St Andrews in Focus Issue 37 Nov Dec 2009

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

November / December 2009 Issue 37 £1.50

www.standrewsinfocus.com

the award winning magazine for St Andrews

Andrew The Apostle

Andrew the Apostle, Patron Saint of Scotland. Feast Day, November 30th Fisherman of Bethsaida on the shores of Lake Galilee, brother of Saint Peter. Not quite the ‘simple rustic fisherman of antiquity’, but rather more of a spiritual sophisticate than he has been given credit for. He left his profitable trade to follow John the Baptist, inspired by the Prophet’s robust teaching and preaching, which was in complete contrast to the nature of the then Judaic faith.

He had the perceptive wit to recognise the Messiah when He appeared to John to be baptised and to follow Him. ‘Illuminated by this revelation’ Andrew brought his like-minded brother Simon-Peter to Christ. He is Christ’s ‘first chosen Apostle’.

This portrait shows him long after Christ’s resurrection. He is ‘an evangelist to the Gentiles’, spreading the Gospels, the ‘Good News’, in Greece and the western shores of the Black Sea. It is at Patras, on the Gulf of Corinth, probably in his sixty-fifth year that he was crucified for the Faith under the orders of Aegeates, the pro-Consul there. He is shown celebrating Mass on the Peloponnese landmass.

He holds a silver cylinder containing the Scrolled Texts of the four Gospels- the ‘New Testament’. The cylinder is engraved with the symbols of the four Evangelists, Mark, Matthew, Luke, and John. It also bears Andrew’s name and title, stylised fish and wheat – for it is Andrew who brings to Christ the boy with the two baskets of ‘fishes and loaves’ from which Christ miraculously ‘fed the five thousand’.

Christ called on Andrew and the Apostles to ‘Go forth and be fishers of men’. Andrew’s ‘Crown’, and achievement, is a ‘shoal of shining souls’ pointing heavenwards, caught in the loving embrace of the latticework of a silver net.

That same latticework reiterates the symbol of Andrew’s crucifixion, the X – shaped cross. In the 6th century, Pope Gregory the Great was instrumental in acquiring ‘corporeal relics’ of the Saint and gifting them to his missionaries evangelising in Britain. From the Holy See at Hexham in Northumberland, they were brought north to Scotland by Bishop Acca in AD732 Illustration & text: © Jurek Alexander Pütter 2009

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

From the Editor Never mind winter, fun days are coming. St Andrews has plans, not only to celebrate St Andrews Day in style, but also Homecoming Scotland. Be informed – be there!

I can’t resist sharing this email, received soon after the previous issue appeared: “....over the last few weeks since the article has been winging its way through the doors, it has certainly made a difference to the number of calls to our company; many people – I’m talking more than 60 – have been giving me positive feedback. Therefore, it works. The comment which I hear in general, ‘ it shows the personal and family side to a business you rarely get the chance to know about ’. I think their comments are true; you may be aware of a business, but never really know that much about the people involved.

As the title of my article states, “ it works for us ”. On top of that, Google informs me that 1,280,000 people have visited the St Andrews in Focus website! Isn’t that something?

So, enjoy this magazine, enjoy all that St Andrews has to offer. And may everyone have a very Merry Christmas, with a Reet Guid New Year to follow.

Flora Selwyn

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

NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2009 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: editor@standrewsinfocus.com SUBSCRIPTIONS St Andrews in Focus is published 6 times a year.

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Contents SHOPS & SERVICES • Electronics Wizard • Fair Trade in St Andrews • New Disclosure Opportunity • Roving Reporter

4 5 7 8

TOWN/GOWN • After Many Days Club • Dr Wilkie remembers • SCO in Residence

10 11 12

EVENTS • Festival • A special Charity Concert • ForbesFest • Meet the Christians • Holy Trinity Centenary • Compline • Selected Events list

13 13 14 14 15 15 16

ORGANISATIONS • Cosmos After School Club • Ad Hoc Orchestra • Eyethu

18 19 19

OUT AND ABOUT • Newburgh Orchard Group • Restoration or Desecration?

• Another Coastal Path

21 22 23

FEATURES • Smoke and Mirrors • Reviews – Erratum – Footfalls in Fife – The People’s Friend • Seeking Family • Drinking • Photo caption – winner • Adam & Eve • Neigbours • St Andrews, Home of Hamish • Near Basingstoke • Plane Spotting • Plinth • Tommy • Twice Blessed!

• Crossword • Obituaries • Gibson Place teaser • Toonspot • Tree-top Tale

24 25 25 26 27 27 27 27 28 29 29 30 31 32 33 33 34 34 34 35

NEXT ISSUE – Jan/Feb 2010 COPY DEADLINE: STRICTLY 28 NOVEMBER All contributions welcome. The Editor reserves the right to publish copy according to available space.

Cover: Andrew The Apostle, by Jurek Alexander Pütter

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SHOPS & SERVICES Derek Nicolson in conversation with Flora Selwyn.

Electronics Wizard As it turned out, said Derek Nicolson, failing what hard work can achieve.” the 11+ exam in 1958 was “the best thing in my He was the top student in life,” though at the time it profoundly upset him. his class, Dux Boy, and was On the other hand, in St Andrews, “growing up awarded, “would you believe as kids was great in those times; those warm it, a silver cigarette box, summers swimming at the Step Rock...! We inscribed.” didn’t have much, but we were loved.”

In 1971, when his father Derek claims that he enjoyed school, retired, Derek took over the even though he was glad to leave in 1962. shop in Bell Street, gradually He wanted to become a car mechanic with evolving from a retail outlet to Alex Gillespie at the West Port Garage, but a service centre, now housed his father was convinced that the future lay in at 205b South Street. ‘Sick’ electronics. Indeed, as far back as 1933 Father TVs, radios, audio systems, had become a radio agent, radio also being stereo units, amplifiers, can his hobby. So the following year, Derek began all be brought there for Derek to repair. As a a 7-year apprenticeship, attending Dundee child he had “loved taking bikes to pieces”, a Technical College one day a week. He achieved practice which helped train his nimble fingers, his City & Guilds qualifications in radio and standing him in good stead over the years. maths after three years; TV Derek is “mechanically after two years; colour TV after minded. I like doing things We didn’t have much, another year; and finally, video myself.” He can’t understand but we were loved. in night school. He remembers anyone who claims to be they had “only one telly we bored, remembering that in messed about with.” When colour TV arrived, his childhood, if he was bored “Mum and Dad “the first one we ever sold [in the family shop] would find jobs for us. We grew up in different was for 329 guineas – a Bush Consolette in a times.” fancy wooden cabinet.”

Indeed, busy as he was with work and Despite his early experiences at school, family, Derek also enjoyed his membership of Derek thrived at College, where he “realised the Speakers Club. Introduced to it by Police

Sergeant Graham Taylor, Derek learned public speaking through its “fabulous format.” He was also an active member of the Merchants’ Association, fondly remembering the dinner dances they used to hold as well.

Unique in St Andrews, Derek is conscious that “changes are so fast, it’s hard to keep up.

There are no college courses available. Since 1962 we have gone from 405-line black & white TV, to 625 colour, and now digital TV, satellite, and flat screen.” Nevertheless, Derek, despite his Scottish modesty, is successful at staying on top; luckily for St Andrews!

A Double Celebration

This summer, Mr and Mrs Osler came to St Andrews to celebrate their Golden Wedding. Accompanied by their four sons, they wandered around the town, stopping along the way at The Scottish Shop, in South Street. A brainwave! Could the men dress up in kilts and have their photos taken? Proprietor, Mrs Sually also had a brainwave! Yes, they could dress up, provided they gave a donation to charity. The result? Five men in Heritage of Scotland kilts, a happy family full of fun, and £100 donated to a grateful CHAS! Brilliant!

(photo by kind permission of the Osler Family)

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SHOPS & SERVICES Marie Robinson celebrates

St Andrews Fairtrade, 2009 A: avocadoes (Morrison); B: bags (Beetle); C: coffee (Morrison) ; D: dried fruit (St Andrews Health Foods); E: Easter eggs (Oxfam); F: fruit (Morrison); G: Geobars (Ladyhead); H: hoodies (BESS); I: incense (Oxfam); J: Juice (Greggs); K: kid’s Kenyan knitted animals (Farmore Babies); L: loo rolls (Oxfam); M: muesli (Oxfam); N: nuts (Tesco); O: olive oil (St Andrews Health Foods); P: picnic gear (Oxfam); Q: quinoa (Holland & Barrett); R: rice cakes (Morrison); S: sugar (Oxfam); T: tea (St Andrews Health Foods); U: undiscovered; V/W: vino/wine (The Wine Rack); X/Y/Z: nursery name letters (Farmore Babies).

This Fairtrade A-Z gives some idea of the wide range of Fairtrade and Looking beyond the fairly-traded goods now on sale in town. It is (thankfully) becoming town boundaries, Fife unusual to go into a café where Fairtrade is not an option, and the range Fair Trade Forum was of different teas, coffees and soft drinks available is widening all the time. formed last year with a Most of our churches run regular Traidcraft stalls, and businesses and view to ultimately achieving community organisations ranging from the R&A to St Andrews Handcraft Fairtrade status for the Circle all offer a choice of Fairtrade drinks during coffee breaks. Some county – or Kingdom. local hotels, guesthouses and B&Bs are pleased to serve Fairtrade A steering group meets products. The University of St Andrews became a Fairtrade University regularly in Glenrothes; Left to right: Agnes McKane, in 2006. With all this evidence of enthusiastic support for fairly-traded there are similar hurdles to Kay Dewar (Oxfam shop), products, you might ask whether there is anything left for the St Andrews jump in order to become Marie Robinson (St Andrews Fairtrade Fairtrade Town Campaign to do! a Fairtrade County, only Town Campaign).

The answer to that is ‘yes’. For one thing, we need to count Fairtrade the numbers are much supporters and outlets every five years, in order to make sure we can bigger! But there are many retain St Andrews’ ‘Fairtrade Town’ status – so we need to keep tabs on encouraging signs: for instance, the interest evident in Fife schools, numbers. Fairtrade status has to be applied for, and hopefully granted, and the impressive knowledge about fair trade issues among both by the Fairtrade Foundation based in London. So we hope that interest primary and secondary school children. One essential job for the in, and demand for, fairly-traded products in the Fife Forum is simply to map how Fairtrade town will go on increasing. products are consumed, sold, and served We would like to raise awareness generally throughout Fife – no easy matter! So when of the issues surrounding fair trade; and try to you are out and about in Fife, visiting new We would like to raise counter wrong ideas of what it means. So every or familiar places, keep an eye open for awareness generally of the year in Fairtrade Fortnight we invite a speaker Fairtrade shops and cafés, and please tell along – this year we had two, Betsy Reed, us (contact details below). We need to know issues surrounding fair trade; who chairs the Scottish Fair Trade Forum, about them all. and try to counter wrong ideas and a visitor from Malawi, Towera Jalakasi, an If you would like to know more about experienced and influential businesswoman, St Andrews Fairtrade Town Campaign, have of what it means. who knows all about the effects of fair trade in a look at our website with our ‘directory’ her home country. She explained to us how fair – a full list of what you can buy where in trade works with both ‘big’ business in Malawi, St Andrews, and listings of where to eat such as sugar production, and for the small, individual workers, such and drink out, or where to stay, and enjoy Fairtrade products. The as the villagers who weave the beautiful Zomba baskets, and for whom website for the Scottish Fair Trade Forum has information about the being paid the extra Fairtrade ‘premium’ can literally mean the difference national campaign to make Scotland a Fairtrade Nation, while that of between life and death. The premium, that little bit more we pay above the Fairtrade Foundation covers all aspects of Fairtrade in Britain and the cost of the ‘own-brand’ or leading brand price in shops, might for around the world, and you can sign up to receive a regular newsletter. instance, allow people to install electric lighting in their houses, so that The summer issue contains stories about ethical cosmetic products the children can do homework. It could pay for a new school building, or using Fairtrade cocoa beans, Windward Islands bananas, Cadbury’s a health centre, or clinic. How the extra that Fairtrade provides is spent, expansion in the Fairtrade chocolate market, and a letter from is decided by the local community. All we as consumers have to do to supporter and former patron George Alagiah. Something of interest for help, is to choose to buy Fairtrade. everyone! And by the way, if anyone can think of a Fairtrade product beginning with ‘U’, that is available in St Andrews, we would be glad to hear of it!

Fairtrade websites: St Andrews: www.fairtrade-standrews.org.uk e-mail: secretary@fairtrade-standrews.org.uk Scotland: www.scottishfairtradeforum.org.uk Britain: www.fairtrade.org.uk

Fairtrade Menu Competition!

In 2010, St Andrews will have been a Fairtrade Town for 5 years. Can you write a menu for a three-course celebration meal – using as many locally available Fairtrade or fairly-traded ingredients as possible? Anyone may enter. If you are a young person, please tell us your age. All ingredients should be listed. The prize(s) will consist of Fairtrade goodies, and will be awarded for the menu(s) that, in the judges’ opinion, display(s) the best use of Fairtrade products and imagination. Please send your entries to M. Robinson, Lawhead of Radernie, Radernie, by Cupar, Fife, KY15 5LN, or by e-mail to: secretary@fairtrade-standrews.org.uk by 30 November 2009.

(Photos courtesy Fairtrade)

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SHOPS & SERVICES

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

WINTER LECTURE SEASON 1st Tuesday at 7.30pm Chemistry Dept., North Haugh Entry Free – All Welcome

CELEBRATE ST ANDREWS DAY Sunday November 29th Activities for all ages

CHRISTMAS PLANT SALES Saturdays 12th & 19th December 10am – 12 noon

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

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SHOPS & SERVICES Andrew Wright discusses

New Disclosure Opportunity Some taxpayers may have got themselves into a worrying position, maybe having taken advice in the past from a financial advisor, and invested funds in an overseas tax haven. Typically, interest would have been paid gross on these funds, without deduction of tax. They may not have realised at the time that, as UK tax residents, they had a duty to report this untaxed interest to the UK tax authorities (HMRC) even if the interest remained offshore and was not remitted to the UK. In 2007, HMRC ran an Overseas Disclosure Facility (ODF) which gave people an opportunity to disclose this interest without suffering the normal penalty rate (of about 30% of the tax due, in addition to the tax and interest). This initiative was only partially successful in terms of tax take and numbers of disclosures made.

Now, HMRC have announced details of a “New Disclosure Opportunity” (NDO), which went live on 1st September and continues until 12th March 2010 (for on-line disclosures). It would be a mistake to think that the current (and according to HMRC, final) initiative will have similarly disappointing results as the original ODF, because HMRC are now in receipt of far more information than previously, due to the success of international efforts to boost the sharing of details of overseas bank accounts. In particular, the efforts of the G20 countries to shed a spotlight on the activities of tax havens and offshore centres has been managed by the OECD, who have laid down various standards in relation to the exchange of information, which must be met by all countries, including tax havens. While in 2000 there were thirty-five non-cooperative tax havens on the OECD black list, by 2008 this had reduced to three ( Lichtenstein, Andorra, and Monaco). Of these, Lichtenstein signed a disclosure facility with the UK in September 2009, giving HMRC access to bank details of

UK nationals. Surprisingly, the terms of this agreement are more favourable to the errant taxpayer than the NDO (see above) in that HMRC only seek to recover up to ten years’ tax arrears rather than the (up to) twenty years in the NDO. In certain circumstances, the taxpayer can take advantage of this by transferring the overseas funds to Lichtenstein.

According to the terms of the NDO there are three steps; firstly, registration of an intention to disclose (by 30/11/09); secondly, full disclosure (by 12/3/10, if on-line); and thirdly, payment of the tax, interest, and penalty of 10% (phased payment allowed under certain circumstances). No penalty will be imposed if the total liability is less than £1000.

The above is a summary, with some details omitted due to space constraints. Anyone who finds themselves in this unfortunate position should contact their Accountants, or Henderson Black, for advice on the best way to proceed. It may take some years before HMRC process all the information they receive, but it is unlikely that they will abandon this potentially lucrative tax source.

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

Tel: 01334 472 255

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24 hour a day “Care at Home” service throughout Fife, Dundee & Perth.

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SHOPS & SERVICES

Roving Reporter – inspired yet again!

1. Bell Street is truly St Andrews’ West End, no doubt about it. Another delightful retail outlet has appeared to brighten everything up. It is called, Fox & Bhut: why? because the owners are Ellen Fox and Ursula Bhut, and they are to be found at No.12 (Tel: 01334 473 602) Reporter enjoyed the colourful interior, the exuberant clothes, and inventive jewellery. He learned that four of the designers are; 2 sisters calling themselves Trollied Dolly, who source their dresses from the Thai island of Koh Phangnan; and Olivia Kennaway together with Alice Heusser, whose Lalesso range is manufactured in Kenya, and whose sole outlet in Scotland is here. Ellen and Ursula are rightly proud that these designers are 100% committed to high ethical standards.

