St Andrews in Focus Issue 17 Jul Aug 2006

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

July / August 2006 Issue 17 £1.50

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

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

From the Editor

“TRANSIENCE,” said Robert Oppenheimer, “is the backdrop

for the play of human progress, for the improvement of man, the growth of his knowledge, the increase of his power, his corruption and his partial redemption. As civilizations perish, the carved stone, the written word, the heroic act fade into a memory of memory and in the end are gone. The day will come when our race is gone; this house, this earth in which we live will one day be unfit for human habitation, as the sun ages and alters.

Yet no man, be he agnostic or Buddhist or Christian, thinks wholly in these terms.

His acts, his thoughts, what he sees of the world around him – the falling of a leaf or a child’s joke or the rise of the moon – are part of history; but they are not only part of history; they are a part of becoming and of process, but not only that: they partake also of the world outside of time; they partake of the light of eternity.

These two ways of thinking, the way of time and history, and the way of eternity and of timelessness, are both part of man’s effort to comprehend the world in which he lives. Neither is comprehended in the other nor reducible to it. They are, as we have learned to say in physics, complementary views, each supplementing the other, neither telling the whole story. Let us return to this.”

– and think seriously about it when confronting changes to St Andrews.

Contents TOWN • The Structure Plan – Community Council • The Structure Plan – Fife Council • World Class Initiative

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SHOPS & SERVICES • The Criterion Bar restored • Complementary Therapies • Who would be a Trustee?

• From our Motoring Correspondent • Introducing Home Start • Roving Reporter

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FEATURES • Sue Freeman flying high • A different sort of life • Dancing to New Zealand • My heart’s in St Andrews • On the way to school • Fife Contemporary Art & Craft • A Fairground legend • Circus • Ask the Curator • P.S.- from Jane Ann Liston

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DISTRIBUTER Elspeth’s of Guardbridge

TOWN/GOWN • Bell Pettigrew inpires poetry • The St Andrews Prize • Our Sun, myth to modern science • University Recruitment & Access • Belly Dance • The Younger Hall

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PUBLISHER (address for correspondence) Local Publishing (Fife) Ltd., PO Box 29210, St. Andrews, Fife, KY16 9YZ.

EVENTS • Ladies Lake garden • The Harbour Gala • List

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OUT AND ABOUT • A favourite walk • Toonspot • Newly signed country paths • The herbacious border • Walks Fife – a review • Silly season for ducks

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Apart from that – have a good summer!

Flora Selwyn

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

JULY/AUGUST 2006 EDITOR Flora Selwyn Tel/fax: 01334 472375 Email: editor@standrewsinfocus.com DESIGNER University of St Andrews Reprographics Unit PRINTER Tayport Printers Ltd.

Tel/fax: 01334 472375 Email: enquiries@standrewsinfocus.com SUBSCRIPTIONS St Andrews in Focus is published 6 times a year, starting in January. Subscriptions for the full year are: £10.00 in the UK (post & packing included) £18.00 overseas (post & packing included) Please send your name and address, together with remittance to: Local Publishing (Fife) Ltd., PO Box 29210, St. Andrews, Fife, KY16 9YZ. REGISTERED IN SCOTLAND: 255564 THE PAPER USED IS 75% RECYCLED POST-CONSUMER WASTE

NEXT ISSUE – Sept/Oct 2006 COPY DEADLINE: STRICTLY 28 JULY All contributions welcome. The Editor reserves the right to publish copy according to available space.

COVER PICTURE: Our cover is based on the picture (c.1909) of Bathing Belles on the West Sands by pioneering St Andrews photographer William Patrick. Using modern digital techniques David Middleton has transformed the image into full colour. The original can be seen, together with many other photographs and artifacts of bygone days, at the St Andrews Preservation Trust’s exhibition Past Pleasures & Play Pursuits, which continues in the Trust’s North Street Museum until 24th September.

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TOWN

The Structure Plan is the forerunner of the Local Plan. The Structure Plan outlines a broad strategy, which is then treated in detail by the Local Plan. These are vitally important planning matters affecting all our futures. Please read the following articles with great attention – and then make up your own minds.

Ian Goudie, Vice-Chair, Royal Burgh of St Andrews Community Council, on the looming

Structure Plan The press has portrayed the Fife Structure Plan as a tale about houses, including 1200 for St Andrews alone. But it is also a tale about a bridge, a tale about tunnel vision, and a tale of illusion, incoherence, and environmental destruction.

For centuries, those approaching St Andrews have appreciated the open views of a small town, set in its “green bowl”, with a medieval skyline against the backdrop of the North Sea. If the proposed Structure Plan is approved, these attributes cannot survive. The Council will be legally required to identify sites for all these new houses. In all probability, the proposed Western Development will block the view from the Strathkinness High Road, and the Muir Group, already granted vehicular access to their land by the planning consent for the hospital on the Largo Road, will build houses over the southern hillside. A Green Belt without these areas would be pointless.

For those seeking housing, the Plan’s requirement that 30% be affordable looks alluring, but is an illusion. Trying to get such provision will be a losing battle until there are mechanisms to ensure it stays affordable. The scarce housing land in St Andrews should not be squandered until ‘affordable’ means ‘affordable in perpetuity‘.

At first sight, the Plan appears to have tunnel vision, focussing on

the needs of Fife alone. The reality is worse. This is an unnecessary Plan, not required by legislation, comprising strategic manoeuvring by a small group of Fife’s leading officials, alarmed by the prospect of City Regions. The huge public response to the Plan has had little impact.

The plan’s vision is blind to the needs of other parts of Scotland. Any major expansion of Fife’s population can come only at the expense of the rest of the country. In particular, the population of Dundee has been falling for years, and attempts to lure people south of the Tay will further undermine their Council Tax base.

Despite frequent allusions to sustainability, the proposed plan is also blind to the needs of the planet.

The media have emphasised that any serious attempt to tackle global warming requires individuals to fly less frequently. Yet the tourism strategy for St Andrews has focussed on attracting high-spending American golfers and the Plan continues to highlight the international dimension.

The Scottish Executive will take the final decision on the Structure Plan.

If they decide the proposed new Forth bridge is inevitable, they may back Fife’s expansion to make that controversial decision appear more justifiable. But does it really make sense to build in West Fife more dormitory settlements for Edinburgh?

Fife’s proposal looks all the more anachronistic given the “broad

consensus that land use planning policies should seek to minimise the need for travel” (Royal Commission on Environmental Pollution, 1994).

The word “plan” implies forethought, but this Plan is neither feasible nor coherent. Fife Council blithely assumes that health and transport services will cope with this huge expansion, and does not see the closure of Langlands School as inconsistent. A more imaginative approach would have examined how far, in the sensitive St Andrews context, associated developments – of a type that the town does need – could be used to provide partial funding of a reinstated rail link.

Once Fife Council submits the Plan, the public will have just six weeks to submit objections.

As I write this article, it looks highly probable that the submission will be in mid-June, ensuring that the consultation will coincide with the main holiday period. Before your holiday, please write a brief letter of objection to the Scottish Ministers: The Scottish Executive Development Department, Floor 2H, Victoria Quai, Edinburgh EH6 6QQ. Closing date is now 17 July.

The Community Council’s website also has the address: http://www.standrewscc.net/

Sincere thanks are due to the Trustees of the Hamada Charitable Trust for their generous contribution towards the cost of producing this magazine.

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TOWN Robin Presswood, Fife Council’s Development Manager outlines official

Planning ahead to Deliver Sustainable Growth The development of Fife’s Structure Plan will shortly enter its final phase as the Scottish Executive considers formal objections to the Plan, which was approved by Fife Council in April.

Fife Council is required to produce a Structure Plan and Local Plans to set out how our communities should grow.

We cannot simply ignore the need for development.

The Council’s desire for a 20-year vision for Fife is based on a simple principle: communities that plan for the long term will end up with better community infrastructure and transport networks than if development is planned on an ad hoc, site-by-site basis.

In St Andrews this long-term approach will allow us to help shape the future development of the town, with green belt boundaries set for the next 20-30 years, and development channelled to the most appropriate location, taking into account transport issues, community infrastructure, and the landscape setting of the town.

The development proposed for St Andrews will support a new University Quarter, together with a Science Park, to ensure that the world-beating research at the University can be commercialised locally for the benefit of the local economy.

Understandably, many Fifers are critical of previous housing development where this has failed to create communities reflecting the diverse architectural heritage of areas like the East Neuk and St Andrews.

By planning longer term, we provide the opportunity for more meaningful community engagement in developing master plans to shape the growth in each town, delivering high quality, urban design in a quality landscape setting.

One of the biggest concerns for young families in Fife is the issue of affordable housing. The Structure Plan proposes that 30% of new houses in the St Andrews Housing market area should be affordable, with developers being required to provide sites for social rented, or low-cost housing for sale as part of any new housing development.

The process of developing the Structure Plan began in 2003 when elected members agreed that on the grounds

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of sustainability, the major focal points for development within Fife would be existing settlements, rather than new developments in the countryside, thus facilitating access to public transport and other community facilities, and minimising encroachment on greenfield land.

In early 2005 the Council published a consultative draft Structure Plan.

The response to the consultation was excellent, with almost 600 replies received from across Fife. Each one of these respondents has received a reply setting out the Council’s response to the issues raised.

The Finalised Plan has now been approved by Fife Council – this version has been changed significantly in response to the consultation exercise, including the following: •

Significant reduction in greenfield housing land allocation in Levenmouth and Glenrothes to support more brownfield development.

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A greater emphasis on supporting economic growth, with fundamental changes to employment land allocations across Fife, to ensure appropriate sites are delivered for modern businesses, including those wishing to locate in Town Centres.

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Reduction in proposed house building over the next 20 years in St Andrews from an upper limit of 1,800 in the consultative draft, to 1,200 in the Finalised Plan.

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An increase in house building above historic build rates to help re-establish Cupar as the service centre for north east Fife, providing a relief road to remove non-essential traffic from the town centre and providing a site for a modern business park.

From recent media coverage, it is clear that a number of misconceptions still remain about the Structure Plan.

The first common misconception is that the Council is zoning more land for housing than is required. In fact the Structure Plan proposes sufficient sites to support a growth in Fife’s population of just 5% over the next 20 years, whereas projections based on General Registrar Office data suggests that Fife’s population will in fact grow by 9.1% over this period.

The second misconception is that the St Andrews and Cupar housing market areas are seeing more growth in housing than the rest of Fife. In fact, despite the popularity of these communities, the Structure Plan proposes a lower proportion of housing development in this area than its population share.

The third misconception is that allocations in the Structure Plan will not deliver the stated aim of regenerating Kirkcaldy, as insufficient housing land has been allocated. In reality, once the significant brownfield opportunities in Kirkcaldy are taken into consideration, there will be more house building in the town of Kirkcaldy over the next 20 years than in the whole of the former North East Fife District Council area.

The detail of the Structure Plan will now be considered further through the Local Plans, and the St Andrews and East Fife Local Plan will shortly be published for further consultation. After this, a series of detailed master plans will be prepared to allow communities to get involved in a debate around the specific proposals in each area.

Finally, although the St Andrews and East Fife Local Plan has not yet been finalised, the Council has confirmed that the single most controversial issue from the previous consultation will be addressed in the revised plan – the green belt outer boundary will be extended to include the golf courses – the green butterfly will disappear, to be replaced by a full green belt!

TOWN Patrick Laughlin, Manager of the St Andrews World Class Initiative, introduces the work of his organisation,

“Making St Andrews an Even Better Place to Live, Work in, and Visit” If you’re reading this magazine, you probably already agree that St Andrews is a very special place. Whether you live or work here all year round, or are simply visiting, you’ll know that this is a town unlike any other. Its unique blend of history, religion, academic excellence, and coastal beauty – oh yes, and golf too – has made St Andrews world famous.

But think about this for a moment: is St Andrews truly “world class”? Is the overall quality of our town – in terms of its appearance, its service standards, and its “liveability” – really as good as it should be for somewhere that’s globally renowned and revered?

place. And it’s no secret that, if we can demonstrate that we are working well together, we have the opportunity to lever in additional public sector funds to make things better – for example, consider the recently-completed additional car parking, lighting, and landscaping upgrading works at Old Guardbridge Road; the acclaimed environmental improvements to Golf Place, and Bruce Embankment; the 135 local employees who enrolled on our skills and service training courses in early 2006; the 300 local school pupils who participated in our “discovery trail” event in March, encouraging them to discover more about their town. All of these have been “World Class” projects, delivered by our partner bodies.

