other subtle similarities as well. planted with olive groves and vineyards – EU grants, no doubt. But there is a new development of a Botanical Park on the way to Omalos Each year, spring flowers attract the enthusiast to the Mediterranean region, with its great diversity of plants and its high Plateau which is due to open in 2009, so perhaps conservation of the proportion of endemic species. On our first visit to Greece we fell in flora is beginning to attract attention. It was while we were walking down love with the country and its friendly people. Our the Samaria Gorge (for a short distance – not friend George Katalanos guided us round the the whole length!!) that a lammergeier [a rare We know Crete quite well, sites, while we were responsible for the plants. vulture] drifted across the open sky. And then to come back to base to see thousands of swallows George enthused us about Greece and its islands having taken ten groups for and martins swirling around, then roosting in with his historical knowledge and he brought the spring flowers and around our hotel in Rethymno during their the ancient sites ‘to life’. After a few days on our migration passage – two unforgettable sights. first tour in 1983 we got George interested in the plants too!! Our first visit to Crete was in 1985, again with George, Oh, yes; I have, at last, been re-united with a bottle of the excellent when we toured and were guided the length and breadth of this Santorini Boutari white wine. This had been purchased for me, on the fascinating island. day I was on tranfer duties. But, they say, due to the rough crossing It was because of the knowledge we had gained about its botanical back to Crete, the group of four felt the need to drink the bottle they treasures and rich plant habitats that we were able to assist our friends bought for me. The wait, much anticipated, was much savoured and at Brightwater Holidays to pioneer their air tours in 1997. So we agreed enjoyed, by both of us!! to take a group of Friends of St Andrews Botanic Garden to west and (Photos courtesy Bob Mitchell) central Crete as a trial run, but with a chance, if the tour proved successful, to take another tour to the east end the following year. The first air tour was very successful and the following year we had two tours to Crete; one to the west and the second to the east. Three friends decided to do both, so, when I took the first group to Athens to catch the plane home and meet the second group, containing some of the pioneers from St Andrews Friends, Felicity took the remaining three to Santorini for the day. We enjoyed the privilege of helping Brightwater Holidays expand their air tour holidays, which now span the world. But having been round the world with tours and holidays, we still hanker for Greece and Crete in particular. We know Crete quite well, having taken ten Invite you to visit a hidden treasure in the heart of St Andrews groups for the spring flowers. We have also been three times on our own with a car, to get to areas we could not entice our coach drivers WOODLAND & WATERGARDENS to take us, or too difficult to negotiate with a coach!! So why Crete? HERBACEOUS & SCREE Well it is all about plants, anniversaries, local links, friendships, and ALPINES & RHODODENDRONS to reinstate a wrong. GLORIOUS GLASSHOUSE COLLECTIONS This year is an important anniversary for us, for twenty-five years ago we embarked, as joint botanical tour guides, to Greece. It OPEN DAILY ALL YEAR ROUND was there we were able to see, at first hand, the significance of the climate on the vegetation and hence the development, in St Andrews, Christmas PLANT SALES of the Mediterranean Climate Glasshouse. This time we decided to Saturdays 13th & 20th December visit in the autumn to see some of the autumn flowers; to visit friends 10am – 12 noon in the tavernas we had frequented, and to explore the highways and byways. Crete was having a heat wave, with temperatures of 35ºC: CELEBRATE ST ANDREWS DAY we had left home at our ‘summer’ temperature of 14ºC – quite a shock to the system! Naturally at this time of year the vegetation is Sunday November 23rd quite brown and one wonders if it will ever recover. But due to the Activities for all ages

WINTER LECTURE PROGRAMME 1st Tuesday at 7.30pm Chemistry Dept. North Haugh Entry free – all welcome 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 Autumn Crocus

Sea Daffodil

OUT & ABOUT Clare Bairsto bravely undertook the

RBS Caledonian Challenge 2008 If you are ever indecisive, be positive, and do things you really want to and psychological uplifting. No sooner arrived, then we were off again, knowing that we had to set a good pace to make up time, having enjoyed do without too much analysis! Being impulsive, and doing this sort of thing often gets me into trouble, particularly with my husband! However, a 40-minute instead of 30-minute stop! the positive outcome, everything going according Checkpoint 3 took us across Rannoch Moor to to plan, is the money for charity, particularly when If you are ever indecisive, Inveroran, manned by the SCF team so that our completing an event appears to be against all odds, support crew could have a break! Here we were be positive, and do things offered the luxury of a speedy massage as well as it often is in my case! The RBS (Royal Bank of Scotland) Caledonian as a hearty meal – however, the feeling of real you really want to do Challenge, in which I and work colleagues Ken hunger was no longer there, the body beginning without too much analysis to get very tired! Ken sportingly leapt over to the Gray, Will Ross, from Murray Donald Drummond Cook, decided to enter, raises funds for the Scottish massage tables, to be greeted by the only male Community Foundation, helping many smaller local charities within our masseur…we were giggling at this funny scenario (his first massage own communities. We had two challenges; to raise a minimum of £500 expectation versus experience). We set off again in glorious evening each, and walk 54 miles of the West Highland Way, from sunshine, this time for Checkpoint 4! We became slightly more automated, negotiating our way up what seemed Fort William to Ardlui in 24 hours! Easy!...so you might like a very long hill at the beginning of the stretch, but think! Although we thought ourselves reasonably fit, we with a tremendous view at the top! We were just placing one foot in front of the other, head down, concentrating soon realised extra training would be required. Flt Lt on battling the weariness and soreness (plus the odd Jim Thompson, PEd O & Corp Paul Smith, PT I, RAF Leuchars sorted us out with a fitness schedule and regular burst blister as well as chafing), without any conversation ‘beep’ tests to ensure that we would be fit enough – or to at all, except for asking each other how we were and Will, Clare, Ken (left to join up if we fancied a career change! So, a new regime muttering profusely about the midges! Modesty was flung right) at the top of the was set, starting after Christmas…..early morning starts, out of the window as time went on – this was definitely Devils Staircase, en route healthy diets, and hill walks were the order of the day from not for the faint-hearted! Nevertheless, we managed to Checkpoint 2 and still to maintain a level pace all the way and remained as a then on. We were under no illusions of what lay ahead! looking fresh! After lunchtime on Friday, 13th June, and a flurry of strong team throughout, which some teams sadly did not! activity in the midge-repellent department at Boots, we Halfway along each section was always a drink stop, headed for Fort William. We were welcomed at the Nevis isotonic drinks served by ever-cheery Scout Fellowship volunteers and the Royal Regiment of Scotland; a Centre along with another 1,300 far-too-fit-looking walkers, welcome stop magically renewing our energy both given our tracking chips, goody bags, and a safety brief physically and spiritually. As evening and night fell, we warning about the perils we were just about to enter. We were given cups of tea…better than any other cups enjoyed a hearty bowl of pasta and headed back to the B & B for a jolly good night’s sleep, though a few of tea ever! It was around 11.00pm when we reached Auchtertyre Farm. We were all physically and mentally butterflies kept us all awake for a while! Will, Clare, Ken (left to right) Morning came too quickly. We rose at 5.00am exhausted…our bodies cooled down rapidly, everyone – Checkpoint 2, at 1.30pm Saturday morning to pad our toes, feet, and legs with rallying round with blankets/coats to keep us warm. near Glencoe Ski Centre We set off at around 11.30pm amid encouraging zinc oxide tape, line our pockets with toffees, and fill our enjoying more 5-star cuisine! camelbacks. Then we enjoyed a good breakfast, setting cheers of ‘Good Luck’ before climbing probably the worst off for our 7.00am start from the Braveheart Car Park just hill of the whole challenge (luckily we couldn’t see the top in the dark!) and onwards through the night, passing outside Fort William! Our all-important Support Team, who one or two lost souls marching on while their team mates knew exactly what we were going to endure, transported us to the start line to the sound of the Proclaimers 500 abandoned the challenge one by one, poor things! Mile song blasting from their camper van. At that point, we We watched the sun come up at 3.00am, continuing apace until we saw big white experienced mixed excitement and nervous trepidation, marquees adjacent to Loch probably more of the latter it has to be said! After another safety brief, the green light and that Lomond! With renewed vigour Ken – Checkpoint we finished at Ardlui, joining was it!….54 miles ahead of us! Our first stop was 12 Auchertyre Farm, at hands to cross at 05.11 hours miles away at Kinlochleven, reached at 11.00am, slightly 11.00pm – Ken trying to later than planned. We were treated like kings by Sue precisely! keep warm as our bodies and Al, soon tucking into the best broth and pasta dishes An epic journey to be sure, rapidly cooled down. ever, putting our feet up for a change of socks (and but highly recommended, shirt) basking in wonderfully immodest vibes about our particularly as we also raised just over £2,273 for the Scottish Community achievement so far. With renewed vigour, we set off again in excellent Foundation, to date totaling £660,331 from the spirits at 11.30am, for the Glencoe Ski Centre, 10 miles away! event with more coming in as I write. It took us longer than anticipated – having reached the top of the Devil’s Staircase, we could see straight across to Checkpoint 2. It was just Inspired to take part in next year’s event? For details, visit the Caledonian Challenge like a mirage, and the further we walked, the further away it seemed to be! Left to right – Will website: www.caledonianchallenge.com An interview by STV for the 6.00pm News, and a couple of hours later, we Ross, Clare Bairsto, arrived, tucking into yet more 5-star cuisine from our support crew (who, I Ken Gray – ‘Crossing might add, included ‘my Clive’), to help with the necessary foot massage (Photos courtesy Clare Bairsto) the Finish Line’.

