St Andrews in Focus Issue 84 Sep Oct 2017

St Andrews in focus ISSN 2514-409X

• shopping • eating • events • town/gown • people and more

September/October 2017 Issue 84, £2.00

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

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Andrews in focus

• shopping • eating • events • town/gown • people and more

From the Editor

Hamish McHamish lives on; alas, not in the flesh I hasten to add, but in a new revised edition of the wonderful book Susan McMullan wrote in 2012 (see the review in Issue 55, Nov/Dec 2012). Renamed, Hamish McHamish Legend of St Andrews the book has a new Introduction reflecting events in the years up to both Hamish’s and Marianne Baird’s sad passing. Included also are photos with captions of the unique launch of the cat’s statue in 2014. Susan’s lovably apposite comments make the book a sheer delight. Amidst all the present world’s troubles it is heartwarming that a beautiful cat was able to knit the St Andrews community together, even spreading his fame globally, and that his memory looks set to continue forever. I confess that even now I vaguely look for Hamish to reappear somewhere in the town he loved – foolish I know, but still…

Perhaps I should ask the ghost-tour operator if he’s glimpsed Hamish’s ghost yet.

Andy Mackie, Manager of Print and Design, who has supported this magazine from the start, has retired after more than 30 years with the University. We will all miss you, Andy, but wish you many happy years of stress-free enjoyment doing what you love most.

Flora Selwyn (Photo of your Editor, thanks to Peter Adamson)

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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 2017 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., Suite 160, 15 Bell Street, St Andrews, Fife, KY16 9UR. Tel: 01334 472375 Email: editor@standrewsinfocus.com SUBSCRIPTIONS St Andrews in Focus is published 6 times a year.

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Contents TOWN & GOWN • The Principal of the University • A mature student graduates • Montessori, a parent’s view • University benefactors • An American returns home FEATURES • The Community Council • News from Westminster • Holy Trinity Church under threat • A love of music • Learning to adapt • Thanks to NE Fife Council!

• Jurek Putter’s creativity • Reviews: – Children’s books recommended – The Battle of St Monans – Coal mining in the East Neuk – The Leaper – Hamish McHamish, new edition PULL-OUT FEATURE • Concert Diary

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EVENTS • Photographic society • Byre Writers open workshop • ‘Explorathon’ • The Children’s Orchestra and Choir • Christmas craft fair • Selected Events

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SHOPS & SERVICES • Business advice • ‘Caveat Emptor’ • Successful fundraising • Defibrillators • Shiatsu for dogs • Media Walls sponsor • Shiatsu for women • Meet and learn • Roving Reporter

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ORGANISATIONS • The Community Trust updated • Music in hospitals • Guide dogs for the blind • Probus • Links with Loches • ‘Les nouvelles de Loches’ • Rotary • The Pilgrim Foundation

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OUT & ABOUT • The Smail House explained • Dysart’s hidden beauty • Arlen Pardoe’s discovered gems

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NEXT ISSUE – Nov/Dec 2017 COPY DEADLINE: STRICTLY 28 SEPTEMBER

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

Cover: an original photo by Caroline Trotter of a Kenyan Masai Mara Giraffe

TOWN & GOWN The Editor is delighted and privileged to publish this article from

Professor Sally Mapstone, Principal of the University Almost exactly a year ago I arrived, after a about St Andrews. That sense of community day’s drive from Oxford, with my husband is greatly valued by our students and our staff.

Martin, to take up the role of Principal and ViceAnd, as residents of The Scores ourselves, Chancellor of the University of St Andrews.

Martin and I are very aware that some of our The town was enjoying a spell of late more boisterous student traditions can test the summer sunshine, and after a couple of days patience of the local community. The University unpacking, I got straight to work with my Vicedoes its best to encourage the students to Principals, members of the University Court, police themselves, to resist the temptation to and my College Gate team, meeting with turn the music at the Graduation Ball up to Scottish government ministers, and attending eleven, and to clear up after Raisin Monday an away day of one of the key higher education and the May Dip. I do hope we get it right more sector organisations. often than we get it wrong.

Although I have spent the majority of my Other highlights of this first year have academic career in Oxford, I am no stranger to included getting to know the students and staff St Andrews. My scholarly field is the literature at Madras College. I was delighted to speak at and culture of medieval and Renaissance this year’s Madras College Annual Prize giving, Scotland, and my research has regularly and of course we are working hard on plans brought me to Scotland, often to St Andrews. to exchange a portion of university land at So Martin and I approached the unmistakeable the Langlands site for the Madras campus on skyline with a sense of South Street. We hope to coming back to a place turn the Madras site into that I knew quite well, the University’s first new Although I have spent the College since the 16th and with the anticipation of getting to know it very century, and look forward majority of my academic much better. to continuing to forge career in Oxford, I am no Throughout my first educational links with the twelve months I have Madras team. stranger to St Andrews made it a priority to I was also very get out and about the pleased to be made an University and the town extraordinary member of as much as possible. I have visited all of our the Royal & Ancient Golf Club. The University academic schools and the service units which and the R&A share many goals, including keep the University going. And I have accepted the encouragement of excellence, and I am as many local engagements as my diary has delighted to see the relationship between us allowed – whether speaking to the After Many growing stronger. I also very much value our Days Club, representing the University at relationship with the Links Trust who, like Remembrance Sunday events, or enjoying the R&A, are so very supportive to our many theatrical and musical productions at the Byre students who play golf or who learn to do so Theatre or the Younger Hall, it is always a while they are here – enjoying, in particular, the pleasure to meet St Andrews people. We are superb facilities which the Links Trust provides. fortunate as a University to have passionate, Those facilities are also greatly enjoyed by engaged local residents who take an interest in Martin, who is an enthusiastic golfer. our activities.

The University’s motto, ‘Ever to Excel,’ The interweaving of the University and underpins our approach to research and the town is one of the very special things teaching, and I am pleased to be able to write

that we are in very good standing in the league tables. St Andrews sits third only to Oxford and Cambridge in all three of the domestic league tables, and we ranked 1st in the recent Times Higher Education student experience survey. I was also delighted to be able to report during June’s Graduation events that our excellent teaching achieved a Gold award in the UK Government’s new Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF).

The TEF Panel particularly commended our excellent facilities. As student expectations rise, and as we seek to consolidate our reputation as a place to do world-class research, we need to invest in new, state-ofthe-art buildings, which, wherever possible, we will share with the town. Earlier this year I opened the new University nursery, located in a beautiful setting near the East Sands, which offers places to students, staff, and town parents. Plans have been approved for the new Music Centre, which will replace an array of temporary buildings on Queen’s Terrace and which, together with the Byre Theatre, will create a new St Andrews cultural quarter. And we are consulting on plans for new student and staff accommodation to relieve pressure on the local housing market.

St Andrews isn’t just a combination of ancient and modern. It is also uniquely Scottish and profoundly international. As the UK engages with the implications of Brexit, one of my priorities this year has been to speak out in defence of the international nature of scholarship and the benefits to St Andrews, to Scotland, and the UK, of our wonderfully international academic community.

The University welcomes students and staff from over 140 countries. Over the last twelve months I have travelled extensively, within Scotland and the UK, and also in Europe, the USA, the Middle East and China as part of developing a new international strategy for the University.

Turbulent times are not the prerogative of the 21st century, and great universities both withstand them and show their worth during them. Over the next twelve months I intend St Andrews to focus on playing a full part in hosting and contributing to the important debates we have ahead of us, and in engaging with the global academic community from our home here in North-East Fife.

(Photos courtesy of the Principal)

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TOWN & GOWN Ted Brocklebank graduated MA (General) With Distinction on 22 June 2017

To Wear That Scarlet Gown The first time it occurred to me that I might be missing something by would they have heard firstnot going to university was just three months after I left Madras. I had hand about my Black Watch signed on as a builder’s labourer hoping that one day, somehow, I might granddad’s memories of the find myself on the bottom rung of a career ladder in journalism. The Passchendaele mud? For my firm I was mixing cement for had won the contract to repair a great hole part I felt privileged to witness in the side of the main St Andrews pier. One day – it must have been a different generation’s mid-September – a crowd of new students arrived at the harbour on an thought processes develop. introductory tour. Among them were several of my former classmates When I began the from Madras. There followed an uncomfortable ‘them and us’ moment; course some five years ago they in their natty new red gowns, me in my dungarees and wellies. there was no opportunity Early success in school ‘compositions’ (essays) had me believing I for part-time students to was destined to be a best-selling author, or at worst, a newspaper editor. progress to a named Honours Universities? They were fine if you wanted to be a schoolteacher, a degree course. I would minister, or a doctor. But the real action for wannabe wordsmiths was in have welcomed the chance Bank Street, Dundee, or preferably, Fleet Street, London. to switch and sit the same In time I was to work in both places and found them disappointing in degree exams as my daytime Ted with his wife, Frances, and the action stakes. Lots of boozy lunches and posturing, but action? Nah! fellow students, since in joint Grand-daughter, Phoebe, a languages Fortunately I discovered that words were also needed in the-then new essays and class projects with undergraduate at Edinburgh University medium of television. From in-vision reporter I became a documentary them I rarely felt out of my producer, finally current affairs editor, where I regularly interviewed young depth. However, that anomaly has now been addressed. From this year, graduates wanting to work in television. I confess I sometimes secretly General degree students will have the option of switching to a named envied their two-ones in social anthropology, or philosophy. It didn’t help Honours degree at the end of second year (subject to grades). that my two sons had degrees, and my wife at the last count had degrees So what subjects are on offer? Everything, from Art History, Biology, from three different Scottish universities. Academically I was heavily Computer Science, English Literature, Mediaeval and Modern History, outgunned. to Philosophy, Physics, Astronomy, Psychology But it wasn’t until I stepped down as an MSP – and Social Anthropology, also others I can’t even Studying for a university a career aberration if ever there was one! – that I remember. Sadly, the Scottish Government’s degree at St Andrews could discovered it might not be too late to feel on my own vaunted pledge to cover tuition fees does not apply be a life-changing experience. to part-time students, but if your income is less shoulders ‘the old red gown’ poet R F Murray wrote It certainly was for me about so poignantly. Even better, the alma mater than £25,000 p.a. funding may be available from Murray was so proud of, the oldest in Scotland, SAAS. Tuition fees vary according to subjects, but I the further education choice of future kings and queens, was offering found an average of £900-£1200 p.a. was the norm with facilities to pay the opportunity to study for a degree through its Lifelong and Flexible by monthly direct debit. Students are taught via a mixture of lectures, Learning programme. My collection of Highers and Lowers (circa 1960) tutorials, and laboratory sessions (sciences only), but you are also was qualification enough, but alternative educational routes, such as expected to study independently in your own time. Lectures normally last Access courses, HNCs and HNDs are also acceptable to begin study for a couple of hours and tutorials about an hour. I found the quality of tuition the Master of Arts (General) and Bachelor of Science (General) degrees. outstanding – far better than I had expected – mostly via senior lecturers I discovered that even if you have little formal senior education because and professors with some tutorials conducted by PhD students. Exactly of illness or family circumstances you could still be accepted. Students the same mix regular students can expect, in fact, and the quality of can study either full-time or part-time, taking as long as they wish to tuition is one of the key factors in St Andrews’ high position in university complete their degrees, depending on other commitments. Most, but by league tables. no means all, of my fellow students were in the autumn of their years.

So, if you feel that you might like to study for a degree, Joyce from Leven, who graduated with me in June, is a youthful eighty. either as an evening student or a part-time (daytime) student at But many were in their 30s or 40s, often holding down responsible jobs St Andrews, get in touch with Mike Johnson or Joanna Fry at the during the day and studying in the evenings. However, I particularly Admissions and Access department on the Scores. There is also enjoyed joining daytime classes, testing my ageing brain cells against an Application Form available on their webpages at the following those of youthful regular students. The fiftyish, and very distinguished, link: www.st-andrews.ac.uk/study/ug/options/routes/part-time history professor who conducted the daytime module on the First But if you want to begin study in January 2018, remember the closing World War confessed he had never taught a student who first learned date for applications is 15 December 2017. So, don’t delay. Studying for about the Great War at the knee of a grandfather who had actually a university degree at St Andrews could be a life-changing experience. served in the trenches. My fellow students were on average aged 20, It certainly was for me. Now, it’s time for a gap year and big decisions initially regarding me as a kind of living fossil. Later, I think they felt my about possible future study. attendance at lectures hadn’t been entirely disadvantageous. How else (Photo courtesy Ted Brocklebank)

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TOWN & GOWN Emma Hughes offers

A Parent’s Perspective on the Montessori Nursery in St Andrews As parents we all want the best This is certainly thanks to the for our children. Simple. Not Montessori nursery. so simple is sifting through the People are often surprised reams of, often contradictory, by the calm and industrious information telling us what is atmosphere in a Montessori best. It is a wonder we don’t all nursery – and a little scared by run screaming into the sea in an it. People can mistake this for attempt to escape the information stifling of the children’s natural overload! The one thing I did know energy. This could not be further that I wanted from a nursery for from the truth. Judith, Natasha, my children, was somewhere that and their staff provide a calm, would nurture the development nurturing, fun environment, of every bit of them – emotional, where my children’s natural physical, and of course, the exuberance and physicality was learning aspect. I found all this at not checked, but instead utilised the Montessori Children’s House. and honed so that they could What I think I most love bring the best out in themselves about the School is the natural and, in time, others. My children progression my children have couldn’t wait to go to nursery. made through the Montessori They still go back in the holidays Creative construction using Planting cabbages in materials – from practical life, when they are off school, such the sensorial materials the school garden through sensory to the literacy is their love of the place and the and to the mathematical materials. people.

All this made my oldest son’s transition to traditional Any nursery or school stands or falls on the They don’t just ‘go the extra schooling seamless, and a far more positive quality of its staff. In this respect, as in so many mile’ for our children, they experience than we could have otherwise hoped for. others, we have been more than lucky. I believe go far beyond that I feel deeply that his strong sense of self, his quiet Judith and Natasha, indeed all their staff, are truly confidence in his own knowledge and abilities are special people. They don’t just ‘go the extra mile’ very much thanks to his experiences at Children’s House. Watching for our children, they go far beyond that. To watch how they bring both my children learn to read and write, with none of the strain and out the best in each and every child, to even witness the surprising exhaustion I remember so clearly from my own childhood, has been a transformation of some in their care, is a humbling experience. If you joy and a privilege. This I know for certain is wholly due to the genius want the best educational start for your child then you need look no of the Montessori literacy materials; in the wonderful way my children further – it is here. and we, as a family, were guided through them. My daughter is due to To discover more about the Montessori nursery and how to contact start school this August and I know she is far more prepared for it than them, go to: www.childrenshouse-standrews.com I was at her age; I am confident she will thrive as her brother has done.

