St Andrews in Focus Issue 75 Mar Apr 2016

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

March/April 2016 Issue 75, £2.00

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

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

From the Editor

I had to laugh recently when I read that 2015 was ‘the hottest year on record’. I pulled a face, remembering that I had had my heating on in July, and wore gloves when I left the house. I don’t recall temperatures reaching even 20°C on many days last summer. When I used to teach foreign students English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) I stressed that the only polite way to address complete strangers was to offer comments on the weather. Where some cultures are quite happy for strangers on a bus, for instance, to discuss family matters, even how much money someone earns, we Brits would be horrified. The weather allows for non-committal exchanges to take place, followed by an uncomplicated leave taking. What would we do without it?

All the same, after a hiatus of 7 years it would be so nice to enjoy summer here again! Keep hoping.

Flora Selwyn

******** The views expressed elsewhere in this magazine are not necessarily those of the Editor. © St Andrews in Focus (2003)

Contents FEATURES • Community Council • Cathedral Haiku • Easter connections • Inspiration revealed • Happy Twinning!

• Loches • Thoughts on migration • St Andrews’ last lifeboat • Reviews: – A Girl’s Golf – HT Hunter & Friends

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SHOPS & SERVICES • • • •

BID report David Adie From the Osteopath Roving Reporter

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TOWN & GOWN MARCH / APRIL 2016 EDITOR Flora Selwyn Tel: 01334 472375 Email: editor@standrewsinfocus.com DESIGNER University of St Andrews Print & Design (printanddesign@st-andrews.ac.uk) PRINTER Winter & Simpson (stephen@wintersimpson.co.uk) DISTRIBUTER Drop 2 Door (billy@drop2door.co.uk) PUBLISHER (address for correspondence) Local Publishing (Fife) Ltd., PO Box 29210, St Andrews, Fife, KY16 9YZ. Tel: 01334 472375 Email: editor@standrewsinfocus.com SUBSCRIPTIONS St Andrews in Focus is published 6 times a year.

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• • • •

The Spitzharfe Make 2016 green Crows The KK Club

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EVENTS • • • • • •

‘Dans le Noir’ The G & S global weekend On the Rocks Festival Initiative for over-50s Marathon runners Selected Events

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ORGANISATIONS • • • • •

The Botanic Garden STEPAL’s Open Meeting Home Instead Senior citizens’ tea The Business Club

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OUT & ABOUT • • •

Nature Notes Three thoughts…

Arlen Pardoe’s Gates

NEXT ISSUE – May/Jun 2016 COPY DEADLINE: STRICTLY 28 MARCH

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

Cover: Tern, original photo by Caroline Trotter.

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FEATURES Henry Paul, Community Councillor

Funds for Grants In this issue of St Andrews in Focus, the Community Council would like to highlight two sources of funding in St Andrews which could directly benefit clubs, societies, and other organisations in the town. The two funds are: the Community Council’s 200 Club, and the St Andrews Common Good Fund. Both are well funded at present with money available to be allocated to suitable projects directly beneficial to the people of St Andrews.

For smaller grants (normally a maximum of £200) organisations can apply to the Community Council 200 Club. Details of this fund and an application form are on the CC’s website (standrewscc.net) together with a full list of awards, that include grants to the Guides, Scouts, Girls/Boys Brigades, Disabilities Fife, and many similar local organisations.

For larger grants, organisations can apply to the St Andrews Common Good Fund, which traces its roots back to the early mediaeval period, some burghs deriving royal charters from David I. The Common Good Act, passed in 1491, determined that revenue from burgh properties, and income from various levies was to be used for the common good of the town. Over the following centuries there have been fixed

or moveable assets donated on ‘behoof of the stallholders at the Lammas Market, the the community’, most commonly to former rental income from the pet shop on South burgh councils. Title to common good land Street, interest from investments, and ground is held by local authorities as statutory rent from properties on Common Good land. successors to the Town Councils, abolished Currently, these are the Golf Museum, the in 1975. The Local Government (Scotland) Sea life Centre, the Seafood Restaurant, Act 1973 provides that a portion of the Bruce The Common Good Common Good should Embankment car park not be absorbed into the income, and rent from the Act, passed in 1491, general fund of the Council.

Fishermen’s Stores at the determined that revenue Furthermore, the Act states harbour. from burgh properties, that, in administering the Any organisation or and income from various Common Good assets, individual may apply for any authority to which it funds to support projects levies was to be used is transferred shall have that will benefit the people regard to the interests of the inhabitants of of St Andrews. Recently, funds have been the area to which the Common Good related given to the St Andrews Harbour Trust prior to 16 May 1975. In 1975, some Town (Pontoon project), St Andrews in Bloom, Councils took the opportunity to pass the St Andrews Community Council Senior town’s common property into new Trusts to Citizens’ Treat, Happy Days Children Charity, avoid having them taken over by the new and the restoration of the Whyte Melville authorities. St Andrews managed to arrange fountain (another Common Good asset) in for all the golf links in the town, which were Market Street. part of their common lands, to be transferred An application form can be downloaded

by Act of Parliament into the St Andrews from Fife Direct, or obtained from the local Links Trust. office in St Mary’s Place. A downloadable Due to changes made by Fife Council application form is also on the Community the Common Good Fund now receives Council’s website: www.standrewscc.net approximately £95,000 per annum. Last year If any organisation requires assistance in only £17,000 was awarded due to a lack of applying for funding from either of these suitable applications. This income comes sources please contact the CC via the from four main sources; the rental paid by website.

Kathryn Wehr

St Andrews Cathedral Haiku I. Destruction – 1559 When high-storied hues Were shattered on that Knox night The (k)nave got new views Burn doors and altars Break the saints and the rood screen Christ’s head in the latrine

II. Restoration

Carved stone choir stalls Carted away for cow sheds Milkmaids sing Sanctus When bones are re-made On that Resurrection Day These stones too, re-laid.

Kathryn Wehr is a PhD student in Divinity. The Cathedral ruins hold a particular fascination for her, especially since her office is just opposite them. These four Haiku (5-7-5 patterned lines) reflect on the ruins’ theological history. Some items are facts—like the head of a statue of Christ found by archaeologists in the latrine block—and others are fanciful—like imagining Protestant milkmaids taking over the song of the old Catholic monks. They are best read aloud.

Photo by Kathryn Wehr

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FEATURES From The Revd Dr Alasdair Coles, Rector of All Saints Church, St Andrews

Easter Connections

The festival of Easter is a time packed with appetizing traditions involving many different kinds of food, after the traditional time of fasting in Lent. The main course food for Easter has for centuries been roast lamb in many different parts of the world. With St John the Baptist referring to Jesus as ‘the Lamb of God’, there is an obvious connection between food and the festival with this tradition. Eggs, meanwhile, might be the most obvious Easter food, but its connection with the festival is a bit more hazy.

There’s an obvious sense, of course, in which eggs are symbols of fertility and new life. Springtime, when nests are filled after the winter months, also adds a seasonal resonance with Christian celebrations of the new resurrection life. Some pagan mystics of late antiquity were fascinated with chickens and eggs. Noting that the cockerel noisily welcomes the rising sun, they perceived a connection between the chicken and the Sun god, Apollo, and so treated their poultry with special care.

For Christians, the rising sun is also a reminder of Easter, since we connect words

from the prophet Malachi with Christ: ‘the Sun of righteousness shall arise with healing in his wings’. The symbolism of the egg, however, retains a vague quality, which is not exactly resolved by mass-producing them in chocolate.

So am I suggesting that we need a religious reason to eat chocolate? Not at all! Most of us have a strong affinity for its velvety texture and lingering taste from early childhood. But part of the art of chocolate making is to balance the sweet and sour notes of flavour to produce a pleasing effect on the palate. As I’ve got older, my preference has moved towards higher cocoa content, which can be quite bitter. There are limits, though, to the amount of bitterness I can tolerate.

As well as my role at All Saints’ and in the University, I am a priest of a diocese in West Africa, a region which produces more than 70% of the global cocoa supply. However, the flipside of this hugely popular product is a lucrative trade that is deeply tainted. Oxfam research suggests that the average West African cocoa farmer earns less than $2 per day, which is below the poverty line. In order to stay in business, many routinely deploy child labour in harvesting their crop.

Most of these children are 12-16 years old, but reporters have found children as young as 5 years working on cocoa farms. Their tasks include the use of chainsaws, heavy machetes, industrial pesticides, and carrying hefty loads through the heat of the tropical day, often with no access to education. Worse still, many

children are trafficked into a form of slave labour, with no pay, imprisonment, and severe beatings for slow work or escape attempts.

Most of them have never even tasted chocolate, but could tell us much about its bitterness.

An isolated problem? Far from it. For more than 2 million children, life is trapped somewhere before the light, life, and healing of Easter has even begun to dawn, like cogs in the impersonal machinery of the $60 billion global cocoa trade. Amazingly, big names are actively involved in this abuse: companies like Nestlé, currently facing legal action for using child slaves, often seem unaccountable. They haven’t lost the case yet, but their track record on ethical trading is … shall we say ‘less than ideal’?

Sadly, there’s no absolute guarantee that certified fairly-traded chocolate will be completely exploitation free, but you can draw your own conclusions if there is no certification at all. It may seem fanciful but, if enough consumers switched, the industry would be forced to act to stamp out abuses, and they would do it quickly.

So I wish you a very happy and blessed Easter. But I also hope that your choices over food will be connected to the festival that we celebrate: that what we give as Easter gifts or consume ourselves will feed the sweetness of freedom, not the bitterness of slavery; that it will be the food of life, not the food of anger.

(Photo courtesy Alasdair Coles)

Chinese & Cantonese Restaurant Sit in or takeaway Opening Times: Monday and Wednesday – Saturday 12.00pm – 2.30pm & 4.30pm – 11.00pm Sunday 4.30pm – late Tuesday – Closed 11-13 Crails Lane St Andrews, Fife Tel: 01334 467822

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FEATURES Steve Watson chatted with Flora Selwyn

Inspiration Revealed!

Born in Craigtoun Maternity Hospital (as it was then), living first in the busy Church Hall in Queen’s Leuchars, then Balmullo, now back in Leuchars again, Steve is a true Terrace.

North East Fifer. His parents met on the short bus journey from Leuchars Overhearing Church to Guardbridge, Mother coming from Tayport to work in the Papermill-thatmembers referring to services was, Father joining at Leuchars to travel to St Andrews where he worked as ‘HT services’ sparked in as a Traffic Warden. A lovely family remembrance!

Steve the idea for his book, Educated first at Leuchars Primary, then Balmullo Primary, “which I The Amazing Adventures of HT loved”, Steve ended his schooling at Bell Baxter High School in Cupar, Hunter & Friends. “I suppose going onto a Youth Training Scheme (YTS) in the 1980s to be an [that’s how] one of the main apprentice storeman with the firm Donald Heggie Ltd. He was promoted characters in the book, HT Hobab and H T Hunter to Store Manager when the Firm opened a new branch in Dundee. On 31 Hunter, was born!” Many of the July 1998 Steve married Emma in a ceremony in St Andrews. Now they book’s characters are based, of have three children, Dean aged 17, Sarah-Jane aged 13, and Millie-Rose course with their permission, on members of the Church congregation! just 3.