OUT & ABOUT One of our readers, Charles Forrester, wrote to the editor, pointing out that Alistair Lawson, in his account of Fifers who made good in Australia, overlooked a prominent son of Kirkcaldy, namely William Arnott, famous Down Under as a biscuit manufacturer. He introduced such popular brands as the SAO and the Tim Tam (a superior version of the Penguin, according to Mr Forrester, available in some Sainsbury stores). A portrait of Arnott (ca.1890) is held by the State Library of New South Wales, and the following information is taken from the online Australian Dictionary of Biography.

Ozzie Overlooked! “Arnott, William (1827-1901), biscuit manufacturer, was born on 6 In 1888 the family moved December 1827 at Pathhead near Kirkcaldy, Fife, Scotland. He was to Mayfield, near Newcastle, apprenticed to a baker and confectioner and, with his younger brother and in 1893 Arnott left his David, followed his family to Australia, arriving at Sydney in the Sir sons in charge and visited Edward Parry on 17 February 1848. Both brothers were bakers in Scotland with his wife and Maitland until 1851 when they went with separate parties to the Turon a daughter. On his return in River diggings. William had no luck as a gold miner, but did well baking 1894 he bought a factory in bread and pies on the goldfields and early in 1853 he was back in Arnott’s portrait, by kind permission of Sydney and took his sons into Maitland as a baker and pastry-cook. He prospered until the two great The State Library of New South Wales partnership. He had some floods of the Hunter River in 1857 brought disaster. The new building he forty employees in 1880 and had put up in 1856 was flooded and he had hardly recovered when he by 1894 the number had increased to nearly eight hundred in Sydney was flooded out again in 1861. In 1862 he was forced to compound with and Newcastle. He retired in 1899 and moved to Strathfield near Sydney, his creditors and in 1864 there were more floods. In February 1865 one where he died on 22 July 1901. For several years the management of the of his creditors demanded full payment and in April his wife Monica, née business had been left to his sons, but he had supported the plan for a Sinclair, died; he had met her on the voyage to Sydney and they were new factory, built at Homebush between 1906 and 1908. married in 1850. William Arnott’s success was founded on hard work, integrity, and Arnott moved to Newcastle, NSW, in 1865. By September he was insistence on quality. He was a sincere Christian, noted for his lovable established in Hunter Street, Newcastle, and quickly built up a successful and kindly nature. He and his wife were active in philanthropic work and business, helped by his second wife, Margaret the Wesleyan Church. In 1857 he was elected a Maclean, née Fleming, whom he married at Morpeth trustee of the church in Maitland; in Newcastle he in October. The move to Newcastle was made was connected with the Sunday school for twentypossible by loans from friends, but he repaid all his William Arnott’s success four years, in twenty of which he was superintendent. debts within twelve months. In the next few years An example of his honesty in business dealings was was founded on hard the name of Arnott became famous for bread and in 1883 when he repaid in full his 1862 Maitland cakes, but especially for sweet and plain biscuits and creditors; they presented him with an address and a work, integrity, and ships’ biscuits, in which there was a big trade with gold medal and held a luncheon in his honour. One insistence on quality the growing number of ships in port. Between 1869 of his recreations was rifle shooting. He joined the and 1876 he acquired land in what became Union Volunteer Rifle Corps in 1860 and won the first three Street and built a family home and a factory fitted with contests for the silver belt presented by the mayor of the latest machinery. Two sons by the first marriage Maitland. were already in the business and the elder, James Haydon Leslie, now Arnott was survived by his wife (d.1902), two sons and two daughters specialized in biscuits, while the younger, Samuel Sinclair, took charge of of his first marriage and five sons and three daughters of the second. confectionery manufacture and later of accounts. From 1882 biscuits were The sons of his first marriage, Leslie and Samuel, became chairmen sent by ship to Sydney, where the market proved profitable and became of directors of the business and were succeeded by their half-brothers, even more so when the Hawkesbury River railway bridge was opened in William, John Maclean, and Halse Rogers; while Robert Fleming became 1889. an engineer and Arthur Smith a colonel in the Salvation Army”.

