St Andrews in Focus Issue 78 Sep Oct 2016

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

September/October 2016 Issue 78, £2.00

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

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

From the Editor Birds puzzle me. I have goldfinches, greenfinches, chaffinches, bullfinches, blackbirds, sparrows, blue and great tits, an occasional thrush, and for the second year running none of them is singing. I’ve opened my window several times at the crack of dawn (sometime between 2.00am and 3.00am) hoping to hear a dawn chorus – nothing. The only bird in my garden singing, apart from the pesky wood pigeons and gulls, is the faithful wren. A blackbird did try a rather half-hearted attempt at singing, mostly to himself, before giving up completely. Rachel Carson wrote about a silent spring, but she was talking of an Apocalypse. I garden organically and everything is thriving. We do live in strange times! A year or two ago I was startled one dark November evening to hear a blackbird in full voice in a tree in South Street; none of the passers-by seemed remotely interested. I have recorded both blackbirds and thrushes in my garden before last year. A sparrow hawk has occasionally visited, but things generally returned to normal thereafter. Can anyone suggest a reason for my silent birds?

Flora Selwyn

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The views expressed elsewhere in this magazine are not necessarily those of the Editor. © St Andrews in Focus (2003) SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 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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Contents FEATURES • Community Council • John Cameron’s column • Michel Joullie • Lunch in Anstruther • Wild Horses • Reviews: – Endgame: Poems New & Used – Scotland: A Literary Guide for Travellers

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SPECIAL DOUBLE PAGE FEATURE • St Andrews’ Leper Hospital

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SHOPS & SERVICES • Recruit for Spouses • Neck Pain • Roving Reporter

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PULL-OUT FEATURE • Concert Diary

15-18

TOWN & GOWN • Saints Sport • New: children’s orchestra • Inploi • Michael Buchanan reflects • Bell Rock House

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EVENTS • Play True • St Athernase • A summer concert • Football trophies • Selected Events

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ORGANISATIONS • Families First • Award for John Sturrock • The HORTI • BID St Andrews • Probus Club

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OUT & ABOUT • A labyrinth • Nature Notes • Walking • Hidden Gems

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NEXT ISSUE – Nov/Dec 2016 COPY DEADLINE: STRICTLY 28 SEPTEMBER

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

Cover: ‘Pier Walkers’, an original photo by Gerald McGarry

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FEATURES Callum McLeod, from the Provost’s Chair

The Royal Burgh of St Andrews Community Council It is a great pleasure, but an even greater privilege, to have been elected in May to be Chairman of the Royal Burgh of St Andrews Community Council, a statutory representative body which I would like to see increasingly at the heart of this ancient, but vibrant and forward-looking community, squeezed into this little neuk of Scotland, home to its citizens, destination for its many visitors, and a more than significant player on the world stage in the fields of learning and sport.

In introducing myself as incoming Chairman, I should like to pay tribute to my immediate predecessor, Howard Greenwell, and thank him for his service to his community: I am delighted that Howard is continuing to serve as a community councillor; he has been charged with reinvigorating our Recreation Committee.

The Burgh of St Andrews, with its all its diverse and sometimes contradictory elements, is certainly unique – it is, of course, a small Scottish town with a fairly high proportion of retired residents, but throughout the winter we welcome large numbers of young people from all over the world to study here; we jealously guard our right to play a few holes of golf after work of an evening, but we also welcome people from around the globe, including the greats of golf, royalty, and presidents, who see visiting that same piece of green links ground as akin to a holy pilgrimage.

Serving such a community, then, is not only a privilege, it is also great fun. Having come as a student to the university in 1978 (and, thanks to Mrs Thatcher’s higher education cutbacks in the 1980s, one of the few to hold a degree in Music from that ancient institution), I first taught at Madras College (where my son Jonathan is currently a pupil, having followed his three brothers there). I first joined the Community Council in 1986 when there were 24 members, and interest in it was great enough to have an actual election.

The late ‘80s and early ‘90s were something of a golden age for the Community Council, I think, perhaps to some extent because there was no home internet, no emails, social media, or the dozens

of television channels available today. Life seemed to move at a slower pace and there was a greater appetite for participation in community activities, a revival in which we are now seeing.

Under the then-chairman, Keith McCartney, now representing St Andrews on Fife Council, a plethora of successful initiatives took place – a 200 Club was established (still going), which provided funding for tree-planting, public benches, photography, local history competitions, and so on. In 1991 we marked the (somewhat notional) 850th Anniversary of the establishment of the Burgh with outdoor performances of the “Masque of St Andrews” and a service in the grounds of the Cathedral, both attended by hundreds of people. Like many community councillors, I went on to serve on North East Fife District Council.

I mention these events from the past, which many readers will perhaps remember or even have been involved in, because it is my wish and intention to see the standing and profile of the Community Council rise in the public eye – my fellow community councillors, are, I know, as eager as I am to see this happen – many are already (and have been for years) heavily involved in various exciting and varied projects.

I will return to all of these in due course; in the meantime, I welcome hearing from you at callummac@aol.com or at 01334 478 584.

Dum spiro spero.

(Photo courtesy Callum McLeod)

John Cameron’s Column As a son of the manse I was brought up with three brothers; I did notice that manse girls tended to be either frighteningly formidable, or totally “off-the-wall”, so I am unsurprised that two of the former now run Germany and Britain.

Angela Merkel was born in Hamburg to Lutheran Pastor Horst Kasner, who decided to take on a parish in East Germany, where she was brought up bilingual in German and Russian, and read Physics in the University of Leipzig. She was briefly married to fellow student Ulrich Merkel before becoming a research scientist in Berlin’s Academy of Sciences, gaining her PhD in 1986. She then seized the opportunity to enter politics after the fall of the Berlin Wall.

In the first all-German elections in 1990 she was elected to represent the East German town Stralsund, and was taken under the wing of Chancellor Helmut Kohl, becoming a highly competent Minister for Women and Youth.

Her Equal Opportunities Act greatly improved women’s professional status, while every child

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rightly suspecting that her eyes were on the was given a kindergarten place – a major step main prize. Instead of promoting her to Foreign forward for Germany. By 2000 she was head Secretary in his last reshuffle, he kept her in the of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU).

Home Office. It was Cameron’s unforced error Now married to Joachim Sauer, a leading of calling a Brexit referendum that gave this scientist, she defeated Gerhard Schröder in the austere and remote politician, who shuns the Bundestag elections becoming Germany’s first media and refuses to expose her private life, a female Federal Chancellor – a position she has clear run to the top. filled with great distinction.

She is the most formidable Tory leader Theresa May is just two years younger, also since Margaret Thatcher. While she looks just the daughter of a Protestant clergyman and, as tough, she is unquestionably smarter and a like Merkel, a non-ideological politician with a lot less shrill, never acting without a thorough ruthless streak, who gets on with the job and risk assessment. In an has never, ever, shown a awesome speech as Home “wild side”. Educated at a I did notice that manse Secretary she silenced the Catholic private school and girls tended to be either Police Federation, fixing a grammar school-turned state comprehensive, she frighteningly formidable, them with an icy stare, relentlessly listing the read geography at Oxford, or totally “off-the-wall” corruption, incompetence where she met her husband and gross misconduct that Philip May, who ditched had scarred policing for more than 20 years. his own considerable political ambitions for her ‘Mutti’ Angela has had her poll-tax moment in career settling for investment banking. that reckless refugee invitation – a wound that As has been cruelly observed, both women will simply not stop bleeding. I find it hard to are childless, but they have strong marriages imagine ‘Mother’ Theresa making such a prat while sharing a passion for Alpine hiking; yet fall, but we shall see. no-one has ever thought of Theresa as his “little girl”, as Helmut Kohl did of Angela. In fact David Cameron was wary of Theresa,

FEATURES Michel Joullie chatted to Flora Selwyn about

A Personal ‘Auld Alliance’ At a dinner organised by the St Andrews-Loches Alliance, at which the events, to raise funds for his Humanitarian Association Aodai Apsara, guest of honour was the French Consul General, Emmanuel Cocher, I which he runs for disadvantaged children in Vietnam and Cambodia. So met Michel and his wife Clare. We got chatting, leading to a realisation he invited Richard Michael to Paris for a fundraising concert, hosting him that the Auld Alliance between France and Scotland still manifests on a and his family in Michel’s home in St-Germain. personal level.

Michel says he inherited his scientist father’s charitable links with Born in Saint-Germain-en-Laye, Ile de France, a town steeped in Africa. Feeling privileged Westerners, Michel and his family believe history, Michel reminded me that Louis XIV was born there in 1638, while strongly that we should give something back. Michel, therefore, through, in 1688 James VII of Scotland (aka James his Humanitarian Association helps with II of England), following religious conflicts the education of homeless children both at home, exiled himself there, dying in Vietnam and Cambodia.

13 years later. Michel met and married An accomplished sculptor, a picture Clare in St-Germain, where they have an in the Maritime Museum in Liverpool apartment to which they regularly return. inspired the bronze of a child sitting on Working for Alitalia, Michel travelled a trunk looking lost, “as a kind of tribute widely, including in Africa. Promoted to to poor people who don’t know where to Director of a travel network, Michel then go.’’ Michel wishes very fervently to share being based in Marseilles. “I discovered his views on refugees, “With regard to an interest in tourism, including in golf, refugees I believe that we have a duty which I wanted to specialize in.” He to address these problems. Today we became Director of Golf National in Paris, can’t just reject, not tolerate, exclude which will host the Ryder Cup in 2018. people. We have to confront the situation Golf is the reason for Michel’s love and with the will to find organised humane involvement with St Andrews, coming here solutions and constructive international 25 years ago for the first time. “We were cooperation. My sculpture of a migrant so impressed with the character of the city, bears witness to something which has and the art of living here in St Andrews, also impacted the United Kingdom in the history of the town and the traditions of the 20th Century and which cannot be Scotland. We were also impressed by so ignored. It is, too, a symbol of human many golf courses, such a popular game, distress in the face of an unknown future which was not at that time the same in for the migrant. What kind of world France where golf was restricted to private In his retirement Michel has reinvented awaits? All this reflects my feelings clubs. We have discovered golf as a true and what I want to share.’’ He intends himself, and is busier than ever! sport. Finally we became true golfers, and to gift the sculpture to the Museum of we like it very much.”

Immigration in Paris, to demonstrate his Still living mainly in France, the Joullies wanted to see what winter empathy for migrants. “I do trust in the cooperation between countries in was like here. Clare was worried about the early nights and possible cold, Europe as a guarantee of peace. I trust all the scientists, artists, teachers, but having sampled our winter this year the couple are delighted! It was and all those people working together improving our world.’’ made particularly enjoyable for Michel because, as a clarinetist, he joined For the past 6 years at the International Golf Fellowship Week the Music Centre’s StAFCO (St Andrews and Fife Community Orchestra) in St Andrews, Michel has awarded an annual Auld Alliance Trophy under the direction of Gillian Craig. (based on the Claret Cup) at the New Club; he describes the Week as, One of Michel’s four sons, Mervyn, gained his PhD in Peace & “a competition between St Andrews and the rest of the world. It’s really Conflict here at the University, working afterwards for the Red Cross in enjoyable.’’

Mali, then with the Danish Council for Refugees in the Republic of Congo.

In August, in Brittany on Ile Grande, Michel planned a showing of One brother works in logistics, one in the golf industry, while the oldest the film (with French subtitles) of Whisky Galore, because people there works in HSBC bank. remember a similar story around the coast of Brittany. Also in Brittany Michel and his wife have been coming more and more to St Andrews, Michel owns an old sailing boat called the ‘James Braid’ as a tribute to not as simple visitors, but “to integrate, enjoy the social life.’’ Going every the golfer. It flies both the Breton flag and the Saltire flag. Michel has also day to the Younger Hall Music Centre to practise his clarinet as well as sculpted James Braid in terre cuite (terracotta). He learned to sculpt “only the piano, Michel also attends lessons in jazz improvisation with Richard 5 years ago’’ in St-Germain, “it’s a nice relaxation, I like it very much.’’

Michael, ‘one of Scotland’s most versatile musicians, who has influenced In his retirement Michel has reinvented himself, and is busier than a generation of teachers and students with his innovative methods.’ (the ever!