“It’s saying ‘thank you’ and paying tribute to what they do every day. I’m Sarah-Jane attended the Impact Summer really happy with the book, happy with the Club at St Andrews’ Holy Trinity Church Hall. ending which is so important; it is a lovely heartOverhearing Church members Through that she persuaded her parents to join warming story and it makes me laugh and smile referring to services as ‘HT services’ the congregation of Holy Trinity. She was later every time I read it.” Steve is looking to make sparked in Steve the idea for his book the book affordable, so that “people can buy the baptized there along with her sister Millie-Rose, both at the same time. Steve and Emma were book, enjoy it, and be blessed by it.” thus restored to their faith, becoming committed Church members. A keen At about the same time, a puppet theatre was created based on the gardener, Steve can be found attending the fine gardens at the front of the same storylines and characters. The whole process of producing the Church on South Street. Recently he took over as Lettings Convener of book, finding Maria Amelia Randall to illustrate it, and developing the puppet show has taken roughly 18 months of hard work. (see Reviews on page 9) A puppet theatre was bought with the help of a grant by the St Andrews Welfare Trust. “We purchased the puppets, but we make all the props, costumes etc. ourselves. Training in the use of hand and rod-arm puppets was provided by the Minister in Wormit, the Rev Dr James (Jim) Connolly, who has had 30 years’ experience with puppets.

He was very nice to us all, and he’s very encouraging. He does training very, very well. We performed our first show last summer to acclaim.” This was followed with a new show at Christmas, and another performance is scheduled for May or April. “We try to develop the scripts so there is a real focus for everyone, young children, adults as well. We try to make it really fun. We try to include original songs, popular songs, maybe a Christian song. It is really a Christian puppet theatre club, so there is always a message there – we are sharing God’s word. At the moment it’s going really well. Just come along and enjoy the show”.

Steve is hoping to reach a wider audience, taking his puppets to care homes, schools, other churches; “the puppets are there, the scripts are there”. Now called, ‘HT Hunter & Friends Puppet Theatre Club’, the catchy title should make it easier to market the show. Other puppet shows are usually based on pre-produced CDs. Steve is probably the only one in this part of the world to write his own materials. No wonder he is treasured by everyone in St Andrews!

The Rescue Hero Donkeys

(Photos courtesy Steve Watson)

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FEATURES From John Matthews, Chairman St Andrews-Loches Alliance

Happy twinning ceremony

Every year during the weekend which of the St Andrews-Loches celebrates our patron saint, the Royal Burgh of Alliance). Their signatures St Andrews Community Council hosts a Civic were witnessed by Jim Reception, inviting town worthies for a glass Leishman (Provost of Fife). of something refreshing and a nibble. This In speeches by each of year’s reception, however, was unique, in that the signatories, the founding St Andrews was celebrating the first twinning it members of the Alliance were had ever agreed to – with the historic town of remembered – notably, from Loches, just South of Tours, in France. the St Andrews’ side, the late After much debate about the exact wording Mary Freeborn, held in such After the signing; Anne-Sylvie Vassenaix-Paxton, Marc Angenault, of the twinning agreement, Fife Council esteem and affection in both Jim Leishman, Howard Greenwell and John Matthews produced an elegant document embellished towns. Happily, many of the The documents signed and exchanged with the arms of both the Royal Burgh and surviving founders were present for this long at the Civic Reception were in English. There Loches. At a bustling reception hoped-for event. The twinning will be a parallel signing of French language in the Hunter aisle of Holy had come about as a result of The communities agreements in Loches during the Easter Trinity Church the agreement the involvement of hundreds of of St Andrews and individuals in sporting, cultural, weekend (26 – 27 March) this year. Just as was signed by Howard the St Andrews event was planned to coincide Greenwell (Chair of the and educational exchanges Loches are now with the annual Saint’s day celebration, so in Community Council), Marc over almost twenty years, all formally linked Loches the 2016 signing will take place during Angenault (Mayor of Loches), of this promoted and facilitated the ‘Foire de Pâcques’. It promises to be a Anne-Sylvie Vassenaix-Paxton by the Alliance in each town. splendid occasion – if only the weather will be (President of the Nouvelle Alliance LochesIt was emphasised that the signing of the a little kinder than what the ‘auld grey toon’ had St Andrews) and John Matthews (Chairman twinning agreement was not the end of the on offer. story; it marked the end of one phase, with the Thirty-seven visitors came from Loches start of a new phase in links between the two for a long weekend, most staying with families towns. The communities of St Andrews and in the town. For the Easter celebrations in Loches are now formally linked, but it will still be Loches, it is hoped that a large party will travel for individuals and groups to make this formal from St Andrews, as it is known that the date arrangement more than mere ink drying on a is already in the Provost’s diary. Those who piece of parchment. have been involved with Loches for some Similar sentiments were expressed at a years know that the warmest of welcomes celebratory dinner at the Links Clubhouse on awaits St Andreans – if you want to join in Saturday, 28 November, where the guest of please contact any member of the Alliance honour was the recently-appointed Consul Committee. See the Alliance website: General of France in Edinburgh, Monsieur www.standrewslochesalliance.co.uk Emmanuel Cocher. Over seventy people attended, including the Provost of Fife, who (Photos courtesy Marysia Denyer) presented an engraved Quaich to Marc Angenault, the Mayor of Loches.

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FEATURES To celebrate the twinning of St Andrews with Loches, this welcome «postcard» in French!

Anyone who would like a translation, please contact the Editor.

Xavier Roche-Bayard, journaliste à la Nouvelle République, Loches, nous envoie une

Carte postale de Loches St Andrews et Loches (France) ont décidé Dans ces cavités s’est longtemps développée les réseaux sociaux. Les fans des Beatles ont d’aller plus loin ensemble, en signant un accord la culture de champignon, une activité évité un affront majeur avec «All you need is de jumelage en novembre dernier. En mars, économique aujourd’hui éteinte. Une grande Loches». cet accord sera à nouveau ratifié à Loches, partie de la ville repose ainsi au-dessus d’un En 2014, Loches a bénéficié d’une en présence d’une délégation de St Andrews. véritable labyrinthe de plusieurs centaines de exposition médiatique inespérée. Trois Comment présenter à vos amis cette ville kilomètres. émissions pour deux grandes chaînes sans tomber dans les formules d’usage d’une Si la ville connaît un pic de fréquentation nationales de télévision ont été tournées à carte postale, comme «formidable séjour, cité touristique entre le 15 juillet et le 15 août, elle la cité royale. La plus célèbre est « Secrets magnifique, soleil au rendez-vous», si vous y essaie de séduire tout au long de l’année. d’histoire » de Stéphane Bern, un animateur séjournez ?

Les habitants sont tiraillés entre la tranquillité amoureux de la Royauté. En audience D’abord, situez la ville. Vous voyez à peu de leur petite ville de province, comparé à cumulée, ce sont près de 7 millions de près où se trouve la Loire, appelée fleuve l’agglomération de Tours (483.000 habitants) téléspectateurs qui ont découvert la ville. L’effet royal en raison de ses célèbres châteaux? à 40 km au nord, et l’envie d’attirer le plus de sur le tourisme a été immédiat, avec 100.000 Loches est au sud du fleuve, en Touraine. Son visiteurs possibles, en privilégiant ceux qui ont entrées au logis royal et au donjon en fin château n’est pas, géographiquement parlant, un pouvoir d’achat certain. A ce titre, les projets d’année 2014. un château de la Loire, car distant d’une d’hôtels en cours sont un indicateur de son L’été dernier, une TV américaine de Salt trentaine de kilomètres potentiel économique.

Lake City a passé trois semaines pour tourner du fleuve. D’un point Un promoteur immobilier un documentaire sur Jeanne d’Arc, qui était Le charme de cette de vue touristique, il est s’est engagé à réhabiliter interprétée par une comédienne… londonienne, commune de plus de 7.000 l’ancien palais de justice Milly Thomas. Dans la presse, la jeune actrice considéré comme tel.

Beaucoup de visiteurs en un hôtel haut de s’est dit ravie d’incarner une telle femme, habitants tient beaucoup apprécient que cette cité gamme (3 étoiles). A la qu’elle considérait comme une des premières à son architecture de la royale soit à l’écart de clef, un investissement féministes. ce grand axe touristique. de 4,9 millions d’euros L’annonce de la découverte de deux Renaissance Sur les réseaux sociaux, pour 46 chambres. Ce tableaux attribués au maître italien du claircertains donnent l’impression d’être tombés par projet se trouve en concurrence avec un autre obscur, Le Caravage, a déclenché une hasard sur la cité oubliée d’Angkor. Ce qu’ils hôtel haut de gamme (4 étoiles) qui va être bataille d’experts dans le monde de l’art, en ignorent parfois, c’est que Louis Delaporte construit dans une école du centre-ville. Cet 2006. Ces tableaux, La Cène à Emmaüs et (1842-1925) qui a trouvé les ruines de ce site établissement de 36 chambres pourrait ouvrir L’Incrédulité de Saint-Thomas, sont-ils vraiment au Cambodge, est né à Loches. fin 2017. L’investissement est estimé à environ du Caravage ou bien d’excellentes copies?

Loches a été marquée par trois femmes 5 millions d’euros. Un troisième projet hôtelier, L’expert britannique Clovis Whitfield attribue ces célèbres. La première, Jeanne d’Arc (1412en périphérie du centre-ville, est à l’étude, pour tableaux à Prospero Orsi, ami du Caravage.

1431), est une star internationale des manuels une clientèle de voyageurs en bus. Hors saison L’ancien maire Jean-Jacques Descamps et son d’histoire et... du cinéma. La deuxième est touristique, ces promoteurs hôteliers font le adjoint Pascal Dubrisay, ont toujours regretté Anne de Bretagne (1477-1514), dont on peut pari du tourisme d’affaires, une clientèle qui que des experts se soient prononcés sans voir le magnifique oratoire au Logis royal. La échappe à Loches, au profit de Tours. avoir vu ces toiles sur place, œuvres pourtant troisième est une femme haut en couleurs, Il y a deux ans, la ville avait misé sur une classées monuments historiques (comme les la favorite du roi Charles VII. Agnès Sorel communication décalée, pour faire parler d’elle, tableaux du Louvre!) par l’État français. Le (1422-1450), surnommée la Dame de Beauté, avec un slogan «I Loches You» qui a indigné doute subsiste toujours. a fait tourner la tête du roi de France, celui-là les puristes de la langue française. Le pari de Vous en êtes à combien de cartes postales même que Jeanne d’Arc a convaincu à se faire créer le buzz a été atteint, via les médias et pour raconter tout cela? sacrer roi, et qui mettra fin à la Guerre de Cent ans. Le charme d’Agnès Sorel, qui apparaît comme une vierge à l’enfant, le sein gauche nu, dans un tableau de Jean Fouquet, opère toujours 600 ans après. Sa mort mystérieuse (empoisonnement au mercure) alimente aussi les fantasmes. Elle a été la première maîtresse d’un roi à être reconnue – ainsi que ses enfants – officiellement par la cour. Une majeure partie de la royauté européenne actuelle descend d’elle. Installé dans la collégiale Saint-Ours, son gisant en albâtre blanc vient d’être restauré.

Il repose sur un tombeau de marbre noir.

Le contraste du noir et du blanc donne une impression de lévitation, presque fantomatique.

Le quotidien La Nouvelle République avait demandé aux élus locaux laquelle de ces trois femmes ils préféraient. Agnès Sorel est arrivée en première place pour sa modernité, son influence politique. Elle a été la première à avoir lancé des habits à façon (d’où le mot fashion), des modes vestimentaires, notamment le décolleté, ce qui ne manquait pas d’audace au moyen-âge. Une femme qui a pour amant le roi et qui est à l’avant-garde de la mode, de quoi séduire bon nombre de Français, non?

Le charme de cette commune de plus de 7.000 habitants tient beaucoup à son architecture de la Renaissance. On y trouve de belles demeures bourgeoises, en pierre Logis royal vu du jardin public (Photo courtesy Xavier Roche-Bayard) blanche de tuffeau extraite du sous-sol lochois.