They have made a huge contribution to the living of their respective manufacturers, boosting incomes, improving working conditions, looking after workers’ health, providing education for the children.

The jewellery in the shop comes from Africa; hand-strung beads from Johannesburg; camel-bone bracelets, a by-product of well-managed camel herds on the Ivory Coast (camels do occasionally die naturally!)

In addition, more locally, a “small concern on the Borders” makes a colourful range of knitted jackets, that look and feel extremely cosy.

Ursula explains, “Our ethos: if we wanted to be successful in St Andrews we’d have to be fun, funky, and girlie, and stick with it.” Reporter finds that admirable!

*****

2. Reporter wasn’t looking for accommodation, merely satisfying his endless curiosity. However, when he wandered into ALBA, 125b Market Street, St Andrews on a sunny day, he was greeted warmly by Harriet Alldridge and made to feel instantly at home. Launched 9 years ago in Edinburgh, where they still have an office, ALBA is a residential property manager and letting agency, offering “different levels of service”: marketing, referencing, and on one level, maintenance of properties. For ‘let only’ terms, the smallest percentage of their business, Harriet said that once a property is advertised and a prospective tenant has been security cleared, keys are handed over and the landlord retains full control.

‘Full management’, however, comprising most of ALBA’s business, means that responsibility rests with them entirely, including maintenance. Harriet assured Reporter that “we are keen to retain loyal customers by giving a personal service. We like to make sure our properties are up to scratch, so we carry out an inspection every

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8 weeks,” thus boosting clients’ confidence further. Competitive pricing underpins the business. Students, professional people saving up to buy a home, or here for a short stay, are all welcome. Harriet herself is a native of St Andrews, “with a passion for the town.” She can be contacted by phone: 01334 470 028 by email: harriet@albaresidential.co.uk Or why not do as Reporter did, and just drop in.

*****

3. Ian and Lesley McIlroy have opened another fine eatery – their Café in the Square, tucked into a corner behind the town library, at 4 Church Square, St. Andrews (01334 477 744). Born in Motherwell, Ian is a trained chef with an HCIMA Diploma (Hotel Catering International Management Association) qualification in hotel management from Glasgow College of Food Technology.

Lesley too, was born in Motherwell, but grew up in Toronto, Canada, gaining a Travel and Tourism Diploma, which brought her back to Scotland working in hotels.

After graduating, Ian worked as head chef at a top restaurant in Glasgow, then owned 2 coffee shops in Lanark, Glasgow, and a tearoom in Lundin Links. After selling the Cottage Tearoom in Lundin Links, Ian took a position for 2 years as a chef at the R&A Clubhouse in St Andrews. Lesley had another baby, then gained a HNC in Administration and IT at Adam Smith College. The opportunity came up to turn the old St Andrews Pottery into a Café, which has now been beautifully refurbished and redecorated, with new kitchen, gas central heating, new toilets. Next summer, weather permitting, the garden will be opened as well. The extensive menu offers soups, sandwiches, baguettes, paninis, baked potatoes, salads; a large range of cakes and pastries; hot, cold drinks.

There’s also a very attractive children’s menu. St Andrews Pottery is still on sale and the walls are enlivened with Jennifer Thomson prints for sale. Lesley finds, “it’s so lovely here,” in St Andrews, and the couple have every intention of staying.

Reporter was pleased to learn that, “business has been great” already, within the short time the Café has been opened.

*****

4. Our Reporter learned that Chesterhill Therapies, 104 South Street, (01334 473 230) is celebrating its 4th trading anniversary. Their product house is Clarins, and in the past year Chesterhill Therapies has achieved Gold Salon Standard, offering all Clarins’ Traditional, Advanced, and Spa Experience treatments. In addition to Clarins, they offer Jessica Nail treatments, the products for sale in the retail shop. At the start of summer, under the guidance of Manager Pauline Dempsey, the whole top floor of the building was transformed to create a relaxation area, with two further bespoke therapy rooms. This increased the number of treatment rooms to five, coupling with the two nail bars, a tanning room, and a mezzanine relaxation area. A disabledaccessible treatment room and disabled toilet are available on the ground floor.

Chesterhill Therapies is now a highly competitive salon in the St Andrews area.

With the increased capacity, two further therapists, Janie and Sonia, have been hired to join Pauline, Gail, Alex, and Louise, all fully-trained Clarins Therapists.

Alongside them are receptionists, Sam, Lynn, and Skye. Opening hours are, Monday-Saturday, 9.00am -5.30pm: later hours by special arrangement.

Reporter recommends the website: www.chesterhilltherapies.co.uk

*****

5. Feeling at a loose end? Reporter has a suggestion from Bob Harris. A St Andrews resident, he has recently launched a new board game called Mythgardia. Having tried his hand at various things over the years, Bob says his biggest success came with his game Talisman, published by Games Workshop in the 1980s. Based on a design he had originally made at school, the game sold all over the world, spawned a series of expansion sets, and has numerous fan sites on the internet.

It was released in a new version in 2008

by Fantasy Flight Games. During this time Bob was busy as a writer, but he had another game up his sleeve he believes is even better. With the help of friends and an enthusiastic printer, he decided to publish this game himself under the title Mythgardia. Produced entirely in Scotland, the first 100 copies were sold over the internet as signed and numbered collectors’ items. They sold out in only three and a half weeks. Encouraged by the enthusiastic response and glowing reviews, Bob and his team have printed more copies, now available from the website: www.mythgardia.com “The first run was aimed at hardcore gaming fans,” Bob explains, “but now we want to offer Mythgardia to anyone who just enjoys a fun

SHOPS & SERVICES

game.” Players travel round a world made up of five magical realms, each with its own deck of encounter cards. They must track down three magical crystals and deliver them to safety, braving dragons, wizards, and monsters.

Easy to play and filled with colourful adventures, Mythgardia could be just the thing to entertain the family at Christmas.

Sounds fun, doesn’t it?

*****

Juice and Smoothie Bar 91 Market Street, St Andrews Enquiries: 07723 766 710 Get some of your five-a-day, the easy way!

6. Scott Hillsdon told Reporter, “Today more of us than ever are taking photographs!

Weddings, holidays, Christmas, children growing up, all are getting snapped by the hundreds. But, how many of us get round to compiling an album of treasured pictures? We are all too busy! Often pictures are left languishing in drawers or on a hard drive. After any occasion, only the memories are left. Those memories, with pictures, can be magnified 1000 times.

‘One picture is worth a thousand words’ as the saying goes”. Help is at hand here in St Andrews. Reporter was contacted by Scott, who offers to compile photo albums, from photos provided by the client. Various options are available. Each commission is discussed individually with clients. The costs are very reasonable. Scott can be contacted on 07947 636298 or by email: scott.hillsdon@btinternet.com Reporter

PHOTOS ARRANGED Albums compiled Reasonable rates Scott Hillsdon Mobile 07947 636 298 scott.hillsdon@btinternet.com

wanted to know more: Scott hails from West Sussex and has lived in Scotland for 20 years. Prior to that, he ran his family company dealing in Sports Goods, and he designed the company’s advertisements and brochures. He is a keen photographer and has a library of albums. Scott’s other interests include Classic Cars, Hill walking, and History. Go on, says Reporter, get those memories beautifully packaged – for your grandchildren’s sakes!

*****

A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all our customers!

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TOWN & GOWN Dr Derek Barrie, elected Club President at the AGM in June, writes: “In the early days of this magazine an article was published about the After Many Days Club by its then President (2000-2003), the late Douglas Hamilton. Here is an update for new readers and information on current activities.”

After Many Days Club – Still Thriving The After Many Days Club is the oldest and largest (over 2,000 members worldwide) Alumnus Association of the University of St Andrews. Ordinary life membership is open to anyone who matriculated at least 25 years before application to join.

Associate (non-voting) membership can be obtained 15 years after first matriculation.

The Club also has three Honorary Members, the most recent having been approved by the Club at its 2009 AGM: Dr Bill Stevenson, in recognition of his providing entertainment through the Chapel Choir at many AMDC lunches and preparing and conducting the “scratch choir” for the annual service held on reunion weekend Sunday; Mrs Elizabeth Cheetham, who became the oldest University graduate at the age of 84, was awarded life membership as she would not otherwise qualify till she was over 100 years old! The third Honorary Member is the former Chancellor of the University, Professor Kenneth Dover.

Dr Louise Richardson Derek Barrie, the new President (in gown) The Club’s aims and objectives under its constitution are “to advance all aspects of education in the University of St Andrews.” the University Principal. At the lunch, Dr Louise Richardson was making Funds are raised, partly through a thriving 200 Club, for projects within the her first major speech in public since taking up her appointment. She University, and two social events are held annually to encourage renewal made a good impression, her audience appreciating her obvious ability, and maintenance of friendships among former students. enthusiasm, and charm. In the Scores Hotel on 30th January 2010 we Donations have been made recently towards MUSA (the Museum of also expect a large audience to hear Norman Reid, Head of Special the University of St Andrews), a conductor’s podium for the music centre, Collections at the University Library. He will talk about the confusion of a sponsored debate on climate change held by the University Debating dates regarding the University’s foundation and the contribution of Pedro Society, and to the Chapel Choir. Although the Club is now harbouring its da Luna. resources and not making major grants, so that a meaningful contribution The 600th anniversary also featured prominently this year at the can be made for the University’s 600th anniversary celebrations, a recent Club’s AGM at the beginning of the annual reunion held from 26th to donation has been agreed by the committee. A contribution has been 28th June, its major event . The guest speaker was Andrew Day, Director made to the publication costs of a biography of of the 600th Anniversary Campaign. A very her grandfather, one of the University’s most different topic was covered by Emeritus The Club’s aims and objectives popular Principals, Sir James Irvine (Jimmy the Professor Robert Prescott in an illustrated talk under its constitution are “to Princ) by Julia Melvin. This will be published to at the reunion lunch in Lower College Hall coincide with the 600th anniversary. on reunion Saturday. Recognised as one of advance all aspects of education With regard to the 600th anniversary, the the world’s leading marine archaeologists, in the University of St Andrews.”

AMDC committee is exploring the possibility of he gave a fascinating talk about National contributing towards a plaque to commemorate Historic Ships in his capacity as Chair of the the role in the foundation of the University by the Avignon Pope, Pedro da Government Advisory Committee on these ships. The final event of the Luna (Benedict XIII). In Pensicola in Spain there is already a plaque in the 2009 reunion was the annual service in the University Chapel conducted castle there marking Pedro da Luna’s association as a benefactor with the

by Rev. John Cameron.

University of Salamanca, which celebrates its 800th anniversary in 2018.

Other AMDC involvement with the University includes sponsorship The Club organises an annual lunch on the last Saturday in January. of the now annual bejant/bejantine reception held in September for new This year’s event drew a capacity audience as the guest speaker was students from Fife and Tayside. The Club also recently helped financially with a scientific essay competition run by this magazine.

There must be many former students of St Andrews University living in the town, and the circulation area of this magazine, who are eligible for membership of the After Many Days Club but who are not members. Perhaps they do not know of its existence. Perhaps they do not realise the Club’s efforts at raising funds for projects for the University.

Perhaps they do not know of the January lunch and the June reunion, always on the last weekend. To join, a one-off payment of £25 brings life membership and a copy of the Club’s Annual Year Book. This gives details of all the Club’s activities, details of new members, changes of address and unfortunately, deaths of members.

If you are eligible, and would like to join the After Many Days Club, or find out more about it or get more details of the lunch and reunion in 2010, please contact the Treasurer: Mrs Elspeth Smith, Whinstead, Dalgairn, Cupar, KY15 4PH e-mail Elspeth.smith@btopenworld.com.

Bill Stevenson (on left)

Total

Robert Prescott

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TOWN & GOWN Dr David Wilkie, rocket and nuclear research scientist in industry, remembers

Mathematics, Physics, and Astronomy at St Andrews in 1946 In June 2009, the Times carried a comprehensive obituary on Walter telescope. It is therefore better Ledermann (1911-2009), a research mathematician. He arrived in for tracking the whole sky.

St Andrews in 1934 as a result of the setting up of two bursaries, one St Andrews University could not for a political refugee, and one for a Jewish refugee. It was the latter he afford to have the mirrors and applied for, and received. St Andrews students funded the bursaries, plates made commercially, so thereby saving Ledermann’s life, for which he was eternally grateful.

Freundlich set up the grinding Ledermann gained his first degree in Germany under difficult equipment on site. That grinding political conditions. His PhD was supervised by Professor H W Turnbull, is a painstaking business. The a noted algebraist, with interests in matrix theory, theory of equations, telescope was the largest of its and the history of mathematics, which led to an invitation to edit the type in the world. correspondence of Sir Isaac Newton. Turnbull resigned his chair in Freundlich was known order to devote his full time to this task, which resulted in 12 volumes of for the discovery of a red correspondence and comment, the final one completed just before he shift named after him. It had died. implications for relativity and he Turnbull, when lecturing, chose the first lecture of the day and corresponded with Einstein on opened it with a prayer, ignoring the occasional stamping of feet when the subject. One of Ledermann’s the prayer was particularly good. bright mathematics students Another member of staff was Ron Mitchell, returned from the was wooed by the astronomy forces, where he had lectured in mathematics, developing a clear and and physics departments, but he straightforward approach in his teaching. For example, instead of, remained loyal to pure mathematics. However, he had an introduction ‘consider a rectangular parallelopiped’, he would say, ‘take a box’. While from Freundlich to join Einstein in Princeton for a short period before at St Andrews he played left half for Brechin City and East Fife football returning to Dundee clubs, and also had an occasional game of billiards with students in In a term exam, Freundlich permitted students to bring whatever the Old Students’ Union. In this way he taught the theory in the Applied books or papers they wished. Some students fared better and others Maths course and taught, or learnt, the practice at the table. He later worse. The system removed any problem of cheating; an idea that could occupied a chair at Dundee. well be adopted in the present day. It is harder on the examiners to After lecturing and carrying out research in St Andrews, Ledermann devise questions that test students’ abilities rather than their memories. moved to Edinburgh working under A C Aitken, in the unique position, At this time Prof J T Randall was appointed to the Physics as a mathematician, of being able to explain his powers. Aitken was Chair. He came from Birmingham University, where he had invented also noted for his statistical expertise. Max Born, the Polish physicist, the magnetron, the microwave transmitter that made radar work. was also in Edinburgh. Born received the Nobel Prize for his work Working for the Crown, he could not patent this idea. After the war the on quantum theory, including the introduction of probability ideas in government gave awards for important wartime inventions. Randall defining the position and energy of a particle, received £80,000, a considerable sum, and deducing the existence of quantum leaps although he would have earned much more St Andrews students funded between energy levels. Ledermann used his from the royalties for the use of the magnetron matrix knowledge, gathered under Turnbull, to in microwave ovens. the bursaries, thereby saving resolve a dispute between Born and C V Raman, After an extremely short period at Ledermann’s life, for which he the Indian physicist and Nobel Prize winner for St Andrews, Randall was invited by the his work on the scattering of light. The dispute British Medical Association to set up the was eternally grateful. was resolved in Born’s favour. Ledermann first biophysics research group in Britain at moved to Dundee to assist Professor Godfrey King’s College, London. He took with him Thomson on the statistical analysis of the several factors involved in a young lecturer, Maurice Wilkins, who had come from the atomic intelligence, then returned to St Andrews in 1938, staying until 1946. bomb project in the USA. Wilkins had started researching the theory I had him then as a lecturer in matrix theory. In a term exam he set a of phosphorescence at St Andrews. D’Arcy Thompson, Professor of question involving matrices with n terms. Solutions to questions were Natural History, was still in post at St Andrews and I like to think that supposed to take half an hour. However, the brightest students solved his unique idea of applying mathematics and physics to natural history the problem in three lines! may have put Wilkins on the same path. Anyway, Wilkins applied X-ray At St Andrews the Professor of Astronomy was Erwin Freundlich, crystallography to DNA and showed that it was a helical structure before a refugee from Potsdam. He introduced Ledermann to Rushi Stadler Crick and Watson started work on the project and came up with the and they married in 1946. She became a psychoanalyst. Freundlich double helix solution. Wilkins shared the Nobel Prize with the other two. built the Schmidt-Cassegrain 37” reflecting telescope, a modification Some people argue that Rosalind Franklin, also at King’s, should have of the first design of reflecting telescope designed by James Gregory shared the Prize, but she had died earlier and the Prize is not awarded at St Andrews, some years before Newton. Many modern telescopes posthumously. are designated as Newtonian, when in fact they are Gregorian, or Walter Ledermann moved from St Andrews to Manchester in 1946, developments of it. The St Andrews telescope is Gregorian with the to Sussex in 1962, becoming a professor in 1965. He died, aged 98, in secondary concave mirror replaced by a convex one (the Cassegrain Highgate on 22nd May 2009. Rushi died 24 days later. modification) and a Schmidt plate placed at the front of the tube to correct for distortion, so as to provide an undistorted image much larger (Photo courtesy Dr Wilkie) than the undistorted part of the image from the giant Mount Wilson

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TOWN & GOWN Michael Downes, Music Director at St Andrews University, has exciting news...