John Cameron’s column

University Benefactors St Andrews University was often the grateful The wife of our ambassador to Turkey, she recipient of largesse from the Bute family, who described her travels in a famous series owed their vast wealth to marrying heiresses, of letters, which were the first example of and the early industrial revolution. At the end of secular writing by a woman on the Muslim the 19th century the 3rd Marquis, as University Orient. Her observations were full of graphic Rector, funded extensive building restoration, descriptions that became an inspiration for also initiating the construction of the Bute subsequent female travellers and writers, Medical Buildings. as well as increasing European interest in These were the days, as my dear friend Islamic art. Her gender and social standing the late Principal Arnott often reminded me, provided her with access to female spaces when student leaders could be invited round closed off to Western men. This enabled for “wine and guidance” her to provide a more as to whom the student accurate account of Lady Mary’s contribution body might choose as the dress, habits, traditions, should also be remembered next rector. This led to limitations, and liberties a fine mix of wealth and – although at times her power (Bute, Andrew Carnegie), men of writing was clearly more a critique of the letters (John Stuart Mill, Rudyard Kipling) and Occident than praise for the Orient. heroes (Douglas Haig, Fridtjof Nansen).

Her association with the smallpox The seeds of the Bute family fortunes inoculation began with her witnessing lay in the mid-18th century, when the 3rd “variolation”, where a live virus is taken Earl, the first Scottish prime minister of from a blister in a mild case of the disease the UK after the 1707 Union, married the and introduced into a scratch in the skin of heiress daughter of Lady Mary Wortley a previously uninfected person to promote Montagu (1689-1762). In fact Lady Mary immunity. Her brother had died of smallpox, was a remarkable woman in her own right, her own famous beauty was marred by the providing another link with St Andrews disease, so she had her five-year-old son University through her introduction of the Edward inoculated by the Embassy surgeon smallpox inoculation into Western medicine.

Charles Maitland.

On her return to London, she enthusiastically advocated the procedure, but encountered huge resistance from the medical establishment.

However England was soon struck by a smallpox epidemic; she had her daughter inoculated. More importantly, she persuaded Queen Caroline, wife of George II, to have her children inoculated. Such royal patronage spread its use throughout Europe.

The procedure, and its later variants, saved more lives than any other medical procedure. Voltaire wrote that at this time two-thirds of Europe caught smallpox, being responsible for the deaths of 20 per cent of the population. In the closing years of the 18th century the St Andrews graduate, Edward Jenner, developed the much safer technique of vaccinating with cowpox instead of variolation’s smallpox. The University rightly basks in the reflected glory of Jenner’s work as the father of immunology, but Lady Mary’s contribution should also be remembered.

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TOWN & GOWN Konstantin Wertelecki returns home

Re-Americanisation

In the dimness of my room on a dark, early morning, I was awoken by a series of blue flashes from my mobile.

designed to show others what they want others to see.’ I then sent my friend photos of Alaska, Nevada, Michigan, Florida, and New York City without revealing the location. ‘Okay,’ I ‘Welcome back!’, one of them read. messaged, ‘Just for fun, guess which place is ‘Happy returns to America!’, read another.

America?’

‘Welcome home!’, read a third, ‘So, what’s it ‘That’s too easy!’ he replied, ‘The last photo like to be in America after being in Italy for of course! Everyone knows New York City. six months!?’

The others I’d say are…I don’t know, Russia, maybe the Gobi desert, Canada, and Egypt.’

It was this final message that struck me the ‘Actually,’ I messaged, ‘they’re all photos of most, as it is typically this question that I America.’ am always asked after a long journey. I find ‘What?’ replied my friend, ‘But, they’re all it curious that we take such interest in the so different!’ change of our friends, when they have left a ‘Just like Americans,’ I messaged. This was familiar place for a time. I am also amused met with a long pause. I decided to press a little that in this particular case, I was shouldered further. ‘You see, from the 1920s to about the with the responsibility of judging an entire 1960s, a very specific image of America was country. promoted. If you’ve ever seen the old American ‘I think I know more of Italy than I do of television programmes, that gives you a pretty America, at this point’, I jokingly messaged good idea of what America was promoted to back, ‘It’s much smaller!’ be. But since about the 1970s, there’s been a My non-American friend understood the push to demonstrate just how diverse America humour, but pressed further. ‘But, you’ve grown really is, the number of languages, people, and up in America. Even if you haven’t seen it all, sub-cultures it really touches.’ you know it, don’t you?’

‘Well, things I waited, opened my have changed now,’ curtains whilst thinking of replied my friend. ‘All an appropriate response. the modern American It was the sight of the programmes in our sun, very low and dim at country only show the moment, that held diversity. I’ll accept that my answer. ‘America is a the weather and stuff huge country’, I replied. is different, but people ‘Spanning over five time already know that zones. My impressions of America is a diverse America have been, and place.’ always will be, different ‘Interestingly,’ I than those from other messaged back, ‘I parts of the country. So, believe that media has The trick is not to treat America after six months in Italy, not changed much as one kind of diverse culture, my impressions of this since the 1960s. You but a diverse set of many subpart of America has of see, in the 1960s, they cultures, like the EU course changed, but I promoted a national can’t speak for the rest.’ image of America that ‘You’re in the United States! ’ he was not true. Today, television programmes are messaged, ‘Your views can’t be that different doing the same thing by promoting a national from another American. In my country, we all image of diversity. There is diversity, but not know Americans when we see them. They’re everywhere in America.’ just like they are on television!’

‘I’m so confused,’ replied my friend.

‘You must not have met too many ‘You can find localised diversity in New Americans, then,’ I jokingly messaged back, York City, Boston, Los Angeles, all the big ‘You and I both know that media can be places. But, if you go outside those cities, such

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as where I live, these sections of America have created very distinct regional cultures that are neither prone to quick change nor open to heavy diversity.

The trick is not to treat America as one kind of diverse culture, but a diverse set of many sub-cultures, like the EU.’ ‘Like the EU?’ my friend messaged.

‘Not many would deny that a German or Spaniard is European, but many would deny that Spanish and Germans are the same. In an American context, no one would deny that a Southerner, Miamian, and a Californian are American, but Southerners, Miamians and Californians will fiercely defend their regional identities. American television is still largely controlled by media companies who promote their image of America and therefore, much of ‘American’ television reflects those values, but not truly of America.

‘So, what is America?’ asked my friend.

‘To me’ I replied, ‘America is defined by each occupant. America is not supposed to be a set identity with specific customs, laws, or languages. Rather, if it truly is a “land of the free”, it is to do all it can to escape nationalism and allow each occupant to play a role in building a mixed ‘national’ identity whose communal feature is the liberty of selfidentification. To me, if I am American, I should be able to be whomever I want.’ There was stillness from the other end.

‘So, what about Italy,’ asked my friend.

‘How do you feel about America, or your part of it, after having been in Italy?

I paused, thinking of an answer. Looking out the window, I saw the sun rising slowly and thought back to how it looked when I last saw it in Tuscany. Finally, I resumed messaging.

‘If America is truly indeed what I have been taught, and if America has not changed significantly in my absence,’ I replied, ‘I should like to think that I feel no less American, and a little more Italian.’

‘Spero che la tua giornata sia una buona,’ messaged my friend.

‘Grazie,’ I replied, ‘a la prossima.’

(Photos courtesy Konstantin Wertelecki)

FEATURES Callum McLeod, Chairman of the Community Council

From the Provost’s Chair As well as sitting down to write an article for St Andrews in Focus every couple of months – why do I always leave it so close to the deadline, I ask myself every time! – I spend some time every day maintaining the Community Council’s Facebook page.

Our presence on this particular social media platform – launched last December – was a long time coming, even though we had had a website for years, and do much of our business by email. There was initially a perfectly understandable reluctance, even suspicion, on the part of some Members who were not Facebook users to engage in such direct and immediate interaction with, in theory, anyone and everyone. How would it be managed and monitored?

How would personal or even abusive comments be dealt with? What would count as fair comment and have to be left visible and what would count as undesirable comment and be removed, perhaps then allowing a charge of censorship to be leveled? Indeed, some Members, including myself, had seen and experienced the less attractive side of Facebook in action….

To long-term users of Facebook among us – particularly our younger Members who had literally grown up with it – there was a degree of amusement, bewilderment, even frustration at this reluctance to embrace the modern world. Many organisations will have gone through the same soul-searching, I am sure.

However, in the end fears were allayed and, with the assistance, knowledge and experience of our student representatives, our page was set up and launched. It has attracted, so far, a reasonable and increasing amount of interest, I would say. Refreshing it is important. Each month a striking photograph of St Andrews is

used as our “Profile Picture”, attracting a lot of interest and, in Facebook language, “Likes”. A new feature we have added is “Set in St Andrews”, a recommendation of a novel set in our historic burgh, of which there is a surprisingly large number. Our first recommendation, from St Andrews resident Jane Harrison-Smith, was Val McDermid’s crime novel The Distant Echo, set in December 1978 and definitely one to read, as they say, with the lights on! I have a particular interest in this novel as I know exactly where I was at the time of the murder and therefore have a cast-iron alibi – attending St Salvator’s Hall Ball looking, (but unfortunately not dancing), like Fred Astaire in white tie and tails. I know this new Facebook feature is definitely working, as my teenage son Jonny has asked to read it, a miracle, as most parents will know!

Most of our “Posts”, probably on average two or three a day, consist of information about our own activities and events, some of which are then shared by other Facebook users. We reciprocate, and so posts eventually are seen by often large numbers of people.

Most of our posts attract between one and two hundred “Views”, some several hundred. However, our post about the seagull initiative had 1300 views within two days; our Bandstand Concert Series post had over 2000 views; and our post about Sunday car parking charges had over 23,000 views all round the world!

Such information is very useful in letting us see what is of interest and importance to residents and visitors. As you might have already guessed, my community challenge for this edition is to have a look at our Facebook page and, if possible, to “like” and even “follow” it!

As always, I welcome hearing from you on any matter at: callummac@aol.com or 01334 478 584. Dum spiro spero.

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FEATURES Stephen Gethins MP

News from Westminster As the Member of Parliament for North East I was pleased to be able to see the new Fife, I am keen to promote the successes of Bowhouse food market near St Monans, which our constituency and the town of St Andrews, had its launch weekend in July. This will be a which – with its extraordinary history, esteemed great asset to the area, bringing so many local university and unrivalled golfing pedigree food producers and organisations, like Food – never fails to command the interest and from Fife, Fife Farmers’ Markets, together, respect of my colleagues here in Westminster. forging closer links with customers to promote Shortly before summer recess began I was not only local food and drink but the whole East pleased to celebrate the enormous contribution Neuk and St Andrews area. made to golf by St Andrews’ Morris family It was also good to meet Vicki Munro from in the Houses of Parliament, by tabling an SRUC Elmwood while I was there, hearing Early Day Motion – a device used by MPs to more about what her team has been doing to highlight issues, topics and events of interest encourage students to think about a career to their constituents – on the premiere of the in the hospitality industry to realise the huge film Tommy’s Honour, which potential for them of doing tells the story of Young so. This is very important As the Member of Parliament Tommy’s rise to fame; for North East Fife, I am keen for our service industries; it premiered recently at Vicki’s expertise and to promote the successes The New Picture House. involvement in events of our constituency and the The film celebrates the such as the St Andrews outstanding achievements Food and Drink Festival town of St Andrews of this local family. In and Savour St Andrews, addition to playing, they were also caddies, golf where students work with chefs from top local club makers, and golf course designers. These hotels, is a great example of this. legends have left to St Andrews and the sport As well as farmers’ markets and purveyors of golf an important legacy. across the country, St Andrews’ and wider Golf is a massive industry, so important North-East Fife’s produce is exported to the economy of North East Fife. It is very extensively, thanks to its high quality. It can be important to recognise the huge contribution found on the tables of the finest restaurants local people, like the Morris family, have played throughout the continent, and much further in the development of golf and how their afield. involvement shaped the sport.

It is incredibly important that the interests of Another area of continued success I have this sector are served, not least in the context been supporting is the local food and drinks of the UK’s negotiations with the EU. Local sector, in which St Andrews plays a big part. producers cannot lose the ability to export to

With Barbara Wardlaw and Clément Boucherit the markets that place such a premium on our local produce. I have used my time both on the front bench, as well as through questions to and correspondence with ministers to highlight the concerns local firms have conveyed to me.

I always welcome constituents and local firms making me aware of any particular issues they may have.

In Westminster, there is a range of ways in which to discuss matters such as these, many of them operating on a cross-party basis.

Also before Parliament broke for recess, I attended the AGM of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Scotch Whisky.

APPGs, as they are known, allow members and peers from all parties and none to work together to promote sectoral interests, raise awareness of issues and work together on common causes.

With firms such as Kingsbarns and Eden Mill on our doorstep, as well as Lindores Abbey Distillery near Newburgh, I am keen to use this APPG to promote the interests of such local firms, also to use it as a forum through which to facilitate discussion with colleagues from across the House.

It is a pleasure to represent a constituency where such excellent produce is made. I look forward to continuing to work with these and other organisations, as well as individual constituents, to ensure we can do the best for North East Fife.

(Photos courtesy Stephen Gethins)

APPG Whisky cross party group

8

FEATURES From Rev Russell McLarty, one of a team of Interim Ministers deployed by the Church of Scotland Ministries Council to work in situations facing different challenges between periods of settled ministry. He trained and worked as an architect before training for the ministry, serving for 21 years in the East End of Glasgow, then as Interim Minister in such diverse places as Muirhouse in Edinburgh, St Andrews & St George’s West in Edinburgh, and Balerno.

Holy Trinity Church, South Street Townsfolk and visitors alike are well impressed by the ‘toun kirk’ – in the very heart of the town – its size, its splendour, beauty, and atmosphere. All will be concerned to know that the future of both congregation and building are in question, with a reduction in the number of ministers allocated to St Andrews, smaller numbers attending over the past years and a recurring deficit due to the high costs involved in maintaining the building.

St Andrews Presbytery is, however, anxious to give the congregation a ‘breathing space’ over the next few years in order to explore options, with possible partnerships for the future. It is unlikely that the congregation will be given a full-time minister but, rather, the status of ‘Guardianship’ under Presbytery. This would involve a Locum leading worship on a Sunday, providing pastoral care for two days a week, with an Interim Moderator appointed by Presbytery to work with the Kirk Session on matters of governance. During the ‘breathing space’ it is very much hoped that a solution might be found, bringing forward an exciting vision for the future of the ‘toun kirk’, whether in the ownership of the church, or of some new trust.

I have been at Holy Trinity as Interim Minister over the past eighteen months; this period is coming to an end. During this time I have worked in a constructive way with the congregation to gain a greater understanding of possibilities for the future. It is good to share something of this with the wider community.

Our important heritage The congregation is well aware of its responsibility for this important piece of St Andrews heritage. Holy Trinity Church was formally founded in its present site in 1412, central to the developing burgh, not far from the market place and the Town House. This parish church moved from an original site beside the Cathedral. In 1410 Sir William Lindsay of the Byres granted to the parish a large site to the south of the market for the new church The original Kirk of the Holy Trinity was subsequently re-built by Robert Balfour in 1798-1800 and this building was in its turn demolished in 1906 in order to recreate the style of a late medieval burgh church, to the design of the architect Peter MacGregor Chalmers.