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FEATURES John Cameron

Thoughts on Migration dire situation worse by unilaterally ripping up the EU agreement on how Britain has always had waves of desperate to handle refugees; she is only now trying to re-impose the rules. She settlers arriving on its shores, if for no other declared, contrary to the Dublin Convention, that any Syrian reaching reason than it is the last habitable port of call Germany could claim asylum, instead of seeking asylum in the first EU before the wastes of the North Atlantic. My state in which they arrive. Predictably, a million young men from Africa extended family has been a great revolving door and the Levant raced to Germany leaving slower families with women of economic migration: fishermen or peasants and children trapped in the nightmare of a Balkan winter. The huge scale coming in from Europe, and engineers or of the exodus, with the fact that most migrants only want to settle in medics going out to America. In my father’s family alone he was the only Germany, England, and Scandinavia has left the rest of Europe littered one of eight siblings to remain here, while I was the only one of four, so it with vast refugee camps. would ill become me to cast a jaundiced eye on present events.

So the mood is hardening, with calls for a ‘European defence line’ Not all Anglo-Americans have been sympathetic with the great and the suspension of Schengen, which would in turn jeopardize the EU’s William Gladstone warning that starving Irish Catholics would import core institutions, including the Euro. Journalist Matthias criminality and “destroy British values”. And Secretary of Matussek may have been sacked by Die Welt for State Kordell Hull, the least worthy of US Peace Prize statecraft involves the posting his Facebook views on recent jihadist atrocities winners (which is saying a very great deal indeed!), ability to think through in Europe, but the note of alarm is unmistakable. turned Jewish refugee ships back to Nazi Germany.

A deplorable aspect of the vile activities of bored So Muslims are not the first wave of refugees to the consequences of young Muslim men in Cologne, Rotherham, and a provoke fears of alien customs and divided loyalties, opening your mouth hundred other cities, has been police and government but we should have thought of that before we set the attempts to cover them up. This will not stand. Even if Islamic Crescent ablaze. Even Earl Mountbatten, not only a tiny minority of migrants identify with terrorist groups, the European the sharpest knife in the British canteen, knew power vacuums must be elite who claim refugee status for all arrivals are clearly delusional. avoided. He kept Japanese troops in place for a time in the post-war Integration is a touchy subject, but all who come here for protection or Far East. Instead we undermined every secular ruler in the Crescent – opportunity must obey the law of the land, and try to understand their Hussein, Mubarak, Gaddafi, Assad – who protected minorities and kept hosts’ culture and behavioural norms. the forces of barbaric religious misogyny at bay.

When I lived with my grandmother in France as a child she would In addition, statecraft involves the ability to think through the not speak to me in English, even when we were alone, because it was consequences of opening your mouth. Angela Merkel spectacularly failed “unacceptable” not to speak French! that test in her new entry policy. In a fit of absence of mind she made a

Samantha Bannerman, Curator of the Preservation Trust’s Museum

St Andrews’ Lifeboats

Q. Do you have any records about outstanding skill had been recognised by the lifeboats that have operated in the RNLI, the Carnegie Hero Fund, and St Andrews? the Royal Humane Society. Other lifeboat A. In 1938 the RNLI closed the Lifeboat men such as James Chisholm, Alex Station in St Andrews. On Saturday, Hill Gourlay, Robert Wilson Senior, and 10 September of that year a large Robert Wilson Junior, had also received crowd gathered at medals and certificates the harbour to see their long careers.

Lifeboats at that time during the lifeboat, the John The John and Sarah had no engines and Sarah Hatfield Hatfield had come into leave for the last time. service in St Andrews in She was heading for Portobello, where 1910. She was a twenty-five-foot selfalterations would take place to convert righting Rubie Class vessel. During her her into a pleasure boat. twenty-eight years of service she had The coxswain was David Fenton, aided many vessels in distress, saving who had been a member of the lifeboat 43 lives in all. Her impressive record crew for forty years. His gallantry and includes:

(Photo by G M Cowie. Ref: P050.14 – St Andrews Lifeboat – one of its last launches in 1938.)

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1912 1912 1914 1931

3 lives saved – The Resolute 9 crew members saved – Prinses Wilhelmina 13 lives saved – the destroyer, HMS Success driven ashore at Kingsbarns during a hurricane 10 crew members saved – the steam trawler, Loch Long

Lifeboats at that time had no engines.

They had to be rowed by the crew, who were all volunteers, mainly the local fishermen. The lifeboat was launched on the East Sands with the help of local men from the town wading into the water, pulling on ropes.

The Lifeboat House is now home to St Andrews Sailing Club. On one of the walls there are boards giving details of the names of the St Andrews Lifeboats and their record of service since 1860: eg Annie changed to Polly and Lucy; Ladies’ Own; Louisa; and John and Sarah Hatfield. It was in 1860 that the Royal National Lifeboat Institution established a Lifeboat Station in St Andrews, but there had been 2 lifeboats before this time. The first one came into service in 1800, the second one in 1824. Between 1824 and 1860 more than 70 lives were saved.

In 1938 when the Lifeboat Station closed there was an article in the local press which referred to the lifeboat men as the “Red Cross Men of the Sea” – “splendid types of the rugged, hardy, heroic toilers of the deep, whom the Fife coast and the seaboard of Scotland have bred for centuries past.”

FEATURES: REVIEWS Seonaid McAinsh reviews

A Girl’s Golf in 1894 A North Berwick Holiday Diary

by David Hamilton Published by Partick Press, 2015. Available from Amazon, or from David Hamilton, 142 North Street, St Andrews, at £8.50 (post included).

North Berwick at this period was a very popular holiday resort where visitors could enjoy the sea air and the golf, very similar to St Andrews. In his introduction, David Hamilton describes the golf clubs and the social scene in the town at this time.

The diarist is 14 year-old Julia, daughter of Francis Channing, a Liberal MP who, like many others, took a house for the summer in this fashionable resort.

Her diary is a record of her learning to play golf. In it she describes her teachers, the caddies, and local competitions, as well as her own progress. Although young her writing is wonderfully descriptive. She writes of going to watch the great players of the era; Ben Sayers, Andrew Kirkcaldy, and Old Tom Morris. Her

observations and descriptions of them are highly entertaining! Her entries also include the social life and the evening entertainments in the town.

The diary is reproduced in her cursive handwriting, with well-researched, informative notes by David (some pages have more notes than diary!)

It is a delightful and charming book.

Although only 58 pages it gives a wonderful insight into the golf of the era.

David Hamilton is a retired surgeon who brought his printing presses to North Street where he set up as a micropublisher. He is an authority on golf history, having published several books on the subject. This book is in the new print-on-demand format. The printing is excellent, with an attractive layout.

Steve Watson writes about his new book

The Amazing Adventures of HT Hunter & Friends

by Steve Watson, illustrated by Maria Randall Self-published in paper back this Spring. price £6.99 Holy Trinity Church St Andrews has been my spiritual home for a number of years now; I truly believe that I’ve listened well, grown stronger in my Christian faith, and learned a lot from the people around me. I have tried to capture all of this and express it in an adventure storybook for children; grown-ups will enjoy it too. What you will find in my book is gripping and heart-warming story lines, weird and wonderful characters, a healthy dose of humour, and ultimately, life lessons that everyone can benefit from. I believe it will speak to people on many different levels – the mature Christian believer, at times reading between the lines, those who are associated with St Andrews’ Holy Trinity Church, and also those who are not associated with any church or Christian faith; but of course, my main audiences are the children who will read the book and journey far with the characters, hopefully, having enormous fun doing so:

“It was summer time in St Andrews on the east coast of Fife, and there was always plenty for Josh and Hannah to do. But if it was excitement and real adventure you were looking for, then these two best friends knew to look no further than Holy Trinity Church on South Street. It all started when Hannah found the box that day; it had been hidden behind the story corner next to the great East Window, for how long nobody knows. Then, everyone took their seats, as just for a while, Granddad Bradley brought the ‘rough and ragged’ back to life. But Josh had seen a glimmer of what could be, and what had never been previously; before you could ‘shake your tail-feathers’ both children were face to face with one of the last living Guardians of the Church. And that was when the adventure really began, but at this Church you never journey alone, you always journey with friends ...... HT Hunter and Friends!”

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SHOPS & SERVICES

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

www.nphcinema.co.uk

117 North Street, St Andrews Tel: 013334 474902

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SHOPS & SERVICES On behalf of Alistair Lang, Chairman of

BID St Andrews After more than a year’s campaigning, BID St Andrews has launched. St Andrews in Focus caught up with the BID’s new chairman, local lawyer, Alistair Lang, to ask about the new ‘business improvement district’ and how it will benefit the town.

Who are the members of the BID Board?

The Board was elected in November. It comprises a mix of people from different backgrounds – drawing on experienced owners and managers from businesses and organisations within the BID boundary area.

Individually and collectively, we’ve a love of St Andrews. We are committed to give our time for the benefit of the levy-payers, as well as our wider community.

Five of the ten served as the original steering group volunteers. They include me – a partner in Thornton’s Law LLP; Lindsey Adam of Bonkers Original Gifts; manager of Ryman Stationery, Richard East; Louise Fraser of Fraser Gallery St Andrews; and Archie McDiarmid of Luvians Bottleshop.

New to the BID is Lisa Cameron of the Links Trust, representing their Old Tom Morris Store; Lisa Cathro of Zest (St Andrews) Ltd; Pat Jones, Manager of Accounts Hospitality & Real Estate at the Old Course Hotel, Golf Resort & Spa – representing their property, Hamilton Grand; and her colleague David Scott, Director of Operations at the resort and representing their Hams Hame Bar & Grill. Completing the 10 is Ben Stuart, Director of Residential & Business Services at the University of St Andrews. In addition, one local authority member, Cllr Brian Thomson who will sit on the Board, but will have no voting rights. David Scott has been elected as vice-chair.

The BID only came into existence on January 4th. What has been happening since then?

Every one of us is passionate about St Andrews and its future. Each of us has volunteered our time and we have met several times so far this month to look at prioritizing all that is required. We are keen to better understand each other and how we can best serve the BID and our levy payers. The steering group did a fantastic job in working with local businesses to support this exciting initiative. Meetings have already taken place with a variety of key partners and more meetings are scheduled over the coming weeks with St Andrews in

Bloom, the Community Council, and others.

The BID is all about inclusivity – to involve all in the plans that we are tasked to fulfill. The top priority on our list is to ensure delivery not only meets, but exceeds, the expectations of the very diverse levy-payers: to achieve that goal, we are exploring all options for the day-to-day management of the BID and how we can best support our business community.

The Business Plan includes a whole raft of projects and initiatives that will be delivered.

What is first on the list for the BID? As a destination, we are incredibly lucky. Our town is internationally renowned as a centre of excellence in the worlds of golf and education, so we are starting from a great position of awareness. We are working on a timetable of action points right now – and will be seeking input from our levy-payers. One of the key tasks will be to develop and improve the overall connectivity of the town. We will be working very closely with our Director, Ben Stuart, and his colleagues at the University to explore how wifi may provide improved access and information for residents and visitors – all to the benefit of our business community. We will be working with businesses and organisations to foster events and activities. That process is just beginning; we will be in touch soon to share an update direct with the levy–payers.

When will the levy-payers be invoiced?

Each business in the BID area is contributing via a 1.5% levy on their business rates. Fife Council will issue those invoices on our behalf and we are working with them on that timetable.

We will ensure we keep levy-payers posted on the process.

How can the BID benefit those who are not businesses in the town?

If we have a strong and successful business community, it supports our wider community.

Almost every one of the 240 businesses in the BID area employs people who live locally.

Therefore, to ensure the town’s commercial sustainability means we are protecting local

Alistair Lang jobs, local spending, and a level of engagement that would otherwise not be possible. In turn, many of those businesses support local initiatives – from school, college, and University programmes to charities and not-for-profit activities that have a considerable knock-on effect. It is not just about the financial benefits, it is about enhancing civic pride and engagement across each and every sector of our fantastic community.

How can any businesses get involved right now?

