St Andrews in Focus Issue 38 Jan Feb 2010

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

January January // February February 2010 2010 Issue Issue 38, 38, £1.50 £1.50

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

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

From the Editor Home for me is St Andrews. I’ve asked many different people what it is about this town that draws us all so strongly. Is it the kindness of its citizens? Is it the sense of its long history? Is it the architecture (when you can see it behind the cars!)? Is it the sea, with the mountains calling on the horizon? Or the green fields all around? It must surely be some magical, harmonious combination of all these things. Change can’t be stopped, any more than the tides; nor is it desirable. But it can and should be sensitive, gradual change, in tune with the spirit of place, and the wishes of its citizens. Alas, bureaucracy is immune to all that. Money and directives rule. All the more reason we should support that brave St Andrean, who cares about the town with every fibre of her being, and who, on her own initiative, has lodged a Legal Challenge in an effort to prevent St Andrews being transformed into just another grey industrial zone attached to an historical theme park and a university. Can people power work here? I think we should give it a try, wouldn’t you agree? Let’s make 2010 the year we all unite together for this town we love. Let’s make it truly a Happy New Year for all of us!!

Flora Selwyn

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

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2010 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 FEATURES • Toonspot • Bletchley Park Veteran • The Light • Sandy Rutherford at 91 • Solution to Cee’s crossword • Harry Anquetil • Reviews – The Ball Game – We Waved to the Baker • Return to Labrador

ORGANISATIONS • Help for Heroes • Clifford Hughes – congratulations!

• Jazzercise • Meditation • Launch of Partnership SHOPS & SERVICES • Safeguards for taxpayers • Chris of Bridges Butchers • From behind the counter • Towry Law in St Andrews • Roving Reporter

TOWN/GOWN • Student volunteering • Past, Present, Future • East coast town of Poetry

EVENTS • Purple Pinkie Week • The Cambo Estate • The World of Frank Buckland • Selected Events

OUT AND ABOUT • Horticultural Achiever • Fife Heritage Paths • Environmental News • The Botanic Garden’s St Andrews Sunday

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

‘An Eye for Detail’ – Cover image and photography

by Helios Internet Systems of St Andrews (Website design and internet services) www.heliosnet.co.uk Tel. 01334 472 081

Pier Wall 1. Millers Knitwear, Church Street 2. Byre Theatre, Abbey Street 3. The Raisin 4. Gargoyle on the south side of Holy Trinity Church in Church Square 5. Owl above portico, south side of South Street, opposite Psyche’s Garden 6. Gargoyle on the south side of Holy Trinity Church in Church Square 7. Carving below gargoyles on the south side of Holy Trinity Church in Church Square 8. Byre Theatre, Abbey Street 9. Entrance at the junction of Hope Street/Market Street

FEATURES

Toonspot Our cartoonist, Alex Noel Watson, is fresh from taking part in the annual, hugely popular Salon International du Dessin de Presse et d’Humour in Saint-Just-le-Martel, France (they are now building a permanent centre of world cartoons there). Alex was interviewed at length, in French, on the TV channel France 3, as well as taking part in a lively discussion on radio (also in French) on aspects of cartooning.

Alex says he “wishes all the readers of St Andrews in Focus, a Guid New Year – in quadruplicate!!”

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FEATURES Flora Selwyn was privileged to meet

Mary Heal – Bletchley Park Veteran On a beautiful, sunny November morning, in Crail by a sparkling sea, I was welcomed into Mary Heal’s home. Surrounded by photos of her family, and memorabilia, we sat and conjured up the events of over 60 years ago.

Born in Crail, near where the picnic area is today at Sauchope Links, on her ploughman Father’s farm, her first home, – “there was no water in B Watch, No 2 Squadren in the snow after night duty 1945 the house, you must understand” – Mary and her family moved to a but (Photos, courtesy Mary Heal) and ben in Kilrenny, to improved conditions, “with water in the house, a big thing, and an inside toilet, which was very handy as well!” A pig at the The several hundred girls in the camp bottom of the garden and oatmeal to supplement the meagre wages of were accommodated “in wooden huts with those day, the family coped; until November 1944, when they moved to a 10 beds at either side and a potbellied smallholding of some 28 acres in Penicuik, outside Edinburgh. stove in the middle; no wardrobes, dressing Aged 17, Mary joined up in April 1944, hoping the Women’s Auxiliary tables, or bedside table, nothing of that Airforce (WAAF) would allow her to “see the world, to go to London...... kind. We had two hooks at the head of Coming home on my second leave, I climbed the Pentlands, and Mother our beds, and that would be to take our said,’Take note Mary and tell me where the sea is.’ Mother became a uniforms. No toilets; there was no water in poultry woman,” but she never forgot Fife. First stationed at Wilmslow, the billet. We had to walk quite a way to the Cheshire – famous for its connection with Alan Turing, who cracked the ablutions and the bath hut. And that’s the German Enigma cypher – Mary “enjoyed square bashing” (marching). way it was.” Visible masts and antennae From there she went to RAF Cranwell, Lincolnshire, for a six-week on about 3 acres of the site would have teleprinter course, and on to Chicksands, the RAF station in Bedfordshire. made it obvious that some sort of signalling Here, Leading Aircraftwoman 2150976 Kermack, Mary, worked until was taking place. However, the strictest Mary aged seventeen demobbed in 1947. Y Station, as it was known, had been built in 1940 secrecy operated. Mary recalls that she with the sole purpose of intercepting coded German, later Japanese, and her RAF husband, whom she met when eventually he also worked at wireless transmissions. Mary’s task, together with her colleagues, was Chicksands, never ever discussed what they did. The actual work station to transcribe those signals and teleprint them to Bletchley Park. “Once was built two storeys below ground. The morse was read from ticker you’d been in Y Service (Code & Cypher) they reckoned that you knew tape, “a great big machine, I remember the ticker tape flowing out”, and too much to be posted anywhere else.” The WAAF written down using pencils – no biros in those girls worked one week rotations of three shifts: days, and ink might have smudged. “Morse code Mary, the only girl from Fife, from 8.00am-4.00pm, from 4.00pm-midnight, then is universal, it would be just letters. The only time and her colleagues were the that we had any idea of what we were intercepting midnight-8.00am, with only short coffee breaks in each shift. “We worked fairly industriously. At the was when the Americans and the Russians were vital link in the whole of the end of the three weeks, on the Friday morning, making a bid for Berlin, and then the Germans did Bletchley Park operation. we had 48 hours of freedom. We’d probably get not have time to put their messages into code, something to eat, our dress uniforms. The camp and so we received those in plain language in from the main road was about a mile, so we’d make a dash to get down German. There were a couple of girls in the section who were able to there. Hitchhiking was the norm, of course, we wouldn’t have dreamt of read what it was about. It was quite exciting!” Mary, the only girl from Fife, spending our money to get there, up to London.” The theatres gave the and her colleagues were the vital link in the whole of the Bletchley Park Forces free tickets for their shows. When the YWCA hostel was full, Mary operation. often used Clapham Junction Underground Station to sleep, the deepest Today the original camp has been entirely built over, apart from the air-raid shelter in the Capital. “There were hundreds making for London.” fully restored 11th century Priory, still the Officers’ Mess. Mary always Every couple of months or so, in addition to normal leave, and in strict attends the annual reunion dinner in the Priory. “I’m the baby at 83!” she order, the girls were rewarded with a week in this “absolutely fantastic, says, smiling. This year she was invited to address the company, retelling lovely country house” near the camp belonging to the RAF, which Mary ‘how it was’. She included her memory of the doodle bugs falling; “one of has never since been able to locate! them landed in the stream, which was quite near the men’s billets at the bottom of the camp. I was in my bed, having a night off night duty. I heard this chug, chug, chug, and knew what it was.” When it exploded, all the jars and bottles on shelves flew everywhere, “I didn’t sleep much that night!”

Husband Peter who, as a navigator in Lancaster bombers, had been shot down on the eve of D-Day and miraculously evacuated home, sadly passed away recently after a long illness.

Children and grandchildren are never far away, and her beautiful home and garden keep Mary fully occupied.

Not before time, there is now official recognition of the vital service Mary and her colleagues gave our country in its darkest hours – and everybody is able to talk about it.

Mary Heal at home (photo by Flora Selwyn)

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FEATURES Dorothy Hill Bradshaw

The Light

Along the coastal path in Fife, My thoughts were centred on this world of strife.

Then suddenly I beheld a sight So wonderful – a brilliant light!

A sign of hope amid the dark.

Like Jacob ‘s Ladder, clear and stark.

Shining through.

And then I knew, despite our fears The light is there, throughout the years.

So journey onwards unafraid.

Look for the LIGHT, not the shade.

(Photo by Dorothy Hill Bradshaw)

Sandy Rutherford at 91 An affectionate (anonymous) tribute

Cee’s Crossword Solution No prizes this time, but hope you all succeeded!

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FEATURES Trainee journalist, Karen Hutchence interviewed

Harry G P Anquetil Harry was born in Kent, England. He was the in Tealing, was when he was helping the youngest child of four, with two sisters, and one Hurricanes take off, “We used to hold on to the brother. Both his Father and Grandfather were backs of the Hurricanes while they revved them nurserymen and beekeepers. In 1939 he was up. Pilots used to get the engines up to speed an auxiliary in the Fire Service, then became and then we used to let them go. One lassie a Fireman. During the Blitz he went in convoy didn’t let go, and went up for a ride. Pilot knew from Borough Green to London to tackle the she hadn’t got off, so he just went round once fires, and down to Portsmouth. and landed. I’ll never forget that.”

At the end of 1941, Harry joined the Air During this time in Tealing, Harry met Force. He was sent to Great Yarmouth for Grace, a WRAF also posted to the base. Grace training and selection. He recalls the day, “We drove the lorries and cars. She was to become were told to paddle out to the water and when his wife and the mother of their daughter we heard the whistle blow, we were to charge Louise. 1944 and Harry was posted down to back in; guns at the ready.”

Gosport. He went off to Arromanches, France, By 1942 Harry was posted to Tealing, on D-Day 12, via landing craft tank (LCT). They just outside Dundee. There, he was assigned used to transport goods, Spitfire parts, and to general duties. He explains, “Tealing was all forward equipment. The LCTs could hold a a ‘drome, it had new whole aeroplane. They aeroplanes coming in, It was he who transplanted used to drop the front of and we had the pilots. them, to unload. He has the Scotch Pine in the I came up with a lot of fond memories of the lads, and the first thing Salvation Army meeting Bute famous for saving I looked for in Dundee the troops on arrival in Professor McDonald’s life. that night was a man Arromanches, “When in a kilt, and we were we landed, the Salvation disappointed; being English, coming up.” He Army was in front of us. We joined in singing loved being in Scotland, “In Tealing we used to songs on the beaches, and they gave us a cup go up to crashed kites, [planes]. They used to of tea. I’ll always be thankful to them.” When come down over Forfar and all over the place.

Harry and Grace decided to get married, “After Farmers used to give us the pilots. Farmer’s a while, when I got back from a trip, I asked wife took us into the house and showed us this them for leave to get married. At first they said room with a four-poster bed in it. ‘There you go no, but they decided to give me five days’ leave boys’, she said, ‘this is where you can all sleep.’ to get up to St Andrews, get married, and come Farmer said to us, ‘Alright boys, you stop in back. On the 6 July 1944, Grace and I got here, dog will tell you if anyone’s out there.’ married in the English Church [All Saints] on We used to like stopping out in the country.