Internet reveals). Michel organises concerts in Paris, as well as other

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FEATURES Gordon Jarvie

Lunch at Anstruther, a Haiku

Ruth Walker

Wild Horses

For Jennifer and Roger Quin Sitting at table we watch white horses at play a mesmeric sea Battle is raging our coast the front line in a Hokusai woodcut Boats at the harbour crash and dance in the maelstrom hark at their havoc Flapping and belling weird noises in the background proclaim a real storm The picture window tells a whole story but too soon lunch is over

Comfort did not exist when I was young, a schoolgirl asleep in a wind rattled dorm preparing to face the great world beyond the stony confines of these grim surrounds.

I remember my dream, such a vivid scene a fairground, like our local Lammas Fair and horses riding in a steady stream of glorious colour: Indian Red dove tailed with subtle blue in a silent film.

There was no loud music, no jostling crowds.

(Perhaps all our dreams are voiceless movies.)

For that whole week I carried my dream around with me, until the day came when I could put it down in paint. From my high eyrie in the school Art Room I could see the sky above the walls and give my restless steeds free rein at last.

(Anstruther harbour by Peter Adamson)

This vivid dream while a schoolgirl at St Leonards inspired Ruth Walker to become an artist, much celebrated today. Illustrated by part of a lithograph by Ruth Walker, with her kind permission.

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FEATURES: REVIEWS Garry MacKenzie reviews

Endgame: Poems New & Used

by Gordon Jarvie Published in London by Greenwich Exchange 2016, price £11.99

Crail-based poet Gordon Jarvie published his memoir with poems, A Man Passing Through, in 2014.

Combining brief autobiographical chapters with groups of poems on related subjects, it’s an entertaining and often moving book.

Gordon describes his latest book Endgame as a ‘postscript’ to Passing Through, as it includes additional sections on subjects such as his time in Africa and, only marginally less exotic, his reflections on life in the East Neuk.

In Endgame there’s a lot of variety to the poems, which range from elegies for departed friends to ‘stomping poems’ written for children (with the accompaniment of clapping hands and stomping feet).

The natural world is a recurring subject, including several keenly-observed yet charming poems about local birdlife. ‘Six Herons at Cambo’ describes the group of birds which regularly gathers in a field near Kingsbarns – any traveller on the 95 bus to St Andrews will know them well. For Gordon they are ‘a rural presbytery’, with one of the birds appearing like a ‘minister chairing a clutch of elders’. Another group of popular local birds, the fulmars, which nest on the cliffs above Crail harbour, are celebrated in

another poem: ‘Fulmars are the only birds I can think of / that seem to fly for the simple joy of it.’ Isn’t this a perfect description of their flight, so seemingly effortless and elegant?

St Andrews’ birdlife also gets a mention, albeit a less glamorous one, in ‘Harbour Scene with Swans’. The poet encounters a woman from the RSPB carrying cygnets in ‘a grubby old towel’. Having caused a disturbance in the Morrison’s carpark, they’re being relocated to a more suitable location near East Sands.

Endgame is more than a collection of poems about birds, however. In the second chapter, ‘The People Come and Go’, there are a number of sombre verse farewells to friends and fellow poets. Alongside these is a happier poem, ‘Birthday Girl: For Abigail’, which marks the birth of Gordon’s first grandchild. She was born 15 August 2013, and the poem begins in a spirit of play and adventure:

Despite the fact that many of the poems draw on the poet’s own experiences, Endgame also looks outward. Toward the end of the book is a sequence of poems that reflect on the interactions and differences between Scottishness and Englishness: questions of accent, nationhood and the ‘mither tongue’ loom large; Gordon also revels in the richness of Scotland’s place names. Endgame is a rewarding read which, whilst rooted in St Andrews and the East Neuk, ranges far and wide, and deserves a similarly wide readership.

You share your day in August with Napoleon, so on that day we’ll fly the pirate flag of Corsica The poem ends in a more reflective vein, noting that grandchildren tend to grow up all too quickly: So here’s a word to the wise. Time flies.

Don’t say you’ve not been warned.

Gordon Javie and Brodie by Peter Adamson (Photo courtesy Gordon Jarvie)

Gordon Jarvie reviews

Scotland: A Literary Guide for Travellers

by Garry MacKenzie Published in London by I B Tauris, 2016. Available at all good bookshops price £16.99 Garry MacKenzie’s new book, Scotland: A Literary Guide for Travellers is a veritable Cook’s Tour – if not a Baedeker – for literary tourists. It is a wholly appropriate addition to a growing and discriminating series that contains already-published literary guides to Andalucía, Berlin, Florence and Tuscany, The French Riviera, Sicily, Tangier, and Venice. The Scottish title will delight many natives and visitors alike. The author is a well-read native Scot, and this book shows him to be a worthy contributor to an established project. The text carries its author’s literary knowledge lightly, with many a confident aperçu and humorous or quirky comment. And it is up to date, with references to many of the new kids on the block (Kirsty Gunn, Kathleen Jamie, Andrew O’Hagan, Irvine Welsh, et al ), as well as to the old faithfuls (Scott, Burns, Hogg, Stevenson) and much that sits betwixt and between. Also, and importantly, many “furth of Scotland” contributors to the Scottish scene receive due attention (the Wordsworths, Jules Verne, George Orwell, J K Rowling, et al ). And what of non-fiction? David Hume, Adam Smith, Thomas Carlyle are here. Nature writing? John Muir, Gavin Maxwell, Robert Macfarlane are here. A wide net is spread.

The book shows Scotland to be possessed of a literary landscape par excellence, whether Glasgow or Edinburgh, the Borders or the Trossachs, Lowlands or Highlands, islands or mountains, Ayrshire or Fife. The book therefore has a more-than-adequate index of places as well as writers, a necessary user-friendly feature allowing the reader to dip and delve easily and widely.

“Scotland small ? Our multi-form, our infinite Scotland small ?” asks Hugh MacDiarmid rhetorically in a poem of that two-word title (then answering himself as verbosely as he alone could). Scotland may be territorially small perhaps – for example, if compared with the USA or Canada. But the reader may be forgiven for concluding that Scotland has been given over to writing in all genres like almost no other place on earth. Indeed it appears to have functioned as a scriptorium of writers good, bad and indifferent for many hundreds of years. Garry MacKenzie is an ideal author to tackle such a challenging and herculean task – approaching it as he does with the zest, enthusiasm, humour and clear vision of youth, and steering well clear of the platitudinous and repetitious tendencies of old age.

A book like this is all the better for not being a total compendium.

It is a generous and judicious oversight of a fascinatingly crowded landscape.

Describing the New Town of Edinburgh in the 18th century, MacKenzie states that it “follows a thoroughly rational design: its broad streets, neat squares and geometric layout positively scream (or rather, enunciate elegantly) the Age of Enlightenment . . .” How apt is that authorial bracket! There are many such light touches in this delightful book. My hope is that the author may have the opportunity to give his book a new lease of life in ten years’ time with a full second edition. Either that, or a chunky volume II. This is an ongoing story, in good hands.

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SPECIAL FEATURE Jurek Alexander Pütter

St Andrews’ Leper Hospital A cross bearer and a priest led the burial procession as it emerged from the north side of the Leper Hospital of St Nicholas-outwith-the-walls, making the short walk eastwards flanked by the apple and pear orchard, into the Hospital graveyard adjacent to the sea. The gardeners lined the path.

Sheltered from the breeze by the east range, the cortege threaded its way through the forest of wooden crosses towards the grave dug the previous day in the sandy dune soil.

That morning, the six pall bearers, lepers to a man, carried their deceased brother leper pilgrim on a door, that ubiquitous, traditional symbol of the ‘Doorway to Paradise’. It was a ritual, solemn and sacred, that they had participated in many times before. They had buried many of their number at intervals along their pilgrim ‘Camino’ or Highway, to their destination at the Holy Shrine of St Andrew.

Their journey had begun two years previously. They had all fallen victim to the little-understood scourge of Leprosy, that capricious defacing disease, respecting neither man nor woman, young nor old, nor made any distinction between rich and poor, prince or peasant. The shock of being ostracized by a population fearful of contamination, from all walks of society, being condemned to a life of being ‘living dead’, dismayed, demoralized and shamed many of the afflicted. They had originally been twelve men from all walks of life. Two had been lesser knights who had fought in the crusades; another a successful town lawyer. Two had been City clerks and had led safe sedentary lives. There was a baker and two carpenters with calloused hands as was the stonemason. Last but not least there were a tanner, a weaver, and a tinsmith. All were from Southern England; all had been married, and many had children from whom they were now separated. They had met three years ago whilst ‘on the road’ working their unhappy ways from one Leper Hospital to another. Yet all twelve of them – the Twelve Apostles as they came to name themselves – had shared the common denominator of having been on pilgrimages, local, National, and International. Three had been to Santiago de Compostella in Spain; another two to Bruges, and two to Rome.

Most had been to Glastonbury and Canterbury, and all to the Shrine of the Blessed Virgin Mary at Walsingham. None of them had been north of Kings Lynn.

Something of a common purpose had sprung up among them; a desire, a need, something at first vague and indefinable. They had started at first to begin the ‘wander’ as a group; there was undoubtedly, strength in numbers.

Also collectively, despite some infirmity, they were all mobile, with a considerable range of skills. The Lawyer became their spokesman, the clerks their accountant and treasurer, and the knights their muscle. Despite their affliction, they had all remained men of faith. By and large they came to reject the idea that Christ was punishing them for some past sins, or abandoning them. The idea of embracing some noble spiritual cause that might strengthen their lives, or what remained of them, began to take hold forming, then rapidly congealing into the act of making one last great difficult pilgrimage to a distant Holy Shrine, all within a realistic timescale. For that reason, because they had never travelled north, they chose St Andrews, greatest of the Pilgrim Shrines north of Walsingham. Once there, their aim was to spend the last years of their lives in prayer and contemplation in the Leper Hospital of St Nicholas, within sight and sound of the Holy City, Jerusalem of the North.

It was, as they all acknowledged, a farewell to the lands, towns, and villages of their births and lives up to that point. But, it was made easier by the fact that they had become strangers, unwelcome at that, in their England south of the Thames. Turning their backs, shaking off the dust from their

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shoes in a former homeland, which had rejected them, they set off. They reckoned that with their various infirmities, it would take two years, wintering at either York or Durham. They were not the only leper group venturing north. From time to time they would gather intelligence about the options of the various routes, shrines, and Leper Hospitals en route. They started at St Albans, headed to Cambridge, Ely, and Walsingham. They took in lesser shrines and were prepared to deviate, as they did westwards to Coventry, retracing their steps back to Kings Lynn and Boston to Lincoln. It was at Lincoln that they acquired a small cart and a donkey from Lepers who could no longer walk and were hospitalized there. It was a godsend, for now they had a means of transporting tents they had bought en route, thus reducing their dependency on hospice accommodation.

Alms they received as well as occasional remote field laboring, rough-and-ready carpentry, and dry dyking. They wintered at York. A year had passed.

Miraculously none had contracted lesions of the foot, though the number of fingers lost to disease began to rise. Some were losing their looks as noses were deformed and lost. Despite what was to be expected, they retained something of their good humour. Black humour became an art form in itself; they surprised themselves by their light-heartedness, amplified by the fact that they had survived half the journey with a severe winter that had carried off droves of their fellow sufferers.

York gave way to Durham and the great Cistercian Abbeys in between.

The topography began to change, while the flat plains of Lincolnshire and Yorkshire seemed a distant memory. The land emptied of people. Towns and hamlets were further apart. The windswept empty Duneland of Northumberland’s coast they liked, for they could walk the beaches barefoot and immerse themselves in the sea. They walked the emerging causeway to Holy Island, camping in the dunes near the beaches where the Vikings had landed centuries before, whose memory was still alive. The Roman roads, some still reasonably intact, ran out at Berwick-on-Tweed. At Dunbar they first caught sight of the south Fife coast; as the crow flies they were told that St Andrews was only twenty-six miles, tantalisingly close. A ferry could take them from North Berwick to the Statio Maritimus Anstroyensis at Anstruther, but it was a luxury denied to Lepers.

So they went by the great estuary of the Firth of Forth, which presented many stunning Venduta pellegrinaggio – the Pilgrims’ Views; North Berwick to Fife; The Lammermoor hilltop Hospital at Soutra Mains overlooking the Lothians; Edinburgh; Fife; The Pentlands; the Lomond Hills of Fife; Reres Hill and the Shrine to the Blessed Virgin Mary overlooking Earlsferry; and back over the Forth to the Lothians. From Dunbar to Reres Hill and St Andrews took six weeks.