Hot news! Sheila Twine, Alistair Lawson’s special correspondent in Jarrahdale, Western Australia, supplies the following inside information on Ozzie biscuits: “Yes Arnott certainly made his mark here. Tim Tams are very, very popular – two rectangular brown bickies with chocolate cream between, then coated with chocolate – yum. They also make caramel ones now with chewy cream in the middle, also dark chocolate ones, but the originals are still the most popular. The SAO is a large square water biscuit (SAO stands for Salvation Army Officer!) I like the Arnott’s Granita – a round digestive, much like McVittie & Price. He also made Nice (sugary); ginger nuts (my favourite – tooth breakers); milk arrowroot (plain, oval); and dozens of others. Pity the firm has been taken over, but all the biscuit names have remained. Kirkcaldy certainly did us proud.” Photo of biscuits courtesy Sheila Twine

Thank you, Charles Forrester, for bringing yet another Scottish success story to our attention, and thank you, Sheila Twine, for giving us an up-to-the-minute consumer’s assessment.

FEATURES: BOOK REVIEWS Eleanor Black reviews

Jude and the Giant of Pittenweem by Nanzie McLeod (Published by Nanzie Mcleod at £8. Available at J & G Innes in St Andrews, and all good bookshops in the East Neuk) All wee boys love to have scary adventures and Jude is no exception. In this charming story Jude lives in Pittenweem with his Mum, Esther, and loves to explore the old wynds of the vilIage. Each day as he goes to the beach or the harbour he glimpses an aspect of a giant! Is he a big friendly giant or is he fierce? This delightful tale will be a treasure for children to share with a parent or Grandparent. The language is a joy to read aloud and wee ones will enjoy anticipating the rhyme while older children will want to read this for themselves. Written and illustrated by Nanzie McLeod, with obvious fondness for Pittenweem, the book features black and white drawings of many

favourite haunts in the East Neuk village. My class of 7 and 8 year-olds in Pittenweem School were entranced by this story set in their own wee corner of Fife: “Brilliant” – Beth. “One of the best stories I’ve ever heard” – Cameron. “I would like to read it again” – Eilidh Sure to become a well-thumbed volume on my book shelf!

* Stop Press: Nanzie McLeod’s long-awaited sequel to her Pittenweem Sojourn may well be out before Christmas. So please keep visiting your local bookshops!

Stan Farrow ARPS, President of the St Andrews Photographic Society, reviews

Portrait of the East Neuk by Lorn Macintyre and Peter Adamson (published in hardback by Alvie Publications, St Andrews, at £25 and available at all good bookshops) I was aware of the recent publication of this book, but until I was asked to review it, I had not dipped into its pages. What a delight I had been missing! The partnership between Lorn Macintyre and Peter Adamson has worked exceedingly well with their other books, and in this latest volume it has been honed to perfection. In essence this book is a photographic portrait of the villages and people of the East Neuk of Fife, with photographs taken by Peter Adamson and descriptive text by Lorn Macintyre. As Professor Smout indicates in his foreword, “it simply encapsulates the East Neuk”. With the advent of affordable digital photography, many people think that it is easy to take a good photograph, and some do accomplish this. However, the mark of a good photographer is that he or she can take good photographs time after time, and Peter Adamson achieves this superbly in “Portrait of

The East Neuk”. Each turn of the page reveals another photographic gem. All Peter’s photographs have been achieved the hard, old-fashioned way. He has sought out the subjects, planned the composition and optimum lighting conditions, then has succeeded in getting the exposure and other technical matters spot on. There is no digital manipulation of the images, and the photographs are so much the better for it. The cover photograph of the sea breaking over the lighthouse at Anstruther Harbour is a stunning introduction to the book. However, I found that there are many other “I wish I had taken that myself” photographs. My own particular favourite is the charming photograph of a man with binoculars at Lobster Cottage in Crail. This would surely win accolades if entered for international photographic salons. Peter’s portraiture work is always superb, and his photograph of Marie Louise Wrightson with her work at Pittenweem Festival typifies this, as does the photograph of Andrew Sherriff in front of the fire in his Anstruther house.

The photojournalistic style of some of the photographs gives further credibility to the book and firmly anchors it in the early 21st Century. This adds to the appeal of the book too. As a former science teacher myself, I found that the photograph of a Chemistry class at Waid Academy precisely captured the awe on pupils’ faces when experiments work well. Lorn Macintyre’s writing is both entertaining and informative. I learned much of the history of the East Neuk from reading this, and have noted many of his stories for my own future use. His tale of Pittenweem witchcraft will be treasured for re-telling on some dark winter night. My view is that the authors have succeeded in producing a richly comprehensive guide to the East Neuk that will appeal equally to visitors looking for a memento of their visit to North East Fife, and to local people who are justly proud of their heritage and their local environment. For myself there is also the appeal of good photography, and this is always a pleasure to view.