We very much want to hear from businesses as to how they want to be involved in the BID and its programme. The Board is here to represent the levy-payers; if you or your business have an idea that you think will benefit the town, we want to know! Something in which every levy-payer can be involved immediately is our StAndrews4You project. Many of you will have seen the blog ( www.standrews4you.co.uk ) as well as the social media channels of the same name. The day-to-day engagement reaches significant numbers to the benefit of those businesses that are taking advantage. If you’re not one of them, please get in touch. We can help to get you and your business involved.

Finally, if anyone has any questions about the BID, what should they do?

If businesses know any of the Board’s Directors, feel free to get in touch – as some already have. If not, you can contact us through a number of ways including our email address: info@bidstandrews.co.uk – or through the BID’s website: www.BidStAndrews.co.uk (Photo courtesy Alistair Lang)

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SHOPS & SERVICES From David Adie This Article is intended to give only very general advice and is no substitute for taking full and proper advice, taking into account your own circumstances.

Landlords – Look Out for what is Coming The purpose of this Article is to acquaint Landlords (and Tenants) with There are other grounds; some of these are the provisions of the Private Housing (Tenancies) (Scotland) Bill, which is mandatory, while others are at the discretion going through the Scottish Parliament. of the Tribunal: for instance, the property The Private Rental Sector has more than doubled in the past decade, being sold by the lender, breach of the Tenancy Agreement, rent arrears, covering 13% of homes. The increase has been matched by an increase anti-social behaviour. There also has to be a Notice to leave served. in interest by Government (unwelcome by many). There have been a raft There is an element of rent control in the present Law, in that the of new developments, including HMO Regulation, Landlord Registration, private rented housing panels have power to fix a market rent in certain a new repairing standard, Tenancy Deposit Scheme, Tenant Information circumstances. While landlords can increase the rent under the new Packs, and Enhanced Jurisdiction for the Private Rented Housing Panel, system, they cannot do so more than once a year and tenants must together with a registration system for letting agents. be sent a Rent Increase Notice. If they are not happy they can request The new Bill will introduce a mandatory PRS a Rent Officer to set an Open Market Rent, using Tenancy known as a Private Residential Tenancy, various guidelines, and there is an appeal right. which will replace the existing Assured and Short A controversial issue is a provision for Rent Assured Tenancies that have been the only real form of It is anticipated the Bill Pressure Zones. Through application by a Local Tenancy available hitherto.

Authority the Scottish Ministers can designate an will be Law before the It is anticipated the Bill will be Law before the area where rent levels are rising excessively a election on May 2016. The commencement date is not election on May 2016. Rent Pressure Zone for up to 5 years. Any increase yet clear. can then be capped. This seems a self-defeating The commencement The effect of the Bill, if it becomes an Act, will be to proposal because, for example, if such a zone were ensure that the only type of tenancy permitted would created in Aberdeen, where there may well be rent date is not yet clear. be the PRS Tenancy, and it will no longer be competent pressure caused by market forces, putting a cap to enter into any of the older types of tenancy. A key on the rent will then reduce the supply, because feature of the existing Short Assured Tenancy is that landlords will be less likely to buy properties to let the Landlord is entitled to remove the tenant at the end of the Lease, but and so it goes on. There is a concern that buying-to-let could become that will no longer be the case. Instead, the Tenant will have security of markedly less attractive, thereby overall reducing the stock of rented tenure, and can only be removed if they agree, or if the Landlord is able houses and flats. This may of course be government policy, viz., to try to establish to the satisfaction of the first tier Tribunal that one of 16 set and encourage people into owner occupation. However, many people, grounds for eviction is satisfied. say in Aberdeen, will only want a short tenancy for a couple of years because they may be on a fixed contract and do not want to incur the I will not go into all of these grounds, but the important ones are: cost and commitment of purchasing. It remains to be seen how this will develop.

1. The Landlord intends to sell.

To some extent all of this is a retrograde step taking us back to the 2. The property is to be sold by a lender. old days of the Rent Acts, with some landlords, no doubt, getting up to 3. The Landlord intends to refurbish. some of the old tricks.

4. The Landlord, or a family member, intends to live in the property.

Look out for future developments. Be prepared to change 5. (Most importantly for St Andrews), the tenant is no longer a documentation if you are letting property. This is a basic summary, but student. there are other tweaks and details, such as restrictions on sub-letting 6. Breach of Tenancy Agreement. and rights of access for repairs and inspections.

7. The tenant is not occupying the let property.

8. There are rent arrears of 3 consecutive months.

You have been warned!

9. The HMO Licence has been revoked.

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

We can consult locally

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

SHOPS & SERVICES Heather Lang

Sciatica Glancing over the daily papers in the newsagents, I always have a little shudder every time I see an article on the latest cure for sciatica. It’s a great headline, as a huge number of people suffer with leg pain, but a generic approach to something so unspecific and misunderstood can make a bad situation much worse.

So what is sciatica?

Sciatica, or more technically lumbar radiculopathy, is the name given to pain in the sciatic nerve which travels from the lower back, down through the buttocks, back of the thigh and ends in the foot. It is the longest nerve in the human body, providing power and sensation to the legs and feet. As such, when the sciatic nerve is impaired, it can lead to muscle weakness and/or numbness or tingling in the leg, ankle, foot, and/or toes.

Sciatic nerve piriformis entrapment Why would the sciatic nerve become painful?

A very common cause of sciatic pain is through impingement, or becoming trapped, usually in the muscles around the pelvis or at the joints of the lumbar spine. The point of entrapment can be detected by how the sensations change with different movements and other orthopaedic testing.

Another reason for sciatic nerve pain can be inflammation around the nerve. If the muscles of the lower back are strained, such as from posture, work or injury, they will cause inflammation in the area. In addition to the swelling possibly putting pressure on the nerve directly, the chemicals within the inflammation build up in the muscle around the nerve, aggravating it and causing the pain to spread along the nerve into the buttocks, down the back of the thigh, below the knee and to the foot. How far the pain travels depends on the severity of the impingement or irritation.

What about a ‘slipped disc’?

This is a term that rather inaccurately refers to a disc herniation or protrusion. Imagine a little nylon stocking, inside another nylon stocking, inside another nylon stocking, inside yet another nylon stocking. Now imagine that the middle of the most-inside nylon stocking was filled with toothpaste. This is a bit like the structure of an intervertebral disc. When the disc protrudes or herniates, it is as if a little bit of the inner toothpaste becomes squashed through the walls of the nylon stockings.

Sometimes this can press onto the sciatic nerve causing pain down the leg. Whilst it is probable that anyone over the age of 25 will have a disc protrusion to some degree (blame your parents for making you walk on your hind legs!) most do not cause any discomfort although their presence can be the reason why ‘slipped disc and sciatica’ is incorrectly given as a diagnosis so frequently.

So what can be done about sciatica?

‘Sciatica’ is no more a diagnosis that ‘headache’; all it means is that there is pain in the sciatic nerve. It is therefore important to find out where it is coming from and what is causing it. Proper muscle and joint testing can be done in a way that observes how the pain is reacting without aggravating the discomfort.

There are very rare occasions when sciatic pain can be due to the presence of a cyst, nutritional imbalance, or metabolic disorder, so these must

be ruled out and the pain deemed safe to treat. The next step is to remove the restrictions in the body that are causing the irritation by improving the blood supply, clearing the toxins from the area and realigning the muscles and joints to take the pressure off the nerve.

Exercise should be appropriate to the stage of recovery as well as the muscles, joints, and soft tissues involved. The wrong exercises can put further strain on the injury, intensifying the condition. A correct diagnosis and treatment plan are thus essential.

(Illustration courtesy Heather Lang)

Heather Lang is a GOsC registered osteopath, ergonomic consultant, medical acupuncturist and multi-disciplinary manual therapist. She has worked extensively in osteopathic practice and development throughout the UK, Ireland and Canada.

Heather has been qualified to conduct bio-mechanical assessments for over 20 years and is dedicated to diagnosis and treatment of pain and pathology.

St Andrews Osteopaths – Providers of effective treatment since 1998.

136 South Street, St Andrews, KY16 9EQ. Tel: 01334 477 000 www.standrewsosteopaths.co.uk

We have pleasure in offering: • a mobile hairdresser • cutting/colouring services • party/wedding hair styling 07445 764 289

hannahmilner893@hotmail.co.uk

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SHOPS & SERVICES

Attention Landlords

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30 years experience in Letting Free Rental Assessment Personal Pro-Active Service

Regular inspections Competitive Management Fees Professional Tenant Vetting

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SHOPS & SERVICES

Roving Reporter 1. Maisha Restaurant in College Street (01334 475 380) has changed its mind about adding a Thai menu. Reporter was contacted and asked to explain to loyal customers that the pressure became too much! The Restaurant now wishes to concentrate on what it does best, namely authentic Indian cuisine. Please go along and enjoy all the Indian goodies that Maisha has to offer in its comfortable surroundings with friendly, efficient service.

*****

2. House of Cashmere has opened its third branch here at 74 Market Street, (next door to VisitScotland’s Information Centre). Reporter dropped in to chat to Senior Salesperson Virginia Kaye. An independent family business with two shops in Glasgow, Virginia said that a chance meeting at the Fairmont Hotel (where Salesperson Jenni Ballingal’s father happens to be the Head Green Keeper) brought about the setting up of this branch, now regarded as the Firm’s flagship.

The hallmark of the enterprise is that everything it stocks is proudly Made in Scotland!

Virginia says that, “we have some of the most attractive prices in St Andrews for cashmere & wool products in Fife, and that buying from us supports local communities.” Cashmere dominates: scarves, jumpers, cardigans, etc.- the well-known manufacturers importing their wool from New Zealand and Australia.

But there are also ties, gloves, hats, as well as kilts, jewellery, pewter ware, even shortbread (by Walkers, of course)! There are also unique handcrafted greetings cards. Virginia was also keen to highlight their, “beautiful heather gems made from the stalks of heather, gift boxed to send to friends & relatives around the world as their own little piece of beautiful Scotland.” Kilts can be ordered made to measure, with some 500 different tartans to choose from. Reporter wishes a warm welcome to this bright new addition to St Andrews.

3.

* *Jamie’s, * * *the Florist, 211 South

Street (01334 476 798) is quietly celebrating 25 years in St Andrews. In those years Jamie has supplied and arranged flowers for many luminaries who came to our town for a variety of events, among them the G8 Summit at Fairmont; Bishop Desmond Tutu; Andrew Neil; Alex Salmond; and of course our own Kate and Wills (the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge)!

Jamie wishes to thank everyone for their custom over these years.

“I am delighted to have met all the people. Also many students who have worked for me have become my friends and I’m still in touch with them.” Talking of all the changes in town, Reporter realized that Jamie is a true survivor! Here’s wishing you a Happy Anniversary Year Jamie, and long may you flourish!

*****

4. Newly opened at 28 Bell Street (01334 209 629 / 07759929191) is The Halcyon. Owner Sandra Hodge also has The Halcyon Gallery in Anstruther. Reporter had been watching the transformation of the premises, so was pleased to see the final result. Sandra was happy to chat about her plans for the shop, and what she specialises in. The Halcyon is a stockist of the exclusive ANNIE SLOAN Chalk Paint. Sandra is happy to advise customers on how to use the paint and the endless possibilities it offers. The Halcyon offers a bespoke picture-framing service that has been established for the past 30 years. There are decorative gifts for the home, jewellery, original artwork, and prints by local artists. In the winter the shop is open 6 days a week, but Sandra plans to open on Sundays from around Easter. Reporter wishes the enterprise well.

*****

5. Reporter was delighted to hear from Chris and Elaine Wood, owners of the new 5-star Eden Mansion Hotel (0800 181 4449) just 4 miles from the centre of St Andrews, on the Cupar Road (A91).