They had made it. They had stood atop the tower at St Nicholas and gazed at the Cathedral of St Andrews. But time, distance, and disease had taken their toll. The weaver and one of the knights died during the night of their second week.

The Carpenters, with two hands between them, fashioned the ‘door without locks’. The Weaver, also their tailor, was interred first in his best clothes, but shrouded, a Scallop shell and pilgrim tokens made by the tinsmith, laid on his chest.

The Knight followed that same day, similarly bedecked, and carried to the grave on the same door. Yes, they mourned at the gravesides, yet were strangely elated, oddly happy, not just for their departed Companions of the Camino, but for their own accomplishment in adversity. With roughened voices they bade their farewells with the departing pilgrims’ traditional prayer, the ‘Nunc Dimittis’: ‘Now Lord, you let your servant depart in peace, for I have seen the Glory of the Lord’.

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SHOPS & SERVICES Sarah Stone, for and on behalf of

Recruit for Spouses Scotland looking for work who are experienced Journalists, A&E Nurses, An award-winning recruitment business that Surgeons, Teachers, GPs, Vets, Dentists, Executive Assistants, Office helps military spouses back into work has Managers, Interior Designers, Architects, Accountants, IT Consultants, recently begun operating in the St Andrews Retail Managers & Retail Assistants, Call Centre Operatives, Graphic area. Recruit for Spouses (RfS) has established Designers, Scientists, Personal Trainers, Yoga Instructors, Beauticians. an office in Leuchars in order to enable Just about every profession you can think of is represented in a military employers across Fife to gain access to the community, so you are highly likely to find someone with a level of pool of talent currently lying dormant across the experience and expertise that you wouldn’t normally expect outside of a region. major city. A lot of our wives have worked for big brands and High Street There are thousands of qualified, companies. That’s a huge amount of talent on offer to employers in experienced, motivated people living in and towns like St Andrews.” around military bases across Scotland, who are Founded in 2012 by Heledd Kendrick, a military spouse herself, RfS unemployed purely because of their husband’s is a gateway for employers who would otherwise find it difficult to gain or wife’s career choice. They are keen to access to the military spouse network. Heledd said, “Good candidates work, and because of their lifestyle have a can often be hard to find. Military wives make excellent candidates, but wide variety of skills and experience forming they often don’t respond to traditional job advertisements. They don’t see an untapped resource with huge potential for themselves as part of the local ‘labour market’, the local economy. Forces’ spouses have skills making it hard for employers to reach them. RfS and advantages which make them an asset to any has an excellent network we can leverage to help employer. There are clear business benefits in because employers are you find the perfect person with the skills and accessing the skills and experience within military experience you need, who would otherwise be off communities including: recruiting people who live the radar to you.” locally, the money will As well as filling job vacancies and giving • Access to a largely untapped resource • A workforce which may be particularly interested stay in the local economy, employers access to a new source of talent and resources, using Recruit for Spouses is in flexible, part-time, or ‘seasonal’ work which is good for everyone human also a really good, practical way for Scotland’s • Interesting and diverse skill sets, including businesses to support the armed forces language skills community locally. And because employers • Military spouses have often developed skills are recruiting people who live locally, the money will stay in the local such as adaptability, resourcefulness, and communication, as a economy, which is good for everyone. result of their association with the military.

RfS have made this film to help employers get a better • Military spouses are capable of forging good relationships in a fastunderstanding of what it is they can do for them: changing environment, are loyal and dedicated with a strong work https://vimeo.com/170621106/fa50edf090 ethic.

• In addition, those who recruit, retain and advance military-affiliated employees will benefit from supporting the British Armed Forces.

Recruit for Spouses is keen to hear from employers in St Andrews, • There are additional advantages for organisations tendering for work large and small. If you would like to know how you can access this with the Ministry of Defence (MOD). unique community please contact Sarah Stone: 07779 111 176 or email s.stone@recruitforspouses.co.uk Sarah Stone, RfS’ representative in Scotland said, “Our candidates would love the opportunity to work for you. I’m a military wife; I’m also a former adviser to then-Prime Minister David Cameron, and worked in (Photo courtesy Sarah Stone) Downing Street before my husband’s career meant a move for the family, when I had to give up my job. I’m not unusual either; we have spouses in

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11

SHOPS & SERVICES Heather Lang

“ The man may be the head of the household.

But the woman is the neck, and she can turn the head whichever way she pleases.”

– Nia Vardalos

One of the most common questions I get asked by patients coming to see me with neck and shoulder pain is, “How did this happen?” Personally, I blame their parents for encouraging them as infants to balance on their hind legs then continue this circus trick at all times, for the rest of their lives.

Walking and running in optimal health is actually a very effective and energy-efficient method of bouncing round from A to B. Our muscles and ligaments are designed to turn us into a big spring, but modern living doesn’t involve much carefree bouncing around in ideal conditions. The problem with the design of the human spring in the modern age is that primary senses of sight, sound, smell, and taste are gathered in the head, the highest point of the body. Whilst it makes sense to have the head and neck act as an observation pod connected to a flexible tower for gathering the most information, this is effectively perching a big heavy thing on top of a narrow bendy tube. For balance and threedimensional vision, the eyes and ears need to be level. The neck is a fantastic design for pivoting the head in the right direction and levelling any imbalance further down in the body, such as a leg-length discrepancy, but it suffers from continually having to compensate for our imperfections, such as – again, leg-

Total

length discrepancy. If the pelvis is tilted to the left, the neck will tilt right to keep the eyes and ears level.

Another problem from not spending our days bouncing around as nature intended is that when we sit driving, reading, watching television, or anything that involves focusing with the eyes, we are subjected to what is known as the oculocephalogyric reflex (many points on a scrabble board!). What this means is that wherever we focus our eyes, our bodies prepare to follow by slightly tensing up the neck and shoulders, and the head gets pulled towards the object of our focus. For a classic example of this in action, observe school pupils at lunchtime texting on their phones.

The average adult head weighs 12 pounds, but for every inch that the head creeps forward from the ideal posture, it increases the weight of the head on the spine by an additional 10 pounds. This puts a tremendous strain on the muscles, ligaments and connective tissue of the back and shortens the muscles at the front of the throat and chest as they act like guy ropes.

This off-centre tension pulls the neck into an exaggerated curve. In addition to the soft tissue strain and damage, this lordotic curve increases wear on the joints and ligaments of the neck and can put strain on the throat at the front. The inflammation from the strain can irritate and trap the nerves in the neck and shoulders causing referred pain and weakness

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12

into the head, arms, hands, shoulders, and abdomen. Headaches are also a common result of neck imbalance.

If you are suffering from any of these symptoms, it is advisable to get your neck checked out and body rebalanced. A place to start is by stretching the arms and shoulders at least once or twice a day. Roll the shoulders as much as is comfortable and remember the words of Morihei Ueshiba, the founder of the Japanese martial art of Aikido, “A good stance and posture reflect a proper state of mind.”

Heather Lang is a registered osteopath and ergonomic consultant.

For further information, she can be contacted at St Andrews Osteopaths, www.standrewsosteopaths.co.uk Tel: 01334 477 000 Mob: 07501 113 480 (Images courtesy Heather Lang)

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SHOPS & SERVICES

Roving Reporter, busy as usual . . .

1. Reporter loves good news! Jamie Fraser, who provided St Andrews with wonderful flowers for 25 years, then got himself reinvented as the florist at the Balgove Larder Farm Shop (01334 476 798) is now a married man! The lucky lady, a long-standing friend, is Karen Morton, Fife’s most highly regarded teacher in Employability. It was a quiet, but romantic, wedding in Malta on 25 July. Reporter wishes the couple a long and very happy life together, wreathed in beautiful flowers, of course!

(Photo by Michelle VanTine)

*****

2. Hurrah for young entrepreneurship, Reporter enthuses! 20-year-old Guy Wade has launched a mobile gourmet burger bar with the eye-catching name of Screaming Peacock (why? asks Reporter.

“Burgers worth screaming about”, replies Guy!) Specialising in hand-made Venison Burgers (all gluten-free), Guy sources his wild venison from his family stalking company Woodmill Shootings in Fife.

“Whatever your event or party,” says Guy, “Screaming Peacock promises to provide an entertaining and tasty attraction with its memorable Screamer and Squeaker burgers.” To discuss your catering requirements, please contact Guy by email: guy@screamingpeacock.co.uk, phone: 07896 210 168 or: 01337 810 428. In the pipeline also is a chocolate pheasant burger, so watch this space!

(Photo courtesy Guy Wade)

*****

3.

Eleven years ago the ladies & gents hairdresser Dynamic Hair moved to 100 South Street (01334 477 150). As always Reporter enjoys celebrating success, persuading owner Paula Baker to let him add her business’ news to his column.

Paula is pleased to take this opportunity to thank her customers for their loyal support.

She now has 7 girls working for her, including the original ones from the start.

Paula is proud that over the 11 years “9 babies have joined the Dynamic Family”, adding that, “The girls work extremely well together. We ensure that we give all our clients value for money at all times.

We adopt a very personal approach, making sure our clients feel welcome and valued when they are in our salon.

Having been here for 11 years we now feel an established part of the community and have taken this responsibility seriously by supporting a number of local organisations.” And guess who their truly most famous customer was? Yes, it was Hamish McHamish, ‘Cool Cat About Town’!

Dynamic Hair saw to his toilet regularly, brushing and combing his fur, “and he never complained about anything!” And nor would anyone else, concludes Reporter with feeling!

5. For a happy change, Reporter includes here a heartfelt ‘thank you’ to Fife Council.

Gordon Gall contacted the Council in August 2015 to let them know that the barriers across the Lade Braes, at the Mill Pond and at the other end made access to the Braes impossible for electric mobility scooters. John Easton of the Parks Department, together with Gordon Hughes in the Roads & Traffic Management Department set to work. By the start of last autumn both barriers had been rearranged.

Gordon’s daughter, Cordelia, said that her father “is overjoyed at being able to get back along there, hence wanting to acknowledge the action of both councillors.

At 82 years-old I’m sure it brings back many happy memories for him, as he is St Andrews born and bred and with the exception of living for 15 years in Newporton-Tay, he has lived here all his life. I know he played there when he was young, but it was also a place we visited regularly as children with him. Latterly he took both his grandchildren along there too, who are now 19 and 16 years old.”

(Photo courtesy Gordon Gall)

*****

4. Reporter learned that – Lawson & Thompson, the student lettings agency, has launched a discount card entitling their landlords and tenants to exclusive discounts across a range of St Andrews shops and restaurants. Over 25 businesses have signed up for the launch, with discounts including up to 30% off at numerous restaurants, hair cuts for £10, and 50% off yoga classes. It is free to sign up, and the discount cards are provided to over 250 Lawson & Thompson tenants at no cost. The company have also announced they are to be moving to new premises on South Street later this year.

Contact: 01334 845 145, email info@lawsonthompson.co.uk or visit the website www.lawsonthompson.co.uk Reporter is impressed!

*****

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

13

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ST ANDREWS CONCERT DIARY SEPTEMBER - DECEMBER 2016

www.st-andrews.ac.uk /music

PULL-OUT FEATURE The University of St Andrews Music Centre once again presents a diverse offering of concerts covering a huge variety of genres. Highlights include world class chamber music from the Aurea Quartet and renowned pianist Susan Tomes, St Andrews Voices (Scotland’s Festival of Vocal and Choral Music), former Vienna Philharmonic Principal Trombonist Ian Bousfield’s solo recital and a concert by Adriaan Hoek, who in 2015 won no fewer than four international organ competitions. This in addition to the regular concerts by our Orchestra in Residence, the Scottish Chamber Orchestra and the unique array of student music-making at the heart of the University.