FEATURES Flora Selwyn unfolds

An amazing life Standing next to Councillor Bill Instructor to Corporal, to Flight Sergeant Senior MOT Examiner in charge Sangster in South Street one day of RAF driver testing in North East England, Bill was eventually awarded last summer, as we leaned on a the Air Officer Commander in Chief Strike Command Commendation for Fife Council barrier staring into efforts above and beyond the call of duty. an unexpected hole in the new Twenty-two years in the RAF took Bill all over the world, to places he pavement, a passer-by shouted admits he would never have seen otherwise. This included a posting in out an inquiry; “I’m looking into it!” 1959 to Christmas Island in the South Pacific where he was detailed to Bill immediately and appropriately assist in “Operation Grapple” – code for clearing and removing equipment replied. after the last Atom Bomb Test. Seeing Bill today, it is obvious he suffered This quick-witted response got me talking to Bill, in the course of no adverse effects! 1969 found Bill in North Africa as NCO in charge of which an amazing life unfolded. I was delighted when Bill agreed to let me the Transportation Section that included the Refuelling Aircraft Unit and share it here with you. Driver Training School. He was Born in Urquhart, Morayshire, repatriated home to Portsmouth and then educated from the age of six on HMS Sir Geraint, when Colonel in Aberdeen, Bill attended Technical Gaddafi took over Libya in a coup. College, starting an apprenticeship Bill started a taxi service in 1975, in 1948 as coach painter and sign before leaving the RAF. At one time writer. These skills continue to this he had 11 cars, operated by both day, as Bill is a proficient painter in men and women. Often finishing at oils, gaining second prize last year for 2.00am, drivers would congregate a depiction of sunset exhibited during after their shifts to eat fresh pork the St Andrews Festival. “I’ve got pies, “straight from the oven” of the signs all over the world, which were all-night baker, and tell stories. One painted while serving in the RAF” Bill driver was hijacked at knife point told me, a fine example shown here, and made to drive to Edinburgh. “We “They are forever getting pinched, or were worried, because we didn’t knocked down by lorries.” The town hear from him for a long time. It was should, methinks, hold an exhibition! before the days of cell phones!” It would be fair to say that Bill has The taxi business was sold in led a charmed life. “Motorcycle-mad” 1990. But in the meantime, Bill had in his twenties, Bill described a journey he undertook from England to started a launderette in Cupar, moving to St Andrews in 1987. “We did Aberdeen by night on one occasion; “Coming through all those glens at everything we could,” recalls Bill, “the sort of days we really enjoyed.” night, I must have fallen asleep,” (on a motorbike!) he recounts. “I woke Clients included the town’s hotels. Once a tourist left £200 in £20 notes up in a ditch. I could still hear the engine running, but I didn’t know where in amongst his shirts. Staff were horrified to see the notes “floating about I was. And in those days we didn’t in the water”. They took them out and tumble-dried them. Then some of have all that leather gear.” Another them needed ironing as well! The customer, who had completely forgotten time, “I got about his notes, was so glad to get his literally stuck with the “laundered money” back, he rewarded the girl who All his life’s experiences front wheel in spotted it with about £60. have come together to the tram lines Bill claims that, having sold this business in in Aberdeen 1999, he then retired. Nothing of the sort, for he help him in his manifold and ended then got into politics. Unsuccessful in 2003, he endeavours today up down the persevered and was elected to the St Andrews steps of the Central Ward in 2004. Since that time, Bill has gents’ toilet!” His favourite bike served on some eight Council committees, with interests in a further ten was his Triumph Thunderbird 500 areas, including the Community Council. All his life’s experiences have – “it was a beauty.” come together to help him in his manifold endeavours today. “It has His stamina was to stand Bill in taken some time,” Bill wrote in his 2006 re-selection statement, “but I good stead during his RAF career now have the feeling that the Fife Council officials are actually listening to from 1952 to 1977. Rapidly rising us, and consult with the local members on matters of importance to the in the ranks in the Royal Auxiliary community.” Bill is tireless in furthering the town’s voice. From restoring Dispatch driver 1953, Aux. RAF Air Force Regiment, from Drill the wrecked garden in Greyfriars Garden, to representing citizens in all Regiment, Dyce, Aberdeen walks of life in St Andrews, Bill can be found “ready to take on any project within the new 2007 St Andrews Ward boundary.” With four children, seven grandchildren, and one great-grandchild, hobbies covering vintage cars, golf (of course!) foreign travel, and photography, Bill even has the odd moment when, “sometimes I sit and think back, and… I’ve come through all that!” Well, he may be surprised, but that’s nothing to my amazement. Long, long may you prosper Bill Sangster! Christmas Island, “photography as a hobby to occupy my time there” (Photos courtesy Bill Sangster)

FEATURES Graeme Smith is a chartered accountant who wears many hats. As historian, he is Hon. Research Fellow of the University of Strathclyde, and for a time, in the early 1990s he was a Director of Scottish Opera and the Theatre Royal in Glasgow. While researching the story of the two Theatre Royals, Graeme was in touch with Robert Glover in Melbourne, who turned out to be a cousin of William Glover in St Andrews. The family connection to the Theatre is long and distinguished, Edmund Glover being William’s greatgreat-grandfather, and Julia Betterton Glover his great-great-great-grandmother!

A Tale of Theatres-Royal The marble tablet in were as high as 31shillings, ten times St Andrews Cathedral the normal for best seats. Afternoon Cemetery of W H Murray, performances were slightly cheaper. actor/manager, who died here In the two nights in Glasgow she sang Jenny Lind, Scottish in 1852, brings to mind a tale Donizetti’s La Figlia de Regimento, Pottery Ewer (blue/white) of two of Scotland’s Theatresand Bellini’s La Sonnambula. Clearing 9” high 1841-1880 Royal. a record £3,000 Murray started (Courtesy William Glover) his own theatre with the additional For decades in the first encouragement of a dedicated patron half of the 19th century W of the arts, Lord Provost James Lumsden. This was the Princes TheatreH Murray was in charge of Royal in West Nile, facing along West Regent, after which he took over Edinburgh’s Theatre Royal, the Theatre Royal in Dunlop Street, forerunner of today’s Theatre Royal and his acting company in Hope Street, Cowcaddens, which came under the control of his son toured across the country. He was a descendant of Sir William Glover, theatre entrepreneur and scenic artist. John Murray of Broughton, Murray and Glover both prospered in theatres, but today Edinburgh’s who was the private secretary Theatre Royal is no more. By contrast Glasgow’s Theatre Royal became to Bonnie Prince Charlie and the birthplace of Howard & Wyndham Ltd in 1895, chaired for almost 50 for a time collected Jacobite money in support of the Young Pretender. years by the Simons family, of fruit-trading fame based in Candleriggs. In However, when confronted by the Government he spilled 1957 Howard & Wyndham joined forces with Canadian the beans, forfeiting his landed property, even perhaps the Roy Thomson to start Scottish Television in the theatre, It is the oldest money! and in 1975 STV sold it to Scottish Opera to become continuing theatre Scotland’s first national opera house. It is the oldest W H Murray’ s father became an actor/manager in continuing theatre in England and Scotland and in 1815 the young Murray and in Glasgow his actress sister-in-law, Sarah Siddons, took over the Glasgow and the largest running of the Edinburgh Theatre Royal. He was the first to bring to the stage the national opera, as it was called then, of Sir Walter example in Britain of architect Charles Phipps’ classical Scott’s “Rob Roy” – he premiered it in Glasgow’s Theatre Royal in 1818 theatre designs. before it toured and became a financial strength of many theatres into the Present-day William first part of the 20th century. It was even performed in 1934 in the openair Hollywood Music-Box in Los Angeles, directed by Ernest Glover, who Glover has been able to pass had emigrated from Glasgow Theatre Royal at the beginning of the 20th on Glover theatre knowledge century. to Graeme Smith, the author of a book about the Royal in Of his many actors, his principal in the 1840s was Edmund Glover, who is represented today in St Andrews by our own William Glover. From Hope Street. It is called THE a child Edmund Glover had helped his mother, the actress Julia Betterton THEATRE ROYAL: Entertaining Glover, restore something of the family’s Industrial Revolution fortunes a Nation, published in October (not Jacobite money) lost at the time of the Napoleonic Wars, and had this year price £19.95. ISBN progressed to be an actor/manager in Scotland. The ageing W H Murray number 978-0-9559420-0-6. It is available at Waterstone’s and all sent Glover to London to settle terms for the Swedish singing star Jenny good book shops. The website is Lind to tour Scotland; which he did, but for himself, not Murray. She performed in “The Daughter of the Regiment” at the Theatre www.glasgowtheatreroyal.co.uk Royal Glasgow, Edinburgh, and Perth, in the autumn of 1848. Seat prices