Experienced operators within the hospitality industry, with two 5-star VisitScotland-accredited businesses in Aberdeen and Edinburgh, Chris and Elaine have spent 18 months restoring the Mansion “to its former glory”. Originally the home of the Haig whisky family, it is set in 5 acres of mature gardens in a most enviable location overlooking the Eden Estuary. Period-uniformed staff offer service and style from a bygone era, from “sophisticated afternoon teas in the grand drawing room, delicious bar lunches in the Haig Bar, fine dining in the Eden Restaurant, or opulent accommodation” for every occasion. A free shuttle service to St Andrews is also available by request. Along with their existing business, 20% of all profit from Eden Mansion goes to charitable work in the UK and its own charity, Oakhill Trust, which builds and creates family homes for orphans, also much-needed medical centres in Burundi (central East Africa). Further information is on the website: www.edenmansion.com

(Photo courtesy Chris & Elaine Wood)

*****

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TOWN & GOWN Simon Chadwick explains MUSA’s

Spitzharfe

In the new exhibition, One World: Exploring Cultures Across Continents, is very similar to a spitzharfe kept which runs at MUSA on the Scores until 30 October 2016, the different at the Victoria and Albert Museum display cases show diverse objects from each continent. In the in London. The V&A’s instrument is Europe case, an old friend to many MUSA regulars has re-appeared: green, not red, but it has the same the spitzharfe. This tall red musical instrument stands lion’s head and enigmatically on its lion-paw feet, with its carved wooden paws, and a similar The Spitzharfe, lion’s head brushing the dark top of the display case. Both stringing set up. The or Arpanetta, is sides of the spitzharfe bristle with pins and pegs, but there spitzharfe in the V&A a type of musical are no strings left on it – so it seems a rather mysterious is dated 1713 – it’s a instrument that was and frightening object! shame that no date or The Spitzharfe, or Arpanetta, is a type of musical inscription has been played in Germany, instrument that was played in Germany, and other found on MUSA’s. and other European European countries, in the 17th and 18th centuries. It is Where did MUSA’s countries, in the 17th spitzharfe come a little bit like a harpsichord standing on its end, but it is and 18th centuries played like a harp with both hands, one on each side. It from? I don’t think Spitzharfe reproduced has hundreds of iron or brass wire strings, laid out in a very anyone knows how complicated arrangement with as many as three strings for each note, the University got hold of it, or where it came from. I remember someone plus all the sharps and flats. It must have been a challenge to keep it in suggesting vaguely that it had been “found in a cupboard” many years tune! ago, and transferred to the Museum Collections.

The spitzharfe at MUSA is a particularly lavish example, with the In any case, it is a beautiful art object, covered in decoration, in gold maximum number of strings arrayed in the most complex disposition. It and black paint on the red background, looking very Oriental or even Chinese. Part of the decoration is of plants and animals, but my eye was caught by an angelic figure holding open a book of music. You can almost read the individual notes. What fun, to try to play the tune from the painted music book!

A few years ago, Ageline Peh, an MLitt student in the University of St Andrews, was studying the spitzharfe. She commissioned a simplified reproduction from an English harpsichord maker. The reproduction is strung and tuned so we can hear the unusual jangling sound of the spitzharfe, and get a sense of what its music may have sounded like. I have the chance to use this reproduction to explore the music and playing technique of the spitzharfe. I have done a YouTube demonstration of it – you can also hear a recording of the reproduction in the film show at MUSA as part of the exhibition.

For the duration of the exhibition, Angeline’s reproduction will be at MUSA, up in the Learning Loft as part of a handling collection of objects related to the exhibition. So if you want to find out more about how the mute and stringless spitzharfe in the exhibition would have looked and sounded when it was new, now is your chance!

Spitzharfe

Detail on reverse side

(Photos courtesy Museum Collections, University of St Andrews, HC871 and Simon Chadwick)

Transition University says,

Make 2016 Green

– Join a Carbon Conversations group today Last year was arguably a tipping point for Participants learn tricks to minimize international action on Climate Change with their environmental impact easily through world leaders, including the Pope and Barak significantly reducing their carbon footprints. But Obama, giving support ahead of the global lifestyle changes that benefit the environment summit on Climate Change (COP21) in don’t have to be a burden: they can benefit us Paris, where 190 nations agreed to limits and too. Carbon Conversations inspires individuals action. Set against this has been numerous to take up healthier routines and highlights climate-related problems as 2015 choices that shrink living costs. replaced 2014 as the hottest year Moreover, the course updates Meet new people, on record. participants on environmental learn interesting If you are interested in matters, allowing space to share facts, and get on a Climate Change, as most their perspectives and thoughts. track suited to you earthlings now are, join a Carbon Since the formation of the Conversations group, discover St Andrews programme in 2011, more about the issues and how you can make Carbon Conversations has taken off with changes. Carbon Conversations is a series over 200 individuals participating. The course of 6 engaging group meetings about climate is listed on The Guardian’s top solutions to change with exciting activities, outings, and climate change, quoted by participants as being friends. The course covers the fundamentals a “brilliant course, very well structured and of global warming, energy usage, food and well delivered.” Participants further reported water, travel, consumerism, waste, and more. enjoying “the various surprising facts,” the The course is free; all participants gain access “friendly, communal atmosphere,” “getting to exceptional resources, including information fresh ideas and perspective from others” and and activity booklets, refreshments, facilitators, “addressing climate change on a personal and personalized guidance. level.” One individual particularly appreciated

16

that “all the themes are practical… with useful solutions that can be followed easily.” By the end of the course, many felt empowered, having attained more knowledge about how to reduce their carbon footprints. Many participants enjoyed their experience so much that they even opted to stay on as facilitators!

So why not start 2016 off on the right foot by reducing your carbon footprint and enjoying the countless benefits that follow?

Meet new people, learn interesting facts, and get on a track suited to you. Joining Carbon Conversations is easy with new courses starting all the time. Simply register your interest at www.transitionsta.org (carbon conversations), or email: transition@st-andrews.ac.uk or phone 01334 464 000.

TOWN & GOWN Dr Christian Rutz kindly told Flora Selwyn about

The Crafty Crows of New Caledonia If someone were to tell you that they spend a days, emitting a radio signal that enables lot of their time on the tropical paradise island the researchers to find them, even in thick of New Caledonia, in order to study tool-using forest, and recover the footage. The group crows, you would be forgiven for showing was the first to fit wild, free-flying birds with some surprise. Yet, that is exactly what video cameras. “This technique proved very St Andrews University Reader Dr Christian productive for us”, because the crows’ forested Rutz and his research team do. habitats make visual observation very difficult, In 2012, Christian came especially “as these birds to St Andrews to take up a are quite shy.” Humans with Readership in the School of binoculars usually scare them Biology, based at the Sir Harold away, and trying to accustom these birds, which Mitchell Building, transferring the birds to human presence, are found nowhere in a similar way that other his entire research team from Oxford University. His else on the planet, biologists ‘habituate’ wild specialism lies in evolutionary chimpanzees, results in the are exceptionally and behavioural ecology, with a opposite behaviour; “Once particular interest in animal tool they learn we’re not a threat, gifted tool makers use and ‘culture’. Christian first their natural curiosity comes learned about the curious habits through…and they start of New Caledonian crows whilst observing us!” Data retrieved completing his PhD. He became instantly from the ‘crowcams’ are therefore “gold dust” caught up in their story, learning that these for this ambitious project. birds, which are found nowhere else on the Genetic research shows that New planet, are exceptionally gifted tool makers.

Caledonian crows are closely related to Christian simply had to go to New Caledonia. other tropical crows, for example to those in The “big mystery” of why New Caledonian Papua New Guinea, and more distantly to crows use tools, when other crow species those roaming the beaches and streets of don’t, cannot be answered without St Andrews; “When you look at these birds understanding the birds’ natural, undisturbed they are all recognizable as ‘crows’ – they behaviour. Since the start of his field project are black, medium-sized, curious birds. But in 2005, Christian has used a wide range of what is special about New Caledonian crows cutting-edge methods for data collection. A anatomically is that they have an unusually particularly nifty approach involves attaching wide field of binocular vision, the largest self-developed minute video cameras to (at over 60 degrees) of any bird species the birds’ tail feathers. Secured only with measured to date.” Unlike most other birds, UV-degradable rubber tubing, “no glues, they are capable of rotating their eyes forward, nothing permanent”, they fall off within a few which is believed to improve their ability to handle bill-held tools. “They achieve with their bills what we humans struggle to emulate with our sophisticated hands!”

Is tool-making learned, or is it instinctive?

Experiments with captive crows back at Oxford clearly demonstrated a genetic component, but it seems that social learning is important, too. Christian’s group discovered that the crows’ vocalisations differ from region to region, forming ‘dialects’ that are likely the result of mimicking others. One crow tamed as a pet was found to be able to speak and sing ‘in French’, as well as imitate its owner’s car engine, adding weight to the idea of learned crow ‘cultures’.

Some of the tools used are simply twigs picked up from the forest floor, but there are two distinctive tool types the crows make from scratch: twigs carefully detached from branched vegetation, bent into a curved, ergonomic shape, and with a complex ‘hook’ fashioned at the end; and in rainforest areas, shapes cut from the barbed edges of screwpine leaves. Crows use their tools to fish larvae, grubs, and other hidden prey from inaccessible places in deadwood and vegetation.

Christian wishes he could time travel into the past to find out when and how these remarkable birds started using their tools.

Since crow tools are perishable there is no archaeological record, as there is with human Christian with a hooked tool stone tools. Unfortunately, the indigenous (Photo courtesy Print & Design Unit, people of New Caledonia also have no major University of St Andrews). folk stories about these birds that could

(Photo courtesy of Simon Walker) provide clues, because they are completely taken for granted. When told that the carrion crows and rooks living in St Andrews never make tools, people are truly astonished!

Looking to the future, Christian hopes to secure significant private sponsorship to set up a St Andrews-run Research Station on the island. This would provide a permanent base for his long-term project, and help strengthen existing ties with local communities; for example, through employing local field assistants year-round. One tribe has already generously offered to make a free donation of land, if funds can be raised to build a house and outbuildings. Although much has already been discovered (merely touched on here), a lot more work is needed over the coming years to understand these mysterious crows.

Christian pointed out the curious fact that, “it’s only humans, and New Caledonian crows, that make hooks – to our knowledge, no other animal species is capable of this feat.”

Hook making, it turns out, was “a major event in human evolutionary history”, leading to improved fishing and hunting technologies.

The oldest known fish hooks are merely a few ten-thousand years old. It’s quite a thought, “from making fishing hooks from bone to building space shuttles!”

Working on the tropical island is no picnic, Christian assures us, “it requires stamina and a certain mind set. It’s not easy work.” Only the odd hour is spent on a nearby beach since work is pretty much continuous, with field observations and experiments by day and data back-up and analysis by night.

Everything is expensive, because of the island’s remoteness. It takes 36 hours to get there, door to door. But Christian enjoys every minute of his work.

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EVENTS Gus Giddins this year’s Procession Marshal

90th Anniversary of the Kate Kennedy Club & The Kate Kennedy Procession When I was fortunate enough to be given a place at the great University The most enjoyable part for me of running the procession is that it of St Andrews, I had little knowledge of the Kate Kennedy Club, or of brings together ‘Town and Gown’ relationships, for the Kate Kennedy the traditional Spring Procession. Soon enough during my first year as a Club, along with the exceptionally dedicated Kate Kennedy Trust, look ‘Bejant’ I began to be made aware of the tremendous work that the Club to welcome members from communities all around the local Fife area. does for local Fife charities, as well as trying to bolster ‘Town and Gown’ This event, which has taken place year after year, is never possible relationships while upholding the historical traditions of the University. without the instrumental help and guidance that we, as a Club, receive One of the main aims of the Kate Kennedy Club revolves around from not only the Trust, but also the town, and the great enjoyment this safeguarding and ensuring the continuation of the Kate Kennedy day gives. The costumes that the characters wear are staggeringly Procession, which this year will take place on Saturday, 9 April from realistic, which comes down to the help we receive from Mark Dennis.