SEMESTER

TIME

VENUE

CONCERT

Every Sunday during Semester

11:00

St Salvator’s Chapel

University Service sung by St Salvator’s Chapel Choir

Every Sunday during Semester

16:00

St Salvator’s Chapel

Choral Evensong sung by St Salvator’s Chapel Choir and other groups

Every Wednesday during Semester

17:30

St Salvator’s Chapel

Choral Evensong sung by St Salvator’s Chapel Choir and other groups

Every Thursday during Semester

22:00

St Leonard’s Chapel

Compline sung by St Leonard’s Chapel Choir

WEEK 2

Tuesday 20 September

13:10

St Salvator’s Chapel

Organ concert by Michael Bawtree (Glasgow)

Wednesday 21 September

13:10

Byre Theatre

Lunch concert by Joseph Fleetwood (piano)

Thursday 22 September

19:30

Barron Theatre

University G&S Society presents The Mikado

Friday 23 September

19:30

Barron Theatre

University G&S Society presents The Mikado

Saturday 24 September

10:0012:00

Younger Hall Rehearsal Room

Alexander Technique Workshop with Heather Coates

Saturday 24 September

19:30

Barron Theatre

University G&S Society presents The Mikado

Tuesday 27 September

13:10

St Salvator’s Chapel

Organ concert by Sean Heath (Keyboardist in Residence)

Wednesday 28 September

13:10

Byre Theatre

Lunch concert by Karen Marshalsay, Eilidh Steele and Allan MacDonald (Scottish traditional music)

WEEK 3

DATE

Wednesday 28 September

14:30

Byre Theatre Studio

Thursday 29 September

19:30

Byre Theatre

St Andrews Concert Series presents James Willshire (piano)

Friday 30 September

10:00

Younger Hall Rehearsal Room

Piano masterclass with James Willshire

Tuesday 4 October

13:10

St Salvator’s Chapel

Organ concert by Michael Wynne (St Mary’s Shrine, Warrington)

Wednesday 5 October

13:10

Byre Theatre

Lunch concert by Roy Howat (piano)

Wednesday 5 October

14:30

Byre Theatre

Music Talks with Roy Howat – Chopin’s music, manuscripts and his compositional impact

WEEK 4

WEEK 5

Music Talks with Michael Ferguson – Understanding the tensions in present-day Scottish Catholic music-making

Tuesday 11 October

13:10

St Salvator’s Chapel

Organ concert by Mari Kodama (Japan) with Toshiko Suda (koto) and Yoichi Iwahashi (shakuhachi) – The Sound of Peace

Wednesday 12 October

13:10

Byre Theatre

Lunch concert by Alex South (clarinets)

Wednesday 12 October

14:30

Byre Theatre

Music Talks with Karen McAulay – From Stationers’ Hall to St Andrews: late Georgian music and ladies of leisure.

Wednesday 12 October

19:30

Younger Hall

Scottish Chamber Orchestra with Tom Poster (piano)

Friday 14 October

19:30

St Salvator’s Chapel

University Madrigal Group

Sunday 16 October

19:30

St Salvator’s Chapel

Heisenberg Ensemble with Jennifer Stephenson (clarinet)

Tuesday 18 October

13:10

St Salvator’s Chapel

Organ concert by Mark Browne (St Bride’s Episcopal Church, Glasgow)

Wednesday 19 October

13:10

Byre Theatre

Lunch concert by Jess Wyatt (viola) and Douglas Holligan (piano)

ST ANDREWS VOICES

Thursday 20 to Sunday 23 October

14:0017:00

St Andrews Preservation Trust Museum

Sound Installation: Mortuos Plango, Vivos Voco

ST ANDREWS VOICES

Thursday 20 October

18:00

Holy Trinity Church

The Bells of Holy Trinity

ST ANDREWS VOICES

Thursday 20 October

19:30

St Salvator’s Chapel

I Fagiolini: Insalata I Fagiolini

ST ANDREWS VOICES

Thursday 20 October

21:30

Byre Theatre

Festival Fringe – Jazz Works

ST ANDREWS VOICES

Friday 21 October

10:30

St Leonard’s Chapel

Public masterclass for vocal ensembles with Robert Hollingworth

ST ANDREWS VOICES

Friday 21 October

19:00

Younger Hall

I Fagiolini – Amuse Bouche

ST ANDREWS VOICES

Friday 21 October

21:30

Byre Theatre

King Creosote

ST ANDREWS VOICES

Saturday 22 October

10:00

Byre Theatre

Sing-a-long Mary Poppins

WEEK 6

Photo on previous page © Spencer Bentley

PULL-OUT FEATURE ST ANDREWS VOICES

Saturday 22 October

10:30

Younger Hall

Come and Sing workshop with Eamonn Dougan

ST ANDREWS VOICES

Saturday 22 October

15:00

Hotel du Vin

Afternoon Tea Cabaret with Jessica Walker

ST ANDREWS VOICES

Saturday 22 October

19:00

Byre Theatre

Scottish Opera presents Donizetti’s The Elixir of Love

ST ANDREWS VOICES

Sunday 23 October

10:00

Topping’s Bookshop

Songs & Stories for wee ones

ST ANDREWS VOICES

Sunday 23 October

11:00

St Salvator’s Chapel

Festival Service

ST ANDREWS VOICES

Sunday 23 October

13:00

Byre Theatre

Festival Fringe – 5th anniversary lunch

ST ANDREWS VOICES

Sunday 23 October

15:00

Younger Hall

Mozart: The Magic Flute

WEEK 7

Tuesday 25 October

13:10

St Salvator’s Chapel

Organ concert by David Hardie (Birmingham Cathedral)

Wednesday 26 October

13:10

St Leonard’s Chapel

Lunch concert by Robin Michael (cello): Bach Cello Suites

Wednesday 26 October

14:30

St Leonard’s Chapel

Music Talks with Robin Michael – Bach’s Cello Suites: period performance vs modern performance

Thursday 27 October

19:30

Byre Theatre

Friday 28 October

10:00

Younger Hall Rehearsal Room

Piano masterclass with Susan Tomes

Tuesday 1 November

13:10

St Salvator’s Chapel

Organ concert by Tom Wilkinson: Homage to B-A-C-H

Wednesday 2 November

13:10

Younger Hall

Lunch concert by Robin Mason (cello) and Peter Evans (piano)

Friday 4 November

19:30

Byre Theatre

University G&S Society presents The Pirates of Penzance

Saturday 5 November

14:30

Byre Theatre

University G&S Society presents The Pirates of Penzance

Saturday 5 November

19:30

Byre Theatre

University G&S Society presents The Pirates of Penzance

Monday 7 November

19:30

St Salvator’s Chapel

Celebrity organ concert by Adriaan Hoek (The Netherlands)

Wednesday 9 November

13:10

St Salvator’s Chapel

Lunch concert by Eve Kennedy (violin) and James Willshire (piano)

Wednesday 9 November

14:30

Younger Hall Rehearsal Room

Music Talks with Jonathan Kemp – The acoustics of wound and unwound strings with application to guitar tremolo arms

19:30

Younger Hall

Scottish Chamber Orchestra with Richard Egarr perform Beethoven’s Pastoral Symphony

WEEK 8

WEEK 9

Wednesday 9 November

ST ANDREWS BRASS FESTIVAL

Thursday 10 November

19:30

Younger Hall

ST ANDREWS BRASS FESTIVAL

Friday 11 November

13:10

Younger Hall

ST ANDREWS BRASS FESTIVAL

St Andrews Concert Series present the Aurea Quartet with Susan Tomes (piano)

Friday 11 November

17:30

Byre Theatre Studio

St Andrews Concert Series presents Ian Bousfield (trombone) and Scott Mitchell (piano) St Andrews Brass with John Wallace CBE, Marco Blaauw (trumpets) and Tony George (tuba) The Wallace Collection with Marco Blaauw (trumpet) and Ian Bousfield (trombone)

ST ANDREWS BRASS FESTIVAL

Friday 11 November

19:30

Younger Hall

Music Society Concert Wind Band and Big BUStA

ST ANDREWS BRASS FESTIVAL

Saturday 12 November

10:00

Younger Hall

Come and Play with Richard Michael and members of the Wallace Collection

ST ANDREWS BRASS FESTIVAL

Saturday 12 November

19:00

Younger Hall

WEEK 10

Co-op Funeralcare Band and the Wallace Collection with Marco Blaauw (trumpet)

Sunday 13 November

14:30

MUSA

Music in Museums: St Andrews Recorder Consort

Sunday 13 November

19:30

St Salvator’s Chapel

In Remembrance: St Salvator’s Chapel Choir

Tuesday 15 November

13:10

St Salvator’s Chapel

Organ concert by Chris Bragg (St Andrews)

Wednesday 16 November

13:10

Byre Theatre

Lunch concert by Lucy Russell (baroque violin), Alison McGillivray (viola da gamba) and Tom Wilkinson (harpsichord)

Wednesday 16 November

17:30

Younger Hall

Scottish Chamber Orchestra Early Evening Concert by Robert McFall (violin) and Graeme McNaught (piano)

Thursday 17 November

19:30

Younger Hall

Music Society Symphony Orchestra

Saturday 19 November

19:30

Younger Hall

St Andrews Chorus presents Handel’s Jephtha

Sunday 20 November

19:30

Younger Hall

A Cappella Society Christmas concert

PULL-OUT FEATURE WEEK 11

Monday 21 November

10:00

St Salvator’s Chapel

Organ masterclass wth Henry Fairs

Tuesday 22 November

13:10

St Salvator’s Chapel

Organ concert by Henry Fairs (Honorary Professor of Organ)

Wednesday 23 November

13:10

St Salvator’s Chapel

Lunch Concert: Bernard van Dieren, a composer portrait

Wednesday 23 November 14:30

Younger Hall Rehearsal Room

Music Talks with Alasdair Chisholm – Bernard van Dieren: London’s Mystery Man of Music

Wednesday 23 November

19:00

Younger Hall

St Andrews and Fife Community Orchestra Winter Concert

Thursday 24 November

19:30

Younger Hall

St Andrews Chamber Orchestra with Feargus Hetherington (violin): Brahms, Symphony no. 3

POST-SEMESTER

Tuesday 29 November

19:30

St Salvator’s Chapel

St Andrews Baroque Orchestra: Il Bolognese

Thursday 1 December

19:30

All Saints Episcopal Church

Ukelear Fusion and Music Society Singers Christmas Concert

Friday 2 December

19:30

St Salvator’s Chapel

University Madrigal Group Christmas Concert

Saturday 3 December

20:45

St Leonard’s Chapel

St Leonard’s Nine Lessons and Carols

Saturday 10 December

14:30

MUSA

Music in Museums: St Andrews Renaissance Singers

Saturday 10 December

20:00

Holy Trinity Church

University Carol Service

Sunday 11 December

19:30

St Salvator’s Chapel

St Andrews Renaissance Singers: The Renaissance at Advent – Praetorius and Palestrina

Aurea Quartet, 27 October (© Susan Torkington)

JOIN OUR MAILING LIST! To receive our season brochure ‘Music in St Andrews’ through the post and/or receive our weekly email updates, please fill in the form below and return to the Music Centre office at the Younger Hall, North Street, St Andrews, KY16 9AJ. Name . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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

Postcode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Phone No . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Email . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

I would like to receive information by (Please tick as appropriate): Post

Email

I am interested in the following genres (please tick all that apply): Orchestral

Chamber

Opera

Choral/Vocal

Organ

Piano

Early Music

Contemporary Music

Folk

Jazz

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

TOWN & GOWN Dr Fergus Knight, Marketing and Business Manager

Saints Sport

Saints Sport provides an excellent opportunity for children, young people, and adults to participate in many different forms of sport and physical activity. From our extensive fitness classes to our Junior Saints Programme, there is something for everyone in the local community to get involved in. Below is some more information on what we are currently doing in the local area and what is currently available at the Sports Centre.

Junior Saints Programme: The University of St Andrews Junior Saints Programme offers weekly sports classes, as well as holiday camps, for children of St Andrews and the surrounding area. Currently, the weekly programme offers eight different classes; Monday P1-P2 Multisport; Wednesday 2s class; Wednesday Preschool Multisport; Thursday Preschool Multisport; Thursday P1-P7 Trampoline Class; P1-P2 Friday Football; P3-P4 Friday Football; P5-P7 Friday Football. The classes run during the school term, finishing when the schools are off for holidays. Last year, we had over 4000 children attend Junior Saints weekly classes across the full school year!

The Junior Saints Programme also offers sport camps through the Easter, October, and Summer school holidays, covering a variety of different sports. 2016 saw the most successful Easter Camp so far, with over 670 children attending the two-week long camp. Summer Camp 2016 ran very well, and looks to have been the most successful Summer camp to date too. The Junior Saints Programme is starting to flourish and has a very strong reputation for the excellent weekly classes and holiday camps that it hosts. If you would like more information about the Junior Saints Programme, please visit: www.st-andrews.ac.uk/sport/junior Club Community Engagement: The University’s community engagement programme is hugely important, both for getting our local population active and into sport at a young age, and also for the personal development of our students, who gain coaching experience that is different from the roles they might undertake within their own clubs. Many of the clubs at the University are involved in community engagement projects in St Andrews and the surrounding area.