We are not a “closed shop”

Almost four years ago, a group of local business people gathered together under their own direction to discuss this question. They all agreed that St Andrews was already a very good place to live, work in, and visit – but could it be made truly great? Perhaps, they thought, the town’s business sector, community groups, and public agencies were not always working in a joined-up manner; perhaps there was no commonly-shared set of ambitions for the town. Therefore, the group felt two things were needed: firstly, a shared and widely-agreed “vision” for St Andrews; and secondly, a consistently high standard of amenities, services, and town centre management.

By early 2003, the group had articulated their long-term vision for St Andrews.

They painted an aspirational picture of what St Andrews could be – an even more attractive, welcoming, integrated, and vibrant town. Subsequently, this vision was widely welcomed by public agencies and other local organisations, which then joined forces with the business sector to create the St Andrews World Class Initiative.

So what do we do? Well, our main tasks are to co-ordinate, support, and add value to things that are already planned for St Andrews, whether these be public works, business initiatives, or community projects. By working together, in a co-ordinated manner, under the shared “St Andrews World Class” banner, we think we can help make the town a better

And who’s involved in this Initiative? We are, quite simply, an assembly of likeminded agencies, business people, and individuals, who share a common vision for St Andrews – to make the town an even better place to live in, work in, and visit. Our central body, the Executive Group, has around 25 participants, including Fife Council, Scottish Enterprise Fife, VisitScotland Fife, the University, the Links Trust, the Community Council, the Preservation Trust, the Harbour Trust, the Pilgrim Foundation, Historic Scotland, and a wide range of local businesses, large and small. We also have various working groups, the most active of which, at present, is our “People” Group which looks at skills, training, and community issues. A list of all our participants is provided on our website (see below).

It might also be helpful to say what we’re not! We are not a “closed shop” – indeed our various working groups are always enlisting new participants and we welcome approaches from anyone who feels they have something to offer to the town. We are not some sort of shady, unaccountable, government department – we don’t actually have any powers to wield! We are not part of the formal planning process, nor have we ever considered specific planning applications: these roles are already carried out thoroughly by bodies like Fife Council and the Community Council.

And we’re not a big bureaucracy either.

Most of our work is done by volunteers, who collectively have devoted literally

thousands of person-hours to St Andrews World Class since its inception. There is just one part-time contracted member of staff, myself, and my main tasks are to administer and co-ordinate our efforts, liaise with the ever-growing number of participants and supporters, and improve our communications. It’s probably true to say that we’ve not always been good at communicating our goals to the wider community, which has led to some misunderstandings, but we hope that these are now a thing of the past.

I work from an office generously provided by the University of St Andrews, and am always pleased to meet anyone there, or indeed anywhere else in town. At the time of writing, I am being relocated within the University, so for the time being please contact me by phone or e-mail (details below).

Let me conclude this brief introduction to our work by asking all “St Andrews in Focus” readers a (perhaps controversial) question. It’s been said to us, more than once, that “St Andrews is already world class, we don’t need anyone trying to change things.” Well, do you agree? Do you really believe that our town is as attractive and appealing as it could be, in terms of (for example) its streets and pavements, its car parking and traffic circulation, its harbour area, its public toilets, its consistency of service in shops and restaurants, its signposting?

The participants in the St Andrews World Class Initiative have been honest enough to look self-critically at their own town, and have concluded that we could, and should, be doing things better.

But please do let us know your thoughts – we’re keen to hear from anyone, local or visitor, who cares about this wonderful place.

You can do so via the feedback form on our website http://vision.standrewsworldclass.com or by contacting me by e-mail pl18@st-andrews.ac.uk or phoning 07905 857250.

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SHOPS & SERVICES Richard A Batchelor, Research Fellow in the School of Geography & Geosciences, on the restored

Criterion Bar, St Andrews In April 2006, an old St. Andrews institution was resurrected. The Criterion Bar in South Street rose from the ashes to regain its old cherished name. Many photographs of old St. Andrews, provided by local historian David Joy, now adorn the walls to create a “local” feeling. A framed summary of the pub’s history, which I have compiled, also hangs inside.

Although the site has had buildings on it since at least the 12th Century, the present building dates from 1874 and was occupied by John Miller, a shoe and boot maker. The letters JM and 1874 can be seen carved in the lefthand and right-hand gable ends respectively.

In the mid-1880s the building changed hands and became a restaurant. The first attempt to get an alcohol licence was made in 1887. At the licensing board meeting which considered this application, strong objections were lodged by the Professors of Divinity on the grounds that a licensed house opposite St. Mary’s College would present a serious temptation to its students. Because of this, the restaurant was granted a restricted licence for ale and porter only – no spirits allowed! This situation pertained until 1893 when a Thomas Fleming was granted a full public house licence, and thus The Criterion Bar was born. The pub remained in private hands until 1960 when the breweries took over: first Mackay’s, then Drybrough’s, followed by The Spirit Group, and currently Scottish & Newcastle. After a brief incarnation in the 1990s as Bert’s Bar and then Lafferty’s, it has cast off the Irish theme image to become the Criterion Bar again.

Known as “The Crit” among University students and staff and as “The Cri” by locals, it has been a popular bar for people of all backgrounds to meet, relax, and put the world to rights, in the best tradition of a Scottish public

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house. In the early 1940s it was a popular venue for the local fishwives to relax in after their arduous work at the harbour.

A well-known personality who frequented the bar was “Tip” Anderson, Arnold Palmer’s local caddie. He would sit perched on a stool at the south end of the bar and hold court with anyone prepared to listen. Another good raconteur was David Poole, a classics teacher in Dundee and a poet, who would enjoy a good debate about any topic under the sun. His devotion to the “Crit” resulted in a memorial plaque being erected inside the pub.

My personal recollections go back to 1972 when the “Crit” was the venue for the Department of Geology’s Friday evening out (or TGIF –’ thank God it’s Friday’), a tradition begun in 1964 with the arrival of a new lecturer. Staff and students alike mingled and discussed all manner of topics. One late Professor who would ignore me (a relative minion in the Department) during working hours, would transform himself into a sociable and affable character in the pub. Staff from other University Departments also frequented the “Crit”, especially biologists from the Bute. Psychologists, botanists, geographers, linguists – they also contributed to the “craic”. Every Friday evening was standingroom only. Also, in those days there was no canned “muzak” and you could have a pleasant conversation without electronic competition.

The customers made the pub what it was.

Special mention must be made of the longest-serving barman of the Crit – George (Geordie) Thom. He started work around 1950 and retired in 1983. He was a masterful publican, ran a tight ship and would not tolerate any bad behaviour, weakness, or indecision: in the “Crit” you were served your pint. – tea and sympathy were served elsewhere! On the

Criterion that was occasion that a local rogue attempted to enter the bar, George just bellowed, “You – out”, and the person concerned meekly retreated out to the street. On other occasions he would physically remove undesirable customers and wasn’t averse to throwing a punch if he considered it appropriate. If he was in a hurry to carry out his “policing” duties he would not hesitate to vault over the bar. George also had an amazing memory for his regulars’ drinking habits and would often have their favourite tipple waiting for them at the bar before they could order. In his later years he was assisted at the bar by Marshall Laing. On George’s last working day the crowd of locals and students spilled out on the pavement and there was no way of getting in the door.

The new Criterion Bar is a light and airy place which still provides a congenial environment for food, drinks, and the “craic”.

The provision of tables outside during the summer months helps to create a continental atmosphere. After 30 years, it is still “standingroom only” on a Friday evening.

Photos courtesy Richard Batchelor

SHOPS & SERVICES

Complementary Therapies – a personal viewpoint Angela Davey, has a nursing background and also qualifications in counselling, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Indian Head Massage, and Sports massage. Angela and Gillian Batty are business partners at Oakwood House Therapy Centre (28A Argyle St, St Andrews. Tel: 01334 479 747).

Complementary, or “Alternative”, therapies are becoming more popular because they have been found to help relax both body and mind, allowing healing to take place naturally.

There is a growing number of reputable studies demonstrating positive benefits from acupuncture, reflexology, shiatsu, and massage.

According to recent research in Britain, eight out of ten people have tried a treatment, and three-quarters of them reported that it had either helped or cured them. I am one of these – I was so impressed with my experience of shiatsu and reflexology that I joined with a like-minded therapist to start a business in counselling and complementary therapies.

Stress-related illness is on the increase, and demands on us are such, that division of time is often skewed in the direction of more work, less play. The immune system can be adversely affected by stress from within and without, leading to viral and bacterial threats.

Such illnesses as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS or ME) and fibromyalgia are instances where the body’s ability to recover is impaired and the course of recovery is often slow and difficult. I succumbed to CFS after a viral illness and to say it was a frustrating and confusing time for me would be an understatement. The symptoms were strange, varying from day to day and the fact that it was so unpredictable was one of the worst parts – I didn’t know when I would be able to do the physical things I enjoyed, so planning to get on with my life proved impossible for many months.

Conventional medicine has little to offer those suffering from CFS and my case was no exception. From what I have read and heard, and from my own experience, treatments such as aromatherapy, herbalism, and nutritional therapy, as well as a number of the body therapies, have been found to help with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and other health problems.

A holistic approach improves and balances the diet, boosts the immune system, and stimulates the body’s ability to heal itself.

One of the advantages of alternative therapies is that practitioners tend to spend

time listening carefully to what is said in consultations, especially at the initial examination. Good listening skills allow people to feel understood and more able to address their problems and concerns. Predisposing conditions and external factors may have contributed to the current problem and these are noted and discussed. Happily, my symptoms gradually receded over the course of about a year and I am now fully fit and lead an active life. I am a believer in the benefits of Alternative Therapies and I have gone so far as training in, and practising, a few myself!

Here is a description of those therapies I have received and would highly recommend.

(Includes material from the Hamlyn Encyclopedia of Complementary Therapies, edited by Nikke Bradford.)

Shiatsu: Literally means “Finger pressure”, and therapists use gentle touch, mainly with fingers, working along the 12 main energy channels of the body (meridians.) Shiatsu originated in Japan as a holistic therapy for treating the mind, body, and spirit. Treatment is likened to acupuncture without the needles, pressure being applied to target areas to stimulate the flow of “ki”, or energy (“chi” in Chinese.) Shiatsu is particularly effective for stress-related tension and illnesses, insomnia, back pain, headaches, and digestive upsets.

Thai massage: Ancient Massage, or Thai Massage, originates from the time of the Buddha. It uses manipulation of the body with passive stretching, and gentle pressure along energy lines. These movements help to adjust the skeletal structure, increase flexibility, relieve muscular and joint tension, stimulate internal organs, and balance the body’s energy system. Receiving a Thai massage is a bit like a yoga session with no effort, while also getting acupressure treatments!

Yoga and Yoga therapy: Yoga is a gentle exercise system that benefits both body and spirit. Yoga therapy is a new discipline,

created by the marriage of traditional yoga with modern medicine. By tailoring yoga practices to individual needs, also taking medical considerations into account, yoga therapy is more effective than general yoga practice as a safe means of treating medical conditions.

Craniosacral therapy: This is a gentle, noninvasive and holistic manipulative technique, usually performed with the client fully clothed.

The therapist applies minimal pressure to various parts of the body, mainly to the skull (Cranium), Sacrum, and other structures where restrictions can occur. The objective of CST is to improve the flow of cerebrospinal fluid throughout the nervous system. The gentle therapeutic touch is widely experienced as generally relaxing and it improves the ability to self-heal, through immune response and circulation to the brain and inner organs.

Massage: Massage is the manipulation of the body’s soft tissues with specific techniques to promote or restore health. Therapists use their hands to detect and treat problems in the muscles, ligaments and tendons in the body.

When used for relaxation, gentle stroking and kneading techniques are used to soothe and release muscle tension. Treating problem areas, such as in sports massage, firmer pressure is used and other manipulation techniques and stretching are included. Most therapists believe that regular body massage can release emotional tension and promote physical health and a feeling of well-being.

Reflexology: This involves applying pressure to points on the feet, and sometimes on the hands. Therapists believe that the body and its organs are mirrored in the shape of the feet. By working on a particular point they can stimulate energy by a reflex action to a related muscle or organ to encourage healing.

The treatment is relaxing and can help stress and common ailments, including digestive problems.

St Andrews Garden Centre

Part of the Independent Business Group 199a South Street, St Andrews Tel: 01334 473 342 For a breathtaking display of top quality trees; shrubs; herbaceous & alpine plants.

Fantastic selections of herbs; fruit bushes; and vegetables.