SCO – Orchestra in Residence “As you will be aware, the Scottish Chamber Orchestra has performed at the University of St Andrews’ Younger Hall for many years, attracting appreciative audiences. We are delighted to announce that the Orchestra and the University are further developing this already strong relationship, as the SCO is to become the University’s Orchestra in

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Residence – making St Andrews the only Scottish university, and one of only a handful in Britain, to enjoy such a relationship with a professional orchestra. The residency will bring great benefits to St Andrews students, enabling them to benefit from the guidance of SCO players, and to hear their own music performed by members of the orchestra. But

the Orchestra’s residency will also enhance the cultural life of St Andrews and Fife more generally, since the SCO and the University’s Music Centre will be collaborating to provide lectures, workshops, recitals and other musical events to which all will be welcome”.

EVENTS

St Andrews Festival 2009 – where else would you want to be between 27 to 30 November??

For the weekend of 27 to 30 November this year, St Andrews will burst into life as we celebrate the very best of Scotland and our Patron Saint, in a programme packed with exciting, entertaining, and unique events. Where else would you want to be? Son et Lumière, Trad and Celtic rock, Scottish comedy, openair ceilidh at the West Port, Island Tapes at the New Picture House, Taste of Scotland (food and wine), Medieval music, exhibitions, kite flying at the West Sands, lights swtich-on and late night shopping – all this and more. Go to: www.standrewsfestival.co.uk for all the details

Alice Bullough invites you to a very special

Charity Concert Twinned with Augsburg, Germany, Inverness has become the focal point for a new venture.

The Hilarion Trio: Dania Lemp, violin; René Corrêa, cello; Angela Grau, piano, will be playing music by Beethoven, Haydn, Mendelssohn. What has this to do with St Andrews, you might ask?

René Corrêa is Alice Bullough’s son.

Visiting St Andrews in 2007 he saw how easy it was to get from Augsburg, where he lives, to Scotland. Why not bring the trio for a brief Scottish tour? The City of Augsburg promotes music, so it contacted Inverness, and the opening concert was duly

arranged for this November. If you now look at this magazine’s Selected Events column, you will see that the Hilarion Trio will give the same concert in the Younger Hall, St Andrews on Thursday, 26 November at 8.00pm.

What is more, on Sunday evening, 22 November, in All Saints Church, two members of the Hilarion Trio will perform a charity concert in memory of Professor Donald Bullough (1928-2002), the proceeds to go to Hamish and Anne Tait’s Boudoum School Water Project, Cameroon.

Professor Donald Bullough taught Medieval History in the University of St Andrews from 1973 until his untimely death. In his memorial address, Professor David Ganz, a graduate of St Andrews and subsequently a colleague, said of him that, “…he exhorted caution and humility in all who are endeavouring to construct a total picture of early medieval society…he was the last master of early medieval liturgy in this country, and always explored the texts he studied in their manuscripts.”

Hamish and Anne Tait have recently returned from Cameroon, where they have been working as volunteers for the VSO in the most rudimentary of living conditions.

Hamish was working in the hospital and Anne was developing four schools in Boudoum. They are so appalled by the desperate need for clean water, that they are fundraising for a borehole and pump. There will be a talk about the project before the concert and a reception afterwards. This charity was chosen because Professor Bullough

was a passionate educator all his life, and the Taits believe that education can only succeed when children are healthy, whereas Donald Bullough in Boudoum the contaminated water makes the children desperately ill.

Tickets for the concert, price £10 (£8 concessions), can be bought in advance in the entrance of the new Community Hospital; at the Ladyhead Bookshop in North Street; at the door of All Saints Church half an hour before the concert. For further information email: bullough.alice@googlemail.com or phone: 01334 478 802.

(Photos courtesy Alice Bullough)

The Hilarion Trio

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EVENTS Stephen Spackman introduces

The Younger Hall Music Centre, University of St Andrews, Thursday, November 12 – Sunday November, 15, 2009 Watson Forbes was one of the foremost viola players of his generation. Born and brought up in St Andrews he achieved celebrity as a chamber musician (particularly as a member of the Aeolian Quartet), soloist and teacher, becoming Head of Music, BBC Scotland at the end of his career. This centenary celebration is jointly organized by the University of St Andrews and the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama, with funding from Fife Council (both Major Events and Area Budgets), the Hope Scott Trust, the Royal and Ancient Golf Club, and generous individuals.

Among the highlights of the weekend will be a Celebrity Recital by Michael Kugel

(viola) with Timur Sergeyenia (piano). This is a rare opportunity to hear this extraordinary virtuoso, who is to the viola what Oistrakh was to the violin or Rostropovich to the cello. He will be performing works by Rebecca Clarke, Richard Ingham (the Composer in Residence at the University of St Andrews Music Centre, who has a written a new piece especially for this occasion), his own variations after Paganini on The Carnival of Venice, and the great sonata by Dmitri Shostakovich.

There will also be a major Chamber Music Recital, presented jointly with St Andrews Music Club, by the Brodksy Quartet (with Scott Dickinson, viola). This is the most internationally celebrated contemporary British quartet and they are playing a programme of works associated with Watson Forbes’ Aeolian Quartet, including string quintets by Purcell, Britten and Mozart.

The Aeolian Quartet was the first British quartet to play the great series of quartets by Bela Bartók, so the concert ends with his first, finished coincidentally in 1909, the year of Forbes’ birth.

Running throughout the weekend will be an International Viola Competition, in which 36 remarkable young players from 20 countries will demonstrate their spectacular talents, only possible with the generosity of local music-lovers who are acting as hosts.

On Saturday 14th from 2 to 4.30, in St Leonard’s School Music Auditorium, in parallel with the second round of the competition there will be a contest in which primary school children will award a special Inspiration Medal.

Further information and ticketing at: www.forbesfest.com

Lesley Stanley, of the Building Faith and Fellowship Planning Group sponsored by Hope Park Parish Church (Scottish Charity Number SCO14934) invites you to…

Meet the Christian Do you ever wonder what motivates people? What makes them tick? Why they choose a particular lifestyle or profession? And what if they have a faith – how does that affect their decision making? What happens if their beliefs come into conflict with the demands of their profession or public responsibilities? Is a strong faith a help or a hindrance as they try to climb the greasy pole – or does it mean that they shouldn’t even try to do so?

A local St Andrews team has established an initiative to find out the answers to some of these questions. Over the next year or so we will host a series of events entitled “An audience with….” at which Christians in the professions – some well known, some not at all – will talk about their work and open themselves to questioning from an audience drawn from St Andrews and around the East Neuk. The idea is to really try to get under these people’s skin and go beyond the superficial level to find out about the interplay between their life, their work and their faith.

We will start with a bang (though not, hopefully, of a prison door) with a visit from the Very Rev Dr Andrew McLellan on 3rd November this year. Andrew, a good friend of St Andrews, who will be known to many locally, is a Minister and former Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland.

He has also just completed a term as Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Prisons for Scotland. Come along if you want to find out how a man of God deals with those whom others would consider the lowest of the low, how he strives to ensure that a balance is maintained between crime, punishment, justice, and mercy, and how all this has impacted upon his beliefs as a Christian.

The series will continue with a wide range of speakers including: 1 Julie Chrystal – A gifted teacher, Julie uses her professional skills not only in her profession, but in leading groups for young people and adults within her own church (Kingdom Vineyard) and in the wider community. Julie’s charismatic personality and gifts as a teacher are helping to educate both tomorrow’s generation and the adults of today.

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2 Sir Tom Farmer – Sir Tom is the founder of Kwik-Fit, one of the world’s largest automotive parts-repair and replacement specialists. Born on 10th July 1940, he opened his first business in 1964. In 1971 he founded Kwik-Fit, which developed into one of the world’s largest automotive service companies. But there is more to Sir Tom than car parts. He is also a devout Roman Catholic as well as a fervent Scottish Nationalist, so we’re guaranteed a lively evening when we host his visit!

3 Dr David Wintour – As a GP in Aberdeenshire, David was used to using his skills to help his patients, but became the recipient of others’ care when he fell victim to a serious illness himself. Come and find out how this challenged his faith and the effect it has had on his practice as well as his personal life.

We will get the chance to quiz young people right at the start of their careers when, in March 2010, Kenny McKie from Scripture Union hosts an evening with the St Andrews University Christian Music and Drama club (CMAD). We guarantee lively entertainment as well as the opportunity to find out what makes somebody decide during their teens that the Christian life is for them. How does this affect all the decisions that have to be made about what and where to study? And does it help or hinder when it comes to trying to resist social pressures around drink, drugs, and sex? Is it deeply unfashionable – or can it actually give you the confidence that leads to the elusive accolade of being “cool”?

All the events will take place at The Scores Hotel from 7.30 – 9.30 pm and everybody is most welcome, so put the dates in your diary: 1 3rd November 2009 – Andrew McLellan 2 19th January 2010 – Julie Chrystal 3 22nd February 2010 (TBC) – Sir Tom Farmer 4 23rd March 2010 – Kenny McKie with CMAD (for teenagers particularly!)

5 21st April 2010 – Dr David Wintour (Pictures courtesy Lesley Stanley)

EVENTS

The Town Kirk

Ian Bradlley writes of the

Centenary of Holy Trinity Restoration

by Hugh Playfair

Published by Librario, 2008, ISBN 13: 978-1-906775-02-5 @ £9.99. Available from Holy Trinity Church, J & G Innes, and Librario (www.librario.com)

It is exactly a hundred years ago this month (November) since the re-dedication of the Parish Church of the Holy Trinity in St Andrews, known as the Town Kirk, following its substantial restoration to bring it back to its medieval pattern. To celebrate the centenary of the Church’s rebuilding, a series of public lectures on prominent figures associated with it, is being held throughout November.

The programme for these lectures, all of which will take place in the Church at 7.15pm, with free admission and refreshment to follow, is as below: Wednesday 4 November: Dr Mark Elliott, senior lecturer in church history at the University of St Andrews, will speak on John Knox, the leader of the Scottish Reformation and his links with Holy Trinity Thursday 12 November: Revd. George Fairlie, former minister of Kingsbarns and Crail, will speak about Archbishop James Sharp, murdered by a group of Covenanters on Magus Muir, near Strathkinness, whose memorial dominates the side aisle of the Church Thursday 19 November: Rev Dr Ian Bradley, reader in church history and practical theology at the University of St Andrews and associate minister of Holy Trinity, will speak about A.H.K. Boyd, minister of Holy Trinity from 1865 to 1899, a prominent liturgist, ecumenist, and writer, who is commemorated by the magnificent marble pulpit and font in the Church Thursday 26 November: Hugh Playfair will speak about his grandfather, Revd. Dr Patrick Playfair, Minister of the First Charge of Holy Trinity from 1899 to 1924 and the man responsible for the rebuilding and re-ordering of the church.

Hugh Playfair has recently written a fascinating illustrated book about the life of his grandfather and the project to rebuild Holy Trinity Parish Church. It reveals that the total cost of the restoration, which involved almost the wholesale rebuilding of the nave and aisles, and including windows, organ, and other furnishings, was £30,000. The architect was Peter MacGregor Chalmers, who was also responsible for designing the building of St Leonard’s Parish Church, and was a leading figure in the ‘Scoto-Catholic’ movement, which sought to restore to the Church of Scotland something of its medieval heritage in terms of architecture and liturgy.

Hugh Playfair tells the story of the rebuilding and includes fascinating photographs of what Holy Trinity looked like before, during, and after the restoration. It also includes the text of several sermons preached by Dr Playfair in the Church.

Tristan Franklinos, Douglas Gifford Memorial Scholar

Compline in St Leonards Chapel Candles light the University Chapel of St Leonards every Thursday evening during University term for a service of Compline. This beautiful service is the final service in the cycle of monastic hours, begins at 10.00pm. and lasts for about half an hour. It is a sung service led by a choir of University students set up by the late modern linguist Prof.

Douglas Gifford (also founder of the Renaissance Group). The conductor of the choir is a student who has been awarded the Douglas Gifford Memorial Scholarship, and junior organ scholars of the University Chapel accompany the services. The Chapel, holding about sixty people, used to be the parish church for the parochial community of St Leonard; later

it came to be used as one of the University’s collegiate chapels, until it was abandoned in the eighteenth century. The Chapel was refurbished in the 1950s, since when it has provided a wonderfully atmospheric location for the midweek pause for thought, contemplation, and prayer, so many people find in the Thursday evening Compline services. The services are open to both students and the public, all of whom are firmly encouraged to attend and experience this most ancient and special service.

University Chapel of St Leonard, The Pends Thursdays, 10.00pm (during term time)

St Andrews & District Community Safety Panel

For more information about your local panel please contact PC Paul Buttercase, Community Safety Officer Tel. 01334 418745 EMail paul.buttercase@fife.pnn.police.uk

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Tel: (01334) 472138 (24 hour answering service) Fax: (01334) 479316

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EVENTS

Selected Events Tuesday, 3 November – the Very Rev Dr Andrew McLellan will open a series of talks under the title of “An audience with….” at which Christians in the professions – some well-known, some not at all – will talk about their work and open themselves to questioning from an audience drawn from St Andrews and around the East Neuk.

See article on page 14.

Wednesdays, 4; 11; 18; 25 November – 1.15 – 1.45pm. Younger Hall, North Street. Lunchtime concerts. £2 at the door.

Saturday, 7 November – 9.00am-1.00pm. Farmers’ Market, Argyle Street car park.

– 10.00am-4.00pm Craft & design Fair, Town Hall, Queen’s Gardens.

Free entry. Contact: info@craftfairsscotland.co.uk Thursday, 12 November – Sunday, 15 November Younger Hall, North Street. FORBESFEST – A celebration of St Andrews-born Watson Forbes, one of the foremost viola players of his generation.

Further information and ticketing: www.forbesfest.com Sunday, 15 November – 11.00am to 4.00pm. Cambo House, Kingsbarns. Christmas Food and Craft Fair. Proceeds to Maggie’s Fife. Stalls for food and quality crafts. A demonstration by painters from Griselda Hill, seasonal refreshments and entertainment by Red Wine Productions.

Entry: £1.00 per adult. Contact: Cambo, 01333 450 054 or: www.camboestate.com – 2.00-3.00pm. St Andrews Museum, Doubledykes Road. Music in the Museum by the Rusalka Quartet. Free. Contact: 01334 659 380.

– 3.30pm. Younger Hall, North Street. Brodsky Quartet Music by Purcell, Britten, Mozart, Bartok. Contact: St Andrews Music Club. Contact: katie.elliott@btopenworld.com Website: www.saint-andrews.co.uk/smc/ Wednesday, 18 November – 7.30pm Town Hall, St Andrews.

St Andrews on stage, starring Billy Anderson, with Charlie Braid, Emil Pacholek, and others. A Homecoming Scotland celebration organised by the Preservation Trust. Tickets £10 (children £5) on sale at the Byre, Tourist Information Centre (Market St), and the Preservation Trust office at 4 Queen’s Gardens (open 11.00am1.00pm Monday-Thursday).

Sunday, 22 November – 3.00pm. St Andrews Museum, Doubledykes Road. FREE performance by Music Centre members.

Thursday, 26 November – 8.00pm Younger Hall, North Street. Hilarion Piano Trio. Third in a series of three concerts. Music by Haydn, Beethoven, Mendelssohn. Tickets £10 (concessions £8) Music Centre, Younger Hall, or at the door. Contact: 01334 462 226.

Email: music@st-andrews.ac.uk Friday, 27 November – 8.00pm. St Salvator’s Chapel, North Street, St Andrews. Baroque Orchestra concert. Director, Claire Garabedian. Tickets at the door, £5/£4/£3. Contact: 01334 462 226.

Saturday, 28 November – 10.00am-12 noon. St Andrews Church, Queen’s Terrace.

Christmas Fair (with refreshments). Contact: 01334 473 344.