The church is Grade A listed, as one of the finest and most complete examples of the architect’s work incorporating the tower and other remains of the church begun in 1411.

A small active congregation now struggling to maintain a mini-abbey Although attendances at Sunday worship, and active membership, may be relatively small, there is a huge commitment to maintain an active Christian presence with an open welcome to folk from far and near.

Two contrasting styles of worship offer variety, with informality and participation in the early morning café-style ‘Breakfast Church’ at 9.00am and the more traditional service at 11.15am featuring the magnificent organ with an excellent choir of scholars and local members. Many visitors are welcomed into the building through the summer months, initially attracted by the colourful, award-winning gardens. Up to eighty young children, parents and carers can be found on a Thursday morning at Little Cherubs, with its high octane music, dance, crafts, healthy snacks, and conviviality. Other activities include Family Film Nights, a wonderful range of concerts, and musical performances.

Building Options Study Over the past year the congregation has carried out an Options Study to help make crucial decisions, with a view to maintaining and developing the building. The conservation architect, Stephen Newsom, was selected to lead a team including Kirsty Maguire (architect), Sandra

(Photos by Flora Selwyn) Macrae (business planner) and a consultation team from Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design. Stage One of the Options Study suggested that the challenge of upgrading the building while reducing a substantial annual deficit might be beyond the capacity of the present congregation. We very much hope that Presbytery will give permission to go ahead with a Stage Two of the Options Study, which would look further at sympathetic adaptations to the building, with a robust business plan demonstrating the sustainability of any proposals. Although the fabric of the building is in good condition, with ongoing maintenance and a reroofing carried out in the 1990s, there is urgent need to provide modern standards for toilets, kitchen, barrier-free access, also to upgrade the lighting, heating, and sound systems. A reordering of internal arrangement might be essential to allow for more flexible use of space.

The architects advise that all of this might be carried out without losing the essential spirit of the building, with its wonderful dramatic interior and fabulous quality detailed architectural features. One example of a similarly-important church to have re-established itself over the years is Greyfriars Kirk in Edinburgh, which offers an inspiring story of a citycentre church, that in 1982 was at risk of closure. It is a now a major tourist destination, responding to local needs in various ways, such as a flexible venue for weddings, receptions, ceilidhs, concerts, many other events, as well as a maintaining a full programme of worship and outreach.

Community partnership On Wednesday, 9 August we hosted a ‘conversation’ attended by over 70 people from the wider community, with some of our church members.

The purpose of this event was to hear whether there would be support for the idea of a ‘toun kirk trust’ where such a trust might be responsible for ownership and management of the building with the Church of Scotland involved as an active partner. It was heartening to hear a very positive reaction from people in the wider community; there seemed to be agreement that any such venture could include a mix of uses, such as a heritage project, pilgrimage centre, social use, and a venue for music, while offering continued worship. The support given at the meeting augurs well if the ‘toun kirk’ is to have a future as an important part of the identity of the town.

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FEATURES James Gorgon chatted to Flora Selwyn

“Music for a while shall all your cares beguile…”

James Gorgon is another fine example of old St Andrews traditions – Another direction came in 1999 when James had lessons in Afro/ leaving to experience the world, then returning to benefit the town!

Latin music from Ricki Linn. This added to the many possibilities of From the age of 8, a member of the St Andrews Boys Brigade, blending traditional Scottish music with rhythms from all parts of the James began to play the drums. He was talent-spotted by David Clark, musical spectrum. Currently James is working on two albums together drummer of the well-known Muirhead & Sons Pipe Band. Tuition, and with “some of Scotland’s finest musicians using a range of drums and winning various competitions, led to being recognised as a solo drummer, percussion instruments.” as well as becoming the lead drummer for the Boys Brigade Pipe Band.

Teaching is an important part of James’ life. While playing largely Joining the City of St Andrews Pipe Band, James went on to win to expats, he had the opportunity to teach drums at the King’s School many Drum Corps championship titles, including in Thailand, and play blues and tribal drums at a the British, Scottish, European titles, including the Uganda sugar plantation. Back in Fife, James has Champion of Champions. On top of that, he won the his own drum studio. He says he is proud of his Drum Corps twice, as well as the Lorient Drum Fanfare After almost 40 years students and what they have achieved so far in their competition in Brittany, France. musical journey. in music James is When he was just 16, James redefined his This is nowhere near all that James does drumming goals, deciding, “to focus on the drum kit” now concentrating on and has done! He was honoured, “to receive a (while still competing with the Drum Corps). By this request to participate in the International Who’s playing and teaching time he was playing in professional gigs, helping local Who in music” for his contribution to popular music. bands, expanding his playing techniques. He was now He has worked with world-renowned dancers at adding pop, rock, and jazz standards to his Scottish a spectacular dance show in Glasgow. He has repertoire. appeared on television and radio, and played in In 1982 Billy Anderson offered James his first full-time role as a just about every prestigious venue in the country, including Orkney professional drummer. The next 10 years James travelled the world with and Shetland traditional music festivals. He has also played for such Billy Anderson’s Albany Band, “playing nearly every conceivable type of corporate companies as Shell, the Ford Motor Company, Direct Line gig.” One such journey went from Abu Dhabi to Dubai across the desert.

Insurance, Royal Bank of Scotland, and other companies abroad.

He also studied with the late Kenneth Mailer, master percussion teacher.

After almost 40 years in music James is now concentrating on Wishing to broaden his horizons, James then recorded some tracks playing and teaching. He has recently set up Discover Drums in his with classical accordion champion George Carmichael. They formed drum studio. His avowed goal is “to help anyone to be the best they a partnership which, in 1993, created the acclaimed five-piece Celtic can be, but most importantly to love drumming and have fun!” The rock band, The Cutting Edge. World-wide success followed, requiring a latest state-of-the-art equipment is available to teach all styles, either website to deal with global bookings. one-to-one, or with others. If a potential pupil is unable to go to the As James pointed out, touring and playing gigs make for a wide studio, arrangements can be made for home visits. “So, if you’re a circle of musical friends. The spin-off was invitations to play with many beginner aged between 9 and 90 and would like to give this a go, the different bands, with appearances on various artists’ albums, among first taster session is Free.” them were: Paul Anderson, John Huband, The Picts, Badenoch, Douglas For more information: discoverdrumsfife@gmail.com or call: 07484 Hunter, and David Anderson, to name just a few! The two albums by The 793 255.

Cutting Edge also received numerous reviews in Scotland’s prestigious (Photo courtesy James Gorgon) Living Tradition magazine.

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FEATURES Ghillie Basan tells how she is

Learning to Adapt I haven’t been to St Andrews since 1979, when world. During the Reagan-Gorbachev-Thatcher I had the opportunity to get the autograph of years, I was based in Istanbul covering the Jack Nicklaus and his son at the Golf Open. whole of the Middle East. It was a fascinating Dressed in rather inappropriate little gym skirts, period to be involved in journalism, but I soon carrying black bin bags, I and several other learned that I didn’t really have a head for giggling teenage girls were assigned litterpolitics, that my real interest lay in the culture collecting duties as a ‘special treat’, as we had and the food. I moved from writing about finished our exams at the traditional all-girls summit meetings and the terror tactics of boarding school, St Leonards. As most of our religious fanatics to the new wave of tourism, education was behind high stone walls, we travel, and food – not just the food on the plate, were always too delighted to have any excuse but the story behind it. to roam about the town, freely eat dollops Years of travel and research written up of delicious ice cream from Jannettas. The on old-fashioned typewriters, with spools of older celebrity golfers looked bemused by our film developed in makeshift bathrooms led me enthusiastic attempts to pick up chewing-gum back to the country of my birth, to the solitude wrappers and cigarette butts in the vicinity of and sanctity of a remote glen in the Scottish the players’ tent, as we inched our way nearer Highlands. I came back with a husband, but to the young Nicklaus, but the poor chap, who soon after our second child was born he moved was only around 19 years old at the time, to pastures greener, or so he thought, and I probably signed our golf balls, have raised my children on arms and hands, in great my own, while writing more A combination of haste just to get rid of us. than forty books on the food wanderlust, EFL That Golf Open also of different culinary cultures, teaching, and journalism marked the end of my school to keep the roof over our took me to many places days in St Andrews. I had heads. Money has often been there for seven years, been tight and the snowy around the world sent at the age of ten from winters can be wild with East Africa and, although it took me a while blizzards creating drifts over the fences and to settle in, as I missed camping amongst the gates, sometimes over the doorways, while wild animals in the bush and swimming in the the track to my house is often only accessible warm Indian Ocean, I had many memorable on foot or on skis. When my children were experiences. We had an excellent, although small I carried them everywhere in a backpack. somewhat terrifying, leader at the helm, so the When I had to research and photograph school had a good reputation, with a fairly wide books I would take them on journeys abroad. curriculum, great sports facilities, and many At home they soon learned to adapt to skiing cultural opportunities. But by the time I was three miles a day to get to the car to go to 16 I was itching to move on from the icy north school; even they will tell you that they had a wind blowing up my little gym skirt to explore magical childhood – they had the exciting and the mountains and deserts of the world; so I treasurable freedom to roam, explore, to just galloped through my Highers, which I opted be kids. As a result they have both become to take instead of A Levels, in order to finish independent and adventurous young people. school a year early, and I never looked back.

Having encouraged my children to follow After a gap year, which consisted of their hearts, creating their own journeys, I am travelling, ski instructing, and a Cordon Bleu now often home alone. Apart from looking after diploma, I went to Edinburgh University. I used my elderly mother, who has dementia, I am my cooking and ski-instructing qualifications learning to adapt – not just to the long periods to make money, so that I could travel in the of an empty house, but to the pressures of holidays. Although I seemed to party more making my work relevant to the demands of than study, I did end up with a degree in social media, also to carving out new branches Social Anthropology, which, combined with the to my career to keep it fresh and interesting experience of growing up in Africa, has been for myself. I am also aware that I could easily at the root of everything I have done since. A become a hermit, dividing my time between the combination of wanderlust, EFL teaching, and remote hills of Scotland and the wild bush of journalism took me to many places around the Africa, so I am forcing myself to push my work

(Photos courtesy Ghillie Basan) more into the public domain, often way out of my comfort zone. We all have to find our own ways to survive, to keep our lives interesting; I feel lucky that my childhood in Africa opened my eyes to many fascinating things and that my mind absorbed them like a sponge; I feel lucky that my schooling in St Andrews was so good, while the memories of running along the west sands, eating ice cream, chasing the young Nicklaus are still with me as those years, the years of being a child, have equipped me for life. Since my children have grown up, I have become a radio presenter, I run cookery workshops to which people come from all over the world, and I have started a new catering business, ‘Mezze on the Move’.

My greatest and most natural achievement in life has been the role of being a mother, and equipping my children for their lives. www.ghilliebasan.com

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FEATURES

12

FEATURES ‘Thank you’ North East Fife Council and the Pilgrim Foundation – it’s delightful to have Logies Lane back again as a safe space for pedestrians. The town needs it badly, it is very much welcome, beautifully laid out.

Jurek Alexander Putter shares his work-in-progress methods

The Pilgrim Ferryman – The Sketches the selected image is ‘gridded-up’ for transferring to the A3 size for fullBewilderment bordering on disappointment is the usual reaction people scale pencil detailing. That pencil drawing is then inked up. display when told that I have no tradition of producing exploratory In turn that image is cleaned up and photocopied to provide a sketches for a major illustration. I never possessed a Sketch Book as smudge-proof monochromatic drawing with the lines intensified. Once such. They seem even more perplexed when I tell them that a picture is done, it’s a matter of colouring-in to produce the created in my head, without the need to put anything image, which can tolerate substantial reduction down on paper. There’s almost an element of disbelief or enlargement without loss of detail. Yet there is when informed that all of the stage setting and a picture is created in one element of subtle aesthetic loss; the inked-up compositional arrangement for a picture in all its rich edition possesses, prior to cleaning up, the original detail is created in my mind. I can also change and my head, without the master pencil drawing, which can be a beautifully alter the composition, and more importantly, hold the need to put anything delicate thing in itself. However, erasing that is changes in instant recall, in my mind’s eye. essential for obtaining a clean sharply-defined Take The Pilgrim Ferryman, shown here. It was down on paper image for colouring. It’s a brief, but tellingly painful a project, originally created years ago. I held it in my ‘moment of loss’, of something spontaneously mind’s archive, fixed in form and detail until recently. original, gone forever. These are the elements, The first rudimentary pencil lines took a few seconds. which I can visually share with people; – the original work was devised Satisfied that I had recovered the image from the mind’s portfolio, two and stored away in my head long ago. very quick images were drawn like a stage setting for a play, or a still from a film. These were primarily to ascertain the positioning of the (Illustration courtesy Jurek Putter) composition within a vertical A-size format. That doesn’t take long. Then

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FEATURES: REVIEWS

Children’s Book Recommendations J & G Innes Ltd. now provides a regularly updated list of highly recommended books for children. This list considers both the latest titles, and books that we feel have been undeservedly forgotten. A short review will accompany each recommendation and we hope that this will prove helpful to those who seek to explore the wealth of children’s literature available today.

Lots: The Diversity Of Life On Earth

By Nicola Davies & Emily Sutton Published: 6/4/17. Age 3-7.

This vibrant, detailed book will transport a child around the globe, introducing organisms in their various habitats, showing the interconnectedness and ephemerality of nature. Each charming page boosts the book’s ultimate message: the natural world deserves our care.

Clara Button And The Magical Hat Day

By Amy de La Haye & Emily Sutton Published: 30/8/12. Age 4+.

A lovingly-crafted tale about a young fashionista who finds her way behind the scenes of the V&A Museum in hot pursuit of a ‘hat doctor’. Sutton’s creativity and skill as an illustrator render even the most mundane detail sublime.

Clara Button And The Wedding Day Surprise

By Amy de La Haye & Emily Sutton Published: 7/10/13. Age 4+.

Yet another visual feast with a highly original and unexpected plot twist. Budding dressmakers and interior designers will love this tale about how to turn a fashion disaster into a triumph! And Clara’s mischievous brother Ollie once again adds some contrasting notes for those otherwise inclined.

The Tale Of The Castle Mice

By Michael Bond & Emily Sutton Published: 6/4/17. Age 3+.

This story has all the ingredients of a classic; Michael Bond spins a charming and humorous yarn, while Sutton’s illustrations are as deft and sensitive as ever. Get it, you won’t regret it.

Tiny: The Invisible World Of Microbes

By Nicola Davies & Emily Sutton Published: 5/6/15. Age 5+.

“Elegant and informative” – Telegraph “ an absolute visual delight” – Guardian

J & G Innes is the latest to kindly sponsor 500 copies of Issue 84, Sept/Oct 2017, St Andrews in Focus, for the Edinburgh and Dundee Airport Media Walls. Very many thanks, (Ed.)!

Leonard Low explains the background to his book

The Battle of St Monans Published by Steve Savage Publishers Ltd. 2017.

Available at all good bookshops and Amazon, price £9.95.