North Castle Street.”

Farmer’s wife used to cook us bacon and eggs.

He went back down to Gosport, then on We never got that sort of meal back home.” another trip over to Arromanches. “I then One of Harry’s most memorable experiences worked my way up with the LCTs to Tilbury Docks in London. That’s when we were transferred onto 9,000 ton merchant ships, and we went from there up to Antwerp.

In 1945 I was demobbed – finished!”

Grace, demobbed too, was reunited with Harry. They lived in Kent. He recalls, “In December 1946, we went to see Grace’s sister in St Andrews.

My brother-in-law took me to the University. I met Mr Mowat, the head curator of the Bute [Medical School]; he offered me a job, and I accepted. We went back to Kent and packed up to head to St Andrews. I started in 1947 at the Bute and Gravestone was paid £3 a week. Forty-two

flexi-offices

Harry next to the Scotch Pine years Head Gardener at the Bute.” Harry joined the Horticultural Society in 1947, under the Presidency of Professor McDonald.

He has many fond memories of working at St Andrews University. It was he who transplanted the Scotch Pine in the Bute famous for saving Professor McDonald’s life.

Harry explains, “We were up at Peat Inn, collecting moss; Professor McDonald stepped onto a soft bog area and started to sink, he grabbed hold of this pine, and that saved his life. When we got back, he said, ‘Harry you take a couple of lads and go up and get that pine.’

We did, and I transplanted it to the right of the gate outside the West Garden at St Mary’s College. That pine is 40ft high now.”

Harry gave me a guided tour of the Gardens he was responsible for. He showed me the two gravestones brought back from Boarhills, where a farmer, who was ploughing his field, dug them up accidentally. These gravestones were put at the base of the Doocot at St Mary’s College. Creeping weeds were covering them, and I had to kick them away to reveal the stones; a gardener stopped to talk to us, and said he had no idea they were even there.

Harry was disappointed that the gardens were not of the standard he once kept them; however after a bit of probing, we since learnt there were plans for the gardens to have a welcome makeover.

Come next springtime, the gardens will be well worth a visit. You may even see Harry there.

(Photos courtesy Karen Hutchence)

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FEATURES: BOOK REVIEWS Alistair Lawson reviews

The Ball Game

by Fran Brady Published in 2008 by ‘YouWriteOn.com’.

ISBN 978 1849232982, price £6.99 and available from Amazon (free delivery) Or: franbbrady@aol.co.uk

If one is armed with the foreknowledge that this book is set in St Andrews and that it tries to recreate the University’s ethos of the ‘60s, one might assume that the title implies some sort of sporting event, set, perhaps, at University Park on a Saturday afternoon.

Not so! This is neither about rugby, nor hockey, nor soccer, but about an infinitely more important sort of ball game – the annual Chattan Ball and the agonies accompanying partners, dress choice, and room parties.

The writer, Fran Brady, was herself a student in the ‘60s and a resident of Chattan (MacIntosh Hall), so she drank at the fountain of experience and seeks to share that with us. Here are many familiar surroundings: Chattan itself, Abbotsford, North Street, the Quad, Lecture Hall 1, red gowns, the (then new) Buchanan Building, Market Street, cafés, pubs, the bus station. Here too are many familiar circumstances: the mental torture of Logic & Metaphysics, lack of cash, temptation (yielding to same), dilatoriness, lack of resolve (think: library, essays, writing up of notes, timely rendering of assignments), late nights in the swot room, the death of good intentions.

The above, however, are simply the background; the story-line concerns contrasting character types: good, solid, East of Scotland students from local schools, and from farming backgrounds in Angus, contrasted with flighty, lightweight Oxbridge rejects, including the “Chelsea Set”, who have endless leisure, (almost) endless money, a

sense of martyrdom at being forced to study in this remote and cold corner of the country, an undisguised disdain for their locally-sourced fellow-students, and – centrally to the story – a clapped-out, but talismanic old sports car.

The story-line relates to which Chattan ladies will invite which boys to the Ball. If only it were as simple as that! No-one knows for sure which boys are free, and which girls may be about to make a play for which boys; nor do they know who is engaging in bluff and who in counter-bluff. In the face of these unfathomable uncertainties, there are friendly girly pacts, but there is also some unashamedly bitchy skullduggery. There are empathetic characters and, equally, there are characters the reader is clearly not meant to take to.

In the latter stages, things unravel on two different fronts in a way which the author screens the reader from being able to predict, but the driving forces behind these two dénouements are both typical of the university context and of the times. A late character to arrive on stage is the Warden of Chattan, and any who have experienced the incumbents of that post will know the gravitas that character brings to a story which otherwise concerns silly students.

In this, her first novel, Fran Brady makes a good job of taking those of us who were ‘60s students back into those lost days, though she has, of course, had to be selective. However, I found nothing which was not a fair representation of those times. It is harder to say how those who were not there at that time will take to the story, though maybe the thread of student affairs is timeless.

Jo Roger reviews

We Waved to the Baker

by Andrew Arbuckle Published by Old Pond Publishing Ltd.(2009).

On sale at J & G Innes and all good bookshops, price £12.95.

“Delightful” is the word that springs to mind as you read We Waved to the Baker, the latest book from Andrew Arbuckle. He follows the highly successful Footsteps in the Furrow,

covering agriculture in Fife in the twentieth century, with this charming insight into life in the countryside in the fifties. So many of us will empathise with the viewpoint of this post-war child as he tells us of the scrapes and skirmishes down on the farm, but how many modern children would be astounded to hear that the norm then was to be pushed out of the door early in the morning and not be expected home until the meal was on the table! This time of seemingly complete freedom gave rise to mischief and mayhem which would horrify parents of today... to deposit your younger sister in a fish box and commit her to the tides of the fastflowing River Tay; climb the ruins of a nearby castle; cycle the highways of north Fife; clamber along lofty rafters in the farm; or ride alongside the tractor drivers, all this would have Health and Safety officials turning puce and reaching for Risk Assessment forms!

However, Andrew Arbuckle’s light-hearted book reminds us all of a gentler era when risks were taken, experience was the name of the game, and fun was the product of imagination and daring-do. The reader is

reminded, too, of the time when rural areas were served by a host of mobile traders bringing in fish, meat, and bakery, as well as the latest gossip, and that much of our food was produced in the garden, or hen house.

Rural children grew up with the knowledge that animals were there to serve a purpose, and Andrew soon decided that instead of testing centrifugal force with a basket of eggs, he might make his fortune out of the birds…! School seemed to be a low priority in the mind of this farmer’s boy – it was more of a destination for exciting walks, a place which organised the payment of rosehip collections, or offered the opportunity to try out a series of fairly useless activities.

Instead – the farm buildings, the land, and the family, were the focus for his life. We, the readers, are transported into a series of happy reminiscences which have been so well crafted into a very enjoyable read.

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FEATURES J.Michael Buchanan always wanted to visit Labrador after he’d acquired a tantalising wall map.

He went there first in April 1965 as a volunteer with the Grenfell Medical Mission at North West River (a WOP, Without Pay!!) . Now 44 years on he returned to

Labrador Indian and Battle Harbours. In Red In Iceland, on 9 September 2009, 75 Bay, there were excellent exhibits expeditioners joined the M V Polar Star (PSE, of 16th century Basque whalers, Halifax), a former Swedish ice-breaker. We complementing talks on board set sail on a rare 3000-mile, 3-week voyage about Dundee’s Greenland whalers to Greenland, Baffin Island, Labrador, and and the later Antarctic whalers, to Newfoundland (UK package from Noble which I contributed a short Caledonia). The expedition was led by an film: ‘Christian Salvesen – the exceptional team. Lectures and briefings Whaling Years’, because I am added value to what we saw from the ship the great-great-grandson of and on landings ashore. Several very fullChristian Salvesen! length Inuit-produced films were shown in the From St Anthony, we drove evenings. After some 20 landings in zodiac to L’Anse aux Meadows, the inflatables, we were fit enough to have faced site where Leif Ericsson settled a selection panel for Special Boat Squadron for a few years after sailing senior reservists! from Greenland. The enigmatic We had singular sightings of polar bear, sites were seen as well as brown bear, arctic fox, as well as many the tangible reconstructions encounters with whales, seals, dolphins, seaof a Norse Trading village. In eagles, ravens, and other wildlife. We saw the Michael, dressed for St Anthony, the 40 years of Northern Lights. There were many icebergs, the cold! As seen by pioneering medical work by Sir and in Greenland retreating glaciers, but no Flora Selwyn.

Wilfred T Grenfell (1865-1940) breaching humpback whales. In Greenland were recalled in an interpretation we went to Eric the Red’s Brattahlid Farm, centre and his former home; dating from AD1000, when he sailed there from Iceland. On Baffin Island, the modern 60-bed hospital in Iqaluit, the capital of the 10 year-old Inuit province, Nunavat, we cleared is testimony to his enduring Canadian customs and sat in the grandiose Parliament which the Queen influence. His vision and had visited in 2002. muscular Christianity brought Labrador (the land God gave to Cain), with its 800-mile coastline, has much needed medical and a reputation for fog etc. We enjoyed dry, sunny, fly-free days – a minor nursing care to the fishermen miracle. Northern Labrador is mountainous and uninhabited. It rates as and scattered communities of one of the least accessible places in the Northern Hemisphere. A tourist Northern Newfoundland and venture in a new National Park waited 3 years for its first visitor. Around Labrador. He also initiated 1915, Clarence Birdseye, on a winter hunt in Labrador, had a ‘eureka’ many effective economic moment that led to the development of the frozen food industry: not many and social reforms. In 1907 people know that! In the 1980s, Concorde visited Labrador to refuel at he was knighted. In 1928 Goose Bay, en route to BP’s Alaska oilfield with Prime Minister Margaret he was elected Lord Rector Thatcher and her press secretary, Bernard Ingham, on board. In North of St Andrews University, Labrador, I was enthralled by the Torngat Mountains, ancient and explicit emerging winner from a large, geology, unencumbered by soil or plants. Peaks rose to 6000 feet from Tundra; Wachurch; very distinguished field, his the sea. A fresh dusting of snow accentuated the surface structure to white-beaked dolphins; bear; installation being the first in the stunning effect. Several fjords cut into this mountain range. courtesy Polar Star Expeditions newly built Younger Hall. His rectorial The town of Hebron is for now a cultural heritage disaster area. It address was on the theme, ‘ A pill was evacuated 50 years ago. Restoration of the Moravian Church was on – advice for life – from my dispensary’. He succeeded Dr Fridtjof Nansen hold after the contractor’s huts burnt to the ground in 2008. On a brighter (1861-1930. Nobel Peace Prize 1922 , first across note, the Museum in Hopedale features a ‘cello, the Greenland ice-cap, 1888). and a double bass, flagging up music-making I contributed a short film: ‘Christian St John’s, the provincial capital, was our as a Moravian tradition. The mission came here Salvesen – the Whaling Years’, journey’s end. Entry to the harbour was delayed in 1782. Rattlers Bight showcased the stunning because I am the great-greatby a mighty gale. With offshore oil and other major autumn colours of the ground vegetation. grandson of Christian Salvesen! developments, it is a growing city, while most The story of the cod fishery was told in Indian communities in the province struggle. EU proposals Harbour, Battle Harbour, and Bonavista. 100 for general restrictions on all sealskin imports have been met with years ago, Robert E.Peary called at Battle Harbour to announce his claim bewilderment and despair in Eastern Canada. The too-often marginalised to have reached the North Pole first, on 6 April 1909. An historic inward Inuit and First Nation (viz. Innu/Indian) communities of Labrador could be radio message queried his claim. Grenfell’s first hospitals were built in hard hit. Buy your sealskin sporran now while stocks last!