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FEATURES Sarah Dorward, MA (Glasgow, geography), is the great-niece of Joy and the late David Dorward who was for many years Secretary of St Andrews University. She gladdened the hearts of people in the town this summer playing her violin. Here are her reflections on

Busking

South Streets should A unique aspect of busking, which I have be given medals for not experienced to the same extent in other their patience, as few (more formal) employment areas, is its asked me to move on variability. Despite the same location and or became frustrated style of music, I arrived in St Andrews each with my playing. day wondering in anticipation what I would However, I know experience that day. This, largely, is down that my consistent to the people who passed me as I played. presence got on I busked regularly on Market Street and many people’s nerves. I hope they are South Street between June and September this year, and during that time I met many enjoying the peace now I am finished! interesting people, both visitors and local As time progressed, however, I felt residents. I like to think I built up a few my status gradually changing. While the friendships with the latter group, many of disadvantages described above remained, whom I met regularly. Some stopped to I felt I became almost ‘part of the furniture’. chat as they underwent their daily business, People I had never knowingly spoken some put something in my case every time to would greet me like an old friend and they passed (I was always amazed and tell me about the little things that had humbled by their generosity), and others happened that day, while others would simply stopped to ask me how my day was comment when I’d missed a day or moved going. Whatever form these acquaintances to a different spot, which was gratifying. took, I valued them and they always cheered I discovered near the end of my busking me up and encouraged me to keep going. time that residents in a flat on Market Street I also met many memorable people has nicknamed me ‘Violin Girl’, which who were just passing through for the day, highlighted just how regularly I had been some of whom gave me more than money. standing opposite their flat! Regardless of For example, a former what status I felt, I track-and-field athlete St Andrews is full of warmcan happily say that from America bought hearted people who smiled at the majority of people me ‘Arnica’ cream, me, encouraged me verbally or who passed were assuming (correctly) gave me what they could afford either indifferent or that my muscles would positively disposed be aching. A large box towards me. Some people were incredibly of chocolates was placed in my case, whilst generous with their money: I received another man gave me a photograph of ‘KT several £5 notes (or coin equivalents) and Tunstall’ (following a conversation about her) with words of encouragement written one £10 note, which amazed me! However, on the back. I was also elated whenever while these occasional flashes stunned me, I was given food and drink by passers-by, what really kept me going and encouraged which included coffees, ice-cream, sweets, me was the small change that so many and biscuits. I happily found that many people kindly gave me. St Andrews is full school pupils were very generous with of warm-hearted people who smiled at their food, small change and conversation: me, encouraged me verbally or gave me school lunchtime turned into a very sociable what they could afford. I always said ‘thank you’ and smiled – the least I could do to occasion for me! I was also asked out on dates by several people, which was always thank them for their generosity. Even a few pennies meant a lot – it’s encouraging and a surprise (I never dressed to impress!). they added up too. Many, many people From the beginning, I realised that stopped to ask me what I was fundraising buskers occupy an ambiguous societal for: paying the tuition fees for a Masters position. I was always aware of its informal course in Traditional Music at Newcastle nature and my reliance on others’ patience University, which began in September 2008. and generosity, and some made it clear that As a result of the consistent generosity of they did not appreciate my practice. Busking the St Andrews public, the money I raised is intimidating and tiring, and I quickly from busking (combined with my wages learned to be thick skinned. It became a from my other job) has enabled me to pay necessity, otherwise, some comments or for this course. The course will provide looks would have sent me running! I often me with the necessary skills for teaching felt looked down on, although this could be and performing music professionally in the because many people were unsure how future, something I have always aspired to approach or treat a busker, highlighting to do. Without all of your help, I would not again the uncertain nature of the trade. I also have been able to attend this course and I shared the streets with charity fundraisers am eternally grateful to you all. and ‘Big Issue’ sellers, which made me N.B. I was often asked to play at private feel guilty for competing for the public’s functions after passing people heard me money. I tried to put money in their tins or play, and I will be back in Tayside regularly buy their magazines when they passed, for other performances and functions, both which sometimes led to a good chat or an with other local people and with people exchange of smiles at least. Nevertheless, from my course in Newcastle. If you are their presence reminded me of how cheeky interested in where I will be playing, I can I was by being there, and that is one aspect of busking I do not miss. Another is knowing be contacted on 07821 039 336. that my practice annoyed those nearby. The residents and employees of Market and (Photo courtesy of Sarah Dorward)

Ishbel Whyte

The Whins are Yellow The cold wind breezes, The ice drop freezes, And grey clouds loom all day – But the whins are yellow, golden yellow For love is here – alway.

The housewives natter, The children chatter, The wise men say their say – And the whins are yellow, gilded yellow For love is here – alway.

The Old Year closes, The New Year dozes, ‘Twill soon be on its way – And the whins are yellow, glowing yellow For love is here – alway.

The finders keepers, The losers weepers And clouds – forever grey? Look – the whins are yellow, gently yellow For love is here – alway.

FEATURES Frank Sproson trained as an architect before World War Two. At age 20 he found himself behind the lines in France with 214 Field Company, the North Staffordshire Company of the Royal Engineers. He retells the moving story of his rescue, after suffering harrowing experiences under heavy bombardment.