2.00pm. This remarkable procession attempts to recognise and bring He works with the Club to ensure the costumes are not only highly back to life a number of different historical historically accurate, but of incredible quality, characters ranging from famous Scottish poets, helping to bring the characters to life on the such as William Dunbar, to prominent citizens, streets where they used to walk. This year All of the personae that are such as Dame Louisa Lumsden, as well as there are a number of updates being made to famous golfers, such as Old Tom Morris. All certain costumes. One in particular is for Mary remembered in the procession of the personae that are remembered in the Queen of Scots, who will, for the first time, are people who have either procession are people who have either lived in not be on horseback due to her historically St Andrews, or have had a close relationship updated costume. lived in St Andrews, or have with the town’s history. The procession, The Kate Kennedy Club was formed had a close relationship with I believe, emphasises and stresses how in St Andrews in 1926 by two students at spectacular a place St Andrews is and has the University, James Doak, and Donald the town’s history. been, by simply looking at the plethora of Kennedy. Doak and Kennedy were inspired by individuals who have impacted our magnificent a rectorial address “on Courage” delivered by town. The University has played a large role in J M Barrie in 1922. With the help of Principal the Procession; the famous men and women who have had their effect Sir James Colquoun Irvine, they reinstated the traditions of the Kate on the University, are brought back to life for a spectacular occasion.

Kennedy Day and the Kate Kennedy Procession. This year, therefore, Principal Irvine, who held the position for 31 years, is credited with the is the Club’s 90th Anniversary. With the help of the Life Members of the University’s ‘Second Founding’, revitalising the academic rigour of our Kate Kennedy Club we celebrate the great traditions of the University ancient seat of leaning, and never losing sight of its glorious traditions. and the town. Along with the Club’s charitable work, the University, and members of the town, whom not only we thank, but try to ensure the solid relationship will be continued through to the 100th Anniversary of the Club.

The Kate Kennedy Club works alongside local Fife charities, such as Home-Start East Fife. Each week the Club volunteers help directly, also helping tutor local primary school pupils. One example of what they do was the successful Home Start Activity Day, when members of the Club guided families around the streets of St Andrews explaining the history of the Procession. The Club also works with Unite Against Cancer, DAPL, and Children First. Working with the charities gives the Club a chance to give something back to our local community which supports the University throughout the year. Each year we put a sum of money towards a project chosen by these charities.

Finally, I would like to give you all the warmest of invitations to our Kate Kennedy Procession. Come along – hopefully it will be as extraordinary and colourful as always!

(Photos of past Processions by Flora Selwyn)

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EVENTS Julia MacGregor, PR & Social Media Executive at the Old Course Hotel

Dans le Noir

The team of award-winning chefs at the five red-star Old Course Hotel, Golf Resort & Spa in St Andrews invites guests “to see us in a different light” as they prepare to host this unique event between Thursday, 26 March and Wednesday, 6 April.

You are invited to dine in the dark, served by blind waiters. Fabrice Roszczka, Director General at Dans Le Noir explains, “Dining in the dark completely reverses the perspectives of our perception of tasting food and drink and the relations we have with other people, because the whole experience is driven by unexpected guides, blind or visually impaired, and they become our eyes. We are happy to bring this unique sensory and social experience to the Old Course Hotel, and to Scotland, for the

first time.” Chef Martin Hollis adds, “This is part dining, part theatre. Each event is timed to perfection as we are relying on blind servers to welcome, seat, and serve our guests. The whole operation is phenomenal and we can’t wait to welcome guests.”

Whisky Tastings are £35 per person. Lunches are from £45, dinners from £85. The Hotel is also suggesting an overnight stay (“with the light on, we promise you!”). For more information please see: www.dininginthedark.co.uk

From Peter Sutton, President of the University’s Gilbert & Sullivan Society

Third Annual Global Gilbert and Sullivan Weekend (28 April – 1 May) Now in its third year the annual Global Gilbert and Sullivan Weekend is a truly international event. It was the brainchild of Laurie Slavin, former President of the University of St Andrews Gilbert and Sullivan Society.

In recent years, events have included a promenade production of The Sorcerer, and a come-and-sing version of Trial by Jury, as well as the annual Grand Dinner based on a Burns Night supper format.

This year one of the major highlights will be a reprise of the Society’s contribution to the town-wide commemorations of the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare’s death.

On Saturday, 30 April at 2.00pm in the

Barron Theatre on North Street, the Society presents Gilbert’s wonderful parody of Hamlet, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, alongside Sullivan’s Tempest Suite, performed to a condensed version of Shakespeare’s play, and Sullivan’s magnificent Macbeth Overture. This promises to be a very funny and illuminating afternoon exploring the Victorian duo’s responses to Shakespeare. There will also be an opportunity to catch this performance as part of the Mermaids’ Shakespeare week on Thursday, 21 April at 7.00pm, also in the Barron Theatre. Ticket prices are still to be announced – please contact: gssocmail@st-andrews.ac.uk for more information.

The Society will also be presenting the final Music Society Friday lunchtime recital of the academic year with a special celebratory programme on Friday, 29 April at 1.10pm in the Younger Hall on North Street. This, as ever, will be free, with charity donations welcome at the end. More events are being planned, including the Grand Dinner. Once again please e-mail gssocmail@st-andrews.ac.uk to request information about this and we’ll let you know when all the details are sorted. It promises to be another exciting evening!

Please join the Society in celebrating the global, everlasting appeal of the works of Gilbert and Sullivan!

Charlotte Haswell-West, Head of Festival Press

On The Rocks 2016 St Andrews is getting ready to welcome back On The Rocks, one of the UK’s largest student-run arts festivals.

On The Rocks will see the town transform into a hub of events, performances, and workshops celebrating the diversity of talent found in St Andrews.

Now entering its 8th year, the Festival – it started as an initiative to unite the annual film and theatre festivals in 2009 – plays host to a wide variety of performances. Art, fashion, music, dance, theatre, film, and comedy will all come together in a vibrant 10 days’ extravaganza of creativity, spread across 21 different venues in St Andrews.

Caroline Christie, the Festival Director, said, “Every year we want to make On The Rocks bigger and better than the year before.” With the support of a vast network of A-list patrons, including Dame Helen Mirren and Dame Judi Dench, and a committed team of student volunteers working behind the scenes, the Festival is poised to have its best year yet.

Around the World in Dance

busking Music is Love ks) sy On the Roc te ur co s to ho (P

Lantern Making Workshop

On The Rocks 2016 will run from Friday, 1st – Sunday, 10 April throughout St Andrews, with the box office and the hub of the Festival at The Byre Theatre, South Street.

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EVENTS Janie Douglas introduces a

Brand new initiative for the over 50s in North East Fife An exciting community initiative is coming to of special interest to the young-and-able overThe Town Hall, St Andrews, on Thursday, 2 50s, the not-so-able over-50s, and the carers of June. It is organised by the older citizens in the North East Rotary Club of St Andrews, area of Fife. Many local and With the possible Haydays (the Arts organisation national organisations will be subtitle of ‘helping to for the over-50s based in invited to have stalls of special prepare for the future’ St Andrews), and the national interest. Entry will be ticketed, charity Age Scotland. The day’s but free. No charge either will event comprises a morning conference, with the be made for stalls that are felt to be relevant to opportunity to visit and talk with representatives the conference. from relevant organisations. It will last from There will be refreshments in the morning 9.30am to 2.30pm.and is called, Voices and and a light lunch with homemade soup. Age Choices.

Scotland has many free resources covering With the possible subtitle of ‘helping to a wide spectrum. Not only will they have prepare for the future’, be prepared! It will be a stall, but people on hand to discuss any an informative day bringing together relevant issues. Haydays and The Rotary Club will information and local organisations that may be be coordinating invitations to community and

local authority groups, in the hope that we can share information and make that information accessible to as many over-50s in the area as possible.

We aim to have representatives from: • • • • • • • •

Age Scotland, the leading charity supporting older people.

Solicitors for Older People, providing legal services for the elderly and vulnerable, with legal aid where possible.

Carers’ Society, with all their information and advice.

Citizens Advice, re benefits, eg pension credit, attendance allowance etc.

Allied Health Professionals, looking at Health and Wellbeing in later life.

Community organisations, operating in the area, e.g. Men’s Sheds, parish nurse, express groups etc.

Silverline Scotland.

The Early Dementia initiative.

And hopefully many more.

For more information, or if you wish to have a stall at this event, please contact: janiedouglas53@msn.com or 01334476435.

(Photo courtesy Janie Douglas)

Tone Brennan

St Andrews Team Fundraising in London Marathon Challenge for Local Charity A team of local St Andrews runners is going to be running the London Marathon. They have taken on an ambitious fundraising target of over £12,000.

The team of six will be determinedly undertaking rigorous training schedules in order to be able to successfully complete the 26.2 mile race that last year had over 37,000 participants and raised over £54.1 million for a wide range of different charities.

The team will be raising money for the St Andrews-based charity Worldwide Cancer Research (formerly known as AICR) which funds research into cancer anywhere in the world.

The runners are Gary Ovenstone, Christine Webster, Charlene Dick, Sally Newman-Carter, Alex Bain, & Tone Brennan, all involved in the local Park Run, STAART, and East Fife Tri Clubs, as well as many other local initiatives.

All of the runners will be taking part in a wide range of fundraising activities, which started with a Tartan Car Wash, and has so far included the New Year’s Day Dook, and a charity Burns Supper “It’s a huge personal and physical challenge for anyone to train for and run a marathon, but we’re doing it as a team while raising money for such a worthwhile charity. It will allow WCR to fund more research to try and make a difference to other people’s lives. Cancer affects so many people worldwide that whatever can be done to help research and treatment is important. We’re happy to take on the challenge.” said Tone. “Over the course of the next months we will have a wide range of fundraising events. We hope that the local businesses and residents will help us raise money towards our target.”

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Anyone can donate by coming to one of our events and supporting us, or by visiting our fundraising page at: www.justgiving.com/teams/STAARTLondonMarathon (Photo courtesy Tone Brennan)

EVENTS

Selected Events Tuesday, 1 March – 5.15pm Swallowgate, Butts Wynd, The Scores.

The Scottish-Hellenistic connection: the Third Maquess of Bute (1847-1900). A talk by Dr Ruth Macrides (University of Birmingham).

Sunday, 27 March – 2.00pm. New Picture House, North Street.

Boris Godunov. Live from the Royal Opera House. Contact: 01334 474 902.

Wednesday, 2 March – Arts Building, The Scores. Writing a Novel: Process and Problems. A talk by novelist Lesley Glaister. Friends of the Library Spring Lecture. Contact: 01334 462 331.

– 7.30pm. Younger Hall, North Street. Scottish Chamber Orchestra.

Music by Beethoven, Mozart. Contact: 01334 462 226.

Tuesday, 29 March – 5.15pm. Swallowgate, Butts Wynd, The Scores.

Greek Wine: Ancient & Modern. A talk by Mark savage MW for the Scottish Hellenic Society. Email: nm66@st-andrews.ac.uk

Wednesday, 2 to Sunday, 6 March – StAnza Poetry Festival.

Thursday, 3 March – 1.15pm-1.45pm. MUSA, The Scores, St Andrews. University Life in the Past. Students at the University over the centuries. Free, but please book. Contact: 01334 461 660.

– 5.30pm. Gateway Galleries, North Haugh. The Forth Replacement Crossing. A talk by a member of the Forth Bridges Outreach Team. Please book. Contact: 01334 467 400.

– 7.00pm. New Picture House, North Street. Hangmen. Live from the National Theatre, London. Contact: 01334 474 902.

Saturday, 5 March – 9.00am-1.00pm. Argyle Street Car Park. Farmers’ Market.

– 5.55pm. Byre Theatre, Abbey Street. Manon Lescaut, Puccini.

Live from the Met, New York. Tickets, £18.50. Box Office: 01334 475 000.

