St Andrews in Focus May / June 2004

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

May / June 2004, Issue 4 £1.50

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the magazine for St Andrews

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

From the Editor

I’ve often tried to work out what it is about St. Andrews that pulls people back to it time and time again. Having travelled a fair bit myself, having seen beautiful towns in many countries, and experienced different climates, both tropical and arctic, as well as temperate, I’ve encountered many different kinds of people and their cultures. I first came to St. Andrews as a student, and some 33 years after I graduated, I found myself drawn back to live here. Many contemporaries of mine had never left, while others have told me what a wrench it was for them to leave. And native-born St. Andreans return after seeing the world, for all intents and purposes having done the ‘Grand Tour’.

Starting this magazine has brought a measure of understanding. The answer must lie in the unique combination of the history of the town, the outstanding beauty of its surroundings, and above all, its people. More and more as I meet them, I discover the range, the breadth of experience, and the achievement of St. Andreans “of a’ the airts”. The town presents a balanced microcosm of life itself – the many schools provide a broad education for its children, the University at the pinnacle. Sports are available, not just golf, but everything else as well; football, athletics, swimming, you name it, it’s here.

There is entertainment of every kind, both theatrical and musical. There are ten churches, all with active congregations.

Social life thrives, clubs thrive, and the elderly and the infirm are well looked after. You can shop too.......!

We have everything here. And if anyone wants to escape to have a little change, the transportation links make it easy.

All right, some people grumble – but that’s life, there’s always someone...

I say, we are very lucky! And we should celebrate it!

Flora Selwyn

Contents

MAY/JUNE 2004 EDITOR Flora Selwyn Tel/fax: 01334 472375 Email: editor@standrewsinfocus.co.uk DESIGNER University of St Andrews Reprographics Unit

TOWN/GOWN • Sir Kenneth Dover in reflective mood • Introducing the After Many Days Club • The University’s Museum and Gallery Studies Course

4 5 6

EDUCATION • Another year at St. Leonards School • Exams: ouch!

• New Park School’s first 70 years

7 7 8

FEATURES • The Community Council • Eddie Laing passes sentence!!

• St. Andrews Castle celebrates • Prospects for the new Hospital • The Harbour in prospect • A symbol of friendship explained • The Byre has a new Director • Selected Events

9 9 10 11 12 13 14 14

SHOPS/SERVICES • A visit to Rymonth House • The Cosmos Centre demystified • Roving Reporter reports • Competition winners • Where to find Service with a Smile • Dun Greetin’ is happy again • Lyn at No.1 for that new outfit

16 17 19 19 20 20 22

OUT AND ABOUT • Selected Events • The Eden Estuary Local Nature Reserve • A walk round Ceres • The Botanic Gardens beckon • The story of Sunday golf

23 24 25 26 27

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NEXT ISSUE – July /August • Madras College – a proud review of its academic year • Alan Martin – why tourism matters to everyone

COPY DEADLINE: STRICTLY 28 MAY. Cover: The Roundel, South Street An original oil painting by Bill Glover

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

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TOWN/GOWN

The View from the Rostrum Sir Kenneth Dover, Chancellor of the University of St. Andrews

When I was President of an Oxford college Once upon a time I presided over all the graduations – first, advanced I was sometimes asked, “But what do you and honorary degrees – but as the University grew in size the Principal do? What’s your actual job?”. And when I (Vice-Chancellor) and I have shared them; in June 2004 there will be a was feeling a bit soured I was apt to reply, set of seven ceremonies, of which I hope to take four. Even in the course “I have responsibility without power.” If the of a single ceremony the constant repetition of the formula ‘et super te’ same question is put to me as Chancellor of can have a slightly hypnotic effect on me, and that is something I must St. Andrews University, my answer is very resist deliberately, because being capped is a momentous event in the different in content but very similar in style: life of the individual graduate and deserves concentration by all those I have neither responsibility nor power. And involved.

I can add: nor salary, nor retiral age, and I When I stop to think how many thousands of people I have capped, it don’t think I can be fired. Contrary to what students sometimes believe, amazes me that so few things have gone wrong. No spectacular pratfalls, I am not a member of the University Court, though I am permitted to such as the one which, according to an anecdote told by our present read its printed agenda and minutes and I am generously invited to lunch Sovereign, made it very hard for Queen Victoria to maintain her famous after each of its meetings. I do gravity without the transparent not, indeed, belong to any body suppression of a giggle. What which takes any decisions about goes wrong tends to be of the the academic, administrative and Chancellor’s own making. My financial life of the University. predecessor once slipped a My ‘constituency’ or ‘electorate’ place in a list of varied Master’s is the General Council, the totality degrees, and had rectified of alum-ni and -nae, wherever in matters by telling the group the world they are, and for that he had capped, “Whatever reason I preside over the Council’s degree you were expecting, two meetings a year. When I was that’s the one you’ve got!” I elected I read the statutes framed confess that I made a similar in the nineteenth century, and mistake in a sequence of was enchanted and daunted in degrees, turning a theologian equal measure to discover, that into a mathematician by using whatever the University does, the wrong Latin formula, but requires – or so it seemed – “the the student concerned assured approval of the Chancellor”. I me afterwards he hadn’t asked the Privy Council if this noticed; indeed, I failed to find really meant what it said, and anyone who noticed – but I discovered that, for a variety suppose that is the fate of Latin. of reasons which I don’t fully My most notorious cock-up understand, it doesn’t. All that was occurred at the installation of left was the Court’s obligation to our present Principal, when I take into account the observations threw the sequence of events of the General Council on any into temporary disarray by proposed changes in Ordinances confusing the musical style of and Regulations, or additions Stanford with that of Brahms. thereto. I put that to the test when, Little surprises of a more under considerable pressure from agreeable nature sometimes the University Grants Committee, enliven a graduation. I the Court decided to abolish the recall one in which a female Graduation November 2003 Departments of Music, Linguistics, graduand, as soon as the and Theoretical Physics. The Bedellus had put the MA hood General Council meeting, whose observations on that were required, over her head, turned smartly round and kissed him. I don’t know how filled Lower College Hall to bursting and opposition to the ‘chop’ was many in the audience were aware, as I was, that she was his daughter. overwhelming. As it happened, I strongly agreed with the majority, and More recently, a robust-looking man contrived to slip me a miniature addressed a long letter to Principal Watson, in which I deployed both the bottle of The Macallan as he rose from being capped. A good deal less arguments put forward in the Council agreeable, some years ago, was a meeting and one or two more of man who came up on to the platform my own, garnished with a splash of with his tongue hanging out. If I rhetoric. The Principal, however, told hadn’t been so taken aback – or was me, in words which I would blush to I overcome by relief that it was only repeat, just how much importance he his tongue? – I could have said to him attached to the views of the General in Latin, “If you don’t put your tongue Council. in, I shan’t cap you, nisi linguam So much for power. What retraxeris….” etc. I suppose he was remains is Pomp (to say nothing doing it for a bet. of Circumstance) in a very heavy As for honorary degrees, when I gown, preceded by a quartet of mace-bearers, (I was never altogether was installed I was allowed to choose four to be honoured at the same happy with the fanfare introduced by Principal Arnott; it made me think of time, but out of the 240-odd conferrals since then only two germinated in Agamemnon’s entry, treading on a ‘red carpet’ of expensive fabrics, into my own mind, and one of those was planted by someone else. No room the palace where the axe wielded by his murderous wife awaits him). there for the distribution of favours.

“. . . being capped is a momentous event in the life of the individual graduate and deserves concentration by all those involved.”

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TOWN/GOWN

The After Many Days Club Douglas Hamilton reflects on 14 years as Treasurer, and 3 years as immediate Past President.

In 1992, the University’s oldest and largest Alumnus Club celebrated its Centenary, and this year the Club will have been in existence for 112 years. The initial idea was a decision by a small number of graduates to maintain their friendships whilst studying at St. Andrews. At the first meeting only 12 turned up, but undaunted, the group was fortunate to obtain H. N. Patrick as Secretary, and he placed the Club on a firm foooting. By 1925 it had become well established, and had adopted the title of R.F. Murray’s (1863-1893) poem “After Many Days”. The Club’s logo comes from the same poem “To feel the old red gown”.

To-day the Club invites and encourages graduates to revive and and renew old friendships, and thereby maintain a continuing interest in their Alma Mater.

Membership of the Club is open to graduates of St. Andrews University, 25 years after Matriculation – to apply for membership, contact the Roll Keeper, Mrs. Patricia Naylor, 13 Priory Gardens, St. Andrews, KY16 8XX. Life membership is a once only payment of £15.00.

Every year, on the last Saturday of January the After Many Days Club organises a luncheon in St. Andrews at which guest speakers are invited, such as the late Alfred Fyffe, a generous benefactor of the Club speaking in memory of his wife Ailsa, (who was a former Club Secretary), or Dr Bill Henney, and Prof. C. Vincent.

Each year also, at the end of June, the Reunion Weekend is held to coincide with the meeting of the General Council. The weekend commences with a welcoming supper, followed by the AGM, after which there is usually some form of entertainment.

In 2002, a packed Lecture Theatre heard Mrs. Julia Melvin (grand-daughter of Principal Sir James C. Irvine) give an illustrated lecture on her grandfather ‘s Academic and Family Life.

In 2003 Prof. Sam Taylor thrilled his audience with his undoubted skill as a photographer par excellence. Both lecturers were given an ovation at the conclusion, and both lectures were open to the public.

On the Saturday, after the meeting of the General Council, members gather for a formal lunch at which a distinguished Speaker, usually, but not always, a graduate of the University, is invited to speak. Recently we have had Lord Douglas Cullen, Dr. Brian Lang, the Principal, Martha Hamilton, former Headmistress of St. Leonards School, David Corner, University Secretary, and Brian Taylor, the BBC’s Political correspondent.

On Sunday morning there is a service in St. Salvator’ s Chapel, the guest preacher normally being a graduate of the University.

One of the most memorable services, led in praise by the University organist, Bill Stevenson, was in 2000, when two well respected divines shared in the Service, the

immediate Past President, Dr Bill Henney, with the Very Revd. Jim Whyte, former Principal of St. Mary’s and a former Moderator of the General Assembly.

In 1992, the President Chris Fowlie and her husband Hector, presented a centenary gift to the Club in the form of a President’s Jewel, on which the University Crest is very artistically woven into the design. Since then the President’s name is attached to the chain of office.

Club affairs are conducted by a Secretary, Treasurer, Roll Keeper and committee of six, two of whom demit office each year. At this point I echo the words of the late Norman Ewen (M.A. 1934) when he wrote, “The success of the A.M.D.C. depends on the calibre of its Office Bearers”. No member has worked harder on the Club’s behalf than Mrs. Myra Morris (nee Haxton) who graduated in 1938 as LDS. She was elected Secretary of the Club in 1969, only retiring 29 years later in 1998. She served the Club during that time with great commitment and quiet efficiency, and in June 1992 the University Court and Senate conferred on her the Hon. Degree of M.A. in gratitude for her work. During this time she was ably assisted by the late Miss Bunty Spencer, who was made the first Honorary Member in recognition of her work for the Club.

Bunty was succeeded by Mrs. Joyce Scott, a member of the University secretarial staff in the Development Dept. Her duties include typing the Year Book, sent to approx.

2500 members each Spring. Recently the format has been changed to include reports from the President, Secretary, and Treasurer, New Members, Photographs, and adverts (which bring a welcome addition to our finances). Overall, the Committee has attempted to make the Year Book more informative and interesting. A 200 Club was

started, and raffles introduced at the two annual luncheons.

