St Andrews in Focus Issue 42 Sept Oct 2010

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

www.standrewsinfocus.com www.standrewsinfocus.com

September September // October October 2010 2010 Issue 42, £1.50 Issue 42, £1.50

the award winning magazine for St Andrews

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

From the Editor St Andrews in Focus likes to think of itself as a magazine for the whole of our community. For this reason it is trying an experiment. In your distributed copy you will find a supplement with an explanation, and a three-page questionnaire. Please take it seriously, read carefully and fill out the whole questionnaire. We have at least to try to help ourselves and if we all pull together we can make a difference.

After all, we are not such a huge town; we are still small enough to be a real community - some countries would even consider us to be a village! Once we have the completed questionnaires, we can use them to set up an exhibition, hopefully in the Town Hall. Then we can present our conclusions to Fife Council. This being where we live, this should show how we see our town. Between us we may be able, therefore, to set out where scarce resources should be directed.

Let’s give it a real try!

Flora Selwyn

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

SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2010 EDITOR Flora Selwyn Tel: 01334 472375 Email: editor@standrewsinfocus.com DESIGNER University of St Andrews Print & Design 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.

Subscriptions for 6 issues are: £12.75 in the UK (post & packing included).

Please send cheques to: Local Publishing (Fife) Ltd., PO Box 29210, St Andrews, Fife, KY16 9YZ. £22 overseas (post and packing included).

Please use PayPal account: editor@StAndrewsinFocus.com NOTE: please pay with a Personal Bank Account, as credit cards incur a 3.9% charge.

REGISTERED IN SCOTLAND: 255564 THE PAPER USED IS 80% RECYCLED POST-CONSUMER WASTE

2

Contents FEATURES • Defending Britain’s Skies • From the Community Council • Dear James White...

• The Lightbulb Moment • Of what is past...

• The Alfred Dunhill connection • Charity Shop • The USS New York • Reviews – Pedestrianism – New Writing, Dundee

3 4 5 5 6 7 8 8 8 9

TOWN/GOWN • 70th Anniversary • Sport for everyone • Young Writers in Focus – Washington Square – The Ugly Duckling

12 12

EVENTS • The Music Club • St Andrews Art Club • Selected Events

13 14 15

SHOPS & SERVICES • HM – OOH...

• The Coalition’s 1st Budget • Roving Reporter

16 17 18

ORGANISATIONS • St Andrews Chorus • StAFCO • Continuing Care • St Andrews & Loches • St Andrews Amateur Operatic Society

20 20 21 22 22

OUT AND ABOUT • Along the Pinnacled Coast • Nature Notes • No Wrong Choice • The Mystery Solved • White-tailed Eagles • Apple Day • Toonspot

23 24 24 24 25 26 26

NEXT ISSUE – Nov/Dec 2010 COPY DEADLINE: STRICTLY 28 SEPTEMBER

10 11

All contributions welcome. The Editor reserves the right to publish copy according to available space.

COVER: Red Arrows, courtesy RAF Leuchars

FEATURES From RAF Leuchars

‘Defending Britain’s Skies: Past, Present, and Future’ September will see a familiar sight return to the skies over Fife as RAF in operations across the globe at any time.

Leuchars prepares to celebrate its Battle of Britain Airshow. What began In addition, recent months have seen the in 1945 as one of a number of ‘At Home Day’ events, has evolved into arrival of a new squadron at RAF Leuchars; Air Cdre Atkinson, a significant spectacle and the 2nd largest non-sporting outdoor event 58 Squadron RAF Regiment, which will be Air Officer Scotland and in Scotland. The event will see RAF Leuchars transformed, with static commanded by 6 RAF Force Protection Wing Station Commnder aircraft standing proudly along the taxiways, aircraft hangars housing also from RAF Leuchars, with both Units RAF Leuchars exciting exhibitions, trade stands forming a shopping village, simulators, preparing to deploy to Afghanistan in early a funfair, and an Arena featuring exciting acts; all of which offer 2011 as part of the UK’s continued support entertainment for young and old alike. Of course, we must not forget to establishing safe governance in that country. In the interim, 612 Sqn, the wonderful array of aircraft displaying which will support this year’s a medical reservist unit from RAF Leuchars, are currently deployed in Airshow theme of ‘Defending Britain’s Skies: Past, Present and Future’.

Camp Bastion in Afghanistan providing medical support. These units This year is particularly special for the RAF, the RAF in Scotland, and will complement other RAF capabilities such as tactical transport and RAF Leuchars as we commemorate the 70th Anniversary of ‘The Battle precise close air support for troops on the ground when necessary. of Britain’, whilst also looking Though the location to the future with the arrival of operations may have the RAF has continually defended the skies over of the Typhoon multi-role changed, control of the aircraft at RAF Leuchars and air, and particularly home Britain and control of these skies remains a core the continued delivery of air defence, remain vital task of the RAF today defence from Scotland. tasks for the RAF and the Since its formation in 1918 number one priority for RAF following German airship and Leuchars as it continues to bomber raids on London, the deliver the northern element RAF has continually defended of the Quick Reaction Alert the skies over Britain and (QRA) force with Tornado control of these skies remains F3 fighter aircraft at high a core task of the RAF today. alert to scramble and There can be no greater intercept unidentified aircraft example of that control than approaching UK airspace. the summer of 1940, where Needless to say the delivery the skies raged over the UK in of this operational task is what would eventually become not down to the aircraft known as the Battle of Britain. and its crews alone, but Renowned as ‘our finest hour’ requires contributions from the Battle was undoubtedly many sections across RAF a turning point in World War Leuchars and is testament 2 and set the conditions to the team ethos and for victory. As such, it is efforts of all personnel important that we remember involved. This year will be the sacrifices of our forbears the last that the Tornado F3 and celebrate their many will undertake this task as it achievements. This year’s prepares to hand over the Airshow will therefore see a task to the Typhoons.

Typhoon and Tornado F3s of 111(F) Sqn. number of historic Battle of Number 6 Squadron will Britain aircraft on display both on the ground and more impressively, in re-form at RAF Leuchars on 6 September 2010 as the first of 3 planned the air, as well as some special flypasts unique to the Leuchars Airshow.

Typhoon squadrons. While the Typhoon will take on the QRA task at In what promises to be one of the many highlights of the event, a RAF Leuchars, it is also the RAF’s first true multi-role fighter aircraft, Second World War Spitfire will fly alongside a Typhoon fighter, signifying and will undoubtedly see service for many years to come in the RAF over 70 years of continuous UK air defence, paying perfect homage to supporting operations across the World. With the impending arrival, the past, while very much looking forward to the future. this year has seen much development at RAF Leuchars with the buildWhilst looking both into the past and to the future, we must not up of Typhoon infrastructure and support facilities. As the Tornado F3 forget the present. The spirit of the few, and indeed the operational continues to draw down with 111(F) Squadron due to disband in March focus of today’s Armed Forces, remain strong at RAF Leuchars as it 2011, the arrival of Typhoon opens a new chapter in the history of RAF continues to play a key role in protecting the Nation’s interests both at Leuchars and St Andrews. home and abroad. The operations that the Armed Forces are involved in With the draw down of the Tornado F3 over the last year, it has around the World have undeniably changed in recent years with British perhaps been a quieter period for RAF Leuchars in the local community.

Forces currently However, this situation has only been temporary and the arrival of units deployed to many such a 58 RAF Regiment Squadron and 6 Squadron will see RAF areas of the world, Leuchars return to its previous scale. Indeed, RAF Leuchars continues including in support to be proud to consider itself not merely a neighbour, but part of the of the Afghanistan community and is ever grateful for the continuing positive support Government and its provided by the people of St Andrews, Guardbridge and Leuchars people. Indeed, the village, and across Fife. We hope you will all enjoy the spectacle that airmen and women the Airshow provides. Soon the dust will settle, the pipes and drums of RAF Leuchars will march past as Air Officer Scotland takes the final salute and RAF stand ready to Leuchars will resume normal operations. Till next year! play their part with between 5-10% of its (Photos courtesy RAF Leuchars) personnel involved Leuchars Airshow

3

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

Your young men shall see visions and your old men shall dream dreams The question of whether one person has copied from another surfaces very readily in the minds of those whose work includes the marking of exam scripts. It is not, however, always a relevant question and can distract from the main issue of the moment. Nevertheless it was hard to avoid it when reading the report preparing the way for TAYplan – the strategic development plan for the new City Region covering North Fife and the three local authorities north of the Tay. The report handily juxtaposed the “single outcome agreements visions” for the four authorities – visions of which most of their citizens will have been blissfully unaware. The vision for Perth and Kinross, which starts “Our vision is of a confident and ambitious Perth and Kinross”, bears a striking resemblance to that for Fife – “Our vision is of a confident, ambitious and caring Fife”. If we can assume that an authority would not deliberately decide not to call itself caring, can we deduce that the original version is the one from Perth and Kinross, or do both depend on some third source? There is also some agreement on vocabulary between “Angus will be a place where a first-class quality of life for all can be enjoyed in vibrant towns . . . “ and “Dundee...will be a vibrant and attractive city with an excellent quality of life”. It is tempting to suggest that we could save trees by having a nationally agreed list of numbered clichés, so that local authorities could just briefly list their chosen set of numbers.

There is, however, a serious side to vision statements: we must not dismiss them as pointless jargon. St Andrews needs to take note of those in the new TAYplan.

We can (apart from the grammar) certainly applaud the challenge of “Recognising that

4

some places (built, cultural, natural heritage) are of international and regional significance and respect their quality and character in how they develop.” The Community Council has, however, objected to the associated “objective for the vision” of “Protecting and enhancing the character and quality of these places as economic drivers”. We want the last three words to be deleted. Experience suggests that the quality and character of places is only respected when they are valued for their own sake. As soon as they are seen as economic drivers, short-term monetary gain brushes respect aside.

The Community Council has also questioned the proposed “growth of Dundee city region”. This, of course, refers to population growth rather than to any intention of bagging a bit of Edinburgh City Region! The greater part of any population growth is likely to come from people moving from one area to another rather than increased fertility. The largest component could well be acquisition of population from the west of Scotland. It is not, however, reasonable to argue that the acquisition of population is necessary for our sustainable future, if it relies on making other places unsustainable.

The excerpts that I have quoted above suggest that the four TAYplan authorities should not have found it too hard to generate a common vision from their previous statements. This is not, however, the time for the regurgitation of old visions, and the report must be given credit for going some way in recognising this. It says explicitly that “climate change is the single most important issue facing mankind”, and it does indeed include a range of measures aimed to help the planet. Nonetheless, it is arguably over-prescriptive. There is not a unique road to planetary salvation, and we need a

framework that will not exclude worthwhile contributory projects.

The urgent need to reduce carbon emissions is not, however, the only major factor that needs to be taken on board. The report is much less strong in appreciating the extent to which the recession has changed the economic landscape. There will be huge knock-on effects on the economy if, as has been suggested, the cumulative loss in Scottish public expenditure reaches approximately £42 billion by 2025/26.

It is completely unrealistic to assume, as TAYplan currently does, that housepurchasing, and consequent population growth, will continue at pre-recession levels.

Another very weak point of the TAYplan consultation was the attempt to get people to agree that it does not need to say anything about affordable housing, on the argument that, as the required percentages vary from area to area, the matter can be dealt with in Local Plans. Whilst acknowledging that detailed percentages can be fixed in Local Plans, the Community Council has called for TAYplan to provide a robust general framework. At present there are too many ways in which developers can avoid providing affordable housing. We wish to curtail exemptions for small sites and monetary contributions in lieu of housing, and to introduce phased construction programmes in which the affordable element is not left till the end. It should not be forgotten that for many people, it is only when they have obtained appropriate housing that they can aspire to a “first-class quality of life” in a “vibrant town”.

The full text of the Community Council’s response to the TAYplan consultation can be found by going to the webpage http://www.standrewscc.net/planning.php and using the “TAYplan” link.

FEATURES Letter to James Henry White II, 1833-1919

Dear Great Grandfather, Obviously, you and I never met, but a visit to St Andrews reminded me of your achievements and the mark you left on its landscape.

Driving through Fife, I always look over at Pickletillum to see the memorial Leng Chapel built in 1908. Trained by your father, and later to become the finest Gothic stonemason of your time, you worked with leading builders from Portsmouth and later headed your family business based in St Andrews with your sons.

For the University, you built The Bute Medical Hall in 1899 and the Younger Graduation Hall in 1929. The Parish Church in Market Street (restored in 1909) appointed you Foreman. The plan to carve the heads of the

James Henry White II carving on Holy Trinity Church.

12 Apostles on the sides of the arches of the 6 windows was changed. Instead, the heads of contractors and men from Kirk and Town were carved there – including you, with your mason’s cap to keep the dust off your head!

You changed the choice of stone to Cullaloe grey sandstone. The Whites found this the best, and the only, quality for restoration work. One smart move – as the Whites by now had bought the Quarry at Aberdour.

Your other smart move was to allow my Grandfather, James Mitchell Benzies, to marry your daughter Lily, when you both worked on the outstanding mansion Mount Stuart House on the island of Bute for Lord Bute, in 1879.

Jobs like this took 7 years and whole families of the tradesmen resettled on site. Recently in the grounds, we visited Windsor Cottage, which the Earl had built for you and yours. The occupant now was pleased to have her children working on the Estate and was only worried by the deer eating her garden!