We can send owers locally, and all over the world.

Our ower shop has a superb selection of house plants.

Weddings are a speciality – also corporate work.

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SHOPS & SERVICES Andrew Wright asks

Who would be a Trustee?

One of the features of British life, about which objects, activities undertaken, and investment we feel quietly proud, is our strong active performance. This is not a comprehensive list, charitable sector. But there are worrying signs but it gives you an idea of the detail that has that it is becoming increasingly difficult for to be provided and the issues that have to be Charities to recruit sufficient suitable volunteers addressed by the Trustees (or Committee of and Trustees (or Committee of Management).

Management).

There have been some high profile The threat of litigation against Trustees is scandals, where Trustees, who were little better widely believed to have grown. This is partly than crooks, abused their position to make a because many charities have branched into considerable amount of money for themselves services that could give rise to claims. A handful from public contributions. This has led to the of high-profile cases have further alerted setting up of the Office of the Scottish Charity many Trustees to the fact that charities are Regulator (“OSCR”) in Scotland whose task not immune from painful and potentially costly is to monitor and control charitable activity in litigation. Trustees have a statutory duty to this country. The rules governing Charities are exercise such care and skill as is reasonable in similar, but not the same as, in England where the circumstances, “having particular regard to the controlling body is the Charity Commission. any special knowledge or experience they may Following the have or hold themselves scandals, there has . . . there has been a tightening out as having”. In other been a tightening up of words, the very people up of the rules covering the the rules covering the who could be really useful running of Charities and to recruit as Trustees are running of Charities . . . in the information that the mostly likely to be must be provided to the regulatory body on an sued if they get things wrong. annual basis. In Scotland, the Annual Reports A further disincentive at present is the legal and Accounts are examined by OSCR to ensure opinion which suggests that Trustees’ indemnity compliance with the rules. Common failings insurance could be interpreted as conferring in England include missing a trustee’s annual a taxable “benefit in kind” on the Trustees or report, missing reserves policy, investment Management Committee. My personal view is policy or grant-making policy statements, that it is likely that the politicians will remove missing risk management statements, and this obstacle because it will cost them virtually insufficient explanation of the charity’s nothing and will win votes.

Many of us will be sad to see the charity sector suffering a shortage of suitable volunteers as a result of these factors. After all, we can get a lot of personal satisfaction from helping good causes and we can meet interesting and friendly people among our fellow helpers.

So how can we minimise the risk of failure?

Probably this will include choosing your fellow Trustees carefully and providing new Trustees with an induction pack. This should contain key information about their responsibilities, a copy of the constitution, the latest report and accounts, key policy documents, copies of minutes and information about the Trustees and key members of staff. Also attendance at training courses should be considered. For further information, I recommend you visit the OSCR website at www.oscr.org.uk.

We are in a period of change. I hope that when the dust settles we will find that not too much damage has been done to our charitable sector.

For accountancy and taxation services: Henderson Black & Co. 149 Market Street, St Andrews Tel: 01334 472 255

* £5.95 ... 2-course lunch You’re welcome to come and browse in our large collection of prints of Scotland.

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* £9.95 ... 3-course dinner (5.30 pm. Last order 7.30pm) – buy 2 glasses of house wine with dinner and get the rest of the bottle Free.

SHOPS & SERVICES Jim McGill tries out the new

Ford S-Max Quite whether it’s akin to reinventing the wheel is a question worth debating on another day, but certainly what Ford has done by introducing the S-Max is establish a solution which may rid our roads of one of the biggest eyesores ever created: the MPV. MPVs – you know the thing; essentially a bread van with windows stuck into the sides and with seven seats crammed into the interior – are everywhere. Forget the 4x4 school-run debate. Have you seen how the street outside your nearest school is chock-full of mums wrestling with oversized MPVs outside the school gates? Frightening. In the mid-Nineties, suddenly MPVs became the ‘must-have’ for parents. Not only could they accommodate five people and their luggage, but when required there was a third row of seats able to swallow another two. The problem was – and is – that apart from the Renault Espace, they are like oil tankers to drive. Featureless, uninspiring, brain-numbing ... and more.

MPVs are a real switch-off. quick for a seven-seater. Get used to the high centre of gravity and you So, enter Ford and the S-Max. At last, a seven-seat MPV which find yourself being able to max-out the potential of the 0-60mph time of people might actually choose to go out and buy rather than having to buy 7.4secs and top speed of 143mph. Initially, you find yourself struggling it purely because of necessity. to come to terms with the fact you’re behind the wheel of a seven-seater, In what was a brave, brave move, I was the only Scot amongst a yet it’s a car which has all the responses of a well-sorted small saloon. small group of the UK’s top motoring journalists let loose at the same time Once you cross the trust hurdle you’ll relish the S-Max’s exceptional body on the S-Max, and the new Galaxy. I’ll control, high levels of grip, super-slick deal in detail with the Galaxy another six-speed manual gearbox and all time – neither newcomer went on sale that power on tap. Forget the haunted before June 3 – but when it comes to looks of the miserable MPV drivers size, the S-Max is as wide as its bigger because the S-Max will put the widest brother, but 5.2cm shorter and 6.5cm grin on your face. lower. Both models share the same What Ford has done is create platform, which will also accommodate the perfect combination giving mum the spanking brand-new Ford Mondeo, or dad the GTi of their dreams for when it arrives next year. And given moments when they have a kids-free the Mondeo’s traditional track record of car, and yet it manages to become the exemplary handling, I was desperate ideal workhorse when parental needs to discover how well the S-Max would demand it. Certainly best to remove handle as a driver’s car. the kids before you do start testing the On quiet, undulating, and twisty car’s levels of adhesion, otherwise the roads north-east of Seville I got my term ‘chuckability’ might well take on answer. Believe me when I tell you another messy meaning altogether.

– and this from someone recognised ‘But just how versatile is it?’ I hear as never having been a fan of the you cry. ‘Can we take the spare seats Blue Oval-badged products – Ford’s out?’ ‘Is there space for luggage and engineers have created a chassis passengers?’ Very; No, they fold flat so good that it would be too much to into the floor; and Yes, answers those describe its handling as astonishing for questions. Ford prefers to call the such a car. It is brilliant, and wouldn’t S-Max a ‘five-plus-two-seater’ which look out of place on a racetrack. In equates to two very comfortable So, enter Ford and the S-Max. At last, a fact, so good is the car’s balance supportive front seats, a row seven-seat MPV which people might actually and and performance that a little birdie of three more-than-tolerable middle whispered it had already been taken choose to go out and buy rather than having seats, and two glorified perches at round the famous 13-mile Nurburgring the rear which are ideal for children to buy it purely because of necessity in 8mins 10secs. “We’ll do it in under up to about 1.6m tall. Behind that eight minutes before the end of the there’s space for at least a couple of year,” I was told. Eat your heart out Mr Clarkson! suitcases. With a simple and single tug on a fabric loop you can fold both The test model was powered by the engine, which overnight has second and third-row seats flat into the floor creating a space 2m deep turned the Focus ST into a classic: the Volvo-derived 220bhp five-cylinder and 1.5m wide, enough in fact to create a double bed! Of course there’s a 2.5-litre turbo which is awesomely fast and makes the S-Max absurdly plethora of variables to be achieved when it comes to maximising seating and storage combinations, which will satisfy even the most demanding families.

Stylistically the S-Max hits all the right buttons. Inside there are all the requirements in terms of storage and cup/juice holders, while outside it has a well-honed Ford look with a number of nice little sporty tweaks including false brake air vents behind the flared front arches. And as you’d expect, Ford has hit it right when it comes to pricing with the entry-level 145bhp 2.0-litre petrol costing £16,995; the cheapest 1.8TDCi 125bhp turbo diesel £17,795. The lowest-priced 2.0-litre TDCi 140bhp will set you back £18,495. The 2.5, 220bhp costs £21,995.

All engine variants are available when the S-Max enters Scottish Ford showrooms in the summer. Because Ford only had the 2.5 available at the launch, I haven’t yet managed to test what will be the biggest seller, the S-Max mated to the 2.0TDCI which – when specced correctly – will be the ‘must-have’ model. Capable of 120mph and reaching 62mph in 10.2secs, it will also return well in excess of 40mpg. I never thought I’d ever hear myself saying this – and I only have one strapping 5ft 11in 15year-old son – but if I needed an MPV, not only would I immediately place an order for an S-Max, but I’d pick it up with the biggest grin on my face.

Move over Mondeo Man!

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SHOPS & SERVICES Holly Miller introduces

Home-Start East Fife Home-Start East Fife, established in 1987, is a local charity that supports families with young children here in East Fife. We are a voluntary organisation supporting local families experiencing difficulties.

Often a combination of reasons can cause a family to be referred to us, such as loneliness and isolation; relationship difficulties; postnatal depression; coping with twins, triplets, or several pre-school children; or being a first-time parent. Our volunteers visit families in their own homes and offer support, practical help and friendship.

Each volunteer attends a preparation course and, if suitable, is vetted and carefully matched with a family.

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We always have more families waiting to be referred than we can match, so volunteer recruitment is vital and ongoing.

In addition, the scheme fundraises locally and nationally to provide two Family Groups, one in St Andrews, and the other in Cupar. Both Groups offer parents the opportunity to socialise and support each other, knowing their children are enjoying themselves under the watchful eye of our volunteers. The groups encourage families to form their own support network, often used as a bridge between one-to-one volunteer support and the family, being independent of Home-Start.

All aspects of our work are carefully monitored and regular evaluation exercises are carried out. The scheme is autonomous, but receives advice, training, and support from Home-Start UK, which supports Home-Start schemes in all parts of Britain and Ireland.

For more information on the work of HomeStart, or becoming a volunteer, please contact Deborah Jones, Senior Co-ordinator, on 01334 477 548.

Home-Start East Fife, 158 South Street, St Andrews, Fife, KY16 9EQ Tel: 01334 477 548 Fax: 01334 478 612 Email: home-start@east-fife.fsnet.co.uk Web: www.home-start-eastfife.org.uk Patron: HRH Princess Alexandra, the Hon. Lady Ogilvy, GCVO Scottish Charity No. SC010242 Photo: courtesy Home-Start

SHOPS & SERVICES

Roving Reporter 1. Roving Reporter’s eye was drawn to Julian Graves’ bright new shop in Market Street, and, as is his wont, promptly learned all about it!

“Julian Graves’ stores,” claims their literature, “are a food connoisseur’s ‘Aladdin’s Cave’.” Truly, the bright, inviting interior, with its well-filled shelves, fits the description. Reporter had a mouthwatering wander round. Herbs, spices, nuts, dried fruits, snack foods, confectionery – it’s almost a case of, ‘you name it, you’ll find it here’.

Nick Shutts is the creative genius behind the concept. Having started out as a market stallholder, eventually building up 12 similar stalls, he opened his first shop in the West Midlands in 1987, calling it, Food for Thought. Then, in 1993 he went into partnership with his friend Nigel Morris, and combined their middle names to form Julian Graves.

Today they have shops right across the UK, their mission statement being to provide “the consumer’s first choice for an innovative range of products from around the world, delivering outstanding quality at the best value in the marketplace” taking on board the government’s healthy eating recommendations. With it comes a promise of courteous, honest, and fair service. Reporter himself can testify to the friendly welcome within!

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2. The Little Italian Shop has come to 33 Bell Street. Roving Reporter met Raphael Ceschi who “is pleased to announce a new addition to the already lively shopping experience of St. Andrews, introducing some of the finest produce of Italy. Now you can find glorious wines, (& Bellini!) alongside a large selection of dry cured meats, fresh pasta, fantastic

olive oils, coffee, biscotti preserves, and much, much more, in the gastronomic treasure chest that is now 33 Bell Street.”

The Little Italian Shop is on a mission to promote the local producers of Italy’s 20 regions and will continually offer tastings to titillate your palate. Raphael worked hand in hand with Antonio Carluccio in London, and after leaving a promising career as a Chef he convinced Ken Mathewson, the Scottish side of the venture, to join forces and make possible a dream. Ken, too, is a lover of Italian food, so he didn’t need much persuasion. Ken believes that the continued opening of specialist shops will keep St Andrews a joy to visit and that the “powers that be” should do everything they can to encourage budding entrepreneurs. (“Amen,” said Reporter!)

Raphael’s aim is to introduce customers to all the fantastic produce of Italy and help them be creative in their own kitchen.

“Italian food is always simple to make and the results are only... but Fantastico!” says Raphael.