During my time as Treasurer we were able to obtain Charitable Status from the Inland Revenue, provided that we made gifts to the University each year for deserving causes. Organisations within the University have benefited; for example, in 2001-2002, we contributed money towards a total refurbishment of the tattered gowns of the Presidents of the Students’ Association and Debating Society, a new lectern Bible for the Chapel, a donation towards music for the Chapel Choirs and the Hebdomadar’s Music Fund, as well as to the University Library, and an umpire’s seat at the new Sports Centre.

This year the Club gave a grant to the Access Centre for its help to mature undergraduates.

Without the Club’s Charitable Status, many activities in the university would be much poorer.

Dr. Frank Quinault, our new President, is now in charge of everything described above. He is no stranger to Town and Gown, coming to St. Andrews in 1972 as Lecturer in the Department of Psychology, just then beginning to grow into one of the largest and best regarded Departments in the University. His latest appointment is as Head of Saltire, St. Andrews Learning and Teaching Innovation, Review and Enhancement.

I am certain that Frank’s personality and Academic prowess ensure the Club is in good hands, and I wish him well in his new role as President of The After Many Days Club.

5

TOWN/GOWN Jill Iredale, a post-graduate student on the present course, tells us about

The Museum and Gallery Studies Course As you read this, the Museum and Gallery Studies students from the University’s School of Art History will be approaching the end of their course. The course is the only one of its kind in Scotland and provides people with the Graduate Diploma, or M.Litt (if you stay on to complete a dissertation) that the majority of museums now require for work as a curator.

Professor Martin Kemp established the first Museum Studies course in 1984. Since 1989 the Course Director has been Professor Ian Carradice, current Head of School and Keeper of University Collections, previously Curator at the British Museum. Alumni of the course have a successful track record in gaining employment and can be found working in many local museums and as far afield as America and Japan.

The course essentially provides the training you need to be a curator, but covers all aspects of museum work and includes looking after a museum collection, museum management, museum education and exhibition planning. Each year as part of the practical component of the course, students organise an individual project at a local museum plus their own exhibition, the point being to provide the student with practical experience, as well as contributing something useful to the museum in question. Projects have involved research, documentation and exhibition planning.

For the group exhibition the students are divided into two teams.

One team organizes an exhibition at the Crawford Arts Centre and the other at the St. Andrews Museum. This year the exhibitions held from 5 March – 25 April were, respectively, Pressing Forward: Contemporary Printmaking in Scotland and Experimental: Changing Beliefs in Alchemy, Anatomy and Astronomy. The opening nights for both were successful and feedback has been good. I hope Balloons outside the Crawford for that some of you managed the student night to catch the shows and

Voyager to Mars

by Dorothy Hill Bradshaw

Up from the beautiful planet Earth Soaring so fast and so sure, Onwardly going and proving its worth To the scientists waiting below.

Landing on Mars – what a marvellous feat Of mechanical skill, there to show All the watching World, the professional elite And the scientists waiting below.

Can they prove that once, on Mars, there was life?

That rocks and some microbes did grow?

Is Mars the true planet of wars and of strife?

Ask the scientists waiting below.

6

enjoyed them. If you didn’t you can still visit the websites at www-ah.st-andrews.ac.uk/ pressingforward, and Some of the students www.experimentalstandrews.org.

(The Crawford Arts Centre team) The experience of organizing a professional exhibition at a real venue is a crucial part of the course and we are lucky to be able to use the Crawford Arts Centre and the St. Andrews Museum. None of us had actually organized exhibitions like this before so it was quite an achievement to complete the process from initial research to exhibition installation in just six months. I can’t say the experience hasn’t been nerve-wracking in parts, but even in the chaotic moments I have learnt valuable lessons about the process and about the importance of teamwork.

To accompany the exhibitions both teams have organized a series of events including a weekend lecture, an artist’s talk and a number of workshops for local primary school children. As a special one-off event to encourage a student audience to visit the Crawford Arts Centre some of the students also organized an exclusive student-only-night with a DJ and free beer sponsored by Beck’s. The students’ hard work was rewarded by a huge turn out of 210 people and a really positive response from those that attended.

There isn’t time to sit back and relax yet, for there is still plenty of course work to be completed and as I said at the beginning, many of the students are going to write a dissertation over the summer to complete an M.Litt. After that we will be ready to begin what will hopefully prove to be long and Jill Iredale serving up beer at prosperous careers in the museum the student night. world.

St. Leonards School

EDUCATION

New Headmaster Robert Tims, reviews his first year.

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There is much to celebrate at St. Leonards. Academic results last summer were excellent (GCSE: 99.7% pass, 67.5% A*/A; A-levels: 100%, 72% A/B) and maintained the standard set some years ago.

But there is more to a St. Leonards education than mere examination results. Pastoral care is outstanding and a wide range of extra-curricular opportunities is offered.

During the course of the Spring Term the senior drama group, under the direction of their new, enthusiastic drama teacher, performed Arthur Miller’s The Crucible on stage in the nearby Byre Theatre. It was a stunning performance with great teamwork behind the scenes. At the end of term, children of the Middle School presented Pepys’ Show in the Cookie Matheson Drama Studio to an audience of appreciative parents and guests. Dracula, the production of the Junior Drama group at the Byre in May, is eagerly awaited.

The drama programme has been further enhanced by the addition of a well-attended Sunday afternoon workshop leading, for those who are interested, towards a GCSE qualification.

In this 250th anniversary year of the Royal and Ancient Golf Club, there is another cause for celebration in the Physical Education Department. St. Leonards and Golf have long been associated. As long ago as 1893, St. Andrews’ world famous son, Tom Morris, designed and built a 9-hole course within the grounds of the school, on which regular monthly medals and competitions were played. The course has now disappeared but St. Leonards’ love for the game is very much alive – hardly a surprise with its fantastic location in the very heart of the “Home of Golf”.

St. Leonards founded its own Golf Club in 1993 affiliated to the SLGA. The St. Leonards Golf programme, devised by Jim Farmer and taught by Elliot Rowan, was officially launched in 2003 by Lady Bonallack, a past “Curtis Cup” player and the club’s first President; at present 108 students are taking part. Since becoming co-educational in 1999, membership of the SGU has been actively sought and in 2004, this has become a reality.

St. Leonards pupils have many opportunities to “travel the world”.

During February half term a group of Upper Sixth History of Art students visited Florence to see great works of art for themselves. During the Easter break there were no fewer than four groups of students away: members of Year 11 and the Lower Sixth were on exchange and carrying

out work-experience in Loches; a number of Classicists explored Pompeii; another group went skiing in Austria – and the senior lacrosse players were hoping to conquer Boston, USA. Behind that inconspicuous entrance in South Street, you’d be amazed ������� at what is going on! You are welcome to visit; please contact the Registrar, 01334 472 126

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Culled from the internet Exam howlers by 16 year-olds. Laugh? – or cry?

Q: Name the four seasons.

A: Salt, pepper, mustard and vinegar Q: Explain one of the processes by which water can be made safe to drink.

A: Flirtation makes water safe to drink because it removes large pollutants like grit, sand, dead sheep and canoeists.

Q: How is dew formed?

A: The sun shines down on the leaves and makes them perspire.

Q: What is a planet?

A: A body of earth surrounded by sky.

Q: What causes the tides in the ocean?

A: The tides are a fight between the Earth and the Moon. All water tends to flow toward the moon because there is no water on the moon and nature abhors a vacuum. I forget where the sun joins in this fight.

Q: In a democratic society, how important are elections?

A: Very important. Sex can only happen when a male gets an election.

Q: What are steroids?

A: Things for keeping carpets on the stairs.

Q: What is the Q: What happens to your body as you age? most common A: When you get old, so do your bowels and form of birth you get intercontinental. control?

Q: What happens to a boy when he reaches A: Most people puberty? prevent A: He says good-bye to his boyhood and looks contraption forward to adultery. by wearing a Q: Name a major disease associated with condominium. cigarettes.

Q: Give the meaning of the term “Caesarean A: Premature death.

Section.”

Q: How can you delay milk turning sour?

A: The caesarian section is a district in Rome.

A: Keep it in the cow.

Q: What is a seizure?

Q: How are the main parts of the body A: A Roman Emperor. categorized? (e.g., abdomen.)

Q: What is a terminal illness?

A: The body is consisted into three parts – the A: When you are sick at the airport. brainium, the borax and the abdominal Q: Give an example of a fungus. What is a cavity. The brainium contains the brain, the characteristic feature? borax contains the heart and lungs and the A: Mushrooms. They always grow in damp abdominal cavity contains the five bowels, places and so they look like umbrellas.

A, E, I, O and U. Q: What does the word “benign” mean?

Q: What is the Fibula? �������������������������������������������� A: Benign is what you will be after you be eight.

A: A small lie.

Q: What is a turbine?

Q: What does “varicose” mean?

A: Something an Arab wears on his head.

A: Nearby.

7

EDUCATION

New Park School The Headmaster of New Park School, Andrew Donald, looks back at how the school has grown since it was first established, 70 years ago.

On 21st September 1933, a new school was opened in St. Andrews.

Situated then, as now, at New Park on Hepburn Gardens, the original prospectus stated that the school was equipped with electric light and that the drains would be regularly inspected. It also outlined the aims of the school, which allowed for each boy “to lay the foundation of a sound education ….without recourse to cramming”. An “all round training in sports” was seen as “an essential factor in the foundation of character and in the development of physical fitness”.

Boys were to be accepted as pupils from the age of seven to fourteen, and the fees for boarders were to be £40 per term. These were inclusive and covered everything from tuition to laundry and dancing. The property was purchased for £2500, and the Headmaster’s salary was fixed at £200 per term.

Despite these monstrous expenses, the school opened with 13 boys, and Cuthbert Dixon as the first Headmaster. He had been a Housemaster at Merchiston Castle School in Edinburgh, and was given permission to use the Merchiston blazer as the uniform for his new school, thus starting a connection that still exists to this day.

To assist him, Mr Dixon employed a master and a number of nonteaching staff, including a matron. In the early years, the matrons had considerable influence, and for some unknown reason, many of them owned dachshunds. They had also to be flexible in their duties, covering for all sorts of domestic crises, as well as ensuring the good health of their charges. It is recorded that on one occasion, 53 out of 57 boarders were in bed suffering from flu, and yet matron still remained cheerful.

Shortly after school began, in 1936, Mr Dixon appointed Derek MacLeod as his assistant – he was to remain at New Park until 1969, having served 20 years as the second Headmaster. He first arrived at a time of great expansion. New dormitories and classrooms were added, and the kitchen and hall were developed. This growth stopped with the coming of the War in 1939, when at one point numbers dropped to a mere 19 pupils. Keeping the school going was a stressful business, but it managed

8

Mr Donald with happy pupils to survive. Mr Dixon took on all the problems, as well as being the Air Raid Warden for the district.

Sadly, the strain perhaps took its toll as in 1949, Mr Dixon suddenly died and Mr MacLeod was asked to take over as Head. The Fifties were a time of renewed growth, and New Park established itself as a leading Scottish preparatory school, sending pupils to a wide variety of schools both north and south of the border. During the extensive building programme that was carried out in this time, such facilities as the science lab, art room and workshop were added. The list of scholarships won makes impressive reading, and yet the original aims of “avoiding cramming” were still followed.

Mr MacLeod had a loyal staff, which helped to ensure stability. Boys not only performed well in class, but also on cricket and rugby pitches.