The Battle of St Monans doesn’t exist in any military credits of Scottish History? This is mighty peculiar! A fight between the Scots and English, in which the Scots heavily defeated the invaders to our coast, usually is celebrated by monuments and scriptures raising the plaudits of the heroes who fought it. But none exists.

When we find 900 dead, that’s more than the Bonnie Prince’s two victories 200 years later at Prestonpans and Falkirk. Both these areas have memorials and countless books on the battles. When we find the combatants were the High Admiral of England and James Stewart (Mary Queen of Scots’ half brother) these are major players in our country’s history.

I made it my goal to unearth this mystery, find why history this rich has been so forgotten; to write what details are known, and the reasons why it’s so lost to History. It took two years. My first clue to this mystery was an author writing in 1727. James Anderson, researching for his three-volume book on Mary Queen of Scots, makes an apology. In his search through the records

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and archives he found great tracts of files missing for the years 1548,1550,1551. The villain for these deeds is no less than Oliver Cromwell!

In 1650 the civil war was over. Cromwell transported all the Scottish records to the safekeeping of the Tower of London, where tax men and lawyers studied them. There they remained for ten years, till Charles II replaced Cromwell as leader.

The records were returned to Scottish shores, but disaster struck when a ship sank near Newcastle taking 85 barrels of records.

It took the records of 1548/50/51. Amongst that lot would have been the details of the battle of St Monans.

Further research shows the leaders from both sides in the St Monans conflict would all be dead within a few years of the Battle; Admiral Seymour beheaded, James Stewart assassinated! Other noble figures in the fighting would also die, assassinated like 1920’s Chicago gangsters.

Also, to add insult to the history of the Battle of St Monans, the nearby Abbey of St Monans on the battleground itself, would naturally have been where the victors thanked and praised God for such an unexpected victory against fearsome odds – it was ransacked during the 1560

Reformation. Again, more records would have been lost!

Two very rare books intimately documented the Battle, both written by men who were good friends of James Stewart, or who took part in some of the action themselves. The History of Scotland by John Lesley, 1830, and The History of Scotland by Robert Lindsay (Pittscottie) 1778 – two old books I own.

The John Lesley book was hand written, in Latin, as a gift to Mary Queen of Scots in 1571. After her death it was collected by Lord Melville of Anstruther. It remained in his library till the Bannatyne Club obtained it in 1829, publishing 100 copies in English.

Because of the details I have given, and the rarities of the two books that tell the story of the Battle of St Monans, I have managed to piece together the conflict from its beginnings with the intimate details of the fight, and the sad fortunes of those who fought it. For the first time the whole affair has been put forward for the reader to access a piece of lost history, and a significant Scots victory.

But above all, the reader must imagine how much more of our Scottish history might be sitting in a wreck with 85 barrels at the bottom of the sea!

FEATURES: REVIEWS Richard A Batchelor reviews

Coal Mining in the East Neuk of Fife

By John McManus Published by Dunedin Academic Press Ltd. 2017.

Available at J & G Innes and all good bookshops price £24.99.

This is John’s second book on the topic of coal mining in Fife – the first one covered the area between Ceres and St Andrews.

This new book investigates the dozens of sites, which once hosted a coal mine, a pit or a quarry. The coal seams of East Fife are generally thinner than those of Central and West Fife and consequently they tended to become depleted in a relatively short period of time. After a general introduction to Scotland’s and Fife’s geological development, the book then describes how coal formed, then its

importance as a fuel for local industries and enterprises over a period of centuries. There follows detailed descriptions, accompanied by mine plans of selected mines, where the plans have survived. The majority of mining activity was centred around Largoward, although other mines were scattered between Teasses in the north-west of the district, to Kilrenny in the south-east. Today little remains of these former workings, although remnants of quarries, pits, and drains may be found in the surrounding countryside.

The book contains many maps, mining plans, photographs, and sketches; in addition, it contains reproductions of seven original paintings of miners at work, by miner and artist Derek Slater.

This book provides a handy reference work in the field of local industrial history, augmented by explanations of the science behind the formation and occurrence of coal.

Kenneth Fraser reviews

The Leaper

By Lorn Macintyre Grace Note Publications 2017: www.gracenotepublications.co.uk Price, £12-99; p.& p. free in UK; can be ordered from Waterstone’s.

In my small collection of old vinyl records is one made by the School of Scottish Studies, which presents traditional Gaelic ballads dealing with events hundreds of years in the past; these had been handed down by word of mouth to the singer. He was not, as you might have expected, a toothless old Hebridean crofter, but a banker in London. He had recorded the songs because, in that environment, he had nobody to pass them on to, and the tradition would stop with him.

Lorn Macintyre’s new novel takes this decline of Gaelic tradition as its background. It is set a generation later, in 1983. The chief character, Seumas, lives on a remote croft on an island, not named, but evidently based on Mull, where the author himself grew up, though he now lives in Fife. By this time there were few Gaelic speakers on the island, because most parents had not passed the language, or the traditions inseparable from it, to their children: “They thought we wouldn’t get on in the world

if we spoke Gaelic. English is the language of advancement.” My own grandparents thought exactly that, and did likewise.

But there have been exceptions where the parents did pass the language to their children. In the real world Lorn Macintyre was one of the latter, and in the novel, Seumas is another. In a vivid and unsentimental manner, the novel describes his struggles to make a living from his traditional skills in a world where the old ways have broken down and those in authority (usually incomers) are unsympathetic or hostile to them. At the same time, love makes an unexpected appearance (rather late in the day, for he has had few opportunities on an isolated croft with only his parents for company) and the problems arising from each of these two aspects of life begin to react on each other. By the end of the book, both situations are, somewhat ambiguously, resolved, but even so, the old world of Gaelic tradition seems to have gone beyond recall.

There may be a relatively happy outcome for Seumas, but we cannot tell if there is going to be one for Gaelic.

Paula Lynam reviews

Hamish McHamish, Legend of St Andrews

By Susan McMullan Published by Black and White Publishing, 2017.

Available at Topping & Company, J&G Innes, Waterstones, and online. £9.99, hardback.

This updated and revised edition of the original Hamish McHamish; Cool Cat About Town is a wonderful homage to St Andrews’ much-loved and dearly missed cat, Hamish.

With gentle humour, the book tells Hamish’s complete story from kittenhood to his status as King of St Andrews and international superstar, right through to his final days.

Just as in the first edition, the book takes the reader around all of Hamish’s favourite places, including the shops and offices where he used to stop for a bite to eat or curl up for a snooze, and on a small tour of St Andrews – providing locals, students, and tourists alike with a lovely, more personal look at the Auld Grey Toon.

It’s this double appeal that really makes the book something different while the inclusion of photographs from his huge fan base gives the title a real sense of love for the handsome furry chap – testament to how much he was adored at home and abroad. After all, there can be few

of us lucky enough to meet Hamish, who didn’t stop to say hello and sneak a moment of time with him.

The book shares lots of new information, facts, and photographs about Hamish. For example, did you know that Hamish actually reached the grand old age of 17? Or that all sorts of marvellous creations were fashioned in his honour, from limited-edition Weymss Ware pottery to artwork, songs, even ice sculptures?

Other new additions include the launch of his statue, the celebrations surrounding it, and the details of his final days.

There is no doubt that McMullan was a devoted fan herself as evidenced not only by the great amount of work she has put into the production of the books, but also by the lengths she went to, working closely with Hamish’s ‘Mum’, in an attempt to ensure his health and well-being. It is also endearing to read of the great friendship she enjoyed with Hamish’s

Mum, now sadly no longer with us, all thanks to the loveable moggy. By writing this book, the author wanted to keep Hamish’s memory alive and allow more people to share in the joy of his story. This book certainly allows for that and is a lovely tribute to old Hamish. It’s also good to see that a percentage of the profits from the sale of this book will be donated to charity – proof that the spirit of community that Hamish represented lives on.

The book itself is a lovely little hardback, quite at home with all the other gift books that can be seen on the shelves of many a good book shop at this time of year. It would make a treasured keepsake for anyone with an affiliation to St Andrews.

As Hamish’s Mum always said of him, “If he could have spoken I don’t think he would have said ‘I belong to St Andrews,’ but rather ‘St Andrews belongs to me.”

Hear hear!

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SHOPS & SERVICES

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ST ANDREWS CONCERT DIARY SEPTEMBER – DECEMBER 2017

www.st-andrews.ac.uk /music

PULL-OUT FEATURE The University of St Andrews Music Centre hosts a vibrant and varied programme of concerts each semester. This autumn’s offerings include a performance by one of the world’s best-known and most travelled saxophone quartets as part of a new festival of music for wind, brass and percussion, ‘Fringe of Gold’. St Andrews Voices sees a visit by the famed Swingles, soprano Dame Emma Kirkby and Norwegian beer-swilling early music anarchists Barokksolistene. St Salvator’s Chapel Choir launch their new CD to mark the 500th anniversary of the Lutheran Reformation whilst Orchestra in Residence the Scottish Chamber Orchestra present a pair of concertos by Latvian Pēteris Vasks. This in addition to the weekly organ and vocal/instrumental lunchtime concerts on Tuesdays and Wednesdays and a wide variety of student music-making in many genres.

SEMESTER

DATE

TIME CONCERT

VENUE

Every Sunday during Semester

11:00

St Salvator’s Chapel

Every Sunday during Semester

16:00

Every Wednesday during Semester

17:30

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

St Salvator’s Chapel

Choral Evensong sung by St Salvator’s Chapel Choir

and other groups

St Salvator’s Chapel

Every Thursday during Semester

22:00

Compline sung by St Leonard’s Chapel Choir

St Leonard’s Chapel

ORIENTATION WEEK

Thursday 14 September

19:30

Scottish Chamber Orchestra – Vasks Violin Concerto

Younger Hall

WEEK 1

Thursday 21 September

19:30

St Andrews Concert Series presents The Avison Ensemble

St Salvator’s Chapel

Friday 22 September

13:10

Music Society lunchtime concert by

Friedrich Rothe (piano)

Younger Hall

WEEK 2

Tuesday 26 September

13:10

Organ concert by Tom Wilkinson (St Andrews)

St Salvator’s Chapel

Wednesday 27 September

13:10

Lunchtime concert by Scottish Music students from the

Royal Conservatoire of Scotland

Wednesday 27 September

Music Talks with Dr Emma Sutton:

Music and Mental Health

Byre Theatre

Friday 29 September

Younger Hall

Saturday 30 September

14:30

13:10 10:00-12:00

Byre Theatre

Music Society lunchtime concert by The Other Guys Alexander Technique workshop

Younger Hall

with Heather Coates

Rehearsal Room

WEEK 3

Tuesday 3 October

13:10

Organ concert by Sean Heath (St Andrews)

St Salvator’s Chapel

Wednesday 4 October

13:10

Friday 6 October

13:10

Lunchtime concert by Ralph McDonald (baritone) and Derek Clark (piano)

Byre Theatre

Music Society lunchtime recital by Fiona Croal and

Jenny Jackson (clarsach)

Younger Hall

Saturday 7 October

19:30

Heisenberg Ensemble with Gillian Risi (violin)

St Salvator’s Chapel

WEEK 4

Tuesday 10 October

13:10

Organ concert by Tim Lambourn (Paisley Abbey)

St Salvator’s Chapel

Tuesday 10 October

20:00

St Salvator’s Chapel Choir and the Kellie Consort:

Luthersche Leidensmusik (CD launch)

Wednesday 11 October

13:10

St Salvator’s Chapel

Lunch concert by Richard Boothby (viola da gamba):

Telemann’s newly-rediscovered gamba fantasias

Wednesday 11 October

14:30

Byre Theatre

Music Talks with Richard Boothby:

The twelve newly-rediscovered gamba fantasias of

Younger Hall

Georg Philipp Telemann (1734)

Rehearsal Room

Friday 13 October

13:10

Music Society lunchtime concert by

Music Society Singers and Ukelear Fusion

Younger Hall

Friday 13 October

University Madrigal Group

St Salvator’s Chapel

Saturday 14 October

10:00-17:00

HARK: A Day with Errolyn Wallen

Younger Hall

WEEK 5

Tuesday 17 October

13:10

Organ concert by Alexey Schmitov (Moscow)

St Salvator’s Chapel

Wednesday 18 October

13:10

Lunchtime concert – details to be confirmed

Byre Theatre

Thursday 19 October

19:30

19:30

St Andrews Concert Series presents Adrian Brendel (cello) and

Noam Greenberg (piano)

Younger Hall

Music Society lunchtime concert by St Andrews Strings

Younger Hall

Friday 20 October

13:10

Photo on previous page © Harry Gunning

PULL-OUT FEATURE WEEK 6

Tuesday 24 October

13:10

Organ Concert by John Kitchen (University of Edinburgh)

St Salvator’s Chapel

Wednesday 25 October

13:10

Lunchtime concert by Agnes Wan (piano)

Byre Theatre

ST ANDREWS VOICES

Thursday 26 October

19:00

Dillie Keane

Byre Theatre

ST ANDREWS VOICES

Thursday 26 October

22:00

The Swingles: Retrospective

Byre Theatre

ST ANDREWS VOICES

Friday 27 October

16:00

Masterclass with Dame Emma Kirkby

Younger Hall

ST ANDREWS VOICES

Friday 27 October

19:30

The Bardic Trio

All Saints’

ST ANDREWS VOICES

Friday 27 October

22:00

Episcopal Church

Barokksolistene:

St Salvator’s Hall

An Alehouse Session

Dining Room

ST ANDREWS VOICES

Saturday 28 October

10:00

Sing-a-long film: Frozen

Byre Theatre

ST ANDREWS VOICES

Saturday 28 October

12:30

Sing-a-long film: Frozen

Byre Theatre

ST ANDREWS VOICES

Saturday 28 October

15:00

A Cappella Showcase: The Swingles and St Andrews A Cappella groups

Younger Hall

ST ANDREWS VOICES

Saturday 28 October

19:30

Dame Emma Kirkby and

St Andrew’s

Dowland Works

Episcopal Church

Jazz@Voices

Byre Theatre

ST ANDREWS VOICES

Saturday 28 October

21:30

WEEK 7

Sunday 29 October

11:00

ST ANDREWS VOICES

Festival Service with St Salvator’s Chapel Choir

St Salvator’s Chapel

ST ANDREWS VOICES

Sunday 29 October

15:00

Jamie McDougall’s Song-Tellers: Magic, Myth and Legends

Byre Theatre

Tuesday 31 October

13:10

Organ concert by Christopher Cromar (Cheshire)

St Salvator’s Chapel

Wednesday 1 November

11:00

SCO clarinet masterclass with

Younger Hall

Maximiliano Martín

Rehearsal Room

Wednesday 1 November

13:10

Lunch concert by Gordon Bragg and Feargus Hetherington (violins)

Byre Theatre

Wednesday 1 November

14:30

Music Talks with Allison Stringer: Discovering the Scottishness in

A.C. MacKenzie’s Life and Compositions

Byre Theatre Studio

Wednesday 1 November

19:30

Scottish Chamber Orchestra: Copland, Appalachian Spring

Younger Hall

Friday 3 November

13:10

Music Society lunchtime concert by vocal students of Jonathan May

Younger Hall

WEEK 8

Tuesday 7 November

13:10

Organ concert by Chris Bragg (St Andrews)