Before St Andrews, you worked all over Scotland, leaving over 100 Public Buildings, Memorials, Churches, and restorations for your CV; viz, works manger to the construction of St Mary’s Cathedral in Palmerston Place, Edinburgh in1879; still in Edinburgh, a chapel in St Giles Cathedral and the Students Union; the first stage of restoration in Iona Cathedral in 1906 -1919.

In the 1920s, your oldest son Ben was in charge of the Roman Catholic Church on The Scores. Blue Permand Stone was used in preference to sandstone. Almost last was Mount Melville House, later to be Craigtoun

James Henry White II painted in 1958 by Hap Bromley, a great granddaughter in Canada, from a photograph taken by my father.

Maternity Hospital. Culalloe stone was used by others to build Fettes College in Edinburgh.

Robert Benzies got his education there; sister Pat Benzies was to graduate in the Younger Hall (as was the Editor of this organ). At the 2010 Open year, three golfers were honoured with Doctorates in the Younger Hall – Messrs Watson, Harrington, and Palmer. My nephew, Andrew Harley, was to be born in Craigtoun Hospital.

Thank you from us all, Great Grandfather!

Bob Benzies, Coupar Angus (Photos courtesy Bob Benzies)

Sandy Cameron, is a member of the XIXth Hole Golf Club of St Andrews.

A retired psychologist and teacher, he gives PowerPoint presentation seminars on the mental aspect of the short game of golf.

All proceeds to charity – Tel: 01334 474 763 and email: aileencam@tiscali.co.uk ‘

Shrink Your Handicap with Mentalgolfman – The Light Bulb Moment Not all golf psychology is readily comprehensible to the average club thirds of all shots occur inside 100 yards of the hole. It follows that the player. Many do, however, understand what it means to have a change proportion of practice should reflect work on the wedge and inwards to of mindset. In essence, this means that you look at some familiar thing the putter or, to put it another way, the short game. from a completely different viewpoint. The literature of sportspeople is Now, if you go into any club on medal day and ask the members full of stories of how a change of mindset transformed their performance. what is the most important aspect of the game, the vast majority will Sometimes it is called a ‘light bulb moment’ because it illuminates an echo this sentiment that it is the short game that counts. But do weekend aspect of their sport in a way they had previously not considered. Some players practice what they preach? Time and again field studies at the years ago this was exemplified to me as a struggling 18 handicapper range show the following : 80% of practice time is spent on the long and due to a chance encounter in my golf club. I started mid-game, 15% on the shorter clubs, and 5% on chatting to a deeply-tanned stranger about my the putting green (and this latter is a generous Not all golf psychology is practice habits. I told him that I spent most of my figure). So 20% of time is spent on the part of the time working on my swing with my driver and long game that makes up 65% of shots. How sensible readily comprehensible to and middle irons. The tall stranger informed me is this? the average club player that the most elegant swing in the world would When the stranger explained this to me, I be useless if I could not score and that, he said, had a light bulb moment. I took his advice on is what golf is all about. He told me that if I really wanted to improve, board and devoted a commensurate amount of practice to the short then I had to change my mindset. This, he explained, meant changing game. Immediately, my scores began to head downwards. I still had the my concept of how to improve my golf from one of trying to improve my ugliest swing west of the Swilcan, but at least, in the immortal words of swing to one where I tried to improve my score. The two are far from Marlon Brando, I became a contender. identical. I needed to concentrate my efforts on the part of golf that Oh, and by the way, the name of my mentor was a gentleman by the logically demands most attention. It is, he explained, a case of simple name of Bob Charles – one of the greatest short-game exponents in the statistics. Studies have shown that in an average round of golf, two history of golf !!

5

FEATURES Gordon Maxwell, President of the University Archaeological Society, Honorary Professor in the School of History; former Head of Archaeology, Royal Commission on Ancient Monuments of Scotland, specialising in the Roman period and Aerial Survey.

Of what is past . . .

The St Andrews University Archaeological Society had been in existence for some two years when I came up to read Classics in 1955. By then I had already added archaeology to a ragbag of schoolboy hobbies and found, by active participation in the excavation of the Roman fort at Cramond, how well it fitted with a schooling in ancient languages. Not surprisingly, becoming a member of ‘Arch. Soc.’ was the first target on my list of things to do during freshers’ week.

It was a choice I have never regretted, for not only did it open my eyes to the world’s rich treasury of artefacts, monuments, and cultures, inaccessible except through an archaeological approach, but also eventually led me to the realisation of a great truth: there is really no such thing as Archaeology; there are only archaeologists! – it is the ‘language’ used by archaeologists to communicate, in a two-way conversation, with those periods of the Past that have no written history.

On Thursday evenings over the last halfcentury, members of the Society have been privileged to hear some of the truly great practitioners talk to them about discoveries now considered archaeological milestones – Gurney on the Hittites, Richmond on Inchtuthil, Taylour on Mycenae, Ventris on Minoan Linear B, Kenyon on Jericho, to mention just a few of the earlier guestlecturers. The significant link between all these, and many others, is not just the importance of their topics, but the archaeological insights that they brought to bear. More significant still, such insights are not restricted to the elite, but are the natural response of anybody who experiences the attraction of the past and wishes to communicate with it. Perhaps that is why the meetings of the Society seem to generate the intense community of reception that makes it a truly Town and Gown activity.

This feeling of shared participation would on excavations or other field activities. For not have developed and continued without the many of us this was the first step on the path inspiring contributions of its founder, Terence to a lifetime’s career in archaeology or kindred Bruce Mitford, and successive officers of the disciplines. To the author of this article, that Society, including those responsible for the introduction, which took him, as it did others, organisation of the parallel Student Society. to key sites on the Roman frontiers of Britain, It was Mitford’s wide circle of acquaintance also alerted him to the perceptive skills amongst fellow archaeologists, particularly underpinning archaeological enquiry, which those operating, like him, had to be allied with in Eastern Mediterranean intellectual activity before This feeling of shared localities, which brought success in any project lustre to the annual could be assured. participation would not lecture syllabus; it was In my final year, have developed and his diligent avoidance of this lesson was driven narrow academicism in the more securely home continued without the presentation of archaeology

by F T Wainwright, of inspiring contributions that gave Society meetings University College, their distinctively congenial Dundee (as it then was), of its founder, Terence character. So inclusive who took a small party of Bruce Mitford a welcome to all – to us round a selection of University teaching staff, field-monuments in the townspeople, and undergraduates – was neighbourhood of St Andrews; the visits to singled out for a particularly warm approval Drumcarrow broch and the fort at Denork stick

by Sir Kenneth Dover, when he came to most clearly in my memory because it was St Andrews as a young professor in 1955, there that the penny dropped: visual literacy, comparing it with his experience of a more the ability to read physical remains, large or rigidly structured Oxford. Later, as our muchsmall, the main weapon in the archaeologist’s valued President, he continued to stress the armoury. Over the years I have realised that importance of this universal appeal. this is just one form of the skill of patternIt must also be remembered that in the recognition, on which so many learning early days (and later), since there was no processes depend. Indeed, it was there to Department of Archaeology in St Andrews, be discovered in the textual and linguistic the active promotion of archaeology by exercises of our Greek or Latin studies, academics depended largely upon personal and it became more overtly identified in the initiatives. Here, too, Terence Mitford played curriculum, as later developed by Kenneth an important role, both informally – when he Dover to include a wider concern for Classical and his wife invited undergraduates to meet Studies, with an appropriate recognition of the the lecturer over an afternoon cup of tea – and archaeological approach. in a more official capacity. The latter included I remember the advice given by von acting as the University representative on Borthmer to his New York students: ‘Look with the committee of the Scottish Field School of patience; see with imagination’. Archaeology Archaeology, which assisted undergraduates is all around us; here in Fife it slumbers of the Scottish Universities to gain experience beneath our feet as we walk the pavements of our towns and villages; it lurks unnoticed in open country, and everywhere it waits patiently to tell us how the Past is responsible for the shape and nature of the physical world we now inhabit. An aerial archaeologist, I have been lucky enough to witness the process of discovery by which pieces of the jigsaw have suddenly revealed themselves as elements of Neolithic, Iron Age, Roman, or Dark Age landscapes; on the lower slopes of the Lomonds, in fields along the valley of the Eden, in the triangle of ground which stretches from Leuchars to the Tay. Join us in Lower Parliament Hall, South Street, St Andrews, at 8.00pm on Thursday 14 October, 2010 for the Mitford Memorial Lecture, to be given by Dr David Breeze, formerly of Historic Scotland, who will be setting Scotland’s Antonine Wall in the context of the Roman Imperial Frontier as a whole; World Heritage Site status was accorded to it last year.

Photo from the air, 2001, showing cropmarks of round and square burial monuments in a possible high-status Pictish cemetery at Kettlebridge. (Courtesy Gordon Maxwell)

6

FEATURES Flora Selwyn met Bill Shaw, who kindly arranged for this article about

Alfred Dunhill and St Andrews In October 2005 on a tense and nerve-racking This year will be the 10th occasion the final day, this year’s Ryder Cup captain Colin championship has been staged over the Old Montgomerie and England’s Kenneth Ferrie Course at St Andrews, and the wonderful slugged it out over 18 holes of golf for one of courses at Carnoustie and Kingsbarns. The the most prestigious championships in golf, the first championship was staged in 2001, but Alfred Dunhill Links Championship. The title Alfred Dunhill’s connections with St Andrews, was only decided when Montgomerie sank a through the Alfred Dunhill Cup, goes back to four foot putt for a dramatic birdie three on the 1985, giving an unbroken span of 26 years of famous 18th hole in front of the windows of the supporting golf at St Andrews.

Royal & Ancient clubhouse in St Andrews.

The championship has a unique format. It For the Scot Montgomerie it was an incorporates two separate competitions – an emotional win at the Home individual professional of Golf. “This is a very To give something back tournament for the world’s special place and walking leading golfers with a to the golf loving public up the last hole is a very US$5 million prize fund, special experience,” he of Scotland, entrance to and a team competition said. features some of the the championship is free which For the man by his side most celebrated amateur for three of the four days golfers playing alongside on the first three days of the championship it was the professionals. an equally unique experience. Michael Douglas The Old Course at St Andrews is a said: “Watching Colin play was stunning, one of remarkable place where history and sport come the best experiences I’ve ever had. It’s one of together. Over the first ten years, there have those days I’ll always remember.” been some eventful championships and some For the Hollywood colossus, who had seen fascinating players. everything and done everything in a remarkable Ireland’s double Open champion Padraig career, this was something new: to be able to Harrington has twice won both the individual share a priceless moment of real life drama in and team competition, partnering celebrated one of the great sporting arenas of the world. racehorse owner J.P.McManus. In 2006 This is the unique magic of the Alfred Dunhill McManus famously celebrated his victory Links Championship. by taking over the Jigger Inn beside the Old Course and buying drinks all round.

England’s first win came from Lee Westwood in 2003, which included a remarkable albatross two at Kingsbarns during a course record 62 there.

The championship brings together a crosssection of amateur golfers from all walks of life. In 2003 former Ryder Cup captain Sam Torrance playing with his amateur son Daniel, then 15, won the team championship. Samuel L Jackson, Morgan Freeman, Hugh Grant and Dennis Quaid have shared the fairways with sporting greats like Sir Steve Redgrave, Sir Bobby Charlton, Boris Becker, Sir Ian Botham, Ruud Gullit, Johan Cruyff and Nigel Mansell.

Several fascinating family partnerships have developed. Ernie Els has played with father Neels Els on several occasions and last year precocious young Irishman Rory McIlroy had the pleasure of playing with his father Gerry. Rory admitted he was trying as hard to win the team championship for Gerry, whose 50th birthday took place while they were in St Andrews, as he was to win the professionals’ competition. It became a family event for the McIlroys. Rory said: “I’m trying to help Dad as much as possible. And Mum is already here in St Andrews planning a party.”

Lee Westwood

Total

ecommerce

Total Ecommerce, 7 Borthwick Place, Balmullo, Fife Call: 01334 871101 Email: Info@total-ecommerce.co.uk

The McIlgorm Dunhill Trophy

Padraig Harrington 2006

The Dyson The previous year McIlory played with football legend Sir Bobby Charlton, an excellent golfer himself, who has played in every one of the Alfred Dunhill Links Championships since 2001. Sir Bobby adored the experience: “Rory is a lovely lad. Just at the start of a great career.

He played really well. He was just sensational.”

And McIlroy, a Manchester United fan, got his reward when Sir Bobby invited him to a Manchester United Champions League match as his guest.

In addition to friendships between the players and fascinating playing partnerships, over the years a very special relationship has developed between the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship and the city and people of St Andrews. To give something back to the golf loving public of Scotland, entrance to the championship is free on the first three days.

And St Andrews during championship week is a very special place. The dazzling fireworks display held before the Gala Dinner on the Saturday is a highlight and attracts big crowds.

Glittering social events combine with the adrenalin of intense competition at the highest level. A truly unique event from start to finish.

(Images courtesy Alfred Dunhill)

— No nonsense brochure websites from £250 — Ecommerce websites from £400 — Beat the credit crunch and get your business back on track — No nonsense approach to your online business from Total Ecommerce

7

FEATURES Lillias Forbes

Charity Shop Here, entering... this truly common meeting-place That’s for sure – no preferential sifting of customers Just this blinding kaleidoscope of colour So you make no mistake – Red is red is red:

The USS New York – In Memoriam Many tons of steel recovered from the wreckage of the Twin Towers were recycled to make this ship.

It is the fifth in a new class of warship – designed for missions that include special operations against terrorists. It will carry a crew of 360 sailors, and 700 combat-ready Marines who can be delivered ashore by helicopters and assault craft.