Derek MacLeod retired in 1969, but retained an interest in the school by becoming a member of the Board of Directors. Under his successor, Adrian Blocksidge, the school began to look beyond its boundaries. Hill-walking and skiing for example were introduced, and this greater variety of activities on offer was clearly ahead of its time.

Alan Elliot from Glenalmond became Headmaster in 1976, and progress continued with the introduction of co-education, and the opening of a PrePrep department, allowing children to start at New Park at the age of five.

The staff had of course expanded considerably since the early days, and were required to offer a broad curriculum, which continued to include much in the way of out of classroom activities. More and more pupils left New Park to go to Madras College rather than senior boarding schools, and as a result the importance of boarding began to decline. Day pupil numbers on the other hand rose significantly – New Park was thus following national trends. It was therefore a logical step to expand further and a Nursery was opened in 1986, during the time of Mr Elliot’s successor, Michael Wareham.

He came from Strathallan in 1984, and was something of a local celebrity, being the winner of many Times Crossword championships, and of the TV show Countdown.

With Mr Wareham’s retirement in 1995, came the end of boarding at New Park. This however has not in any way curtailed the range of activities that the children undertake today. As well as a full sports programme, they still explore the hills in the summer and ski down them in the winter. They act in plays – all the children appear on stage at least once in the school year, and their talents have been seen further afield in drama festivals in Edinburgh and Perth. Music is an important part of school life, with the majority of the children learning a musical instrument, and many being successful in exams. Pupils move on to a variety of senior schools, both state and independent and it is a source of much pride that a number of awards have been made to pupils as a recognition of their all-round talents, this being a true reflection of what the school provides.

There is much therefore that would be familiar to the pupils of 1933.

But there are many things that they would find surprising. For example the pupils now have a School Council, where they have a say in the affairs of the school, offering suggestions and points of view that might otherwise have been lost. They have lessons in Personal and Social Education, which help to prepare them for a very different world than that which faced the first pupils. And yet despite that the principles on which the school was founded remain true to this day. The pupils are not crammed, but they do receive a sound foundation, which helps to form their character. Most importantly, they enjoy their time at school.

New Park has always been an important part of the community in St. Andrews, with many prominent locals having passed through its gates.

We are proud of our tradition, but we are also pleased with the way we develop to take account of the challenges faced by children and young adults today.

FEATURES

The Royal Burgh of St. Andrews Community Council is the only elected body solely to represent the interests of the people of St. Andrews. There are 20 voting elected members, 3 voting student representatives – the four Fife Councillors for St. Andrews are nonvoting members.

So what does your Community Council do for you? The job of the Community Council is to stand up for St. Andrews. In the words of the Act of Parliament establishing Community Councils, they are there to “…ascertain, coordinate, and express the views of their community to the public authorities for the area.”

Community Councils may also undertake any other actions that they think are in the best interests of their community.

St. Andrews Community Council meets in public on the first Monday of the month at 7:00 pm in the Council Chamber of the Town Hall. All members of the public may attend. There is also a section of the meeting at the beginning when members of the public may address the Council on matters of public concern – but please inform the Secretary first.

At most meetings of the Community Council there is a report from the community police constables for St. Andrews in which they can inform the Council, and hence the public, of matters of interest. In return the Community Councillors can draw matters of public concern to the attention of the police.

The Community Council has one statutory right, that of commenting on all planning applications that affect St. Andrews. To do this there is a Planning Committee which meets twice a month and examines each and every planning application that concerns St. Andrews and sends any comments or objections to the Fife Council where all planning decisions are taken. The Planning Committee has a discretion to act on behalf of the Community Council, except for major planning issues. Such important decisions are debated and then any comments or objections decided upon by the main Community Council. There are other committees, perhaps the most important of which is the Leisure and Recreation Committee, which organises for example, the Christmas Treat for senior citizens and also several events during St. Andrews week, including competitions for photographs and for paintings and the associated exhibitions.

The Community Council has also, for the last 5 years, organised a Hogmanay Ceilidh – definitely the place to be in St. Andrews on the most important festive night of the year. (see photo).

Another important action of the Community Council is to produce the monthly Event sheet in which all forthcoming events in St. Andrews are reported. (Tell the CC secretary (details below) if you have an event of interest.)

This regular column in St. Andrews in Focus will be used by the Community Council in order to keep in touch with the public. Meanwhile, comments on issues of importance and news of events are welcome and should be sent to the secretary, Pete Lindsay: phone 01334 477224, e-mail secretary@louisxiv.demon.co.uk.

This magazine inadvertently anglicised Eddie Laing’s name in the last issue. We accept Eddie’s punishment with due humility.

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FEATURES Last March, Flora Selwyn was one of the lucky ones to receive an invitation to the ceremony in which His Royal Highness The Prince Andrew, Earl of Inverness, was to present the

Green Tourism Business Scheme Gold Award, to St. Andrews Castle This award “was established in 1998 by the then Scottish Tourist Board to encourage best practice in tourism businesses, to reduce environmental impact and save resources.” (Historic Scotland, News Release) The following description of the event subsequently appeared in Historic Times, the staff Newsletter of Historic Scotland, and is reprinted here by kind permission of Joanne Morrison, Historic Scotland’s Press Officer “It was double honours for St. Andrews Castle on 11 March, as the Monument was visited by His Royal Highness, the Duke of York, who took the opportunity of presenting staff at the Castle with a Green Tourism Business Scheme gold award.

The Duke of York was visiting in his lesser known capacity as the Earl of Inverness and was very interested in both the environmental project taking place at the Castle and the history of the building itself.

He was escorted through the Visitor Centre to the garden area where steward Jacqui Herriott explained more about the environmental programme and the involvement of the Historic Scotland Education Department, Holyrood Park Rangers, and school children from Greyfriars RC Primary School.

‘Despite the awful weather, His Royal Highness chatted away to the schoolchildren about the work they are doing at the Castle,’ said Jacqui. ‘He then scattered a few seeds onto the garden, before I gave him a guided tour pointing out the recent additions of the bird bath and feeders and bat boxes, all of which helped secure the gold award.’

While the Earl spends a lot of time in St. Andrews, as he is the Captain of the Royal & Ancient Golf Club, he had not visited the castle before and expressed an interest in finding out more about its history.

Monument Manager David Eaton gave him a brief tour of the castle, taking in the bottle dungeon and entrance to the mine.

Jacqui said: ‘The visit went very well. His Royal Highness wanted it to be relaxed and informal and was delighted when he was presented with a gift from us.’ Jacqui was also pleased that he saw the environmental work going on at the Castle, something they are very proud of. ‘We have bird spotting, rock pools, beach art, and pollution projects going on and each class at Greyfriars will visit the Castle once a year for environmental studies and to learn about the built heritage and the history of the place in a fun way, thereby ensuring they protect it in the future,’ she explained.”

Chatting to people during the delightful reception after the Prince had left – and, by the way, Prince Andrew had expressed great pleasure that his title of Earl of Inverness had been remembered by the Castle – Flora Selwyn was impressed by the Castle’s dedication to education.

She heard again at first hand that it “is imperative that children learn about their environment in a way that will be fun for them, so that they will fully understand how to preserve and protect it for future generations. This project [the children’s work at the Castle] is our contribution to that.” The children will have made at least 7 visits by the time their primary schooling ends, and four new activity packs are available for their use. The Castle teaches by example, since the new award recognises its “effective measures to reduce water consumption, save energy, and recycling, including the use of energy-saving light bulbs and recycling cardboard and paper.” (Press Release).

Altogether a most interesting, informative, and inspiring day – thank you, St. Andrews Castle, and Congratulations!

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FEATURES Bill Jamieson, Head of Communications, on the projected

St Andrews Community Hospital and Health Centre Healthcare provision is a dynamic process. It reflects changes in need, changes in capacity to “cure” or maintain health, and a better understanding of risk factors and the impact of earlier intervention.

In order to meet changing patterns of healthcare, NHS Fife is taking steps to ensure that services are redesigned appropriately and that the personnel, facilities, equipment and infrastructure are in place to support and deliver such change. The development of the new Community Hospital and Health Centre in St. Andrews is crucial to this process.

The proposed Community Hospital and Health Centre will provide a wide range of services. It is believed that by providing modern, integrated, technically efficient premises and healthcare teams, the health of the community can be maintained and chronic conditions managed effectively.

The new Community Hospital and Health Centre will offer the broadest possible range of primary care services, assessment, early intervention, treatment and rehabilitation to patients in modern facilities.

Service developments will include a wider range of outpatient and diagnostic facilities, rehabilitation facilities for in-patients, assessment and rehabilitation on a day/ outpatient basis, and increased numbers of beds for care of older people and rehabilitation. Frances Elliot, Interim Chief Executive, Fife Primary Care Division, who chairs the Project Board for the St. Andrews Project, said, “The Division is fully committed to progress with this very necessary development of health care facilities for St. Andrews and the wider North East Fife population.

I, with other senior NHS Fife colleagues on the Project Board, will be supporting the North East Fife Local Health Care Co-operative to take this project forward. Neither St. Andrews Memorial Hospital nor St. Andrews Health Centre are now capable of supporting the level and quality of service that St. Andrews, the East Neuk, and North East Fife as a whole, deserve”.

Commenting on existing facilities at the hospital, Karen Nolan, Senior Charge Nurse said, “Nursing staff have to deliver care in outdated, cramped facilities which do not meet modern standards.

Access is difficult as patients, staff and visitors continually struggle to park their cars.”

Dr Alan Scott, a St. Andrews GP commented, “The Health Centre itself was built to cope with a population of 13,000. With the expansion of the town and the university it is now catering for around 24,000 people.

This has led to extremely overcrowded facilities that limit the service that we are able to provide. In addition, the fact that the Health Centre

is almost a mile from the hospital causes delays to patients and the travelling between two sites uses valuable clinical time”.

Dr Hamish Tait, a St. Andrews GP who has campaigned for many years for a new Hospital and Health Centre, said “The Dr Kilpatrick, Chairman of North community of St. Andrews has East Fife LHCC been crying out for an integrated health and social care facility for many years. Certainly, for those of us at the ‘coal face’, the physical constraints imposed on ‘joined-up care’ by the grossly inadequate and divided facilities we currently use, is a source of enormous frustration. The prospect of an environment that will allow full integration between all providers of health and social care is enticing. St. Andrews has an opportunity to be at the forefront of developments in community care, and this can only be of huge benefit to the populations of St. Andrews, the East Neuk and North East Fife. But, there is one real concern: if this development is allowed to stall through endless planning and bureaucratic delays, St. Andrews will face the future without a Community Hospital.”

Existing services, e.g. GP beds, Palliative Care beds, Outpatients, Endoscopy etc. will transfer to the new facility. Whilst waiting for the new building, things are not at a standstill, however. Wherever possible opportunities are sought to update equipment and introduce new services. X-Ray equipment has recently been replaced and new digital processing introduced for XRays. A new cardiology clinic is being introduced and the League of Friends are fundraising for an echocardiogram for the clinic. Minor procedures in plastic surgery are also being carried out. All of these will transfer to the Diagnostic and Treatment Centre at the new Hospital.

John Docherty, Staff Side Representative, a Staff Nurse at the hospital and a true ‘local’ having been born, schooled and now living in St. Andrews commented, “A new hospital and health centre with upto-date equipment and facilities is very much needed to maintain and improve the high standard of care presently being delivered. But we also have to think of the future and ensure that the site will allow for room for expansion of the health facility to meet the needs of the people of St. Andrews and the surrounding area well into the century – something that would be extremely difficult to achieve in a town centre site”.