– 10.00am to 4.00pm. St Andrews public library, Church Square.

Genealogy Day, organised jointly by Fife Council Libraries and Museums (St Andrews Public Library) and the St Andrews Preservation Trust Museum. Entry Free. Contact: 01334 477 629.

Saturday, 28 November – 10.30am to 4.30pm & Sunday, 29 November – 12.30 to 4.30pm. St Andrews Art Club, 14c Argyle Street. Festival Art Exhibition. Meet the artists. Pictures for sale (unframed), also the Art Club calendar. Contact Ian Swanson: swanson1@talktalk.net Sunday, 29 November – 3.00pm. St Andrews Museum, Doubledykes Road. FREE performance by Music Centre members.

– 7.30pm. St Salvators Chapel, North Street. The University Madrigal Group in The Triumphs of Oriana. Contact Tristan E. Franklinos: tef@st-andrews.ac.uk

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Wednesdays, 2; 9; 16 December – 1.15-1.45pm. Younger Hall, North Street. Lunchtime concerts. £2 at the door.

Thursday, 3 December – 8.00pm. Younger Hall, North Street. concert

by St Andrews Chamber Orchestra. Conductor, Michael Downes.

Piano, Murray McLachlan. Music by Sibelius, Wagner, Beethoven.

Tickets, £7/£6/£5. Contact: 01334 462 226.

Thursday, 3 December to Sunday, 6 December – New Picture House, French Film Festival. For times and titles please contact Dr William Brown: 01334 462 453 Mobile: 07950 978 708 Blog Space: http://cinemasalon.ning.com/ Saturday, 5 December – 9.00am-1.00pm. Farmers’ Market, Argyle Street car park.

Monday, 7 December – 8.00pm. St Leonards Music School, The Pends. Alba Quartet. Music by Schubert, Ravel.

Contact: katie.elliott@btopenworld.com Website: www.saint-andrews.co.uk/smc/ Wednesday, 9 December – 5.00pm. Younger Hall, North Street.

Seasonal entertainment by the Youth Choir. Conductor Gillian Craig. FREE (retiring collection). Contact: 01334 462 226.

Thursday, 10 December – 8.00pm. St Salvator’s Chapel, North Street. University String Orchestra. Conductor, William Baxter.

Music by Corelli, Mendelssohn, Weber, Elgar. Tickets, £5/£4/£3.

Contact: 01334 462 226.

Saturday, 12 December – 7.30pm. Younger Hall, North Street.

St Andrews Chorus. Conductor, Michael Downes. Music by Handel and Vivaldi. Tickets. Contact, Eric Priest: eric@mcs.st-andrews.ac.uk or 01334 474 975.

Monday, 14 December – 5.30pm. Younger Hall, North Street.

St Andrews Opera. Favourite scenes – Mozart & others. Seasonal refreshments. FREE – retiring collection. Contact: 01334 462 226.

Wednesday, 16 December – 6.30pm. Younger Hall, North Street. Pre-concert talk for ticket holders, introducing Robin Ticciati, new Principal Conductor of the SCO. – 7.30pm. Scottish Chamber Orchestra. Flute, Alison Mitchell. Music

by Fauré, Poulenc, Haydn. Tickets from the Byre, 01334 475 000 Online: www.byretheatre.com Or at the door, half an hour before the performance.

Saturday, 19 December – 10.00am-4.00pm. Victory Memorial Hall, St Mary’s Place. Book Sale. Free admission.

EVENTS

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ORGANISATIONS From the Cosmos After School Club Team

Fun and Games at the Cosmos After School Club holiday. The holiday The Cosmos Community Centre in St Andrews is activities allow us home to various clubs and activities, one of the the opportunity busiest and most popular being our After School to incorporate Club. full day trips into Established in 1998, the Cosmos After our programme.

School Club offers spaces for 56 children. During The children love termtime the children attending the Club come going to places like from the three local primary schools (Canongate, Cairnie Farm; ten-pin bowling; Sensations; Fife Greyfriars, and Lawhead). A regular day sees us Animal Park; museums like MUSA; as well as collecting children at 3 o’clock with a veritable regular trips to the beach, putting, and tennis. fleet of vehicles – our new minibus, the Moffat & Holiday time sees us spending as much time Williamson “big bus”, and taxis if needed – and as possible outdoors, so we all love rounders in bringing them to the Cosmos. We also offer a the park and sports activities. further collection service from any after-school All of this is made possible by the busy team activities, like sports clubs, so these children don’t of staff responsible for the care and wellbeing of miss out on the Cosmos fun. the children we look after. They are responsible The transport planning alone is a major for the warm, friendly and welcoming environment exercise. The Team is very experienced and within which the children can either unwind after a travels with mobile phones so we can check busy day at school, or choose from a wide range for any missing children not at the school for of games and activities. collection, or any extra children who turn up The Team receives regular training as part unexpectedly. of their job and are very involved in the ongoing In the Club itself we offer a wide range of development of the Club to ensure that we child-centred activities. There is a large sports provide a stimulating, safe service meeting all the hall, arts & crafts room, plus the use of a small regulatory requirements. Their outdoor space. This has recently hard work and wide range of been upgraded with support In the Club itself we skills and talents has resulted from the St Andrews Hotel offer a wide range of in excellent feedback, year on and Guest House Association, which has adopted the Cosmos child-centred activities year, from the annual Care Commission inspections. as one of their supported local We are also very lucky to get great support charities this year. The area has been levelled from student volunteers from the Kate Kennedy and a trained graffiti artist has been working with Club, Lumsden Club, and the Student Volunteer some of the Cosmos young people to develop a Service. design to paint on the wall. The next stage is to Since its launch, the Club has aimed to buy some equipment and planters to complete provide a flexible, competitive charging approach. the transformation of what was a rather messy We charge on the basis of 15 minute units, so outdoor space into a really attractive play parents only pay for the time they use each day. space for all our children’s activities – including Our holiday activities offer great value for money.

HomeStart, Gingerbread, Parents & Toddlers, Hopefully this article gives a brief insight into Youth Work groups, and the After School Club.

Cosmos After School Club, but if you require any The After School Club also provides cover further information, please feel free to contact us for In-Service days, occasional school closures, on 01334 474140 or check the Cosmos website – holiday activities throughout the summer, as well www.cosmoscentre.org.uk as October and Easter breaks. During this time the Club takes in children from schools throughout Fife, also providing childcare for people here on (Photos courtesy the Cosmos Club)

Here are some comments the children have made about the Centre: – “The Cosmos is great and there are lots of things to do like the PS2, Lego and that’s not all – there is a million more than that. The best thing about it is the P6/7 Club.”

(Jamal Khan, aged 10) “How much fun it is here and all the great things we have the opportunity to do.”

(Louisa Inverarity and Ines Methven, both aged 11) “I like going on trips to the MUSA, swimming, Cairnie Farm ….playing badminton and rounders.”

(Jack Williams, aged 8) “I like the beach ball and I like building sandcastles at the beach and playing tennis.”

(Luke Connah, aged 5)

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ORGANISATIONS Leslie Stevenson, Conductor of

The Ad Hoc Orchestra You may have heard tell of Edinburgh’s “Really recorder player extraordinaire), Callum McLeod Terrible Orchestra”, but did you know that (percussion) and Jane Harrison (clarinettist).

St Andrews can do one better – or worse?! Our For the last two years we have been directed by “Ad Hoc Orchestra” has been going at least as Leslie Stevenson (bassoonist). long, and we can proudly claim to be at least as Over the years we have “murdered” many bad! At times we are indeed truly, madly, deeply of the classics, including symphonies by Haydn – terrible! and Mozart, Beethoven’s ‘Egmont’ overture Seriously, though, we have a lot of fun! and 1st Symphony, Schubert’s 8th, as well The idea is to offer orchestral experience, as Mendelssohn’s ‘Hebrides’ overture, and without the pressure of a one of the most over-theconcert, to anyone who top of all barnstormers, We welcome all ages, from may be struggling to gain Auber’s ‘Masaniello’ 8 to 80 – local residents, control over their instrument, overture. Rumour has university staff and or who is trying a second it that sometime in the students, school pupils instrument, or perhaps past we even attempted played once upon a time and Tchaikovsky’s Fifth and would like to remember how. We welcome all Smetana’s Vltava. In the twentieth century ages, from 8 to 80 – local residents, university repertoire we have tried some Gordon Jacob, staff and students, school pupils. More some Vaughan Williams and Aaron Copland. experienced players, who would like an informal One of our longest-standing members acquaintance with more of the repertoire, are is Clive Sneddon (flute and piccolo), who welcome too. (No connection with the University remembers playing in the garden of the is needed, except an annual subscription to the Guide Hut in Greenside Place one summer Music Centre.) day sometime back in the early ‘90s, to an Gill Craig was our founder conductor and appreciative audience of neighbours and guiding spirit. Other conductors have included passers-by. (Perhaps something to revive?) many well-kent names in St Andrews music Jane Ann Liston joined the Ad Hoc in its making, such as Angela Bell (singer and second year as a very rusty violinist, not having played much since her undergraduate days, and has thoroughly enjoyed making up for that neglect during the past 20 years. More recently, in the absence of a viola player, she has been womanfully attempting the viola part on her violin, which means wrestling with the alto clef.

Despite the resulting headache, she says this keeps her brain in fine fettle. Ad Hoc has given

Starting up

Assembling her the confidence to participate in the SCO’s Scrapers & Tooters weekends.

Renate Fitzroy began to learn the oboe from scratch (or screech?) in her early forties.

She writes, “When I joined the Ad Hoc, there were two other oboe players who kindly took me under their wings. During a long tacet, one of them would whisper “thirty-six” to keep me in the right place. After a few years, one of them moved on to a “better” orchestra, the other could not come any more, and suddenly I was on my own. Every note I played – right or wrong – was heard; and the silences as well, when my reed closed up and no sound came out. That took some getting used to, and there was a moment when I felt like giving up. Again there was a friendly whisper, this time from a flute player, “Don’t give up just yet – I can hear it coming!” Now we are two oboes again, and we are a bit short of string players! What has not changed over the years is the enjoyment of making music together, great cameraderie and some of our social traditions, such as the German Christmas tea in winter and a spring walk in Elie to end our season.”

Making music together (however imperfectly) is one of the highest pleasures that life has to offer.

The Ad Hoc Orchestra meets in the Younger Hall, 3.00-5.00pm on occasional Sunday afternoons. The upcoming dates are 1, 22 November, 13 December.

Contact: Leslie Stevenson on (01334) 474 745, or email: ls@st-andrews.ac.uk

Sue Doyle introduces

Eyethu Careers Point I am often asked why I am trying to set up this project, so I have spent I returned to Langa in the summer some time in trying to analyse my motives. of 2007 both to work in the school and I feel that my reasons emanate from my own history. My education to investigate on the ground, as it were. took place in a number of countries and was rather disjointed for a Halfway through my stay, the schools number of reasons. It was followed by a rather disjointed – but interesting went on strike! This meant that I had more time to talk to other schools, – career history. It would serve no purpose at this point to go into detail, government officials, and academics, as well as learn more about the but suffice it to say that I became a Careers Adviser because my life local community under the wing of my landlady, Sis Thandi, a retired HIV experience had helped me to develop an ability to establish a rapport with nurse, and her family. I had the opportunity of working with adults, brought a diversity of people and I had a strong desire to help those who were to my B&B by Langa High School pupils, now on a long holiday. Returning disadvantaged. home I started to work on a website to put forward my I live in St Andrews, but my work is based in Angus. proposal of Langa Careers Point. . . . helping all in the I enjoy working at Webster’s High School in Kirriemuir; When I went back to Langa in March this year, Townships to realise their at Rossie School, a secure unit for young people near I met with Roy Moatlhodi, someone who had real hopes, no matter what age, Montrose; and with the young unemployed of Forfar; personal experience of the difficulties facing the as well as with other clients of Skills Development township’s community. We worked hard over the tribe, colour, or creed.

Scotland. next few weeks to establish contacts and gain the In 2006 I went out on a voluntary basis to work in Langa High support of local government and voluntary agencies. Because of the School in a township of the same name. Langa is Cape Town’s oldest expense of registering the organisation, Roy put forward the idea that we township, effectively a suburb of the thriving, affluent and vibrant city, should expand the project to include other townships and re-name the yet unemployment in Langa is some 44%. That first time I became very organisation “Eyethu”, which means “our”. He believes in the whole idea aware of the poverty of many of the young people with whom I worked, behind the Career Points, of helping all in the Townships to realise their and the total frustration they suffered trying to escape that poverty. And hopes, no matter what age, tribe, colour, or creed. This change was costly I didn’t really understand why. Weren’t we living in post-apartheid? Was both in money and time, but is now complete. there not equality of opportunity, in the land of rainbow colours?

I have returned to continue the campaign to draw the attention of the I went home desperate to find out why and determined that my national & city government, as well as employers, to a project which is a experience would not simply be that of a volunteer voyeur! I know I had simple means for those Africans who are qualified, to help those Africans made little difference in that first month – I wanted to find out how to make who are not, to achieve their aspirations. my next visits have more value. Over the next 9 months my research confirmed my belief that the country’s careers guidance was severely If you would like to learn more, please have a look at our website: stunted, particularly for the black and coloured communities. www.eyethucareerspoint.org

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OUT & ABOUT

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OAPs & students – Bring this advert for 15% discount

OUT & ABOUT Paul Dodman, Treasurer, kindly sent this update on the

Newburgh Orchard Group We became famous through interviews on BBC Radio Scotland and Newburgh Orchard Group, established by a band of volunteers in 2002, Landward. In addition to the people coming from as far away as Crieff, has gone through some challenging times, but faces the future with Dunfermline, Dundee to buy our fruit, we have hosted numerous visits growing confidence. The Group was set up to sustain the 900 year-old from special interest groups who like to view some of the orchards, heritage of fruit growing in Newburgh, begun by the monks of Lindores including one party of Japanese on their way to St Andrews, who liked Abbey. Although most of the trees are in back gardens and invisible Newburgh so much that they would go no further! At the same time we from the main road, Newburgh has roughly one fruit tree for every two had two educational programmes: pruning workshops to show people of its population. Fruit was simply going to waste as there was too much how and when to prune their of it. Aiming to encourage the trees, and liaison with local proper husbandry of the trees, primary schools to inform utilisation of the fruit, to generate children about how fruit is economic benefit for the town grown and to introduce them to and to encourage tourism, we the taste of fresh locally-grown felt that the best strategy was fruit. to set up annual fruit Fayres, or Unfortunately, our Markets. The orchard keepers treasurer – the main link with – the people who had fruit the primary schools – left trees in their gardens – were Newburgh at the end of 2007, encouraged to pick the fruit and so not only was our committee sell it to us. We would help them resource reduced, but also pick the fruit if necessary, and our education programme we would sell it to the public was curtailed. At around the from a makeshift market stall same time, our secretary left in Newburgh High Street with a us over a policy disagreement, small mark-up to cover costs. so for a while it appeared We began this in 2003. that we might not be able to Newburgh’s plums were continue. Fortunately we were already famous: in olden days able to recruit some recent they had been supplied to the incomers to the town onto a Royal Court at Falkland, and in restructured committee, now at more recent generations people full strength. would come from far afield to Although we received certain doors in Newburgh to grant funding initially, primarily buy plums. So all we had to to pay for a major survey do was tell the press and local of trees, almost all our income now comes from radio when we were selling the plums, and people This year we sold 1700 lbs margin on the sale of fruit and jam. To keep came in substantial numbers. Along with the plums of plums and 290 jars of jam our administration to an absolute minimum, we have we sold homemade jams and chutneys (there used to on two Saturday mornings resisted suggestions to become a charity or a be a jam factory in Newburgh) and any other fruit, or social enterprise, and although the fruit is organic vegetables, from Newburgh gardens. we decided not to become officially Organic. We are just a band of A month later we repeated the process with the apples and pears. volunteers, motivated by the fun of selling the delicious fruit to hundreds We now have over 40 people on our list of fruit growers and jam of customers, seeing the happy faces of the orchard keepers when we makers. Sales of fruit have been on an upward trend, although our give them the money their fruit has earned, and knowing that this way margins have been hit in some years by the plums being of poor quality the wonderful fruit trees of Newburgh will survive and prosper. because of the weather, or by a glut of cooking apples. To counter these We have set up a website, www.newburghorchards.org.uk listing our threats we now place a limit on the intake of cooking apples, and we have events, showing photographs, offering recipes, and tips on pruning. We’ll set up a simple grading system with price differentials for eating quality, or gradually develop it into a rich resource on orchards, fruit identification jam quality, fruit. This year we sold 1700 lbs of plums and 290 jars of jam and husbandry. For the future, we are hoping to start selling freshlyon two Saturday mornings. pressed apple juice, recruit yet more fruit growers, hold more events With help from Fife Council we planted an 80-tree community orchard such as recipe exchanges, and strengthen our links with neighbouring next to the primary school. It was officially opened in October 2004 – with organisations, such as the North Howe Transition Toun, and Organic school children dressed in monks’ habits – and despite a little vandalism Gardeners. and some trees needing to be replaced, it is now producing masses of (Photos courtesy Newburgh Orchard Group) apples, pears, and plums to be enjoyed by the school children, or anyone who cares to take them.