The shop blackboard will let you know what has just arrived from Italy; from the creamiest Mozzarella di Bufala, the softest nougat cake, to courgette flowers, and truffles!

Being from Emilia Romagna, Raphael is a specialist in Prosciutto, and he “invites all readers to taste, during the first month of opening, a very special Parma Riserva cured to perfection! Or alternatively, for vegetarians, Bay of Naples sun-dried tomatoes with refreshing mint!

All you have to do is mention our award-winning magazine….and chances are that a fresh and naturally sparkling Prosecco is out for taste too!”

Raphael

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3. “Nothing,” Reporter likes to quote, “Nothing succeeds like success”. Prime example is Tapas, 177 South Street, Tel: 01334 471111. Since Reporter’s last visit, Tapas has evolved, and as Michael Henderson says, “the menu has come on in leaps and bounds.” He offers “luxury products, like lobster, caviar, truffles, and foie gras,” making dinner in the evening an exquisite experience. Travel the world with the wine list, many names “not to be found anywhere else” in St Andrews. Michael suggests “personalised cocktails to start your meal in grand style!”

Lunch, too, has developed, with the addition of “our Tapas plates selection starting at £4.95 per person – it has got to be the best value in St Andrews!” Here you can try “Flights” of wine with a glass of white, Rosé, and red, “from an ever-developing selection of Spanish classics.”

Desserts can’t possibly be avoided! Michael is a classically trained pastry chef, with many national culinary awards to his name.

Reporter was salivating so much when he wrote this, that he upped and took himself off to Tapas for lunch. And boy, was he glad he went!

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SHOPS & SERVICES

Clothes of distinction — here for you . . .

Why buy mass-produced when you can buy your future antiques?

Affordable, accessible art from Scotland and across the world Paintings: Sculpture: Furniture: Jewellery: Ceramics: Handmade Clocks: Handmade Mirrors: Useful Art

205 South Street St Andrews Fife KY16 9EF

43 South Street, St. Andrews, Tel: 01334 478221 Mon – Sat 9.30 – 5.30 and 22 King Street, Crieff, Tel: 01764 755722 Tue – Sat 10.00 – 5.00 You can also shop securely online at

Tel: 01334 474 999

www.arteryuk.com

Measuring up for the perfect fit

MATTHEW HENDERSON, JEWELLER 2 Bell Street, St Andrews, Fife, KY16 9UX Tel: 01334 476185

When it comes to choosing shoes for their children, mums don’t always know best.

According to children’s shoe specialists, Start-rite, many parents could unwittingly be making the wrong footwear choices for their children, storing up foot health and posture problems for the future.

Three generations of Hendersons have been in this jewellery business, ever since Matthew opened his first shop in Dundee in 1937. Today, Richard Henderson is responsible for the Broughty Ferry and St Andrews branches, while his brother looks after the original Dundee shop.

A Start-rite study revealed that whilst the majority of parents recognise the importance of having children’s feet professionally measured and fitted for shoes, most are unaware of how frequently this should happen and at what stages in their child’s development.

Fortunately, help is at hand for customers at St Andrews’ children’s shoe shop, Linsey’s Shoebox, 160 South Street , which offers a professional fitting service and stocks a wide range of colourful and stylish fitted footwear from well-known brands such as Start-rite.

“Parents need to apply the same principle to their children’s feet as they do to their teeth. By looking after them properly from the start they can help prevent problems later in life,” said Ann Scott, proprietor of Linsey’s Shoebox.

Throughout the formative years, badly fitting shoes can affect the alignment of soft bones. Like jelly in a mould, children’s feet can take on whatever shape they are forced into, leading to deformities such as hammer toe and bunions.

Left untreated, foot health complaints in youngsters can lead to painful foot and posture problems in later life, with experts estimating that around 70% of foot problems in adults can be attributed to ill-fitting shoes worn in childhood.

The stock list is impressive; diamonds; watches; gold; silver, in modern and traditional designs. Brands include Mont Blanc; Ti Sento; Sheila Fleet Jewellery; Raymond Weil; Longines; and so on. A full repair service is guaranteed with a quick turnaround time. Plan your wedding with confidence, the staff are fully qualified, a Professional Jewellers’ Diploma from the National Association of Goldsmiths hanging proudly on the wall.

Last of the original jewellers in St Andrews, Richard says that, “business is good. I wouldn’t swap this shop for anything.” People from all over the world are his customers, including Royalty; film stars; famous golfers; many celebrities, such as Mohammad Ali. Richard and his staff are kept very busy, and they are happy with it.

This is why it is so important to buy children’s shoes from a shop which offers a professional fitting service from trained experts, and which stocks shoes in whole and half sizes in a full range of width fittings.

Charles Boyce, Start-rite’s Fitting Services Manager says: “Children’s feet are as unique as their personalities and there’s no such thing as an ‘average’ foot. Shoes which come in only one width fit less than a third of children, so it’s important to choose a retailer who stocks shoes in whole and half sizes and offers the greatest choice of width fittings. Variations in arches, insteps, and toes make using a qualified shoe-fitter as important as any other expert where a child’s development is concerned.”

For professionally fitted children’s footwear visit us at:

Linsey’s Shoebox 160 South Street St Andrews KY16 9EF More advice and information on 01334 479493

St Andrews in focus

1. St Andrews Health Foods, 123 Market Street 2. James Senior, 47 South Street

scheme

3. Macgregors Gift Shop, 71 Market Street 4. Elspeth’s of St Andrews, 9 Church Street 5. Psyche’s Garden, 61 South Street 6. Jahangir Restaurant, 116a South Street

www.standrewsinfocus.com

7. St Andrews Art & Music Shop, 138 South Street

the award winning magazine for St Andrews

8. The Scotland Shop, 147 South Street 9. The Three B’s, 47-49 Kinnessburn Road 10. Ian Joy, 13 Bell Street 11. One O One Connection (Fish & Chips), 131 South Street 12. Lucci, 68 Market Street

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If you don’t wish to cut the coupon out, please take the magazine with you and show this page.

SHOPS & SERVICES

The Three B’s Bedding Bits & Bobs 47-49 Kinnessburn Road, St Andrews, KY16 8AD Phone 01334 470700 A good selection of haberdashery, including wools and a range of craft materials for card-making.

Dance wear now in stock – shoes and outfits

Come in and see what we have!

INVALID SERVICES Ltd. 01334 472834 / 01382 770303

Quality “Care at Home” with a personal touch Throughout Fife & Tayside Licensed by the Care Commission

– Repairs – Alterations – – Haberdashery – Your 1-stop Sewing Shop

Swimwear

at Elspeth’s of St Andrews THE Lingerie Specialist 9 Church Street Tel: 01334 472494

Embroidery Professionals

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FEATURES Flight Lieutenant Sue Freeman is currently a Qualified Flying Instructor on 56 (Reserve) Squadron at RAF Leuchars, flying the Tornado F3 air defence fighter aircraft. She has been stationed at Leuchars for 6 of the 15 years that she has served in the RAF.

Flying High

After having been asked to write an Army and therefore I had a military-orientated childhood, which is partly article about life as a female fighter responsible for my choice of career. I had never flown an aircraft, had no pilot, I was surprised to learn that aeronautical qualifications or experience and yet after reading an article female pilots are still considered a in a newspaper stating that the RAF would train women to be pilots, I novelty. Generally, little girls do not decided that an RAF pilot would be the job for me. After all, what did I play with toy planes and express have to lose! After 7 years of flying training and instructional experience, aspirations to become fighter pilots – I finally arrived to fly the Tornado, and eventually achieved ‘combat ready’ I was certainly no different. There are status, which qualified me to go to war. however, a large number of female Having a sense of humour has served me well during the past 15 pilots in the RAF today fulfilling many years, as the inevitable ‘women drivers’ banter has been mentioned more roles, although it remains a malethan once; however, I like to think that I have given as good as I have got. dominated environment. The training for female pilots follows the exact A large quantity of determination is also essential, as it has taken over 7 same route as that of male pilots, and yet there is a perception that a years to reach where I ultimately wanted to be. Having an 18-month-old woman needs to work harder than her male son does pose childcare problems at times, counterparts in order to prove her worth. especially when I’m detached abroad for The training for female pilots follows Personally, I have not found this to be the long periods, but as any working mother case during my 15 years. Another perception, knows – you just have to get on with it. the exact same route as that of male which I often hear expressed, is “why waste Due to both his parents being detached pilots, and yet there is a perception that all that money on training a woman, when abroad at the same time, my son recently ultimately she is going to leave the RAF to a woman needs to work harder than her accompanied me on a detachment to Cyprus start a family?” At the moment my son is 18 at my own expense, where he successfully male counterparts in order to prove her months old and disappointingly seems to fulfilled the role of squadron mascot; I hope prefer buses to fast jets. that there will be other training detachments worth. Personally, I have not found this I joined the RAF as a pilot at 19 years old in the future where parental contact can to be the case during my 15 years. with the intention of becoming a Search and be maintained. Despite having enjoyed my Rescue helicopter pilot; shortly afterwards, I time in the RAF as a fighter pilot, I shall be naively assessed that being a fighter pilot would be much more exciting recommending Formula One racing cars as a future profession for my son and glamorous. Little did I know that I would be wearing Y-front long johns as, much to my regret, the RAF does not pay millionaire wages! for the first 10 years, and that there has never been an effective in-flight urination system in the Tornado F3. Both of my parents served in the Photos courtesy Sue Freeman

A ‘weel kent’ man-about-St Andrews, Tommy Milne is not shy to tell his story.

A Different Sort of Life “I was in a hurry to get into the world”, Tommy began. Born two months prematurely in Turriff Cottage Hospital, near Banff, Tommy’s parents were faced with substantial medical bills to keep him alive. “I was obviously a wanted child,” Tommy concludes. Up to the age of about 9 years, Tommy and his family moved from place to place, wherever the work of his itinerant labourer father took them. With an older, adopted brother, a sister, and a younger brother, this was not easy. Eventually they settled in Dundee. “From 9 years old to about 17 it was a difficult sort of life,” since Tommy’s mother departed with someone else and the children were left with Father to care for them, until Mother took them back to live with her, and Stepfather.

By the age of 17 Tommy was a chef. His first job was in Edzell, a new home. Whether through the influence of his father, or in order to gain maximum experience, Tommy subsequently travelled all over the country – Newcastle; Blanchland (Northumberland); Stow on the Wold in the Cotswolds; Devon; then Skye, where, says Tommy, “I went to all the dances. I had a great time.”

On the move once more, Tommy ended up in Plymouth. There he teamed up with a partner to set up the Chez Nous eatery. “I was the first man in England to get a licence to sell alcohol in the road,” laughs Tommy. In fact, what that meant was chairs and tables on the pavement in the square outside. Regulations in those

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days required the fire brigade to inspect “the road”. “It cost me a fortune,” Tommy said, but he was a trendsetter.

People fall out, and Tommy and his partner were no exception. Distraught, Tommy took off in his car at speed, crashing into a motorway bridge. Miraculously unhurt, he emerged from his car and was picked up by a passing lorry. While the driver stopped off at the next telephone to alert the emergency services, Tommy wandered into the road straight into the path of another lorry. He says he remembers nothing of what happened next, but apparently spent the following five and a half weeks unconcious in intensive care suffering from multiple fractures and other injuries. His weight dropped from 12 to 51⁄2 stone.

At that time Tommy’s mother had a small shop in Bridge Street in St Andrews called The Chocolate Box. And so, once he was well enough, Tommy was brought by his sister to live here. Over the years Tommy has turned his hand to many things; for 20 years he did odd jobs in the Picture House; he has made himself useful front-of-house in the old Byre Theatre, and helped with amateur productions. Also, he is a very accomplished knitter, “it was just something I wanted to do. I’ve knitted 36 Aran sweaters, 4 Fair Isles, Scarecrow Family toys, kilt socks, and ordinary socks – I can turn a heel.” He has, however, grown tired of knitting and turned instead to crocheting, because “it’s something you can carry around with you and

do anywhere.” As with his knitting, his crochet work is meticulous. Tommy has crafted wooden toys as well, rocking horses included. He adds that he has an idea for a modification to the sporran, which he would like to see adopted and made by some enterprising manufacturer.

Today, Tommy lives quietly with his African grey parrot, Mr Claws, and his cat (which comes in at night when Tommy blows his whistle). He used to be a regular Scottish country dancer, until his knees made him give up. Now he gets around town on his new, battery-powered bicycle.