The year 2009 was a year of anniversaries on this trip and more generally. In 1759, Handel died; Robert Burns was born; Benjamin Franklin was honoured in St Andrews; Captain James Cook was busy surveying the coasts and mapping Newfoundland – the start of 10 years of work before setting out on his southern circumnavigations.

1996, the bicentenary of Burns’ death, was a year with a similar sense of occasion. In January of that year, I went south and sailed on M V Marco Polo for 7000 miles from Punta Arenas, Chile, to New Zealand via Antarctica and the Ross Sea. Our itinerary crossed the International Dateline on 23 January, placing us on 25 January in the Ross Sea, some 800 miles from the South Pole. It took two weeks to get there, two to get back to the UK. I was privileged to chair the Burns celebrations on board ship. We claimed priority first and furthest south in 1996. Recordings went out on BBC Radio and we featured on ‘Virtual Rabbie’. Had we been delayed, 25 January might have been ‘lost’ and we would have been frozen out of Burns’ Night completely.

This was one highlight among many on this adventure by air and sea around the world in 30 days. We had a whale of a time realising the full potential of our situation in the Ross Sea. How cool is that?

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ORGANISATIONS Tim Grantham highlights the statistics –

67 Dead and 283 Seriously Wounded!

I first came to St Andrews during the summer our service personnel abide: Courage – Comradeship – Offensive of 2004, a life-changing experience. My future Spirit – Compassion – Endurance – Leadership – and a Sense of wife, a Scot, had been visiting St Andrews Humour. The wounded who return will require all of these in abundance, since a tot. She treated me to a weekend but with our support and respect they will be rebuilt. break shortly after I had retired from the Army.

Help for Heroes is a charity founded in October 2007 out of a desire Of course, I had been to Scotland many to help wounded Servicemen and women returning from Afghanistan and times over the years. My late mother was a Iraq. The charity is non-political and non-critical. Help for Heroes believes proud Scot, born and bred in Edinburgh. The that anyone who serves in time of conflict is a hero. They are ordinary extraordinary fact is I had never been to Fife people doing extraordinary things and some of them return damaged before that fateful summer of 2004. I simply as a consequence of their service. Having visited their website: fell in love with St Andrews and we decided www.helpforheroes.org.uk I had to become involved with this charity. there and then, when situations allowed, St Andrews ‘The Home of Golf’ still holds on to traditional values, so we would retire to this unique town. The passion was so strong that lacking now in many parts of the UK. Golf as a game abides by the seven the following year living ‘our dream’ in this haven virtues above, and all St Andreans and Scots, became a reality. whether directly involved or not with this wonderful ‘Help for Heroes’ believes game, understand the importance of these virtues.

Havens, however, are never immune to the influences of the outside world. Every day I am Every Fife and Scottish Golf Club can now that anyone who serves in reminded of my past. I served for over 25 years, do their bit for our brave service personnel in time of conflict is a hero and feel privileged to have done so. During my time joining The National Golf Challenge 2010. The in the Army, I rarely understood the motives of the National Golf Challenge will unite hundreds of temporary residents of The Palace of Westminster. golf clubs throughout the UK on the 24th and 25th I did my duty as thousands do every day on our July 2010. Each club will host their own Charity behalf for our Queen and Country. It therefore fundraiser on either of the days, or both if demand deeply saddens me when I hear that another Soldier is high, culminating with the grand final taking has been killed or injured in combat. Perhaps, living place in October at The Belfry! The Challenge will in this haven I had initially and subconsciously not only bring together hundreds of golf clubs, become guilty of brushing this, almost daily news, but also thousands of golfers by demonstrating under the carpet. their support for our injured armed forces. This Recently, I was honoured to meet a young Officer who had just will be the largest charity golf event the UK has ever seen. For further returned from his third tour of Afghanistan. Just before they left for their information: www.nationalgolfclubchallenge.org.uk tour, two of his soldiers were callously killed in Northern Ireland! He was St Andrews has begun to do its bit; The Duke’s Golf Club has become immensely proud of the men and women under his command, but made the 100th club to sign up to this unique event. Debbie Taylor, Managing the point that when he entered Afghanistan, six months previously, he was Director of The Old Course Hotel Golf Resort and Spa, says, “Kohler part of a fully fit Brigade. It took only six months to return with a staggering Company, based in Wisconsin USA, and owners of The Duke’s Course loss of 67 brave young soldiers plus 283 seriously wounded, all with lifeand The Old Course Hotel in the ‘Home of Golf’ St Andrews, are delighted changing injuries. This is the stark reality of the sacrifices our young men to be supporting a most worthy cause – Help for Heroes, through The and women make on a daily basis for their country – us.

National Golf Challenge. We are confident that we will have a very healthy I came back intact physically and mentally. I was one of the lucky entry from our membership, knowing that all the proceeds will go to Help ones. Fatalities are horrendous for all involved, family, friends, and for Heroes.” comrades. Indeed, in the past I have written many letters to mothers, Whether we agree or not with our participation in Afghanistan, or fathers, and wives informing them that their loved ones had made the any other theatre of operations, we certainly have a duty to nurture our ultimate sacrifice for their Country. But now, we all have an even bigger wounded back to health, and what better way to do this than through a responsibility towards our wounded. They continue to quietly return to game we all love and respect. the UK almost unnoticed, with life-changing injuries which require, in the majority of cases, the rebuilding of a human being’s body and brain.

Should you want further information on the contents of this article, or On Remembrance Sunday, Colonel Richard Kemp, CBE (a former wish to make a donation to Help for Heroes please email me at: commander of British Forces in Afghanistan), wrote a tribute to these tim.grantham@h4hcounty.org.uk brave young soldiers. He said there are seven eternal virtues by which

STOP PRESS! KOHLER, Wisconsin, USA – as of 4th December 2009 Herb Kohler, Chairman and CEO of Kohler Co., announced that the company, through its subsidiary, The Old Course Limited, purchased Hamilton Hall of

St Andrews, Scotland, one of the most photographed buildings in the world of golf.

Kohler Co. emerged as the accepted party from a competitive bidding process for

the property conducted by Jones Lang La Salle and the Bank of Scotland. The Old Course Limited now owns and operates the 5 AA Red Star Old Course Hotel, the

Kohler Waters Spa, and The Duke’s golf course, all of which will play a role in the future of Hamilton Hall.

(Photo courtesy of Kohler Co.)

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ORGANISATIONS Warm congratulations on the achievements of a very brave man, The Reverend Clifford Hughes, whose story first appeared in this magazine in Sept/Oct 2006, issue 18.

Courage Fife has been an important part of Clifford Hughes’ life. He and his wife Kathleen were married in St Fillan’s Church, Aberdour, and they raised their family, Rick and Clare, in the shadow of “the miniature cathedral”. At a 1974 Edinburgh International Festival recital of words and music with the late Ludovic Kennedy and his ballerina wife, Moira Shearer (a Dunfermline girl), Clifford Hughes was called “Scotland’s foremost lyric tenor”. His singing brought him frequently to St Andrews, generally at the behest of Cedric Thorpe Davie. But now he travels more frequently to another Fife coastal town, Kirkcaldy, to be part of Chinwags, a support group for laryngectomees and carers, which meets at the Maggie’s Centre in the grounds of the Victoria Infirmary. “Probably because of my diaphragmatic breathing as singer, teacher, and preacher, I learned quickly to speak without any vocal cords !” But a real move forward came when Speech and Language Therapists, Christine and Lindsay from Chinwags, talked him into becoming the Keynote speaker at a Communication Support Needs Campaign, lobbying the Scottish Parliament for funds to research the life and experience of people with communication support needs.

“One thing led to another with almost bewildering rapidity”. Clifford developed a lecture which he has given to students at Queen Margaret

University in Edinburgh and at Strathclyde University, illustrating from first hand the Physiological changes, the Psychological trauma, and the dayto-day social challenges faced by larys. “But most important has been the opportunity to join the Civic Participation Network, a group of people with a range of communication disabilities. Communication Forum Scotland has produced ‘The Talk for Scotland Toolkit’. Clifford was again Keynote speaker, adviser and contributor, in the production of this CDRom which is available on the web at: info.cfs@btconnect.com “But I really hit the jackpot” laughs Clifford “ when I was invited to the National Museum of Wales in Cardiff to be awarded an Honorary Fellowship of the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists.

I’d been asked to respond on behalf of all the recipients, so I learned an opening and closing sentence in Welsh.” Clifford is the first ‘Service User’ to have been honoured in this way “for outstanding service to the Royal College and to people with communication disabilities” and, according to Steven Harulow, editor of the RCSLT Bulletin, “had the audience rolling in the aisles, and received a heartfelt standing ovation”. Clifford confessed that during nearly ten years at St Mary’s, Haddington, his congregation never showed the same ardour! – “though they were wonderfully supportive during my illness and I’m sure the development of my fourth voice-centred career is a positive answer to prayer!”

If you would like to know more about Chinwags, please contact the Secretary, Lindsay Reid. She is based at Glenrothes Hospital and can be reached on 01592 740 254 (Photo, courtesy Clifford Hughes)

Gillian invites you to join her in

Jazzercise Jazzercise is a 60-minute group fitness class combining cardio, strength, and stretch moves for a total body workout. We’ve taken moves from hip-hop, yoga, Pilates, jazz dance, kickboxing, and resistance training and bundled them into one hour. All ages, levels, and sizes welcome, so come join us today!

Every Jazzercise class combines cardio moves to enhance endurance and burn mega calories – you’ll burn up to 500 calories in a 60-minute Jazzercise class! – strength training to define muscles and strengthen your core, and stretching to increase flexibility. Through the use of hand-held weights and resistance tubes you will get a total body workout while blasting fat and having fun!

You’ll feel comfortable once you step into one of our group fitness classes. Jazzercise is a very welcoming and non-competitive environment. Instructors, as well as customers, are friendly and helpful so you’ll never feel alone. The moves are simple enough for everyone to follow. You don’t have to have any dance experience so don’t worry if you miss a step or two.

We run 9 classes per week in the NE Fife area; 2 per week in St Andrews – Mondays at 6.30pm and Wednesdays at 7.30pm in Holy Trinity Church Halls, Greenside Place. There are also classes in Strathkinness, Leuchars, Crail, Anstruther, and Newport on Tay. There’s no need to register in advance for the classes – just turn up! Our only rule is that you have FUN! If you need any further information, please check out our website – www.fifefitness.co.uk or call Gillian on 07968 700 920. As an extra incentive to get you started your first class is half price!

We look foward to welcoming you to Jazzercise soon!

Elegance unlimited!

1a Greyfriars Garden St Andrews, Fife, KY16 9HG Tel: 01334 477070

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ORGANISATIONS Retired Anglican Priest Ronald Matheson offers advice on

Meditation When I was working in Malta as Anglican Priest in Aliema, the Chaplain of the local hospital, Father Frank Delia, contacted me, and invited me to join a meditation group. It was one of the best invitations I ever had.

Over the years I had tried to meditate alone, but it was amazing how great a help it was to meditate in company.