St Salvator’s Chapel

Wednesday 8 November

13:10

Lunch concert by Hannah Laurens (violin) and Tom McCoy (piano)

St Salvator’s Chapel

FRINGE OF GOLD FESTIVAL

Thursday 9 November

19:30

St Andrews Concert Series presents the Amstel Saxophone Quartet

St Salvator’s Chapel

FRINGE OF GOLD FESTIVAL

Friday 10 November

11:00

Flute masterclass with Dave Heath

St Salvator’s Chapel

FRINGE OF GOLD FESTIVAL

Friday 10 November

13:10

Music Society lunchtime concert by Music Centre saxophonists and

members of the Amstel Saxophone Quartet

Younger Hall

FRINGE OF GOLD FESTIVAL

Friday 10 November

17:30

The Wallace Collection and University scholarship students

Byre Theatre

FRINGE OF GOLD FESTIVAL

Friday 10 November

19:30

Music Society Concert Wind Band and Big BUStA: Law and Order

Younger Hall

FRINGE OF GOLD FESTIVAL

Friday 10 November

22:00

Dave Heath and Friends

St Salvator’s Chapel

FRINGE OF GOLD FESTIVAL

Saturday 11 November

13:10

St Andrews Brass, scholarship brass and percussion ensembles

Younger Hall

FRINGE OF GOLD FESTIVAL

Saturday 11 November

14:30

Music in Museums: Scholarship Wind Quintet

MUSA

FRINGE OF GOLD FESTIVAL

Saturday 11 November

19:30

Kingdom Brass, Tullis Russell Mills Brass Band, The Wallace Collection

Younger Hall

WEEK 9

Sunday 12 November

19:30

St Salvator’s Chapel Choir: In Remembrance

St Salvator’s Chapel

Tuesday 14 November

13:10

Organ concert by Marina Omelchenko (Moscow Cathedral)

St Salvator’s Chapel

Wednesday 15 November

13:10

Lunchtime concert by members of the Scottish Chamber Orchestra

and Music Centre Scholarship students

Byre Theatre

Wednesday 15 November

19:30

St Andrews Chamber Orchestra

Younger Hall

Friday 17 November

13:10

Music Society lunchtime concert by Elle Kosman (piano)

Younger Hall

Friday 17 November

19:30

University G&S Society presents The Gondoliers

Byre Theatre

Saturday 18 November

14:30

University G&S Society presents The Gondoliers

Byre Theatre

Saturday 18 November

19:30

University G&S Society presents The Gondoliers

Byre Theatre

PULL-OUT FEATURE WEEK 10

Sunday 19 November

19:30

St Andrews Renaissance Singers

St Salvator’s Chapel

Tuesday 21 November

13:10

Organ concert by Jeremiah Stephenson

St Salvator’s Chapel

Wednesday 22 November

13:10

Lunchtime concert by Ellie Steemson (saxophone) and

Thomas Lowe (percussion)

Music Talks with Dr Jane Pettegree: Town Bands and

Wednesday 22 November

14:30

Younger Hall Younger Hall

Community Music in 19th century Caithness

Rehearsal Room

Wednesday 22 November

19:30

Music Society Chamber Choir and St Andrews Strings

St Salvator’s Chapel

Friday 24 November

13:10

Music Society Lunchtime concert by James Green (clarinet)

Younger Hall

Friday 24 November

19:30

University Madrigal Group

St Salvator’s Chapel

Saturday 25 November

19:30

St Andrews Chorus and the Heisenberg Ensemble present

Fauré’s Requiem

Younger Hall

Week 11

Sunday 26 November

17:00

St Katherine’s Choir Christmas Concert

St Salvator’s Chapel

Monday 27 November

19:30

A Cappella Christmas Concert

Younger Hall

Tuesday 28 November

13:10

Organ concert by Henry Fairs (Honorary Professor of Organ)

St Salvator’s Chapel

Wednesday 29 November

13:10

Lunchtime concert by the Dohnányi Trio

St Salvator’s Chapel

Wednesday 29 November

19:00

StAFCO St Andrew’s Eve Concert

Younger Hall

Thursday 30 November

19:30

Music Society Symphony Orchestra St Andrew’s Day Concert

Younger Hall

Friday 1 December

13:10

Music Society lunchtime concert by Thomas Leigh Hackett and friends (jazz)

Younger Hall

Post-semester

Saturday 2 December

19:30

Music Society Singers and Ukulear Fusion Christmas Concert

All Saints’ Church

Sunday 3 December

19:00

The Heisenberg Ensemble presents Handel’s Messiah

St Salvator’s Chapel

Monday 4 December

19:30

St Andrews Baroque Ensemble: The Music of Bologna

St Salvator’s Chapel

Amstel Saxophone Quartet, 9 November (© Foppe Schut)

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

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

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Jazz

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

EVENTS From Emily Noakes

St Andrews Photographic Society

– once again exhibiting in the St Andrews Photography Festival The Festival is celebrating 176 years of Scottish photography, ‘in the home of Scottish photography’- St Andrews. Some 15 non-traditional venues will be using their wall space during the month of September, while many events, including an amateur photography competition, will take place.

St Andrews Photographic Society will be hosting the following events, dates here for your diary: 1- 30 September – 10.00am – 4.00pm. Holy Trinity Church, South Street. Members’ Photographic Exhibition. Open daily except Sundays, also Saturdays 9th & 16th or whenever required for Church business.

1 – 30 September – Holy Trinity Church, South Street. Exhibition: “Scotland at Home – In St Andrews” 9 September – 12 noon. Meet at Argyle Street car park for a casual walkabout with your camera. Free 13 September – 7.15pm. The Art Club Rooms, 14c Argyle Street, St Andrews. The first meeting of the Photographic Society’s new season.

20 September – 7.15pm. The Art Club Rooms, 14c Argyle Street, St Andrews. Photographic Presentation by Hunter Kennedy: “Prints Past and Present.”

Please see: www.standrewsphotographicsociety.com

Andrea Mardon, Chair of Byre Writers, invites you to join

The Byre Writers Open Workshop Fancy being a writer? Come along to our free morning or afternoon workshops, or both!

Lunch is available at the Byre Restaurant, or nearby cafés. All skill levels welcome.

Date: Saturday, 7 October 2017 Time: 10.00am – 4.00pm Venue: The Byre Studio Theatre Tickets: Free, but must be booked at: byrewriters@outlook.com

Programme: 10.00 -12.00 Workshop with Emma 12.00 – 1.15 Grab lunch at a café, or at the theatre 1.15 – 2.15 Join us for a writing session in the Conference Room 2:00 – 4.00 A talk, plus Q & A, by Anna Hepburn

Helen Cammack, St Andrews University

Explorathon Returns to St Andrews An extravaganza of discovery, debate and entertainment will be taking place in St Andrews on Friday, 29 September 2017.

This September sees the return of Explorathon – a Scotland-wide researchers with museum curators showing off the museum collections celebration of research, held on European Researchers’ Night. For and the research done with and around them. There will also be the twenty-four hours, research institutes across Scotland will throw open chance to take part in an archaeological dig. The massively successful their doors to the public, encouraging local communities to engage with ‘Night at the museum torchlight tours’ are also returning to MUSA – these researchers. tours were a sell-out event in 2016, so make sure This year the universities of Aberdeen, you book your tickets early!

Glasgow, Strathclyde, Edinburgh, St Andrews are Back at the Byre, there are several shows all part of the action. Here in St Andrews there’s a taking place on the Friday evening. Six female This year the universities packed programme of events planned. The Byre PhD researchers will be competing for the XX of Aberdeen, Glasgow, Theatre will host a Festival of Research, featuring Factor trophy. Each will have just three minutes many different interactive research activities for to convince the audience that she is the most Strathclyde, Edinburgh, you to try your hand at. Count critters, explore 3D inspirational researcher. Who will win? You St Andrews are all part of vision, see a spinal cord up close, train your brain, decide! and much more! There’s a visual art installation Join Dr Claire Cousins (as seen on the BBC the action inspired by a galaxy survey, a computer that can Horizon ‘Space Volcanoes’ documentary) for a recognise objects and liquids, and interactive live film screening of The Martian, and discussion demonstrations of climate change science. of exoplanetary geology. Would it be possible to We’re also very excited to announce that this year the Explorathon grow potatoes on Mars? Could we make water from rocket fuel? The Research Festival will expand into MUSA, with hands on activities, answers are out of this world…

The ever-popular Bright Club will also return to Explorathon St Andrews with a late-night show. Academics perform stand-up comedy about their research, with hilarious results! They’re joined by professional comedian Susan Morrison, just to make sure things don’t get too serious.

New to Explorathon 2017, we will also be hosting some events specifically for community groups. Local Explorer Scouts (boys and girls aged 14-18) will be participating in research activities, hosting a science show and camping out overnight in the Byre. The following morning, they’ll be taking part in a beach clean along with their families, organised

by Transition St Andrews.

So, from Anthropology to Zoology, there’s something for everyone this year. Join us on Friday, 29 September as we celebrate the incredible diversity of research taking place in St Andrews. To find out more about the events taking place, please visit www.explorathon.co.uk/standrews We look forward to seeing you there!

(Illustration courtesy Cornelia S Oedekoven/Thomas Rodger, Centre for Research into Ecological & Environmental Modelling (CREEM))

21

EVENTS Gillian Craig, together with the University’s Music Centre, created

St Andrews Children’s Orchestras and Choirs

These groups provide an ideal introduction to playing and singing in ensembles, developing children’s musicianship and teamwork skills under the encouraging guidance of experienced tutors.

Open to all children, from P1 to S6, there is no audition, but children should have reached the required standard for each group (see below). All the groups meet in the Younger Hall, North Street, St Andrews.

The Children’s Choir: For children in P1-4.

Tutored by Marie Downes.

Wednesdays 4.00pm–5.00pm.

The Youth Choir: For children from P5 – S6.

Tutored by Tom Wilkinson and Gillian Craig.

Wednesdays, 4.00pm-5.00pm. No previous experience required, just a love of singing. The Choir will work towards performances in the Younger Hall, and a carol service in St Salvators Chapel, North Street, St Andrews.

The Children’s Orchestra: For children of Grades 2–3 standard.

Tutored by Gillian Craig.

Wednesdays 4.45pm-5.30pm. The Orchestra will work towards performing at the Community Orchestra concerts in the Younger Hall. Players will be asked to join the Music Centre – annual membership £33 for children The Youth Orchestra: For players of Grade 4 standard and above.

Tutored by Gillian Craig and Gordon Duncan.

Wednesdays 5.30pm-6.30pm. This Orchestra, too, will work towards performing at the Community Orchestra concerts in the Younger Hall. Players will be asked to join the Music Centre – annual membership £33 for children.

The Children’s Orchestra, Younger Hall, April 2017 Please Note: All groups start on Wednesday, 13 September 2017, in the Younger Hall.

Please register your interest in advance if possible ….or just come along to the first rehearsal and give it a go!

For further information please contact the Music Centre, 01334 462 226, Email: music@st-andrews.ac.uk (Photo courtesy Gillian Craig)

The Kinburn (St Andrews) Charitable Trust Scottish Charity Reference no SC009700 Grants for organisations in the Parish of St Andrews

Background to the Trust

Grant Giving Policy

The assets of the Trust are in the main derived from two charities whose activities centred on the town of St Andrews, Fife.

The Charity is permitted to make grants for any charitable purpose in Scotland or elsewhere. However in recognition of the source of funds and the principal activities of the original charities the Trustees will normally exercise their grant-giving powers to favour the following with no particular priority to any one or more of them:

The first of these for many years provided not for profit very sheltered housing for the elderly in its house in Kinburn Place, St Andrews. Because of reduced demand and increased compliance costs it was agreed to close this house and the proceeds of sale constitute the greatest part of the Trust’s initial capital.

The second was the Hamada Charitable Trust set up with funds provided by a Japanese businessman – Zenya Hamada – who was involved in the setting up of the New St Andrews Golf Club in Japan and who donated funds to be used for the benefit of the citizens of St Andrews.

1. Organisations providing accommodation or support for the vulnerable or disabled with a particular emphasis on those doing so in Fife in general and St Andrews in particular.

2. Any other activity centred on and of benefit to the population of St Andrews whether as a whole or any particular section of it.

3. Any individual, group of individuals or organisations in the St Andrews area to assist them in any charitable activity in which they are engaged whether that activity is itself carried out in and for the benefit of St Andrews or elsewhere.

The Trustees reserve the right to depart from or modify these priorities at any time.

HOW TO APPLY Applications are available from Thorntons Law LLP, Kinburn Castle, St Andrews, Fife, KY16 9DR (Tel: 01334477107) – contact Angela Bell. The Trustees meet twice a year in March and November where all relevant applications are considered.

22

EVENTS From Alison Jeffrey

Leuchars: St Athernase Christmas Craft Fair The beautiful Norman Church of St Athernase in Leuchars continues to present an ongoing challenge to its Regeneration Fundraising committee.

Over the past year a variety of fundraising ventures have been organised, with varying degrees of success. However, it is generally agreed that one of the most successful was the Christmas Craft Fair held last November.

As a result we have decided to hold another on Saturday, 4 November in the Burnside Hall, Balmullo (KY16 0AW) from 11.30am until 4.00pm.

Approximately 25 predominantly local, professional artists, craftspeople, and food producers hope to tempt the visitor with a wide selection of unusual, high quality gifts.

Together with a grand raffle, with some wonderful prizes, home baking, and bottle

stalls, we invite you to take the opportunity to make an early start to your Christmas shopping.

Entry is £2.50 for adults, £1 for children.

This includes refreshments – tea or coffee and a piece of home baking!

Please make a date in your diary for Saturday, 4 November. Remember, we have plenty of free car parking!

Selected Events St Andrews Photographers will be exhibiting at the Scottish Fisheries Museum, Anstruther throughout September. Also at the Tayport Café throughout October. www.standrewsphotographers.com Friday, 1-7 September – 10.00am-4.00pm. At St Andrews Art Club, Argyle Street. Chris Carter is exhibiting his father’s paintings.

Free entry. For more information see: www.standrewsartclub.co.uk Saturday, 2 September – 9.00am-1.00pm. Argyle Street car park. Farmers’ Market.

– 1.00pm-4.00pm. All Saints Church Hall, North Castle Street.

Quilting, taster workshop. Eden Art. Contact: eden.art@hotmail.com Thursday, 7 September – 5.15pm. Napier Special Collections Reading Room (old Martyrs Kirk) North Street. The (His) tory of Photography? Unknown Women in Early Photography in Scotland. A talk by Caroline Douglas (Stills Centre for Photography, Edinburgh). Contact: libfriends@st-andrews.ac.uk Sunday, 10 September – 7.30pm. St Leonards Chapel, The Pends, St Andrews. Feargus Hetherington with the Heisenberg Ensemble play Vivaldi’s Four Seasons.

A ‘Music Planet’ event. Tickets £10 (students & children £5) from: gc5@st-andrews.ac.uk and at the door.