FEATURES Alan Mair was Chairman of the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society (RSCDS) from 2000 to 2002, during which time he went to Napier, NZ. He likes to point out that Miss Milligan was Chairman 3 times (1945-47, 1951-54, 1958-61).

“This is nothing like how I imagined it to be” So said Miss Jean Milligan, on a visit to New Zealand in 1974.

In those days it was an unusual journey to undertake simply to meet with fellow Scottish country dancers in the furthest outpost of the Commonwealth. But Jean Milligan was no ordinary country dancer and for much of her life it would have been unthinkable to spend six weeks travelling all that way by ship for a short holiday, and then six weeks returning home, unless you had a great deal of time and money to spare. It is likely that, without the rapid communication systems we take for granted to-day, she would have seen very little of what life in New Zealand was like, and thought it was somewhere people went to stay – for good.

Besides, she was much too busy here in Scotland, because even in retirement from her post as Principal Lecturer in Physical Education at Jordanhill College, she still had the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society to occupy her time and, especially, the Annual Summer School in St Andrews. A co-founder of the Society, she had been the first teacher of the Summer School when Mrs Ysobel Stewart had the idea and power of persuasion to arrange a week-long school in 1927. It is believed that was the first occasion when University accommodation was used for a residential summer school. Locals will be familiar with the extent to which St Andrews University now provides for summer visitors to the town, but may be less aware of the extent to which the concept of country dance summer schools has spread around the globe. There are now weeklong residential schools in Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, as well as countless shorter (weekend) events.

Initially, these schools were meant to provide a substitute for the four-week long Mecca that St Andrews Summer School had become for those who were able to attend on a regular basis. The format in the early days would have been very similar to St Andrews – or, at least, as close as anyone who had been could remember – but our colonial cousins are nothing if not ingenious, so they were never afraid to add their own touches when required.

Passing visitors would be few and far between at those early overseas schools, but there was always a wish to be true to the traditions and keep up-to-date, so, whenever possible, invitations would be sent to teachers and musicians to come out to these countries, and that was how Miss Milligan, although 88 years young, came to make her pioneering journey and to discover what New Zealand was really like.

After television programmes, such as Billy Connolly’s recent series, “Lord of the Rings”, and other block-buster movies, it is difficult, now, to avoid information and images of New Zealand, and certainly there are many more visitors making the journey to the Antipodes

Sales table than there would have been in 1974. This has brought a change to these overseas country dance schools because, while they still provide a service for locals who are not coming to the UK – and to St Andrews – they are now beginning to attract significant numbers of travelling dancers from Scotland, as well as the rest of the UK, USA, and Japan – and New Zealanders, Canadians, and Australians certainly know how to make a travelling dancer welcome.

The term “school” may not sound welcoming to everyone but, while classes and even examinations may be on the curriculum, there is another side to these events. There are dances, parties, and ceilidhs (in both the modern and traditional sense of the word), and there is an opportunity to learn more about your hobby and acquire the essential resource materials. To this end, do not be surprised to find, anywhere where there are country dance enthusiasts, the name of James Senior on a counter, or small table, with dance shoes for sale.

Perhaps the most common reason for deciding to journey to such far-off places is to visit relatives, but I did not have that catalyst.

Instead, it was country dancing that made me decide in 2001 to fulfil an ambition and visit New Zealand. I enjoyed these three weeks so much that I returned in 2005 for six weeks.

New Zealand Summer School begins in the week following Christmas and carries on over New Year, so visitors from the northern hemisphere are able to bring in the New Year at a Scottish country dance on a balmy midsummer evening. Just before midnight, the dancing stops and a well-rehearsed ceremony is rolled out. First, the shadowy reaper and sweeper clear away the old year and then, after the bells, a knock is heard and eventually, escorted by a piper, the first foot enters bearing whisky, coal, and salt. Everyone has a drink to toast the New Year and then it’s back to the dancing. This year the first foot dropped on one knee and proposed to his girl friend, which represented a break from tradition. Duncan and Miriam are going to be married next February!

Visitors from Scotland have pointed out that this ceremony bears only passing resemblance to what really happens back home, but let us hope that they carry on their own tradition. After all,

they resume the dancing with “The 32-some Reel” for as many as will – and you don’t see that very often in Scotland either!

New Zealand Summer School differs from St Andrews in one major respect. Because Scottish Country Dancing enjoys nation-wide support, but has no spiritual home, the School moves around the country, alternating between North and South Island on a roughly ten-year cycle. This means that, while some traditions are maintained, each school has its own unique features and, because the organisers change, new ideas are introduced – if only because new problems need new solutions.

New Zealand is a fascinating country to visit. Even if you have no wish to jump off every bridge or high building on a length of elastic, there is amazing wildlife, breathtaking scenery, a plethora of vintage cars, steam trains and tractors, the bluest water you ever saw, and very friendly locals. You don’t need to do Scottish country dancing to enjoy New Zealand, but there are a thousand friends waiting to meet you if you do.

Indeed, there is much more to being a member of RSCDS than pointing your toes – or making others point theirs. Try it some time – you might discover that it is not how you imagined it to be.

Photos, courtesy Alan Mair

Pelorus Sound

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FEATURES Elizabeth (Betty) Richmond lives in Ayr with her husband of 45 years. Both are now retired. Dick is a keen golfer and needs no persuasion to visit the Home of Golf. They have two daughters; Susan in Berkshire, Head of Human Resources for a company in the South of England; Fiona, presently located in Northern Italy, is UK Coordinator for Slow Food (see the March/April issue of this magazine). Both girls share their mother’s love of St. Andrews and visit whenever possible.

Betty hopes this brief narrative will stir the memories of relatives in St. Andrews, and school churns of long ago, whom she met in passing, with little chance of lasting friendships.

My Heart’s in St Andrews “Come into my parlour”, said the spider to the steam trains was a nightmare. Quite often we When the War ended I was seven. fly; I was trapped. Editor, Flora Selwyn, is a very had to sit on our suitcases in the corridor as Thankfully, in spite of living pretty often in the friendly and welcoming lady. She is also most the trains were full. Night travel was particularly face of danger, my parents and I emerged persuasive, so beware – when she reaches for horrendous as the blackout was in operation unscathed. My father left the Air Force and her camera you are sure to be, “…. in focus”! and we seemed to be in an endless black we returned to St. Andrews, where we found Although half Scottish and half English tunnel. Freezing temperatures in inhospitable ourselves ensconced ‘below stairs’ in Deans I consider myself, first and foremost, a St. stations, delays, witnessing the arrival and Court, the students’ residence. My mother Andrean, albeit destined to live elsewhere. departure of troop trains, became cook there, whilst I spent my childhood travelling, living out of all added to the doom my father took up office a suitcase and usually of no fixed abode. and gloom. We travelled employment in the town.

Invariably, I didn’t know where I was going, and up and down the country This would be the first wasn’t sure where I was when I arrived. at great risk, of course, time we did not have to “The future is nothing, but the past is but I was too young to share accommodation. myself, my own history, the seed of my present understand.

Well, that is if you thoughts, the mould of my present disposition.”

When not travelling, discount the fifty-or-so wrote Robert Louis Stevenson. we lived near airfields students in residence, not My father, George Phillips, a Yorkshireman, and the constant drone to mention the legendary joined the RAF in 1924 and served in the of aircraft overhead ghosts of St. Andrews; a Middle East before being posted to RAF was frightening. spooky place!

Leuchars. He met a St. Andrews girl, Mamie Accommodation was not A few happy months Lindsay Cunningham, Grandfather Cunningham, soon after and they were married provided for servicemen’s passed, but just after I in 1932. Almost immediately they departed on families so my father had had settled in the East an adventurous journey, Mamie leaving her to find places to stay, not always with great Infants School, the battered suitcases surfaced beloved St. Andrews for pastures new and success it has to be said. During those traumatic again: next stop Cumberland. There I enrolled unknown. My father possessed an extraordinary times I lived in twelve dwellings; other people’s at Bowness-on-Solway School, built on top sense of duty that came before all else. houses, cottages, or spare rooms. When of a Roman Fort at the west end of Hadrian’s I was born at Ladyhead (‘Leddyheid’) bombing became too intense my mother and I Wall. At least the Romans knew where it was! in my grandparents’ house at 28 (now 30) returned to the relative safety of St. Andrews.

We moved into an old cottage further out on North Street. The 17th Century dwelling was My education began at the West Infants School the Solway coast in a very remote hamlet. Life owned by my grandparents, Lindsay and but, due to constant disruption, I attended six amongst the ‘Ancient Britons’ was to last barely Mem Cunningham (née Brown). Ladyhead, primaries in five years. Miraculously, I passed three years. It seemed like a lifetime, never to formerly Fishergate, had been the home of my 11-Plus examination but, being in northwest be forgotten. the fishing community for generations. I am a England at the time, I became a pupil at the Wigton, near Carlisle, was next, where a direct descendant of those proud and hardNelson Thomlinson Grammar School, Wigton. more settled Grammar School education was working fisherfolk.

Madras College was achieved, followed by a year at the Technical When first married, my not to be.

College. Another posting was imminent: grandparents lived at “Change for St. Prestwick Airport (my father having joined the No.14 North Street, Andrews, Tayport, Civil Service, Air Ministry, upon leaving Deans now the Preservation Newport, Wormit” Court). During our first six years in Prestwick Trust Museum. was music to my we moved house a further four times. I joined By the time I ears as the train the Ministry of Defence and myself took up made my debut the from Edinburgh employment at Prestwick Airport, still following fishing industry at the Waverley hissed and in father’s footsteps. harbour had been screeched its way I suppose it is difficult to change the habits greatly reduced. That into Leuchars Station. of a lifetime, so the travelling continues today. year, 1938, also saw Travelling was Practically every year I have made a sentimental the disbandment of tedious and lasted journey back to dear old St. Andrews. Its Betty aged 2 with parents in 1940 the Lifeboat, on which all day. Thankfully, majesty and uniqueness, as it stands guard many of my forebears served. My grandfather the St. Andrews train was waiting in a siding to over the silvery sea, never fails to impress me. had a passion for the sea and spent all his take us on the last leg of our journey. I could not That beautiful, ancient place continues to cast waking hours at the harbour. In his younger contain my excitement. Soon the familiar sight of its spell and draw me back. No matter where days he worked on the mussel beds at the the ‘auld grey toon’ would be visible, and I would I roam I shall never forget my roots, and can River Eden and, around the time of his marriage be reunited with my dear grandparents. honestly say – My Heart’s in St. Andrews. in 1907, he was one of more than a hundred Happy days followed. There was so much men who kept the harbour busy with line and to catch up on: swimming at the Step Rock, seine net boats. tennis at Kinburn, picnics at the Sands, and so I was only a few days old when I was on. I even managed to climb the 155 steps of bundled up in a shawl and taken on my first the Square Tower; only once! At the harbour I train journey. My granny was not amused at couldn’t wait to jump aboard the m.v. “Robina” “the bairn” being taken away so soon into (which belonged to Wullie Chisholm, Harbour the big wide world; a troubled world at that.

Master – my mother’s cousin) for a sail around However, apparently duty called and my dear the Bay (free, of course). Occasionally, I parents continued their nomadic lifestyle, this accompanied my grandfather in a rowing time with me in tow. Throughout the War years boat whilst he pulled in the lobster pots. I I seemed to be caught up in a whirlwind, not was amazed to see how swiftly he bound the knowing where I would land. It was a time of lobsters’ pincers with twine. Crabs were caught great uncertainty for everyone. Travelling at also and if there were some to spare I was L to R: Granny, Granddad, Betty, Wullie all hours of the day and night in dirty, smelly allowed to carry them home on a string for tea.

Chisholm (Cousin), Mum. English friend in front

16

FEATURES Lillias Forbes

On the Way to School Morning rain over me on my way to school By the muddy path, along the tipsy fence, Yon crazed entanglement of scabby spike: Sour stink of docken....

Then, to that secret world The haze of bluebell wood, diaphanous over all That stayed to succour me through my sad day From babbled prayer and hustled off “Amen” Through morning’s labyrinthine chant of multiples Then later in the waning afternoon To the shared misery of weeping boys Red cheeks aflame Testing their infant steps towards ‘being a man’, Holding back tears, hearts beating loud for home.