Subsequently, I found a similar group when I was living in Broughty Ferry, and then yet another group when I came to live in St Andrews. All these groups are affiliated to the World Community for Christian Meditation, founded by a Benedictine monk, Father John Main, and now led by Father Lawrence Freeman – with a presence in many countries.

The particular style is to repeat a ‘mantra’ for the whole time of meditation, 20 to 30 minutes morning and evening each day. The recommended word to say is Maranatha, which is Aramaic (the language the Lord Jesus spoke) for “O Lord, come”. The word is found in the New Testament, the first Letter to the Corinthians, chapter 16, verse

20. However, being now a member of the Orthodox Church, I say the Jesus Prayer – “Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God. Have mercy.” This is recommended in the orthodox classic, “The Way of a Pilgrim”, as a means of praying without ceasing, which St Paul recommends in I Thessalonians, chapter 5, verse 16. Ages ago I was trained to picture in my mind some incident from Christ’s life, after the methods of meditation taught by St Ignatius Loyola, and St Francis de Sales. However, I think this idea of repeating a ‘mantra’ is much simpler and gives God an opportunity to speak to me if He wishes to do so.

The local group is ecumenical, including Roman Catholic, Orthodox, Episcopal, Church of Scotland, and members. Anyone wishing for more information could contact me by phone: (01334) 470 588, or write to the International Centre, World Community for Christian Meditation, St Mark’s, Myddleton Square, London EC1 1XX www.wccm.org The local group meets on alternative Wednesdays.

Photo courtesy Ronald Matheson, 1990s, awaiting the arrival of a wedding party (with the caption on the back,”To our Swinging Vicar Kindest Regards”) PS – This is copied from Gibraltar Cathedral monthly magazine: A little boy opened a big, family Bible. He was fascinated as he fingered through the old pages. Suddenly something fell out of the Bible. What he saw was an old leaf that had been pressed in between the pages. “Mum, look what I found,” the boy called out. “I think it’s Adam’s underwear!”

Launch of the St Andrews Partnership Over 100 people from all walks of life in the town attended the launch of the St Andrews Partnership at the Byre Theatre last November.

Newly appointed Chairman, Eric Brown, opened the proceedings. He reminded his audience that 150 years ago Provost Hugh Plairfair overcame what, in his own words at that time were, “ a mixture of vested interests and lethargy”, to transform the fortunes of the town.

Today, Eric continued, “My role as chairman is to help co-ordinate the Directors [of the Partnership] in their efforts with the paid employees to make a difference, and to try to add value to the local community.” The aims are to, “preserve and enhance our historic town, to improve the quality of life for those who work or study here, and to look after our many visitors…”

The community, the environment, and the economy, form the core of the action plan.

Working together with townspeople to address their concerns will be fundamental. Everything is to be transparent, accountable; Directors will be elected annually. The Partnership is applying for registered charitable status.

Present funding is provided by Scottish Enterprise, and Fife Council. Eric went on to stress that, “We have many talents and abilities here in St Andrews and we need to do more for ourselves…Tonight and in the months ahead, we need to re-kindle that ‘beacon of civic pride’ that was first lit by Provost Plairfair 150 years ago.”

In addition to Eric Brown, the Partnership has the following voluntary Directors: Carol Ashworth (St Andrews Community Council), Jude Innes (St Andrews Merchants Association), Jim McArthur (Co-opted), Mhairi MacKenzie (Co-opted), Stephen Magee (University of St Andrews), Councillor Dorothea Morrison (Fife Council), Ray Pead (Treasurer,

the Community Council; & StayinStAndrews – Hotels & Guest Houses Association), Richard Pinn (VisitScotland), Councillor Robin Waterston (Fife Council), Susan Watson (Scottish Enterprise), Mike Woodcock (St Andrews Links Trust), Graham Wynd (St Andrews Preservation Trust), and Roddy Yarr, Vice-Chairman (University of St Andrews).

A wider “Advisory Forum” is also being established to enable the broadest possible range of local groups and organisations to become involved in guiding the Partnership and help shape the future of the town. It is expected to convene for the first time early in 2010.

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SHOPS & SERVICES

Fish and Chips

regor Auctions g c a M 2010 Sale Dates January January February February March March April April April May May June June

– 7 / 8 – 21 / 22 – 4 / 5 – 18 / 19 – 4 / 5 – 18 / 19 – 1 / 2 – 15 / 16 – 29 / 30 – 13 / 14 – 27 / 28 – 10 / 11 – 24 / 25

July – 8 / 9 July – 22 / 23 August – 5 / 6 August – 19 / 20 September – 2 / 3 September – 16 / 17 September – 30 / Oct 1 October – 14 / 15 October – 28 / 29 November – 11 / 12 November – 25 / 26 December – 9 / 10

Auctioneers & Valuators Est 1857 Tel: (01334) 472431 56 Largo Road, St Andrews, Fife, KY16 8RP.

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freshly cooked for you when you order!

JANUARY SALE NO VAT INCREASE DURING JANUARY AT FRITTO!

Fish and Chips still £5!

Lunchtime Specials – Meal Deals to warm you up Daily between 11am and 3pm

Fish and Chips 1 Union Street St Andrews

SHOPS & SERVICES Andrew Wright reveals

Safeguards for the Taxpayer News on the tax administration front has tended to be unemittingly gloomy in the recent past with new stronger powers granted to HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) to carry out investigations into taxpayers’ affairs, and a feeling that insufficient safeguards were in place to rein in maverick tax inspectors. Despite the ongoing “working together” meetings taking place between HMRC and the accountancy profession, at which grievances are supposed to be sorted out, there is a general feeling within the profession that taxpayers’ safeguards against unfair actions by HMRC are being eroded.

However, two important safeguards have been announced recently as a direct result of pressure brought on HMRC by the accountancy profession, the “Low Incomes Tax Reform Group” and others. The first is the publishing of a new “Taxpayers’ Charter” (which HMRC initially saw no need for). The second is the news that the concept of “Equitable Liability” (see below) is to become part of law (HMRC were preparing to abandon a concession on this which they had allowed for a number of years).

The aim of the “Taxpayers’ Charter” is to improve the relationship between HMRC and taxpayers so that it is not invariably confrontational.

It sets out nine taxpayer rights and three taxpayer obligations when individuals, businesses, and other groups, deal with HMRC. They give a commitment to “ respect you, help and support you to get things right, treat you as honest, treat you even-handedly, be professional, and act with integrity, tackle people who deliberately break the rules, and challenge those who bend the rules, protect your information and respect your privacy, accept that someone else can represent you, and do all we can to keep the cost of dealing with us as low as possible”. In return HMRC expects taxpayers “to be honest, respect our staff, and take care to get things right”. It also provides pointers to further information about taxpayers’ rights, where they can get help and support, and HMRC’s role.

The Charter is important for a number of reasons. It is a key signpost and safeguard for taxpayers in their dealings with HMRC,

particularly for those who do not have a professional adviser. The spokesman for the “Low IncomesTax Reform Group” commented, “the people who need the most protection against less-than-perfect service from HMRC are those who cannot afford to employ a tax adviser. I am pleased that the new charter has strengthened their ability to recognise what they can expect to receive by way of fair treatment.”

“Equitable Liability” is the name for a concessionary treatment by HMRC, which they can apply in situations where tax has been paid subsequently discovered not to be due. In these cases repayment of the tax can be time-barred, and the concession allows them to make a repayment notwithstanding this. Very often this occurs in unfortunate circumstances where the taxpayer was unwell and paid the tax demanded at the time to avoid any confrontation. This concession is to be withdrawn, and it is only after considerable pressure from accountancy and low income groups that it has been announced that the practice is to be continued by means of a change in the law.

Finally, some of our clients have received emails, purportedly from HMRC, suggesting they are due a tax rebate and asking them to complete a form giving, among other things, their bank details. These are fraudulent – not from HMRC. HMRC never contact taxpayers by email.

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

Tel: 01334 472 255

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

Extension Language Programmes Evening Language Teaching We are now open for enrolments for courses in Arabic, Chinese, French, Gaelic, German, Italian, Japanese, Russian, and Spanish, beginning in the week starting 15th February.

Please refer to our website or contact the course director on 01334 462259 email: afa@st-andrews.ac.uk

www.nphcinema.co.uk

117 North Street, St Andrews Tel: 013334 474902

Semester 2 2009/10

www.st-andrews.ac.uk/evening languages The University of St Andrews is a charity registered in Scotland. No: SC013532

13

SHOPS & SERVICES Chris Grove made time for a chat with Flora Selwyn

Nothing Succeeds Like Success The road to success can have many twists and turns. Chris Grove, who was born in Sheffield, actually spent four years as a medical student before declaring that he really didn’t think he was in the right place.

He then joined his mother to work in her commercial letting agency. Two years ago, Chris took up the arduous task of fulltime carer of his ailing grandmother. When she died, “we needed something to do, so we bought Bridges Butcher’s Shop in Kinross, because it was a bargain” and began to learn, quickly, ‘on the job’.

Within a short time, Chris bought other shops in both Ladybank and Edinburgh, followed by the one in South Street, just after Murray Mitchell closed. Together with Master Butcher Mick, Chris has rapidly built up a loyal following here in St Andrews. He sources most of his meat in the Scottish Borders.

Everything is butchered in Ladybank, as there

are no facilities at the South Street shop. effective healthy eating. Chris also supplies However, sirloin, T-bone steaks, and lamb several restaurants, gradually building up the come on the bone. Only free-range chickens wholesale part of his business. are on sale. All pies and cooked meats are Chatting about the problems of setting “our own”, explains Chris proudly. In addition, up a business, Chris mentioned Health there are locally-sourced chutneys and and Safety and Environmental strictures. In sauces, as well as game “when we can.”

Kinross he used four stainless steel tables.

I asked about organic meat. Chris laughed, He was ordered to “link each separate table “if I were to buy organic meat I’d have to have with insulated copper wires to the floor, to a separate shop” in order to avoid possible earth them in case we got electrocuted by a cross-contamination! lightning strike” (in a stone building!) It cost Employing one student behind the counter the firm “ a couple of hundred quid and the in St Andrews, Chris has two apprentices in electrician thought we were insane!” Chris Ladybank, one of whom is was also obliged to put also the business manager notices on his fly killers Together with Master – “she’s very, very good and saying, ‘do not touch’.

Butcher Mick, Chris she’s been there for years, Commuting between so the customers know Edinburgh and his two has rapidly built up a her well.” Apparently the shops each day leaves loyal following here in little time for hobbies. previous owner of the shop talked her into becoming an Chris was once a semiSt Andrews apprentice butcher, hence professional poker player, her dual role. In St Andrews, customers have when he says he needed the money, but “I made good use of the discount on offer in didn’t think it was a respectable profession the advert that appears in this magazine. The to head into. I think my mother would have University students who set up a Fine Food disowned me. I’m not a degenerate gambler!” and Dining Club (see this magazine’s issue However, Chris is a good-hearted bachelor 35, page 19) are regular customers, as well with a happy disposition. Long may he as the students they are coaching in costsucceed!

OAPs & students – Bring this advert for 15% discount

14

SHOPS & SERVICES Laura Meakin shares her après-Christmas

Thoughts from Behind the Counter paper at the busiest time of year is crazy; if it I’ve worked in retail for about 18 years. My first job was in the local Cotakes ten minutes to choose between truffles op as a checkout operator. I moved on to Blockbuster, then Thorntons, or toffees, I’d hate to think how long it would and now I’m in Julian Graves here in St Andrews. I’ve spoken to Flora take to choose wrapping paper as well. Here’s a couple of times and the idea of this piece was born, but I’ve changed another strange one, why do people not know it so many times! I often complain about the public and the many things how to spell the names of their nearest and that annoy me about retail, but I’ve tried other jobs and hated them all – I dearest? If you want a name iced on chocolate, keep getting sucked back into retail. I’ve eventually worked out why; it’s check you know how to spell the name first – because of the customers, and here in St Andrews are some of the best. we don’t want the blame for missing letters.