Dr Kilpatrick, Chairman of North East Fife LHCC said, “ We are well under way with planning the services to be delivered in the new unit and of course what we all wish to see as soon as possible is the start of construction work. The site selection process took some considerable time and the Project Team share the frustration of staff and patients alike. We are very keen to finalise the site procurement and outline planning application to allow us to move rapidly to the next stage. “ Financial and Legal Advisers have been appointed and work is now in hand to appoint a Project Manager and Technical Advisers to complete the team.

It is believed that by providing modern, integrated, technically efficient premises and healthcare teams, the health of the community can be maintained and chronic conditions managed effectively.

Enquiries to: Bill Jamieson Direct Line: 01334 421104 Mobile: 07770 310388 bill.jamieson@fifenhsboard.scot.nhs.uk Communications Department, Springfield House, Cupar Fife KY15 5UP www.show.scot.nhs.uk/fhb Exercise equipment in the cardiology cardiology clinic

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FEATURES

Putting the Heart Back Into the Harbour!

Ken Sweeney, Trustee of the Harbour Trust

As those of you familiar with local history will know, St. Andrews Harbour was formerly the centre of trade and of social life in St. Andrews – the heartbeat of the town! Even in the more recent past, the Harbour was a busy place, with inshore fishing boats and pleasure craft using upper and lower basins. Good relationships between local residents, fishermen, the Sailing Club and other recreational users contributed to the vibrancy of the area. In addition, new buildings were constructed, existing buildings were renovated and the unsightly structures of the old gas works were removed. The Harbour provided a dynamic and attractive backdrop to our ancient city.

However, at present, St. Andrews has a quiet harbour. Although recent years have seen progress, leading to the creation of a central mooring for yachts and the replacement of the old green tower bridge, fishing practices have changed and boats now tend to work earlier in the day.

This, coupled with the absence of leisure craft in the lower basin, leaves the waterfront silent in the afternoons and evenings. Overall, the number of working boats has remained fairly constant over the years whilst the number of yachts and pleasure craft has declined. This is due, in part, to the introduction of pontoons to the harbours at Tayport and at Anstruther, giving these locations a competitive advantage. The buildings in the environs of St. Andrews Harbour are beginning to show their age too, and nothing has been done to improve the outmoded public amenities.

Realising that essential works should not be delayed, action was taken by the Harbour Trust. Programmes of repair and restoration were developed, these proposals attracting £1.2 million in funding. This financial package enabled the first phase of restoration work to be implemented – stabilizing the main piers and the inner basin walls. Further plans are currently on the drawing board, aiming to preserve the harbour for

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generations yet to come and ensuring that there will be a range of quality facilities on offer, in keeping with the status of our world famous town.

The arrival of the new bridge In the not too distant future St. Andrews Harbour Trust envisages a lively, busy harbour with a permanently wet basin, (created by a new lock which will enable water in the inner basin to be maintained at a suitable level), and floating pontoons providing 45 secure berths. These enhanced amenities will serve to attract yachts and other pleasure craft to the town, increasing the number of visitors. Supported by integrated transport links and appropriate development, the harbour will become a focal point for local regeneration – an attractive setting, encouraging increased usage by local people and visitors alike. Gone will be the sea of mud at low tide! Picture instead a colourful, busy marina linked by signposted walks to the historic sites of St. Andrews and all that the busy town centre has to offer!

Around the harbour area too, new developments are envisaged, remaining sensitive, as always, to the local environment. It is hoped these changes will include the much-needed upgrading of public conveniences, provision of all-day restaurant facilities and possibly, the creation of small, quality retail outlets. Additional facilities for boat owners could include navigation aids, enhanced security through C.C.T.V. and development of a safe area for boat storage over the winter months. There are possibilities too, to create a deeper channel in the harbour and build pier extensions, allowing landing at all states of the tide.

Proposed improvements are designed to lead to greater use, not only of the harbour itself, but the surrounding area, thus benefiting fishermen, local folk and visitors alike. Special events will be launched, perhaps an annual ‘Harbour Week’, and firework displays for significant occasions such as St. Andrew’s Day. The possibilities are endless!

St. Andrews Harbour Trust is fully committed to realising the potential of the area and Trustees adopt a holistic perspective – they do not see proposed developments in isolation, rather view their plans as intrinsically linked with the cultural, historic and economic development of St. Andrews. In the nineteenth century structures were put in place by the Trust with a view to preparing the harbour for the twentieth century.

Now in the twenty-first century the current Trustees hope to secure the harbour’s future by, ‘putting the heart back into the harbour’. You never know, St. Andreans may even see the return of a lifeboat !

‘St. Andrews Harbour Trust would like to thank all those individuals, organisations and agencies who contributed to recent improvements at the harbour in the form of finance, expertise and advice’.

FEATURES Have you ever wondered about the Mosaic adorning the side of our Town Hall in Queen’s Gardens?

Jurek Putter explains its background -

The Polish Enigma

Suddenly, during an azure autumn sixty-four years ago, a cheerful foreign army appeared in our bemused Scottish midst.

Our streets began to resound to the unfamiliar stirring sound of soldiers singing as they marched.

Continental Poland had arrived in Caledonia; or rather, was taking up temporary residence along Scotland’s eastern seaboard, ‘for the duration of the present armed conflict’ – so the official statement went.

In reality however, the presence was not simply military. True, it was composed in the main by men and women serving their country in a military capacity, but it was administered ably by a functioning Government-in-exile, responsible for the welfare of its citizens in Britain; with a Premier and a Commander-in-Chief, and considerable assets. That Government-in-exile’s aim was the eventual liberation of Poland both ‘free and democratic’. To that end the Polish army, Air-Force, Navy, fought. That it didn’t turn out that way was not their fault, but it became their difficult dilemma and predicament.

It was not surprising that the Scots found the Poles both ‘interesting and exotic’. They were subjected not just to the ancient traditions and expressions of a Continental army, but to the full cultural expression of that nation. That first incoming wave of Poles, ‘more Chiefs than Indians’, represented a cultural cross section of their society. Educational teams rapidly prioritised essential educational programmes to include a comprehensive study and analysis of their host nation. It came as a surprise to the Scots to realise that the Polish Army was concerned to maintain among its personnel interests in all the graphic and literary arts.

In St. Andrews eminent women artists responded to the Army’s call for cultural co-operation, by founding a successful art club to teach and train the graphic arts.

It was a happy and fruitful liaison.

Three members of those classes, Ewaryst Jakubowski, an engineer from Wilno, Jan Sterling an architect from Warsaw, and Wlodimierz Klocek an infantrymen from Zakopane, each with no prior experience in the medium of mosaic work, successfully executed the impressive Mosaic which still graces the west wall of the present Town Hall in Queen’s Gardens.

The magnitude and meaning of the gift of that Mosaic by the Polish Authority in 1942 to the ‘People and city of St. Andrews, for their welcome and continuing kindnesses’ should not be underrated. That single heartfelt gesture embraced a basket of Polish cultural traditions and expressions. It was artistically tasteful and competent; it was intended to be an enduring memorial of their stay, and has succeeded in being just that. It was an expression of deep gratitude and tribute to the host City and Nation with which they, as guests, identified.

And the fate of those three amateur mosaic artists serves to underline the diverse ‘bitter sweet’, experiences of the Poles after 1943

and 1945. In another but less happy autumn, during the Battle of the Warsaw Uprising, Jakubowski selflessly volunteered to assist in the City’s defence. As a soldier he was parachuted into the heart of the battle. There he perished, along with a quarter of a million other souls.

No grave marks his passing; well not entirely – the Mosaic serves as an eloquent memorial.

Jan Sterling of Warsavv, who did not wish to return to a Soviet dominated Poland, studied architecture at Liverpool after the war.

He took up the offer of emigration to America, where he set up a successful practice in Boston Massachusetts. He died in 1988.

Wlodimierz Klocek did eventually return to Poland and a difficult, unhappy obscurity. He was traced and found still alive in the late 1980’s.

The most precious gift that the Poles donated to the Allied cause arrived in Britain days before the outbreak of war. It was a veritable work of genius of three young innovative Polish mathematicians; Marian Rejewski, Jerzy Rozycki, and Henryk Zygalski of the Polish Cipher Bureau. It was they who in 1932/33 succeeded where all others had failed, not only in finding a working solution to the breaking of the German Armed forces ‘Enigma’ cipher codes, but in recovering, reconstructing and fully understanding the electro-mechanical principles involved in the construction of the machines and their service operation. All this long before Bletchley Park and Station ‘X’ were even dreamt of. The ramifications and implications for enhanced tactical advantage that this gave to the Allies in the form of ‘Ultra’ decrypts was an obvious and inestimable factor in eventual victory. The revelation of the existence of Ultra came belatedly in 1974 in Captain F. W. Winterbotham’s officially sanctioned publication, ‘The Ultra Secret’. Acknowledgement of the Polish contribution was for long both inaccurate and grudging. Only in the late 90s was a full and truthful account given. It was, therefore, shabby and hurtful of the British Government to exclude the Polish Forces from their deserved place among the Allies in the Victory Parade in London in 1945.

Heavy with irony, the final accolade to Polish fortitude had been made almost a year earlier by the Wehrmacht in that rarest of displays of magnanimity following the ill fated Warsaw Uprising.

The terms of the negotiated surrender permitted the Polish Home Army to have combatant status in captivity, and the right to bear arms in the total evacuation of the devastated City. Lining the evacuation route, German soldiers turned out in large numbers, curious to see their formidable foe at close quarters. In respectful silence they watched the endless armed columns exit the Capital in impressive good order. A Wehrmacht officer, much moved, wrote for the record, ‘Stolze Polen!’ – ‘Proud Poles!’.

The survivors now are few. In countless scattered cemeteries they lie, sometimes solitary, sometimes in serried ranks. Their memorials each adorned with their beloved ‘Bialy Orzel’ – ‘White Eagle’.

It was not surprising that the Scots found the Poles both ‘interesting and exotic’

The magnitude and meaning of the gift of that Mosaic by the Polish Authority in 1942 to the ‘People and city of St. Andrews, for their welcome and continuing kindnesses’ should not be underrated.

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FEATURES AND SELECTED EVENTS

Selected Events

If you have a special event for this page in the July/August issue, please notify the Editor by the copy deadline of the 28th May, either by tel/fax, 01334 472375; by post to PO Box 29210, St. Andrews, KY16 9YZ or by email: editor@standrewsinfocus.co.uk 7 May – 27 June, The Crawford Arts Centre, North Street, St. Andrews.

– Reason to Believe, Roger Ackling, an internationally renowned artist, works with the sun through a small magnifying glass to burn lines on discarded materials, such as fragments of wood or recycled card, to create beautiful abstract records of the sunlight’s journey to the earth.

– Also, silversmith Stefanie Donelly from Glasgow exhibits her elegant silver and oxidised copper jewellery. Londonbased Hortense Suleyman shows her classic refined porcelain. And from Birmingham, Elizabeth Marchetti brings exquisite evening bags and scarves.

Thursday 13 – Friday 14 May at the University of St. Andrews, a Conference on A Sense of Place: Regional and National Issues in the Arts and Crafts Movement. For further information please contact Annette Carruthers, School of Art History, 9 The Scores, St. Andrews, email: vac@st-andrews.ac.uk Saturday, 15 May at the Botanic Garden, Canongate, St. Andrews. 10.00 am – 12 noon, Bumper bedding plant sale.

Thousands of plants – all must go!