Out of 71 clubs, 33 already volunteer their time to help young people get into sport, with another 19 having shown an interest in becoming involved in community engagement. Over the next year we hope to grow the programme so that any club that wants to be involved in community engagement is able to start a project. Recently we have received praise and recognition from National Governing Bodies and the local media for the work we are doing; in 2016 Scottish Student Sport awarded the University 5 stars for our community engagement programme. If you would like to read about some of our projects, follow this link: www.st-andrews.ac.uk/sport/volunteering/cluboutreach

Fitness Classes & Fitness Suite Our team of fitness professionals at Saints Sport is available to help with all your health and fitness needs. Saints Fitness offers a full range of services to members of staff, the student body, and the local community, including fitness consultations, personal training, and strength and conditioning. We also offer a variety of fitness classes (40 per week) to suit all levels and abilities. www.st-andrews.ac.uk/sport/fitness Sports Centre Redevelopment In early January 2015, the University began a major £14m redevelopment and extension of its sports facilities. Phase 1 saw the construction of a new 8 court Sports Arena, reception area, and 10 new changing rooms. It opened to the public on 4 January 2016.

Work is now underway on the refurbishment, extension, and modernisation of the old Sports Centre building. In order to cater for growing student numbers and the increased demand on our indoor facilities, Phase 2 will see the gym and fitness suite expand to roughly double its current size. The old gymnasium will be turned into a specialist strength and conditioning suite for our performance teams and athletes.

Phase 2 is due to be completed by December 2016. The final phase, the construction of a four-court indoor tennis centre, is due to be completed a year later.

For more information on our facilities, services and Sports Centre memberships please visit our website: www.st-andrews.ac.uk/sport (Photo courtesy Saints Sport)

19

TOWN & GOWN Helen Gregory, Music Centre Manager, announces a

New St Andrews Children’s Orchestra Directed by well-known conductor Gillian Craig, The St Andrews Children’s Orchestra will be open, without audition, to children of Associated Board Grade 2 ability and over, in the P1-7 and S1-2 age range. Within a fun, yet disciplined atmosphere, Gillian will direct the youngsters, challenging them to improve their individual abilities, at the same time developing their musicianship, orchestral, and team skills.

Starting Wednesday, 7 September in the Younger Hall, North Street, rehearsals will be on Wednesdays, 5.15pm-6.15pm. Membership of the group (including the Music Centre) will be £30 per year, with no extra weekly costs.

This new group adds to the existing range of music groups for children at the Music Centre, including classes for beginners in violin, guitar, and bagpipes, and three children’s choirs, as well as individual lessons in a wide range of instruments and singing.

For further information please contact the Music Centre: 01334 462 226 or email: music@st-andrews.ac.uk

Victoria Bushnell, Marketing/PR, graduated from the University of St Andrews in 2015, having studied Geography. She joined inploi in June 2016.

inploi, and the advent of the sharing economy

In March 2015, Havas Media’s Tom Goodwin responses they received were largely positive: penned these now much-used lines: “Uber, “It’s a great idea! We really think you’re on to the world’s largest taxi company, owns no something! It’s a huge market! ... But come vehicles. Facebook, the world’s most popular back when you are able to demonstrate some media owner, creates no content. Alibaba, the traction: when you have the product built.” most valuable retailer, has no inventory. And This latter unfruitful response steeled their Airbnb, the world’s largest accommodation resolve, driving Matt and Alex to work harder. provider, owns no real estate. Something If it wasn’t inploi that brought their idea to life, interesting is happening”. Whilst perhaps it would be somebody else – and that was overused, they do hit upon the essence of simply not an option. So they took the financial a fundamental shift that is occurring in the challenges of student living for another six way economies work and the way people, as months, then moved to London, one of the economic actors, interact. most expensive cities in the world; needless Uber, Lyft, Airbnb, Taskrabbit; the list to say, savings began to quickly exhaust grows by the day. The sharing economy puts themselves. power in the hands of the Everyman, allowing However, their work paid off, with inploi “ordinary individuals” to offer their goods and securing significant investment during their services in a virtual marketplace – through an seed round from financial professionals “intermediary” which manages including Cazenove Capital, the buyer/seller relationship.

Investec, and Deloitte, The sharing economy is alongside funding partners, expanding rapidly, leaving The sharing economy Kgolo Investments, and very few industries untouched, Almington Capital. With is expanding rapidly, including recruitment. hindsight, there were Launched in July this also key benefits to their leaving very few year, inploi is an app and investors’ initial resistance. industries untouched, Operating a company web-based jobs marketplace for the hospitality industry, including recruitment on just about no money premised upon the ideas taught Matt and Alex a of the sharing economy. huge amount, forcing Whether for a short-term them to ‘bootstrap’ and gig, a part-time role, or a full-time career, the teach themselves the skills to be successful inploi platform enables a network of employers entrepreneurs, from UI design, through to legal and job seekers to seamlessly communicate, contracting and strict budgeting. interact, and transact.

From June 2015 to July 2016, the team Founded in June 2015 by recent has since increased from two to six full-time graduates, Matthew de la Hey (Oxford Saïd employees, including positions in business Business School, MBA) and Alexander and community management, app/web Hanson-Smith (Edinburgh University, Theology development, marketing and PR. Uniquely, all MA), inploi gives employees greater control of inploi’s employees have spent a period of over their working lives. their careers working in the hospitality sector; Having experienced the challenges of gaining invaluable insight into the recruitment hospitality recruitment during their time at sector that inploi is designed to improve. university, Matt and Alex were prompted to look into staffing in the sector. They realised How does inploi work? that employers were also spending too much inploi is free to job seekers who can create a time and money hiring the people they need. detailed profile, including a short portrait video, Thus began their entrepreneurial journey. listing past experience and any education and Eager to raise capital, Matt and Alex training that they have previously attained. started meeting with potential investors, from They are then able to access a catalogue Angels to VCs (Venture Capitalists). The of open shifts and positions, filtered by their

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own working preferences – when they want to work, what type of work they want to do, and how far they are able to travel.

Equally, employers can post jobs quickly and easily via the inploi platform, either via the web portal or on the inploi iOS app. inploi provides two listing options: ‘QuickShift’ positions are for short term needs (from one shift to five days), with candidates being paid instantly and cashlessly; ‘JobMatch’ is alternatively used for long-term and full-time roles, with workers added to the employer’s payroll. inploi is currently established in London with leading employers, including Bill’s, Deliveroo, Daylesford, and Crussh already committed to using the platform; alongside eminent UK restaurant chains, such as Bone Daddies, Aubaine, and Corbin & King. inploi will expand to other UK urban centres in early 2017, looking to operate in foreign markets towards the end of next year. inploi’s potential has already been recognised at an international level, with Matt and Alex invited by the U S State Department to present inploi at the Global Entrepreneurship Summit at Stanford on 24 June 2016; an event attended by many of the world’s leading entrepreneurs. Furthermore, inploi’s founders were also asked to speak at the Sharing Economy Conference in London, earlier this year. inploi is currently available for download from the Apple App Store: http://apple.co/2a2LXDC , with the Android version of the app available to download August 2016.

(Image courtesy inploi)

TOWN & GOWN Michael Buchanan reflects on

Historical belief Recently I read The Invention of Scotland: Scotland in the last 15 years provide a testingMyth and History by Hugh Trevor-Roper ground for such a thesis. published in 2008 by Yale University Press.

Trevor-Roper, an Englishman, was Myths are important, for what people married to Lady Alexandra, a daughter of believe has force even if it is Earl Haig, with a summer evidentially not true. History place in Melrose in the Myths are is ... history. Myths are the Scottish Borders. He was soul of history, engendering important, for what Regius Professor of History imaginative literature in poetry Oxford, later Master people believe has at or prose. of Peterhouse College, Trevor-Roper (Lord Dacre Cambridge. Explored in this force even if it is of Glanton from 1979) died in detail are three myths evidentially not true book in 2003, aged 89. This book across 400 years of Scottish was marginally ghosted and History: the political myth of published posthumously. It relied on a nearlyan ‘ancient constitution’ (George Buchanan’s complete manuscript written in 1979-81, then History of 1582); the literary myth (Ossian, put aside. Several chapters were developed James MacPherson and Sir Walter Scott), from material produced around 1966, 50 years and the sartorial myth of tartan and the kilt, ago. invented relatively recently by an Englishman.

Trevor-Roper believed that the whole Myth is viewed as a deliberate cultural history of Scotland had been coloured by construction (social construct) used to enshrine myths, and that myth, peculiarly in Scotland, a sense of shared identity. This treatment of is never driven out by reality checks or by Scottish myth is free of mist, highly critical, and reason; it lingers on until another myth has even resorts to debunking. been discovered or elaborated, to replace The compelling script is written with it. Such a view may not be well received by characteristic elegance, lucidity and wit, everyone everywhere, and may even be with the potential to defy from beyond the dismissed as myth itself. Developments in grave, challenge and provoke readers from

Scotland and beyond. This is an albeit belated contribution to an important ongoing public conversation, potentially more constructive than the burning by Oxford University in July 1683 of books by George Buchanan, John Knox, and John Milton. It provides a lens through which to consider more recent tomes, such as the short-lived bestseller by Alex Salmond (The Dream Shall Never Die, Collins 2015) and the earlier, doorstopper White Paper Scotland’s Future (November 2013).

Such posthumously completed books are an intriguing literary genre, especially when the resulting book ends rather suddenly without a rounded ending. The publication of Buchanan by I D McFarlane (1981), to which Trevor-Roper provided a dust cover sound bite (“It is always a pleasure to see an expert at work’’) may, in part, explain why Lord Dacre’s original manuscript was banished to a dusty file for the last 22 years of his life. Academic publishing is hard graft and does not take prisoners. However, it is good that this book was eventually published.

(This article was originally published in April 2016 for the Crown Court Church of Scotland (Presbyterian,) Covent Garden, London)

Ruth Walker reminisces,

The Bell Rock House One of the first places visitors to St Andrews tend to head for is the House along with one of my class mates who was to remain my friend Harbour. Standing above it, by the ruins of an early church where people for the rest of her too-short life. Standing at the door, about to knock, still gather to celebrate Easter, they look down on the pantiled roof of the my friend thrust a posy of wild flowers into my hand saying something Bell Rock House, formerly the Bell Rock Tavern. to the effect that it would look better if I handed them over, just as the For some of us, this house has very special door opened when I thrust the flowers into our memories, as it was the home of two artists, hands mumbling in an embarrassed For some of us, this house has teacher’s Roberta and Jozef Sekalski, who gathered fashion. She thanked me warmly, then we very special memories around them a host of former pupils and both stepped inside, to sit down to tea poured students. Roberta Hodges, later to become from a Rockingham china teapot.

Mrs Sekalska, bought the house after she had moved to Scotland After tea, we climbed the stepladder that led to a trap door into the from her previous post as Art Mistress at Westonbirt, a girls’ school studio that filled the entire length of the house. We looked down on in Gloucestershire, and after she had become the Art Mistress at the boats, nets, and fish boxes below. We also looked at a folio of her St Leonards School, where she remained for the rest of her career. drawings; one I remember was of a pipe major in full regalia, the detail Jozef, a renowned wood engraver, had arrived in Scotland after amazing me. I think that was the moment that I decided that I wanted to escaping from Nazi-occupied Poland, and ended up in St Andrews, as be an artist! My friend and I both went on from St Leonards School to did many other Poles who were treated with great hospitality by the study at Edinburgh College of Art! local community. How Roberta and Jozef met is memorable: some of the Polish troops were defending the Harbour late at night, I think at Christmas time. Roberta gave them warm drinks. Eventually the men were welcomed into her house, the entire top floor of which was her studio. Some of the men found space there to construct and paint a Nativity scene, and one or two used the premises for their own painting.

Roberta herself was a fine portrait painter. She painted portraits of some of the men.

To some of us who were pupils at St Leonards, the Studio at school became a second home, a haven of white walls and bright light where you could look down and see the buildings at the top of Abbey Street, which at one time had been home to a Masonic Lodge in the town. The painted cupula was intriguing, with its Masonic emblems, the all-seeing eye, the geometric instruments. In front of them was a large plaster cast copy of a statue of a nude god, Pan, which of course intrigued us.