Wednesday, 13 September – 7.00pm. Byre Theatre, Abbey Street.

The film Doctor Zhivago. Friends of the Byre.

Tuesday, 19 September – 10.00am. St Andrews Public Library, Church Square.

Bookbug Session, Song/rhyme for babies, toddlers & families.

Contact:01334 659 378.

– 5.00pm-9.00pm. Balgove Larder, Strathtyrum. Night Market.

Contact: 01334 898 145.

Sunday, 24 September – 2.00pm. New Picture House, St Andrews. The Magic Flute

by Mozart. Live from the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden.

For further information (and booking) contact: nph.nphcinema.co.uk – 12.00noon-4.00pm. St Andrews Castle, The Scores. The Guardian of Scotland, Bishop Lamberton and his medieval soldiers tell the story of how St Andrews Castle swapped hands during the Wars of Independence.

Thursday, 28 September – 7.00pm. Rooftop Café, British Golf Museum, Bruce Embankment. Tom Morris – the St Andrews Years, a talk by Roger McStravick. Booking required: 01334 460 054, email: hannahfleming@randa.org Thursday, 31 September – 7.00pm. New Picture House, St Andrews. Yerma. Live from the National Theatre, London. For further information (and booking) contact: nph.nphcinema.co.uk

Saturday, 7 October – 9.00am-1.00pm. Argyle Street Car Park, Farmers’ Market.

– 1.00pm-4.00pm. All Saints Church Hall, North Castle Street.

Painting the nude taster workshop. Contact: eden.art@hotmail.com – 7.30pm. St Salvators Chapel, North Street. The Heisenberg Ensemble with soloist Gillian Risi, violin, play music by Mozart, Elgar, Mendelssohn. Tickets £12, concessions £10, students £5, schoolchildren Free, from the Byre Box Office, and at the door.

Sunday, 8 October – 2.00pm. New Picture House, St Andrews, La Bohème, by Puccini. Live from the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden. For further information (and booking) contact: nph.nphcinema.co.uk Tuesday, 10 October – 10.30am to 12.00noon. St Andrews Bowling Club, Kinnessburn Road. First meeting of the Season of the St Andrews Probus Club. New members welcome. Contact: rgaala@live.co.uk – 10.00am. St Andrews Public Library, Church Square. Bookbug Session, Song/rhyme for babies, toddlers & families. Contact: 01334 659 378.

Wednesday, 11 October – 7.00pm. New Picture House, St Andrews. Coriolanus. Live from the Royal Shakespeare Company, Stratford-upon-Avon. For further information (and booking) contact: nph.nphcinema.co.uk Saturday, 14 October – 10.00am-3.00pm. Victory Memorial Hall, St Mary’s Place. Craft Fair. Fife Craft Association, many handmade goods.

Thursday, 26 October – 8.00pm. Parliament Hall, South Street.

Professor Colin Richards of the University of the Highlands & Islands will speak on ‘The Rise & Fall of Neolithic House Societies in Orkney’ for the Archaeology Society’s annual Mitford Memorial Lecture. All welcome. Contact: pfdecmartin@gmail.com Thursday, 26 to Sunday, 29 October – St Andrews Voices Festival. Programme from the Younger Hall, North Street & the Byre Theatre.

Sunday, 29 October – 2.00pm. New Picture House, St Andrews. Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. Live from the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden. For further information (and booking) contact: nph.nphcinema.co.uk – Craigtoun Country Park Hallloween – see the press for details.

– 6.00pm. Preservation Trust Museum, 12 North Street. Museums at Night. Thrills & chills + murder mystery. Contact: 01334 477 629, email: curator@standrewspreservationtrust.org.uk

23

SHOPS & SERVICES Jonnie Adamson

Starting Up? What Price Failure?

Whilst failure is a stark reality for some businesses, you don’t have to go through it to learn the lessons from others.

If you are thinking of starting your own business then there are some key issues to consider in minimising the chance of failure and maximising the chance of success.

Cash flow Every business needs cash. A new business has to work out how much cash it needs to trade. Even profitable businesses can run out of cash, when it is tied up in unpaid invoices or stock. Plan your cash flows carefully.

Lack of planning The most important document for a business is the business plan. This documents what you intend to achieve and how you plan to do it.

The process of pulling the plan together can be the most useful process of all.

Performance monitoring It is very important to review how you are getting on. Is it on track, behind schedule, or exceeding expectations? Think of the key elements in your business where you can measure success, and monitor them continuously.

Insurance Ensure you have the correct cover in place.

You may be able to ride out small problems, but what if the worst were to happen? Tailor the insurance to the type of business. Consultants need different cover from off-licences and builders.

Customer base Is there too much reliance placed on one customer? The 80/20 rule: 80% of sales come from 20% of your customers, can be good at indicating you have a small but loyal customer base. What if a major customer goes bust – are you keeping an eye on how much and how long your invoices are overdue?

Knowledge of market Have you carried out market research before starting? Have you still got your finger on the pulse as to what the market wants down the line? What are your competitors doing? Try not to get too bogged down in the mechanics of the business so you are not reacting to what is going on around you.

Tax bills Nothing is certain other than death and taxes. Your bills for tax, NI and VAT are likely to be some of the bigger bills you need to pay. Budget for these bills and stick to deadlines, interest and penalties can quickly

rack up if your head is in the sand. HMRC is the biggest creditor in business insolvencies in the UK. Disaster recovery Is your data backed up? What if you lost all your customer information, employee data and accounts records? Not only is it sensitive information, but it is also worth a lot to the business. Do you have plans for quickly resurrecting the business after a fire or theft?

Seeking help There are a number of organisations such as Business Gateway Fife, The Princes Trust, Federation of Small Businesses, even your local Chartered Accountant! Knowledge of local business, funding opportunities and helping you find the right path for your business can allow faster progression and get you the right advice when you need it.

For further information on this, or other matters, please consult: Henderson Black & Co 149 Market St St Andrews Tel: 01334 472 255

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

www.nphcinema.co.uk

117 North Street, St Andrews Tel: 013334 474902

24

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

Caveat Emptor

Perhaps you have missed my column in the work in terms, usually, of both the contract this magazine, which was printed on a fairly and the NHBC/Zurich conditions. regular basis (or perhaps not!) One reason is When you are buying an old house, that I have now merged my firm with Mitchells however, I always advise clients to remember Roberton, a larger firm in practice in Glasgow that if the house has been lived in, every and based at George Square. house has its quirks and foibles. For example, I am still around and still in practice. the bathroom tap may take a while to fill the The interesting point I want to discuss in basin, or the kitchen tap may drip, or there is this Article relates to caveat emptor. This is a strange creaking noise when you go up the an ancient Roman law basically meaning, “let stairs – you have to accept that. You cannot the buyer beware”. It used to apply in relation expect to buy a perfect property. If there is a to the purchase of goods and services until defect you have to take on the liability. statutory intervention ensured that in most I have seen some ludicrous post-settlement cases consumers have certain statutory rights, claims being made by purchasers relating eg if you buy a car. One of the areas where to dripping taps, or in one case, the fact that the old caveat emptor rule someone’s underwear applies is in relation to the was left stuffed down the There is now some debate as purchase of a house. back of a radiator! Yes, I to whether the caveat emptor Here I will differentiate am serious here. rule should be removed between new houses and There is now some old houses. With a new debate as to whether house you have a contract with the builder; the caveat emptor rule should be removed, you probably would have an NHBC or Zurich and whether the sellers when selling a house Certificate (or similar), which allows snagging should warrant certain things. Most sale works to be done and provides some form of contracts do contain certain warranties, but Insurance cover for the first 10 years of the these usually relate to legal matters such as, life of the house. This therefore gives you for example, the absence of any Planning some recourse. Although, broadly speaking, Enforcement Notice, Repairs Grant etc. the “Let the buyer beware” rule applies, there Consumer interests would no doubt like are ways of getting round it by way of a claim to see sellers warrant more in their contracts, on the NHBC/Zurich, or a snagging list being but my own personal view is that a purchaser presented to the builder, who is obliged to do should be, and should still be, in a position to

make the enquiries themselves, if necessary, employing a Surveyor, or timber specialist to look into matters in detail.

I think it is asking for trouble and going to prolong the whole process if we start arguing about warranties.

The purchase of a house may then become like a company purchase with pages of warranties and disclosures against them. The danger of having this set up is of course that legal fees will have to increase, because there will be an additional amount of work involved.

It is rare for people to buy houses with fundamental defects which cause them serious loss, but usually in that situation, caveat emptor would not apply because there has been a positive, or at very least a negligent misrepresentation of the position by the seller, eg they propped up the rotten floor deliberately to make it seem sound.

We shall see what happens, and whether legislation is put in place, but I personally hope not.

In the meantime, if you are buying an old house, expect there to be some old problems with it, and a few foibles which you will just need to live with. Above all, make enquiries; get a surveyor or expert to check it all out before you buy.

Help Young People reach their full potential • Do you want to help young people?

• Are you a retired professional?

• Can you devote 1 hour per week?

Then this is for you

Become an Intergenerational Mentor The intergenerational mentoring network works with young people in schools across Scotland supporting them in planning their futures and progressing into further and higher education.

We are now looking for mentors (women and men) to work with pupils in Auchmuty High School, Glenrothes from October 2017.

More details can be found at www.intergenerationalmentoring.com Please contact David Cole-Hamilton djc@st-and.ac.uk or 07979-711714 to find out more

25

SHOPS & SERVICES Successful Fundraising ‘Take care of the pennies and the pounds will take care of themselves’ Sainsburys Supermarket, in North Street, St Andrews, has for some time had collecting boxes beside its tills for Craigtoun Country Park.

On 1st July 2017 a magnificent cheque for £1,271.63 was presented to Kyffin Roberts. Warm congratulations all round!

Jean Bean says

Don’t Bin The Leaflet – It Could Save A Life Every year around 30,000 people in the UK have an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, but the survival rate is less than 1 in 10. Cardiac arrest is when the heart suddenly stops beating. It can be sudden and a person is highly unlikely to survive unless a bystander takes emergency action.

The leaflet distributed with this magazine gives information about how you can help if you find yourself in this situation. It describes how to carry out Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and shows the location of public access automatic external defibrillators (AEDs) in St Andrews and North East Fife. Having access to a defibrillator – which can deliver an electric shock to the heart – can make a huge difference to the outcome of a sudden cardiac arrest. If effective CPR is performed and an AED can be used within 3 to 5 minutes, the survival rate increases to as much as 74%.

Operation Heart Start is a registered charity formed in 1987. Funded entirely by public donations, it is operated by volunteers.

Its objectives are to save lives by supporting community training in basic life-support skills (CPR) and to provide and manage the maintenance of AEDs. Over the last few years, the organisation has been very busy installing AEDs in St Andrews and the surrounding community. The current positions of the defibrillators are in public areas where there is a high density and movement of people. The AEDs are positioned on the outside of buildings in unlocked green and clear plastic cabinets and are accessible 24/7. A loud alarm will sound when the cabinet door is open to access the defibrillator, but this will stop after about 5 minutes. An LED lamp flashes white during darkness and red when the cabinet is open, or if it requires checking.

In combination with installing AEDs, Heart Start has also sought to increase public awareness of their existence and availability in the local area. Importantly, there is a need to encourage the general public to use them in an emergency situation where a cardiac arrest is suspected. These defibrillators are safe and easy to use: they do not require special training or skills, so can be used by anyone.

The defibrillator will talk you through the process; it will deliver a shock to the heart only if it is required. They do this by analysing the heart rhythm.

So, do not be put off! This is certainly one case where action wins hands down over inaction and the sooner you act, the better.

Every minute’s delay reduces the chance of survival.

If you, or a group of people you are involved with, would like training in CPR, then please get in touch (email: admin@heartstart.org ). Similarly, if you have a suggestion for a busy location where an AED should be installed in the future, then we would be glad to receive it.

For further information, please read the enclosed leaflet or go to the website we maintain: http://heartstart.org/ The website also shows the location of AEDs; we think it is a good idea to keep a reference to these in your smartphone, should you have one. Alternatively, a search for AED near me in Google Maps will show the locations of nearby AEDs. (Photo courtesy Heart Start)

GARAGE St Andrews 01334 472882 MOT TESTING SERVICE & REPAIRS ACCIDENT REPAIR VALETING CAR SALES 24 HR RECOVERY Used cars and 4x4’s sourced to your requirements.

Finance available on request. www.brownhillsgarage.co.uk

26

SHOPS & SERVICES Jean Davidson explains

Ki’n’tail Shiatsu (for people) and dogs

Our dogs have learned to live in harmony the body making us feel better. Dogs have with us, becoming so tuned in to our similar physiology to people, therefore the emotions, and the environment in which same can be said about the dog’s body. we live that this is impacting on how they Touch, most of us know is a great behave, as well as their wellbeing. The healer, dogs love to be touched. Shiatsu is environment in which our gentle, non-invasive dogs live is very important and dogs love it just to be aware of when as we do. When a Shiatsu touch is very relaxing, giving Shiatsu to a dog. I dog is unwell it, like need to be aware of the people, can look a promoting the ‘feel good’ factor connection between dog bit miserable, tail and in both people and dogs and owner. An owner ears down, do not who is very tense can look you in the eye, unknowingly transfer off their food. Owners that tension to the dog; similarly if the owner tell me after a Shiatsu they are brighter, eat worries about the least wee thing, so might again, and seem generally happier. the dog. Many times both could benefit from In order to work with a dog I need the Shiatsu to ease tension and worry. owner to ask the vet to sign a consent Shiatsu touch is very relaxing, promoting form telling me the dog is well enough for the ‘feel good’ factor in both people and a physical therapy like Shiatsu. Any further dogs. It is a fact that our body releases information a vet can give me about the endorphins when we relax – these are dog’s condition, or medication, is also helpful. hormones that have an analgesic effect on This is essential, as under the Veterinary

Surgeons’ Act only a vet can diagnose an animal’s condition. Once this is completed you can arrange an appointment for your dog’s first Shiatsu.

What has helped dogs?

• • • •

Elderly arthritic dogs: I show the owner how to maintain mobility where possible.

Unexplained lameness where a vet has found no underlying cause General wellbeing where the owner just says, the ‘dog is not right’ Sprains and strains from playing with the family or other dogs; taking part in canine sports.

How does it work?

Shiatsu uses the same system of meridian pathways as acupuncture and the acupoints – practitioners use their thumbs and fingers to move ‘Ki’ (energy) that is stuck, causing discomfort and sometimes pain.

We use a variety of gentle techniques to relax the fascia surrounding all muscles and organs, which in turn enables the muscles to release tension; soft tissue once relaxed also allows the skeleton to realign. Gentle assisted stretches to promote the flow of synovial fluid and circulation. All this helps our dogs cope with stress, from being a puppy through to age- related stiffness, helping them to lead a more active, healthy life. If you would like more information please check my website: www.shiatsfufife.co.uk

Su Kee and Jean

Helen Kermode

Women’s Health and Shiatsu – it’s time to thrive!