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OUT & ABOUT Warwick Ball, archaeologist with over thirty years of experience in the field in the Near East has kindly given permission to reprint his Comment in the current newsletter of his company Eastern Approaches (www.eastern approaches.co.uk).

Restoration or Desecration? to an understanding of it. Equally, destroying a The past is at present increasingly becoming a building through incorrect or over-restoration is not spectator sport. Wherever we go, the presentation and understanding the past: it is inventing it. interpretation of historical monuments is dictated by At the same time one cannot be too hasty in the economics of tourism: how to dress it up to make judgement. Condemning Sir Arthur Evans’ incorrect it as appealing as possible, to as many as possible, to 19th century restorations at the Palace of Knossos make as much money as possible. Historic monuments at Crete is like condemning Napoleon for not using from Edinburgh Castle to the Great Wall of China at cruise missiles at the Battle of Waterloo. OverBadaling have become theme parks. Buildings must restoration of active religious monuments – by far no longer look ‘old’, but must be restored to look as the majority of the world’s historic monuments – is new. Many a time have we travelled thousands of veneration rather than desecration. The Chinese miles to see some ancient wonder, only to eventually rebuilding the Great Wall was an effort at restitution greet it with cries of dismay as it has been restored after its wholesale destruction by the Red Guards. beyond recognition in the name of tourism. A comment Most of the newly independent countries of Central overheard whilst visiting the magnificent monumental Asia had neither a history of Timurid tombs at Samarkand, for The past belongs to statehood nor active independence example, was ‘these people did not movements – they had no Nehrus, need the Taliban,’ as ‘restorers’ were everybody: sensitive, Che Guevaras, or Bourguibas – but busily chipping off the original 15th informed preservation woke up one morning to be told they century glazed tiles to replace them and presentation of were independent, so have had to with modern second-rate imitations. the past is essential to ‘invent’ traditions, a history, an identity, Merely by visiting such monuments, are virtually overnight. we destroying what we come to see? an understanding of it So am I sitting on the fence?

As someone who has been The greatest aid to understanding a place of historic professionally involved in the restoration of ancient significance is the most powerful tool we possess: our remains, there is no easy answer. On the one hand, imagination. I recall the first time I took a group to that one does not want buildings crumbling to nothing most legendary of ancient capitals: Xanadu. Situated through neglect; an archaeological excavation left in the immensity of Inner Mongolia’s grassy steppe, looking like a bomb crater; historic remains exclusively there is nothing there except low mounds within a vast, reserved for an academic elite. On the other hand, but empty, walled enclosure under an endless sky. Of one does not want a Disneyland. Finding the right Coleridge’s ‘stately pleasure domes’ there was not a balance between the two extremes is a knife-edge. sign: but they loomed larger in our imaginations as a The past belongs to everybody: sensitive, informed result. Unforgettable magic! preservation and presentation of the past is essential

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North Street

Mill Port

Castle Sands (Photos by Flora Selwyn – how do we view our own monuments?)

OUT & ABOUT Countryside commentator, Alistair Lawson makes a comparison

Another Coastal Path We hear a lot in Fife these days about our fine coastal path and the fact East of Portrush and the large settlements, the coastline becomes that we can walk round the coast all the way from the Forth bridge to the more dramatic, first at the Giant’s Causeway and then along a long Tay bridge. Judging the merit of local assets requires some ‘context’, stretch of high headlands and incised inlets, eventually descending to and I was interested recently to have the chance to walk the 33-mile sea level again at the tiny Port Braddon, formerly, like other villages long “Causeway Coastal Way”, along Northern Ireland’s coast, from hereabouts, the home to salmon fishers. Before that, one has passed Portstewart to Ballycastle. several tourist traps: the Causeway itself, the steam train on the former In the same way that the Fife Coastal Path strings together a number Portrush tramway track, the famous Distillery at Bushmills, Dunluce of contrasting sectors, from the dormitory villages of Dalgety Bay and Castle, and the pulse-raising Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge. The walker Aberdour to the industry of Kirkcaldy and Leven, and thence from the East intent on getting on with the walking can, of course, take a brief look, and Neuk fishing villages to the historical ambiance of St Andrews, so does quickly pass these by. the Causeway Coastal Way traverse a number of different environments.

There are many quiet spots where one can take a rest and try to Ulster folk are wringing their hands over what has happened to what make out the details of the Scottish coast; the mountains of Jura, the are known locally as “The Ports”, i.e. Portstewart and Portrush. The faded coast of Islay, and the all-too-close Mull of Kintyre can all be seen in glories of 1950s guest-house holidays, paddling pools, ice creams, and the right conditions. Rathlin Island, once Scottish, is well seen too. A amusement arcades are still there to be seen, but the more seriously particularly enticing resting spot is Ballintoy Harbour, where seaweed, faded of the ranks of Victorian buildings have been weeded out, knocked slipways, boats, and a tiny café combine pleasantly. down and replaced by fast-multiplying apartment blocks in the manner of The final section at the western end relies a little too much on the Spanish costas. It would be one thing if these road walking. I had a long conversation with a emanated an air of happy bustle, but they are Countryside Ranger, encountered at Kinbane There are many quiet spots surely climatically fated to be empty for much of Castle, as to why an off-road line could not be the year and, being empty, to put a dampener on contrived through the adjacent farmland, and he where one can take a rest the whole of the two towns. explained how, being under the law of England, and try to make out the details they don’t have the freedom of Scotland’s Land On a more up-beat note, the popular beaches (or “strands” as they are known over there) at Reform Act when it comes to agreeing public of the Scottish coast Portstewart, White Rock, White Park Bay, and access routes. The road into Ballycastle has the Ballycastle have been given a new lease of life one merit that it has a long, final downhill stretch by the wetsuit and the surfboard. Whereas the Atlantic Ocean remains right into the middle of the town, where, close to the beach, the Causeway as cold as it ever was, enterprising sports companies now bring tents Coastal Way ends. and vans down to the sand each day, hiring out wetsuits and the latest in It is tempting to add one’s own DIY extension, up onto Fair Head, surfboards. As a result, large numbers of happy holidaymakers are to be which rises prominently to the east of the town, but, beyond that, the seen in – yes, IN – the water, apparently oblivious to the temperature, the coast is squeezed between the hills and sea, with room only for the Antrim wind, the rain, and other traditional dampeners.

Coast road.

The Causeway Coastal Way traverses both “apartment land” and the As regards making a meaningful comparison with the Fife Coastal beaches, but also passes close to or across a number of golf courses, Path, one can say little more than that they are the same, but different – most famously the championship course at Royal Portrush. There are an Irishism if ever there was one! But go and see for yourself. also cycle tracks marked on the extra-wide pavements or along the promenades at “The Ports”.

(Photo courtesy the Northern Ireland Tourist Board)

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FEATURES Ian Goudie, Chair of the Community Council – a personal view.

Smoke and Mirrors Trailers for Newsnight Scotland do not usually stick in my mind for more than a few seconds. I do, however, recall one evening last May when, following a Spring dominated by revelations about MPs’ expenses, Gordon Brewer reeled off a list of recent improprieties, before asking sardonically what had happened to the notion of morality in public life. Although his question was highly pertinent at a national level, the reason it struck a chord with me was its relevance to local government, and particularly to the planning process in Fife.

Planning seems to me to have become increasingly a game of smoke and mirrors, where things are rarely what they seem.

Ostensibly there has never been so much consultation with the public, but there is no evidence that public influence over events has actually increased. The major organisations that operate in St Andrews continue to play the decisive roles. Environmental assessments, required by the EU, have not yet produced the levels of objectivity for which we might have hoped. When a major new facility is proposed, its location is still much more likely to be determined by the financial interests of the major players than the public’s view. It feels like a minor success when the developer is required to produce a comparative analysis of the merits of possible sites, but there is in the UK no formal mechanism for judging the quality of such analyses.

The developer’s standard approach is usually to justify a pre-chosen decision with a document sufficiently long, and with an appropriately technical veneer, to ensure that few will read it. It may well be that the analysis crumbles readily under any serious academic scrutiny, but that will often be irrelevant if the decision-makers’ hands are effectively tied by other considerations.

The recent Structure Plan exercise has hardly been one to bolster faith in the democratic process. Over a three or four year period, Fife Council received sackfuls of objections to the proposed plan from N.E. Fife, but few of those who were observing the process closely expected these objections to produce much change. The re-branding of the Council’s planning department as Development Promotion and Design gave a clear indication that they saw their job as just that – whatever the public might be calling for. In the event, resulting from the Reappraisal exercise, we eventually saw some modest reduction in the housing land requirement before Fife handed the Plan over to the Scottish Government, which then reverted to the original figure!

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Two aspects of this saga should be of particular concern to those worried about standards in government. The first relates to the use of consultants’ reports. Objectors in St Andrews to the Structure plan proposals had contended that they were at variance with landscape studies, by David Tyldesley on the location of the proposed Green Belt, and by Alison Grant on landscape capacity. At a relatively late stage in the process, Fife Council commissioned a Review of local landscape designations from new consultants. It did not come as a surprise to me that this turned the previous well-researched studies on their head, giving the green light to the Council’s proposals. It did, however, stretch credibility to the limit that they went as far as opposing the use of the low-lying ground in the Kinness Valley, which has been widely regarded as the least damaging area to develop.

The second troubling aspect was the approach taken by the civil servants in Edinburgh. In previous Structure Plan exercises, members of this Community Council had been impressed by the objectivity coming from central government. The performance this time left much to be desired. Although the process can never be entirely black and white, the amount of new housing required is not supposed to be plucked from thin air. It should be based on population and household size projections. At each stage of the process, this Community Council submitted its proposed reworking of Fife Council’s figures, and I expected to see similar calculations from Edinburgh. Instead the Scottish Government merely picked one of Fife’s previous figures, providing no detailed justification. Given that they had declared their belief in different starting assumptions, it was completely implausible that they would come up with the same answer.

If I am painting a realistic picture of where we currently stand – and I believe I am – the difficulties for the people of this town in getting their voice heard are considerable. Nevertheless I think we should avoid the temptation to give up. We should not be satisfied with trying to gain higher levels of openness and integrity on national questions like MPs’ expenses, but also seek greater accountability at the local level. I am pleased that the Community Council is taking a positive approach. Recently more of its members have been serving on its Planning Committee than at any time in the last twenty years. As a body without executive power, a community council cannot expect to always see its view prevail. What I hope we can continue to do, however, is to try to cut through some of the humbug, and give the people of the town a frank account of what is actually going on and why.

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FEATURES: BOOK REVIEWS

Erratum Anthony Miles Martin’s trilogy, SGIAN DUBH, SGIAN TWO, and SGIAN FREE was reviewed by Dr T Gilchrist in the Sept/Oct issue of the magazine, and not by Tony Martin. Please accept sincere apologies for the error.

Ruth Cooke reviews

Footfalls in Fife Copies, price £4.99, are available from Borders in Dundee, Waterstones, and J&G Innes Ltd, St Andrews, or by contacting Elmwood College’s Community Learning Department.

Fun and humour mingle with serious intent in these stories, incidents, tableaux, descriptions, and observations. Some are short, some longer, some have a neatly wrapped ending, and some have a kink in the tail. All interesting in widely different ways.

These short stories and observations were all written in Fife, most are about Fife, but their themes and character are universal. ‘Dignity’ is not a word in common use these days, but it lies at the heart of the human psyche and it binds many of these stories together.

It manifests itself in so many ways here; in a teenager’s bravado; the laughter and jokes of two lifelong friends making their final goodbyes; the need for a housewife’s washing to be the whitest; and, as yet unrecognised in a child’s silent anguish, the joy that radiates from conquering one’s private fears, or the serene face accepting that one’s own glory is bestowed elsewhere – we are all responsible for causing poor little Richard White to be left without one shred of it. All the weeping must be done in private.

That life is unfair is an accepted fact.

How to deal with that unfairness makes these stories. Some accept their lot without complaint;

The writers

some with anger; some struggle; one thumbs her nose years later; one takes a neat sidestep; another evolves plans to avoid the worst; most survive.

There are two delightful snapshots of father/son relationships; another of friends reminiscing. Sharp portraits, one notable caricature, and a song of praise for the humble snowdrop. “Footfalls in Fife” is a collection of quirky tales with beautiful pen and ink illustrations throughout. For most of these writers, this is their first time in print and they certainly deserve a wide public.

PS – Produced by the students of Elmwood College’s Creative Writing course, “Footfalls in Fife”, was written by people who have stepped into the Kingdom of Fife because of birth, family, work, retirement, or love! Through these Fife connections, the students felt they would like to raise money for – –

The Jennifer Brown Research Fund The researchers at the groundbreaking Jennifer Brown Research Laboratory are working to solve some of the most devastating pregnancy problems and find better ways to look after premature babies. Supported by the Jennifer Brown Research Fund, our talented and dedicated team of doctors, scientists and research midwives are advancing pioneering research projects. Their aim is to make real progress towards resolving some of the life-threatening complications that can arise during pregnancy for both mums and babies. The work in the laboratory furthers understanding of what causes early labour, how we can develop treatments to prevent it, and how we can better help treasured tiny newborns in those first crucial hours and days after birth.

The Jennifer Brown Research Fund also supports small innovative community based schemes led by nurses and midwives. The Jennifer Brown Fife Appeal encourages local health professionals to seek funding for their own community health projects. One great idea is Granny School: a refresher course for the first time grandparents who provide so much informal care and support as their grandchildren grow. This has been overwhelmed with applicants and we can see its potential for all areas across the UK. So we are funding some research to expand on how it works and inviting interest to extend pilot schemes to new areas. Other schemes generated on the ground include innovative play schemes, an antenatal care plan for mums with learning disabilities and a community research project on postnatal depression; all great ideas that are making a real difference for families that need them most. www.piggybankkids.org The course just completed personifies what creative writing is all about. Often written from personal experiences, it gives the confidence to discover the writer within. Elaine Renton, the lecturer of this popular evening class, has had many short stories published. She also is a talented artist and many of the stories are illustrated with detailed drawings, which are Elaine’s trademark. Elaine has just been given financial assistance from Fife Council’s Culture Grant Scheme and she plans to attend a residential creative writing course.

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FEATURES: BOOK REVIEWS Margaret Scott, Editorial Assistant at The People’s Friend writes, “In the world of women’s magazines, few are held in such affection as “The People’s Friend”, which this year celebrates its 140th birthday.”

A “Friend” Indeed opinion on a violin without seeing it. You might as well Loved the world over, this unique D.C. Thomson ask our opinion on your wife or your sweetheart by only periodical, known as “The Famous Story Paper”, sends describing her bonnet.

45,000 copies overseas each week. The distinctive The new century brought challenges to readers at Scottish flavour is relished particularly by ex-pats and their home and abroad, and the “Friend” met them all with descendants, and it’s estimated the 450,000 readership courage and vision. During both World Wars the conflict includes a large number of male readers. was brought to the British fireside, as readers were Now in its third century, the “Friend” was launched exhorted to send comforts and provisions to battle-weary in 1869 as a “Monthly Miscellany in connection with the soldiers and captives. Within the pages ‘People’s Journal’”. It held sixteen pages of the magazine, slimmer due to paperand was priced at one penny. Sir John From the outset it is rationing, they could share tears and Leng, then proprietor, had recognised laughter alongside tips and recipes, the opportunity for a periodical, which clear that the aim of and the “Friend”, now more than ever, would be essentially Scottish, with fully the magazine was to became a comforting, dependable one half devoted to fiction, and based presence in the midst of chaos. In a on good Scottish values — The “Friend” inform and educate, of changing moral values, the being intended for fireside reading, as well as to entertain world “Friend” continues to uphold those nothing will be admitted into its columns which many hold dear, and its weekly having the slightest tendency to corrupt religious message, as well as frequent features on the the morals of either old or young. The new magazine Royal Family, are still firm favourites. proved so popular that the following year it changed to One reason for the success of the “Friend” has been being a weekly publication. The price would remain at one the high quality of its fiction. Its editors were always able penny for another fifty years, when it would rise to a penny to recognise and encourage those most-accomplished ha’penny, then tuppence by 1929! writers, and over the years included such notables as J.J. Early issues bore little resemblance to today’s Bell (creator of “Wee MacGreegor”), Agnes Mitchell, and “Friend”. There were no pictures or colour, and its columns the fondly remembered Annie S. Swan, who wrote for the reflected the Victorians’ fascination with inventions and magazine for over sixty years. Today, fiction is still at the gadgets. Gradually, advertisements and line drawings heart of the “Friend”, enjoyed as much as ever by loyal helped to brighten the pages, and in 1946 the first pictorial readers who, weary of celebrity and gossip mags, are cover appeared, showing Edinburgh Castle. Not until the loud in their appreciation of the high standard of writing early Seventies would full colour be introduced. From and storytelling in its pages: “Your magazine must be the the outset it is clear that the aim of the magazine was to best for interesting stories and articles. No sex, violence, inform and educate, as well as to entertain. Young readers or bad language. Just honest-to-goodness, hardworking, were invited to take part in a “Grand Juvenile Exhibition family life . . .”