Miss Hodges, as Roberta Sekalska was known, filled that room with her passion and love for drawing and painting. When we were tackling plant studies, she told us to imagine that, if our drawing was the only copy of a species, it could still be identified from our attention to detail.

My own special moment of enlightenment, or one of them, was Bell Rock House today (by Flora Selwyn) when I was invited for afternoon tea on a Sunday to the Bell Rock

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EVENTS From Walter Hill

Play True!

The furore surrounding the banning of Russian athletes from this year’s Look Who’s Talking! is a Rotary Club of Olympic Games in Rio has made the newspaper headlines and been St Andrews production in association with Thorntons. a hot topic on news channels around the world. Pivotal to the stories Rotary, having previously hosted Peter Alliss and Hazel Irvine, will now has been the World Anti-Doping Agency welcome Sir Craig Reedie to the Byre (WADA), projecting its President, Sir Craig Theatre on Wednesday 5 October at Reedie, centre stage. Until his retiral in 7.30pm. All proceeds will go to Rotary August this year, having completed his charities. After speaking about his career, four-year term, he had also been Vice in conversation with Frank Quinault, President of the International Olympic Sir Craig will take questions from the Committee (IOC). floor. So if there is a sporting question The anti-doping story has been in the you’ve always wanted to ask, this is your news for some years and it is typical of opportunity to have it answered by one of Sir Craig’s commitment to the Olympic the world’s top sports administrators. ideals that he has not shied away from Frank says, “I’ve known Sir Craig for addressing the challenges facing world many years. He is not only a major figure sport. Previously, as Chairman of the on the world stage. He’s a very nice man British Olympic Association, he was with a great sense of humour and a sharp influential in bringing the 2013 Olympic and impish wit. Sir Craig Reedie will not Games to London. just inform, he will amuse and entertain.”

Badminton was the sport that brought He added, “We, at the Rotary Club of Sir Craig into sports administration. Himself St Andrews, are grateful that Sir Craig a player at both national and international has found the time to fit this charity event level, he was President first of the Scottish into his very busy international schedule”.

Sir Craig Badminton Union, then of the International Rotary is an international organisation Badminton Federation. It was in large part that supports charitable causes all over due to him that badminton became an the world, but it also has a strong local After speaking about his career, Olympic sport in 1992. focus. In St Andrews its volunteers in conversation with Sir Craig, whose importance in sport support the Friends of the Memorial administration is acknowledged the world Hospital; Rymonth House; Fife Young Frank Quinault, Sir Craig will over, was born, educated, and continues Carers; and other worthy causes. They take questions from the floor to live, in Scotland. No stranger to organise schools’ debating; young chef; St Andrews, he is a member of the R&A young writer; five-a-side football; the and received an honorary degree from the University (as he has from Junior and City foursome competitions – among many other activities. several others, including his own alma mater, Glasgow) in 2005.

Above all, however, fellowship is the basis of everything Rotary does.

We, in St Andrews, are very fortunate that Sir Craig Reedie has agreed to be the next guest in the Rotary Club of St Andrews’ popular Look Who’s Talking! series. How much doping goes on in international Prices for Look Who’s Talking! have been kept low, at £12, to ensure sport, who are the winners and losers, how could we stop it? Should we that the widest possible range of sports enthusiasts will be able to be trying to stop it and, if so, why? Nobody is more qualified to discuss benefit from this unique opportunity. Tickets are available from the these questions than the WADA President. He will also discuss the Rio Byre Theatre box office.

Olympics also giving a rare insight into his life and career.

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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EVENTS From Carol Petrie and Alison Jeffrey

St Athernase Church of Scotland at Leuchars Standing proudly above the village of Leuchars in the Kingdom of Fife, is the truly remarkable St Athernase Church. It is one of the finest examples of Romanesque architecture still in use. The Church is unique in that the finest decoration is on the outside of the building, giving it a grandeur becoming of its hilltop situation. Its stones have stood firm through some turbulent times in Scottish history, while some of the names associated with it are closely linked to events of national significance.

The present building is an amalgam of building projects, alterations, and extensions spanning a period of more than 850 years. The oldest (Norman) part of the church – the apse – dates back to the 1150s and was built by Robert de Quinci, who also built Leuchars Castle. A bell tower was added in 1745, with the nave being rebuilt in 1856.

The Church is steeped in history, with a famous son of St Athernase being Robert Carnegie of Kinnaird, who was the Ambassador to Mary of Guise and subsequently to her daughter, Mary, Queen of Scots. His memorial stone can be seen to the right of the pulpit.

The Bruce family (descended from Robert the Bruce) built Earlshall Castle in 1546 and worshipped in the church, as did the nobility, who would ride from Falkland to hunt on the Earlshall Estate. Two memorial stones of Sir Wm. Bruce (a knight at the Battle of Flodden) and of his great-grandson’s wife, Dame Agnes Lindsay, can also be seen in the church.

St Athernase was thought to be an important stop for pilgrims on their way to St Andrews. Following a stop-over at the Pilgrim’s Hostel at Guardbridge, they would continue on to St Andrews via Strathkinness.

Following the discovery of rot and woodworm in 2012, the congregation, with the support of the General Trustees of the Church of Scotland, decided to embark upon an extensive programme of restoration, conservation, and regeneration. This is now well underway. If all funding is secured, it is We welcome local visitors, as well as hoped that the 1st phase will begin in April those from further afield. The Church is open 2017. This phase is to make the Church every day in the summer months, on Tuesdays wind and watertight, during the winter. by replacing and Our Coach House The present building is an renewing the roof, Café, adjacent to replacing rainwater amalgam of building projects, the Church, is open goods, restoration every Tuesday from alterations, and extensions of the external walls 10.00am to 4.00pm, and windows, and when Church guides spanning a period of more the installation of an are available, offering than 850 years improved drainage tours. Tours outwith system. these times are We have been fortunate in securing a available by appointment. We are a working round-one pass in our Heritage Lottery Fund Church; every Sunday there is worship and application, with other national and local grant fellowship to enjoy at 11.00am. A warm funding bodies also adding their support. welcome is extended to all who would like However, we still have some way to go to to join us to worship in this most beautiful of realise our target. Our hope is to make the churches.

Church accessible to all. It is important that We have formed a Fund Raising we preserve this important piece of Scottish Committee, organising many events. The next heritage, and to restore this architectural gem two major ones are: for future generations to enjoy.

1. Christmas Craft Fair, to include over 20 high-quality craft and food stalls selling items suitable for gifts and consumption over the festive period. It will be held in The Burnside Hall, Balmullo on Saturday, 12 November, from 10.00am-4.00pm.

Teas, coffees, home baking will be on sale too!

2. The International Lights and Sounds of Christmas Concert will be in the Church on Saturday, 10 December from 6.30pm.

Entry, £5. This will be our second concert.

This year the choirs involved will sing one carol from Britain and one from abroad.

As before there will be other short festive pieces through the evening.

Two events for your diary! We look forward to meeting you there! For further information, please visit: www.leucharsstathernase.org.uk (Photos courtesy St Athernase Church)

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EVENTS From Gillian Craig

A summer concert held in aid of an autumn performance by The Heisenberg Ensemble This summer Friends of The Heisenberg Ensemble, St Andrews’ own professional orchestra, enjoyed a solo cello recital given by Angela Stevenson, followed by a delicious afternoon tea.

‘A real highlight of the summer for me’, said one of those present. In the beautiful landscape setting of Hawkhill by Wormit, this was a fundraising performance in aid of HE’s forthcoming concert: Sunday, 16 October, in St Salvator’s Chapel at 7.30pm.

This autumn programme will be a very special one, ‘in memoriam Jean Craig’, who died last year and was HE’s first and most indefatigable supporter. Two short Sibelius pieces for strings, ‘Impromptu’ and ‘Andante Festivo’ will open the programme, followed by two of Mozart’s mature masterpieces: young soloist Jennifer Stephenson will play Mozart’s glorious clarinet concerto, and the programme will end with his symphony no. 39 in E flat, the first of three final symphonies completed over only a few months in the summer of 1788.

Heisenberg Ensemble in rehearsal (Photo courtesy the Heisenberg Ensemble)

Tickets £12, £10 concessions, £6 students can be reserved in advance from: gc5@st-andrews.ac.uk

David K Seeley, Trustee at the Preservation Trust

Football Trophies Four months ago Samantha Bannerman, winners, such as the Jannetta Cup, won by curator of the Preservation Trust Museum and Methillhill. myself discussed the forthcoming Summer I started my football career in 1962 Exhibition titled, Sticks and Stones. Bats and playing for Strathkinness Amateurs as a 15 Balls. We thought it would be a good idea to year-old winger. There is every chance that I have some trophies, maybe some silverware would have played and competed for many of from years gone by, something to catch the these old trophies. Therefore, when we talked, eye and attract the public’s attention. My my mind drifted back to these old football cups thoughts as a football fanatic took me back from 55 years ago and I wondered if any of to those freezing cold May evenings in the them were still in existence. My last club had 1950s and ‘60s when so many of the East been Pittenweem Rovers, where I was player of Fife Amateur Cup Finals were played out then manager. So I contacted the chairman/ to a finish at Recreation Park, St Andrews. secretary Ian Bruce, and asked if he could Many spectators from the East Neuk, help. He gave me the email address of Archie Wemyss, Leven, Methil, Cupar, Strathkinness, Denny, who is Secretary of the Fife Amateur Guardbridge, and Leuchars, attended these Football Association. cup finals. Entertainment was guaranteed as I wrote to Archie asking for his help. To his the teams went about their business ‘hell for credit he replied the next day, saying it was a leather’. They played for glory, pride, prestige, long shot, but that he would see what he could and nothing more. This was amateur football do. We kept in touch. With one month to go at its best. The climax to a successful season before the opening of the Summer Exhibition was to see your team captain raise the cup nothing much had happened. Then out of the above his head in triumph. blue, two days before the As time has gone by, Fife Amateur Cup Final, I I was looking at six many of these beautiful cups got an email from Archie. have been lost, forgotten, or He had in his possession magnificent trophies have simply disappeared. six trophies. One of them that had embodied Those still in existence today was the Jannetta Cup. This were manufactured around Fife Amateur Football trophy was first played for the early-to-mid 20th century the season 1907-1908. for 60 years and more in and are generally silver This cup competition was plated. They are so ornate open to any club (juniors and delicately designed that they still have a and amateurs) within a 15-mile radius of great fascination, with an aura that is alluring.

St Andrews. That attracted teams from as far During the swinging sixties professional away as Crail, Leven, Howe of Fife, Newport, footballers’ wages started to escalate, and Tayport. In the final, St Monans Swifts followed by advertising and sponsorship; easily defeated St Andrews Violet by three football became big business. This was goals to nil to become the first winners of this to affect all levels of the game. Junior and new cup. It was also St Monans Swifts’ firstAmateur leagues were presented with new ever cup win. That final was played at Waid trophies that contained sponsorship in one Park, Anstruther on 9 May 1908. form or another – The Smirnoff Trophy springs Another was the Bob Wilson Cup – to mind. These new deals and new trophies these were two of the cups I had hoped for; were beneficial to the Junior and Amateur however, I couldn’t believe that he had found Leagues, there is no denying that, but sadly another four! Jokingly he said that he had it was the end of the line regarding the old been searching through every attic in Fife. A trophies. Some were left in the care of the last plan was devised to get them to St Andrews.

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(Photo selected by David Seeley – photographer unknown) The Fife Cup final was being held at Kelty, where Pittenweem were playing AM Soccer.

Archie and Ian Bruce were in attendance.

After the final whistle, the trophies, zipped up in a large holdall, were transferred from Archie’s car to Ian Bruce’s. They were then delivered to my house in St Andrews the next day, where they remained clustered together in the corner of my dining room for the next four weeks. They looked absolutely fantastic!

I was sorry to let them go, for I knew I was looking at six magnificent trophies that had embodied Fife Amateur Football for 60 years and more.

The history of these trophies fascinates me, having been held aloft by countless enthusiastic amateur players, who gave their all for the glory of the game and to get their hands on that certain piece of silverware. I am proud to have had a leading role alongside Ian Bruce of Pittenweem Rovers in the search and recovery of these ancient football trophies, though most of the credit goes to Archie Denny, Secretary of the Fife Amateur Football Association. Without his outstanding efforts, these six fantastic trophies might never again have seen the light of day.