That day I fell against the jagged fence My lip oozing berry-red from the hedge Fingers caught fast on thorn – Then, struggling free I met those lambent eyes where bluebells lay Snuggled for comfort to my lap; Long sheaves of root and stem folded in sleep Like limbs of bed-time children Now, in the hushed school room, scarcely audible The constrained breathing of children While mute as scolded maids the bluebells nod, Eclipsed their shining hour, they straggle on the sill, Droop listless in their airless cage, Deaf to the master’s sullen monotone Until, remembering those endless avenues Of woody choirs, They raise pale, limpid heads, Tuning their ancient unison To the wind’s refrain – Joyful, surging through forests, Whispering at the pane.

Debbie Butler, Audience Development Manager at The Byre Theatre of St. Andrews & the previous Crawford Arts Centre, announces that

Fife Contemporary Art and Craft is born!

On 4th June a well-loved St. Andrews building closed its doors for the last time; the Crawford Arts Centre in North Street was on the move, finishing its twenty-nine years in the building with a nostalgic exhibition of postcard-sized work by its supporters and artists entitled, Best Wishes; contributions came from such diverse professions as accountant / cleaner / doctor / film maker / gardener / philosopher / puppeteer. An ex-student, Aimee Lykins Lawson, who curated an exhibition at the Crawford, sent Diana Sykes (Director), John di Folco a knitted card from the U.S., appropriately (Chair) and Susan Davis, Exhibitions showing “C” for Crawford in chrysalis form Officer, packing up for the move.

– becoming a butterfly.

The Crawford Arts Centre has now transformed into Fife Contemporary Art and Craft, the biggest change being that its work is no longer building-based. It has a new office in the Town Hall in Queen’s Gardens, where it will retail high quality craft, and from which it will provide a visual art and craft agency across Fife, offering considerably increased opportunities for people all over the area to access exhibitions, craft, residencies, and a range of educational activities and workshops. The organisation will continue to support artists and students and will be working more closely with Fife Council.

New partnerships are also part of the new image; a programme of activities is planned at the Byre Theatre, commencing this summer with three fun workshops for children to coincide with the theatre’s production of Roald Dahl’s The Twits (13th, 20th & 27th July); there will also be some eye-catching craft for sale in the theatre foyer. Two exhibitions will be held in the Autumn – Celebrating Loches – work by young people to mark St. Andrews’ cultural alliance with France (21st September – 9th October) and Spotlight – some of the best work from the Scottish Art College Degree Shows (19th October – 21st November). Joint working with the St. Andrews Museum at Kinburn Park will commence with an exhibition entitled Past Present, from 19th September to12th December. Four artists have been commissioned to make new works in response to Fife Council’s rich and varied museum collections. This exhibition will later be shown at Kirkcaldy Museum and Art Gallery – another new partner – and a digital form of the exhibition will tour Dunfermline in collaboration with their museum service.

All this is a great turnround in the organisation’s fortunes; two years ago, the centre faced a crisis, with the imminent threat of Scottish Arts Council funding being withdrawn and certain closure. The future now looks much rosier. This has been made possible through the support of Fife Council and an about-turn on the part of the Scottish Arts Council, who have awarded them the newly named long-term “Foundation Funding” and an 80% increase in grant.

Chair John di Folco welcomes the new funding, “The new status and increment were very welcome and encouraging for us. They give us a greater degree of financial stability and will allow us to explore the possibilities of a whole exciting range of new work in new contexts. Faced with the loss of our present gallery and having to quit the premises, we really had to re-invent ourselves pretty quickly.

Suddenly, the future looks an awful lot brighter.”

Over the years, the Crawford has been known for a wide range of often challenging exhibitions introducing new ideas in art and craft, both under its current Director Diana Sykes, and her two predecessors, Jenny Wilson and Robert Livingstone. It has supported many artists in residence, including such well-known figures as Peter Howson, Kate Whiteford, Tracy Mackenna, and Nathan Coley. It has been responsible for some eye-catching temporary artwork in landscape, such as the straw bales sculptures erected in the fields around St. Andrews; Jim Buchanan’s light labyrinth at St. Andrews Cathedral; and Christina McBride’s illuminated drawing on Boarhills Church. Over 600 exhibitions have been staged, including some historical ones; one of the most significant of these was work by the eighteenth century Anstruther-born portraitist David Martin.

The last word should go to Diana Sykes, now Director of Fife Contemporary Art and Craft, “What is important is what we do, not necessarily where we do it, and we hope the changes will mean that many more people will be able to enjoy our activities” Children’s weather window is an example of the childrens’ activities.

17

FEATURES With the Lammas Fair imminent, fairground enthusiast Alan Sturrock (A.J.S Video productions) introduces

A Legend of a Waltzer It’s always the first Thursday in August that Market Street is closed to public vehicles from lunchtime, to enable it to be cleared, ready to let the lorries of showmen in, to start building their rides and stalls. Showmen from all over the UK start arriving days before to park their lorries on the old road outside the Old Course Hotel. Fife Council keeps and rents out an area of the West Sands for the showmen’s caravans.

One of the showmen is the licensee of Market Street, who rents the ground from Fife Council; he or she must go by the rules of the Showmen’s Guild of Great Britain (Scottish Section) to transfer or sublet the ground to showmen who are members of the Guild. Market Street is up and running around three days before the main market in South Street.

Showmen have been coming to the Lammas Market for centuries; Billy White’s grandfather started coming to the Lammas around the war years with a set of dodgems. At that time a Mr John Evans was licensee. Evans was, and still is, a big name in the fairground world.

Mr Patterson took over as licensee when he then altered the ground and found there was a spare position, which Billy White took on with his big wheel in 1963.

The wheel started in a space at the fountain and moved to PM’s chip shop end, where Peter’s Café used to be. Billy’s family still have a ride on this ground. In later years Billy’s father-in-law, a Mr Hamond, took over, his Cyclone Twist positioned at the fountain. Mr Hamond’s family are still licensees of Market Street. Mr Hamond transferred the ground to Billy White for his waltzer in the late ‘70s.

The waltzer is transported in two grey and white lorries, one of them towing the pay box. Billy and his staff would measure out the area before driving the lorries into Market Street. The pay box would be brought into place first as it’s the centre of the ride: there are no hydrolics with this ride so Billy and his workmen have to build by hand. The base of the ride has to be measured out correctly and levelled off, which takes time due to our famous cobbles. Fife Council allow showmen to build their rides up from about 2pm to 9pm so that the local people, who stay in Market Street, can get a good night’s sleep. So, there is no time for the workmen to stand about; the tram lines for the ride to run on get put down, the platforms, which have to be taken out of the side of the lorry, are put into place, the waltzer cars, and all the lighting gear, not forgetting the roof – a lot of hard work for Billy and his staff, taking them a good 5 to 6 hours to complete.

Legend has it that Billy’s waltzer was made by a firm called Maxwell from Musselburgh near Edinburgh, who made a lot of the waltzers that you see around the fairgrounds today. It’s said to have been built in 1953 to celebrate the Queen’s Coronation. It was given back to Maxwell around 1965 for a total rebuild. Maxwell’s no longer exist. Orton and Spooner was another firm that made waltzers around that time.

It has been said that they made the original White’s waltzer in 1935. It started life as a speedway called Transatlantic Swoop. It was later converted into another novelty ride in 1936 called the Loch Ness Monster, eventually converting into a waltzer in 1937, then rebuilt in 1959.

In the mid ‘70s when the company of J. White and Sons was dissolved due to the death of Mary Ellen White, the rides were divided between the family, and William White took over the waltzer in his own right. Over the years the waltzer has changed, with lights put on the main board to light up the name White’s Waltzer, surrounding boards converted from the old style to the new eye-catching decor of modern times, as you can see by the photograph supplied by Rod Jesson taken in 1987.

For around four decades Billy had been bringing his waltzer to the Lammas Market, from the ‘70s right through to 2004, when in the winter of that year he sold it to a showman from England. Billy White’s waltzer is now at Primrose Valley Holiday Park near Firly, East Yorkshire, in the ownership of Holland’s. Holland’s have given the waltzer a big make-over, as you can see from the photo.

Billy now rents his ground out to Justin Codona, who brings his waltzer. AND SO, A LEGEND GOES ON!!!!!!

Photos: Alan Sturrock (top 2004/5; bottom 1987)

Ruth Walker remembers the

Circus “Good heavens!” the absent-minded professor said, “There is an elephant walking along the West Sands!”

His students, deep in their experiments, barely raised their goggled eyes to view the spectacle.

The teacher, too, shook his head, cleaned his glasses, turned his back, and so missed the whole show.

The Circus animals had left their cages, walked down to the beach to wet their toes. The lion flexed his muscles, yawned, and resigned himself to being tame with no better game than a dead seagull.

Several white horses minced and pranced, lifted their hooves, whinnied with delight.

The tightrope walker and the fire-eater took the air, as well as several strolling actors from the Pavilion, and tuba players from the Buckhaven and Methil Brass Band who happened to be performing at the Bandstand.

As far as eye could trace animals and humans mingled by the sea. The dunes became a caravan of camels, the waves a host of billowing bedouins, and the dear blue Angus hills turned into whales.

A few bleary-eyed caddies thought that they heard a commotion, but put it down to last night’s dram.

No buzzing planes or paparazzi saw the sight, else the elephant might have become, in the news, a Trojan horse spotted on the Fife coast, which, having withstood the Germans, might now be infiltrated by Russian spies.

Perhaps a maid at Castlecliffe, shaking a rug or waving a duster, saw something strange,

or Hackie, bent double wheeling his barrow, felt a queer sensation. The fishwife, who cautioned against too fulsome enjoyment of fine weather: “Aye, we’ll pay for it, we’ll pay for it!” might have poured cold water on the whole event, but no: the beach suddenly emptied, as animals were driven off in circus vans.

The tarpaulin came down, and peace was restored.

The sea reclaimed the sands, turning the beach into itself again, removing all circumstantial evidence.

Drawings by Ruth Walker

18

FEATURES Our indefatigable Lesley-Anne Lettice, at the St Andrews Museum, finds the answer when you

Ask the Curator of prestigious awards, including the International Photographic exhibition medal in 1877.

Thomas Rodger died in 1888 and was buried in the Cathedral grounds. Over 300 people attended his funeral. His business was carried on by his son, George.

Q. I recently noticed a plaque outside the University’s Careers Service in St Mary’s Place, which says that it was once the studio of a 19th century photographer named Thomas Rodger.

Can you provide any more information?

A. Thomas Rodger was born in St Andrews in 1833, the son of a house painter. He attended Madras College, and at the age of fourteen he was apprenticed to Dr James Philp, a local chemist and druggist. On Dr Philp’s death, he went on to work for Dr Thomas Malcolm and regularly assisted in the chemistry room at United College. Here, he met Dr John Adamson, one of the pioneers of early Scottish photography, and began helping him with his photographic experiments.

Robert, Dr Adamson’s younger brother, later joined forces with David Octavius Hill, an Edinburgh artist. Photographs by Hill and Adamson are now held in museum collections across the globe. John Adamson continued to work as a physician, but also became an accomplished portrait photographer in St Andrews.

Thomas Rodger had intended to pursue a career in medicine, but was persuaded by Dr Adamson to set up in business as a professional photographer in 1849 at the age of only sixteen. Many of his portraits were taken in the garden of his house, ‘New York Cottage’ on Bridge Street. He soon moved to larger premises on North Street and in 1866, he commissioned local architect, George Rae, to build the house and studio at 6 St Mary’s Place.

He captured the likenesses of academics, the families of local gentry, councillors, and businessmen. In 1871 his studio was patronised by Queen Victoria herself. Many of his portraits show people in fancy dress and have a comical element. His father was often the sitter for these photographs. He also produced fine landscape photographs, mainly of local historic locations and landmarks. During his career he won a number

Q. What is the significance of the old archway on the harbour side of Balfour Place?

A. Balfour Place was once the site of a timber yard owned by the Balfour family. The archway provided the means by which timber was floated from the inner harbour into the yard. The land was bought by local businessman, George Bruce, in the late 19th century. He built houses on the site and let them to local fisher families. The land and the houses were later sold by his daughter. The houses in Balfour Place were threatened with demolition in the 1940s, but many were restored by local architect, James Scott.

Q. Can you tell me when Andrew Melville Hall of Residence was built and any other information?

A. Andrew Melville Hall, named for the famous scholar, was built in the mid-1960s in response to growing student numbers. First mooted in 1963, the original plan was to build a total of 1000 rooms over a period of eight years. Due to government cutbacks, the university authorities decided instead to build separate units of 250 rooms each. In the end, only one such unit was completed.