Of Industry”, whose aim was to raise funds for naming a cot in the Children’s Ward of Dundee Infirmary. Out of this competition grew today’s famous annual “Love To mark this historic anniversary, Darg”, which translates as “a day’s work D.C.Thomson have produced a done for love”, in which items crafted delightful Special Collector’s Edition by readers are judged and awarded of “The People’s Friend”. prizes before being distributed to homes Copies, price £4.99, are available and hospitals throughout the United direct from D.C.Thomson’s Sales Kingdom.

Department, 80 Kingsway East, Then, as now, the emphasis was Dundee DD4 8SL. Or you can order on families and family values, and by credit card by calling Freephone readers sought advice on all kinds of 0800 318 846 (free from UK topics, ranging from cooking, gardening, landlines only. Press option 1 then and housekeeping tips, to problems of option 4 to place an order). etiquette, romance, and legal matters.

For further details see the From a long-standing column in the late D.C.Thomson website — nineteenth century it can be seen that www.dcthomson.co.uk violin-playing and crafting were extremely popular — and that short shrift was given (Images courtesy D C Thomson) to some! It is impossible for us to pass an

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FEATURES Allison Derighetti is asking for help in tracing her

Family This is a plea to anyone living in St Andrews who can help us with any information about our family. My name is Allison Derighetti. Together with my brother, Paul King, we have hit a brick wall trying to trace our paternal grandfather.

Almost 22 years ago we lost our Dad to cancer. He was a lovely man, who adored his family. It was a massive shock for us when we learned recently that he had been adopted as a baby. This is what we have managed to uncover so far: In 1934 Robina Duncan, née Cunningham, travelled from South Street in St Andrews to Portobello in Edinburgh. She was 37 and had been widowed for about a year. There she gave birth to a boy she named Eric Duncan Cunningham, and left him with the Kings in Edinburgh. Our Dad, adopted by the Kings, always knew about his real mother, although he had no desire ever to find her. Robina returned to St Andrews, where it appears she had a 6

year-old son from her first marriage, George Brown Duncan, born in 1928.

On the 21st May 1936, Robina married Alexander Phillip Corstrorphine from 42 South Street, St Andrews. He was a local divorced greenkeeper born in 1902 to George and Christina Corstorphine. Robina and Alexander had a son, Alexander Cunningham Corstorphine, born 5th May 1936, shortly before they married. Sadly Alexander Jnr was killed in a traffic accident in Germany whilst serving with the 3rd Royal Tank Regiment.

Robina was the youngest of 5 siblings, Colin, William, Mary, and Davina, and was raised on Burnside Farm, St Andrews. She was born in 1897 to David and Maryanne Cunningham. We do know that she ended her days in Birmingham, in 1992 aged 95.

We would be so interested to find out what became of Alexander Phillip Corstorphine, and if he is indeed our grandfather. The only story

Leslie Stevenson is awarded the chocolates for dreaming up this beguiling caption for the photo

The boots in the tree Kirsty was a lively publican’s daughter from Glasgow, in her first year at the University. Hamish was walking her back to her residence hall, after their day in the hills with the Breakaway Club, and she was carrying her muddy walking boots in her hand. It was the third time they had done this walk, and Kirsty was getting a bit frustrated. She liked him, with that neat red beard, and that occasional twinkle in his eye. But he was rather painfully shy, a son of the manse from the Western Isles still finding his way in the big wide world. She wondered if he would ever pluck up the courage to make a move, but there was still no sign.

When they stopped under the big tree outside her place, there was an awkward silence – which Kirsty suddenly broke by saying “Wheeee!”, she flung one of her boots into the sky, and gave Hamish a peck on the cheek, just above his beard.

The boot now hung on a twig above them. This broke the log-jam in Hamish, who gave her a manly kiss on the lips. He liked this so much that he grabbed her other boot, shouted “Whoaarrr”, and threw it into the tree, where it lodged neatly, just beside its fellow.

They said to each other, “We’ll get them down tomorrow”. But on the morrow they decided to leave them there until the next Breakaway day, as a public, yet secret, symbol of their new-found love.

that has survived in our family by word of mouth is that our Dad’s father was a greenkeeper from St Andrews. Although this is too much of a coincidence, unfortunately there are no living relatives left to confirm it. If anyone knows of Alexander or what became of him we would love to hear about it. It may be possible however that he left the country as he appears to be untraceable after the birth of his son.

Finally, it would be great if anyone has any photographs of the Cunninghams, or the Corstorphines, that they wouldn’t mind sharing with us. It would mean so much to finally put faces to family names. My brother and I each have 2 children and when they get a bit older it would be wonderful to tell them this story with all the gaps filled in. Thank you for your time.

Please contact the magazine if you have any information, and it will be passed on to Allison.

Gavin C Reid

Drinking at the Drookit Dug Damp as spaniels off the moor, laughter drifting from your door invites us in on Friday.

Drinks are served without delay, contents quaffed as laughter swells at tales that each wag tells, recreating what we did through imagination’s sieve.

Colin Mcallister’s

Sonnet – Adam and Eve Adam was a bored and lonely young man, As all around the world his eyes did scan But found nothing his boredom to relieve, Till God sent a helpmate, whose name was Eve. Now in Eden’s garden was laughter heard, But Eve always had to have the last word.

Yet the pair were happy for quite a while, Till Eve was tempted by the serpent’s guile.

Then Eve some of the fateful apple ate – Why didn’t she just try a luscious date?

So from the garden they were both thrown out And their trust was replaced by mutual doubt.

The moral of this story is quite clear – What you wish for may come, a little dear!

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FEATURES Elizabeth Candlish thoughtfully considers

“Neighbours… everybody needs a neighbour…”

Remember the song? It used to ring out twice a day for TV viewers of all living at the Grange village, and ages, “Neigbours should be there for one another…” this took precious time. However, One thing I’m very sure of: my grandparents would have agreed they collected the empty pitcher on heartily with those sentiments. They lived on a farm, neighbours playing the way home, arriving there about an important part in their lives. My mother, born in 1897, could recall five o’clock, when the table was clearly to the end of her life the names of all those who lived nearby – yes, invariably laid for tea, with plain and tell many a tale about them too. bread, scones, or bannocks, and Grandfather was a coachman at Allanhill Farm, about two miles south the two hungry schoolgirls (who ate of St Andrews. His job was to look after the laird’s vehicles, the brougham, their playtime “piece” on the way to the landau and the gig, keep the harness well polished, and make sure school, and their dinner-time one at the horses were fed, groomed, and exercised daily. Grandmother’s tasks playtime) used to take turns saying included rearing poultry, turkeys, geese, and hens, seeing to the airing piteously “I’m hungry”. It generally of the “big hoose”, and the laird’s meals, when he visited. He lived in worked!

Glasgow, but appeared regularly to see to farm business, his family with On the way, too, they usually met him at Easter and summer, for holidays. another neighbour, who worked on the railway. Without fail they asked Grandfather was paid £1 a week, on which he and Grandmother the same question, “What time is it, Mr Hodge?” Sometimes he would tell brought up their eight children. Yet my mother looked back on a happy them, “Near five o’clock,” but at other times he would say, “It’s the same home and a happy childhood… and neighbours played an important part time as it was yesterday at this time,” or “It’s time you were hame!” in it.

Grange village was (and is) in fact no more than a row of cottages, My grandparents stayed for thirty-three years at Allanhill. The lying between Allanhill and St Andrews, with a spectacular view of house next door had many changes of tenants in that time. It was quite St Andrews Bay, the coast of Angus, and the Sidlaws beyond. At the customary to stay for only six months at one farm – a year at most – far end lived Willie Wilson, who lent my mother books. He had a tailor’s so the house next door was empty regularly. Mother and her sister, business in Market Street, and everyone thought him a born bachelor, the youngest in the family, would spend hours but he surprised them by later marrying a tailoress speculating excitedly about the incoming tenants.

My mother, born in 1897, could who worked with him. Willie was well known for his Would there be children, and if so, how old would recitations: he favoured the works of Robert Burns. recall clearly to the end of her they be? Some of the friendships made then lasted My mother used to say that she had never before life the names of all those who for many years, and memories lasted even longer. or since heard “Tam O’Shanter” recited with such lived nearby – yes, and tell There was Mrs Lockie, who made the most feeling as when Willie Wilson was prevailed upon to delicious scones, not like Grandmother’s, which were entertain the company. many a tale about them too pale and floury, but well fired: after baking them on Next door to Willie lived Mr Hodge, the the girdle, she stood them up on a wire frame in front of the kitchen fire. railwayman, and his wife, a quiet, “coothy” couple. Next lived John Wilson Families then were reared on home-baked scones and bannocks – even and his niece, Miss Maggie Eadie, to whom the milk was delivered daily. bread was a once a week treat, when the baker’s cart called, so Mrs As a child, mother used to puzzle over the sleeping arrangements here, Lockie’s scones were greatly appreciated by hungry little girls. for there appeared to be only one room, with a small scullery at the back.

Another time shepherd Joseph Wilson lived next door. He knitted Years later, when renovations were being done, she discovered that a his own long stockings, as he went about his work. His son, a tailor, was door, which she had always supposed led to a cupboard, hid a ladder-like a great reader, and used to lend books to my mother, mostly classics, stairway to another tiny bedroom in the eaves. giving her a taste for reading which remained with her all her life. There Next door again were the Pringles. Although mother liked Mr were few books in her home. Although a colporteur called every month Pringle, she stood in considerable awe of his wife, a tall, straight, thin with books, there was never money for such indulgences. Besides, lady, who always seemed to look at children accusingly, for mischief not Grandmother thought reading was a great waste of time! They didn’t even perpetrated, but who nevertheless made them feel guilty! Next door to have a daily newspaper, but at the weekend “The People’s Journal” and them lived Alex Buchanan, known to the girls as Buckie, who also inspired “The People’s Friend” were brought home by a big sister, who worked in fear. He kept pigs, and early every morning set off with horse and cart to town.

St Andrews to collect feed for them, going round the hotels, and returning “Next door is only a footstep away…” Well, perhaps a little more just as the girls were on their way to school. He cracked his long whip than that, but distance was no barrier to neighbourliness. East of Allanhill as they passed him, and they had to climb up the banks at the roadside is Priormuir, where the Robertsons lived. Many a winter evening my to escape. Years later my mother decided that he wouldn’t actually have grandparents would visit them, lighting their way along the rough path harmed any of them. Buckie and his horse were all they met on their way through the fields with a stable lantern, which swung backwards and to school: traffic, as we know it today, was non-existent. forwards, casting strange shadows around. Mother and her little sister In the last house at the Grange lived Miss Katie Wilson, a shy, retiring went along too, as it would have been too dangerous to leave them person. During term, University students from St Mary’s College in behind, with an open fire and a paraffin lamp. The grown-ups played St Andrews came to preach there on Sunday evenings, and neighbours cards; “Catch the ten” was a favourite. Many a hard battle was fought! from far and near crowded into her “ben” end to hear them. There was There was always a cup of tea, with milk for the girls. Then there was the a portable organ and a lectern, with a huge pulpit Bible, lit, of course, by trudge home. paraffin lamp. This row of cottages looked south, and at the end, where West of Allanhill lies Springfield, a smallholding where the Carswell now the Grange Inn stands, two adjoining cottages looked west. The family lived. They were the nearest neighbours, no more than a field Gorries lived in one, and the Wilsons in the other. (Apparently none of away, and they had girls more or less the same age. So began a these Wilsons were related.) At one time there had been a farm there, friendship that lasted for many long years. The Carswell parents came and there were still several outhouses, a barn, a stable, and a byre. When from Argyllshire, and spoke Gaelic to each other, especially if they didn’t my mother knew them, they were old Mrs Bawbie (Barbara) Wilson, want to let the children know what they were talking about. There was no who smoked a clay pipe, and her daughters Mary and Bella. Mary was a card-playing there! Mr Carswell would say grace before and after meals, dressmaker, and had a brass plate on the door to prove it – M. WILSON. mostly in Gaelic, and usually at some length.

DRESSMAKER. Bella was in service in St Andrews. Mary Wilson was the Further west was Lochend Farm, where the Ritchie family lived, and most inquisitive person the girls had ever met. At intervals, during the day, there too, a very long-lasting bond was made, especially with one of the she would come to the door with a basin, or a jug, or a pail with a little daughters, Agnes. Every day Agnes, Jean Carswelll, and my mother and water, and throw the water across the road. Then she would stand in the her sister went to school in St Andrews, together – at least, they came doorway for a moment or two, looking to see if anyone was in sight. If, by home together. “Just a friendly wave each morning helps to make a better chance, someone did come down the road, she would ask, “Are you going day….” But if you can’t wave, at least leave a message. In the mornings, to the town?” When the inevitable affirmative was given, she would ask by arrangement, the first girl off to school placed a stone at a special “Could you bring a reel of thread that colour?” – and a piece of material place on the dyke to signal to the others she was gone. Mother and her was given as a sample. Then she would add, in a whisper, although there sister often ran at the last minute, for they had to deliver milk to a couple was not a soul about to hear, “and a wee bit tobacco for my mother.” The

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FEATURES girls hated doing her errands, especially the tobacco bit, and more often the Crail and Anstruther roads part company. You could linger in the than not forgot it, receiving a scolding for their pains. warmth while the horse was shod. The smith, Malcolm McDonald, was My grandmother got Mary Wilson to make things for Mother and her a great storyteller, and a great singer too. Generally his songs had more sister. Best remembered were brown serge pinafore dresses, with pink or less the same tune, and he used to make up verses as he went along print blouses. She also made Mother’s first evening dress, when she went – “twenty verses and twenty choruses”, Mother remembered. While his away to college; pale biscuit coloured, with pink trimmings. Later Mother audience was singing the chorus, he would look round, spotting who was shuddered to think what she must have looked like, but at least there there. Then the next verse would include that person’s name. On and would not be another one like it! Mary Wilson used the same pattern for on he would go, until everyone present had had at least one mention. more or less all shapes and sizes, with the minimum of alterations.