I enjoy working in the town (even though I’ve got lots of travelling to do).

At Christmas time every family has its own These are only a few things I’ve noticed or experienced, there are many traditions; some will watch the Queen’s speech; more, so I feel this is only a tiny snapshot of life behind a shop counter. others will plan their day around the Christmas Strange things happen to customers over the festive period. For editions of the soaps. Some will open presents before breakfast; some instance, is it really that important if you can only get dry roasted peanuts not until the evening. One thing’s for sure, any family that goes to their instead of salted ones to put in little plastic dishes, or glass ones (if you’re local video store to get festive films on Christmas Eve, so they can avoid trying to impress your guests)? There really isn’t any excuse for adults Christmas Day TV, will be disappointed. All the Christmas movies rent having full-blown temper tantrums in the middle of the snack aisle. And out by the 23rd. Any new releases will be gone, the shelves will be full of why do people stock up on enough food that they’ll survive a nuclear films no-one else wants, or just full of horror films and disaster movies, winter, should such an apocalyptic event happen? Some stores even so that poor family, and many others, will be stuck with the TV after all. (and wrongly) trade on Christmas Day, there is no need to stock up that Likewise, on Halloween there will be no decent horror films available to much. It’s worth remembering that “Armageddon” with Bruce Willis was rent, especially to girls under 16 who pretend to be much older. One girl just a movie, as is “The Day After Tomorrow”. People should stick with came into the video shop where I worked, with her friends and tried to happy films over the festive period. Leaving it until Christmas Eve to find rent “Halloween” (the 18 certified version). When I that must-have ingredient that Jamie or Delia used asked her date of birth she looked annoyed, then got a fortnight ago on TV is not a good idea. Take last Strange things happen flustered, ending up with a date of birth that if true Christmas, for instance, would any sane person wait made her older than me – she left empty handed. until lunchtime on Christmas Eve to buy star anise? to customers over the It’s not just at Christmas or Halloween when you It really wasn’t my fault that it had sold out. Bit like festive period can have trouble renting the film you want. Take the waiting until Thanksgiving to buy pecans! At Christmas movie “Titanic”, for instance, one of the biggest films time stores also expect their employees to be in the of all time, if you wanted to rent that one you had to reserve it. Some festive spirit; for instance, wearing Santa hats. Every time I’ve worn one people would wait in the shop for an hour or more just waiting on one to of those I’ve ended up with Santa hat rage by lunchtime, because the come back. Customers of video stores, though, have lots of power. “The pom-poms just get in the way when you move your head in any given Sixth Sense” and “Fight Club”, two films with surprise endings were ruined direction. Christmas music is a whole other matter. Good songs will for me and many store clerks, because people told us the endings before make you happy, therefore, there’s lots of festive spirit: the bad songs we watched them! Contrary to belief, people who work in video stores after an eight hour shift will make you feel like your ears are bleeding, don’t watch films all day long, but many of us can quote “The Gingerbread at the very least you’ll be reaching for headache tablets once you make man” scene from “Shrek” many years on. I don’t think I’ll forget it! it home. Sometimes it disturbs me when people think I would willingly I’m now looking forward to saying goodbye to long winter evenings, choose to listen to Christmas music all day long. It also used to annoy me with spring approaching and better weather. People get out more and we when people would ask to get their boxes of chocolates wrapped, and get more visitors to the town. then moan there was only one kind of paper. Giving people a choice of

George Ferguson Shoe Repairs Luggage, Shoe Repairs and Accessories Steven George Ferguson Traditional Cobbler 151 South Street St Andrews KY16 9UN steven@fergos.plus.com 01334 472134

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

The Spon Company For the cook, the chef, and the baker. Gifts all year round. www.thesponco.com Tannochbrae Tearoom, 44 High Street, Auchtermuchty.

Tel: 01337 827 447

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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 PROGRAMME TUESDAY 12th JANUARY at 7.30pm TUESDAY 2nd FEBRUARY at 7.30pm Chemistry Dept., North Haugh Entry Free – All Welcome

TO JOIN THE FRIENDS AND SUPPORT THE GARDEN CONTACT MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY. Canongate, St Andrews, Fife KY16 8RT. Tel: 01334 476452. www.st-andrews-botanic.org Charity No. SC006432

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SHOPS & SERVICES Keith Taylor reports that

Towry Law Has Acquired Edward Jones Limited Towry Law, the Wealth Advisers, announced in the autumn the acquisition of Edward Jones Limited, one of the UK’s leading independent financial advice and investment firms.

The acquisition, having now gained FSA approval, is a further transformational step in Towry Law’s strategy to become the major independent ‘fee based’ wealth advisory firm in the UK. Edward Jones Limited, the UK subsidiary of the US based firm, Edward D Jones & Co L.P., has a nationwide presence with around 1000 associates, including 400 financial advisers. The business serves 50,000 clients and has £1.5 billion of client assets currently under advice. Now that the acquisition is complete, the Edward Jones business is being integrated into Towry Law and operates on a fee only basis, in line with the existing Towry Law strategy.

Towry Law manages over £2.8 billion of assets on behalf of over 13,000 clients. Andrew Fisher, Chief Executive, Towry Law, said, “We are delighted that we have agreed this deal to purchase Edward Jones UK, in what is a significant development for Towry Law. Edward Jones is a high quality business with talented associates and a very strong client base.

They share the same dedication to providing high quality services to their clients as Towry Law. The acquisition provides the opportunity for the combined business to become the major force in independent wealth advice in the UK and is well placed to continue to lead the industry in the adoption of the new rules following the retail distribution review, with fully qualified advisers offering fee-based independent advice.”

For further information please consult Keith Taylor at: Edward Jones Ltd., 78 South Street, St Andrews, Fife, KY16 9QD Tel: 01334 461 512 Mobile: 07832 386 510 Email: keith.taylor@edwardjones.com

Wholesale and Retail Fruit & Vegetable Merchants The Warehouse, Kinnessburn Road & the shop at 201 South Street, St Andrews.

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

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

67 Lamond Drive, St Andrews, Tel: 01334 467 849

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SHOPS & SERVICES

Roving Reporter 1. St Andrews has a magical way of drawing its children back home. Karen Ogston is one of them. Having returned, she decided “to go for it” and spent the next three years developing her Hairloft into The Hair and Beauty Loft – for men and women – up the stair in the close at 151 South Street (01334 475 599). Karen used to own Vanity Fair In Market Street, so hairdressing is in her blood. Now she has added a beauty room “offering a range of relaxing and pampering treatments to give you a real feeling of wellbeing,” in the capable hands of Beautician Debbie Duffy, who recently graduated from Elmwood College. Quality and affordability are the key elements of the Hairdressing and Beauty treatments on offer. Home visits are available (including tanning). You can buy gift vouchers, and you’ll find Paul Mitchell products on sale.

Karen and Debbie pride themselves on their warm and friendly service, 9.00am to 5.30pm, Tuesday to Saturday. Late appointments can also be made.

Beautician Debbie

*****

2. From her native Broughty Ferry, to Spain, thence to St Andrews, Charlene Robbie has finally achieved her dream and acquired The Pitcher House Restaurant and Bar adjoining the New Picture House at 119 North Street (01334 478 479).

Reporter had to rub his eyes when he saw the transformation, as if a fairy godmother had waved her wand! Light and welcoming, the restaurant looks twice the size it was.

Charlene spent 4 years near Marbella in Spain as manager of Thank Goodness it’s Friday, returning to open a cocktail bar in Dundee, then relocating to St Andrews to manage the Grill House for 2½ years.

With her mother as partner, Charlene has made the Pitcher House a family orientated restaurant serving fresh, locally sourced food – “for locals; and everybody’s welcome”. The kids’ menu, at £3.95 includes a “Bizzie Bag” containing activities, and crayons etc. Vegetarians are catered for as well an those requiring gluten-free meals. The wine list is comprehensive, including organic wine. Ladies, you just have to see the bathroom! Charlene sneaked Reporter down to view it (when no-one was looking) and boy! was he impressed! Charlene said she wants one just like it in her home, and no wonder! But

18

as she points out, if the bathroom is right, then everything else is too. Go on, urges Reporter, have a meal and enjoy yourself.

4.

Charlene – second from left – and staff.

*****

3. Reporter met Philip Bartholomew surrounded by chaos as he and his team were assembling Flip, the new “independent healthy eatery, offering delicious and varied food” at 171 South Street (01334 470 470). Unbelievable, thought Reporter, how relaxed, enthusiastic, and welcoming a person could be in such circumstances, especially as Reporter was a complete stranger barging in! He learned that Flip has been well established in Perth for over a year now. Philip states that in our present financial mess “it is even more important to maintain our health by eating well.” Growing up in Edinburgh with a French mother, Philip learned early about the health and social benefits of good food.

Fun, yes, but food should be low in salt, fat, and sugar. Philip offers ”warm, soft wraps (the Flip), healthy naans (the Floppy), real paninis (the Flipini), as well as fresh healthy rolls, and baguettes.” There are homemade soups, salads made instantly, fresh fruit, “100% fruit juices, smoothies, and Fairtrade teas, coffees, and hot chocolate” – all at reasonable cost. Philip’s enthusiasm encompasses his staff. They work “with us, not for us” and are young, “starting their way in working life….encouraged to feel part of the development of the whole Flip Philosophy.” In addition, Philip and his enthusiastic team are developing a Parent & Toddler group 9.00am-12.00noon, Monday to Friday, with music, art, and healthy snacks. It all sounds like a fabulous combination, suggests Reporter.

Family and staff celebrate the opening of Flip (courtesy Philip Bartholomew)

*****

5.