Make way for her – this wan fragility of woman Already with us, invisible to the bargain-hunting mob Just managed the doorstep, pausing now for breath Clutching her scarce-filled ‘green-world’ shopper Her scoured hands mapped by rivulets of age...

Trapped on this pointless carousel of clutter She minces past these questionable joys Now, time for pause, a sudden truant thought Lights up the rag-bag scene – remembered moment: That offering from the masters, years ago Awaiting her in the solitary hermit room And ever its rain-blotted prospect of heaven...

Again, from the shadows, a hundred shades of blue Rouse out of sleep, infiltrating shy crevices, Nuzzle round long~abandoned canvases Compose the frenzy of her fretful hands.

Reviews: Robin Spencer reviews

Pedestrianism;

or an Account of The Performance of Celebrated Pedestrians during the Last and Present Century with a Full Narrative of Captain Barclay’s Public and Private Matches and An Essay on Training, by Walter Thom, Author of the History of Aberdeen etc. etc. etc., Aberdeen 1813. revived by Donald Macgregor Published by Pinetree Press @ £12.99 and available at East Neuk Books, or from D Macgregor 15 Kinkell Terrace KY16 8DS, email: dfm237@hotmail.com is now an essentially urban activity, which takes The marathon runner, Fife councillor, and explace in the big city, but in classical times it was Madras teacher Donald Macgregor’s modern the fastest way for an army to get from one re-issue of Walter Thom’s Pedestrianism, first place to the next. For Marathon was a place published in 1813, is a classic. Running and before it was a race, and competitiveness was walking are now so much part of the social the inevitable consequence which fabric of modern living that we more centuries later lead to the Olympic or less take them for granted. Their Movement. Pedestrianism evokes origins are described here in a the neoclassical world of eighteenth book which is nearly two hundred century art galleries filled with years old. From Pedestrianism can white marble statues of pugilists, be traced the beginnings of what wrestlers, and disc throwers, all of has become a modern recreational them subjects for classical sculpture, activity on a global scale. Whether which exerted such a strong walking and running for our health influence on Victorian life and art. It – or for money – ‘pedestrianism’ also evokes the athleticism of superfor amateur and professionals alike fit footmen running to keep up with is now the democratic sport par a stage coach in a novel by Thomas excellence to watch as well as take Fielding. But in late Georgian Britain part in. Even if we have never run at the time of the French Wars it was a marathon in our life there’s a fair thought that competitive walking chance we know someone who has. would improve the physical fitness And from an armchair, who has not of the modern British army, which taken vicarious pleasure in seeing Captain Robert spent too much of its time sitting the milling thousands at the start of Barclay Allardice around between engagements. a marathon streamed by satellite Then there are the details from the other side of the world? Or a bringing Pedestrianism to life as a spectator third-world winner beating off competition from sport. They include information about the kit: the first-world west? Or the final moments in the Captain Barclay was dressed in ‘a flannel Para-olympic race? close shirt, flannel trowsers and night-cap [sic], Here then is where it all started. Inevitably lambs’-wool stockings, and thick-soled leather this meant Ancient Greece and Rome. Running

8

shoes’. As well as what they ate: ‘He lunched at twelve; the other day on beef-steaks, and the other, on mutton-chops, of which he ate a considerable quantity’. And the result for weight watchers: ‘When Capt. Barclay started, his weight was thirteen stones and four pounds’, but after the walk ‘his weight was reduced to eleven stones’.

Prize money was probably the most historically significant factor for the survival of Pedestrianism into the modern age. Stakes were relatively large and 100 guineas was a not uncommon wager. But doping is also recorded.

Bookmakers refused to pay out after Abraham Wood, the celebrated Lancashire pedestrian, was alleged to have taken laudanum during a race. There’s now an ever-expanding bibliography for walking, and university courses are devoted to it. It’s been an art form since the 1960s (e.g. Richard Long) so it’s time to consider some of the antecedents. All the formative ingredients, the vices and virtues, are included in Pedestrianism to understand the development of the modern sport. Donald Macgregor, who is responsible for the reissue of this 1813 classic, also ran the marathon in the 1972 Olympics. His autobiography of his life as a runner is currently in the pipeline and awaited with the greatest interest. No-one could be better placed to bring Pedestrianism bang up to date.

FEATURES: REVIEWS Reviewer Molly-Rose Smith has an HNC in Professional Writing from Dundee College, and is in the first year of English and Art History at the University of St Andrews

Linking Towns, Linking Fiction: New Writing Dundee 5

New Writing Dundee 5, price £5, is available from J&G Innes, Waterstones, John Smiths in Dundee, McManus Galleries in Dundee and the DCA. It is also available from Amazon.co.uk and directly from www.buyat.dundee.ac.uk. Submissions for New Writing Dundee 6 are now being accepted.

For information see: www.literarydundee.co.uk/newwriting.htm The latest edition of New Writing Dundee (NWD5) is a literary feast. The fifth volume, produced by staff and students at Dundee University, allows the voices of renowned poets and unpublished writers to be heard from an equal platform. This year, over six-hundred writers submitted work – only the most worthy were included in the final anthology.

Though the title suggests that content emanates primarily from Dundee, international authors contribute to the publication, along with writers from further afield in Britain.

NWD5 includes a number of contributions from people who live and work in St Andrews.

The Senior Editor and contributor, Rachel Marsh, also lives in St Andrews.

Rachel acknowledges the historic connection between Dundee and St Andrews, explaining that it was “natural to invite faculty of St Andrews to be in the publication”.

Robert Crawford, Professor of English at the University, contributed a poem to New Writing Dundee 5. His couplets close the book on a suitable note of reflection. In the past, Douglas Dunn and Megan Delahunt have featured in the publication as well, and three graduates

of the University of St Andrews appear in this year’s anthology.

Childhood recollection is a recurring theme in NWD5. KF Gray, who is a graduate of the MLitt in Creative Writing at St Andrews, has contributed a short story entitled “The Amazing Headless Woman”. It’s told from the retrospective point of view of a child, and is both amusing and sad. The story evokes conflicting emotions and leaves the reader with many questions.

A short story by Hope Jennings, a PhD graduate in English from the University of St Andrews, appears in this year’s book. The story is entitled “The Prologue (To Everything that Came Before)”, and its beauty lies in what the reader is not told – the pieces of the plot which are created, shrouded in the imagination.

In the foreword to the book, Kirsty Gunn, Professor of Creative Writing at Dundee University, describes the poems in the book as “scattered like fizz bombs and sparklers through the pages”. Such a poem was contributed by Leila Webster, a double St Andrean. (She lives in the town and is a graduate of the University).

“The Talk” is a tiny, clever poem which catches in the throat, mocking, truthful, an observation.

Two other writers affiliated with St Andrews feature in NWD5. “CV Building”, a short story

by Rachel March, Senior Editor and resident of St Andrews, appears in the book. Its practical title is comically misleading – the story is a very funny satire on the academic world and the pretensions of the writing community.

Heather McKenzie lives in Dundee and works in St Andrews. Her featured poem, “The Telegraph Pole and the Tree (move up)”, on first reading appears to be light verse, but reveals hidden philosophical depths. Would you rather be alive and insignificant or dead, but “ensuring the world receives/the vital buzz of communication”?

New Writing Dundee has grown and matured over the last five years. “It began as a student publication from the University of Dundee, and has moved to encompass the global writing student”, says Rachel Marsh. The latest publication will dazzle, entertain, inspire, and change perspectives. Dundonians should be proud of their city’s literary talent and their generosity in promoting the writing talent of others.

9

TOWN & GOWN Professor Ian Kidd and his youngest son Simon often see Flora Selwyn at concerts in the town. So they got together to commemorate a very special

70th Anniversary

together.” On a less intellectual note, Ian Exactly 70 years ago, Ian Kidd arrived as a Bejant (Fresher) at remembers his role in an undergraduate St Salvator’s Hall, University of St Andrews. It was the start of a long prank, when he “must have drunk too and most distinguished career. much”, and drove a car on to the Pier one Born in 1922, at Chandernagore, French India, where his father evening; the men’s efforts at reversing worked for the Angus Jute Company, he travelled to Dundee, staying with failed to impress their partners! grandparents and maiden aunts, to start his education at the Morgan. His However, he soon achieved academic parents returned home in 1933 and settled in Monifieth. At Dundee High Today (by Flora Selwyn) success; a First Class Honours Degree School Ian excelled – medallist in Greek, Latin, Maths, and English; Dux in Classics, accompanied by a string of (Head of School); Captain of Rugby, and champion golfer. awards, including the Miller Prize (Faculty of Arts), Burnet Prize, and However, after completing his ordinary degree, war intervened.

Lewis Campbell Medal (both for Greek). In 1947 Ian went to Queen’s In 1942, Ian was commissioned as a Lieutenant in the Argyll and College, Oxford, for two years, graduating BA in Greats, where the Sutherland Highlanders, “in those days I was very fit“. On a night-time philosophy and ancient history complemented the language and literature training exercise in Wales, Ian remembers being despatched alone he had studied at St Andrews. to plot a course over the summit of Cadair Idris to rendezvous with Most importantly, at St Andrews, Ian had fallen in love with Sheila colleagues, using only maps and his ingenuity! Sent to North Africa, Dow, from Crail, “with the absolutely beautiful eyes”. A graduate in he was transferred to the Seaforth Highlanders; initial action in Sicily.

Economics, Sheila worked at Hedleys in Newcastle while Ian lived in Ian then “led the first platoon of the Oxford. Returning to St Andrews, Ian accepted an regular British army ashore in Italy”. assistant Lectureship in Classics Four months later, at the outset of the in preference to a tenured post Cassino campaign, he was captured at University College, London. leading an attack across the River In December 1949, Sheila and Garigliano, and spent fifteen months Ian were married in the University as a Prisoner of War at camps in Chapel. Anthony, Robin, and Italy, Czechoslovakia, and Germany.

Simon made up the family over “Treatment depended very much on the next ten years. the camp, but I was pretty lucky”, Sabbaticals granted to Ian Ian claims, receiving irregular mail, all involved travel to America. In some books, and even food parcels 1965/66, as Visiting Professor (including chocolate!), but “it was of Classics at the University aggravating being shut up.” of Texas in Austin, the whole Liberated at Brunswick, near family accompanied him – a Hannover, Ian received priority new schooling experience for demobilisation in September to the children! As well as academic resume his degree at St Andrews. duties, it was a wonderful chance At first, he found it hard to settle for travelling across North America, and, rather than study, he was sightseeing and uniting with relatives encouraged to play golf, joining and friends – Sheila met a pen-friend the New Golf Club, a member POW ID card of 30 years who had written originally for 65 years. Also a terrier scrum-half, to the “Principal of Schools, Isle of he was awarded Colours for Rugby. Music was another great love; an May”. In the 1970s Ian was invited twice to be a member at the Institute accomplished pianist, he played for Sunday services in Denhead. In the for Advanced Study at Princeton, an oasis for learning and research. revival of the annual Kate Kennedy procession, he portrayed Bishop In 1973 Ian was appointed a Personal Professor in Ancient Carswell, responsible for the first book printed in Gaelic in 1567, a Philosophy; in 1976 he succeeded Kenneth Dover to the Chair of translation of the Book of Common Order.

Greek. “The bulk of my research and published work has been on Greek Social life revolved around the Men’s Union and Diner; cinemas, philosophy and science, and especially on Hellenistic Philosophy and concerts, and theatre; the balls organised by each residence; and the Stoicism.” Posidonius, the “intellectual giant of the first century BC” is coffee shops, especially Jannetta’s. Ian was also “an active member” of the subject of Professor Kidd’s major study. Cambridge University Press the Drones Club, a group of ex-army friends, who “liked to have a drink published the collected fragments, a commentary, and the translation in four volumes, recognised as the definitive edition, and the basis for his election as a Fellow of the British Academy in 1993.

Ian’s interests were not confined to academia; he actively sought administrative roles. A recurrent member of the University Court (VicePresident 1996-98), he chaired the committee to build the new University Library in North Street. Each son worked at the old library in school holidays, Simon assisting with the transfer of books from St Mary’s Quad.

Ian planted the commemorative Holm Oak tree in the grounds of the new library, happily still flourishing today. Various other appointments included Provost of St Leonard’s College; Chairman of East Fife Educational Trust; Governor of Dollar Academy; General Commissioner of Income Tax. In 2001, the University of St Andrews honoured his contribution with the degree of Doctor of Letters.

Today, with the assistance of youngest son, Simon, he maintains an active involvement in the town he has always loved. His passion for music is fulfilled at concerts, whether from the Scottish Chamber Orchestra, the St Andrews Music Club, or the gifted, energetic students of the University Music Centre, where the variety and quality of performers gives him special pleasure. A regular patron at all three stages of the Byre Theatre, he still enjoys the local productions. During the summer he was eagerly anticipating attending the Open Golf Championship and, above all, meeting his two, new great-grandsons!

6th April 1995, with Sir Kenneth Dover (left)) and (Photos courtesy Ian Kidd) Professor Lewis Ayres (right)

10

TOWN & GOWN Brittany Kennedy has just graduated with a dregree in English. An aspiring journalist, she has devoted time to charity triathlons and was a top level junior volleyball player in Canada. She warmly welcomes

Sport for Everyone: Breaking Barriers & Repairing Rifts

The 2010 World Cup saw South Africa welcome the world’s best The pavilion will be re-opened by October, providing new meeting international football teams to their country – a united country. Despite and changing facilities for rugby, cricket, and football clubs. Among those prejudice, rivalries, and political rifts, South Africa was a single-force to benefit from these developments will be Kinloch Cricket Club. The nation for the duration of the World Cup series. The economy received Dundee United Football team, whose training fees have gone a long way a boost, as did the national spirit, defying years of internal antagonism to funding many of these renovations, will also be setting up camp in the if only for a short time. So although Spain took home the trophy, South new pavilion.