Designed by James Stirling, best known for his innovative work with exposed brick and concrete, the building is made entirely from man-made materials, the concrete casts brought in from Edinburgh. The surface of the building is moulded in textured ribbing. The shape of the building and the materials used were designed to be sympathetic to the surroundings. Andrew Melville Hall is situated on a ridge that was once a cliff edge and each room was designed to look seaward. The building received a prestigious Concrete Society Award in 1969.

PS – from Jane Ann Liston Two little snippets leading on from the last issue: 1. in a DVD about Edinburgh cinemas of the 1950s & ‘60s there is a fishwife with the creel on her back – Esther Liston – so my Grandma can still be seen! and 2. James Anderson Hamilton, who built St Andrews Town Hall as mentioned in ‘Ask the Curator’, was the same man who built Newhaven St Andrew’s Church, where I was baptized.

I sent a copy to Mum, who liked the article, and I’ve had an e-mail from a constituent whose relatives knew my father! Sometimes I feel there’s aye ‘a chiel amang us, takin notes!’

19

TOWN & GOWN

The Bell Pettigrew Museum Betty Willsher Stand on the symmetry of the mosaic floor and look up to the impeccably mounted row of antlered heads.

Cook’s Hartebeest, Waterbuck, Antelope, White-eared Kob loftily imperious, they ignore you.

On 9th May Flora Selwyn was present in Lower College Hall, Old Quad, North Street, St Andrews for the announcement of the winner of this very prestigious Prize.

Surviving, but only in skeleton form, a camel is companion to a famous race horse, an odds-on favourite in the eighteenth century.

Opposite see the skeleton of Bassey the carthorse and his small biddable mate, the useful ox .

Over years Bassey dragged loads of stone for the building of the Bell Rock Lighthouse.

Light beamed forth and the good old horse was rewarded, put to grass, and died peacefully in eighteen thirteen.

Erika Vohman, Director of the Maya Nut Programme, is this year’s winner. Her work “provides a new paradigm of community-based conservation, which focuses on women as the caretakers of the family and the environment“.

By empowering women in some of the poorest regions of South America (Nicaragua, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras), the Programme seeks to conserve the Maya Nut tree, the largest in the forest, and provide food security to indigenous people over an enormous area. The nut is one of the most balanced, complete foods. About the size of a macadamia nut, it can be dried as a basis for other foods, or eaten freshly cooked. The Maya Nut programme has demonstrated positive and lasting impacts on:

Standing behind these worthy beasts of burden is the cast of the leg of a Diplodocus.

It almost reaches the ceiling. Imagine the height and girth of this prehistoric creature as it grazed in the ancient marshlands.

• • • • • •

And marvel, gaze long at the wonderful Birds! – Maybe some Ascot milliner should come to glean ideas from these displays.

There’s the male lyre bird, his tracery tail outspread, lyre-shape, a geometric miracle, the Blue Crow Pigeon, blue, black, dusky blue and with a delicate tiara of frail feathers.

Search for the Inconvenient Curassow its head-piece neatly tonged in careful curls, for the Yellow Rumped Oropendola golden feathers gleaming against the black.

Find the Gallingo Gallingo Gallingo who in flight glances over his right wing.

The prize will enable Erika and her team to extend the programme into remote areas not accessed so far because of inadequate funding. These areas of high biodiversity are presently under threat, their human inhabitants extremely poor, suffering from food insecurity, and unaware of the benefits of the Maya Nut. The St Andrews Prize for the Environment was launched by the University of St Andrews in 1998 in conjunction with the international integrated energy company ConocoPhillips. “The aim of the Prize is to promote a practical solution to an environmental problem, with particular interest in projects that can be replicated in several regions, thereby increasing overall effectiveness and help to those who need it most.” The associated environmental seminar brings together influential members of the science, academic, and industrial communities. This year it was addressed by Professor Jacqueline McGlade, Executive Director of the European Environment Agency, on the subject of Resilience in Social-Ecological Systems.

The winner of the prize is selected by a distinguished international panel of Trustees representing science, industry, and the government, under the chairmanship of Sir Crispin Tickell, Director of the Green College Centre for Environmental Policy & Understanding at Oxford. Many countries have competed for the award, and in 2005 the number of entries exceeded 250. Topics have covered a wide range; from sustainable development in the Amazon rainforest to renewable energy; from reversing the degradation of early mining in South Africa to educating Vietnamese farmers in the responsible use of insecticides.

The Prize this year is worth $50,000. The two runners-up each receive $10,000.

Grinding roasted Further information, and details on how to enter the Maya Nuts in 2007 Prize, can be found on the website at: Guatemala www.thestandrewsprize.com

Don’t miss the curious Rhinoceros Hornbill who has, above his long curving beak, a clumsy appendage, (a primitive tin opener?) the Duck-billed Platypus, tail between his toes, and the Two-Toed and Three-Toed sloths who despite their sloth resemble little acrobats.

From all the fine specimens of fish choose the Dolphin Fish for his colours pale blue, emerald green, iridescent, the Porcupine Fish, his barrel body an armoury of tiny prickles.

As you leave whisper goodbye to the snowy owl who sits watching, waiting.

Photos courtesy the Bell Pettigrew Museum

20

Rainforest conservation Reforestation Health and nutrition Food security Women’s incomes, self-esteem and status Maternal health and infant birth weights

Erika Vohman

Or you can write to: The St Andrews Prize Office, University of St Andrews, St Salvators College, St Andrews, Fife KY16 9AL. Tel. +44(0)1334 462161 / 462544

TOWN & GOWN Duncan Mackay, Lecturer in Applied Mathematics at the University of St Andrews and Research Fellow, Particle Physics & Astronomy Research Council, reviews

The Sun: Myth to Modern Science During ancient times, in almost Sun. Frequently, Solar Flares, or In the modern world, where long-distance communications every early culture around the Coronal Mass Ejections, may be and power transmission are critical, the study of Solar Flares world, people worshipped some directed towards the earth where and Coronal Mass Ejections, along with their resulting effect form of sun god. To the ancient energetic particles, x-rays and on the Earth, is an important area of scientific study Greeks it was the god Helios, magnetic fields, may bombard who was driven across the the earth in what is called a heavens by four horses. To the “geomagnetic storm”. Once these Egyptians it was the god Re, storms hit the earth they affect us a fiery disk conveyed in a boat in many ways, although usually across the sky along a great river; the earth’s own magnetic field sometimes Re would be attacked protects us from such storms. by a serpent causing a solar During periods of high sunspot eclipse. Whilst in today’s cultures activity, when the magnetic fields the Sun is not worshipped as a on the Sun are the strongest, god, it still plays a very important Solar Flares and Coronal Mass part in our lives. It not only Ejections may occur on a daily provides us with the light, warmth, basis. During these periods and energy to sustain life on they may disrupt power grids earth, but can also directly affect and radio transmissions on modern communication systems Earth, overload and knock out and satellites. Due to this, it is the power systems of satellites. important to study the Sun so that In the modern world, where we understand better how it will long-distance communications affect us in the future. and power transmission are Top Left: Example of a Sunspot (Courtesy of Swedish Academy of Science), Although many ancient critical, the study of Solar Flares Top Right: The solar butterfly diagram (Courtesy of D Hathaway, NASA). cultures regarded the Sun as a and Coronal Mass Ejections, Bottom Left and Centre: The sun in white light and X-rays (Courtesy of MSU perfect disc with no blemishes along with their resulting effect website), Bottom Right: A Coronal Mass Ejection (SoHO). on its surface, in ancient on the Earth, is an important Chinese records dating back to 165 BC, small dark features, now called area of scientific study. At the University of St. Andrews, in the School of “sunspots”, were observed. The study of sunspots and the beginning of Mathematics and Statistics, researchers in the Solar and Magnetospheric our present-day understanding of the Sun and its influence on us came to Theory Group (http://www.solar.mcs.st-and.ac.uk) are constructing statepass around 1608 AD with the invention of the telescope. Over the next of-the-art mathematical and computational models of Solar Flares and 250 years sunspots were studied in detail by a variety of scientists across Coronal Mass Ejections in order to predict their future occurrence.

Europe.

Today it is known that sunspots (illustration, top left) are locations where extremely strong magnetic fields, created in the interior of the sun, break through the solar surface. The basic structure of a sunspot seen in visible white light is that of a dark inner core called the “umbra” and a lighter outer part called the “penumbra”. Within the umbra the magnetic fields are at their strongest, with strengths of around 3000 Gauss (in comparison, the Earth’s magnetic field is 0.5 Gauss). Sunspots are not constant features on the solar surface and may have lifetimes ranging from a few days to several weeks, over which time they can be seen to break up and disperse pole-ward on the Sun. It is now known that the distribution and number of sunspots across the Sun varies with time, leading to the approximate 11-year sunspot Keen to get a degree? cycle (illustration, top right). At the start of the sunspot cycle new sunspots 0 Too busy to study full-time? emerge at roughly ± 40 latitude on either side of the equator. As the cycle progresses, the number of sunspots emerging increases, before decreasing towards the end of the cycle, during which the latitudes Try the flexible route to your of emergence of the spots approaches the equator. This variation of MA General degree at the sunspots produces what is called the “butterfly wing” diagram. Although recent sunspot cycles have exhibited a similar behaviour to those seen University of St Andrews in the figure, historic records have shown that there have been periods via the Evening Degree when hardly any sunspots have been seen on the Sun. The most recent Programme of these occurred between the years of 1645-1700 and is called the Maunder Minimum.

Although sunspots were first observed on the surface of the Sun, it • One or two evenings of classes per week is now known that their presence extends far beyond the solar surface.

• Broad range of subjects This is because the magnetic fields within sunspots are not confined to the solar surface, but extend up into the Sun’s outer atmosphere, the • Minimum age 21 “Solar Corona”, and beyond the Corona into interplanetary space. Today, • Flexible entry requirements scientists use a wide range of telescopes, some of which are in space, to • Fee Waiver scheme for people on low income study the affect of magnetic fields on the Sun. One method is to compare images of the sun in different types of light or radiation. In the bottom two or State benefits left-hand panels of the figure you can see a white light image of the Sun showing the size and number of sunspots. In the next image the Sun is Find out more from: shown in X-rays where the structure can be seen of the Sun’s Corona due to the magnetic fields originating within the sunspots. An important Alison Andrews property of magnetic fields is that they may store vast amounts of energy.

Evening Degree Co-ordinator This energy may be released extremely violently through what is known as a Solar Flare or Coronal Mass Ejection, both of which have important Telephone: 01334 462203 consequences for the Earth. In the bottom right-hand figure a Coronal Email: parttime@st-andrews.ac.uk Mass Ejection can be seen, where the energy released from the solar magnetic fields causes a large amount of mass to be ejected out of the

Evening Degree Programme

21

TOWN & GOWN Fraser Keir, Director of the

Office for Scottish Recruitment & Access to St Andrews University The University of St Andrews has been attracting students for almost 600 years and today has a population of approximately 5500 undergraduate students and 1000 postgraduates. These scholars come from a hundred countries worldwide and are recruited by a team of Education Liaison Officers who spend much of the year advising and talking to potential applicants, be they in St Andrews, Los Angeles, or Lochgelly.

So how do we go about recruiting students in Scotland? Well, each year the Education Liaison Officers from the Office for Scottish Recruitment & Access attend Higher Education Fraser Keir landing on a plane on a beach Careers Conventions, and give talks in over on the Isle of Barra to attend the island’s 100 schools and colleges, from Shetland in annual Higher Education day. the north to Dumfries in the south, and from the Isle of Barra in the west to Peterhead on Access to St Andrews the east coast, and all places in between. At Given the numbers of students applying these events, we give talks and presentations (over 12,000 this year for approximately 1400 on the study opportunities at the University, as places), you would think it easy to fill our well as providing support and guidance on how places. To a certain extent it is, but as the to apply via UCAS (Universities and Colleges University is unfortunately and ambiguously Admissions Service). sometimes labelled Once we have “elite” or “too This year, applications from procured the interest hard to get into”, or the application, over misconceptions Scotland are up 12%, the 6000 applicants and some school largest increase in the country prevent their guests follow up leavers or adults from this initial contact by applying – even those coming to one of the 12 annual Visiting Days on our doorstep in Fife and Tayside. Therefore, to meet students and staff, to visit our facilities our Access and Widening Participation and to find out more about the degrees and strategy continues to play a major part of educational opportunities available in what we do in the Office. Underpinning this St Andrews. strategy lies the week-long residential Sutton Trust Summer School, designed to raise the aspirations of S5 pupils from schools which do not traditionally send students to St Andrews, or other “elite” universities, such as Oxford and Cambridge. During this week, pupils live in a hall of residence and take classes to see what it’s like being a student at one of the UK’s top institutions. The four-week Access Summer School on the other hand, follows a similar residential format, but helps orientate and prepare mature students for study here in the month prior to starting University. This year, applications from Scotland are up 12%, the largest increase in the country. Other student recruitment initiatives include the Associate Student programme which gives The school sign in Liniclate (Benbecula)

S4, 5 and 6 pupils the opportunity to shadow existing undergraduates and to sit in on lectures, tutorials, and laboratories to get a ‘feel’ for our student community, while our Student Ambassadors and Student Tutors head back into Fife schools to share their academic and social experiences with the next generation of applicants. On top of this, we produce marketing materials, promote our Scholarship and Bursary packages and work with Guidance and Careers Teachers to contribute to regional and national widening-participation strategies and initiatives. Of course not all who apply are qualified to gain admission, but we do endeavour to give practical guidance to all who make enquiries to study with us to achieve their educational goals.