Thursday, 20 May at Madras College, Kilrymont Road, St. Andrews. Your Place, Your Plan, a locality meeting exploring issues relevant to the forthcoming St. Andrews and East Fife Local Plan. There will be displays and discussion groups covering all topics until 9.30 pm. For further information contact Locality Officer Kate Hughes, 01334 412525 Saturday 22 May and Thursday 27 May, both at the Town Hall, St. Andrews. Antique and Collectors’ Fair. Entrance 90p (50p concessions) For further information, contact Mike Frodsham 01334 880254 From 29 May, The Preservation Trust Museum, North Street, St. Andrews.

‘A Century of Childhood’ an exhibition featuring toys, books, games and children’s costume from the past 100 years and the ways in which ideas of childhood and attitudes to children have changed during that time. 2.00 – 5.00 pm daily until October. Admission Free Sunday, 27th June, 11am – 5pm, Hidden Gardens of St.Andrews, an opportunity to explore some of the town’s most delightful gardens. Coffee/Teas, stalls, music and a magician. Admission £3.50 (Children FREE). For more information, phone 01334 477152/ 477629

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The Byre has a New Director Stephen Wrentmore, the new Artistic Director of The Byre Theatre talked to Flora Selwyn at the beginning of March

It was a great pleasure meeting the new Artistic Director of the Byre so early in his new post. His enthusiasm is entirely genuine and very infectious.

Stephen readily admitted that for the first time he finds himself in charge of a whole theatre. Previously he free-lanced in many places, and this experience developed his instinctive feeling for the rich potential of the Byre. His CV is remarkable – as well as working in prestigious venues in Britain, he has worked in Belgrade, in Pristina, in America. His last assignment before coming to St. Andrews was in the National Theatre of Kosovo, where he directed The Lieutenant of Inishmore.

Stephen is passionate about theatre. In his view also, there has to be a very strong bond between a theatre and its community. In Sheffield, where he worked at the Crucible, he was aware of the paradox that, although people loved having the theatre, they were reluctant to go there. He has no doubt that a theatre building has to be forward-looking both architecturally and in its ambience, and that it has to put on dynamic productions, yet “within a structure people want to come in and see”. Stephen knows that the Byre offers this to perfection and that he has inherited a thriving theatre from the outgoing Artistic Director, Ken Alexander. To make quite sure, however, that he understands local aspirations, Stephen plans to soak up the spirit of place in St. Andrews, by living in the town and interacting with as wide a cross-section of the community as he can.

Because he has worked so much abroad, Stephen has ambitions to ”journey South of the border and overseas”; meaning, that he hopes he will be able to make “cross-over connections” with, for example, the Arizona Theatre Company, where he was last year, and which has “a strong family ethos”. To introduce people to things “they didn’t know they wanted” is a strong driving force. Stephen wants to avoid the trap of “name recognition” alone bringing in audiences, because this could lead to stagnation. New writers, and new works are vital to the health of a vibrant theatre like the Byre.

So it will be Stephen’s responsibility to find and encourage new writing, but nevertheless, he isn’t expecting miracles overnight! Risk-taking is naturally part of the job, and Stephen is open to the possibility that something might fail on an odd occasion. He is wary of putting his faith in statistics.

Box office success, for instance, doesn’t always correlate with audience satisfaction. In the final analysis, Stephen says that he must be able to stand up and say, “I’m passionate about this and stand by it”. He intends to make sure there is balance across the board, and this is borne out by the range of productions he has selected for his first season at the Byre, which will commence with the West End hit of 2002, Vincent in Brixton, followed by a stage adaptation of the Roald Dahl classic,The BFG, and after that, a classic Noel Coward play, Private Lives.

Neil Anderson, 6th May, 8pm Chairman of the Board The Minstrel’s Tale (Guitar) – Josef Lozowy of Directors of the Byre, said, “The quality 7th May, 8pm of applicants who Dance Double Bill – Union Dance sought to succeed Ken Alexander as Artistic 11 – 15th May, 8pm Director is testament to Mata Hari – St. Andrews Play Club the regard with which the Byre is now held in 19 – 21st May, 7.30pm British theatrical life. In Dracula – St. Leonards Junior Drama choosing Stephen we believe we have secured 22nd May, 8pm for our local community Dance Double Bill – Company Chordelia of St. Andrews and Fife, an artist who has 15 – 19th June, 8pm the talent, energy and Whisky Galore by Compton Mackenzie – Mull Little Theatre passion to present the very best in theatre, 24 June – 17th July, 8pm music and dance, and in doing so, raise the Vincent in Brixton – Byre Theatre production standing of the Byre Theatre both nationally and internationally.”

It seems certain that our Byre Theatre is in very capable hands!

What’s On May/June – Highlights

Byre Theatre Box Office (01334) 475000

INVALID SERVICES Ltd.

Letter from client’s family:

Care at Home This quote conveys the sentiments expressed in the many letters of acknowledgement we receive. Caring for you in your home is our concern, and we have geared our administrative system to this concern. We place particular emphasis on a personal approach and to this end, for example, should you telephone you will always be answered in person.

We offer a full complement of caring services tailormade to meet your requirements; ranging from personal care, companionship, nursing input from 2 hours onwards, lunches, suppers, domestic chores to regular telephone contact.

Our staff, drawn from the local community, include professionally qualified nurses and staff whose experience is suited to more routine and non-medical aspects of the caring profession. In addition there are on-going follow up visits to ensure that the care being offered matches the needs of the client. Our 24 hour on-call system guarantees attendance by a member of our staff.

What is particularly important to us is your initial contact with Invalid Services. Should you wish to drop in for an informal chat this will be conducted sympathetically in private, in our dedicated suite, and enquiries by telephone are answered in person. Alternatively, you may wish that we visit you at home.

All information is treated in the strictest confidence and we comply with all aspects of the Data Protection Act. The company – Mrs K Fewster now retired and Joan Reid, the present M.D. – has been serving the local community in St Andrews and surrounding district since 1984. We are registered with the Care Commission. Recently we moved to our new offices at 4 Alfred Place, St Andrews KY16 9XG the better to accommodate the extra staff needed to meet expanding clientele. We will respond to your needs in a manner most suited to your requirements and at competitive prices.

You may wish to phone us 01334 472834 for further information.

Established 1984

Joan Reid Managing Director

SHOPS & SERVICES

Rymonth House Introduced by Manager Alan Hutchison

The St. Andrews and District Branch of the Scottish Society for the Mentally Handicapped (now known as ENABLE) was formed in 1971 and soon became aware of the great need for permanent accommodation for adults with learning disabilities, and also for short term respite care to provide parental relief in times of stress or emergency.

A Project Committee, consisting of local professional people and two branch members, was set up in 1978 to study ways and means to meet this need in North East Fife. The committee visited many establishments throughout Scotland and considered several sites in North East Fife before purchasing land in what is now 3-7 Glebe Road, St. Andrews.

An application was made to the Scottish Home and Health Department and in 1986 Rymonth House was officially opened by HRH the Duchess of Kent.

Rymonth House has facilities for fourteen permanent residents and two respite care places. There are two places for tenants in the adjacent Burnside Villa and four in the adjacent Neilsen Villa, thus providing accommodation for 22 adults with learning disabilities. The building is situated in pleasant surroundings with spacious gardens to the rear. The Kinness Burn runs at the foot of the garden, attracting swans, ducks, herons, squirrels, and many species of small birds.

Members of Rymonth Housing Society believe that people with learning disabilities should enjoy all rights as citizens and be full members of society in every sense. They are entitled to respect and a sense of personal dignity and should have every opportunity to develop their individual potential to the full. Relationships between carers, volunteers, and residents are based on mutual respect.

Accommodation is in single rooms arranged in flats each containing five or six rooms. Residents are encouraged to furnish and decorate their rooms to their own individual tastes and where possible to take care of their own room. Each flat contains bathroom, lounge and modem kitchen facilities enabling residents to live as independently as possible. A great deal of thought has gone into providing an environment which will encourage selfdevelopment and the pursuit of independent interests and to give them the freedom to be themselves and feel themselves to be at home.

Each resident is treated as an individual . To help build confidence and self respect, a care plan is devised, in consultation with the resident concerned, his or her family or carer, and any outside agencies involved.

Every six months an Individual Programme Planning Meeting is held to review progress, identify changing needs and incorporate any recommendations into the individual plan.

Rymonth very much values links with the community outside and welcomes opportunities to develop them. Residents are encouraged to become involved as much as possible in outside community activities and to take advantage of services and facilities. An important part of each week for residents is their “home day”, when they take care of their personal finance and shopping.

Many people from the community play a part in making Rymonth the caring and lively place it is. The Friends of Rymonth is an extremely active group which organises trips and visits to shows, arranges Christmas and birthday gifts and cards, invites residents to members’ homes, and provides lifts and transport for all kinds of occasions.

St. Andrews Rotary Club has given financial support for more than ten years, and operates a trust fund to purchase leisure equipment.

Through this fund, and with the help of many friends and volunteers in the community Rymonth residents take part in a wide variety of skills and activities designed to enhance their personal development. Cookery, gardening, first aid, hill walking, camping, swimming, horse riding, canoeing and Scottish Old Time dancing are some of the many activities which residents participate in In times of financial stringency, the support received from groups like the Friends, the many individual volunteers, and the Rotary, who in the past have provided funds for a pool table Global warmers and this year provided funds for

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a greenhouse and a computer, is more important than ever and helps Rymonth to maintain the standards of excellence to which it has always aspired.

In 2001 Rymonth was awarded a grant from the National Lottery Community Fund, to assist in furthering its aims of giving residents the best possible opportunities to develop A change of scenery personal skills, pursue chosen leisure activities and to assist with the recruitment of volunteers and befrienders. Over the past three years the funding has been successful in assisting Rymonth identify many activities and leisure pursuits for residents and recruit more volunteers to help, encourage, and coach residents with their various pursuits including, trainand plane-spotting; Scottish Old Time Dancing; swimming, and bowling at Kinburn. Not only have residents been given opportunities that otherwise might not have been afforded them, but real friendships have also been formed with the volunteers and other members of the community.

Due to the success of the past three years Rymonth was awarded a further grant from the National Lottery Community Fund in February 2004, totalling £96,482. This extension to the grant will allow Rymonth, together with its skilled and dedicated care staff, to give more of its 24 residents greater opportunities to enhance and develop personal skills.

Rymonth is always on the look out for suitable volunteers to help with this satisfying and very rewarding work. This could range from assisting a resident with horse riding, swimming, or simply giving a couple of hours a week to accompany a resident to town to do some shopping.

If you would like to know more, then telephone Alan Hutchison on 01334 477967, or call at Rymonth Housing Society, 7 Glebe Road, St. Andrews, for an informal chat.

RYMONTH HOUSING SOCIETY LTD. Meeting the needs of people with learning disabilities VOLUNTEERS Do you like going to the cinema, swimming, eating out, shopping, or just going for a walk; and have spare time?

The you could be the person we are looking for.

To enable the residents of Rymonth House to take advantage of the many social and recreational activities in St. Andrews and its surrounding area, such as going to the theatre, horse riding, swimming, eating out, shopping, Rymonth now needs volunteer befrienders to accompany, provide encouragement and support, on one-to-one and small group outings.

If you have the spare time and think you can help in this challenging and rewarding work, then please contact: Rymonth House, 01334 477967 Out-of-pocket expenses will be paid.

Note: All volunteers require to be checked with the Scottish Criminal Records Office.