Last November, D M Motors (see issue 21 of this magazine, page 17) morphed into Garden Mowers and Tools Ltd, having moved to new premises at 37 Largo Road, St Andrews, – the ‘hospital end’ of the road. Owner Roger Coultherd showed Reporter round his new, spacious, light shop, filled rack on rack with everything a DIY enthusiast or gardener could wish for. From functional gloves to powerful motor mowers, from an unlimited variety of screws to every kind of quality garden implements. At the back is a newly established garden centre for the coming season’s plants. Roger answered Reporter’s question about the business’ change of name, “that doesn’t mean we’re doing anything differently, just doing it better!” Cars, trailers, horse boxes, small trucks, machinery, and tools are still being serviced and repaired. St Andrews Hire is available for the professional and DIY’er. Ample parking for customers is an enormous boon. Reporter agreed that these new premises feel more customerfriendly and less commercial than the old place. Pop in and see for yourself, he says. If you have a query, do fax/ phone: (01334) 477 335 / 020 or email: gmtlimited@btconnect.com

*****

(Photo courtesy Gaynor Burgess)

Here’s inspiration, says our Reporter: “when you have a variety of animals in your household and need to be away, whether at work or on holiday, organising catteries, kennels, friends, or neighbours can be a problem. Pet Care Services of St Andrews can help. Launched in August 2009 by Gaynor Burgess, it is a locallybased service for those who have several animals, though Gaynor is equally happy to visit individual pets. If you would like your dog walked while you are at work, your cat fed while you are away, or your horses, goats, & hens cared for while you are on holiday, Gaynor can arrange a package to suit you. She has a wealth of experience in caring for animals. After 2 years of veterinary nursing in Yorkshire she returned to St Andrews to help the late Andrew Orr set up his surgery in South Street. She also took over 5,000 blood samples from

SHOPS & SERVICES

cattle and accompanied the vets on farm visits. More recently, while running a dog grooming business, she also attended a course in livestock farming, was a ranger at the Scottish Deer Centre, visited dairy farms as a Milk Recorder, and taught Animal Care students at Elmwood College. For the past 10 years she has worked as a nurse at East Neuk Vet Clinic, one of the leading Orthopaedic Referral practices in the country.” To contact Gaynor ring 01334 477157 or e-mail: petcareofst.a@googlemail.com and why not visit her website www.petcareofstandrews.net

*****

6. Nicoletta Biassoni contacted Reporter to tell him about her new Yoga Classes.

She told him, “Yoga has been my life-long companion, becoming more and more important over the years. In 2002, I was finally able to start setting aside time from my biology job to enrol in the Svaroopa® Teacher Training at Master Yoga (www.svaroopayoga.org). The choice came after years of practising different

yoga styles in Italy, UK, USA, and evaluating different teacher training programmes. The founder of this yoga, Rama Berch, now Swami Nirmalananda, chose the Sanskrit word svaroopa – “the bliss of your own being” – to name the revolutionary style of yoga she developed after years of studying in the USA and India. Svaroopa® yoga emphasizes the opening of the spine through careful alignments and gentle adjustments in the poses, allowing the body to release, rather than straining into them, and making classes accessible to students of any level, particularly for anybody with back pain. The benefits are both immediate and long-term, aches and pains go away, students experience a sense of peace and increased energy, suppleness, and strength. Svaroopa® Yoga is still relatively new to Europe, and I am delighted, now that I’ve settled in Scotland, to expand the Svaroopa® Yoga Community by offering classes in St Andrews and Crail“. Reporter is impressed, and says Nicoletta can be contacted by phone: 01333 451 595 or email: nbiassoni@btinternet.com

(Photo courtesy Nicoletta Biassoni)

*****

Yoga Classes

Thursdays: St Andrews Public Library 12 noon-1pm Crail Town Hall 9:30-11am

For information contact Nicoletta Biassoni: nbiassoni@btinternet.com/ 01333 451595 Nicoletta is a certified Svaroopa Yoga Teacher and Yoga Therapist (www.svaroopayoga.org)

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19

TOWN & GOWN Rachel Fullerton, SVS Convenor,

The St Andrews Voluntary Service: At your service projects and how much The students of the University of St Andrews have been a part of town they have benefited life for nearly 600 years, and their influence is felt throughout the local from the voluntary work community, for better or for worse! As students it is sometimes easy to that they have done. forget that one of the things that make our University great is the town Time spent here can and the community that we are part of. Very few universities can rival grow to a passion for St Andrews’ beauty and character, and the students’ high opinions volunteering, and we of their university experience must be, at least in part, due to the often meet students connection that they feel to the town. Participation in societies and sports who not only volunteer in their spare time in St Andrews, but also want teams helps students develop their interests and passions, and the to spend their time off from university volunteering further afield. SVS St Andrews Voluntary Service offers students the opportunity to make doesn’t just send students out to projects, we also support students who a difference in the community, and in doing so enrich their own time are interested in volunteering with other groups, or who are trying to set here. The enthusiasm of students to get involved with SVS projects is up their own volunteering project, and are regularly called upon to rustle indicative of their willingness to develop links with the community and up some volunteers for a one-off project that is being to give something back to the town, and also of their planned. commitment to the projects that they are placed on.

Volunteering is a Students volunteering with SVS often put a Originally a charity set up by students in 1967, SVS face to the student body. They are a fine example became a subcommittee of the Students’ Association fantastic opportunity of the generosity and dedication that exists in the in 2006 and has found a home in an office on the top for students to get out university community. Regularly taking time out from floor. Run by a team of 16 elected students who work to place members of the University in volunteering into our local area and busy academic schedules to meet and lend a hand to people in the local community means that these projects, SVS has developed from a small project to a meet new people students often leave a lasting positive effect on the well-established group, recognised within the student opinions of the local people they meet. This link is body as a reliable volunteering service. Spanning five terribly important in improving and maintaining ‘Town Gown’ relations and project areas, the students who volunteer through us have the opportunity we are continuing to strengthen relations with other local volunteering to volunteer in a wide variety of projects. We offer the chance to work organisations and the community at large. with adults with special needs; children; elderly people; children with As we edge closer to our 50th anniversary, SVS is constantly special needs; and on environmental projects. Our projects span from changing and growing. We now have more projects and volunteers than Buckhaven through to Cupar, with new ones springing up all the time. ever before. With a few surprises up our sleeves for the rest of the year Last year students volunteering through SVS clocked well over 1000 we are looking forward to what the future holds for hours of voluntary work in St Andrews and the surrounding area. There is SVS. We are always looking for new ways the students certainly no question, but that the students of St Andrews University are a can get involved with the local community, and if you philanthropic bunch! know of something where we can make ourselves Volunteering is a fantastic opportunity for students to get out into useful please do not hesitate to ask. Contact us at: our local area and meet new people. We regularly hear reports from our svs@st-andrews.ac.uk volunteers about how much they enjoy the time that they have spent on

Evening Degree Programme Keen to get a degree?

Too busy to study full-time?

Try the flexible route to your MA General degree at the University of St Andrews via the Evening Degree Programme • One or two evenings of classes per week • Modules taken from a broad range of subjects • Credits for many existing qualifications • Financial help (ILA or Fee Waiver) for low income students • Supportive study environment Find out more from: Nicky Haxell The Evening Degree Co-ordinator Telephone: 01334 462203 Email: parttime@st-andrews.ac.uk www.st-andrews.ac.uk/eveningdegree/ The University of St Andrews is a charity registered in Scotland, No: SC013532

20

TOWN & GOWN Now in his fourth year, Harry Hammond is studying ancient history and archaeology

Past, Present, Future occupied with spending more and more money on searching for further The study of archaeology has always deposits of oil, so it is likely that new survey methods will come from fascinated me, yet I have only just begun them. We can expect new methods of ground-penetrating radar to be to think about its future. I was recently created, which could be used by archaeologists to search for sites that asked whether or not I thought archaeology have been buried deeply under the concrete of car parks or roads. The had a future, seeing that so many people once unreachable will thus be able to be studied, albeit not directly, are keeping diaries using the internet to as the areas won’t be available for excavation. Anything that can fill ‘blog’. Now, blogging and archaeology in the gaps in the archaeological record will, however, be incredibly may seem unrelated, but in some cases useful. From the military, it is possible that satellite surveys will become they are quite similar. When people write diaries or post details of their accessible to archaeologists resulting in huge areas of the earth being lives on the internet, they are revealing, intentionally or not, aspects studied without the need for hundreds of people to be present on the of the culture in which they are living. Discovering these details is part ground. Remote and dangerous areas could also be studied in a way of what archaeologists are concerned with, as they attempt to answer that does not put anyone in danger. fundamental questions regarding the development of human society This seems more plausible than ever, given the resources that now and culture. Should archaeologists be worried then? Is it time to put the exist. Google Earth, for example, was only released in 2005, with basic trowels away and get an office job? Could Bridget Jones really put an end satellite views, but less than four years later, with ‘Street View’, we are to Indiana Jones? provided with 360 degree panoramic views of a growing number of towns That is impossible to answer for certain. However, the earliest and cities throughout the world. The possibilities are endless and the archaeological dig was carried out by Nabonidus, king of Babylon in above speculations are only two prospects for the future of archaeology. the sixth century BC. He excavated a temple and found its ancient As far as diaries and blogs go, these should not foundations, and even housed finds in what was effectively an early museum. Archaeology has thus archaeology shows no be ignored either, as they are valuable accounts of daily lives of ordinary people. Their usefulness is, survived for over two and a half thousand years, during signs of slowing down the however, dependent on their survival. Internet posts which time it has developed greatly and is still doing so have a limited lifetime on the web, and diaries are today. in its development often discarded. It is for this reason that so few texts Within the last century, these developments have survive from the past, and the ones that do are often copies, or even accelerated rapidly, many of them as a result of wartime discoveries. For copies of copies, which could have been corrupted over time. Everyday example, aerial photography from the First World War made surveys of life is also often taken for granted in diary entries, with the emphasis on inaccessible areas possible, and scuba diving from the Second World emotion as opposed to an historical account. This is, however, not to say War led to huge progress in underwater archaeology. These technological that literary sources are of no use, as they give a personal insight into advances, and many more besides, have given wider and more detailed everyday life, which archaeology cannot do without, being exceptionally insights into the field of archaeology, and it stands to reason that any speculative. future advances in technology will be of benefit as well.

The complementarity of the two is thus key, and indeed, archaeology So, what does the future hold for archaeology? Well, if it continues is unlikely to have survived for as long as it has by ignoring the surviving to use spin-off technology from the military and other technological literary evidence. Both Bridget and Indiana are therefore safe, as institutions, then the future looks very bright. The most useful progress archaeology shows no signs of slowing down in its development, and will come from new methods of survey which can tell us a great deal the impact of written accounts will not stop this, but will rather aid its about a site without the need for excavation, which is inherently development instead. destructive and can sometimes be more harm than benefit. Oil (Photo courtesy Harry Hammond) companies, especially those in America, have become increasingly

Dr. Rossella Riccobono, Head of Italian in the School of Modern Languages, University of St Andrews

St Andrews: East Coast town of Poetry One can really be proud of working, living, and writing in St Andrews, and if poetry is among your main interests, even better. The prestigious Creative Writing Department within the School of English (University of St Andrews), boasts one of the best MLitt courses in Creative Writing in the UK, established by poet Douglas Dunn. StAnza brings poets from all over the world to St Andrews each year in March. The St Andrews Poetry Forum is also active alongside them. The Forum is based in The School of Modern Languages, and directed

by Dr R Riccobono (Lecturer and Head of Italian), who also directs Mosaici, the St Andrews Journal of Italian Poetry (www.st-andrews.ac.uk/mosaici).

The successful series dedicated to the theme Poetry and Conflict, 2007-2009, will see its conclusion at the Mosaici-Poetry Forum Conference in March 2010. (http://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/~mosaici/ index.php?p=show_item_home&ID=14).

The St Andrews Poetry Forum is currently exploring a new poetic theme: Poetry and Myth. The Forum intends to provide an opportunity for collaboration and discussion between poets and colleagues from all departments of the School of Modern Languages, the School of English, the School of Classics, the Department of Middle Eastern Studies, and StAnza. With as broad a field of reference as possible, historically, and geographically, the Poetry and Myth Seminar

Series will explore how poetic discourse helps us better to understand and express such issues as: Classical Myth (Greek, Roman, Germanic, Celtic, and other myths connected to the relevant participating languages); the use of myth as national, social, or linguistic revival for a particular country; myth in Postmodern Poetry; poetry myth and visual arts; poetry as a way to write one’s own individual myth. The long-term aim in these explorations is that of mapping a European terrain on mythology in its various occurrences, forms, and transformations.