Memories of war, Dunkirk 1940 We spent a few days and nights stopped at Exeter. We were then helped to a campsite where large tents had been erected, and told to lie down on the palliasses to sleep. A day amongst the dunes experiencing or two later we had to report to the medcal staff and a doctor checked us periodic bombing. Occasionally, out. we would wander down to the Unknown to me at the time of Dunkirk, my parents had received a beach to join a queue of troops telegram notifying them I had been Reported Missing. What a worry that extending into the sea like a human pier up to our chests in water, trying to keep our rifles dry and hoping that some kind of boat would appear, but must have been to them! After a few days recovering I ventured into gave this up, returning to the dunes, and we continued to make our way Exeter, as others did, and we sent telegrams to our parents to report we northwards relying on our instincts to go, hopefully, in the right direction. had arrived safely in the UK. On one of the days, the sea mist came down, giving us some relief from Had it not been for that father-like unknown sailor we met on the enemy planes. In the late afternoon it lifted and we got a glance of several beach with his whaler, miles up the coast from the town of Dunkirk, we don’t know what would have happened to us. We large warships (ours of course!) which really lifted will forever be grateful to him and all his colleagues our spirits. Later, by chance, we met up with some To our amazement we who helped us during those days and nights. They of our comrades from our Company who urged us to came across a man in are truly among so many of the unsung heroes of the join them as they had received a message to make war, along with the relentless and gallant efforts of their way towards la Panne. As time passed, we were civilian clothes and he all those who sailed in the “little ships”, regardless of despairing, when we heard a voice calling, “anybody told us he had a boat the dangers, to and fro across the channel in rescue there?” from the direction of the beach. A few of us attempts. Along with the equally noble efforts of our went down to investigate. To our amazement we came across a man in civilian clothes and he Royal Navy in 1940, it showed that indomitable spirit of the British people to overcome aggression, so bravely carried on later in the same year by told us he had a boat. We were very wary at first until he assured us he was English! Some stayed with him whilst the remainder reported back our Spitfire pilots in the Battle of Britain . to the dunes, then our group, still about 20, gathered around him in the darkness. He urged us to wade out with him and we were up to our necks This article is an edited excerpt from the Spring 2008 edition of the in water when we reached his boat. He told us it was a whaler (but that Newsletter of the Dunkirk Little Ships Restoration Trust, with the permission of the author. didn’t mean anything to us soldiers!!) and that he had been towed out. We clambered aboard. In the moonlight we noticed our rescuer was (Photo courtesy Frank Sproson) almost father-like, much older than us. He gave us confidence, and we felt assured he was there to help. Then he told us to pull on a rope that was attached to his whaler. Although exhausted, we pulled and pulled and eventually reached a moderately-sized vessel, a coastal cargo ship, where the rescuer had been towed out from. One by one he helped us get to a rope ladder hanging down from the ship and through sheer determination, still with our rifles and some ammunition, we reached the top and there were helped aboard. We stood about on the deck for a while and although still dark, we got a glimpse of our brave rescuer who was being towed out again to the beach to seek more of our troops. As daybreak came we were told to get off the deck • Take one or more undergraduate courses in as enemy planes were noticed and to climb down into the hold out of Science or Arts subjects (or a mix). sight. Much to our surprise we found a few more comrades already there! We must have spent two days and nights in the hold, the crew • The Science Challenge keeping in touch with mugs of tea and some “bully beef” and biscuits. February 2009 – Environmental Biology, We didn’t know what was happening, often hearing explosions and Environmental Geography, Physics & Astronomy gunfire. Then, to our concern we learnt the vessel was grounded. On the last morning we were called to climb up out of the hold and get on September 2009 – Psychology, Information deck. What a relief to get out of that hold! To our surprise we saw a Technology. destroyer and were told it was trying to get alongside. It managed to • The Arts Challenge get closer and closer and a makeshift kind of gangway was fixed, then sailors came to help us across. On getting to the destroyer we found February 2009 – Modern History, Classics soldiers lying all around the deck, but managed to get a wee space to (Ancient Rome), Art History (Modern Period) huddle into. As the destroyer was pulling away we had been spotted by September 2009 – Scottish History, Art History enemy aircraft, and they started to bomb and strafe us. Immediately the (Renaissance to Baroque), Classics (Classical destroyer got into position to zig-zag, and this went on for a long time Athens), Philosophy, Theology, Reading English. as we crossed the sea, miraculously and thankfully avoiding being hit as the bombs landed in the sea instead. Several times we were nearly • Study at times suitable for busy people: hurled into the water by the violent movement of the destroyer. The evening classes, 6.30-9.30pm. enemy aircraft seemed to give up as ack-ack guns were firing at them from other destroyers. We proceeded at haste across the channel, eventually noticing land in the distance, and then the “white cliffs of Dover” and later we landed in the docks at Dover. We then noticed the For further information please contact Nicky Haxell destroyer was named HMS Shikari. T: 01334 462203 We were a pretty dishevelled, exhausted, and beardly lot, as we all E: parttime@st-andrews.ac.uk assembled on the dock, but we couldn’t believe our luck that we were or at St Katharine’s West, safely back in the United Kingdom. Truly a miracle had taken place. 16 The Scores, St Andrews, KY16 9AX. As we made our way to a railway platform we were given a wonderful www.st-andrews.ac.uk reception, everybody clapping, and ladies of the WVS and other helpers giving us a cup of tea and a sandwich. We were all bundled The University of St Andrews is a charity into the train alongside slumping down in the carriages slowly moving registered in Scotland. No: SC013532 out of the station. We seem to have spent hours on the train, when it

Are you ready to take the University of St Andrews Challenge

FEATURES Fiona Barnard describes a community-based class, in the second part of

The World of ESOL the room. Demonstrating exuberant ‘Vlad’ comes early to the English language class. He is always there before anyone South American flair, she engages with each student, even the shy ones, else, his guide dog Ecco leading him to his and has them all laughing at nothing in usual seat at the end of the table. He greets particular. If the will is there, sometimes me cheerfully and waves a knitted dishcloth. you don’t need too much language. “My granddaughter made it,” he tells me. “What’s that, Maria?” “She is learning how to knit.” I admire the handiwork and wonder what one can say about “I am qualified masseur. I want clients coming to my house. My knitted dishcloths. “Wonderful, Vlad! She is daughter is at school now, so I like clever. Perhaps she will knit you a jumper for Real life tutor and student: Tony Grice and Yang Lei some money for me. For my friends, I Christmas!” (Photo courtesy Frances Marnie) give 10% discount.” We are interrupted by two German au-pairs. The au-pair girls stop chatting They clatter to a halt by their seats, and dive We are about to begin the lesson when long enough to hear the offer and giggle. “How into Mary Poppins bags from which mobile ‘Silvia’ and ‘Andrzej’ appear. I don’t know why much?” they ask. They pore over the price list phones and umbrellas, books, and papers, they have bothered, because once again their she produces. photographs, and packets of crisps emerge. eyes seem to have disappeared into their “My volunteer tutor had massage,” Maria Oblivious to anyone else, they continue their sockets – long hours of hard work the most continues. “We study future simple in my frantic digging. obvious culprits. They slouch onto their chairs, house, and after I give her some treatment on On their heels is ‘Yuriko’, a slip of a girl who a glazed look over their faces. Bar work may my coach.” I smile, wondering if Nessie, when looks nowhere near her thirty years. “Thank be exciting in theory, but I don’t think it’s going you for the information,” she whispers, pointing she signed up to help with English, could have to help them improve their English sufficiently to a form I gave her on registering as a nurse imagined the pay-back. I also note we will have to find a job more fitted to their abilities. They in the UK. It seems a shame that she will to look at the difference between coaches and were both teachers, one in Spain, the other in have to jump through so many couches. Poland. It’s a tricky one: many ESOL students hoops before her ten years “Good morning!” ‘Daniel’ Fife Council makes a need work to live, but they require good English on the wards of a Japanese walks in smiling and sits next to great effort to remove to have a better-paid job. hospital will be recognised here. ‘Kyu’ the third man in the group. as many barriers as I look at the group before me. From Understandably, it is important They are continents apart in possible to learning teenager to grandparent, from East to West, that she communicates origin and culture, personality, from shy and understated to boisterous and adequately with patients and and outlook, but in this place, outgoing, from ordinary to extremely intelligent, colleagues, so as well as preparing her for they are often together – for protection, I from quite wealthy to fairly poor. They have all suspect: “Sorry I late. I went to seminar at the English exams, the classes need to give her made long journeys to be here, in St Andrews, university by visiting physicist. His research and lots of speaking practice. and in my English class. ‘Yoon Woo’, the newly-wed Korean groom my are very similar, but his English is better!” So what do I say to them? What do they His strong Indian accent is part of his charm. of a British woman, is firing out questions to need to know? Most lessons are a mixture Inevitably, the class starts with ‘Marlene’, one of the au-pairs: “Where you go of grammar and vocabulary, reading and administration. This gives the latecomers last night? How much it cost?” It’s just as well writing, listening and speaking, citizenship and a little leeway and enables me to keep my that her upbringing has made her as confident information about life in the UK. Students are records straight. Some students contribute a and outspoken as he is: “I’m not telling you”, eager (mostly), motivated (usually) and quick she replies. I remind myself not to worry too nominal sum for English tuition, while others learners (often). As a one-time volunteer, and much about international diplomacy. She pay nothing. Fife Council makes a great effort now a part-time class tutor, I am never bored, can take care of herself. In fact, I don’t even to remove as many barriers as possible to regularly challenged, and invariably excited as I think she realises his interrogation might be learning, so money from sources such as the wait in the classroom to see who will come. considered too direct in Scotland. European Social Fund makes a huge difference to access. Thanks to these funds, we are Elaine arrives, greeting everyone and The ‘students’ in this piece are imaginary fortunate enough to be able to offer as many as patting Ecco. She is a recently-graduated characters based on typical profiles. Classroom fourteen classes at different levels and locations volunteer tutor who helps as a classroom teaching is not for everyone, but there are in St Andrews, Anstruther, Leven, Methil, and assistant. Most tutors help individual students opportunities for volunteer tutoring of individual Cupar. The volunteer tutors, who give an hour once a week, but with Vlad’s special needs, it students on a one to one basis. ESOL provides a week to support individuals in their learning, is great to have someone to be his eyes and training and support along the way. ESOL is also provide local contact and friendship, which hands, reading the worksheets to him and also happy to meet prospective new students. adds a special dimension to the community being his scribe. Contact Frances Marnie at ESOL, 2 St Mary’s “It is my new business,” I hear ‘Maria’ aspect of ESOL. And tutors always say the Place, St Andrews. Tel: 01334 659363. explaining as she distributes little cards around benefits are two way.