Africa also saw glory with this sporting opportunity. Such an integral place Two recent additions to Sports Department, staff are working to in sport was not always bestowed upon South Africa, which was excluded improve community links further yet. Mike Aiken, the new tennis director, from many international sport competitions in the latter half of the 20th is busy bonding with the Kinburn tennis club. Meanwhile, rugby director, Century – a ban enforced by the rest of the world as an attempt to burn David Ross, plays the mediator between the Madras and University rugby a hole through the apartheid. As Nelson Mandela nicely states, “sport is clubs; many from the women’s student team choose also to play for the probably the most effective means of communication in the modern world” Madras ladies’ team.

– and wasn’t it great to see South Africa take the Fitness class regulars may have noticed speaker’s podium once again. a change in the class schedules this year – The staff at the University Sports Another international sports event recently namely, that there was no longer one student Centre recognizes the importance of a visited a place with its own tumultuous history, schedule and one community schedule, but united town, and is reaching out to the and much closer to home – our very own one timetable of classes to which everyone community with open arms this year St Andrews. It has been nearly 600 years since was welcome. Lyndsay Gallagher, class St Andrews University saw its first days. That is, director at the Sports Centre, has faced it has been 600 years since Town met Gown, some contention regarding this change, but and both looked the other way. While Town stands firm in the belief that it is a positive and Gown share training pitches, little else is development. Individuals now have access to shared between the two sporting communities.

50% more classes, and students and locals However, during the 150th Anniversary of the participate side by side. “By and large, it has British Open, students flocked back to their worked”, Gallagher says. The autumn timetable term-time haunt to join the local and surrounding will continue to bridge the student/community community in the excited hustle around the Old divide.

Course and, of course, in the pubs. Two distinct This past academic year has also seen groups, who claim ownership of St Andrews, Athletic Union clubs branching out of their united in their passion for this small, seaside student domains. Members of the student town and the wonderful challenges it offers lacrosse teams volunteered their time coaching golfers. A glow has been left over the town, even at St Leonards. Ladies’ shinty members after the tourists and golf pros have shuffled off, have been working with Madras under-18s, A rugby game between Madras and St Andrews which has many thinking that this may be the alongside a National Development Officer, University (courtesy the Athletic Union) perfect time to finally address the age-old rift to bring shinty to the forefront of Scottish between Town and Gown – and just in time for secondary school sport. The Canoe Club, the upcoming university term in September. too, has reached a hand out to the community, volunteering time with The staff at the University Sports Centre recognizes the importance of Sense Scotland to provide sensory-disabled persons the opportunity to a united town, and is reaching out to the community with open arms this experience Scotland by water and improve their fitness with canoeing. year. While a long-term development scheme called the ‘Blue Sky Plan’ Andrew Dick, the current Athletic Union President, hopes that Saint aims to provide students and community members alike with expanded Sport can become something for all the town to support and enjoy. A and updated facilities, many immediate initiatives are also being bigger emphasis will be placed this year on welcoming supporters to employed to improve sport and community right now. watch matches, rooting for their local university teams while enjoying BBQ The University Sports Centre continues to provide training facilities for and refreshments supplied by the University. Imagine several small-scale the St Andrews badminton club every Saturday. Squash leagues are open events like the ever-popular Rugby 7’s tournament, which always brings a to everyone and can be enrolled in regularly at the Sports Centre. The wonderful crowd together. astro-pitch is made available for the Madras men’s and women’s hockey If you find you have a lull at the weekend, check the University of St clubs. Although there have been some draining issues in the past, all of Andrews Sport website, the St Andrews Citizen, or the advertisement the drains have been unblocked this summer and club members can now boards at the Sports Centre for weekend sporting events. Local athletes expect their playtime to be less affected by the infamous Scottish rain. could even learn about a few of the University teams’ weak spots and The fitness suites are also in the process of being refurbished. help to identify them – by challenging them with a match! Mandela might With a £230,000 investment in brand new equipment and renovated say the University of St Andrews is using sport to communicate to its local fitness rooms, you are guaranteed to get much more out of your next community – that Town is always welcome to walk, run, row and throw membership renewal. with its old rival, Gown.

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

11

TOWN & GOWN

Madras Young Writers in Focus There are many opportunities for pupils at Madras College to show their literary talents throughout the school year. In particular, there are specific awards for poetry and prose across all year groups.

Our picture shows the School’s prize-winners in the library at Kilrymont Road: The St Andrews Writers’ Club Award: Cameron Mackay Stanza Poetry Award: Halley McArn The Nicky Johnston Trophy for Creative Writing: Lewis Crawford The Muirhead Award for Creative Writing: Alice Rhodes We give you a flavour of the essence of their works, here and in the coming issues. You are sure to enjoy reading them.

Cameron Mackay

Washington Square, Greenwich Village April 2010

BEST WESTERN SCORES HOTEL

The newly sculptured fountain, emptied of water, stands in the centre of Washington Square on this sunny Saturday afternoon.

It is a prime site for performers.

Lone buskers rehearse amongst the freshly blossomed cherry trees, concentrating on instruments and voice – undiscovered talents in the shadows of Dylan play their music, perhaps unaware of any pending success.

Their sounds collectively form The ambience of the park.

Friday 17th and Tuesday 21st £19.95 per person Bed and Breakfast only £35.00 per person

‘The Bargain Party Night’ Thursday 16th £19.95 per person ‘The Early Bird Party Night’ Friday 3rd £23.95 per person

Friday 10th and Saturday 11th £27.95 per person

Friday 17th and Saturday 18th £27.95 per person Bed and Breakfast only £35.00 per person

Halley McArn

The Ugly Duckling

12

New for 2010 – December Party Lunches

December Party Nights

As the daylight gradually dies Washington Square fountain comes alive...

Groups of musicians gather Just for the simple joy of playing with their friends.

Strains of guitar, saxophone, percussion and voice resonate Through the still warm air.

Glad solely to be there, they attract the crowds for hours in Washington Square.

In the dead of night I will glide on the surface of the lake, And the water will surrender to my airy wings, As if each little drop is bowing down to me.

The grass will sing and praise my feet as I walk on each blade, And the moon will smile at me from its liquid perch.

At the first break of dawn the birds will fly towards me, Bringing clear tunes to sing to me.

And when the last sweet note escapes from their mouths, I shall lift my wings and return to my home in the sky.

I will soar and hear the crisp wind pass through my silky wings.

And when I arrive my family will silently tell me stories, That paint vivid masterpieces in my mind.

But for now I wait, Far away from my lake, Watching, Waiting, In the gloomy depths of the forest, Where I can almost hear my birds singing, And my grass swaying, And my wings soaring.

For full festive details including new ideas please email events@scoreshotel.co.uk

Mini Festive Lunch £9.95 per person

Festive Lunch

£14.95 per person

14b Woodburn Terrace, St Andrews, Fife, KY16 8BA Tel: 01334 477 491 Mob: 0770 315 4537 www.standrewsplumber.com

* Gas boilers maintained & fitted * * All plumbing / heating works * * Bathrooms & showers *

Festive Dinner £19.95 per person

Wednesday 1st – Friday 24th December 76 The Scores, St Andrews, KY16 9BB Tel: 01334 472451 Fax: 01334 473947 Website: www.scoreshotel.co.uk

EVENTS The Music Club’s new programme

Doric String Quartet to open Music Club’s 58th Season on 12th October Since its first concert on 25th October 1953, the St Andrews Music Club music by Rossini, Haydn, Hindemith, Barber, and Holst. The concert will has been providing local people with the chance to brighten their winter end with Paul Patterson’s Comedy for Five Winds, which features on one evenings and Sunday afternoons by attending quality chamber music of the Galliard Ensemble’s CDs. The Galliard Ensemble has won many concerts in St Andrews. Concerts are open to all – just turn up on the major awards, including the Maisie Lewis Young Artist Award, and the night and buy a ticket for that concert or, on the first night, buy a season BBC Radio 3 Young Artists Forum. They play regularly in many of Britain’s ticket for all six concerts. prestigious concert venues, such as the Wigmore Hall, the South Bank From an initial annual membership of 350 in 1953, a peak of over Centre, and the Bridgewater Hall.

600 was reached in the 1970s. Audiences of around 1,000 frequently The Japanese pianist, Junko Kobayashi, will perform on Wednesday, filled the Younger Hall to hear famous musicians such as John Ogdon, 8th December at 8.00pm. As well as a more traditional programme of Vladimir Ashkenazy, Janet Baker, Bach, Beethoven, Debussy, and and the Amadeus String Quartet.

Chopin, she will be performing a work Widespread access to music through by the Japanese composer, Toru CDs and the internet has led to an Takemitsu. inevitable decline in attendances.

Closer to home are the Roxburgh However, the smaller audiences Quartet, formed in 2005 and based of today have allowed the use of a in Edinburgh. They will be performing venue much more suited to chamber at 8.00pm on Monday, 17th January. music – the comfortable and intimate As well as music by Purcell, atmosphere of St Leonards School Debussy, and Mozart, they will be Music Auditorium. Even with smaller performing ‘Schir Corbie Ravin’ by the audiences and consequently lower contemporary Scottish composer and revenue, the Music Club continues to pianist, James Clapperton. provide an excellent programme of In keeping with the Music Club’s concerts from established musicians as on-going support for young musicians, well as younger performers at the start on Sunday, 20th February there will of their careers. be an afternoon concert, starting The 2010/2011 programme begins at 4.00pm, of songs featuring four at 8.00pm on 12th October with a singers from the Royal Scottish The Doric String Quartet – performing in St Andrews on 12 October concert by the Doric String Quartet. We Academy of Music and Dance.

(Photo by Hanya Chlala) are very fortunate to be able to hear The season will end on Thursday, them in St Andrews. They have performed to great acclaim in London’s 3rd March at 8.00pm with a concert by the flautist, Daniel Parkin. Daniel Wigmore Hall. The Quartet will be including in their programme Haydn’s Parkin has played with the Royal Ballet Sinfonia, the Britten Sinfonia, the “The Lark”. In a review in the Daily Telegraph in 2009, Geoffrey Norris Southbank Sinfonia, and has been guest principal flute with D’Oyly Carte awarded a concert by them a 5-star rating. He wrote, “Haydn and the Opera at the Savoy. He is currently principal flute with the Britten-Pears Doric are a perfect match. This is an ensemble, young, but mature of Orchestra. insight, that plays Haydn’s music with spirit, illuminating its blend of wit and sophistication, grace and vivacity, cunning and seemingly effortless All concerts take place in the Music Auditorium of St Leonards School, spontaneity..….. Unequivocally, these were performances of terrific accessed from the Pends. A season ticket for all 6 concerts is excellent panache and perception, seeming to get right under the skin of Haydn’s value at £49 (full price), £45 (concessions), and just £9 for students! creative genius.” The Doric will also be playing Schubert’s Rosamunde – A ticket for an individual concert is £11 (full price), £10 (concessions), two months before performing the same piece at the Wigmore Hall. £3 for a student, and £2 for a child.

Next is a Sunday afternoon concert on Sunday, 7th November at The full programme with details of the works being performed is 4.00pm. The Galliard Wind Ensemble was founded in 1993, when its available at: http://www.saint-andrews.co.uk/smc. members were students at the Royal Academy of Music. They will play

Print & Design

We welcome commercial enquiries

The services we offer include: • Colour Digital Printing • Pull-up Exhibition Display Stands • Graphics & Pre-Press • Illustration • Report/Dissertation Printing & Binding • Wide Format Poster Printing • Short run customised folders • Digitising of images (multiple film formats & photographic) • Digital photo repair • High quality fine art printing

Leuchars Station £10 Dundee City Centre £25 Edinburgh Airport £70

St Katharine’s West, 16 The Scores St Andrews, Fife KY16 9AX

T: (01334) 463020 E: printanddesign@st-andrews.ac.uk The University of St Andrews is a charity registered in Scotland, No: SC013532

13

EVENTS Gillian Swanson introduces the new exhibition at the

St Andrews Art Club An Exhibition of paintings by Fife artists Lyn Evans and Alan Stephens, is to be held in the St Andrews Art Club Gallery. Paintings on display show a variety of subjects, from

Painting by Alan Stephens

Painting by Lyn Evans

landscapes to seascapes, atmospheric sky studies to portraits.

Lyn Evans studied at the Sunderland College of Art during the early 1960s. She spent the late ‘60s sculpting and painting, fascinated by the shapes and rhythms that could be found in nature. Her work at this time was also inspired by the docks and other aspects of the industrial landscape of North East England.

Whilst bringing up children, and having moved to Fife, painting became a part time occupation, selling through a restaurant in St Andrews with the occasional commission.

Later Lyn bought and ran a dress shop in St Andrews, which left her no time for art.

Finally, finding time for herself in 2004 she was able to return to and immerse herself in the painting that she loves.

Lyn and her husband now live in N E Fife in the corner of a field surrounded by beautiful countryside, very near the sea and with a view of the most astounding skies. This is what inspires Lyn most: light, sky, and countryside.

She paints in oils, pastel, and watercolour.