(Photo: Maternity, by Erminia Passannanti)

21

EVENTS Alan W. Constable, President, Rotary Club of St Andrews, and Grace Morris, President, Rotary Club of St Andrews Kilrymont

Purple Pinkie Week: 22-28 February 2010 (Rotary’s fight to eradicate polio worldwide)

Until recently, the world was paralysed by the fear of polio. In more than 125 countries polio was endemic and thousands of families watched in anguish as the disease killed or crippled 1,000 people a day, most of them children. In response to this suffering, in the early 1980s Rotary began planning for one of the most ambitious humanitarian programmes ever undertaken by a private entity. In 1985, it launched Polio Plus, a multi-million pound initiative to immunise all the world’s children against polio. Rotary’s commitment was so great that the World Health Assembly resolved in 1988 to wipe out the disease that had killed and paralysed for 5,000 years.

For the 20 years since, Rotary and its spearheading partners – the Rotary is committed to raising US $200 million by June 2012. Together, World Health Organisation, UNICEF, and the US Centre for Disease Rotary International and the Bill Gates Foundation will provide half a Control and Prevention – have worked tirelessly to rid the world of the billion dollars towards our priority goal of a polio-free world. wild poliovirus. Thanks to the generous support of Rotarians worldwide, There is now an unprecedented opportunity to finish the job and Rotary has been able to contribute nearly US $800 million to keep alive eradicate polio once and for all. Consequently, every Rotary club is the dream of a polio-free world. being asked to organise a public fundraising event Since 1985, more than two billion children have for each of the next four years to help meet this The greatest challenge received the oral polio vaccine. Five million children challenge. Rotary International has earmarked in the battle against destined to be polio victims are walking today and Tuesday 23rd February 2010 as ‘Thanks for Life ‘ enjoying a better life because of global immunisation. day and asked all Rotary Clubs to concentrate their polio today is financial Reported polio cases have dropped 99.8% from fundraising efforts around that date. The two Rotary 350,000 a year in 1988 to fewer than 2,000 a year today and only in Clubs in St Andrews (St Andrews and St Andrews Kilrymont) have risen four countries – Afghanistan, India, Nigeria, and Pakistan – does it to the challenge and have arranged a wide range of fundraising events. remain endemic. Due to the efforts of Rotary and its global partners, the In particular Madras College, its eighteen associated Primary Schools, world is on the threshold of eradicating the polio virus. and St Leonards School have all agreed to raise money to help our Although tremendous progress has been made, the world is not efforts. yet polio free. The polio virus knows no borders; it can spread from A variety of fundraising events will be arranged and any pupil who an endemic country into polio-free areas. As long as one case of polio contributes to the cause will have their pinkie marked with purple ink, remains in the world, no child is safe from this deadly disease. a similar identification to that which the children in under-developed The greatest challenge in the battle against polio today is financial. countries are given when they receive the oral immunisation. In addition Despite enormous resources already committed, more money is to the schools’ efforts, a Fellowship Lunch with a purple theme (Sunday urgently needed 21st February in the Scores Hotel), Jazz Night (Saturday 27th Feb to reach the in the Younger Hall) and supermarket/street collection have been children in the four organised to add to the proceeds. remaining polioWe hope that the people of St Andrews will also rise to the endemic countries. challenge and donate generously or attend one or more of the Recognising fundraising events, in order to support this worldwide initiative. With Rotary’s resolve your help polio will be defeated. to eradicate polio, and its extensive volunteer network, To provide more information to the St Andrews public, during the Bill and Melinda the month of February there will be an information display about Gates Foundation Rotary’s work in this field in the window of the offices of Homestart. awarded Rotary If you are passing, please spare a few minutes to view the display. a US $350 millon grant. In return,

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22

EVENTS Catherine Erskine updates activities on

The Cambo Estate will park in Crail, (where businesses will be open) and will be bussed to Last season, with funding from The New Park Educational Trust, we Cambo – along the lines of the Enchanted Forest at Pitlochry in October, ran 7 free environmental sculpture workshops for local schools, which which is a great benefit to local businesses there. The plan is to illuminate were very popular. Despite the cold, the children were inspired by the and highlight not only the snowdrops and magnificent trees, but also the work on display by Helen Denerley, Adrienne McStay, and Gary Watson. buildings and bridges that form part of the designed landscape. Cambo They learned about making sculptures in the woods using materials from is listed in Historic Scotland’s inventory of designed landscapes. It is nature, that leave a ‘light footprint’. Schools from the East Neuk and St important that visitors realise that these beautiful woods did not just Andrews attended; the feedback from both children and teachers was emerge by themselves. Years of careful stewardship tremendous. Run by sculptors Dave and Adam Gosling, created them. This continues today to maintain and and Lorna Green, they also worked on their own Cambo is listed in Historic secure their future. Snowdrops are not native, but were sculptures in the woods. The ‘witches’ fingers’ together Scotland’s inventory of planted in the 17th/18th centuries to enhance designed with other sculptures they created continued to intrigue designed landscapes landscapes – hence they are found in the grounds of visitors to the woods throughout the summer. We had old houses. one family workshop when a ‘willow man’ was made, Piglets, as usual, will be on the agenda. At the moment, Helen who spent the summer leaning against a Sycamore tree in the woods, (Tamworth) and Gertie (Gloucester Old Spot) are on holiday with the boar! discovered by some, missed by others! He is gleaming in the winter sun All this depends on funding! We are partway there, having been at the moment. allocated money through Fife’s Flagship Fund – Celebrating Fife 2010.

In 2010, we are planning 14 workshops for local schools and 4 family Fingers crossed for the rest! workshops. Local artists Kevin Blackwell from Ovenstone, Stephanie Information will be on our website camboestate.com and Bunn and Jon Warnes from Cupar will not only lead the workshops, but visitscotland.com as part of the Snowdrop Festival and Winter White will also create sculptures in the woods.

Campaign, and through Fife Council. Tickets for Snowdrops by Starlight We also have ambitious plans for ‘Snowdrops by Starlight’ – an will be available from the Byre Theatre. illuminated walk through the snowdrops at night, 12-28 February. Visitors

Lorna Green (environmental artist) with children from local primary schools

Lorna Green (environmental artist) with students from St Leonards in St Andrews

Picture from John Pugh (event organiser).

Dave and Adam Gosling (environmental artists) with Elliott Forsyth, Susan Forsyth with Ben and Katie Forsyth.

Adam Gosling with students from St Leonards in St Andrews

23

EVENTS Vicky Brown, Project Officer, introduces

The Weird and Wonderful World of Frank Buckland A major exhibition opened on 9 October last at the Scottish Fisheries Museum, Anstruther, celebrating the life, work, and legacy of a great Victorian scientist and eccentric.

Did you, as a child, play with a dead alligator? Have you fed brandy to a porpoise, or tasted a Japanese sea-slug? Frank Buckland did all of these and more in his attempts to satisfy his endless curiosity about

Buckland administering brandy to a porpoise

the world around him. Despite his bizarre methods, he was highly regarded as a scientist.

Frank Buckland (1826-1880) was a keen naturalist, prolific writer, campaigner against river pollution, researcher on fish-culture and fish farming, and was appointed Inspector of Fisheries in 1867. In 1865, he had established the UK’s first fisheries museum, the Museum of Economic Fish Culture, in South Kensington, London, and was made Fish Culturist to the Queen in the same year. Buckland was well travelled in his role as Inspector and a regular visitor to Scotland where many of his specimens were collected. He is an important figure in the history of fisheries research, acclimatisation, conservation, and a largerthan-life, often eccentric, character.

The collection held by the Scottish Fisheries Museum comprises virtually all that survives from his Museum (including 45 plaster fish casts) plus a marble bust of him added by public subscription (sculpted by J. Warrington Wood, Rome 1882). They were transferred to Anstruther from the old South Kensington Museum in 1968 and this is the first time they are on show to the public.

The Museum has obtained grant funding from Museums Galleries Scotland for the conservation of key specimens and the purchasing of suitable display cases. The Museum has also worked in partnership with the Buckland Foundation and Atlantic Salmon Trust to create this exhibition to coincide with the national initiative Darwin200. As a contemporary of Darwin, and a Creationist, Buckland was involved in numerous debates with the creator of the Theory of Evolution.

Frank Buckland in Elgin,1874 The exhibition includes the conserved specimens, alongside other items from the collection, together with material putting the work of Buckland in its historical context, and drawing out parallels with current concerns over the marine environment and sustainable fishing practices.

(Images courtesy the Museum)

Selected Events Till Sunday, 31 January – 10.00am-4.30pm Mon-Sat. 12-4.30pm Sundays. The Fisheries Museum, Anstruther. The Weird and Wonderful World of Frank Buckland. See above. Contact: Vicky Brown, Project Officer, Vicky@scotfishmuseum.org Tel: 01333 310 628. Also Museum website: www.scotfishmuseum.org Tuesday, 12 January – 8.00pm St Leonards Music School, The Pends. The Music Club – concert. Steven Osborne, piano; Jean Johnson, clarinet. Music by Schumann, Ravel, Saint Saëns, Rózsa, Gershwin. Tickets (at the door) £10, concessions £9, students £2, children £1. Contact: katie.elliott@btopenworld.com Website: www.saint-andrews.co.uk/smc/ Saturday, 23 January – 7.45pm. St Leonards Music School, The Pends, St Andrews. A Venetian Journey. Songs associated with Venice. Nicholas Hurndall Smith, tenor; Walter Blair, piano. Tickets £10 adults; £5 students, at the door and from the Music Centre, Younger Hall. Prceeds to St Andrews Chorus.

Contact:Walter Blair 01334 880621.

Saturday, 30 January – 2.30pm Glasite Hall, St Andrews Church Hall Complex, King Street, DUNDEE. Gallipoli – a talk by Peter Hart, Oral Historian Imperial War Museum, for the Tayside Branch of the Western Front Asociation. Free (donations welcomed). Contact, Bob Paterson: 01382 775 000 email: wfatayside@lochnagar.fr

24

Thursday, 18 February – 5.15pm. Younger Hall, North Street. God and the Big Bang. The James Gregory Public Lecture, given by Revd.

Dr David Wilkinson, Principal of St John’s College and part-time Lecturer in Theology and Science in the Department of Theology at the University of Durham, England. All welcome.

Sunday, 21 to Sunday, 28 February – Purple Pinkie Week. Please see page 22.

Tuesday, 23 February – Thanks for Life. Rotary Clubs raise money to eradicate polio.

Please see page 22. and the press for events.

– Cambo Estate, Kingsbarns, Fife. Snowdrop tour & lunch with Lady Erskine.

Saturday, 27 February – 8.00pm. St Leonards Music School, The Pends. The Higham Lane Duo (cello, piano) Music by Schumann, Britten, Bridge, Beethoven. The Music Club – tickets (at the door) £10, concessions £9, students £2, children £1.

Contact: katie.elliott@btopenworld.com Website: www.saint-andrews.co.uk/smc/ Advance Notice Thursday, 18 March – 7.30pm. St Salvator’s Chapel, North Street, St Andrews. Concert. St Salvator’s Chapel Choir, Directed by Tom Wilkinson. Tickets £12, (£10), £4 students & under 18s, from the Music Centre, Younger Hall. Contact: 01334 462 226 music@st-andrews.ac.uk

OUT & ABOUT Pamela Marnie, is Craigtoun Park’s

Horticultural Achiever On 15th October 2009 at the Moat House in Stoke on Trent, Pamela day since 1st April 2007 (her apprenticeship Marnie received the award of APSE Local Authority Horticultural finishes this coming April) Pam has chosen Apprentice of the Year 2009. a different plant to research, writing up Pam lives in Glenrothes. Having achieved an HND in Art and Design everything she can find out about it, and how at Glenrothes College, and not wishing to proceed to university, Pam to propagate it, adding photographs and began her working life in a bank. “That got me depressed, miserable and drawings. It is a joy to turn the pages of these really ill,” said Pam. To make matters worse, her greenhouse in the family meticulously presented plant records. She garden blew away in a gale leaving just one sunflower. Pam’s father, competed with 130 entrants from all over the who works in the Leven job centre, saw a horticultural job description UK, short listed down to 6. In Stoke on Trent for an apprentice at Craigtoun Park. And so, Pam found her niche in life! she faced a gruelling session with the judges.