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FEATURES Roy Chapman recently (August 2008) paid his respects

To Sandy Rutherford Esquire on the Occasion of His 90th Birthday (With apologies to William MacGonagall) To Sandy our host and to each honoured guest I’m not into speaking, but I’ll sure do my best When he asked me to speak, didn’t give me much time So please help me, my friends, if I’m stuck for a rhyme

Sandy fought for his product, overcame opposition From people too stupid to understand the position The results are still there, reflective kerbs are still seen Sandy’s life’s work lives on as it ought to have been

‘Twas in 1918, the World War in full flood As the Tommies and Jocks fought in thick Flanders mud A Mrs Rutherford in Glasgow gave birth to a boy ‘Twas a squalling wee monster, but her own pride and joy

In between spent much time in the Kingdom of Fife A real stroke of luck ‘cos it brought him a wife A farmer’s daughter was she, he’d never met anyone sim’lar And that was the beginning of Sandy and Wilma

As he sat in his pram through the posh streets of Lenzie He would ask earnest questions, drive his mum to a frenzy “O what will I be, Mum, golf captain, MP” “O hud yer wheest, son, we’ll just wait and see”

A right sonsie lass, she has been a real saint She has stood up to Sandy, never feeble or faint From the moment he proposed and he gave her a ring She has mended his socks, fed him well like a king

Before very long to Glasgow Academy was sent Parents wanted to see if he’d turn out a gent But he hated his sums and he oft got the belt ‘Cos he just sat and daydreamed, widna dae whit he was telt

When the business was sold, they settled down in St A But what would he do to fill up his day He did golf, local politics and drank plenty of gin But with Wilma beside him, he had given up sin

When he got to 13, father said ‘twas a farce We must try something else for this pain in the ……..class We must find a new school, have him cut down to size We must give him some polish since he can’t win a prize

Local councillor he became in the days when it mattered He got many things done while the others just nattered The Links Trust was a victory which was very hard won Now he frets and he foams when he sees what they’ve done

So he left th’ Academy and this made him right perky Until he discovered he was going to Merchie But he didn’t do any better and broke many a rule His teachers despaired, ‘cos they thought him a fool He was caught in a pub and wheeled up to the Head Had to nurse a sore bottom as he went off to bed

Fife Councillors, MSPs and their countless officials All fear in their postbag the dread ACR initials The salaries, the expenses and the index-linked pensions He fights many causes far too numerous to mention

When his schooldays were over, it was time for some work But who would employ this bolshie young jerk He liked a good time and his life was a whirl As he tried out fast cars and dated fast girls But the war intervened and he took the king’s shilling Now he did what was ordered, he was keen, even willing He got a commission in the Royal Artillery And drank gallons of hooch from a Scottish distillery To France he was sent with a battery of guns To try to arrest the advance of the Huns Took part in the withdrawal, but he started to sicken The medics decreed by TB he’d been stricken So back to UK and the fleshpots of Blighty The nurses were kind, some were even quite flighty It was fun while it lasted, but you’ll be sorry to hear That that was the end of his military career But another was waiting and he soon made his mark Making concrete and kerbstones you could see in the dark He fought much red tape, civil servants and the rest But he stuck to his guns and became quite a pest

His office was the hub for every sort of campaign He fought on and on and rarely fought in vain He re-opened the case with a great show of nerve Of his erstwhile invention of the reflective curve The phone rang one day right out of the blue This is Alex Salmond speaking and how do you do I’ve heard all about your quite novel proposal I’m sending 2 guys who are at my disposal Sandy wined them and dined them over a very good lunch But nothing more has been heard when it came to the crunch It makes him quite livid that even courtesy has died Now he says “noughs enough, God only knows that I’ve tried” Lunch and bridge at the club his twice weekly routine With visits from friends to fill in between In addition to Wilma don’t forget there’s wee Brian And he’s lots of good friends he can always rely on And now he’s made 90, reached the age of discretion He has left on us all an indelible impression ACR we salute you, we think you’re the most So please be upstanding – Sandy Rutherford’s the toast

FEATURES Louise Fraser reports on the recent, well-attended

Francis Boag retrospective exhibition One of Scotland’s best loved artists, Francis Boag, brought a colourful close to the summer at the Fraser Gallery, St Andrews, with a major retrospective exhibition celebrating the artist’s 60th birthday. This unique event included a range of earlier works from Francis’ time as a student at Duncan of Jordanstone, and as teacher. There was also a large selection of brand new work. Some 250 people came to view the admirably hung paintings. “It is fascinating to see how Francis’ work has developed over the years. The exhibition

allowed both those familiar with his work, and others, to see how his style, approach, and palette have evolved over the years,” said Roderick Fraser, Gallery owner. A leading light in contemporary Scottish art, Francis Boag sells both original pieces and prints in galleries across the world, and his cards for UNICEF feature regularly among the charity’s best sellers. “My work seems to be able to cross boundaries – culturally and nationally,” said Francis Boag, “Whilst much of my work reflects the Scottish landscape,

St Andrews Museum Curator Lesley-Anne Lettice has more answers.