Membership of local art clubs, particularly the strong artistic community in St Andrews, has been of great benefit to Lyn. Exchanging ideas with other painters is one valuable way of evolving style and technique. This has helped her work towards the type of painting that she seeks, capturing the essence of natural moods in the varied landscapes of Britain. It is the crashing of the sea on coastal rocks, the looming menace of a gathering storm, or the peace and beauty of the land after snowfall that

Painting by Lyn Evans excite her. Reflecting the emotion of this is what drives her style of painting.

Alan Stephens is a self-taught artist, and has been painting since he was very young. Despite becoming an electronics engineer, and spending 25 years with the BBC as a transmitter engineer, he always thought of himself as an artist first and an engineer second. Alan left the BBC in 1991 to concentrate on art, and shortly after that, began teaching both privately and at the local adult education centre in Kidlington, Oxfordshire.

Having moved to St Andrews in 2005, Alan joined the St Andrews Art Club, where he teaches oil painting on a Monday morning, and is now the Vice-President. Alan paints mainly in oils, with subjects such as portraits, landscapes, seascapes, and still life The Exhibition will be held at the Art Club Gallery, Argyll Street, St Andrews, from 4th September to the 12th September, 10am to 6pm daily. For further details contact Alan on 01334 478016.

Monteaths

Accountants & Tax Consultants APPOINTMENTS: MORNING, AFTERNOON or EVENING, OUR OFFICE, YOUR HOME or PREMISES QUALIFIED CHARTERED ACCOUNTANCY STAFF OVER 30 YEARS TAXATION EXPERIENCE We prepare annual accounts for multi –million £ turnover businesses. Vat Returns: Flat rate schemes, partial exemption, fixed monthly vat payments. PAYE: Weekly & monthly. We set-up new businesses, Ltd’s and partnerships. Cashflow projections, letting income calculations, dividend reports, Capital gains tax calculations. We prepare Tax Returns, advise on tax liabilities and offer tax advice.

WE HELP – WE SAVE YOU MONEY

14

14 School Road, Balmullo, St Andrews, Fife, KY16 0BD Tel: 01334 870343 Fax: 01334 871004E mail: morag@monteaths.com Web: monteaths.com

TOWN SURVEY

Town Survey Explanation & Guide

As financial cuts bite, money will have to be directed more efficiently. We as a community should become more pro-active. As responsible citizens we can help our Local Authority by showing how we see St Andrews.

We need a snapshot of what the whole of our town is really like today. We need to highlight what is good, what works well, and what is not so good.

Please take a moment to look carefully through the questions on the next pages. The first part is a general question about what you think is best about the town. The second part is about the area immediately around where you live. We don’t need your signature, but we do need the second part of your post code: KY16 XYZ – so that we can identify the area you write about. If you wish to add your name and address, please feel free to do so.

If you would like to provide photographs please do so, and put your postcode on the back to identify the location.

Please leave your completed survey at Mail Boxes Etc. 68 Market Street – or post it to this magazine at PO Box 29210, St Andrews, Fife, KY16 9YZ Once we have collected all the papers we will collate them, with a view to mounting an exhibition in the Town Hall. Then we will present our findings to Fife Council and seek their response.

Please take this survey seriously. It provides a golden opportunity for us to act together as a community, hopefully for the good of the whole of our town. It should give us the possibility of a well-documented say in how we see our town in the round. It should illuminate all recent consultations.

To recap – please: – read through these guidance notes – answer all the questions on all pages – hand in your completed questionnaire at Mail Boxes Etc, 68 Market Street – or post it to this magazine at PO Box 29210, St Andrews, Fife, KY16 9YZ Please Note: This Survey originates entirely from within the community and is intended for the benefit of the whole community.

TOWN SURVEY 1. What is BEST about St Andrews?

2. What WORKS BEST in St Andrews?

TOWN SURVEY

Town Survey Name (optional): 2nd Part of your Post Code (required): KY16 Address (optional):

IN YOUR IMMEDIATE AREA

12. Are there any potential dangers in your street, (e.g. decaying walls)?

Housing

1. Are there any empty houses / properties?

yes

no

don’t know

single residents

2. Who lives near you:

families

couples

students

tourists (in B&Bs / hotels)

don’t know

bungalows

semis

terraces

flats

detached houses

4. Are there any houses in multiple occupation (HMOs)?

yes

no

don’t know

– if yes, how many?

5. Are properties / gardens maintained on the whole?

yes

no

a lot

some

none

7. Are there adequate litter bins in your street?

yes

no

– if yes, are they emptied regularly?

during the week

in the holidays

at weekends

8. Is your street cleaned regularly?

yes

no

9. Are there potholes in your road?

yes

no

10. What condition are your pavements in?

good

poor

11. Are your pavements clear, or obstructed?

clear

no

yes

no

– if yes, what condition are they in?

14. Are there any open grassy areas near your home? yes

no

– if yes, do they have play restrictions, e.g. no ball games?

yes no 15. Are there any formal playgrounds, parks in your area?

no

– if yes, do they have:

yes

swings

other facilities

– are they: in good conditon

vandalised

16. Is dog fouling an issue in your area?

6. Is there litter in your area?

Environment

yes

13. Are there any trees in your street?

3. Are there predominantly:

obstructed

– if they are obstructed, please give details:

yes

no

17. Are there any public toilets near you?

yes

no

IN ST ANDREWS AS A WHOLE: Entertainment/Leisure 1. Is St Andrews adequately served by facilities, e.g. cinema, theatre, concert halls, dance halls, etc?

yes

no

2. Are young people provided for?

yes no don’t know

3. Are meeting rooms available e.g. for clubs / societies?

yes

no

don’t know

4. Is there adequate provision for sport (apart from golf), eg swimming, football, netball, cricket, running, etc. etc?

yes

no

TOWN SURVEY Do you have concerns about: Our 3 beaches

The harbour

The maintenance of public buildings, eg the Town Hall

Golf

Shopping

Eating out

Public transport

Public toilets

Out of town access to the town

Traffic flow within the town

Parking

Cycling

Anything else?

EVENTS

Selected Events Saturday, 4 September – 9.00am-1.00pm. Argyle Street car park. Farmers’ Market.

– 11.00am-5.00pm. Preservation Trust Museum, North Street, St Andrews. Autumn Fair. Contact: curator@standrewspreservationtrust.org.uk Monday, 6 September – 12.45-1.15pm. Town Hall, Queen’s Gardens.

Musical Memories by Joyce McIver, for the St Andrews Ladies Association.

Tuesday, 7 September – 12.45pm. The Prior’s House, Cathedral precincts. The last of a series of medieval harp recitals given by Simon Chadwick. Admission is Free, but please collect a ticket first from the Cathedral visitor centre. Contact: 01334 472 563.

Saturday, 11 September to Sunday, 31 October – St Andrews Museum, Kinburn Park. Causing Chaos. Expect the unexpected from international craft & sculptures! Contact: 01334 659 380.

Saturday, 11 September – 2.00-4.30pm Cambo Estate, Kingsbarns, Fife. Recently introduced late-flowering herbaceous perennials, an illustrated talk by Billy Carruthers. Tickets (include coffee & shortbread) £12.50 (RHS members £10). Contact: 01333 450 054.

Thursday, 7 to Sunday, 10 October – The Alfred Dunhill Links Championship. Contact: www.alfreddunhilllinks.com Tuesday, 12 October – 10.00am. St Andrews Bowling Club, Kinnessburn Road. Probus, the Club for retired business and professional men – first meeting of the 2010/11 season. New members welcome. Contact: secretary, 01337 830 262.

– 8.00pm. St Leonards School Music Auditorium, The Pends, St Andrews. Concert. The Doric String Quartet plays music by Haydn, Bartok, Schubert. Tickets at the door, £11, concessions £10, students £3, child £2. Contact: www.saint-andrews.co.uk/smc Thursday, 14 October – 8.00pm. Lower Parliament Hall, South Street. Mitford Memorial Lecture by Dr David Breeze. For the Archaeological Society. Contact: 01383 860 796.

Sunday, 17 October – 7.30pm. Younger Hall, North Street. The Heisenberg Ensemble, Conductor, Gillian Craig. Stewart Webster, violin; Hannah Craib, viola. An all-Mozart concert. Tickets from the Music Centre, Younger Hall, or at the door. Contact: 01334 462 226.

Sunday, 19 September – 2.00-5.00pm. Boys’ Brigade Hall, Kinnessburn Road. Welcome to our University Freshers, ceilidh.

Gary Sutherland, accordion. All welcome. Contact: 01334 472 375.

Wednesday, 20 October – 7.30pm. Younger Hall, North Street.

Mozart at the piano. The Scottish Chamber Orchestra with Piotr Anderszewski, piano/director. Alexander Janiczek, Violin/Director.

Contact: 01334 475 000. Online booking: www.byretheatre.com

Sunday, 26 September – 11.00am-3.00pm. The Scores Hotel, The Scores, St Andrews. Creative Wedding & Party Fair. Suggested £1 donation for charity. Contact: info@thegreencockatoo.com tel: 07906 493 799

Thursday, 21 October – 5.15pm.Younger Hall, North Street.

Is there more to life than genes? A talk by Professor Pauline Rudd, in the James Gregory Lecture Series. Contact: jglectures@googlemail.com

Saturday, 2 October – 9.00am-1.00pm. Argyle Street car park.

Farmers’ Market.

Friday, 29 October – 7.00pm. BB Hall, Kinnessburn Road, St Andrews.

Prize Bingo Night. Contact: 01334 473 541.

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

www.nphcinema.co.uk

117 North Street, St Andrews Tel: 013334 474902

15

SHOPS & SERVICES David Adie writes: “this article is not intended to be a substitute for specific legal advice. In any given situation, full and detailed legal advice should be taken from a Solicitor”

HM! OOH! or is it HMO

HMOs are an emotive subject in St Andrews and they have caused a terms of a Licence at any time. The bottom great deal of correspondence in the Citizen. The purpose of this article line is therefore HMOs are here, HMOs is not to be pro-or anti-HMO,but simply to enlighten people as to what are probably better than no regulation, but they are. probably do not achieve what they were fully Because of various alleged abuses perpetrated (usually by intended to achieve, and whether a Landlord landlords, and more likely in the big cities) the Government introduced or a tenant, close regard has to be paid to legislation under the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 to licence the detailed regulations and legislation. houses in multiple occupation.

There was already plenty of legislation in relation to let properties, How to avoid them? such as The Rent Acts and Requirements to Test Gas Appliances etc, If you do not want to live next to an HMO but the requirement for an HMO Licence was something new. The it is virtually impossible to achieve this with any degree of certainty. starting point is actually to check the planning position, because if Very upmarket houses in upmarket areas are very often purchased planning permission for multiple occupancy use does not exist it may and become a mini hall of residence. Title conditions are relevant here, be necessary to apply for it, or obtain a thing called a Certificate of however. Sometimes a title will prohibit certain uses of a property and Lawfulness, which generally requires a property to have been used for then the question arises legally whether anyone has a title or interest to multiple rental purposes for 10 years or more. enforce that. The Law is still developing in this area, although there was The HMO Licence applies where 3 or more people are living in a one recently reported case involving a property in St Andrews where the single property and they are unrelated and they are all tenants. This title conditions were held not to prevent someone running a property as means that where a child is an owner/occupier, for example a student a B & B, even although it was a small private steading development. who has received assistance to buy the property, he There are at least two blocks of properties in or she is not included when counting a number of St Andrews which have not become inundated with occupants. Therefore an owner/occupier child plus two HMOs, one of which has a prohibition on letting tenants do not require an HMO Licence. If title is put in over two weeks in the year (this is probably to . . . close regard has for a child’s name, this may have certain implications for allow letting during the Open) and the other of which to be paid to the Capital Gains Tax, and I have seen some parents buy specifically prohibits an application for an HMO a flat, put it in a child’s name and either pay cash or licence in the title. It is always open for proprietors or a detailed regulations guarantee the mortgage. Very often the parent may try group of proprietors to get together and “enact” these and legislation. and take another Security over the property to secure title conditions in a Deed of Conditions or elsewhere. I any deposit or if there is no Building Society loan to personally think that it would be possible to show title secure all of the value of the property. No doubt, these and interest to enforce these title conditions, but that parents do not really trust their children! in the end of the day is a matter for the courts.

Before granting an HMO Licence the Local Authority is supposed Perhaps we are going to see a two-tier market in the future, to make sure the Landlord and any Managing Agents are fit and proper properties which are in the student market and properties which are and there is a proper Tenancy Agreement in place. The dwellinghouse outwith, and how these can be legally differentiated will be not only has also to comply with certain basic conditions for safety; eg a Gas through having or not having an HMO Licence, but also possibly through Safety Certificate has been issued. having title restrictions. From an Investor’s point of view, it is also Because of the legislation, in theory therefore, properties subject clearly easier to buy a two-bedroom flat or have a three-bed flat with an to HMO Licences should be better than other properties and be better owner/occupier student in it and thus avoiding the HMO regulations all maintained and better regulated. That is the theory, but probably the together. main bone of contention in St Andrews at least is that various HMO In the St Andrews context, students are students and sometimes properties are a source of noise and nuisance and perhaps landlords do they cause problems, but so then do other tenants and having some not maintain them (externally at least) as well as they should. Generally degree of HMO regulation is certainly better than an unregulated speaking, any application for a Licence must be publicised and usually market. Problems can easily arise from non-HMO properties. It certainly people will object to this on planning grounds or amenity grounds. will make the property safer from the occupant’s, i.e. the student’s, point HMO Licences do not last forever. They last for up to 3 years and of view. are personal to the individual owner, so if someone buys the flat with an Perhaps I have touched on a controversial subject, but I await with existing HMO Licence they will have to make a new application. There is interest the flood of letters in the Citizen. no automatic renewal of an HMO Licence and the Council can vary the

FOR OUT OF TOWN LEGAL ADVICE Wills / Inheritance Tax Planning / Executries / Powers of Attorney / Guardianship Conveyancing / Commercial Property / Business Law

We can consult locally

16

ADIE HUNTER Solicitors and & Notaries 15 Newton Terrace Glasgow Telephone: 0141 248 3828 Fax: 0141 221 2384 email: enquiries@adiehunter.co.uk

SHOPS & SERVICES Andrew Wright discusses

The Coalition’s First Budget The new Coalition Government has presented its first Budget and, it could be argued, has achieved what appears to be a radical one. This is despite having to compromise between the often widely differing General Election promises made by the two parties.