Shy folk tried to keep out of sight, still being near enough to enjoy what The Sunday evening services in Miss Katie Wilson’s house came to a Malcolm had to sing about the others. He visited the farms round about, sudden and tragic end. Mother and Grandmother had attended church in mending gates and fences, and always with time for a crack – he was St Andrews, and were walking home with another neighbour, when they never in a hurry, yet the work got done just the same. met Alex Buchanan, cycling at speed to the town. There had been a slight Other callers came to Allanhill, bringing news of the countryside fall of snow, and the road was icy. Grandmother greeted him, and warned with them. My grandmother was always ready with a scone and a cup “The roads are gey slippery for you the day, Alex.” “They are so,” he of tea, or a drink of milk warm from the cow, for any who came to the agreed, and continued on his way. door. Saturdays brought the baker, Jimmy When they reached Grange village, Marr, a great favourite with the children, One favourite gathering place was the Mother was sent ahead to collect the because he always had a sweetie or two blacksmith’s, Brownhills Smiddy, where the empty milk pitcher, and outside Alex for them, before hoisting himself up on his Crail and Anstruther roads part company. You Buchanan’s house she noticed splashes van and driving on to his next customer. of blood on the snow. Catching up with He was a kindly man. When faced with could linger in the warmth while the horse was her mother and Mr Cameron she jokingly the problem of providing her girls with a shod. The smith, Malcolm McDonald, was a said, “Buckie has surely been killing a midday “piece” they couldn’t eat before great storyteller, and a great singer too chicken today: there’s blood on the snow.” time, grandmother enlisted his help. She They parted with Mr Cameron, and arrived gave him a two-pound jar of home-made home. My grandmother was just taking off her Sunday skirt and changing jam to be spread on a halfpenny soft biscuit, which they collected daily into her everyday one, when there was a loud knocking at the door. “Oh! from his shop – Grandmother paid for the biscuits when Jimmy called in Come quick, Mrs Morris, Katie Wilson has been murdered.” Grandmother on a Saturday. was the one everyone turned to when help was needed, a birth, a death, The butcher and fishmonger came weekly too, as did the Arbroath or any emergency. (“Neighbours should be there for one another…”) Off fishwife, with a basket of smokies on her back and another on each went Grandmother, without a bite of dinner, while the family waited agog arm. Then there was the colporteur, with the books that couldn’t be for her return. afforded, and a draper, with his pack – aprons, blouses, underwear, and It turned out that poor Katie Wilson had been asked to marry “Buckie”, stockings for the womenfolk, working shirts and stiff corduroy trousers but had always refused him. On that Sunday morning she had passed for the men. Around Christmas time he brought toys, including wonderful his door to enquire the right time at the next house, and Alex Buchanan dolls with faces and “real” hair, much more inviting than the home-made had struck her down with an axe. This was later found behind his door, dolls Grandmother fashioned out of discarded black stockings. (Alas, bloodstained and with Katie’s hairs on it for evidence. No evidence the household budget didn’t stretch to beautiful dolls.) The pig man was needed – Alex Buchanan had cycled down to the police station to came once a fortnight, with his cart of colourful dishes, along with more give himself up. Katie died in the Cottage Hospital, without regaining mundane, but necessary things – pot scrubbers made of heather, bound consciousness. Alex was tried, imprisoned, and later sent to a mental with string, clothes ropes and clothes pegs, sandstone for whitening hospital. doorsteps and hearths, Sunlight soap for washing clothes, carbolic for My mother, of course, was for once the centre of the family’s attention more personal use, and polishes for brassware, boots, and shoes. He, – she had seen the blood, and the murderer! By the afternoon, the blood too, sat down with a glass of milk and a scone, and brought Grandmother had been covered up with a pile of ashes. Next day, when she returned up to date with the latest news. from school, two policemen came to interview her. As for the Sunday All the time a little girl sat demurely in the corner, drinking it all in, evening services, the little congregation simply moved round the corner little thinking how eighty years later her children and grandchildren would to Miss Mary Wilson’s house, to the room where many of them had been find her tales of her neighbours every bit as fascinating and absorbing as measured and fitted for her marvellous creations! those small screen stories of the ones from “down under.”

Although scattered over the countryside, keeping up with the latest news never seems to have been a problem, all those years ago. One (Photo courtesy of Mrs Candlish of favourite gathering place was the blacksmith’s, Brownhills Smiddy, where her mother as a student in St Andrews)

St Andrews – Home of Hamish 1.

Lillias Forbes left Oxford reluctantly in the summer

Near Basingstoke, Remembering Oxford Old age – what are you But idle hours plucked from time’s passing, Salvaged for contemplation ...

A Hamish Admirer writes: “ A ‘dreich’ day in St Andrews... Having escaped from the rain, along with many humans – the Sue Ryder shop was rather full – Hamish found that he’d exchanged one trying circumstance for another. Whilst trying to have a quick brush-up and rearrange his damp fur he found some young admirers attentive for rather too long, hence the somewhat discountenanced demeanour!”

Out from the hurly burly steals This wandering lap-wash Lipping the river bank – Seeking the rooted webs of willows That bower of summer Its distant whisperings Redolent with endless orchestrations!

2. Lorraine, another admirer, caught Hamish having a brief lie-down in South Street.

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FEATURES Karen Hutchence, studying for a Diploma in Freelance Journalism at Aberdeen College, has got hooked on

Plane Spotting Plane spotting – with 43 squadron about to disband, they were what a boring way not looking forward to the ‘dry period’, before to pass the day you any new aircraft arrived. One of the plane may think, and once spotters, an ex-aircraft engineer, could spot a I did too; imagining problem with an aircraft from quite a distance. folk sitting outside They spoke of the Tornado squadrons an airfield watching planes take off and land. as if they were part of their family, and the I could think of better ways to pass the time. I warmth towards them was obvious. The arrival would never pack a lunch and thermos flask, of the Eurofighter Typhoon in Leuchars was then head off to watch planes for the day. I used something they were all really looking forward to have a little chuckle at seeing people who to. One man engaged me in conversation about did! them as the best multi-role combat aircraft I recently decided to retrain as a journalist, in the world. I didn’t understand all of the and had just bought a camera. Getting terminology he was using, but I had seen one experience taking moving shots was going to fly for myself, and it was better than watching be good practice, so I thought I might join the Star Wars as a kid! plane spotters and take a few photos. (As an Then there was a bit of movement on the exercise only, of course) airfield and their scanners came On my way home from St to life. Everyone (including Yes folks, I’m proud Andrews, I noticed many cars myself) scrambled up the bank to call myself a plane and people outside Leuchars to the fence line to see what spotter – in training!

Airfield and decided to pull in to was happening. Two Tornado see what was happening. Meek aircraft had lined up on the and half stupid, I geared up the courage to ask runway. And then the most exciting thing I have a group of men, who were talking to an RAF seen – their engines flared up like drag racing guy, what was happening. The plane spotters cars – the whole runway, was filled with a filled me in on the planes which were taking cloud of spent fuel, and the air warped with the off on an exercise for the day. So I decided most intense heat from them. The noise was to stick around. I pulled out my camera. And incredible; like rockets blasting off; that vivid to my embarrassment, noticed mine was the orange glow thrusting out of them. Watching smallest! These guys were fully kitted out. it from such close quarters and experiencing Radio scanners strapped to their belts, and the full magnitude of it was something you cameras that had so many attachments, the had to see to believe. Everyone was frantically weight of them must have been incredible. They clicking away to catch the sight and sounds knew all the names of the different aircraft; the of these fantastic aircraft. There was one squadrons; where the aircraft were kept; best shot I took which was indeed a fluke. But the aviation websites; and photographers. I asked moment I took it I thought, ‘hmm, not bad for an one man how they knew so much. He told me ‘amateurus apparatus’. to buy a couple of Aviation magazines, put up Two by two those Tornados continuously the free wall chart that was due out in one soon, pulled up to take off, and what a rush! I and I’d pretty much get to identify the aircraft could see now why enthusiasts are drawn myself.

I hung around waiting with them for a while. As the new Kiwi girl on the block, I was designated to get the BBQ going next time they came up. I spent most of the time laughing with them. These people were fantastic, funny, and so friendly. One couple had been plane spotting for over 25 years and had driven all the way up from the Borders (with a packed lunch). Their middle-aged son was there too, and was trained well. They told me how the reduction in aircraft B52 bomber had dropped significantly over the years, and

30

to these aircraft. The experience and expertise of the crew was obvious. These RAF people really know their stuff. Lastly the Chinook helicopter (which looks as if an enclosed village lives on it) roared in with all its glory. I wasn’t lucky enough to take a photo of that in time, but one professional photographer got the best shot, from what seemed like metres away. It looked as if the Chinook was even posing!

Then the action died down, and everyone withdrew to have their packed lunches, until some further excitement. I thanked my new friends for helping me out with their knowledge and friendship. Since that day I’m afraid I have ignited the ‘planus spotus’ gene within me. Yes folks, I’m proud to call myself a plane spotter – in training!

Leuchars Air show was on its way and I was not going to miss it. However, two days before, I found myself scrambling up the plane spotters’ bank again, to watch the arrival of the B52 bomber. It was massive! It flew towards us, continuously growing. Wow! Then, directly over our heads we were shrouded in its doom shadow. The B52 was so close I felt I could touch it; I was actually shaking! Fantastic aircraft!

Air Show day arrived, and what a buzz!

Plane spotters came out in droves; merged onto the airbase, and experienced spotter’s heaven. Watching the Vulcan glide like a stingray, gracefully through the air, everyone was speechless. The Red Arrows as usual, were fantastic, and my favourite, the Eurofighter Typhoon.

Thank you RAF Leuchars! You put on the best show I have ever seen; organized, efficient, skilled, and strong – you always make us proud.

(Photos courtesy Karen Hutchence)

FEATURES Margaret Squires went ‘hill walking’ on the 4th plinth in Trafalgar Square

‘Cairngormley’: The Hill Formerly Known as Plinth – taking a piece of St Andrews to London Earlier this year my was up there, almost causing him to fall into newspaper reported that the safety net. A helicopter flew overhead; I Anthony Gormley, who had soon realised it hadn’t come to rescue me. custody of the fourth plinth Then I decided that the cairn could be in Trafalgar Square for the in the wrong place….that’s the trouble with year, wanted volunteers to these flat-topped mountains, you are never sure about the true top. I stand on it for an hour at a built it again on the other side, telling a few stories about the Mountain time in an ‘artwork’ entitled Rescue Teams, the hills, and the books I was using. I had climbed Ben “One and Another”. Ever Nevis for the Labour Party in 1996, to raise money in a sweepstake on since passing The Angel of how long I would take, and had thought 1997 a new dawn. In 2003 I the North, I have been a fan enlarged my Labour Party Card, wrote “Joined 1996, quitting 2003” on it, of Gormley’s, but worried had hung it round my neck and taken it to Glasgow to march against the he wouldn’t get the cross war in Iraq: the end of my membership. I stood for what was supposed to section of British Society he be a minute’s silence out of respect for the dead, namely MY Old Labour was looking for, since OAPs, Party (my daughter tells me it lasted all of 20 seconds, but time seemed maybe getting a bit wobbly, to stretch out under public gaze). My “I (heart) Scotland” umbrella flew wouldn’t apply. Realising off into the safety net, and for the only time, I felt a twinge of that old that at 70 I may only be a vertigo. junior OAP, doing lots of hill Friends I hadn’t seen for years, popped up to wave and shout; I walking and having largely conquered appalling vertigo when younger, waved and shouted back. Then it was time to pack up and go. I pressed I volunteered. The organising company must have been short, because a bit of rock into the shaking hand of the next occupant, a journalist despite the fact that over 32,000 people applied, they picked me, as one launching a website, and was lowered back down. The Visitors’ Book of the 2,400! reported that all the participants seemed to have arrived terrified, but I decided that my hour on the plinth should reflect what I do a lot of had really enjoyed their time on the plinth, as did I, in a scary sort of way, the time now I am retired, so I went in my hill-walking gear, treating it much like climbing the Inaccessible Pinnacle. as a Scottish mountain, and building a cairn on Plinth. I tried lifting the http://www.oneandother.co.uk/participants/Margaret_S – I looked requisite amount of rocks, found it impossible, so decided that, as a nod at that link before stepping onto the plinth, thinking “Well, at least I to my bookselling past, I would build it out have ONE message of support,” to find of books, and to benefit someone, decided that the e-mail log-jam had eased and I decided that my hour on the plinth to raise money for Mountain Rescue. there were 27 friends and neighbours Each book had the name of a Mountain should reflect what I do a lot of the time supporting, with more later. I had Rescue team on the spine, and on the phoned to ask if husband and son could now I am retired, so I went in my hillcover a copy of one of our hill books. I collect for Mountain Rescue, and been asked members of the Art Club if I could told “no problem”. When we arrived walking gear, treating it as a Scottish copy some of their mountain pictures and were told that the “Council had mountain, and building a cairn on Plinth we use them too. come down on them for not getting the I had to arrive early. Suddenly there correct permit”, but as long as he was appeared a man practising a Japanese sword art called iaido, much discreet, my husband could hold a bucket. He was very happy to collect higher up than I had thought. He was followed by Anonymous, who “discreetly” and managed to raise nearly £100. If anyone would still like wanted to appear that way because he spent his hour writing antito donate, the online link is: http://www.mrcofs.org/ Scientology posters and feared reprisals. Then another Anonymous – a late replacement for a dropout, who sketched for an hour. I was (Photos courtesy Margaret Squires) searched for offensive weapons (how did iaido-man’s sword get there?), interviewed for posterity, and ascended on a platform. Anonymous handed me the gift of a picture he had drawn, and I stepped onto the plinth.

As it was a Scottish mountain for the hour, I spent some time cogitating on whether it should be Beinn Plinth, Meall Plinth, Meallan, Stob, Stuc, Creag, or Cnoc Plinth, went into the Borders, tried Anthoneygormley Hill (like Andrewwhinney Hill). Realising that some Scottish Hills like Slioch (the spear) are just named by their shape, I came back to Plinth; like Pillar, in the Lake District, or perhaps The Hill Formerly Known as Plinth. Having built, I had to do a GPS on the cairn to find out where it was.

I pressed the wrong button and a temperature scale appeared instead: 35° C. Phew! No wonder it felt hot.

I got out the O/S map of London to see if I was in the right place. My son’s girlfriend kept gesturing to put on my hat, so I displayed my kit to the crowd: jacket, red in case I needed to be rescued; waterproof trousers, prepatched at the knock-knees since they will keep wearing through and letting in the rain; a fleece (at 35°?), my www.scottishhills.com woolly hat, in case I bump into someone else wearing one, and we can compare notes on trip-reports and routes; midge net; and finally my sun hat. I took photos from the summit and looked for wildlife through binoculars, but only spotted pigeons. The iaido View from on top man said that a Harris Hawk had shot past him while he

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FEATURES Ellen Derrick remembers her Uncle

Tommy I was born in 1934, the youngest of seven, in a I flew with my husband, Harry, to Paris, then small village called Menstrie, near Stirling. took the train to Albert; just the right way to get At primary school, we were made very “tuned in” to the countryside of northern France. aware of “Poppy Day”. At 11.00am on the 11th Albert is a quiet little town. It is not old November, we were told, “All stand”. Seats fashioned, but there is definitely the feeling that clattered up as we did so, wearing our “penny time has stood still. The British are expected, poppies”. We stood for two minutes in complete and are made to feel welcome. We booked silence. The traffic in the village street stopped; into our small and pleasant Hotel Basilique. there were very few cars then in war time. I was Our room, with floor to ceiling windows, looked intensely aware of the significance of “Poppy on to the square, and the Basilica. Albert must Day”, having two brothers in always have been an the army, at war. When my important place to have It was such a moving parents thought of Armistice, such an impressive church occasion, all eight of us they thought of World war – “knocked about a bit” in there to remember Tommy, One, at that time called “The 1916, though you would with his picture placed at the never know it now.

Great War” and, of course, of Tommy.

On Friday 20th October, end of the table My mother was Isabella 2006, the anniversary of Balsillie, a native of St Andrews, born at the old the day my Uncle Tommy “died of wounds”, we Toll House in Argyle Street in 1892. Her brother were up early to meet with the nephews. Sure Tommy was born there the year before. Unlike enough, at 9.00am they arrived: Victor, Robin, her, he never reached old age. He was a Black Tommy with Juliet, and Andrew with Christine.

Watch soldier, killed at the Battle of the Somme The boys had hired two cars to visit the in 1916. My mother spoke of him often; even battlefields and Victor, with a good knowledge her grandchildren were aware ofTommy. of the Somme history, was our guide. It felt so By chance, I was given some old Balsillie right to be making this sentimental journey. family photographs. I had some copies made That day was full of intense experiences. and sent them to family members who, I First, to Highwood, to see a plain granite stone thought, would find them interesting. Four of memorial to the Black Watch, up a little side them went to the sons of my oldest brother, all road, near Longueval. It was not very important, living in the north-west of England. They all got I suppose – except to people like us – for it was in touch with me and soon we had a plan to at Highwood that Uncle Tommy got his fatal visit the battlefield of the Somme. The year was wounds.

2006, the 90th anniversary of the battle. We all There are so many memorials in the felt it was the right time to make the journey and Somme region, an area of about five miles we all arranged to meet in Albert, near Amiens. square. At the Labrador memorial, the first thing to greet you is a great bronze stag. We walked around the paths. Remains of the trenches are still there, now grassed over, sheep peacefully grazing. At the end of a path we saw a large stone statue of a kilted Scottish soldier, surrounded by the graves of so many young Scots. Everything was quiet and still. We all stood there unable to speak.

We visited the Lady Helen Tower, built to commemorate the men of Northern Ireland.

Inside the tower there hangs a painting of the “Ulstermen” going “over the top”, wearing their Orange sashes on the 12th July. I was totally amazed by this. There is a Welsh memorial too, on a little hill overlooking the ground they fought for – an area not a great deal bigger than a football field. In Delville Wood Cemetery, Remembrance Service St Andrews

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lie mostly South African soldiers, though I saw graves there of Argyll and Southern Highlanders, some Australians and New Zealanders too. People came from all over what was then called “Our Empire”, to fight for what was called “The Mother Country”, just as they did years later, in the war during which I spent my childhood.