Ask the Curator Q. Can you tell me what happened to the old Buttercup Dairy mosaic when John Smith’s bookshop in Market Street closed? A. The mosaic was broken up and taken to St Andrews Preservation Trust Museum. It has since been reconstructed and can be seen in the museum’s garden at 12 North Street. You can also see the mosaic from the Maypole Dairy in the garden. Q. Do you have any information about the original St Andrews location of William Haig’s brewery? A. Thanks to information from a visitor to the museum, who is researching Haig’s I can tell you that the business started at 207 South Street, before moving to new premises at Guardbridge (currently the closed paper mill, Curtis Fine Papers). The works later moved to their current location at Markinch. Q. I recently visited St Andrews Museum and was very interested in a Pictish stone on display. In the text there, you also mention another Pictish stone. Can you tell me any more about it, and is it on display anywhere? A. The stone you refer to is the Kilrenny Stone. The first fragment was found on the beach near Kilrenny in 1993. The second fragment was found at Cornceres Farm in 1997. The two parts fit together to form part of an 8th or 9th century cross-slab – quite simply, a slab-like stone carved with a cross or crosses. With the arrival of Christianity, cross-slabs came to replace stones carved with animals and other symbols. Evidence points to the existence of a Pictish monastery at Kilrenny, possibly dedicated to St Ethernan. There are still more fragments of the Kilrenny Stone to be discovered. The two pieces held by Fife Council Museums will be on display in the exhibition ‘The Art of Giving’ at St Andrews Museum from 9th November until early January, 10.30am4.00pm, admission free.

people from all across the world seem able to make an emotional connection with it.” The Gallery will host a Christmas Exhibition from mid-November showing work by some of the most exciting Scottish contemporary artists, including Jack Morrocco, David Mackie Cook, Marj Bond, Charles Monteith Walker, and Pam McBride. For more information visit: www.frasergallery.co.uk

Flora Selwyn was enchanted to learn from Marianne Baird that

Hamish has returned!! – the St Andrews Aristocat Right from the start of the South Street road works last spring there was a distinct air of something definitely missing in the town – “Have you seen Hamish?” “Where is Hamish?” (see issue 16 of this magazine, May/June 2006) After some time one feared the worst. Either he had been carried off, or buried under the road, or he had given up on the chaos of South Street and emigrated. But, true to the proverbial cat’s nine lives (Hamish must surely have accrued more by now) he has returned! Marianne discoverd that Hamish had been spirited away to a flat in College Street by Chinese students, who must have thought he was a stray, because early this year he was minus a collar. A new collar for him was languishing in Dynamic Hair. Meanwhile poor Hamish suffered the indignity of being holed up in the flat, never let out, which must have been incredibly hard for such a rover. At last, on the point of leaving St Andrews, the students took Hamish to Colinsburgh, to a lady in South Lodge who helps with Fife Cat Rescue. She had Hamish checked out by a vet, who became aware that he secretes a chip with his name and address, and, hey presto! Hamish was restored to his rightful owner, Marianne Baird. Seen by the local vet and pronounced fit and well, though with some extra embonpoint, Hamish quietly recovered from his ordeal. Without a doubt his elegant self will once again swan around town, tail up, bestowing his favours on his erstwhile haunts. Welcome back Hamish, we love you! (Photo by Flora Selwyn)

FEATURES Jonathan McIntosh, just graduated from 6P3 at Madras College, has been researching some

Christmas Traditions from Across the Earth Across the world, Christmas is celebrated in many weird and wonderful ways. For me Christmas means opening lots of presents, being with my family and stuffing myself with food all day. However, for many Christmas means something very different. While turkey is common in Britain, in Greenland the delicacy is a dish called Kiviak. This is made of the flesh of an auk, which has been left for months to rot under a stone wrapped in sealskin. So, rotten bird on the menu in Greenland. I think I’d rather stick with the turkey. They also eat Mattak. This is whale skin with a strip of blubber inside. This sounds far tastier than Kiviak and tastes of coconut; however it is usually swallowed whole as it is too difficult to chew. In Greenland Christmas night is traditionally the only night of the year when women are waited on by men. In Iran, Christmas is called the Little Feast, however it is anything but little. A fast is observed all through December until Christmas Day. No meat, eggs, milk or cheese are eaten for twenty-five days. However when Christmas finally arrives then the feast, which mainly consists of chicken stew and various other meats, lasts for days afterwards.

In Spain, Christmas is celebrated in a similar way to Britain, with a traditional dinner. However gifts are not opened until January 6th as this was the date the wise men arrived and gave their gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh to Jesus. At Christmas time, Spanish people honour cows. This is because it is thought that the cow in the stable where Jesus was born breathed on him to keep him warm. A Portuguese tradition at Christmas is to feed the dead. Extra places are set at the table for the dead and food is laid at these places. This practice is carried out so that the families will have good luck for the year. For Romanians it seems essential to like stuffed cabbage at Christmas time. On Christmas Eve stuffed cabbage is served and then on Christmas Day yet more stuffed cabbage is eaten. In Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus, there is a spectacular parade towards the Church of Nativity. The Church of Nativity is awash with decorations and flags every Christmas whilst galloping horsemen lead the parade towards the church. These are followed by single horsemen on jet black horses. When in the Church, long winding stairs lead to a grotto where visitors find a silver star. This silver star marks the exact birthplace of Jesus. Every year thousands of visitors and natives flock to the Church to watch this spectacular parade.

In Iraq, one Christmas tradition is to make a fire out of dry thorns. This fire determines the type of year the family will have. If the thorns burn to ashes then the family will have good fortune for the whole year. After the fire is burnt each member of the family jumps over it three times while making a wish. Historically, in New Guinea, children were traded between tribes at Christmas. The child given to tribes was called the Peace Child. If the tribes neglected or killed the Peace Child then war between tribes would erupt. Now then, I’m glad we don’t follow this tradition! Traditionally, in rural parts of Wales someone dresses up as the Mari Ilywd. She dresses up in white and carries a pole with a horse’s skull on top. She tries to “bite” people by hitting them with the skull. If someone is bitten then they will need to pay a fine. Perhaps the most unusual Christmas tradition comes from Serbia. Mothers are held hostage and tied to a chair. They are not freed until they give presents to their children. The next week, the same thing happens to their father, and the children are given yet more presents. This sounds a pretty good idea to me! No matter how or where you spend Christmas, let’s hope it is a peaceful and joyous one. (Photo courtesy Jonathan MacIntosh)