SHOPS & SERVICES Neil Dobson, Chairman of the Management Committee, demystifies the

Cosmos Community Centre

The Cosmos Centre – St. Andrews’ Community Centre – is tucked away at the side of Greyfriars School in Abbey Walk and for many people in the town, it may be a bit of a mystery. For others, it brings back memories of THE Meeting Place in the 70s and 80s for those too young to be distracted by the town’s many drinking places. Many years of hard work by local volunteers have helped the Cosmos Centre develop a varied programme of activities, which can truly be said to offer “something for everyone”.

The Cosmos Community Centre was originally the Gymnasium and Technical Department of the St. Andrews Burgh School (now Greyfriars Primary School). In 1968 the St. Andrews Youth Development Committee recognised the need for youth provision for the community. Following extensive renovations and extensions the Cosmos Centre was officially opened in 1971 by HRH The Princess Anne.

Throughout the years it became apparent that there was a need for facilities to cater for all ages of the local Community, and so the Constitution was changed, turning it into the Cosmos Community Centre. Part grant aided and Special Needs Basketball on a Wednesday

by Fife Council, it is run by a Management evening. The North East Fife Stroke and Splash Committee made up of members of the local Club enjoy a lively morning on a Monday, while Community, representatives of user Groups, the the Sunshine Group Community Council meets on a Thursday and local Councillors.

Over the last few years afternoon. One of Over the last the busiest times is few years significant significant upgrading has between 3.00 – 6.00 upgrading has taken taken place and the Centre p.m. when we run place and the Centre After School Care, now offers pleasant now offers pleasant and which caters for and comfortable a maximum of 56 facilities for the whole comfortable facilities for the children on a daily community, the aim whole community, the aim being basis. Children are being to provide collected from the recreational, social to provide recreational, social four local Primary and educational and educational activities in a Schools and take activities in a friendly part in organised atmosphere. friendly atmosphere. activities until The Centre is collected by their very busy with its parents. Various Groups / Classes hire the own Programme, which includes a Senior facilities of the Centre, and these include Youth Group on a Monday evening, Special Parents & Toddlers, Karate, Salsa, Homestart, Needs Youth Group on a Thursday evening,

Roller Hockey, Lace Making, and classes run by Fife Adult Guidance & Education Service, who co-ordinate Adult Basic Education and English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL).

If you have never visited the Centre, or you’ve not been there in the last few years, please feel free to call in and see the changes that have been made, or pick up a Programme to find out what we have to offer.

There are a few spaces available, although it is very busy – and if you wish to hold a Party, Meeting or organise a Sporting Activity please telephone the Centre on: 01334 474140 or 01334 412627.

An annexe at the Cosmos Centre, The Cosmos Learning Centre is run by Glenrothes College. It has various Courses / Flexible Learning opportunities for all ages of the community. Courses include IT, Core Skills, Skills for Life, Jewellery Making and Care Classes. Anyone interested in attending relaxed and informal learning opportunities should contact Jackie or Joy on: 01334 470832.

THE COFFEE HOUSE

VOUCHER This voucher entitles you to

20% Discount

on all items, including novelty teapots, cafetières, miniature teasets, and mugs when you spend £10 or over.

This voucher is not valid for food and drink items.

6a Greyfriars Gardens, St. Andrews Tel: 01334 477122 Offer ends 19th June 2004

17

Roving Reporter Roving Reporter heard that The Eating Place, 177 South Street, St. Andrews, (01334 475671), had new owners, so he went along to meet them.

Michael and Nicola Henderson made him most welcome and sat him down for a chat in the charming oak-beamed restaurant.

Michael says he has “come full circle”, fulfilling his dream of having his own restaurant in St. Andrews. His life has been full of variety, from working in The Eating Place when he was still a schoolboy, to studying maths, physics, and chemistry at St. Andrews University, going on to work as a chef at Gleneagles, then qualifying in catering and specialising in pastry confection at Telford College in Edinburgh.

Nicola and Michael together have also worked in Ireland and America, coming back for a spell at St. Andrews Bay Spa & Golf Resort. All that experience will come together in The Eating Place. Michael and Nicola have no plans to change what is already successful, “Don’t fix something that isn’t broken” Michael says.

Upstairs is another matter and ideas for developing that area are taking shape.

As for the huge mouth-watering menu, there is plenty to please everyone, including vegetarians and children. It is hard to pick out any one item but our Reporter noticed that pancakes feature quite often – with maple flavoured syrup, as part of the All Day Breakfast Selection (St. Andrews Breakfast £4.80), as a choice in the Baked Potato, Rice or Pancake with a Choice of Fillings (£4.65), and in the Pancake Selection of Famous Scottish Pancakes “hot off the griddle” with all kinds of fillings, such as apple and cinnamon, hot toffee sauce, and other delights (£2.65 or £3.25), and of course the dedicated Pancake Selection, a Connoisseur’s Choice, such as the Double Decker (£3.90), the Ben Nevis (£4.50), or the Peach Surprise (£4.90), and more. Michael is keen to use his pastry-making skills to tempt his customers, so look out for new items to accompany that cup of tea! Drinks include wines and beers.

There is a baby-changing facility upstairs. All children are welcome and there are high chairs available. Smokers are catered for at the back of the restaurant. There is also wheelchair access.

The Pancake Poem

by Gillian Henney, aged 9 Jam pancakes are good to eat Syrup pancakes are very sweet Ice cream pancakes taste so cold But they are the best ones ever sold Buttered pancakes are lovely hot Fruity pancakes I like a lot Creamy pancakes make me so sick I have to gobble them up quite quick.

Free Glass of Wine or Bottle of Beer when any adult orders a main course between 2.30pm and 4.30pm

Roving Reporter watched, fascinated, as his old bank at the corner of Market Street and College Street was transformed into Fat Face. Intrigued by the name he arranged to meet Richard Codgbrook, Marketing and Promotions Co-ordinator.

It all started, apparently, in 1988. To keep themselves in funds in the Alps, two “ski fanatics”, Tim Slade and Jules Leaver, sold “printed sweatshirts and fleeces out of their rucksacks”. The Olympic black run in Val d’Isère, known as Le Face, then inspired the name ’Fat Face’, for the enterprise which grew from their success.

Today there are 84 stores in the UK and France, “of which

SHOPS & SERVICES

20 stores have opened this financial year 03/04 and the rate of expansion looks set to continue”. The philosophy underpinning their phenomenal growth is simple, but effective – “Life is out there”, everywhere, that is, except in an office. The human being that is longing to escape out of the average “bank manager and accountant” can find ”fun designs on clothes, built to take on the lifestyle and made to last” that will take him into the great outdoors, “whether you ski, surf, sail, climb, fly, mountain bike, play tennis, or just love getting amongst it”. And that’s also why “you’ll never, ever see a Fat Face tie!”

But it’s not only clothes, for the brand includes “footwear, jewellery, accessories, and for those truly ‘out there’, Fat Active kit such as surfboards”. What’s more, Richard himself was out on the athletics field before he talked to our Reporter, running the Inaugural Fat Face Varsity Challenge, when St. Andrews University took on Dundee University in 13 different sports to “raise the profile of sport at St. Andrews, but above all, encourage our clubs and more importantly non-sporting students to get behind their University and ensure the trophy starts its life in St. Andrews” (The Saint, 19/3/ 04). St. Andrews won!!

How’s that for interdisciplinary retailing?

Competition Winners 1. Pat Anthony of St. Andrews, is the lucky winner of 10 single Jannetta’s ice creams. She correctly identified four generations of the Jannetta family in the business in South Street, and her winning sentence reads,

“I like Jannetta’s ices because….

I’ve tried all the rest and they’re simply the best” 2. Andrew Mackie of Pittenweem, is the lucky winner of a bottle of wine from Bottoms-Up. He provided the following caption to the photograph below:

“Last summer they had me posing on a tin roof”

Present this voucher the next time you dine at ‘The eating Place’, before June 30th.

Valid until 30th June 2004.

No cash alternative. Normal licensing laws apply.

Wine is house red or white 125ml.

Bottled beer is either Tennants Lager or McEwans Export 275ml.

19

SHOPS & SERVICES

Service with a smile Explorer says, “Thank you, Jamie’s the Florist, of South Street – you offered ONE red rose for the St. Valentine competition in the Jan/Feb issue of this magazine, and actually gave the lucky winner SIX red roses! What a generous gesture! (Shows what a nice place St. Andrews is, doesn‘t it?)”

Wandering down another wynd, Burghers Close, at 141 South Street, Explorer found two surprising and flourishing businesses: 1. Di Gilpin, Design Studio, Hand Knitwear, now in its 4th year, has an astonishing range of garments upstairs in a large, well-stocked show room.

Everywhere you turn your eyes there is hand knitwear, fabulous clothes, and an enormous collection of yarns of all kinds; wool, cashmere, silks, alpacas, angora etc. etc. There are garments that can be knitted from kits, allowing individual choice of colour and material.

Advice is readily given with great enthusiasm. One of the helpers, says, “We spend hours with people. That’s the fun of it!” There are lunchtime “knitins”, when all sorts of people – students, business women, schoolchildren, professors – bring their lunch, sit on the sofas and chat while they knit. Everyone who comes is made welcome.

Di runs workshops on knitting, finishing, or individual styling. She has travelled widely, giving her a world outlook. She takes the work of selected designers of clothing, jewellery, hats.

Contemporary design is one of her strengths and she is continually innovating.

There will shortly be a new sign outside at the entrance to the Close – DI GILPIN’S WOOLSHOP AND CLOTHES ROOM. There is an open invitation to come in and browse, for it’s described as a “major dressing-up box!”

2. Downstairs, Explorer discovered Wind and Water.

Go inside and you’re in wonderland. There are kites everywhere, kites of every imaginable and unimaginable kind, and in every conceivable colour. There are also what the owners, Dan and Duncan, describe as “essential toys”; flying swallows, boomerangs, bubble machines, to name but a few. “If it’s fun, it’s here” claims the brochure.

Most Sunday afternoons you can go out on West Sands and learn power kiting, which may be “an extreme sport” but is taught by qualified instructors and gives you the

chance “to fly before you buy”, a wise move. Duncan runs Kites Sports Scotland (KSS), which is a separate enterprise, a school for anything to do with kites and kitesurfing etc. So, if you buy anything in the shop for which you need training, speak to Duncan. There is traction kiting, bump and jumping, mountain boarding, or parakarting, as well as kitesurfing. Children and adults can be taught together – it’s an “inclusive sport” as Dan will tell you. And if you don’t know what all this is about, go along to Wind and Water to find out.

You could be in for a real treat.

“There’s ae something” says Dun Greetin’ I did a daft thing one dark night a few weeks ago. There was a noise in the street outside my house, so up I jumped and peered out. Someone was messing with my car. I banged on the window – and my hand went clean through it! I don’t know who was more startled by the sound of breaking glass, me, or the guy messing with my car. Anyway he scarpered, and I was left sucking my knuckle and feeling silly. Next morning I visited David Donaldson, Glazier, 45d South Street, (01334 473965) to arrange a repair.

A young lad came round. He told me he was going to take out the entire upper window because it was easier to put in a new pane in the workshop. This worried me. “It’s only been painted recently,” I complained, “And it’s an original 18th century window and not too strong”. “Dinna you worry,” said the lad, and he was as good as his word. The window arrived back in no time with a new pane of glass expertly replaced. To this day you’d be hard put to see that the lad had had to prise the window frame out. So, thank you Donaldson’s, for a job well done.