At last we came to the reason for our journey – Caterpillar Valley Cemetery, Longueval. We stood around the small gravestone: Thomas Balsillie, Died of wounds 20.10.1916 Just one among thousands. We placed a little poppy wreath on his grave and the photograph that had brought us to his graveside. Of course, we never knew him, but we certainly knew about him, through my mother’s love for him.

That evening Harry, my husband, held a little dinner party at our Hotel Basilique. It was such a moving occasion, all eight of us there to remember Tommy, with his picture placed at the end of the table. Afterwards we all said goodnight in the square in front of the Basilica and went our separate ways. Memories of that trip will stay with me for ever. I feel we rounded off a bit of history .

Before we left, there was one other place we visited, which must be mentioned – the huge stone arch at Thiepval, covered with the names of “The Missing”. Beside it stands a modest museum, inside of which was a wall – covered with photographs of young men never found.

Rows and rows of faces. I could only stand in silence. It is the only response to such a place.

Here in St Andrews, I always go along to the war memorial on 11th November. I look at Tommy Balsillie’s name – and that of my cousin David Balsillie, killed in Burma in World War Two. How could I ignore such a day, after having been to Albert and the Somme?

(Photos courtesy Mrs Derrick)

FEATURES Lawrie McNicol gives Flora Selwyn the impression that he is

‘Twice blessed….’

From his birthplace, North Berwick, Lawrie McNicol followed his heart done the whole spectrum, of westwards to the Royal Scottish Academy of Music & Drama in Glasgow. everything.” But Mother Goose, Three years later, in1983, “I went straight into a movie, called ‘Restless ”is going to be really special, I Natives’, a very popular Scots movie about two guys who set up a Robin think. To be honest it will be even Hood type of thing. It was good fun.” On and off in the following eight better than last year.” Traditional years Lawrie was in the TV soap opera ‘Take the High Road’, working pantomime “is what people want, between times at the BBC and in the theatre in “a variety of things.” and they want a laugh, they want “The acting profession is great when it’s going well, and you’re to be brought out of themselves.” working, but you can spend long periods unemployed. I was fed up taking Lawrie is enthused by the script, jobs just to pay the rent.” The solution? – gorgeous – a small, hugely the costumes, the set, everything. successful eatery run together with partner William Faichnie, in Bell He has special praise for Kirsteen Street, St Andrews. How did the name come about? Lawrie claims he has Naismith, the Wardrobe Mistress, a scientific approach to cooking, “I experiment with things; I love inventing “she is just incredible; she can just do it on a budget of nothing. There’re ways of doing things that don’t take all day. I love cooking, and I thought, a lot of people in the cast, which is a huge undertaking, and Kirsteen just ‘I just want to produce gorgeous food’. It’s all been trial and error.” And sails through it and does it, you know. She’s got it, in bucket loads! So gorgeous does outside catering too, “you have to move with the times.

I’m looking forward to that.” A second’s hesitation and he confesses, “I’m And you’ve got to get the hang of your clientele.” dead scared, as well!”

Catering was William’s first love before he took up a career in finance, Recently and unexpectedly, Lawrie was head-hunted to take part in a so the venture was not as removed from experience as it might first German-made commercial for the Links Trust. Apparently recommended appear. Lawrie, however, always hankers after the stage, “it’s a vocation; to its producer by a chambermaid at one of St Andrews’ hotels, he found you just cannot not do it!” Last year Lawrie played the hilarious role of himself filming in Berlin with all expenses paid. The subject being golf, one of the Ugly Sisters in the Byre’s traditional Lawrie feels, “it just is weird, because my father pantomime, Cinderella. At first he was wary of was a golf club maker for over 25 years with Ben I love inventing ways of doing playing alongside Stephen Docherty, the other Ugly Sayers in North Berwick.” things that don’t take all day. I Sister, because he thought they were too similar.

Has he ever forgotten his lines, I asked, love cooking, and I thought, ‘I just naughtily? “Oh God, yes!” came the instant reply.

“But it was really good, and I thoroughly enjoyed want to produce gorgeous food’ larking with him. We just made it up some of the Lawrie remembers being on stage “three shows a time as well, which was great; I love that; something day, and I didn’t have a clue where I was. We were less to learn, you know!” What was it like wearing high heels? “Strangely halfway through the third show and didn’t know if it was the first act of the enough, the first two weeks of wearing them you’re in agony. After that first show or the second act of the second show. You start to talk rubbish. it’s very comforting. The back of your legs, the muscles, strengthen That shouldn’t be allowed.” He was on the stage for six hours, with an up or something like that, I don‘t know. Then when you stop doing the hour’s break in between. “It was just greed basically, to make money. But pantomime your legs get very sore, because you’re wearing flat shoes.”

I don’t think they’re doing that any more,” because it was so destructive.

This year Lawrie will be directing Mother Goose. He is not exactly A matinée performance followed by an evening one, however, “is hard, new to pantomime, having “done the lot” over 27 years, even being but you get used to that”, as the body clock adjusts, “that’s what’s always Principal Boy, and Baddie, “I love doing Baddie, a wonderful part. I’ve done. It’s part of the business, you know.”

Crossword

By Cee ACROSS 1. As seen in Vogue, a dish with style (7,5) 8. Aggressive actions, one said to be the best form of defence (7) 9. Takes two of these to tango or share the business risk (7) 11. Watched by these from the eyrie, prey take cover (6,4) 12. The cat that likes the largest share (4) 14. Gives the gifts (8) 16. Old measures of a mineral, we hear (6) 17. Proverbial cutting tool (3) 19. See 21 21. and 19. Gild our hotels with a hundred variegated lamps (8,6) 24. Well-ventilated in a casual way (4) 25. Not on the beach out of season, shivering bars us then (10) 27. Keeps pupils back to find mistakes (7) 28. Duncan, the dancer in the middle is adorable (7) 29. Time spent buying 14 across, none left on Christmas morning (8,4)

DOWN 1 Tiredness, the result of constant ironing? (7) 2. Their bells are pealing citrus fruit cocktail (2,8) 3. PS, nicest cook checks carefully (8) 4. Crab claw, a young one (6) 5. An amusing adventure for the songbird in the sky (4) 6. More-piquant flavour from the Moroccan city (7) 7. Guests will be shocked to find these crawlers in the 20 down (12) 10. The best place to sit on Boxing Day? (8,4) 13. Driven on by Italians going places (10) 15. A bag, but not the type Santa uses (3) 18. Behaving like a jelly on a shaky table (8) 20. The final touch on the plates, sharing out the greenery (7) 22. Little brown antelopes not expected to pull a sleigh (7) 23. Cereals, fruit and nuts make ‘U’ smile when stirred (6) 26. Ballons to blow up? It saves your breath (4)

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NB. Some of the clues relate to the run-up to Christmas.

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FEATURES Jack Daniels reads ten a day, and his interest goes back to his untimely dispatch of an Army Major.......

Obituaries International Association of Obituarists, who meet in conferences in Back in pre-computer days, one of the places like Las Vegas, New Mexico. There are big names and legendary grinds of a trainee journalist on the characters too, such as Hugh Massingberd, the Obits Editor of the broadsheets was to do a daily check of Daily Telegraph, who died in 2007. Many in the trade regard him as the the “stiffs”. This involved scanning all the Shakespeare of obits. Under him the Telegraphy’s obit page published papers for any news item you might wish the lives of the pure and the impure, the great, the bad, and the wicked, to add to the obituaries we had already and he had a very special interest in eccentrics. He departed entirely from prepared. You had to be careful that respectful tributes to good critical assessment; for him, the test of whether having added the item you did not then an obit was worth the space was the level of genuine character interest. send the file “down to the printers”. For Major John Smith I did just that, The Telegraph remains a must for serious obituary readers! and he had the pleasure of seeing his own in advance……he was in fact Obituarists must not only have a high degree of literary talent and very impressed. That was how I became an obituary addict. character interest, they must also keep a sharp eye on the law of libel.

Most people read newspapers from front to back, but sports fans For this reason the old hands of the trade develop a skilled use of will probably do it the other way around. I will automatically seek the euphemism, such as: ‘convivial’ for alcoholic; ‘he enjoyed the company of obituaries pages first. From my observations in St Andrews’ coffee shops ladies’ for womaniser; ‘tireless raconteur’ for bore; ‘powerful negotiator’ for I am in good company. A latte with a good obituary is for me one of life’s bully; and a recent city fraudster was described as ‘liberally interpreting great pleasures. the laws of accountancy’.

The nature of obituaries varies greatly from culture to culture.

Let me dip into my obits cuttings and give you a couple of my However, they should not be confused with death notices or favourites: appreciations, although the boundaries between these can often be blurred. Notices in Spanish or Hungarian papers, for example, are often a • “For centuries men and women have turned to the east for the secret combination of the two and carry elaborate photographs and eulogies. of life, health and happiness. But Momofuku Ando, inventor of instant Obituaries should properly be about famous, high-achieving, or noodles, taught that there was no need to climb half naked up a extraordinary people. The fame might be mass murder or fraud or, of mountain peak, or meditate for hours on a prayer mat. One should course, great heroism. I have no doubt that the stiffs room of the great simply, “Peel off the lid. Pour boiling water. Steep for three minutes. obituary papers will have a draft copy for Bernie Madoff, and will probably And serve”. have a by-line, something like, “great fraudster who added to the woes • Remember Mad Mitch who, “in June 1967 led the Argyll and of the 2009 crash”. Good obituaries are well researched, critical mini Sutherland Highlanders, with bag pipes playing, into the Crater area biographies. They are living history available at the breakfast table. To a of Aden at the dead of night to flush out armed Arab insurgents at large extent they are an Anglo-American preserve with the best examples bayonet point. His motto was that, “it was better to live for a day as a to be found in the Times, Guardian, Daily Telegraph, the Independent, and tiger than a year as a donkey” the Economist in the UK; the New York Times, Los Angeles Times, and Some obituarists fear that as World War II veterans depart, the rich seam the Washington Post in the US. All of these publications devote space and of great characters will get thin. Surely not. Humanity will continue to good staff writers/researchers to produce these mini biographies of the produce heroes, adventurers, inventors of cat’s eyes, and can openers. immediate dead. In the Times, the Obituaries Editor is very senior in the And always financial fraudsters. paper’s hierarchy.

Dear Reader, in the morning buy a few good For me, the crème de la crème is the weekly A latte with a good newspapers, head for your favourite St Andrews Economist. It dispatches one human specimen each obituary is for me one coffee shop and marvel at the recently-departed edition from the entire world. Each one gets a page, a photograph and beautifully written prose anonymously of life’s great pleasures members of our species. You may even leave with a resolution to emulate some of their merits. delivered. Of course the insiders know the name of the ‘Econ Obit Ed’. Recent Economist obits covered PS – As I send this to the editor, I read in today’s Times, the obit of TV Jonathan Routh, a prankster; Yuri Nilulin, Russia’s most famous comic; chef Keith Floyd. His last supper consisted of: morello cherry soaked in and Kenneth Galbraith, the economist, who lamented that old age brought Somerset apple eau de vie, topped with champagne; plate of oysters and the annoying affliction he called the “Still Syndrome”: people would potted Morecombe Bay shrimps; red-legged partridge and bread sauce; constantly note that he was “still doing things”, “still interested in politics”, apple pie and perry jelly, all accompanied by a bottle of Côtes du Rhône and when he showed up at meetings, “still imbibing” when he had a drink. and several cigarettes…..this kind of consumption, the obit tells us was, As with any specialist activity, the world of obituary writers is one “rather his undoing”! of close comradely rivalry and, of course, there is an association: the

A reader asked about this fading name, high up on a house in Gibson Place. One person thought that this was once a hotel. All other enquiries have drawn blank. Can anyone remember?

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FEATURES Amy Mathewson, Second Year, St Leonards School, shares her

Tree-Top Tale

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I have spent the last year in an old chest, wrapped in musty kitchen “We are luckier than some. We’re paper. I know the time for my emergence is near, for I can feel the together and we’re healthy, that’s what festivity, even here in the loft. The air has a soft chill and the wren really matters,” answered Mrs Thrimble, sings once more from the bare vine on the wall. Today I heard the speaking more to herself than to her children playing in the snow. This is the time of year when great husband. things can happen. This is the time of year when I can live.

It was well after midnight before the “Are you ready, Jane?”, I heard the man ask, as he thrust my Thrimbles were asleep. home down the ladder. Luckily she caught it this year, though I am not Christmas morning. A thin dusting of frost had covered the outside. always so fortunate!

The white sun was rising over the shining landscape. The Thrimbles The tree went up first, then the bobbles and decorations were woke. None of them felt like getting up, though it was the children placed and finally it was my turn to be positioned. My family had who stirred first. The lazy-legged pair made their way down the stairs, found a real pine tree and the needles poked into me and scratched heading for the kitchen. Just to be sure there really had been no my skin, but this couldn’t be helped – if only they could have heard mistake they wandered into the living room. me. I could hear them, and so I am able to tell you their Christmas When they stepped in the children’s eyes lit up, the corners of their story. mouths rose and they exclaimed with joyous chorus. The elated sounds I belong to the Thrimble family and this year Mr Thrimble was a brought Mr and Mrs Thrimble down. They were both astounded to hear victim of the economy crash. He had a good job in the local factory, such happy voices. “What is it,” Mr Thrimble called as he was reaching with a car and always had enough money for a holiday with his the bottom of the stairs. When he and his wife saw the room and their wife and two children. Losing his job had left him penniless and the children they were amazed. A daze of utter wonder had befallen them. luxuries the family once enjoyed were now sacrificed to fund the basic They were stunned. Piles of parcels and boxes had been laid for the necessities. children and Mr and Mrs Thrimble. Four stockings had been hung We all look forward to giving and receiving presents at Christmas. from the mantle, brimming with confectionary delights and surprises.

However, the expense of the celebration can be a great worry.

A roaring, golden fire bathed the whole room and produced a smell of Jane and Mathew had been agonising over how they could afford festive spice. presents for the children. “What can we do, we “H-h-how did… who d-did?” gasped Mr can’t disappoint them, they’re so excited?” I Thrimble. Mrs Thrimble was equally speechless I did something kind, heard Mrs Thrimble say, as she fell back onto and could only stand, open-mouthed, watching thoughtful and good, and her ecstatic children giggling and beaming with a chair. “I feel as awful as you Jane, but we can’t do it, the expense is too great. We simply merriment. When the parents eventually left the you and I both saw the haven’t got the money,” replied Mr Thrimble, lounge to make a cup of Christmas tea in the happiness it brought an expression of grave sadness on his weary kitchen they encountered another miracle. A face. “We’ll just have to explain to them. They’ll russet-coloured table had been set out. A roast understand.” “How could they comprehend it? They are children,” turkey sat at the centre, on a platter, smelling beautifully, with all the replied Mrs Thrimble, clearly exasperated. “You know what would trimmings, including cranberry sauce. Towering candlesticks had happen. We’ll be out on the streets. Think of the mortgage! Isn’t it been carefully placed and lit. A Christmas pudding with sprigs worse to have no home than no Christmas presents? We have no of holly was sitting at one end, with a trifle at the other. Mrs choice, it’s just impossible.”

Thrimble entered into that magical state in which one can The next day was Christmas Eve; the moment they feared had weep and laugh with delight at the same moment. How had arrived. The children were ready for bed and Mr and Mrs Thrimble all this happened, was the question in Mr and Mrs Thrimbles’ attempted to prepare them for the fact that when they woke the next minds? It was an odd sensation, they were jovial to an morning and raced down the stairs with great anticipation in their immeasurable extent, though they were also a little hearts, they would find no presents beneath the branches of the tree. frightened!

“Darlings,” began Mrs Thrimble “tomorrow there won’t be any The only person I will share the answer with, is presents waiting for you,” she whispered, trying to compensate with you, and you mustn’t tell. It was me! Who am I? I am a forced smile. Mr Thrimble watched as his children’s expressions the Christmas fairy. I watched my family from the top changed. As I am sure you could imagine, the children pleaded and of their tree and saw their sadness. I did something questioned in disbelief, desperately searching for some mistake, for kind, thoughtful and good, and you and I both their parents to take back what they had said. It was not long before saw the happiness it brought. Why don’t you tears were cascading down their cheeks and a mood of hopeless spread the joy of the Tree-top Tale and give anguish had descended on the house. someone else a little wonder this year? Happy The children had been tucked into bed. “What a Christmas,” Christmas! sighed Mr Thrimble.

(Photo courtesy Amy)

www.thelittleitalianshop.com

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