The overall financial and fiscal stance has been to ensure economic recovery by a significantly accelerated reduction in the structural deficit, with the main burden of deficit reduction being borne by reduced spending

by Government Departments rather than by increased taxes. This contrasts with the previous Government’s more cautious approach in an effort to avoid a “double dip” recession.

The main changes announced in the Budget are:Company Tax: a reduction in the corporation tax rates for both small and large companies.

This is partly funded by less generous capital allowances which is a bit risky as it discourages capital investment by Companies thus adversely affecting manufacturing companies.

There is also a reduction in Employers’ National Insurance contributions compared with the proposals of the previous Government and this should help employment.

Income Tax: Personal Allowances are to increase in 2010/11 to £7475 a year (ie, level of income that can be received before tax becomes payable). For higher rate taxpayers, this increase will be clawed back by reducing

the income threshold above which higher rate tax becomes payable. The aim is to increase the level of the personal allowance to £10000 a year during the life of this parliament (in line with the Liberal Democrat election manifesto).

National Insurance Contributions: an increase of 1% in the rate although this has been softened by increasing the thresholds at which NIC becomes payable. As a result, the combined income tax/ NIC rate on most earnings is 30%.

Capital Gains Tax: an increase in the rate for higher rate taxpayers and Trusts from 18% to 28%.

Value Added Tax: an increase in the rate from 17.5% to 20% from 4th January 2011. Although this is an effective way of raising lots of tax, the effect on consumer spending is unknown and could tilt the economy towards recession.

Inheritance Tax: the nil rate band remains frozen at £325000 (with tax payable at 40% on any amount over this) until such time as the personal allowance reaches £10000 (probably April 2015) as part of the Coalition Agreement between the two parties.

Private Pensions: the requirement to use the pension fund to buy an annuity by age 75 at the latest is to be abolished. Details of the new rules are yet to be published.

Two new Quangos have been set up (despite the promise of a drastic cull of Quangos!)

in an attempt to improve the way future Budgets and tax changes are presented.: The Office for Budget Responsibility is set up with the aim of providing an independent assessment of the effect of future Budgets and an “audit” of the tax saving/raising figures presented in it. Secondly, The Office of Tax Simplification has a mandate to ensure the tax system is an asset to the economy (when compared with other countries) rather than a liability (for example, the fiendishly complicated rules on “Non Domiciliaries” have resulted in many foreign taxpayers severing their ties with the UK).

We shall have to wait to see if the measures work as intended. In particular, the (as yet unannounced) drastic cuts in the Government Department Budgets are bound to have a significant effect. I just hope the Chancellor has effective contingency plans to fall back on if another recession threatens.

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

Tel: 01334 472 255

17

SHOPS & SERVICES

Roving Reporter

has good news about new businesses 1. Yet another private business in St Andrews has decided to expand – Zest, in South Street has opened Zest2Go at 91 Market Street. Owner, Lisa Cathro explained to Reporter that, “the type of things we do here we couldn’t do in South Street. This is more of a takeaway.” You can choose from various-sized bowls: kids’ ones @ £1.95, to large ones @ £4.95 and fill them with any salads you fancy, all made daily on the premises with fresh ingredients.

To go with them there’s a large variety of juices, and proper coffee from “a proper coffee machine!” All food is sourced from local suppliers. The bright premises have been completely refurbished in record time

by Lisa and her very cosmopolitan staff.

Lisa Ciftci, Lisa’s partner in the business, is now in charge in South Street, and Shanna Pitblado is assistant manager to both outlets. Lisa Cathro is working towards an HNC in accounting and finance, while Lisa Ciftci is concentrating on qualifications in health, safety, and food hygiene at the intermediate level. Thus the two outlets are complementary in every sense. Forward looking, enthusiastic, with enormous energy, and yes, zest (!!) the two Lisas make an ideal team, and Reporter has no doubts at all that they will be successful.

accessories, shoes, jewels, everything you could wish for. Fittings are by appointment, and out-of-hours appointments can be arranged. A resident first-class dressmaker can make any necessary alterations. The dream-come-true of Carol Hutton from Leven and her daughter Emily Tenbruck from Dundee, the shop is such a welcome addition to the town. Carol used to make wedding dresses, and Emily (a staff nurse at Ninewells Hospital) has long suggested a joint venture, so it was a question of “now or never”! They can help plan an entire wedding, including the invitations and even the cake, “we have a lady who makes beautiful wedding cakes.” And would you like a horse and carriage to take you to the church? No problem – “we can ask Louise Coyne of Carriages of Distinction!”

Emily converts real horseshoes into original and wonderful ribboned gifts. Reporter was also dazzled by the other dresses on show – for flower girls, ball gowns, prom dresses... everything for a true celebration. At certain times, too, there will be communion dresses.

Visit – and feel happy, says Reporter!

Cake & maker

*****

2. Planning a wedding? Reporter is delighted that St Andrews has a brand new bridal shop – Enchanted, 34 South Street (01334 477 884) at the junction with Abbey Street, just along from the Byre Theatre.

There are sumptuous wedding dresses and

18

Mother & daughter

*****

3. Alan Sproson, of A & M Picture Framers, The Kirkhill Workshop, Gregory Place, St Andrews (01334 474249) happily told Reporter that his eldest son Christopher is joining him, putting the business on a firm footing well into the century! While a technical teacher at Madras, Alan and his wife Margo Sproson family started framing in a small way at their house in 1981. Seven years later, the old Fisher School building in Gregory Place came on the market, ideal premises, and Alan started his business full time. Roger Banks of Crail, answered the first advertisement, which led to an exhibition of his works. Customers now come from far and wide. There have been Aberdonians who brought work while on holiday here, for collection the next time in town! Alan can list satisfied famous artists, photographers, and many visitors. He told Reporter that the technology has changed enormously, enabling prices to come down relatively. Only wood is used, no plastics.

It is sourced mainly from Italy and Spain, with some from Nottingham in England, and from Ireland. But it isn’t only pictures that Alan frames. Reporter was surprised to learn about gramophone records, clothes, Rock & Roll memorabilia, and even, on one occasion, a grandmother’s pigtail! Alan also frames for charity auctions and has helped raise a lot of money. If you have a gift in mind, or a favourite picture you would like preserved, Reporter can think of no better place to go. Alan will discuss with you the best options, and you are sure to be delighted by the finished result!

*****

SHOPS & SERVICES

4. Here’s yet another new business Reporter is happy to tell you about: Ross Furie has grown up in St Andrews and is happily settled locally with his partner Rachel and baby daughter Eryn. Ross rented a barber’s chair in the town for the last 3 years and when the chair became unavailable he decided to take on the exciting challenge of opening his own barber’s shop. Situated in Woodburn Terrace, next to the Paper Rack, Sweeney Todd’s of St Andrews is a traditional gent’s barber. Often it can be difficult to park in the town centre and fitting a haircut in around work can be a challenge. Sweeney Todd’s opening hours are designed to meet customers’ busy needs by opening Monday to Saturday 8.00am-5.00pm, as well as a late night opening on a Thursday until 7.00pm.

Ross prides himself on offering a good quality haircut tailored to each customer’s personal requirements. His prices are fair, and concessions are available to OAPs, students, and children. So next time you’re in the area, why not visit Sweeney Todd’s for a haircut and maybe a meat pie! Ross looks forward to welcoming his existing customers, and also hopes to see many new faces in the following months. Brilliant, says Reporter!

*****

5.

suit all budgets. If we don’t have it in store, give us reasonable time and we will do our utmost to obtain whatever you require, or a suitable alternative. We hope you will come and visit us and let us show you the service we can provide”.

*****

Christine Young told Reporter that she has opened Thistle Dae For All Occasions at 207 South Street (near the West Port). This is how she described her plans: “Thistle Dae For All Occasions is where you can obtain what you need for any occasion. We offer products that are suitable for Students, Tourists, Golfers, as well as perfect gifts for a new baby. We can make what you want to suit your requirements – all we need is 3 to 5 days’ notice. ‘Nappy cakes’ (ie, gifts gift-wrapped for baby) are produced by one of the local craftspeople we try to encourage by having their products in our shop. We have currently, Artasia Wood Craft; knitted golfers and pipers; handcrafted cards that can be made to your own requirements; natural body products – such as body butters; gift sets; candles; etc. With the busy schedules most people have, whether as full-time mums, or in full-time jobs, we want to take the stress out of organising an event by finding and supplying the items you require, from a birth/christening to a 90th birthday, or from an engagement to the big wedding day, continuing on with anniversaries. We aim to offer a high-quality service at a price to

6. Reporter also learned that Rebecca Firth, (whose mother Helen used to own the Art Shop in South Street) started up Firth Framers last April.

It is tucked away at Bassaguard Industrial Estate, (to find it, turn off Bridge Street at James Street). Rebecca writes, “With many years of expertise in the family, and a mitre machine that has been kept in various sheds and other people’s cellars for about 20 years, now proving its worth, I have set up business to provide an efficient, reasonably-priced bespoke picture framing service. An artist with degrees from Edinburgh Art College, I can provide good artistic advice on your artworks. With a fine selection of frames and mounts I can frame up paintings, photos, prints, and 3-D objects, and stretch tapestries and canvases. I also cut mounts, glass, and I can repair frames”. Open TuesdayFriday, or by appointment, Rebecca can be contacted, Tel: 01334 460 607; email: Rebecca@firthframers.co.uk

*****

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

Nightwear at Elspeth’s of St Andrews 9 Church Street St Andrews

George Ferguson Shoe Repairs

Yoga Classes Mondays at St Andrews: St Andrews Public Library 12 noon-1pm (Thursdays: Crail Town Hall 9:30-11am)

Luggage, Shoe Repairs and Accessories

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

Steven George Ferguson Traditional Cobbler

Tel: 01334 472494

151 South Street St Andrews KY16 9UN steven@fergos.plus.com 01334 472134

19

ORGANISATIONS Mary Popple foresees an

Exciting New Season for the St Andrews Chorus The new season for St Andrews Chorus begins with the first rehearsal on Friday, 24 September, when new members will be most welcome.

The Chorus has an exciting programme of concerts for its 2010-2011 season, which will be the second under the leadership of Michael Downes.

The winter concert will take place in the Younger Hall on Saturday, 11 December. It will consist of well-known favourites, as well as a world premiere. The programme includes Haydn’s Nelson Mass, and Fauré’s Cantique de Jean Racine. The Chorus will also sing the Stabat Mater by Paul Mealor. This will be the world premiere of the newly orchestrated version of this work. A Welshman who lives and works in Aberdeen, Dr Mealor will attend the concert and give the ever-popular pre-concert talk.

The recent CD of Mealor’s Stabat Mater received excellent reviews: “Mealor”, writes Ivan March in Gramophone, (January 2010), “is one of the new generation of composers who have eschewed ugly, unresolved dissonance in favour of melody and listener-communication.

The Stabat Mater is movingly serene and beautiful. His style shows a link with the past which is welcome, for Mealor undoubtedly has a voice of his own.” This promises to be an interesting and enthralling evening for both singers and audience alike.

The second concert of the year will take place on May 7th 2011 when the Chorus will perform The Dream of Gerontius by Edward

Elgar. This lovely work will be familiar to many and will provide the opportunity to sing alongside a specially enlarged orchestra.

Under the leadership of Michael Downes (who is also Director of Music at St Andrews University) and President Eric Priest, the Chorus now numbers about 170, with singers from all sections of the community in St Andrews and surrounding area, including a large number of students, whose younger voices have greatly enriched the sound.

Commenting on the year ahead, Professor Priest said, “It is a real pleasure to sing with such a great number of enthusiastic singers

and under such an inspirational and high-quality conductor. Michael Downes has put together a marvellous programme for us to rehearse and perform this year.”

The Chorus rehearses at the Music Auditorium of St Leonards School in the Pends. Rehearsals start at 7.00pm and last until 9.15pm. There is no audition requirement and all newcomers will receive a warm welcome. More information can be found on the website: http://www.saint-andrews.co.uk/sac/

St Andrews Chorus in the Younger Hall (Photo by Peter Adamson)

Gillian Craig introduces the new

St Andrews & Fife Community Orchestra (Scottish Chamber Orchestra) SCO It is hoped that many attending the ‘Scrapers & Tooters’ weekend Connect and the University of St Andrews will be inspired to join StAFCO for weekly rehearsals on Wednesday are launching a brand new evenings, when the emphasis will be on making community orchestra in music and having fun! Players of all abilities and The Orchestra will be St Andrews in 2010/11, backgrounds are welcome – there will never be any launched on 9/10 October, auditions! Through the connection with the SCO, (Photo courtesy called The St Andrews and Gillian Craig) at one of the SCO’s Fife Community Orchestra StAFCO members will have opportunities to receive (StAFCO). It will be conducted coaching from SCO members. Their professional popular ‘Scrapers &

by Gillian Craig, and will rehearse in the Younger Hall, musicians will also perform as soloists with the Tooters’ weekends . . .