Pam’s drawing of the “I absolutely love it, the best job in the world. I want to stay here,” she “What are the most important decisions you Caesar’s Brother, enthuses. have to make?” was one of the questions Siberian iris Together with long-experienced plantsman, Head Gardener Alan she was asked. Pam replied that opening Graham, Pam is working towards achieving the national collection of and closing doors and vents, correct watering (you have to get it right Siberian irises. Of the 400 different hybrids, 75% are needed to prevent or you kill the plants), all these little matters are the most important. “I them from dying out. Original species aren’t popular with commercial was giving them a lecture!” said Pam, “they shouldn’t have asked me; I nurseries, so those need preserving too. couldn’t stop talking!” The judges actually To gain National Collection status, records told Pam they hadn’t thought of it like “I absolutely love it, the best job in the world. have to be kept, photos taken, specimens that. That night she was declared ‘Overall I want to stay here” pressed for identification. It will take two Winner’. or three years to source all the varieties, What of the future? In January Pam though the beds are ready for them, is beginning a 10-week short introductory and planting has begun. Plant Heritage, course in botanical illustration at the affiliated to the Royal Horticultural Society, Edinburgh Botanic Garden. She is very will monitor the project. Fife Council keen to follow this with a two-year course supports the scheme, hoping that the irises leading to the Botanical Art Diploma. This will increase visitors to the Park. requires only one day a week, allowing Craigtoun’s glasshouses have no her to continue working at Craigtoun. heating, yet with loving care they are still However, Pam will need to raise the full of wonderful, often rare, plants. Bedding £3200 cost. With her evident talent, plants, however, are no longer grown from and bountiful enthusiasm, it would be seed, but are bought, and grown on to wonderful if sponsors can be found. Only provide the council parks at Pittencrieff, twelve people are chosen for the course, Beveridge, and Kinburn, “whoever needs which starts in summer. Good luck Pam! them.”

You deserve all the help you can find!

What did Pam have to do to gain her If you would like to sponsor Pamela, award? She was required to produce a even with a tiny amount, please contact portfolio following specific guidelines on the her on: marnie145@hotmail.com Pam in the greenhouse content, using an APSE Template. Each Mobile: 0793 253 7399.

Alistair Lawson foretells what’s

Coming Shortly ...

Readers will remember the account, in the JulyCollessie and Giffordtown. Near Scotstarvit, part August issue of “St Andrews in Focus”, of the of the old road to Cupar is also on the list.

Heritage Paths project currently being conducted The history is not always easy to pin down,

by ScotWays (the Scottish Rights of Way & as for example in the case of the Waterless Access Society). That article was accompanied Road running west from Ceres; but is it really by a photograph of a footpath sign at Glen ‘Waterless’, or was the original term actually Feochan, in a remote part of Argyll, but now, ‘Water Leas’ – giving quite the opposite following discussion with the Fife meaning? Turning to north Fife, Access Officer, a number of Fife Monks’ Road at Peacehill, The history is not the paths have been identified which west of Wormit, will be signed, always easy to have a historical association and this being part of an old route which are shortly to be signed. leading to Balmerino Abbey pin down As soon as one begins to think and thence over the Tay, over about it, it becomes clear that the Sidlaws, and to the Abbey’s the full gamut of historical characters travelled sister establishment at Coupar Angus. All these the ‘roads’ of Fife in the past: Royalty, monks, paths will be furnished with the usual directional clergy, Covenanters, traders, mourners and sign, i.e. indicating where the path goes to, miners, cattle-drovers and market-goers, and supplemented by an information sign giving a this diverse spectrum is mirrored in the paths précis of the history. This, of course, will be no selected for signing. more than a taster, just enough to hold people’s In the south of Fife, part of Queen Mary’s interest and spur them on to find out more for Road is to be signed, between Balgonie and themselves.

Wemyss, as is the Windylaw path between The project is made possible by grants Rosyth and Limekilns, and part of the old North to ScotWays from Historic Scotland and from Road near Burntisland. Cardenen’s Miners’ Scottish Natural Heritage. Readers who wish to Path is also on the agenda. In the centre of the comment on the above programme, or to make county, the Bishop’s Road at Magus Muir is a further suggestions, may e-mail the Project Officer, must, together with the Coffin Road between Neil Ramsay, on heritagepaths@scotways.com

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OUT & ABOUT John Mayhew, Director of APRS – Scotland’s Countryside Champion

Scotland’s Protected Areas – An Asset, not a Problem Scotland’s protected landscape and wildlife areas are the jewels in her crown. Last year, the then Environment Minister, Mike Russell, asked Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH – the government agency for landscape, outdoor recreation, and biodiversity) to review the current designations system, preferably reducing their number and complexity. We’ve been here before – like previous Environment Ministers from all parties, Mr Russell will have heard criticisms from developers complaining that the system is confusing and restrictive, as they perceive that designations sometimes prevent profitable developments.

However, the system isn’t really that complex – there are only four principal national designations: National Parks, National Scenic Areas, National Nature Reserves, and Sites of Special Scientific Interest. To simplify somewhat, NSAs are for landscape, SSSIs for biodiversity, NNRs for public enjoyment and scientific research, and NPs for the full range of natural and cultural heritage and its enjoyment. And most people like protected areas – they’re often good places to visit and provide quality facilities.

So SNH isn’t proposing any major change – but it is aiming to present our designated sites as a single family, with a common branding approach and an overall title such as ‘Scotland’s Special Areas’, or ‘Scotland’s Protected Places’.

However, this prompted SNH to undertake a more fundamental review asking some important questions such as whether our designated sites cover the right areas, have the necessary powers to do their job and are achieving their objectives. As part of this they held a one-day workshop at Battleby in Perthshire, and invited me to speak on behalf of the voluntary sector. Some of the points I made were: 1 Protected areas are an asset to be cherished rather than a problem to be solved

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2 Many APRS members and others, whom We try to achieve these aims through a firm I speak to on a daily basis, positively belief in working in partnership with individuals, value designations as a protection against other charities, local authorities, government inappropriate development and public bodies, and by active involvement 3 Scotland’s landscapes are valued for in the development of national countryside their cultural, as well as natural, heritage and landscape policies. We regularly advise so any review should also members of the public by phone Scotland’s protected consider cultural designations and email on how to respond to such as Conservation proposals affecting their local landscape and Areas, Listed Buildings, landscapes, and we publicise wildlife areas are the and Scheduled Ancient our work to our members and jewels in her crown.

Monuments beyond through our website, our quarterly newsletter Rural The Association for the Protection of Rural Scotland, and regular email bulletins.

Scotland (APRS) is the charity which cares APRS was formed in 1926, out of about all of Scotland’s rural landscapes. widespread concern after the First World APRS aims to: War that the quality of Scotland’s world1 Protect and enhance Scotland’s rural famous countryside was threatened by landscapes for future generations ribbon development and other inappropriate 2 Promote effective planning and landscape changes, in the absence, at that time, of protection systems in Scotland any effective planning mechanisms. APRS 3 Encourage genuinely sustainable currently has around 700 members, including development in rural Scotland many Community Councils, who in turn 4 Raise awareness of the importance of represent many more rural residents. As Scotland’s landscapes to its people and a charity, APRS is wholly dependent upon economy financial support from its members, charitable 5 Support the activity of land managers who trusts, and private companies. Please join care for Scotland’s landscapes us – you can find full details on our website at http://www.ruralscotland.org

St Andrews from Kingask (by Flora Selwyn)

OUT & ABOUT The Friends of the Botanic Garden offer a retrospective report of

St Andrews Sunday 2009 at The Botanic Garden one of the few remaining Bodgers, demonstrated this Despite the dreich November weather we had a ancient craft – turning unseasoned wood into objects steady flow of visitors to The Garden. Guest Piper, as diverse as a zylophone and a porridge spurtle Les, provided an authentic Scottish welcome and using a manual pole lathe and wooden chisels.

John Wilson was at the Gate to guide visitors. Our He brought along a completed zylophone, which New Gatehouse was open, displaying a wonderful the children had great fun playing, while the adults selection of craftware, all locally sourced and produced. were completely fascinated by the more technical There were many unusual gift ideas for Christmas. aspects of the work.

Anne Lightwood, our vice-chairman, has taken on In the afternoon Senga Munro held storytelling responsibility for this new facility and we are greatly sessions in the potting shed attracting an enthralled indebted to her. She has demonstrated her artistic audience. We were delighted to welcome back flare with her beautifully crafted pottery, and used her the young Fiddlers from Ferryport, who provided a knowledge of the local art and craft scene to encourage musical interlude in the Temperate House. Also in other local artists to participate. attendance this year were the Wandering Minstrels. The In the Glass Class, Ian Douglas had a selection of Youth Group from the Byre Theatre put on a movementtree seeds for children to plant in pots and take home. based performance in the Alpine House exploring Fife Ranger, Tony Wilson helped the children make a Darwinian theme illustrating their own very individual toadstools. the evolution of one species to Education Tutors, Jayne, Alex, and The Garden is fortunate another.

Brenda were kept very busy helping to have such widespread We didn’t forget the “inner the children create “Tattie Monsters” support from the community man” and Sheena Scott and April and other items using plant material.

Simpson were kept busy all day Other activities in the Glass Class feeding the hungry with bacon butties. Volunteers included Lyndsey’s Funky Bitz jewellery, where some from The Friends were on hand to provide very very intent young girls were kept occupied creating their welcome hot drinks and there was an opportunity to own designs. buy plants grown in the greenhouses.

Lesia Miller, of the Remembered Remedies project, As ever, the proceedings came to a climax with had a very successful morning collecting stories of plant the Annual Conker Contest presided over by Friends’ remedies for the Kew Gardens Ethnomedica project.

Chairman, Louise Roger.

The object is to compile a record of the medicinal use The Garden is fortunate to have such widespread of plants in the UK. support from the community. Our thanks to all who We were very pleased to welcome the Recyclists helped, and especially to all those who came to take to spread their Green message. Niall and Roarke, both part in the activities and enjoyed The Garden. only 12 years old, have set up their award-winning enterprise to help out those people who cannot (Photos courtesy the Botanic Garden) manage to take their own recyclable material to the recycling point. For only £1 a week they provide reusable bags and take your rubbish away for you. They have also expanded into rearing free-range hens and selling their eggs. As well as saving the planet this year they are supporting World Vision by donating 10% of their profits to the Charity. They are supported by the Go Green Bag Co. We hear so much bad publicity Byre Youth G roup about the youth of today, but these are two youngsters of whom St Andrews can be very proud.

Our Hon Curator, Bob Mitchell led a walk around the glasshouses explaining the diverse range of plants on display, from cold Alpine to arid Cacti and the junglePiper Les like Tropical House. In the Potting Shed, Kenny Grieve, splay Gatehouse di

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