September is Shiatsu Awareness Month I help women who want to feel relaxed, happier, and radiant with optimal health.

Women’s lives can be stressful. Creating projects, relationships, and life needs energy and presence. Women’s cycles are an important part of women’s health.

If life leaves you feeling overloaded, tired, struggling for time, Shiatsu offers support with being emotionally overwhelmed, with relief from physical symptoms. You get taken care of for an hour or so, while someone else keeps track of time.

Shiatsu is great for bringing all your scattered energy back into your body so you can recharge and feel more like yourself again. You get to receive yourself, in a deeply restorative way, rather than always giving to others (the loved ones, clients, colleagues, projects). You can then give more from a healthy reservoir that you regularly replenish, not from overstretched inner resources. You know when you feel energized, intuitive and in the flow of life, feeling at ease in yourself?

As your body is gently stretched and acupressure techniques are applied along your meridians (vital energy channels), Shiatsu helps you release any build-up of emotional and physical tension from stress/ worry/anxiety/the past. Shiatsu can support you with health issues, life’s challenges and major events. It soothes your nervous system so you benefit from the “feel good” hormones that are activated when you relax.

Shiatsu focuses on getting energies flowing that feel stuck, and bringing energy where needed. It’s all about balance and flow.

Regular Shiatsu helps women to thrive and feel more like themselves again throughout their lives.

Pregnancy Shiatsu (Photo courtesy Helen Kermode)

27

SHOPS & SERVICES Alistair Morris, President, St Andrews Business Club

Meet & learn at St Andrews Business Club Since I began my second presidency of and the lessons they’ve learned, so we’re delighted Professor Sally St Andrews Business Club (I was previously Mapstone, Principal of the University of St Andrews, has agreed to give President in 1990-1), I’ve sought to make the the keynote speech at our ‘Inspiring Women’ event on March 7 next year club and its events more directly useful to (the eve of International Women’s Day). members and others attending events.

But first, Alan Mahon, co-founder of craft beer social enterprise My first act was to commission detailed Brewgooder, will be among a panel of entrepreneurs sharing their market research interviews with members and experiences and advice with students and business people at the non-members to find out what they wanted from the Club. Based on the University of St Andrews Enterprise Week Keynote Event on 11 October, feedback, we made a number of changes to our events which the Club is contributing to in partnership with the – including introducing a planned time for networking student committee.

We were delighted to at all of them, changing the type and price of breakfast To aid the networking part of our purpose, we’re see attendance at events offered, even when we served food and drink. opening most events to non-members and adding improved over the year All through the 2016-17 season we kept listening, informal facilitated networking lunches to the schedule. learning, making improvements based on feedback and The first will be held on 28 March. Members and their where we felt we could improve – including launching a new website, as guests will also enjoy networking as part of exclusive tours of two local well as Twitter and Facebook pages for the Club. We were delighted to five-star hotels – the new Kinnettles Hotel on September 6, and The Old see attendance at events improved over the year; our AGM event in April Course Hotel on December 6 – as well as at a barbecue on 27 June. had the best attendance in many years. But we feel there’s still room Event format innovations this year include extending the season to improve. Which is why we’ve been working through the summer on into May and June, holding a Pecha Kucha-style event on 9 May (where making what the Club offers better, more directly relevant to improving members will be drawn at random to present 20 slides of 20 seconds the businesses of members and event attendees. each on topics of interest to all) and moving the daytime events from Looking at the Club’s original 1950 constitution, we saw two key breakfast to lunchtime during the GMT months – so you don’t have to get activities – meeting other businesspeople and learning for business. up in the cold and dark to attend. We’re also introducing a new corporate They’re still relevant, so you’ll find them at the heart of the 2017-18 membership option and a range of new benefits for both companies season. and individuals. In fact, too many to list here – go to our website for full Learning-event topics have been chosen to provide essential details. information on today’s key business issues, which attendees can Whether you’re already a member, a past one or someone new to use straight away. They will include latest changes in social media the Club, we’d be delighted to see you at our events this year. And hear (September 20), personal productivity and leadership (October 25), what you think – so we can keep making the Club better. Still only £30 surviving Brexit (November 11), the European General Data Protection annual individual membership, it’ll be the best value it’s ever been.

Regulation (GDPR), (November 22 joint event with Fife Women in Business), Making Tax Digital (January 10), the business environment in North-East Fife in 2018 (January 24), marketing messaging (February Details of the full season’s topics, dates, speakers, and how to join 14), and Modern Apprenticeships (February 28). the Club are on our website at www.standrewsbusinessclub.co.uk We know from previous years how much high-achieving people, such as Lord Mulholland, Alban Denton, Kevin Grainger, and Sir Henry Aykroyd can inspire and educate others by talking about their stories (Photo of Club President Alistair Morris)

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

hannahmilner893@hotmail.co.uk

28

SHOPS & SERVICES

Roving Reporter, not quite as busy as usual 1. Reporter loves to hear from St Andreans who, in the old traditional way, left home to gain experience and qualifications, then returned to benefit the town. Lesley Faux is a shining example. Born at Craigtoun Maternity Hospital, Lesley spent her childhood around the Lade Braes, where the family had their home. Father Joe Faux was a professional golfer, winning “many tournaments and medals in St Andrews, including the R&A gold medal, Tait medal, Jock Hutchison cup, and Kyle cup, amongst others”. When Joe passed away in 1978 the family moved to Spain where they ran a pub/restaurant for over 10 years. Back in the UK, Lesley pursued her passion for physical fitness, gaining her BSc in Applied Sports Science at University of East London (UEL) in 1998. She followed this in 2009 by specialising in “golf movement, completing the Titleist Level 1 golf fitness course at the Belfry following up with the Level 2 component at the Titleist performance institute in California in 2010”. Lesley then spent 18 months with golf movement specialist, John Vickers, in Miami Beach developing Golfswing BMI (Body Mechanics International). Back in the UK, in 2012 she completed an MSc in Sport & Exercise Science at Roehampton University “using the concept of lower body stability relating to weight-transference and neutral foot position, helping create a powerful, optimally consistent golf swing” – the subject of her thesis, presented at the World Scientific Congress of Golf (WSCG), both in Brisbane and St Andrews – it will soon be published. Lesley has now opened a physical therapy studio on the Old St Andrews Road. She also arranges home and office visits. Email: fauxy@me.com tel: 07957 135 640 / 01334 838 369 website: golfswingbmi.com (UK page).

(Photo courtesy Lesley Faux)

2. Reporter has learned there’s a new Osteopath in town!

St Andrews Osteopaths, 136 South Street, (01334 477 000), www.standrewsosteopaths.co.uk welcomes Mrs Allison Beard BA, BSc, MSc, BA in Professional Development, Dundee. BSc Honours Osteopathy, London. MSc Complementary Medicine, Edinburgh. Allison is nearing completion of MSc Sports Medicine and Biomechanics at Dundee University. Allison joined the St Andrews practice on 1 September, bringing with her a wealth of experience. Having worked in clinical practice since 1989 Allison established a very successful Osteopathic and Sports Injury clinic in Lytham, St Annes, Lancashire. She has held several academic posts teaching at the University of the Highlands and Islands, Edinburgh Queen Margaret University, Staffordshire University, to name just a few. She has also held consultancy roles with Lancaster University and the University of Plymouth. Currently she provides sports injury and rehabilitation services for professionals in the fields of snow sport, aquatics, football, cricket.

Allison will be introducing a number of new services to the St Andrews clinic: including Gait assessment; Biomechanical Analysis; Prescription Orthotics; Western Medical Acupuncture; Electro therapy, including pulsed ultra sound; Clinical Aromatherapy; Myofascial Release; Trigger Point Therapy. Looks as if aches and pains will be vanquished, says Reporter.

(Photo courtesy Allison Beard).

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ORGANISATIONS Arthur Griffiths, Chair, St Andrews Community Trust

Update

The Community Trust is pleased to announce to seeing these awards benefiting the local that at its latest meeting in June it has community for years to come.” contributed over £500,000 to some 180 Danny Campbell, Commercial Director at projects in St Andrews and surrounding St Andrews Links Trust, added, “It is wonderful communities, since it made its first award to see the Community Trust flourishing, in 2011 (see issue 45 of this magazine). awarding more than £500,000 to a wide array The awards have included support for youth of projects, all with the common aim and groups, schools, sports clubs, support groups, ambition of having a positive impact on the theatre and entertainment, and environmental local community. Our work with Auchterlonies projects. has brought together two long-standing The St Andrews Community Trust was institutions in the town; we are thrilled that established in 2010 (see issue 50 of this within the Community Trust’s existing awards magazine) through an agreement between our work will ensure a positive, lasting legacy the Royal Burgh of St Andrews in sport and the arts in the Community Council, Fife Council, community.” and St Andrews Links Trust. It Awards have ranged from started distributing funds in 2011. £250 to £15,000, but the vast We look forward The Links Trust guarantees to majority of awards have been to seeing these fund the Community Trust with a for between £1,000 and £5,000. awards benefiting minimum of £50,000 per annum, A number of organisations in the local community the town have benefited from but has actually provided over £80,000 per annum (see issue several awards. The Trustees for years to come 74 of this magazine). are pleased to report that at Recently Auchterlonies of their June meeting, nine of the St Andrews worked together with eighteen applications were from St Andrews Links Trust to guarantee a further organisations that had never previously applied £25,000 per annum for five years. This latest for support. The Trustees are always pleased addition to the Community Trust’s income is to receive applications from new applicants to aimed specifically at the arts and sport within help their organisations prosper for the good of St Andrews and District. It is intended to fund their members and the town in general. projects that will improve levels of performance, The projects supported have been wide enable clubs to increase their membership, and and varied; in a short article it is impossible to develop new ideas. do justice to the benefits that The Community Bobby Millar, owner of Auchterlonies, Trust funding has brought to so many projects. said, “We have worked very closely in recent The Trust has been a regular supporter of the years with St Andrews Links to help protect City of St Andrews Pipe Band, enabling it to the reputation and heritage of St Andrews. We replace worn-out equipment and uniforms. The are delighted to see those efforts achieving Band is a regular feature of many events in positive results that can now help to make a St Andrews so the benefits go well beyond. The real difference, delivering results for so many Trust has assisted the Girl Guides to upgrade great causes and initiatives. We look forward their hall over several years.

St Andrews in Bloom is a small group of dedicated, very keen people whose efforts give a real colourful uplift to the town. The Trustees are pleased that they have been able to help with funding for new planters and replacement of worn out ones.

Strathkinness Primary School was short of a WiFi system to enhance the pupils’ school experiences. Therefore the Trust made an award enabling the school to invest in a WiFi system and purchase wireless-enabled netbooks and tablets for use within the school, also in outdoor learning experiences.

Funding by the Trust has enabled St Andrews Musical Society to hire a professional director for this year’s production of South Pacific; the Strathkinness play group to develop new topics for the children; St Andrews Sailing Club to replace their potentially unsafe race box.

On the environmental front the Trustees gave a substantial donation to help improve the harbour; install pontoons; assist the stabilisation of the sand dunes on the West Sands; and are currently supporting St Athernase Church in Leuchars to renovate the stained-glass windows as part of a much larger renovation project.

For more information please see: www.standrewscommunitytrust.co.uk The closing date for the next round of fund allocations is Tuesday, 12 September 2017. An application form can be found on the website, and should be emailed to: info@standrewscommunitytrust.co.uk

Sarah Bax, Marketing & Sponsorship Manager, Music in Hospitals Scotland

Fife Reelers raise £2,500 The Fife Reelers’ 10th Anniversary Ball this spring was attended by dancers from ‘all the airts’, including even from Milan. Funds raised will go to provide live musical performances in hospitals, care homes, hospices, and daycare centres within Fife, all run by Music in Hospitals Scotland.

Throughout Scotland around 1,700 concerts are arranged each year in healthcare establishments. Audiences at these events are encouraged to participate in various ways – by making requests, playing percussion instruments, or simply relaxing to enjoy the music.

The official press release says that, “The charity was established in Scotland in 1980 and since then, has given over 46,000 live concerts for people in care. www.musicinhospitalsscotland.org.uk Music in Hospitals, 10 Forth Street, Edinburgh EH1 3LD Tel: 0131 556 5848” Grateful Sheila Ritchie, Local Ambassador in Fife for Music in Hospitals Scotland asserted, “As a volunteer for the charity, I have seen, at first hand, the incredible impact that engagement with live music can have for people of all ages receiving care and support in healthcare settings. Thanks to the generosity of everyone involved in this year’s Reelers’ Ball, Music in Hospitals’ musicians will be able to bring this impact to our local care settings across Fife.”

(Photo courtesy Reelers’ Ball)

30

ORGANISATIONS Cathy Rowe and friends raised £312 for

Guide Dogs for the Blind Cathy Rowe, guide dog owner, is dependent on Aysha, her wonderful Guide Dog to maintain her independence. To help raise awareness of how Guide Dogs for the Blind operates, Cathy organised a fun gathering in Marine Place, St Andrews on Sunday, 23 July. Miraculously, the pouring rain at the start of the day cleared just as people started to arrive for a picnic in the garden. Heather Hopes, together with her husband Andrew (and Puppy in Training, Spencer), spoke about their role as volunteer puppy trainers.

Anne Rowse, Community Fundraising Development Officer for the South East of Scotland, explained that it costs £55,000 to train each guide dog.

Guide dogs are the largest breeder in the UK with more than 70% of our dogs successfully completing the training program.

At the age of seven weeks a puppy begins training after leaving Leamington Spa, England to be placed with one of the very dedicated volunteer Puppy Walkers. The Puppy Walker takes over until the pup is approximately 12 to 16 months, teaching it the social aspects; for

example, how to sit, how to walk by a road, how to approach a pavement edge, how to behave appropriately in a café or a restaurant, how not to be distracted by irrelevancies. Once all this is mastered, the dog proceeds to the formal training school in Forfar, Angus, one of several training centres in the UK. Depending on a dog’s aptitude, this stage takes from 4 to 6 months, after which they go to ‘finishing school’, to a volunteer boarder on a bed & breakfast basis, training with a Guide Dog Mobility Instructor Monday to Friday. At this stage the dog’s temperament is carefully assessed with a view to matching up with a potential owner. If in the city, the dog also has to learn how to cope with transport needs, such as trams, buses etc. as well as loud noise and crowds. The dogs are mainly trained for right-handed owners, but if an owner-to-be is left-handed then suitable adjustments have to be made, the dog being trained to walk at the right-hand side to meet the owner’s needs. The potential owner is evaluated for walking pace, lifestyle, living conditions etc. Then comes a three-week residential course for owner and

pencer

e dog S

guid Trainee

dog in which the whole time is spent together, supported by a team of Guide Dog Mobility Instructors, who will make sure they’re ‘in tune with each other’, that all aspects are right for both.

It can take time for someone in need to acquire a dog; Cathy had to wait three years. Guide Dogs for the Blind relies heavily on donations from the public. Sponsorship is available, costing from just £1 a week for a puppy. Volunteering in every area of the Charity’s work is constantly rewarding, especially knowing that lives can be transformed by owning a guide dog.