St Andrews.

Orchestra. Repertoire will include pieces performed The Orchestra will be launched on 9/10 October, by the SCO in their concert visits to the Younger Hall. at one of the SCO’s popular ‘Scrapers & Tooters’ weekends, giving At the end of the first year there will be a concert to show off everyone’s anyone a chance to have fun playing music in the Younger Hall with hard work. Mainly, however, the idea is to meet, play, improve tuition by SCO musicians. If you would like to join StAFCO, but are not instrumental and orchestral techniques, and crucially – to have fun! quite sure it really is for you, come along and try it, meet everyone and have a go. This is your chance to dust off that old bassoon sitting in For further details of StAFCO please contact the back of the cupboard for years, or that dusty violin in the attic – an music@st-andrews.ac.uk Tel: 01334 462 226. opportunity to all to come and play and remember how it feels to be part For the Scrapers and Tooters weekend see of an orchestra again, or join one for the first time. The main work will www.sco.org.uk/education-project/stafco Cost: £40 (£20 be Haydn’s Symphony 86 in D, ‘The Paris’, selected from the SCO’s Concessions) Places on the weekends are limited, so early forthcoming programme, giving players experience of the music from booking is advisable. the inside before hearing it played by the SCO later in the season.

20

ORGANISATIONS Anne Inglis, Chair of Continuing Care Service N.E. Fife,

Icing the Cake

This may seem rather a strange title for a voluntary service which has been working in the N.E. Fife area for more than 25 years. Continuing Care Service N.E. Fife is not a group of confectioners, rather a voluntary organisation whose members try to ice the cake by improving the quality of life of those needing a little help.

The Service started in 1981 when a Health Visitor in the area was concerned about the quality of care of patients suffering from cancer. The initial aim was to raise enough funds to employ a McMillan Nurse. Two years’ salary, £25,000 at that time, had to be in the bank before a nurse could start work. Much fundraising took place and as the interest in the project grew various Trust funds, Rotary Clubs, and businesses became interested and were generous with donations. Eventually, after several years, the target was met and a McMillan nurse was employed – the first in the area. After two years the need was accepted by the Health Board, who took over her salary. Nowadays there are hospice beds in Cupar, St Andrews, and Kirkcaldy. The fundraising group then turned its hand to helping the McMillan nurse with her workload in a voluntary capacity and that is how Continuing Care Service N.E. Fife came into being.

With the best will in the world the official bodies cannot provide everything for everybody, and we try to fill the gaps as an entirely standalone organisation. There are three parts to the service: Befriending – which is an extremely important part and adds quality to the lives of people who are lonely and housebound – there are no age limits for people needing help. Many long-term friendships start this way and continue after the initial need has passed. Many and varied tasks are undertaken: reading or writing letters for someone with poor sight, going for a walk, arranging visits to friends and relatives, shopping, etc., little things which make a big difference.

Carer Relief – this part often ties in with befriending and allows a carer a much needed break on a regular basis. A little time away from 24hr caring just to visit friends, go for a coffee, have a hairdo, can make all the difference.

Hospital Transport has become an increasingly important part of the service, living as we do in a rural area with not a lot of easily accessible transport – Crail to Ninewells for an early appointment without help would not be easy. Many people do not qualify for an ambulance or are too frail to cope with the long journeys and waiting time involved. We provide a full escort service when required and will, if asked, sit in with the consultation to report back to families, thus ensuring that everyone knows the correct story. Being able to provide moral and physical support can make a difficult day easier for all concerned.

The referrals come from medical clinics, social work departments, friends, neighbours, and relatives who are needing help and advice. The linchpin of the service is the Coordinator who, on receiving a request, will visit, assess the problem, and decide what needs to be done. Hopefully a suitable volunteer can be found to fulfil the task. The Coordinator has an extremely responsible job, made easier by willing volunteers always ready to help.

Our volunteers come from all walks of life and no degree or special skills are required, just a caring person with loads of common sense and a great sense of humour. Obviously, as we are dealing with frail, mainly elderly people who are vulnerable, all volunteers have to go through the Disclosure system.

The funding comes from various sources including a grant from the Health Board, as they appreciate the amount of work we do at low cost.

As a registered charity we can apply for Trust funds and we also receive donations from charity shops, Rotary Clubs, and fundraising activities. We run an annual coffee morning, which brings the volunteers together and is a social event.

The committee members all work from home which, with no offices or overheads, keeps our costs very low. The Coordinator is salaried, and volunteers’ travel expenses are reimbursed. Clients using the transport service are required to make a donation to cover expenses.

Befriending

Helping with mobility This is a short synopsis of what the service does in and around your area. Currently, we have several people on our waiting list who need someone to spend an hour or two with,, to sit and chat, take out for a walk, or just enjoy a cup of tea with.

Perhaps some of you know of us – maybe from use of the service, or as a volunteer. If you have found this article interesting and would like to know more, and become involved, we would be delighted to hear from you. It is a very friendly service – our volunteers stay with us for years, one or two since 1981. I think that is a recommendation in itself.

For further information please contact Anne: 01334 828 266 or Fiona: 01334 880 743 (Photos courtesy Continuing Care)

Continuing Care We are a local charity in NE Fife.

We’re run by a management committee and funded by donations and NHS Fife.

We urgently require volunteers.

CAN YOU HELP?

Please contact our co-ordinator, Fiona: 01334 880 743 Or Anne: 01334 828 266

21

ORGANISATIONS John Matthews, Chairman St Andrews-Loches Alliance, on the relationship between

St Andrews and Loches

Almost fifteen years ago an approach was made to St Andrews by representatives from the town of Loches which wished to “twin” with a mediæval town in Scotland. There was limited support for such a move in St Andrews, but a small local group agreed to work on establishing and fostering links between the two towns. The outcome was the formation of the St Andrews-Loches Alliance and its sister organisation in France, the Nouvelle Alliance Loches-St Andrews.

Over the following years there have been many exchanges. On the sporting side, there Members of the University of St Andrews Symphony The mediæval city rises have been rugby and soccer exchanges, Orchestra outside the Espace Agnes Sorel above the town whilst young golfers from Loches have visited are actively exploring new initiatives for visits St Andrews twice in recent years. When the Members of the orchestra also provided music to France amongst the local St Andrews social community around Loches decided to construct at a ceilidh, enjoyed by locals and visitors and business community. If your club, society, a nine-hole golf course at Verneuil, advice was alike, and played in the streets during the or business could benefit from an exchange provided on its design and maintenance, and town’s Wednesday market. The students were with Loches, or contribute to its Easter Fair, several members of the Alliance were present outstanding ambassadors for town and gown – please let us know without delay. We will at its inauguration. There have been exhibitions and had a wonderful visit. try to put together a good and entertaining of paintings and photographs, notably that of The Alliance is always looking for ways programme, and would welcome suggestions paintings by Emmanuel Lansyer in the Crawford of involving more people, especially the for its content from readers.

Centre. young. Loches is fortunate in having a newly Madras College has taken part in two refurbished hostel providing very affordable Loches is a small town 40 km South of Tours, visits and St Leonards School has had regular accommodation and food, whereas St Andrews whose heart is its beautifully restored walled exchanges with the Collège Alfred de Vigny for has no such facility; therefore pressure is mediæval city. If visitors from St Andrews are several years. These were interrupted briefly always on local families for the provision of in town, the saltire flies from the Town Hall as a last year by an administrative problem, but it bed and board. The Alliance is very grateful to symbol of the friendship between the two towns. is good to know that St Leonards pupils will be those who have been so welcoming of French visiting Loches in October, and youngsters, such as young we look forward to welcoming The Alliance is always footballers some years ago, their French counterparts back and the teenage golfers who looking for ways of to St Andrews early in 2011. have visited twice in recent involving more people, The University has been years – their golf improved especially the young highly supportive throughout remarkably thanks to tuition the past fourteen years. A and lots of practice. few years ago the St Salvator’s Chapel Choir In 2006, its tenth anniversary year, gave concerts in the church of St Ours in a Cultural Partnership Agreement was the mediæval heart of Loches, as well as in signed in the St Andrews Burgh Chambers churches in Tours and Amboise. It was splendid by representatives of the communities to be able to help the choir members, who and Alliances in both countries. Whilst had a great time, giving enormous pleasure this Agreement is not a formal twinning to the Lochois. More recently, during the first arrangement, it does provide a useful week of June this year, thirty members of the Signing of Cultural Partnership: Back row framework within which the Alliance can work St Andrews University Symphony Orchestra, Donald Macgregor (Chair of Community more effectively. formed solely from students, gave concerts in Council), Mary Freeborn (one of the founding In 2011, the Alliance will celebrate its 15th the Espace Agnes Sorel (the town’s biggest members), Jean-Jacques Descamps anniversary and we have been asked whether performing space), in the Courtyard of the (Maire de Loches); Seated Catherine Prot we can help to make the Foire de Pâques Château de Nitray, near Tours, and in the open (Présidente of the Nouvelle Alliance), John (Easter Fair) in Loches a really Scottish affair. air at the foot of the enormous 11th century Simpson (Provost of Fife), Virginia Fowler Because Easter next year falls outside school keep. The latter was a “Concert Pique-nique”, and university holidays, making it a difficult time well-attended and very well fed and watered!

(Photos courtesy of the Alliance) for parents, pupils, and students to visit, we

Secretary Lindsay Rowan, invites you to join the

St Andrews Amateur Operatic Society After a successful and much enjoyed production of Oliver! at the Byre Theatre in March, St Andrews Amateur Operatic Society is looking forward to starting rehearsals in the Autumn for its Spring production of Guys & Dolls.

We are always delighted to welcome along new members, and there is no experience necessary – just an interest in music and acting (there is no need to be able to read music).

This is the perfect opportunity to explore your talents, make new friends, and take part in a great show, as well as a range of other social activities.

Whether you are interested in a career on the stage, have skills which support productions, or you simply want to take the joy of music out to the masses, the Society is the place to be. Come along and have some FUN! We have evening rehearsals at Madras, Kilrymont running from late September until ‘curtain up’ in late February/early March.

Oliver (Alistair Jones) and Dodger (Tom Anderson) deep in discussion (Photo courtesy the Operatic Society)

22

For more information please contact our Secretary, Lindsay Rowan: secretary@standrewsaos.co.uk Or take a look at our website: www.standrewsaos.co.uk

OUT & ABOUT Hamish Brown takes us

Along The Pinnacled Coast Talking to various friends about a covering name for the coast from Fife Ness to St Andrews suggestions have ranged from the Cold Coast to the Golf Course Coast, but for one section I think Pinnacled Coast is a good description: the Buddo Rock, the Rock and Spindle, Maiden Rock neatly milestone from Boarhills to the Kinkell Braes. A bus to Boarhills and back by this Pinnacled Coast will give a real fun day’s walking.

Buses stop on the A917 junction for the village. Wend through Boarhills then until there’s a split and the road becomes farm tracks.

A ruined doocot stands to the left of this junction. Take the left option, then first right down through field edges to the coast; the Buddo Rock comes in sight, animal like, pachydermatous, a beaked monster. A soft pink sandstone, the rock can change its colours subtly depending on the light. It is a remnant of a sandstone cliff, eroded over the various assaults of the sea, when the coming and goings of glaciation saw the beach level rise and fall. The impregnable look is scorned by able rock climbers, but a secretive slot up the middle of the rock does allow a scramble to the top, adventurously enough and most are glad of the steps and holds carved out near the final exit onto the top.

In the 1775 Ainslie map it is given the grand title of ‘Mount Budda Rock’ and Boarhills is Bear Hills. The name had nothing to do with Bears or Boars, all earlier references being to Byrehills. ‘Buddo’ was a local surname.

The Coastal Path switchbacks onwards, rising to the St Andrews Bay golfing complex, descending again, at a prow giving the first – distant – view to the towers and spires of St Andrews. Reefs below, switchback progress, this reach is almost West Highlands in character. Kittock’s Den comes down to the shore from Boarhills (kittock is a giddy lass), its jungly scrub a welcome landfall for autumn migrants. The path returns to golf course level, follows the boundary wall, then a gully is crossed by a mini Bailey bridge and descent made through a tunnel cut out of the sea buckthorn. You can’t have much more varied walking.

The next touch of variety is less welcome, however, for cows and walkers do not mix and, whether a mire or frozen horror, a path with international status is shamed by this mess. At low tide escaping to the shore helps, and then redemption comes with the Rock and Spindle. This is igneous, unlike the Buddo Rock, an old volcanic plug with the bulging base an odd circle of rays, like the petals of a daisy, where a bubble of lava once exploded to form the pattern. This is a simple layman’s description; the New Statistical Account (1845) had the feature as ‘a spherical concretion of basalt in the form of five or six-sided pyramids meeting at the apex, giving to the mass a stellate appearance’. The slender pinnacle above has been climbed, unlikely though it seems.

Continuing, steps lead up to the Kinkell (wood end) Braes with yet more golf course offleft. After so many far glimpses St Andrews is suddenly near.

The path divides, the main Fife Coastal Path continuing high along to the caravan park, the lower dropping to pass above the Maiden Rock, another isolated, weathered sandstone feature, a once popular playground for climbers before indoor walls were invented. Its first mention as such was in 1902 by Harold Raeburn: ‘the complete traverse of the arête a nice little climb’.