We spent the weekend of Mother’s Day with the kids. When we came back we found three notes through the door – flowers couldn’t be delivered and were back at the shop; flowers were now next door; flowers were back at the shop! So we phoned. Would we be in the following morning? If so, said flowers would be delivered at our convenience. True to their word, next morning, Tuesday, Jamie’s the Florist (211 South Street, St. Andrews) delivered, with a smile, the most beautiful of bouquets. They didn’t need to, but they had made a completely fresh bouquet. Now, aren’t we lucky in St. Andrews to have such extraordinary kindness, and with such wonderful sweetness of nature to go with it?

HYPNOTHERAPY can help with issues such as

Consultations in: The Natural Therapy Clinic, Argyle Street,

by West Port.

For further information, contact Connie on: 0777 618 3695

STOP SMOKING USUALLY IN 1 SESSION

20

Connie Weir BA(hons) Psy. DHyp

SHOPS & SERVICES

Do You Really Need an Independent Financial Adviser?

Jimmie Nicholson navigates through the shoals

Each and every year the Government receives billions of pounds in extra income due to poor financial planning on the part of individuals and families. Let me give you just a few examples: 1. Millions of pounds paid in tax on bank accounts because non-tax payers have not completed a tax exemption form; 2. Over £60 million is over-paid in life assurance premiums as rates have tumbled over the past four years; 3. Millions of pounds are being wasted on mortgage payments as over 80% of home owners have not taken advantage of the lowest interest rates for over 40 years; 4. A staggering £4 billion per year is paid in Inheritance Tax. Many people work hard for the income they receive so it seems a shame that so much money is “given away” or, worse still lost, through being unaware of simple steps that can be implemented in order to save! So, do you really need an Independent Financial Adviser (IFA)?

Since the introduction of the Financial Services Act (1986) a revolution has taken place within the Financial Services Industry. Once upon a time, provided you could carry a brief case and walk in a straight line, you could “sell insurance”. Now, however, this is not the case, hence the profession is no longer seen as a stepping stone until “something better comes along”!

In the last 10 years the number of advisers, both independent and tied, has reduced from approximately 250,000 to just under 50,000. Advisers today must be qualified by examination. To train to become an IFA could cost up to £50,000. Some advisers, as I did, have taken time out to study at University

for an Honours Degree in Financial Services. The level of regulation within the industry is higher than almost any other, with the emphasis being placed on client protection. Every piece of advice must be recorded and justified to ensure a thoroughly professional service and to demonstrate no bias towards one company over another even if, as some commentators would have you believe, “more commission would be paid”. Most advisers, like me, are happy to work on either fees or commission.

The four examples quoted above illustrate the large amount of money that is being received by the Government, yet some simple measures can reduce, and in some cases eliminate, the tax liability placed on individuals and families. With over 4000 different mortgages available it is little wonder that 80% of homeowners do nothing. However, hundreds of pounds could be saved per household just by switching. Concerns can be alleviated over the “endowment” fiasco, and investment advice can also be provided in the uncertainty that exists.

Everyone should have their own financial adviser as he or she will genuinely have their client’s best interests at heart. Initial consultations are free and a confidential financial report can be provided highlighting where money can be saved and where shortfalls exist.

To map your financial future and give peace of mind contact an IFA today.

Call:

Jimmie Nicholson, BA (Hons), MLIA (dip) Financial Planner, 9 Tay Square, Dundee DD1 !PB Tel: 01382 223455

Sash Window Problems? – There is a solution Sliding sash windows are found in many of the older properties in St. Andrews and they are an important part of the local heritage. However, people who live in these beautiful properties are only too aware of the problems with sliding sash windows. They are difficult to open and close, the sashes rattle in the wind, and they let in cold draughts as well as dust and noise. No wonder home owners are sometimes tempted to change their sash windows!

But this is not a good idea. Removing the original windows will ruin the character of traditional property and planning restrictions protect certain areas of St Andrews from such unsuitable alterations. Sash windows can be an asset and research shows that well-preserved original features enhance the value of your property.

Fortunately, there is a reliable solution to sash window problems.

Ventrolla is the UK market leader in sash window renovation services. Since 1986 when they won a Design Council Award for their patented method of upgrading old sash windows to modern performance standards, they have renovated many thousands of windows throughout Britain. Their clients include the Royal Household, Edinburgh Castle and Gleneagles Hotel. They have worked on national treasures such as windows inscribed with Robert Burn’s poems in his own hand. However, most of their work is for private customers who want to improve their sash windows whilst retaining the unique character of their homes.

The first step is to arrange for Ventrolla to carry out a free, no-obligation survey and provide a report on the condition of the sash windows. The customer receives a written quotation detailing the work needed to repair and up-grade the windows. The cost depends on the size and condition of the windows but customers are often pleasantly surprised to find that renovation is significantly cheaper than replacement.

All work is carried out on the premises by Ventrolla’s own craftsmen.

As well as carrying out timber repairs using a combination of traditional and modern methods, the windows are thoroughly overhauled. Weights are re-balanced, cords renewed and pulleys are serviced. To improve energy efficiency, ensure ease of operation and eradicate rattles, Ventrolla fit their patented Perimeter Sealing System.

Ventrolla regularly carry out work in St. Andrews and their system has been approved for Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas. To find out more about this unique service contact Ventrolla and let them solve your sash window problems.

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21

SHOPS & SERVICES

Spring has arrived – fresh new and colourful, with a promise of long hazy summer days to follow.

And at LYN AT NO 1, 1 Greyfriars Garden, St. Andrews, (01334 477070), fresh new colourful stock has arrived to cater for every occasion in the coming season – work, leisure or special event.

Lyn has a long-established bright warm and friendly atmosphere in the shop, where she and her assistant Maura are only too happy to help you find the perfect outfit. Mavis, her excellent seamstress, will work her magic to get the perfect fit.

B/A/S/L/E/R, a mainstay of the collection, provides smart relaxed and feminine tailoring for work and leisure, and casual or sporty wear for holidays, making it a very flexible and reliable choice for the season.

The soft natural fabrics of GEIGER in beautiful colours make it perfect for weddings/graduations but very adaptable and a joy to wear at any time.

MANDY MARSH dresses and outfits, varying from soft pastels to naturals to bold reds, and from tailored to floatily romantic, are very practical in easy-care fabrics – ideal for holidays and travel, or for a special celebration.

In HUCKE, informal tailoring in natural tones, or lovely florals combined in a casual sporty style, can adapt to your mood or situation.

For a very special outfit for a very special occasion, there is the subtle elegance of COTERIE from Frank Usher – soft pastels with beautiful attention to detail.

UMLAUF & KLEIN linens are great for the summer – smart and comfortable enough to wear at work or on holiday. Also in this season is GOLLEHAUG – with tops, knits and trousers in lovely colour combinations and a smart casual look.

Together with jewellery and accessories to complete the look and the warm welcome you are assured, LYN AT NO.l is the ideal place to explore the new season’s possibilities.

22

SHOPS & SERVICES

How does Magnetic Therapy Work?

Magnetic therapy is one of the most popular forms of alternative medicine on the market – up to 100 million people use magnetic therapy. So what draws them in?

Magnets have been used throughout history to promote health; Cleopatra wore jewellery charged with magnetism; Queen Elizabeth I is said to have used magnets to ease her arthritis; and ex-US President Bill Clinton and actor Anthony Hopkins are also reported to use magnet therapy. People who practise magnetic therapy claim that is it a natural and simple way of making you feel better, quicker. It is said to work on colds and flu, stress, arthritis and rheumatism, headaches, muscles strain, period pains and several chronic skin diseases, among many other ailments. Many golfers, including professionals such as Christy O’Connor, use magnetic therapy products to relieve golfer’s elbow, tendonitis and to improve flexibility.

The treatment is not as unusual as it sounds; you don’t have to strap magnets to your body, you can if you want, but special belts and magnetic jewellery can target specific areas, such as magnetic ear-rings for migraines, or magnetised supports for sports injuries. The design of the Hi-Density Magnets that are used attracts fresh blood to painful areas.

This stimulation of the blood circulation carries away damaged and toxic materials which cause the pain and help the body to heal itself faster.

Our bangles also contain copper as well as gold or silver, and the theory behind this is that by wearing the bracelet close to the skin, we are feeding our bodies with tiny but constant top-ups of copper (Copper is one of the 25 essential minerals we need in small amounts for the body’s chemistry to work properly). As the body sweats, according to the theory, minute amounts of the copper are dissolved. These are then absorbed into the blood through the skin, accounting for the harmless green mark which occasionally appears on the wrist. Another explanation is that copper provides relief by conducting heat to the affected area, thus countering the effects of cold and damp.

Magnetic therapy products are beneficial to those who take part in high-impact sports, active leisure activities, gardening, physical labour or office work. The magnets used are known as Rare Earth Magnets, and these are guaranteed to keep their magnetic charge for a lifetime (unless placed near a powerful magnetic field).

Many new products have been released for 2004, including the fuel saver which can save up to 25% on fuel bills; hot/cold gel packs for treating muscle pain; and the Magnassager magnetic massager.

Information on all of these products is available on our website alongside our established ranges of jewellery and other magnetic therapy products, we even stock magnetic pet collars, and supports and wraps for horses.

Full colour brochures are available by calling Clare Hemsworth on (Mob) 17903 424203, Clare can also answer any queries you may have on magnetic healing products.

So if you are fed up with popping pills, maybe the answer lies in how magnetic your personality is…

READER COMPETITION Magnetichealthcare.com is offering 25 readers the chance to win a pair of magnetic travel socks. These socks are of great benefit to anyone who travels extensively as they are proven to aid in preventing Deep Vein Thrombosis (D.V.T.). They are also beneficial to those who walk long distances, such as golfers. All you need to do to be in with a chance of winning is send your name, address and shoe size, along with the answer to the following question:

Simply the best for every occasion 205 South Street St Andrews Tel: 01334 474999

READER OFFER Magnetichealthcare.com is offering readers of St Andrews In Focus a special discount on our copper, gold plated copper or silver plated copper bangles.

Each one contains 6 rare earth magnets and is normally priced at £29.95, but we are offering them to readers for the discounted price of £24.95.

Please fill in the coupon below and send to: Clare Hemsworth, Flat 1 Southgait Hall, 118 South Street, St Andrews with a cheque for £24.95 made payable to Magnetic Health Care.

Name . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Address . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..........................................................

Q: Name 2 famous people mentioned in the article who use magnetic therapy products.

..........................................................

To: Miss C Hemsworth, Magnetic Health Care Competition, Flat 1 Southgait Hall, 118 South Street, St Andrews, Fife, KY16 9QD

Size (del. as appropriate): Small (fits wrist 6-7”) / Large (fits wrist 7-9”) Bangle Type (del. as appropriate): Copper / Gold Plated Copper / Silver Plated Copper

23

OUT & ABOUT Les Hatton, Countryside Ranger, Eden Estuary Local Nature Reserve, introduces us to

Life on the Edge

North of St. Andrews, along a strip of ancient land much modified by humanity, the long finger of the West Sands points its 10,000 year-old finger into the sea. This simple geological act produces much of the complexity of the Eden Estuary, a relatively small but highly productive and diverse wild space.

Viewed from a height, say that of an outbound goose departing our shores for the breeding grounds in Iceland, a number of features are striking. The most obvious is the presence of busy humanity drawn to live, work and recreate,

these geese would have noted even 50 years ago. To the west, the papermill and its town at Guardbridge straddle the River Eden and Motray Water that feed the estuary.

Along the southern shore mixed agriculture dominates, until it gives way to the Home of Golf and its various courses, the management of such links essentially preserving a particular form of modified dune vegetation suitable for the pursuit of a small ball over open ground with clubs. The game, played under a protective canopy of Skylark song, and watched by wary Hares and Partridge from the rough, has played a major part in the shaping of the estuary, and the Links Trust are partners in one of the most exciting of recent moves to preserve the essential wild quality of the Eden Estuary Local Nature Reserve. But more of that later.