Henry Paul with three friends, all of St Andrews ran the London Marathon this year raising £9,000 for Guide Dogs for the Blind. He, and five others are now planning to run again next year. This is another example of how to help. The website: guidedogs.org.uk/fundraiseforus has plenty of suggestions!

(Photos by Flora Selwyn)

Fundraising pi

cnic

hy Rowe and

Cat Anne Rowse,

puppy walkers

From Robin Alexander

Probus Club’s perplexing perennial plea...!

Yes, a predictable problem for the St Andrews Probus Club over recent years has been the steady decline in its membership numbers – not enough new members joining our ranks. But the search continues...

Probus Clubs (‘Pro’ for professional, ‘Bus’ for business) were established in the UK in the 1970s and are now to be found worldwide (see Issue 78, Sept/Oct 2016). Their purpose? To give retired businessmen a means to meet up and enjoy the company of likeminded retirees. Indeed membership now embraces retirees who have completed a whole host of interesting jobs in their working lives and careers. But where are all the others? With the increasing longevity of an ageing population opportunities abound, not least at a local Probus Club, to continue to enjoy the camaraderie of fellow retirees.

The St Andrews Probus offers just such an opportunity; regular meetings, conviviality, and interesting guest speakers. So what are you waiting for....? The Club’s fortnightly meetings (held at the new St Andrews Bowling Club off Kinnessburn Road) run from October through to April, on the second and fourth Tuesdays. Then, in the spring and summer months, members can participate in inter-club bowls and/or golf fixtures if they wish, an excellent means of meeting, greeting, and competing with fellow Probians.

Meetings start at 10.30am (tea/coffee from 9.45am). Finish time is usually 12noon max. Do come along to one of our meetings to see how we operate. You can be assured of a warm welcome. (See also the ‘Selected Events’ section).

Print & Design

We welcome commercial enquiries

St Katharine’s West, 16 The Scores, St Andrews, Fife KY16 9AX E: printanddesign@st-andrews.ac.uk T: (01334) 463020 The University of St Andrews is a charity registered in Scotland, No: SC013532

31

ORGANISATIONS John Matthews on

Links With Loches As reported in this issue, members of the St Andrews Art Club visited Loches in the latter part of July. They were blessed with fine, sunny weather only exceeded by the warmth of the hospitality extended to them by their French friends. The signs are good that this visit is the first of further exchanges between art clubs in the two towns.

The previous weekend of 15-16 July marked the Fête Nationale (formerly Bastille Day) when Loches played host to delegates from 27 towns from across the European Union, attending a conference funded by the EU. Members of the St Andrews-Loches Alliance attended, accompanied by members of the St Andrews Rotary Club, who had been invited by their colleagues in Loches to participate. None of the Rotarian party had been to Loches before; all were overwhelmed by the warm welcome they received. After a busy time of receptions and meetings, they were lucky to have a half day free to explore the town with an outstanding bilingual guide, Virginia Fowler, past Chair of the Alliance. The Loches Rotary Club has already accepted an invitation to visit St Andrews in 2018, agreeing to seek to develop a joint international project.

The weekend closest to 14 July has for some years been the date of an Alliance lunch in St Andrews, but because of the major event in Loches over that weekend, Alliance members and friends enjoyed a walk round the town instead on the evening of 7 July. Virginia, who is also a Blue Badge tourist guide, led the party round, focussing on French connections, but also pointing out buildings and details which are often missed; altogether a delightful stroll around town. The gentle stroll was followed by a light supper with a glass of wine at the St Rule Club, which has superlative views over the Old Course.

Austin Dunn, Secretary of St Andrews Rotary Club presenting a quaich to Mme Ghislaine Mothiron, President of Loches Rotary.

Alan Constable of the St Andrews Club is the kilted figure.

Later this year on the evening of 3 November, the Alliance is organising a Quiz Night to be held in the St Andrews Bowling Club.

Teams from any local group are welcome (contact Joyce Duncan – joyce.duncan@btinternet.com ).

Membership of the St Andrews-Loches Alliance is open to anyone from St Andrews or nearby.

(Photo courtesy John Matthews)

Xavier Roche-Bayard, journaliste à la Nouvelle République, Loches, nous raconte une visite –

Des artistes de St-Andrews en ville

Avril Taylor, Lindsay Murray, Gwen Leslie, Susan Forsyth (manque Jan Marshall) du St-Andrews Art Club, installées dans le jardin du musée Lansyer.

(Photo courtesy Xavier)

32

Cinq artistes amateurs de membres du StAndrews Art Club (Ecosse) ont posé leur chevalet dans plusieurs endroits de la ville de Loches du 17 au 22 juillet. Le premier jour, caniculaire avec une température flirtant avec les 36 °C, ces dames se sont installées dans le jardin public avec comme sujet d’inspiration le logis royal qui surplombe la ville et le kiosque du parc. Elles ont ensuite peint et dessiné dans d’autres places de la ville. La veille du départ pour l’Ecosse, elles poursuivaient leur travail artistique dans le jardin du musée Lansyer où se tient l’Atelier d’Agnès. C’est en effet la première fois qu’un échange s’effectue entre

ces deux associations. L’Atelier d’Agnès leur a fourni le matériel nécessaire. « Nous avons passé une très bonne semaine. Il y aura une exposition à suivre. Nous espérons que l’Atelier d’Agnès visitera en retour St-Andrews l’an prochain », indiquait Lindsay Murray, ravie de l’accueil que les Lochois leur ont réservées.

Les artistes écossaises ont profité de leur semaine pour visiter la ville, le Château de Chenonceaux et Le Clos-Lucé, la résidence de Léonard de Vinci, à Amboise. Loches et St-Andrews sont des villes jumelles officiellement depuis deux ans, après près de 20 ans de liens d’amitié informelle.

It was good to hear from authentic Loches! Please see Issue 75, March/April 2016, for Xavier’s ‘postcard’ from Loches. If you need a translation please contact your Editor!

ORGANISATIONS Peter Davidson, Chair of local affairs committee

Rotary

Although Rotary started as a club to promote fellowship and business afternoon would not be the contacts it was not long before it demonstrated a sense of civic same without Rotarian Ian responsibility. For example, in 1907 there were no public toilets in the Johnston leading the company city of Chicago. Toilets existed only in saloons and department stores, of around a hundred at Bingo strictly for their own customers. Paul Harris, president of the newlybefore everyone turns to enjoy formed Rotary Club, convened a meeting attended by the City Mayor, afternoon tea. the Association of Commerce, with various other interested groups. As Just before Christmas a a result, a steering committee was formed. In due course, the first public celebratory lunch is held in The conveniences in Chicago were built outside City Hall. Rotary acted as a Scores Hotel for some fifty Fife Learning to use a defibrillator catalyst for change. We still do.

Young Carers. These young at the Heart Start tent Fast forward 110 years and cross the ocean to Great Britain. In June, people, some as young as six, on the second Wednesday of the month, some 25,000 children with help to look after family members (even their parents). The lunch is an special needs were treated to a fun day out through the co-operation eagerly-anticipated event, when the carers are themselves cared for. Not of Rotary and the charity, “Kids Out”. In St Andrews our Club asked everyone is accustomed to a well-laid table with waitress service! This Morrisons Supermarket to provide packed hospitality is generously provided year after lunches for children from Canongate School, year by the Mann family, owners of the Hotel.

The Rotary Club of St Andrews who enjoyed a happy day in the safety of the Rotary helps provide little Christmas presents continues to seek further play park at Cairnie. while contributing to the cost of transport. These opportunities to serve our community special young people come from all over NorthAlmost fifty years ago a St Andrews lady, Heather Walshaw, organised a charity East Fife.

Christmas Card Sale with the help of her sister and some friends. Over As the next year comes round we look forward to helping Heart Start the years this event grew bigger, ultimately becoming too much of a at The Fife Show. Rotary shares the cost of hiring a marquee. Members burden for one person. Rotary stepped in to help. This year the Sale will of the Club hand out leaflets to young and old welcoming them to the be held in the Supper Room of the Town Hall. However, now that postal venue, where they can learn how to use a defibrillator, or have their rates exceed the actual cost of a card not so many are being sent. The blood pressure taken to alert them to potential medical problems. future of the event may well depend on the level of public support we get on Saturday, 28 October.

Later in the year we have our “Winter Treat”. This used to be called The Rotary Club of St Andrews continues to seek further the “Old Folks Outing”. Realising that some Rotarians were even opportunities to serve our community. To learn more about the older than the target audience, the name had to be changed! Again Club please visit: standrewsrotary.net Rotary acts as catalyst; Golf City Taxis ferry folk to and from the BB Hall without charge. The renowned Billy Anderson freely gives of his time as compère, and conducts his group of volunteer musicians. The (Photo courtesy Rotary Club of St Andrews)

From Isla Ashcroft, Chair

The St Andrews Pilgrim Foundation The St Andrews Pilgrim Foundation was set from which are awarded to the Pilgrim Funds have also been provided for repairs to up in 1999 on the initiative of the late Patrick Foundation: “a living breathing link between the George Whyte Melville fountain and the Cassells. The purpose of the Foundation is to the amateur golfers of today and the historical enhancement and restoration of Crail’s Lane, conserve, improve, and develop the historic fabric of the past which gives the ‘auld grey a project which received a Preservation Trust character of the town of St Andrews for the toon’ its unique place in golfing folklore”.

Pride of Place award in 2013. The recently benefit of the public.

Over the years, since 2001, completed upgrading of Church Square with The Trust is a charity the Pilgrim Foundation has, in the ongoing improvement work in Logies Lane The Foundation is registered in Scotland. Its pursuance of its aims, given have been financed in part by the Foundation. now looking to recruit grants in excess of £200,000 Trustees are drawn from all This year has seen the retiral of some longnew Trustees sections of the community, to projects in and around the serving Trustees, not least of whom is Maries including one ex officio member historic core of St Andrews.

Cassells, who served the Foundation with from each of, the Community Council, Fife Beneficiaries include All Saints’ Church enormous dedication, energy and commitment Council, the Preservation Trust, the Rotary for the restoration and improvement of the over many years. The Foundation is now Clubs, and the University. Its Honorary courtyard; the Harbour Trust for a new bridge, looking to recruit new Trustees as it seeks to President is Sir Michael Bonallack OBE and its replacement gates, and the pontoons project; implement many other exciting projects that will patrons include Sir Menzies Campbell, Sir Nick also the Preservation Trust for its Shopfront enrich and enhance the beauty of our historic Faldo, Jack Nicklaus Pillars project and new resources centre. town.

Funding comes from two sources, namely the Foundation’s annual e-Bay auction of magnificent golf packages for four people, If you have skills in marketing, hospitality, tourism, or finance, or if you would simply and from the Alfred Dunhill Links Foundation, like to help the Foundation achieve its goals, please contact: Mrs A Stevenson, the charitable wing of the Alfred Dunhill Links Thorntons Law LLP, Kinburn Castle, St Andrews, telephone 01334 477 107.

Championship. Each year an amateur place in www.pilgrimfoundation.org www.facebook.com/StAndrewsPilgrimFoundation/ the Championship is auctioned, the proceeds

All Saints Church entrance (Photos courtesy the Pilgrim Foundation)

Harbour gates and bridge

Harbour pontoons

Fountain

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OUT & ABOUT St Andrean Ellen Derrick (see p32, Issue 37, Nov/Dec 2009) contributed the story behind Arlen Pardoe’s photo (issue 83) of

The Smail House, Largo Road “My Great-grandfather, Andrew Balsillie, was the owner of the Inn at Pitscottie. He also had the toll roads in the area. (My mother, Isabella Balsillie, was born in the Old Toll House, Argyle Street, St Andrews). Andrew

Balsillie died in 1904. His son, John (my Grandfather), a railway signalman, would not have taken the Inn at Pitscottie. He did not take alcohol, having seen the effects it can have on some people.

In 1904 my Grandfather had the house in Largo Road built (by Gillespie and Scott). He may have inherited the money to do so. He named it after his mother, Elizabeth Smail.”

Craig Gilbert revels in

The Hidden Beauty of Dysart Dysart is often overlooked. Nestled just to the surface. Old signage and even lobster creels lay scattered about, north-east of Kirkcaldy, this small town, on remnants of an old industry, still not forgotten. initial inspection, seems to be a hotchpotch of Adjacent to the harbour, huge wooden beams ache towards the sky, council homes, flats, and garages, devoid of and I could really sense the modern amongst the historic. The beams any features except quiet, grey are painted in various blues, and are quite striking with streets. However, if one were to the sea behind them. I stood for some time, enjoying There are many curious pierce beyond the veil, one would their presence, while my ears tuned in to the roar of things to explore start to unearth some startling wonder in this small the waves hitting the shore. A small descent down to extension to Kirkcaldy. the pebbly beach offers a good view back at the white In addition to the interesting architecture (take the old Tolbooth tower, cottages and harbour, as well as the view of cormorants bathing on the for instance, with its domed roof), a walk down the intriguingly named rocks jutting out of the water.

‘Hot Pot Wynd’ brings you to the Harbourmaster’s House and the harbour There are many curious things to explore: St Serf’s tower, dominating itself. the skyline behind lovely white cottages (these were for the workers of I could immediately imagine I was in Cornwall rather than Fife. the salt pans, from which extraction of salt was a major industry in the A walk around the cobbled harbour brings in a delight of sights: the late 1700s), although the tower is older (around 1500). There is also the assortment of different boats bobbing on the water, the creaking coastal path, leading to West Wemyss in the east, and Kirkcaldy to the of ropes and the smell of smoke, as fishermen bustled around south-west (where nearby Ravenscraig Castle lurks, heading through a me; dwelling on some of the boats (I wasn’t sure if the smoke was tunnel made out of the rock just to the west of the harbour). something to do with the boats’ engines, or from pipes). A large cliff It was also pleasant to visit the Harbourmaster’s House (a café on runs parallel to one side of the harbour, home to doves and pigeons the ground floor, always a bonus) with views of the harbour. There is also which looked down on me as they nestled on spots on the craggy a small museum.

Dysart view (Photos courtesy Craig Gilbert)

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Dysart beams

OUT & ABOUT Arlen Pardoe

Hidden Gems in St Andrews Focussing on features that are in plain sight, though often overlooked

Abbey Wall Towers The Abbey wall was built in the early part of the 16th century mainly under the direction of Prior John Hepburn and his nephew Prior Patrick Hepburn. Thirteen of the original sixteen towers in the Abbey wall are still standing.

The three missing towers were on a wall going north from Abbey Street to St Leonard’s College (which was demolished).

The Abbey wall that remains is over 1 kilometre long, about 1.2 metres deep, and in places 6 metres high.

1) The Turret Light

3) Tower 3 outer & inner

4) Tower 4

7) The Dove Cot Tower outer & inner

8) The Shore Tower

11) Tower 11

12) Tower 12 outer & inner

2) The Haunted Tower outer & inner

5) The Inscribed Tower

6) The Mill Port Tower

9 & 10) Teinds Yett

13) Tower 13 outer & inner

(Photos courtesy Arlen Pardoe)

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