The trophies are currently on display at 12 North Street, St Andrews until 2 October 2016.

EVENTS

Selected Events Saturday, 3 September – 9.00am-1.00pm. Argyle Street car park. Farmers’ Market.

– 10.30am to 12.30pm. Botanic Garden, Canongate. Start of the 2016/17 session of Wild Things, for ages 8-16: the Scottish Wildlife Trust. New members welcome. Cost £1.50 per meeting (towards expenses). Contact: deborahcottam@gmail.com – 11.00am to 1.00pm. J & G Innes, South Street, St Andrews. Book launch – Endgame: Poems New & Used by Gordon Jarvie. Short readings; refreshments. RSVP: jg.innes@talk21.com Sunday, 4 September – 7.00pm. Holy Trinity Church, South Street.

Riverland Hills Choir from South Carolina. Many musical styles.

Entry Free.

Wednesday, 7 September – 5.15pm to 6.15pm. The Younger Hall, North Street. Start of the new Children’s Orchestra under the baton of Gillian Craig. No audition, for children with Grade 2 and over. Cost for the year £30 (no extras). Contact: 01334 462 226, email: music@st-andrews.ac.uk Thursday, 8 September – 12.45pm. All Saints Church Hall, North Castle Street, St Andrews. Heroic Music. Simon Chadwick, medieval harp recital. Admission free. Contact: simon@simonchadwick.net Saturday, 10 September – 10.00am-5.00pm. Hope Park & Martyrs Church Halls, St Mary’s Place, St Andrews. Annual Sale of household goods. Funds go to charities helping people with visual impairment & also to vulnerable children & adults. Contact: 01334 476 347.

– 10.00am-3.30pm. The Glass Class at the Botanic Garden, Canongate. Building Arcadia – from Pulham Rock to Pergolas.

A garden history study day based on built additions to garden spaces. Booking essential, cost £50 (£45 for Friends, £40 for RHS members). Contact: info@standrewsbotanic.org Wednesday, 14 September – 5.00pm-9.00pm. Balgove Steak Barn, Guardbridge Road. Night Market: The Rustic Life. Harvest foods, artists at work, + live performance by The Other Guys.

Sunday, 18 September – 12noon-4.00pm. The Vic, St Mary’s Place, St Andrews. Little Birds Autumn Market. Craft & Vintage shopping.

Entry Free. Contact: littlebirdsmarket@outlook.com Saturday, 24 September – 12noon–4.30pm. St Andrews Town Hall. Annual Flower Show, St Andrews & District Horticultural Association and Gardening Club. Contact Joe Peterson, Secretary & Show Manager: 1833joe@gmail.com Wednesday, 28 September – 7.00pm. New Picture House, North Street. Cymbeline. Royal Shakespeare Company. Contact: 01334 474 902.

Saturday, 1 October – 9.00am-1.00pm. Argyle Street Car Park.

Farmers’ Market.

Monday, 3 October – 10.00am-12noon. All Saints Church Hall, North Castle Street. Beginners’ Drawing. Starts a new 10-week course, cost £160. Contact: 07890 716 543, jaclynstuart@hotmail.com Wednesday, 5 October – 7.30pm. Byre Theatre. Look Who’s talking!

Sir Craig Reedie, Rotary Club of St Andrews’ guest speaker, will talk about his distinguished career in the sports world (See page 22). Tickets, £12 from the Byre Theatre.

Saturday, 8 October – 9.30am-11.30am.Town Hall, Queen’s Gardens. Community Council Coffee Morning.

Tuesday, 11 October – 10.30am (tea/coffee from 9.45am).

St Andrews Bowling Club, Kinnessburn Road. Probus Club’s first meeting of the season. Guest speaker tba. Visitors most welcome. Contact: rgaala@live.co.uk Wednesday, 12 October – 10.00am-12noon. All Saints Church Hall, North Castle Street.

The Human Body in Colour. New 10-week drawing course, cost £160. Contact: 07890 716 543, jaclynstuart@hotmail.com – 7.00pm. New Picture House, North Street. King Lear. Royal Shakespeare Company. Contact: 01334 474 902.

Saturday, 15 October – 10.30am-3.00pm. Victory Memorial Hall, St Mary’s Place, St Andrews. Craft Fair, Fife Craft Association.

Sunday, 16 October – 7.30pm. St Salvator’s Chapel, North Street, St Andrews. Concert; in memoriam Jean Craig. The Heisenberg Ensemble, Conductor Gillian Craig. Mozart’s Clarinet Concerto – soloist Jennifer Stephenson. Also 2 short pieces by Sibelius, and Mozart’s Symphony No 39. Tickets, £12, concessions £10, students £6 – in advance: gc5@st-andrews.ac.uk or at the door.

Thursday, 20 – Sunday, 23 October – Various times & venues.

St Andrews Voices. A festival of vocal music. See this issue of the magazine pages 16-17.

Friday, 21 October – 10.00am-11.00am. Morrisons, 45 Largo Road, St Andrews. Parliamentary Advice Surgery. Meet Stephen Gethins MP. Wednesday, 26 October – 7.00pm-9.00pm. All Saints Church Hall, North Castle Street. Colour Explosion in Landscape, starts a new 8-week course, cost £96. Contact: 07890 716 543, jaclynstuart@hotmail.com

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ORGANISATIONS Morag Coleman, Manager, Families First St Andrews reports on

The Royal Garden Party at Holyroodhouse Families First St Andrews (FFSA), a local charity supporting families in North East Fife, was honoured to receive the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service this year. Everyone involved with the charity – the trustees, staff, members, volunteers, sponsors, and so many others – were delighted to hear the news.

FFSA provides services for children aged 5-16 years with additional support needs, and their families. We offer three core services of Alison Miller, Children’s Group Work Coordinator, and I travelled down One-to-One Befriending (children aged 5-16 years), Children’s Group to London for the Patron’s Lunch. We had a fabulous day, despite the Work (children aged 5-16 years), and Family Support (adults). These rainy weather! Thankfully, along with the wonderful hampers that were services give children and their families the space they need to be handed out to everyone, ponchos were provided themselves. FFSA links very closely with the aims of Fife Council, who want their citizens to We had a wonderful experience, which proved very useful!

For the next event, Jane Fraser, Office become confident individuals able to make a valid and it was certainly one we Manager and I attended the Garden Party at contribution to the communities in which they live. won’t forget in a long time Holyroodhouse. We had a wonderful experience, The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service is and it was certainly one we won’t forget in a long the highest award given to local voluntary sector time. We arrived to very rainy conditions (again), but once we entered organisations across the UK to recognise the outstanding work carried out the palace grounds the weather dried up, and on occasion the sun even in their own communities. It was created in 2002 to celebrate the Queen’s broke through. The afternoon tea was superb with plenty of sandwiches Golden Jubilee and is the MBE for volunteer groups. and cakes to eat and tea to drink for all the 8,000 guests present from FFSA, initially nominated for this award by previous trustee George all over Scotland. There were various bands around the gardens playing Baird, received this award because Tom Sunter, Deputy Lieutenant some lovely music. Along with glimpses of the Royal Family we had a of Fife, in his assessment visit to Families First noted that, “During great day, bumping into friends from Home-Start East Fife, and meeting the assessment visit the high standards of leadership, management many other interesting people along the way. and training were readily apparent, as were the high morale, loyalty, enthusiasm, and high motivation. Everyone involved with the organisation, from the children and families to Families First’s partner agencies are If you wish to find out more about Families First, its services, and committed to building on their strengths to reduce the inequalities Fife how you can help them through fundraising or volunteering please citizens experience in their local communities.” visit the website: www.familiesfirststandrews.org.uk The announcement of the award was followed by invitations to the Patron’s Lunch, Pall Mall, London on 12 June, and the Garden Party at (Photos courtesy Families first) the Palace of Holyroodhouse on 5 July. Members of staff attended both of (See also Issue 70, May/June 2015 page 17 of this magazine) these events.

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ORGANISATIONS From the St Andrews Branch of the RSCDS (Royal Scottish Country Dance Society)

A well-earned Award

St Andrews RSCDS had the good fortune in 2001 to have John Sturrock, who had been a founder member and first Chairman of Cambridge Branch, join our numbers. During the following fifteen years, John achieved a great deal in the service of St Andrews Branch, where it was immediately obvious that he was a superb dancer, with an amazing memory for individual dances and – despite his deafness – he always kept perfect time to the music.

It was no surprise when in 2006 he was nominated as Vice-chairman.

When in August 2007 the Chairman resigned for family reasons, John became Interim Chairman until the 2008 AGM when he was appointed Chairman, a position he held until 2010. He assisted with the setting up of the Branch website, also with the production and marketing of the Branch’s “Platinum” CD, celebrating 70 years of the Branch. He also compiles a website detailing Scottish dance events and groups far and wide, writes the ‘Day School Diary’ page in Scottish Country Dancer, serves on the RSCDS’s Technique Panel.

John and Sheena Sturrock

From 2002-2005 John taught the Intermediate class, a post he filled with distinction. His teaching led to many members of that class moving up to the General class. After that John took over the General class, where he strove to improve the standard of dancing and introduce less familiar dances. Subsequently he helped out if the regular teacher was unavailable.

He was also one of two teachers from John with Branch Chairman 2006-2013 of a local, ladies only, dance Rebecca Howard group (The Forty Club, formerly taught

by Irene Bennett).

John has regularly attended the Branch class since his retiral from teaching; he has also regularly attended dances in the area. He has been MC at many of our dances during the Summer School, at our annual Ball, and at dances in Cupar. John has devised many dances, among them, St Andrews 600, commemorating the 600th Anniversary of St Andrews University, published in the Branch’s 75th Anniversary book – a dance that has proved very popular.

John makes everyone feel welcome, helping fellow dancers with expertise and patience. The Branch committee, therefore, unanimously recommended him for the Branch Award. Congratulations, John!

(Photos courtesy the St Andrews Branch)

From Joe Peterson, Show Manager

The HORTI

St Andrews & District Horticultural Association & it was decided to hold for the first time a Spring Gardening Club is affectionately known as the Flower Show. The venue for this was the Victory HORTI by its longer serving members. It is one Memorial Hall in St Mary’s Place. The year 2000 of the oldest Horticultural Associations still in saw the HORTI have only one summer show, due existence, as it started back in 1833. Originally to the growing popularity of other flower shows in named The St Andrews & District Horticultural & the surrounding area. A stalwart of the HORTI for Floricultural Association, it has changed its title 63 years was Henry “Harry” Anquetil. Harry was a few times over the intervening 183 years and quite a character and a “weel kent” face around may well do so again in the future. There are town. Leaving the RAF in 1947 he started as a no written minutes available from the very first gardener with the University, rising through the AGM, so there is no record of its ranks to stay with them until founder members. St Andrews he retired. He was a prolific The world of gardening University archive department exhibitor, and President at the is open to all and we are holds many of the early minutes time of his death in 2010 – always looking to promote from 1867 onwards. (see this magazine, issue 38, its therapeutic virtues in a In the early days, the Jan/Feb 2010) HORTI had three classes of To reach out to potential world filled with stress members: professionals and members, and the occasional amateurs, whose annual subscription was 3/- (3 gardener, we now have our own website. Check shillings), and cottagers who paid 1/-. In 1893 the us out at: standrewsgardeners.co.uk This Association was suspended due to lack of active allows not only the members and exhibitors, but members. In 1906, however, the Association anyone interested in the Association to view and was resurrected through a proposal by Mr John download information about us and our shows at Balsille, its former treasurer. It was renamed the the click of a button. If you would prefer a paper St Andrews & District Horticultural Association, copy our schedule is also available. Our Summer adopting the rules of, “the other Society of 1893”.