Despite the evolution of 8000 years of human activity on the estuary, the river-fed and sea-washed sediments of the Eden produce life in abundance. Anyone seeing the astonishing electron microscope photographs produced by Dr. David Paterson’s research team at the Gatty Marine Laboratory cannot but be overawed at the vast numbers of microscopic plants adhering to each grain of estuarine sediment.

Such plant abundance provides sustenance for mind-boggling numbers of mud dwellers. Indeed, so prolific is the estuary that it has been said that every single grain of the Eden passes through something’s stomach at least once every 24 hours.

In 1978, partly in recognition of this vast storehouse of life, and more particularly of

Indeed, so prolific is the estuary that it has been said that every single grain of the Eden passes through something’s stomach at least once every 24 hours. tight up to the borders of the estuary itself.

To the north the land is dominated by RAF Leuchars, double the size the ancestors of

St. Andrews in Focus is grateful to a supportive St. Andrean reader who has very generously sponsored these two pages, but who has asked to remain anonymous.

24

OUT & ABOUT the nationally and internationally important concentration of birds that depend upon it, the Eden was declared a Local Nature Reserve. However, the key driving force behind the Local Nature Reserve declaration were wildfowlers; the local club becoming increasingly aware of the importance of finding some way of improving the standards and behaviour of wildfowlers and at the same time conserving the natural riches of the estuary. This paradox of human use, mixed with a desire to conserve, is a thread that runs throughout the life of the Reserve.

Similar tales can be told elsewhere on the Reserve’s frontiers. At Guardbridge the papermill provided land and considerable support for the construction and operation of Fife Council’s Eden Estuary Centre.

Returning to the West Sands, the implacable sea has continued to eat away at the soft edges of the coast. Since at least the early 1800’s the response to this has been local and uncoordinated efforts to defend the shore with hard defences, ranging from massive stone embankments to modern day wire and rock baskets. This process is so far advanced that sixty-four percent of the estuary now has some kind of hard defence, with the concomitant loss of valuable habitat, natural sea defences and landscape quality.

The Links Trust, faced with similar problems at the turn of the 21st century worked closely with the local and national authorities to find an acceptable solution that met the needs of golfers as well as the demands of an increasingly complex regulatory framework.

The solution, the recreation of a major dune system along the north west face of Outhead by recycling sand leaving the estuary, was groundbreaking work. It has provided a natural, aesthetically pleasing and functioning coastal defence enjoyed by the wildlife, visitor and golfer alike.

The tale of the Eden Estuary is therefore not one of a pristine wilderness, it is much more interesting than that. It is about the ability of people, living, working and playing so close to this vital wildlife site to find innovative and creative solutions to ensure its survival.

The Eden provides a vital link between the peoples of Europe and beyond, providing a safe haven to a shared wild bird resource that belongs to us all.

Veronica Smart guides you on another

Walk this time around Ceres.

St. Andrews University Ladies’ Club hosts a number of activities, one of which is a small walking group – given to recreation rather than strenuous exercise. This walk is one of our favourites, and it is particularly suitable for entertaining visitors, as it could include a number of extra attractions, as well as affording some delightful views of the countryside.

Begin at Ceres where there is ample parking to the left of the road coming from St. Andrews, beside the picturesque cobbled bridge leading to the Ceres Folk Museum, which itself is well worth a visit. With the river behind you, take the lane (Woodburn Road) to the left of the row of cottages facing you. Soon the houses are left behind and you find yourself on a track, following the ridge, which gives you wide views to north and south.

When you reach Denhead Farm turn right past the farmhouse, down a steepish hill, and on to cross the Craigrothie road B939. Facing you, you will see a narrow rough path; take this past the doocot and then first right. This takes you across a burn, either by the ford or by the pretty little grassy packhorse bridge beside it.

Turn right when you reach the next tarmacked road, unnumbered, but roughly parallel to the B939 which you crossed earlier. A few yards along the road brings you to one of the entrances to Hill of Tarvit Mansion House, in the care of the National Trust for Scotland.

Here a possible detour would take in the house, rebuilt by Sir Robert Lorimer for the Sharp family, a showcase for a wealthy art-collector’s antique French furniture and Chinese ceramics, the fine gardens, and for the more energetic, a climb to the viewpoint on the top of the Hill of Tarvit itself. You can then reward yourself and fortify yourself for the last part of your walk by a visit to the excellent tearoom.

If you have visited the house you will then need to retrace your steps to the road to continue. Now you can either proceed directly to Ceres via the road, or lengthen your walk and avoid the road by turning left a little further along, up the hill to Whitehill Farm, and right at the steading and through the gate to join the Moor Road, the old track from Cupar. Turn right here back into Ceres, past the church and green, and so back to your car. About five miles, or a little more if you visit the Mansion. A pleasant afternoon, or a day even, if you take in all the attractions, but check opening times for the Museum, House, and tearoom.

Footnotes The Eden Estuary Centre provides superb views over the estuary and an introduction to the estuary. Staffed by a band of dedicated and knowledgeable volunteers, it has central heating, disabled access and toilet facilities and is open 9-5 every day except Christmas and New Years day.

Fife Council Ranger Service manages the Eden Estuary. Anyone wanting more information about the reserve can contact the Ranger at Craigtoun Country park, St. Andrews KY16 8NX. Tel: 01334 473047 or 07939 169291

If anyone else would like to help the magazine by sponsoring either the whole or part of a page, please phone the Editor at 01334 472375 or email editor@standrewsinfocus.co.uk

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OUT & ABOUT Edith Cormack, Chairman of the Friends of St. Andrews Botanic Garden, urges you to

Visit and Use Your Botanic Garden Although open all year round, the season for most Botanic Garden visitors starts now and continues through the summer. The colour in many of the flowering shrubs is spectacular, and the Woodland Garden is at its best.

Days are warmer and longer. A stroll round is a delight, with plenty of seats to give an opportunity to absorb the peaceful atmosphere, and be reminded of the large amount the Garden adds to the amenities of St. Andrews for both residents and visitors. Some readers may remember the site from 1960, when it was two agricultural fields. Great changes! A Visit Scotland three-star attraction award was presented to the Garden last autumn, making it an official tourist attraction. This is a great credit to the Fife Council staff responsible.

Botanic Gardens are not only beautiful places, but also for learning about plants. Ours is no exception. For instance, each plant label gives the name and date of planting, so it is easy to identify a plant that attracts you and judge whether you could grow it at home. How big will it get?

Have you room? Is it in sun or shade, wet or dry? What’s the soil like? Or the label also tells you where a particular plant grows wild. Start here on homework for a holiday abroad!

Have a look in the plant sales area maintained by the Friends of the Botanic Garden at the entrance gate. (In recent years the Friends have, amongst many other things, financed heating installations in two large glasshouses, paid for garden equipment, additional casual summer staff, supplied plants, and funded the Schools’ Visits Programme from funds derived from membership subscriptions, plant sales and donations).

The area is open every day until late September. The Friends also have a bumper bedding plant sale starting on May 15th. Come along that morning (10am-12noon) to get first choice. Thousands of plants are available. The sale continues until all are sold.

Enquiries about summer exhibitions and events can be made at the gate, or by visiting the website at www.st-andrews-botanic.org Reach the Garden on foot (use Viaduct walk from the Argyle Street Car Park, perhaps make a circuit to include the Lade Braes) or by car (plenty of parking space). Nearest bus No94A from town centre. (Walk from Nelson Street or Broomfaulds Avenue.)

Opening hours

May-September daily 10am-7pm October-April daily 10am-4pm Small entry charge to Fife Council Friends’ membership (Individual £10, Family £15 per year) includes free entry to the Garden and other benefits.

Friends special plant sale – Jean Allardice

Contact Membership Secretary, St Andrews Botanic Garden, The Canongate, St Andrews KY16 8RT Phone 01334 476452 (answering machine)

FRIENDS OF THE BOTANIC GARDEN

Invite you to visit a hidden treasure in the heart of St Andrews WOODLAND & WATERGARDENS HERBACEOUS & SCREE ALPINES & RHODODENDRONS GLORIOUS GLASSHOUSE COLLECTIONS OPEN DAILY ALL YEAR ROUND PLANT SALES AREA NOW OPEN SUMMER BEDDING SALE STARTS SATURDAY 15TH MAY 10AM CONTINUES THROUGHOUT THE SEASON CONDUCTED WALKS 1ST SUNDAY MARCH TO OCTOBER MEET AT GARDEN GATE 2PM

Woodland garden – Richard Cormack

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Canongate, St Andrews, Fife KY16 8RT Tel: 01334 476452 www.st-andrews-botanic.org

OUT & ABOUT

Never on a Sunday?

Sunday golf is not permitted, in the ordinary run of things, over the Old Course, but exceptions are made for important golfing events. The historic course is both public and worldrenowned, and, unlike other championship courses, it takes a tremendous pounding. Back in the late 1800s, the Custodian of the Links, Old Tom Morris, used to say “If the gowfer disna need a rest, the course does”. And so the Sunday closure is a tradition which continues today.

Another reason the Old Course is closed to golfers on Sundays is that it allows people to use it as a ‘public park’, and enjoy a stroll through history. They can visit the famous landmarks – the Swilcan Bridge, the 17th Road Hole, and the notorious bunkers such as Hell and Shell – without worrying about disrupting golf. To help casual visitors understand a little more about the history of the 600 year old Links, the Links Trust runs short guided walks which take place in July and August at the Home End. Sunday closures used to apply to every course on the Links until the Second World War. The town became a wartime centre for military training, and every available inch of accommodation was requisitioned for young soldiers and airmen and there was a huge increase in personnel at RAF Leuchars.

All this youthful energy needed a recreational outlet, and the Town Council decided in 1941 that the Eden Course should be open for play on Sundays after 1pm. The decision to open the Eden Course on Sundays was taken at a special meeting of the Town Council on 19 June 1941.

On Sunday, 29 June 1941, two airmen, Cadets Parkinson and Tulip, struck the first legalised Sunday golf shots from the first tee of the Eden Course.

The people of St. Andrews trod timidly down this newly opened path to fire and brimstone.

Even after ten months of Sunday play the drawings for the day, 15 March 1942 totalled £1.18s. made up of two visitors at 3s. each, 20 members of the Forces at 1s 6d. each and two cars parked for 1s. each. In addition, 16 residents played without charge, since the Links Acts, up to then, had vested no power in the Town Council to charge local people for golf.

True to their word, the Town Council took a plebiscite of the local people in December 1945, despite protests from the Lord’s Day Observance Society. The electors were asked whether they were in favour of Sunday golf being played on the Eden Course after 1pm. The result was: 2,412 in favour and 1,085 against – a majority of 1,327 in favour. At the same time, the Council fixed the charge for visitors at 4s. per round (double the weekday charge).

Things moved quickly after the ice had been broken, with the New and Jubilee courses opening for Sunday play and the restriction on the hours during which play was permitted being abolished. Only the Old Course remained untouchable for normal Sunday play, but it is used on Sundays from time to time for special events.

This year, unusually, the Old Course will be open for four consecutive Sundays in early summer – 30 May for the Amateur Championship, 6 June for the R&A International Foursomes; 13 June for the St. Andrews Links Trophy and 20 June for St. Rule Trophy.

Historical background taken from Tom Jarrett’s book, St Andrews Golf Links – The First 600 Years

J & G Innes Ltd

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