Decades ago I took school parties to the Maiden to introduce them to the fun of rock climbing. Half the party did so while the other half beachcombed, explored the tidal pools and returned with rucksacks full of wood. After a snack the groups swapped over for the afternoon and then, at the end of the day, a bonfire was lit for a ‘sausage sizzle’. What days of fun they were, and what days of fun are still there for the taking along the Pinnacled Coast.

(Photos courtesy Hamish Brown)

23

OUT & ABOUT Tony Hardie’s

Nature Notes – July 2010 I apologise to our readers that I missed the May all spring in the wild garden nearby, but came deadline set by our editor for these notes. I was with their young to our pear tree and the gean. away in Sutherland watching the blackthroated They’ve moved on now. As they sing they rock diver on those wild lochs where, it has to be from side to side to their own music. Perhaps they admitted, I find that their fishing skills are far went on to Balado! Their coming into our garden greater than mine. Their young will be brought was occasioned, I think, by the insects in the up on a diet of brown trout, perhaps on some fruit trees, but the wilderness that was once the lochs occasionally char, because a garden of Abbey Park will provide diver can swim so deep and so fast. much seed by way of thistle and As the long days of With that sharp bill and streamlined dandelion. summer approach the head they are made for swimming The bullfinch is not popular birdsong diminishes underwater. Their plumage is with those who have fruit trees, and is now, as I write, etched in black and white and they but a pair were welcome here almost no more have a lovely low profile on the loch when they came to devour the to which they come from the sea to seed of an early white geranium. breed.

They are just untidy feeders, spitting out so much As the long days of summer approach the of the seedhead. When they fly away they show birdsong diminishes and is now, as I write, almost a very obvious white rump; from ahead the male no more. Fledglings appear in the garden waiting has a lovely dark black head and a dark pink to be fed. It is a dangerous time for the young with breast. The black of his head extends to his eye. the hoodie crows keeping a keen eye out for the It reminds me of a mortar board, which goes well unwary. From above they watch the movements with his rather portly appearance! of the smaller birds to find their prey.

This early summer we enjoyed a visit from the Photos by kind permission of John Anderson goldfinch and her family. They were to be heard (Crail Birder: http://www.pbase.com/crail_birder)

black-throated diver, winter plumag e

male bullfinch

female bullfinch

Alistair Lawson points out there is

No Wrong Choice by Scotland’s 5th Colourist Those readers of a certain age will remember the immortal Bob Hope, pining for the sophistication of “back East”, singing, East is east and west is west And the wrong one I have chose Let’s go where I’ll keep on wearin’ Those frills and flowers and buttons and bows Rings and things and buttons and bows.

These pages have recently carried reference to John Maclauchlan Milne, increasingly thought of as Scotland’s “5th Colourist”, alongside Cadell, Fergusson, Hunter, and Peploe. Milne’s paintings span the East and West coasts of Scotland, both of which provided him with equally appropriate and successful subject matter – no wrong choice there. Iona and Arran,

Sannox Bay, Arran

particularly the latter, where he eventually went to live, figure largely in his work, as do the Fife coast fishing villages. He has further East coast connections, in that he was born in Edinburgh, lived in Kingoodie, Broughty Ferry, and Dundee and, towards the end of his life, taught at the Hospitalfield Art College in Arbroath.

He managed to “infiltrate”, if that is the right word, the business circles of Dundee and succeeded in “recruiting” prominent business people to become his patrons, amongst them the Justices and the Keillors, who owned two of the major businesses in the centre of Dundee.

In recent months, two exhibitions of Milne’s work, one at the Portland Gallery in London (where almost 90 works were displayed) and another at the Bourne Gallery in Edinburgh, have sought to give prominence to this overlooked 5th Colourist. 25 years ago, in his centenary year, Dundee Art Galleries & Museums also put on an exhibition of his work and managed to assemble 40 of his works.

While the Portland Gallery displayed many works on loan, there were also almost 20 for sale, with price tags ranging from £7,500 to £65,000, so his work is hardly selling for buttons, the top one being a café scene in the South of France, another rich source of inspiration for both Milne and his contemporaries.

Returning to the Scottish coast, the two works illustrated here demonstrate his longterm fascination with Arran and Iona.

Cathedral Rock, Iona

Peter Davidson kindly wrote in answer to Alistair Lawson’s query about the place depicted in John MacLauchlan Milne’s painting: “…the attractive view is of Pittenweem. Interestingly, the lighthouse is still there although the horse and cart and the boats are very different – though still registered KY….”

Mr Davidson even went specially to Pittenweem to take the photo here to prove his point! Many thanks indeed for taking the time and trouble to solve the mystery.

24

(Photos of John Maclauchlan’s paintings, courtesy Alistair Lawson)

OUT & ABOUT Ever since she spotted her first one on Tentsmuir beach, Karen Hutchence has been obsessed by

White-Tailed Eagles

weeks to feed the brooding mother and chicks; Both the Golden Eagle and White-tailed eagle then the mother will join in hunting for food. have graced the British Isles for centuries; yet At about 10 -11 weeks the chicks are during Victorian and Edwardian times, egg and ready to fledge; yet they are still dependent skin collectors, hunted these birds to such an on their parents for another 5-6 weeks. Once extent, that by 1918 our beautiful White-tailed self sufficient – these young eagles can eagle became extinct in Britain, along with a gather in groups of one dozen, to over three significant reduction in Golden Eagle numbers. dozen, when food sources are Now, thanks to years of abundant. The White-tailed eagle dedication by individuals and Sightings of the is an opportunistic feeder; when groups, along with the generosity White-tailed eagle driving you may have seen these of the Norwegian Government, birds nibbling on road-kill. A lot who have been instrumental over St Andrews of the lambs these birds have in donating young White-tailed have been reported been reported to feed upon eagles to this country, these are stillborn, or lambs which native treasures, once again, fly have died from severe weather. They eat fish through our skies. mainly (hence the nickname ‘Sea Eagle’) and The White-tailed eagle has an average various birds, rabbits, and hares. They even lifespan of 21 years, yet they do not breed occasionally steal food from otters and other until around 5-6 years old. Their mating is birds (cheeky!). monogamous, however they will find a new mate if the old mate should die. They have Protection a spectacular aerial courtship which entails Such a magnificent bird needs protection. Nest them locking claws in midair and cartwheeling robbing and illegal disturbance by criminals down to earth, and then breaking loose just is common. Fines of up to £5,000 per offence before touchdown – amazing to watch! They and/or a prison sentence of up to six months can be heard calling each other during mating, can be given to anyone who intentionally especially by the male. injures, kills, or takes a White-tailed eagle, Once the female lays her eggs – usually or its young and eggs. And that includes two or three over a 2-5 day period in March or damaging, destroying, or taking its nest.

April, the incubation of the eggs will take about If you’re basking in the sun one day on 38 days, after which, the new chicks will hatch. the West Sands and think you see a WhiteThe male eagle will hunt for the first three

Juvenile white-tailed eagle tailed eagle swoop past – you probably just did! Sightings of the White-tailed eagle over St Andrews have been reported, due to the Nature Reserve close by at Tentsmuir, and the movement of these fantastic birds of prey around Scotland. (Not bad for a bird that was once extinct in Britain!)

For more information on these and other birds of prey, why not visit the RSPB website which is full of interesting facts and pictures: www.rspb.org.uk Images by kind permission of John Anderson (Crail Birder: www.pbase.com/crail_birder)

Rooks harrying a white-tailed eagle – gives an idea of its size

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

SENIOR CITIZENS 20% DISCOUNT MONDAY-FRIDAY From main menu only

PLANT SALES AREA

Open till end of September

CONDUCTED WALKS AT 2PM 1st Sunday September & October

WINTER LECTURE SEASON Starts 1st Tuesday in October 7.30pm Chemistry Dept., North Haugh

Sandra Griffiths & staff

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

25

OUT & ABOUT Angela Montford writes

A is for Apple Day… Do you know where you might have found a more in our gardens and communities, using Lass o’ Gowrie, a Bloody Ploughman, and them in cooking and making apple juice or Lord Rosebery, all together in the same place? cider, as well as encouraging the multitude of The answer is in an apple orchard. These are wildlife of various sizes that flourishes in and among the names of Scottish apple varieties around orchards. which used to be found growing in old orchards, No Apple Day can take place without a but many of which have now disappeared. resident expert who can identify that unknown Information posters, telling you brief bits of apple tree in your garden, and we are delighted history such as this, with songs, verses, myths, to have obtained the knowledgeable services medical uses, recipes, and customs, all linked of our local apple man, Willie Duncan of to apples, will be part of the first Botanic Garden Drumeldrie, who will also talk about apples Apple Day in October this year, organised by generally and will bring a wide variety of apples the St Andrews Botanic Garden Education Trust with him. If you have a nameless apple variety and the Friends of the Botanic Garden with Fife you would like identified, bring along at least Council. This has the aim of entertaining and three samples, including the apple stalk and informing visitors through a wide some leaves, and our expert Traditional apples range of apple-linked events for will see what he can do to name all ages. These will take place it. We are also very pleased to are a valuable part in the Garden itself and in the welcome John Hancox of the of our history and Glass Class, the specially adapted Commonwealth Apple Project. culture. Don’t let greenhouse where educational Henry Paul from St Andrews them disappear events take place. Fife Council Orchard Group will also be on have generously waived the entry hand to discuss the origins and fee to the Garden for that day, so you can bring expansion of local Orchard projects. the whole family along with Granny, Grandpa, If you have surplus apples from your and the neighbours as well. garden, why not bring a full bag or two along, We have lost almost two-thirds of our and either donate them to visitors, who perhaps orchards since 1950 and we now import 71% of haven’t a garden of their own, get them pressed our apples, which is a sad thing when our own into juice, or swap them and take home a bag apple heritage is so full of flavour and interest. of another variety. For those whose apple trees The first Apple Day was started in 1990 by the are less than healthy, science experts will guide charity called Common Ground, offering us all you through a microscopic view of some of the the chance to re-acquaint ourselves with the bugs that can plague the fruit. beauty and richness of our home-grown apples, There will be plenty to occupy small perhaps encouraging us to think of growing children, with apple games, prints and

26

colouring, and apple snacks for them to make. All ages can try the longest apple peel competition – the national UK record stands at 947cm (31ft plus) so you’ll have to be very careful if you want to beat that! Bring a really big apple with you, or use one of ours. There will be apple juice to taste, freshly pressed on our own apple press, and apple goodies, such as chutney and apple jelly (we hope), as well as tea and coffee to buy to keep your strength up as you go round.

Traditional apples are a valuable part of our history and culture. Don’t let them disappear, and don’t miss what promises to be a fascinating new venture for the town. Support your local Apple Day! The Botanic Garden Apple Day will be held on Sunday, 17 October, 2010 between 11am and 3pm. Drinks and snacks available to buy. Free entry.

St Andrews Botanic Garden, Canongate, St Andrews, follow the brown signs from City Road. The Garden is 200m up the Canongate on the right hand side. Parking available.

(Image courtesy Angela Montford)

OUT & ABOUT

Autumn Chamber Music at the Younger Hall A series of three concerts by internationally renowned artists

Thursday 7 October

Thursday 2 December

Fitzwilliam String Quartet

Roy Howat (piano)

www.fitzwilliamquartet.org

www.royhowat.com

Music by Haydn, Shostakovich, Purcell and Jeremy Thurlow

A concert celebrating the bicentenary of Chopin’s birth

The Music Centre offers exceptional opportunities to everybody with an interest in music – players, singers and listeners.

We are open to everyone – students and non-students alike.

Thursday 4 November

Matthew Rose (bass)

A preview of Matthew’s forthcoming Wigmore Hall recital, including music by Schubert, Wolf and Ives www.askonasholt.co.uk/artists/singers/bass/matthew-rose

All concerts at 8 pm Tickets £10/£8 concessions (individual concerts) £25/£20 concessions (series of three concerts) Available in advance from the Music Centre office: tel: 01334 462226, email: music@st-andrews.ac.uk

• Tuition with experienced professional tutors in singing and many instruments, from beginner to advanced.

• NEW groups for 2010–11 include the St Andrews and Fife Community Orchestra (see page 20 for details), The Voice Box (a choir for P5–P7 pupils run in collaboration with Fife Council), and a singing group for P1–P4 children.

• St Andrews Chamber Orchestra rehearses on Monday evenings: plans for 2010–11 include Rodrigo Guitar Concerto, Schubert Unfinished Symphony and a collaboration with SCO players in StAnza 2011. New members welcome: contact us to find out more or arrange an audition.

• Other groups include Baroque Orchestra, St Andrews Opera, Saxophone Ensemble, Big Band, Flute Ensemble, Jazz Studio, Children’s French Horn Ensemble and many more.

• Lunchtime concerts every Wednesday in term-time: admission only £2, or free for Music Centre members.

• Workshops and masterclasses with top-class visiting artists .

• Intensive courses in jazz, organ, conducting and more.

Music Centre, University of St Andrews, Younger Hall, North Street, St Andrews, KY16 9AJ. T: 01334 462226 E: music@st-andrews.ac.uk W: www.st-andrews.ac.uk/music

3

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

27

Minick Minick of of St St Andrews Andrews (the (the Artisan Artisan Butcher) Butcher) Ltd Ltd 183 183 South South Street, Street, St St Andrews Andrews

Your Quality Traditional Butcher

– Local Beef, Lamb, Pork and Poultry – – The BBQ Specialists – – Wholesale and Catering Enquiries Welcome – – Bespoke cutting and packing service – available for local farmers email: minickofstandrews@hotmail.co.uk tel: 01334 472127

Minick of St Andrews Traditionally Modern