Show this year will be held in the Town Hall in In 1918 a rival Allotment Association was Queen’s Gardens on Saturday, 24 September. formed in the town, but by 1922 they merged to We are hoping that a greater number of residents, form the St Andrews Allotment & Horticultural especially children, will participate by staging an Association. The high points of the horticultural entry or two this year. You don’t have to be an year were an early and a late summer show. In expert as help and friendly encouragement on all the very early days the main show was a grand aspects of exhibiting are always on hand. affair, with a sports day held in conjunction, Our Spring Show is now the only one held culminating in an evening dance for the people in Fife. In 2017 this will be in Hope Park Church of the town. In the centenary year of 1932 the Hall on Saturday, 22 April, as this venue was summer show was held in the Madras College such a success earlier this year. New members building in South Street. After the war in 1947, are always welcome. With the post of Secretary due to the large numbers of those wishing to becoming vacant soon we would be happy to enter exhibits, the summer show became a twospeak to anyone who feels they could assist us day event. by filling that post. The world of gardening is open The Festival of Britain year of 1951 saw the to all and we are always looking to promote its show held in the now-demolished Volunteer Hall therapeutic virtues in a world filled with stress. on City Road with over 800 exhibits. In 1983, to celebrate the Association’s 150-year anniversary, (Photos courtesy Joe Peterson)

We, like many other gardening organisations, would dearly like to recruit some younger people, especially those with computer skills, to assist us with our web pages. If you would like further information on any aspect of the HORTI do have a chat with one of the members, or contact me: Joe Peterson by email: 1833joe@gmail.com or phone: 473 552

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ORGANISATIONS Alistair Lang, Chair, BID St Andrews

BID keeps delivering for St Andrews In case you missed my first report in the last issue, the purpose of the BID St Andrews not-for-profit company created in January is to help local businesses better realise the commercial potential which St Andrews has for them and the wider community.

Our projects and services, which are in addition to those run by Fife Council and the Scottish Government, are allowing town businesses to fund the creation of a more vibrant business environment by delivering an enhanced customer experience and reputation for the town. These are paid for by a levy on qualifying businesses in the BID area. The first bills were sent out by Fife Council at the end of July. Since the last issue we’ve been working very hard launching the following projects: Seagull Survey – as part of the ‘Clean and Green’ section of our Business Plan, we commissioned a scientific study of gull (and human) activity in the BID area from St Andrews University. Due next month, it will give us accurate data on the key points we need in order to create an Action Plan that will offer best value-for-money, and deal with the issue most effectively.

St Andrews in Bloom Planters sponsorship – We’ve planted the seeds of a five-year programme of support for the awardwinning St Andrews in Bloom programme by paying for 10 planters of welcoming flowers at the East end of Market St. Project partner St Andrews Links helped install the planters; they are watering and feeding the flowers.

They’ll remove the planters next month.

The ‘St Andrews Green Squad’ – We’re paying for St Andrews Environmental Network (StAndEN) to employ a supervisor to train and lead a small team of volunteers, including youngsters seeking employability skills, to deliver a range of environmental projects in the BID area. These will include ‘Tidy Up’ campaigns, footpath weed removal, ensuring ‘green’ disposal of unwanted items from student accommodation and town centre inspections, including energy efficiency assessments for local businesses.

Land Train Summer trial – After our successful pilot during the Open last year, we paid for the LocalMotion Land Train to return to St Andrews for a trial from July 25 to 31 – a more typical summer week. Passenger numbers will be used to plan how long it will return for next summer.

St Andrews Photography Festival – As I write, we’re making final preparations for the first major BID event – the first annual St Andrews Photography Festival. From 1st August to 11 September, its 18 exhibitions and 35 events at 19 venues are celebrating the role and importance of St Andreans and the town in the origins of the art. It showcases Scottish photography, which is part of their legacy, while drawing new visitors to the town. Find what you can still enjoy; read the enthusiastic reception it’s had from photographers around the world on its Facebook page: www.facebook.com/StAndPhotoFest

The new Photography Festival is on till 11 September Watch this space next issue for what we’re doing next!

For more information on BID St Andrews go to our website at: http://bidstandrews.co.uk

Robin Alexander says

Your Probus Club needs YOU...!

Did you know that the St Andrews Probus Club is one of some 28 Probus The Club’s fortnightly meetings run from October through to April, Clubs that exist in Fife and Kinross? However, despite being one of the on the second and fourth Tuesdays. Then, in the Spring and Summer first clubs to be spawned in the 1970s, St Andrews’ months, members may wish to participate in Probus Clubs (PRO short for membership numbers – certainly in the last ten Probus inter-club Bowls and/or Golf fixtures, Professional, and BUS for years or so – have been falling quite alarmingly. held at various venues throughout Fife and Why so? business) established in the UK in Kinross, an excellent means of meeting, Probus Clubs (PRO short for Professional, and competing with fellow Probians 1970 can now be found worldwide greeting, and BUS for business) established in the UK from other Clubs. in 1970 can now be found worldwide. Their objective was simple; to create opportunities for retired business people to enjoy the company of other like-minded people on a regular basis. Indeed, membership now Our meetings venue is The St Andrews Bowling Club off embraces not only ‘professional’ people, but also those who have retired Kinnessburn Road, St Andrews. Meetings start at 10.30am, from many another responsible and interesting working life. preceded with tea/coffee from 9.45am. Finish time usually 12noon It is now accepted that we are all living longer. Ergo, even more reason max. If you are recently retired (or even long-time retired...!) do to use some of that time to enjoy the camaraderie of fellow retirees. Our come along to one of our meetings where you will be assured of a St Andrews Probus Club offers just such an opportunity; regular meetings, warm welcome. conviviality, interesting guest speakers. So, what are you waiting for?

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OUT & ABOUT From Andrew W Johnson

A Labyrinth in Kinburn Park There is a closely-guarded secret in Kinburn Park, St Andrews: a beautiful Labyrinth, recently constructed by volunteers and completed about three months ago In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in the labyrinth, a place for personal meditation and possibly spiritual transformation. It can be used as a walking June in University Hall Kennedy Gardens, meditation, a way to finding your own spiritual happened upon the Labyrinth and were centre, a body prayer. There is no right or delighted to be able to wrong way to walk or dance dance within it. a labyrinth. It is a powerful In recent years, Circle dancing is a tool for illuminating one’s path there has been a form of dance enjoyed through life. the world, the The location in Kilburn resurgence of interest throughout dances having a wide Park, which is administered in the labyrinth variety, form, mood, from

by Fife Council, gives easy slow and meditative to access in a lovely place. A frankly energetic and celebratory, suitable for number of ladies who were participating in all abilities, and you do not need a partner. a ‘Circle Dance’ weekend on Saturday, 18

There is a group of Circle Dancers who meet regularly in Cupar, just ten miles from St Andrews – details about the group are available from Rose Cross: rose.cross@tesco.net or call before 8.00pm: 01334 657 896. More details about circle dancing can be found at: www.cscd.org.uk (Photos courtesy Andrew Johnson)

Tim Hardie’s

Nature Notes I have previously mentioned the blatant opportunism of my flock of house allow them to hatch sparrows. I was much aghast this spring, whilst watching the house out as many broods martins build their beautiful coned nest, as there was somebody else as possible. The watching too. No sooner had the martins ninety-percent completed their woodpigeon is an avid nest, than a pair of spugs moved in taking over the brand new purposenester and will, I think, built home. The ‘ninety-percent complete’ is important; for if the martins breed most months complete the job, there would not be sufficient space for a hostile take of the year, providing over. Thankfully, our little martins are determined little fellows; another there is a food supply. nest was constructed shortly afterwards and sealed off, before they really Their great advantage did become a construction company for house sparrows. Martin house is that they stuff their House Martin builders – sounds quite good!! young with so much The hens are not looking their best, after many months of laying. They food they are ready will deserve their three month ‘staycation’ in the autumn, when they will to leave the nest only two weeks after hatching. It is not a surprise then, shed their feathers and grow a brand new set. Many of them this summer that in Medieval times and probably more recent times, people would tie have gone broody, which results in them sitting the squabs feet to nearby branches, thereby in the nest boxes and refusing to move. Although encouraging the parent birds to continue feeding I was lucky enough to have a the notion of hatching out little fluffy chicks is an their stay-at-home chicks before a feast of baby lovely walk on the West Sands woodpigeon! appealing one, you invariably get a load of boys, who if you don’t cull them, will turn into a bunch I was lucky enough to have a lovely walk round to the Eden estuary of mindless thuggish adolescents, going around on the West Sands round to the Eden estuary. grabbing any hen they can get hold of! To avoid Coming back alongside the dunes, it was good this scenario, broodies are immediately removed to solitary confinement, to see lots of wheatears, yellow hammers, and skylarks. One skylark where the lack of home comforts generally puts them off the idea within a escorted me off the premises by constantly flying ahead of me, then few days. We call it ‘the cooler’ in honour of the Great Escape. landing, until she felt secure enough to go back to her chicks. I wonder There are several fields that have lain fallow this year; I think this is how the Links’ grey partridge are faring this year? Providing their nest has where spring barley would have normally been planted, but the price for not been discovered and robbed by hoodie crows, hedgehogs, stoats, spring barley is now so low this is no longer viable. Whatever the reason, or weasels, they hopefully might just rear a family. You won’t get better this has been a bonus for wildlife and I have noticed large flocks of parents than grey partridges and they can successfully raise up to sixteen woodpigeons taking advantage of the additional supply of food. This will chicks.

One evening I came across a very new roe deer fawn, suckling his mother. He was very tiny, and it was very special to see the two of them together. I have since seen them both, two or three times. On the last occasion his mum was giving a rather handsome buck the cold shoulder, in fact chasing him back from where he came. At the same time our friend Mr Tod, Reynard, Lord Charles, or whatever you wish to call him, was stalking the fawn.

However, having already seen off a strapping buck, there was little doubt this fox was on a hiding to nothing with the mother. That said, optimism is a great trait!

House Sparrow

Gray Partridge

(Photos courtesy John Anderson (Crail Birder: www.pbase.com/crail_birder ))

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OUT & ABOUT Alistair Lawson, ScotWays

Walk to Health? Talk to Health!

By the time this appears in print, the Rio Olympics will have come and gone, and TV sports fans will have rediscovered Clare Balding with her enthusiastic commentaries. I came across a book of hers recently, Walking Home, in which she mentions the hugely varied range of informal walking groups she has come across, many of them with a very specific social and healing purpose.

While it may be obvious that people wishing to improve their physical condition, or shed a few pounds, will choose walking as the simplest and most readily-available means of doing that, there are other, less obvious needs for which walking is the answer. Clare mentions a group of recently-bereaved walkers she had come across; they had all been sitting at home feeling isolated until first two, then others,

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found friends and neighbours in the same boat and began to walk together – not only walk, but talk together. She had also come across a group of friends who were each recovering from operations, some just straightforward ‘mechanical’ operations, but, in other cases, serious, life-threatening conditions. They, too, had at first seen themselves as lone individuals, until they found one another, then began therapeutic walking and talking. Another group’s shared condition was loneliness, in another simplest, the least demanding or whatever case, depression, in another, redundancy, in yet your taste determines, and work your way up. another, friendlessness having moved to a new You are guaranteed to meet others: start with area, and in another, ‘empty nest syndrome’. In a comment on the weather, the view, the fact quite a few cases, people wanted to walk, but that you are both out of breath ... or whatever ... just didn’t know where to go. In all the cases and let it grow from there to the she came across, the walking point where you agree to walk and talking therapy was working, The question arises: together. lives were being transformed. how does the Residents of Fife have a The question arises: how individual, sitting at ready answer at hand, namely does the individual, sitting at home, make the first the handy, pocket-sized booklet home, make the first connection? shown here, Walks Fife, which You can’t stop people in the connection? contains 20 walks, plus maps street and say, “Excuse me, are and detailed guidance, all for just £2.99. It you suffering from ...?” One possible solution is available locally at Waterstones, or at the is simply to go and walk where others walk, VisitScotland Information Centre, both in Market allow casual conversations to develop, meet Street. As our second illustration shows, there the same people repeatedly, allow friendships is no need to confine yourself to Fife, as there to develop to the point where problems and are no fewer than 33 booklets in the series, secrets begin to come out, common ground covering most, but not yet all, of Scotland. thus established. The best way to kick-start that process is to equip yourself with a small (Images courtesy of Hallewell Publications) book of local walks, select the shortest, the

OUT & ABOUT Arlen Pardoe

Hidden Gems in St Andrews Focussing on features that are in plain sight, but often overlooked Electric Door Bells There are two kinds of door bell – mechanical and electrical. The mechanical type was featured last year and is probably much earlier than the other bell, which requires electricity to work. A house with no mains electrical connection would have used batteries to power the bell.

These could have been dry cells needing replacement

when exhausted, or wet cells that would be recharged – often by a local electrician, who would have exchanged the dead cell with a freshly-charged one. Modern bells are sometimes wireless, but generally have little character.

Fortunately there are very many examples in St Andrews of earlier electric bell pushes that have survived, some are quite ornate and others very plain.

(Photos courtesy Arlen Pardoe)

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