Tuesday, 8 March – 8.00pm. Hope Park & Martyrs Church, St Mary’s Place, St Andrews. Independence or Union. A talk by historian Sir Tom Devine about his new book. Contact: 01334 478 144.

Wednesday, 9 March – 7.30pm. St Andrews Town Hall, Queen’s Gardens. Seabird Studies on the Isle of May: Spreading our wings after 40 years.

Saturday, 12 March – 1.00pm. Bell Pettigrew Museum, Bute Medical Buildings. Dinosaur Detectives. Clydebuilt Puppet Theatre recreating the first finds of ancient bones. Ages 5+. Booking required. Contact: museumenquiries@st-andrews.ac.uk Sunday, 13 March – 3.00pm. New Picture House, North Street.

Spartacus. The Bolshoi Ballet. Contact: 01334 474 902.

Monday, 14 March to Sunday, 15 May – Gateway Galleries, North Haugh, St Andrews. Skyward: a study in Flight. Fifebased photographer, Kit Martin, blurs the lines between art and science in this new exhibition. Turning a contemporary lens on winged-specimens, from the zoological of the Bell Pettigrew Museum, Kit Martin’s artistic reinterpretation invites you to discover the story of St Andrews’ very own pioneer of flight!

Curated by students of the University’s Museum & Gallery Studies. Contact: evf2@st-andrews.ac.uk Wednesday, 16 March – 5.00pm-7.00pm. MUSA The Scores, St Andrews. Perception Lab. Learn about the work of scientists on how to read faces. Try out interactive computer faces! Part of Science Week. All welcome, no booking required. Contact: 01334 461 660.

Friday, 18 March to Sunday, 8 May – 12noon-2.00pm. Church Square, St Andrews. Science Busking.

Illusions, simple experiments as part of Science Week. All welcome.

– Scottish Fisheries Museum, ANSTRUTHER. The Herring Girls: Katie Scarlett Howard. Ceramic sculptures inspired by the Herring Lassies. Contact: 01333 310 628, linda@scotfishmuseum.org Saturday, 19 March to Sunday, 17 April – HOSPITALFIELD HOUSE, ARBROATH. A major exhibition of the work of Graham Fagen based on his Scotland + Venice at the Venice Biennale 2015. Contact: laura@hospitalfield.org.uk

*****

Saturday, 2 April – 9.00am-1.00pm. Argyle Street Car Park. Farmers’ Market.

Thursday, 7 April – 1.15pm-1.45pm. MUSA The Scores. The Maths Collection. Talk by Dr Isobel Falconer on the history of maths at the University, illustrated with mathematical instruments. Free, but please book. Contact: 01334 461 660.

Sunday, 10 April – 3.00pm. New Picture House, North Street. Don Quixote. The Bolshoi Ballet. Contact: 01334 474 902.

Monday, 11 April – 10.00am. All Saints Church Hall, North Castle Street. Intermediate landscape watercolours. New 10-week course. Booking required. Cost: £160. Contact: 01334 473 193.

Wednesday, 13 April – 10.00am. All Saints Church Hall, North Castle Street. Body Parts.

New 10-week course for beginner & intermediate levels. Booking required. Cost £160. Contact: 01334 473 193.

– 7.00pm. All Saints church Hall, North Castle Street. Drawing and painting a portrait in acrylic and oils – part 2. A 10-week course for beginner & intermediate levels. Booking required.

Cost £160. Contact: 01334 473 193.

– 7.30pm. St Andrews Town Hall, Queen’s Gardens. Scottish Ornithologists’ Club (Fife) AGM. Contact: Caroline Gordon 01592 750 230.

Thursday, 14 April – 8.00pm. St Andrews Town Hall, Queen’s Gardens. Tamarind Kitchen. A talk by Sumayya Usmani with live cookery demonstration.

Thursday, 14 and Friday, 15 April – 7.30pm. Younger Hall, North Street. The Yeomen of the Guard by Gilbert & Sullivan, performed by the University’s Gilbert & Sullivan Society. Tickets: £12, £10 concessions, £8 students, £5 Society members. Contact: gssocmail@st-andrews.ac.uk Friday, 15 April – 7.30pm. The Scores Hotel, The Scores. Hidden Gems of Spain: Wine & Charcuterie Tasting. Cost: £32 per person. Contact: 0844 387 6071.

Sunday, 17 April – 2.00pm. New Picture House, North Street.

Giselle. The Royal Ballet. Contact: 01334 474 902.

Thursday, 21 April – 7.00pm. The Barron Theatre, North Street, St Andrews. A joint Mermaids + G&S Society event to mark the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare’s death, with a special evening of works inspired by the Bard. Contact: gssocmail@st-andrews.ac.uk Saturday, 23 April – Younger Hall, North Street. St Andrews Chorus.

Music by Brahms, and Berlioz. Tickets: £12, concessions £10, students £3. Contact: 01334 462 226.

Thursday, 28 April to Sunday, 1 May – Gilbert & Sullivan Day & Weekend. Contact: gssocmail@st-andrews.ac.uk Saturday, 30 April – 2.00pm. Repeat performance : The Barron Theatre, North Street, St Andrews. A joint Mermaids + G&S Society event to mark the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare’s death, with a special work inspired by the Bard. Contact: gssocmail@st-andrews.ac.uk

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ORGANISATIONS From James Hearsum, Director, St Andrews Botanic Garden Trust

The Botanic Garden

For every gardener the wet and windy days of winter are times of reflection and planning. The failures and successes of the past season are reviewed, the seed catalogues are pored over and some of those big jobs get done on trees, hedges, and the like.

It is just the same for us. We look back on a summer season that exceeded our expectations – more visitors, more volunteers, more great reviews and comments. We have achieved this in the face of great challenges, notably the loss of technical and professional service support that was provided by Fife Council. This transition, begun in April, is really just coming to a close as you read this. The ability to look forward is a luxury we are just entering into.

Looking forward is both exhilarating and challenging. This year our theme is ‘Plants and Pollinators’ with a pollinator challenge trail and a Live Flight Tropical Butterfly Experience! Opening at Easter, the sense of excitement is already palpable. There are also wonderful opportunities

to get involved throughout the year. Our most critical need is for Butterfly Exhibit Hosts, and I encourage you to get in touch for perhaps the most wonderful volunteering experience you will ever have.

Hopefully, fun though it is, the weather for seed catalogues by the fire will now be over, and you will be back in your garden. Remember, it is one of the best things you can do for your overall health and wellbeing! And as you venture into your own garden, we look forward to welcoming you back in St Andrews Botanic Garden for a year packed full of activity and wonder.

Email: volunteer@standrewsbotanic.org to express an interest and receive our mailings.

John Birkett reports the

STEPAL: Open meeting No doubt a good number of “Focus” readers They do not automatically object to were among the dozens of local residents any and all new projects – they agree many who attended the first Open Meeting held by are fully justified, or inevitable, but need STEPAL (St Andrews Environmental Protection amelioration. But they believe the town also Association Ltd) on Sunday, 24 needs more publicity about, and January at the Cosmos Centre in often “protection” from, those Abbey Walk. developments in particular which STEPAL is not a “oneare intended to last for several Many visitors trick pony”, although the public decades, affecting successive seemed impressed perception of its own “focus” generations of St Andreans and with the wide has inevitably been its concerns NE Fifers. range of STEPAL’s about Madras College’s possible They see STEPAL’s role relocation to Pipeland Farm. On as complementary to that of activities and the the contrary, the group members the St Andrews Preservation detail of its concerns are multi-taskers riding several Trust, in promoting community horses at once! engagement, and in supporting So the drop-in meeting’s planners and councillors objective was to inform the interested public of when trying to balance adherence to sensible those proposed developments and planning planning policy and procedures against political applications in and around St Andrews, which preferences.

STEPAL feels are worthy of wider debate, The meeting covered displays, stalls, being to the disadvantage of the townscape, and an animated visual display on a large landscape, seascape, and general environment screen, covering the Green Belt, FifePlan, of our Royal Burgh, this unique gem where we TayPlan, Feddinch, West Sands, New Park/ are privileged to live.

Priory Gardens, Southern Hillside, the

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Scottish Government Planning Review, and Pipeland – on all of which STEPAL has made representations to the relevant bodies.

STEPAL supporters gave out information, answered questions, expanded on the visitors’ knowledge, noted their concerns, corrected any misunderstandings.

Many visitors seemed impressed with the wide range of STEPAL’s activities and the detail of its concerns. Others, who had not fully appreciated the rationale for their Pipeland objection, found their arguments well-based and credible, with one even volunteering something like, “you’re not the people you’ve been made out to be”!

The issues raised will be taken into account

by STEPAL at the next open event on Sunday, 6 March, details of which will be publicised nearer the time, but may feature Madras/ Pipeland’s implications for traffic, emergency services, hospital/hospice, biomass plant, and Station Park.

ORGANISATIONS Diana Maccarthy, Director, explains that

Homecare business looks for caring entrepreneurs from Scotland Home Instead Senior Care – the UK’s leading provider of homecare for It is looking for the right type of person, a caring entrepreneur, to older people – is looking for a caring entrepreneur to start a franchise invest in a franchise business for St Andrews, a territory which covers business covering the St Andrews territory.

St Andrews, Glenrothes, and Craighead.

There are now 11.4 million people aged 65 or over in the UK, and that There are 175 franchises that are part of Home Instead Senior Care, number is projected to rise by more than 40 per cent in the next 17 years.

This includes 215 franchisees in total, counting our husband-and-wife The number of older people needing care is set to grow likewise, which teams, who have joined our ranks as caring entrepreneurs. is why Home Instead believes 2016 is the time to care, and is looking for The company focuses on a personalised approach to non-medical like-minded franchisees to become part of its brand journey. home care, ensuring that clients, and the people who deliver care, are Home Instead is led by husband-and-wife matched, based on personal interests, backgrounds, entrepreneurs, Trevor and Sam Brocklebank, who and hobbies. Home care visits last a minimum of one The company focuses on a founded the business in 2005 with a mission to hour, allowing enough time for dignified, quality care personalised approach to ‘change the face of ageing’ in the UK, by raising and companionship to be delivered. non-medical home care standards of home care.

“We call it care that passes the mum test,” says The business is part of a global brand. It is a Chief Executive Trevor Brocklebank. “This means a pioneer of best practice in relationship-led home care. It already helps dignified standard of care that you would want your loved one, and indeed thousands of older people in the UK to live happily and healthily in the yourself, to receive in old age.” comfort and familiarity of their own homes through its bespoke model, “As we look forward to our second decade in the UK, we’re seeking which sees care and companionship delivered hand-in-hand. caring entrepreneurs to become the next generation of our franchise family. We hope to find a franchisee that’s the right fit for the St Andrews territory in 2016”, explains Ruth Brown, Head of Franchise Development.

“Our franchisees want to make a difference to society through their own business endeavours. They feel passionate about quality care for our ageing population.”

An unrivalled level of support is offered to new franchisees by Home Instead’s experienced team at National Office. A 180-day bespoke training programme marks the start of the new franchisee’s journey with a lifetime of support in fields including marketing, IT, standards, care, and finance.

Ruth added, “We have a proven model as part of a global bestpractice brand, and a wealth of experience in our national office team and existing franchisees, all of which is made available to caring entrepreneurs who invest in our brand.”

Ruth Brown

For more information about franchise opportunities with Home Instead Senior Care, visit: www.homeinstead.co.uk/franchise Call: 01925 732 466 or email: franchiseinfo@homeinstead.co.uk

Leuchars Station £10 Dundee City Centre £25

Print & Design

Edinburgh Airport £70 We welcome commercial enquiries St Katharine’s West, 16 The Scores St Andrews, Fife KY16 9AX

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

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ORGANISATIONS Izzy Corbin reports on

The Senior Citizens’ Annual Treat Friday, 15 January, 2016 at the Town hall worthwhile cause. The sponsors have been was yet again the venue for this much-loved absolutely amazing. This year there was a little party, which our elderly citizens look so much more money available, which meant that there forward to, especially with the dark dreich days were more raffle prizes than before. Raffle of January and February on the horizon, so tickets are free to all the guests, so it was it was the focus of a welcome reprieve from really lovely to see a lot of happiness because the January blues. Despite the day being of the ability to provide extra prizes. rather cold and frosty, the party was really Music was provided by the fabulous Bruce well attended. Invites are sent to 200 Senior Lindsay and friends, some of whom come Citizens. Sadly there are those who are unable over from Ireland. We were also blessed to make the party for one reason or another, with a fantastic singer, who had the voice but they frequently ask if their ticket can be of an angel, and of course Bruce, ever the given to a friend or relative. The lists of guests comedian, gave some recitals along with his can vary every year and is constantly getting usual banter and jokes. We were very lucky to added to, as citizens get have our retired Reverend to know about the event.

David Day, who came out The event has been run of retirement especially for Massive ‘Thanks’ go to for many years now, as this event to say ‘Grace’. the sponsors for all their St Andrews Events. It was Madras College and originally the awesome idea support over many years for St Leonards pupils were started by Ken Crichton, a on hand throughout the this very worthwhile cause long-standing Community event keeping the guests Councillor, who sadly well fed and watered, through failing health, can working hard in every no longer run it, although he does frequently possible way, topping up tea and coffee correct the new organiser, Izzy Corbin for any whenever needed. Their input was absolutely mistakes! Izzy runs the event as St Andrews invaluable, they continued working hard, Enterprises. keeping a really cheery demeanour; it was a All donations come from the businesses real pleasure to have had the opportunity to within the town, for example the R&A, the have worked with them. Paul Jones, a teacher Rotary Club on the Scores, Pagan Osborne. at Madras, was also on hand towards the end Massive ‘Thanks’ go to the sponsors for all of the event helping clear up. Paul has helped their support over many years for this very me in the past, and again has been invaluable.

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Massive ‘Thanks’ go to my family, Callum, Laura, Lewis, and a long-standing friend Wullie Rennie, together with the ladies from the Arthritis Club, Jan and Veronica, Elspeth, and all those who gave valuable contributions of their time, and raffle prizes. ‘Thanks’ also go to the Hall keepers, who make my life so much easier – nothing is too much trouble.

The event, which is completely free for the guests, was absolutely brilliant, went really well. It was enjoyed by everyone, giving patrons a chance to reminisce, talk, enjoy one another’s company and enjoy the entertainment together. Some of the guests were able to meet up with friends they had not seen for months. ‘Thank You’ to all the lovely patrons who attended, as without them the party could not have taken place.

Passion is the motivation behind this free event. Being a St Andrean born and bred, it is nice to be able to give the townspeople a little something back, especially when getting a little older sometimes means loneliness.

If any of you would like to make a comment or be placed on the list for next year’s party please feel free to contact me: 01334 208 836 or email: izzy50@btinternet.com

ORGANISATIONS Alan S Morrison, ASM Media & PR

Fascinating stories and vital information at St Andrews Business Club events What links St Andrews businesses to Internet hackers, the Haig whisky filtration system can help any business meet strict new Government dynasty, meat tenderness, and social media? legislation coming into effect in Scotland this year, if it puts fruit or The answer is the events held by St Andrews Business Club over vegetable peel down the drain. A wonderful example of necessity being the last few months. And, as Jiminy Cricket would say, there are more to the mother of a brilliant invention. come!

The sellout pre-Christmas The Club’s new free evening breakfast meeting heard serial seminar series on business issues, technology entrepreneur-turned sponsored by Business Gateway Fife business angel Kevin Grainger and open to anyone doing business share his story of how moving in the area, began in September from the physics he learned at with Pauline Randall of social media St Andrews University writing consultancy Florizel Media going computer software led to the through the key factors to consider development of database-driven when using LinkedIn for one’s websites, a string of successful business. She showed, among other businesses and the creation of the things some hilarious profile photos St Andrews-based EOS Technology you shouldn’t use if you want to make Investment Syndicate. His top tips a good first impression. for anyone seeking angel funding: The Internet remained the focus they’re looking for, 1. People – who at the next seminar, when IT security understand their market and product expert Wynn Jones of Dunfermlineintimately and with whom investors based Praetorian Security warned can enjoy a good rapport; 2. Product of the most common causes of – the right product at the right time; vulnerability which lead to penetration 3. Potential Market – this needs to be of business systems by hackers. Key globally scalable; 4.Potential Exit – point – human beings are the weakest ideal ventures should have identified For annual Club membership of just £30, plus point – not the computers! their potential exit as well as growth £15 per breakfast attendance, you can gain In January, Laura Goodfellow of strategy.

Interface, the Scottish body promoting Just as entertaining as well as access to a lot of expert insights innovative business/academic interesting was the January career collaborations, told the audience at The New Golf Club how companies story from serial science and technology entrepreneur Aubrey Thompson. can approach working with Academia to develop new products, He explained how his career has taken him from degrees in Applied processes, and services which lead to increased turnover, profits, Physics and Applied Chemistry in Dublin to creating the first medical and productivity. It’s worth doing – 79% of businesses surveyed have ultrasound machines, ‘talking bus stops’, mobile phones, drones, and ship increased, or predict they will increase their turnover as a result. wrecks.

This month Club members and guests are due to gain an insight into Away from the regular venues, Club members brought in the festive ‘Financial Planning – New Rules, New Opportunities’ from three speakers season with a privileged insight into the story behind St Andrews’ newest from Thorntons Investment Management. five-star hotel, Eden Mansion. Its owners hosted a pre-Christmas The other innovation introduced by new Club President Alistair Lang champagne reception and guided tour. Once the family home of the Haig was the ‘My Story’ theme for the speakers at the monthly breakfast dynasty, its liveried staff now serve guests including the top management meetings at the Scores Hotel, which are now members-only. of Rolex.

First into the spotlight was serial agri-entrepreneur Sir Henry Aykroyd, For annual Club membership of just £30, plus £15 per breakfast CEO of Guardbridge-based Intelligent Growth Solutions, who gave a attendance, you can gain access to a lot of expert insights, as well as fascinating trip through his CV. From pioneering the growing of latehigh-level contacts…including the Editor of this magazine! season carrots in the late 1980s, becoming Tesco’s dedicated supplier of organic carrots, to growing miniature vegetables for Michelin-starred restaurants, he’s done it all. Now he is focussed on pioneering ‘vertical Full details of the upcoming seminars, breakfast meetings and agriculture’ technologies to address the global issues of food security and how to join are available on the Club’s website: water scarcity through competitive low-cost production solutions. http://businessclub.standrews.co.uk Next into the morning confessional slot was Malcolm Wood of Ballingry-based fruit and vegetable wholesaler, Ivan Wood & Sons. He explained the development of the business and how his Eco Peel Tech (Photo montage courtesy Alan Morrison)

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OUT & ABOUT Tim Hardie’s

Nature Notes Having now kept hens for many years I have always refrained from trying to feed the wild population as well. Whether or not this comes from being a tight Scotsman I don’t know, but with hens the deal is quite simple; you feed them twice a day and in return you receive a lovely fresh egg – it seems perfect to me.

Spotted woodpecker

The idea of feeding wild birds as well always seemed a one-sided deal. I was convinced I had no need to bother, as half the British public seems to spend fortunes indulging these handsome little fellows.

This all changed this year, when I noticed a redundant bird table in my late Father’s garden.

Barn owl This free table and Nature Notes meant it was a no brainer! efficient silent assassin than the owl, who works Needless to say, the table is now sitting in the dark unseen by man. proudly outside our kitchen window, and I have The many pheasants released in the now become an avid feeder of our wild birds. summer are now well dispersed around the After a slow start, the tits soon arrived followed county. The mild winter has not been conducive by a very pretty little fellow with a patchwork to good shooting, so there are likely to be many jacket, this being the relatively common spotted unscathed come the end of the season. As I woodpecker. The dye is now cast and I am write, there is no settled cold committed to feeding into the weather on the horizon, but as spring, but not a day longer! we all know, January, February, Winter so far, has been I have now March can be the harshest of very mild. Since the end of months, particularly hard on December you could count the become an avid wildlife. nightly frosts on one hand, but feeder of our I heard a vixen barking for a the amount of rain in November mate a couple of weeks ago. It and December has been wild birds was a lovely quiet moonlit night, horrendous. Thankfully there and her shrieking was travelling have been some lovely, mild, dry far into the night. I imagine days interspersed with the rain she will be pregnant now, somehow having to and wind. stay safe until giving birth in March. Although Our lovely tawny, barn, and little owls, which her chances of surviving are quite remote, I are fairly numerous in this part of the world, hope she does. The fox is a great survivor, will not be enjoying this weather. They require considering man’s animosity. quiet still evenings for good hunting. Thankfully the stubble fields are largely unploughed, the (Photos courtesy John Anderson field margins perfect for catching a little field (Crail Birder: www.pbase.com/crail_birder)) mouse unawares. There is probably not a more

Alistair Lawson of ScotWays says he has

Three Thoughts on a Thursday Our editor’s deadline is always the 28th of alternative months, which, this time around, falls on a Thursday, hence the above title. Lest anyone thinks otherwise, I can generally manage more than three thoughts per day!

Quiz: The accompanying photo, courtesy of my Lanarkshire walking buddy, Brian Cairns, begs a question – where is it? There are plenty clues, of course, and all that curious readers need to do is get out a map of East Fife, find the named places, plot the distances, and thereby work back to where the milestone must be situated. Easier than your daily crossword? Probably. Our editor doesn’t run prize quizzes, so your reward is simply the satisfaction of cracking the problem.

Question: It is often said that life in St Andrews is akin to living in a bubble, and I wonder how many readers have ever managed to break out of the bubble to the extent of visiting the places on the milestone, none of which is very far away? Reach for your boots and rucksacks, reach for your bike and go do it today. Question / challenge: is it possible to visit these places using only rights of way, core paths, or the right of open access, rather than the public roads? Once again ... no prizes.

Quest: While the milestone pictured has clearly had loving care lavished on it, there were, at one time, many more by our roadsides – one every mile, on some roads – but most of them have been lost, either in the frenzy of modern road-building or in amongst rampant roadside vegetation. Perhaps some of our preservation-minded readers would like to hunt out those unloved milestones, bring them to the attention of appropriate organisations and lobby for their restoration. Further, perhaps there is an organisation out there that would consider replacing missing milestones with new ones? Surely a worthwhile project?

(Photo courtesy Brian Cairns)

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OUT & ABOUT Arlen Pardoe

Hidden Gems in St Andrews (in plain view)

Focussing on features that are in plain sight, but often overlooked Gates A gate is a point of entry to a space enclosed by walls or fences and is usually made of metal or wood.

Other terms include yett and port both of which are found in St Andrews (for example, Teinds Yett : the West Port, though the latter no longer has a gate). The term door is usually applied to the entry of a building. What makes a gate more interesting is the individual features that characterise any particular one. St Andrews has many unique examples of ornate work. Some gates include the name of the property, whilst others bear a sign, a logo, or a symbol, either for decoration or for information.

(Photos courtesy Arlen Pardoe)

Oliphant gate St Leonards school

All Saints’ Church N. Castle Street

The Presbytery The Scores

St John’s Garden, Market Street

Old Bakery Crail’s Lane

Beach House Golf Place

Rose Park City Road

Kinbrae Argyle Street

Teinds Yett, Abbey Walk

Baptist Church South Street

Bowling Club Pipeland Road

St John’s South Street

St John’s Gate St Mary’s

St James’ Church, The Scores

South Street

Greyfriars Garden

South Street

Butts Wynd

Chestney House, Market Street

Holy Trinity Church, South Street

Scores Hotel, The Scores

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