Working with Mature Applicants

Working closely with OSRA is the Part-time Evening Degree Office. If you work full-time, or feel you missed out on the opportunity to gain a degree when you were younger, you should make contact with Alison Andrews on 01334 462203 or parttime@st-andrews.ac.uk to discuss enrolling on this very successful and flexible mode of learning. The MA General Degree curriculum allows you to study at your own pace, taking one or two modules each semester from a wide range including; Scottish History, Environmental Geography, Philosophy, English, Art History, Biology, and Theology.

There are also Tuition Fee Waivers for those on benefits, or a low income. It’s not just school leavers who come to study at the University of St Andrews; last year one of our students graduated at the ripe old age of eighty-two!

Both Offices maintain close links with all the Fife Colleges (Elmwood, Adam Smith, and Lauder) and even if you currently have no formal qualifications, or if they were gained a long time ago, we can provide guidance on Access Courses available in the local area, which can prepare you for full or part-time study at Scotland’s First University.

The University of St Andrews is your local university. Please get in touch if you would like to study with us. T: 01334 462346 E: access@st-andrews.ac.uk

Castlebay village in Barra

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TOWN & GOWN Rose Filippi, “I’m a third (going into fourth) year English Literature student, and I am the president of the University Ethnic Dance Society. I have had 3 years’ belly dance experience, and am eager to pass this knowledge on to other women because of the enjoyment I have had from learning about, and performing, belly dance.”

Belly Dance

Belly dance is a modern name given to a style of dance developed centuries ago in the Middle East. Many theories exist about the origin of belly dancing, but most evidence links it to the Mediterranean and Africa as well as the Arabic world. This style of dance was popularised in the western world during the Romantic movement in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries as artists depicted their interpretations of harem life in the Ottoman Empire. Contrary to popular belief, belly dance was originally a dance performed for women by women. This practise can also be extended to the musicians, so that only female musicians perform for female dancers.

As ‘belly dance’ is a modern name given to an ancient dance form, it is often misleading. It is named as it is because it refers principally to the predominant use of the abdominal muscles, yet belly dance actually uses many more muscles, giving students the chance to use the whole body in an expressive and creative way. Fundamentally, it is an improvisational dance coloured by the dancers’ individual movements fluidly integrating with the rhythm of the music. Belly dancers aim to express the emotions evoked by the music they are dancing to, therefore the music is integral to the vocabulary of the dance movements.

The art of belly dance has been around for hundreds, if not thousands of years, and has therefore been subject to much interpretation. The style of belly dance that I teach aims to remain close to its origins. Lessons are conducted in an all-female environment in which participants are encouraged to learn about the physical, as well as the mental benefits, offered. Dancing provides a light bodily workout, increasing both flexibility and strength, and therefore complements other forms of exercise, such as yoga, very well. Belly dance is suitable for all ages and body types and can be adapted to suit all abilities. Many belly dancers understand that the practice of dance offers mental health benefit, including an improved sense of well-being, elevated body image, and increased self-esteem.

Although also practised by men, belly dance is essentially a woman’s dance. Belly dancing legitimises the natural shape of the female body in contrast to the modern western cultural preference for flat stomachs. It celebrates the sensuality of being a woman, helping us to become more in touch with our naturally feminine side. Personally, I have found that one of the main benefits of both learning and teaching belly dance has been the strong friendships with other women that are made through it. Each individual is able to interpret belly dance in her own way, but the main emphasis is to have fun exploring this art form, and to learn to feel good about the body.

Contrary to popular belief, belly dance was originally a dance performed for women by women Lessons Every Thursday, 6 -7pm. Level 3 at the Byre Theatre, St Andrews.

Beginners level, but feel free to come along if you have already had experience. Cost: £2, coin belts and hip scarves provided (to help you get into the spirit). Contact: 01334 473012 Email: rf30@st-andrews.ac.uk Photos by John Fluharty

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TOWN & GOWN Elizabeth Thompson has just completed her second year studying Art History. She has been looking at the origins of

The Younger Hall One of the prominent figures in St Andrews was Mrs Annie Younger. Little is known about her life; she spent her childhood in Alloa and was the only child of James Thomas Paton, the prominent owner of the Paton and Baldwin cotton factory. On 18th February 1886, Miss Annie Paton married Dr John Younger, who like herself, came from the Alloa district. Initially the couple started their married life at Denork and eventually commissioned the building of a Victorian mansion house at Mount Melville.

The estate was well known throughout the area for the highly prized ornamental gardens, flowers from the gardens regularly featuring in St Andrews Horticultural Association shows.

Mount Melville gardens were frequently opened to the public to aid in charitable works.

Like her father, Annie Younger was very socially conscious and did much for the local people of St Andrews and nearby Strathkinness. She was very supportive of the cottage hospital, and every year donated Christmas dinners to both staff and patients.

She also looked after the health of the children by donating churns of milk to the local Fisher School. It was through Mrs Younger’s aid that the St Regulus Club, a hostel for the teachers of St Leonards School, was erected.

The general welfare of the residents of Strathkinness was of particular interest to Annie Younger. She worked closely with the local school to provide a scheme to encourage and reward learning, as well as regular attendance.

She also provided a house in the village for the local district nurse, and founded a Girls’ and Men’s club, as well as becoming the president of the Strathkinness WRI.

Both Mr and Mrs Younger were closely in addition to University ceremonial duties. involved with the Episcopal Church and gifted The outside of the building was bold in design, a large sum of money for the redevelopment of fusing contemporary Art Deco with classical the All Saints Church and Rectory (designed by and ancient Greek elements to create a style John Waterhouse). The site where the Church that was radically modern and entirely unique now stands (North Street and North Castle to the rest of the architecture in North Street, Street) was originally occupied by fishermen’s or indeed St Andrews. Controversy surrounded cottages, which were demolished to make way the building from the beginning, not only for for the new development. The displaced tenants its design, but because smaller buildings had were moved to a new development on the East to be demolished to make room for it. Bitter Scores known as St. Gregory’s, of which it was feelings were created. Reportedly, Principal reported that Annie Younger was acclaimed for Irvine (who later became a founder member of her personal input into the design, also being the St Andrews Preservation Trust) named the praised for her “artistic taste”. Perhaps the building a “tortured bulk”, and succeeded in his most controversial projects campaign for it to be moved Dr & Mrs Younger were back 30 feet in order to The building itself is a associated with was the it protruding into testament to the architect’s prevent gifting of the Graduation the street. Russell Kirk, in ability to effortlessly fuse Hall, which was presented his account of St Andrews, to the University when it was British Cities and Towns stunning designs in a formally opened in1929 by (1954), stated that, “This number of truly modern The Queen Mother (then immense building, perhaps and innovative ways Duchess of York). the most hideous edifice at In 1911 the University any University in Britain… celebrated its five-hundredth anniversary. The Poor North Street will never recover from this University had been rapidly expanding since the abomination.“ Thus, it was clear that attitudes admission of female students in 1882 and it was still had not softened several decades later. felt that the existing arrangements of hosting Tragically, Paul Waterhouse never lived to graduation ceremonies in the union library was see the building of his grand design. He died no longer adequate. As part of the celebrations in 1924 and his son Michael Waterhouse took it was decided that a new graduation hall on the task of seeing the completion of the Hall should be built. Paul Waterhouse first in1928. Despite some minor changes made to conceived the architectural design in 1918. He the interior, Younger Hall remains true to the designed a multifunctional building that enabled original vision of Paul Waterhouse. The building a range of events to be hosted, including itself is a testament to the architect’s ability to dances, orchestral performances, theatrical effortlessly fuse stunning designs in a number productions, and even cinematic projections, of truly modern and innovative ways. The main hall has some ingenious arrangements, which allow the space to maximise its flexibility. For instance, the tiered seats on the stage were designed to be rolled back under the organ when not in use, and curtains were concealed behind false pillars. Paul Waterhouse went to great lengths to ensure that the Hall would have the correct acoustic requirements, including the application of acoustic plaster, and wall panels that were connected to the hollowed, suspended floor. This not only reflected sound, but also facilitated the enjoyment of formal dances.

The entrance hall is the height of Art Deco style, using black, white, and green marble, which complements the exact symmetry of the entire building. Paul Waterhouse’s keen sense of detail is evident even in the smallest and seemingly insignificant fixtures (i.e. radiators and light fittings) that effortlessly blend into the overall interior design of the building. No detail was left unconsidered, including the architect’s water mark located on the right-hand entrance, just above the ground.

Despite Younger Hall’s controversial past, the building stands proud today as an example of innovative craftsmanship. Mrs A. Younger died in August 1942. The Younger Hall serves as a lasting reminder of the achievements and charitable works behind the name of Annie Younger.

References: St. Andrews Preservation Trust archives; The Citizen Micro film; British Cities and Towns – St. Andrews by Russell Kirk (B.T Batsford Ltd: London, 1954).

Photo: Flora Selwyn

24

EVENTS Year on year, this miracle is created anew – the garden at

Ladies Lake Gordon Senior, its ‘Head Gardener’, writes: On Sunday, 20th August, between the hours of 2.00pm and 5.00pm, the gardens at ‘Ladies Lake’ will be opened to the public. This will be the 10th successive year that the gardens are opening, and as usual, it will be done under the auspices of Scotland’s Gardens Scheme – a charity founded in 1931 to raise funds for the Queen’s Nursing Institute, Scotland. In 1952, the Gardens Fund of the National Trust for Scotland became the second principal beneficiary. Scotland’s Garden Scheme receives 60% of the money raised. The remaining 40% goes to Hope Park Church, St Andrews. In addition, this scribe’s former employer operates a “matched giving” scheme, which means that they will match – up to a sum of £500 – any sum raised by a pensioner for a good cause. This scheme was introduced a couple of years ago, and in each of the last two years Hope Park’s share of the money raised has been augmented by the sum of £500.

The entrance fee to the gardens is a modest £3, and accompanied children are

admitted free. Given fine weather, we can anticipate an attendance of over 500.

So why do people turn up year after year?

Well, the gardens are unusual; spectacular – unique, even! Basically, there are two terraces running along the cliff face. Each is fronted by flower beds. The higher terrace is situated about 50ft above the shore, and the lower one, which is cantilevered over the sea, is about 40ft above the shore. Visitors of a nervous disposition, or who suffer from acrophobia, should perhaps consider speaking to the nice people at RAF Leuchars with a view to borrowing parachutes!

Because ‘Ladies Lake’ is exposed to winds from the north and east, gardening is challenging, to say the least. Bedding plants

(annuals) are the only answer, and as I write this article (May), about 5,000 geraniums, antirrhinums, phlox, nemesias, and alyssums are shivering in cold frames, dreading the day when they are bedded out.

This year, visitors will be entertained by a band from Glasgow called ‘Baazar’. Electric guitars feature prominently. The music is modern and popular: I think that is the correct musical description. There will be a plant stall organised and manned by that horticultural expert, Joan Cran. It will be a sell-out: guaranteed!

Last year we had a novelty item, “Guess the weight of the lobsters”. For 50p a go, the person whose guess was closest had 2 fine lobsters to take home. Hopefully, we can repeat this item. It all depends on how successful our creels are.

Finally, the highlight of the day – teas!

Organised, as always, by the ladies of Hope Park Church, this is a miracle of home baking. A cup of tea and a melt-in-your-mouth meringue, served on the terrace – tell me a more agreeable way to pass a Sunday afternoon!

So put a note in your diary : Sunday, 20th August, Ladies Lake, The Scores, St Andrews.

Come along; Giles and Jean Le Maitre will be on the gate and glad to relieve you of your money!

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EVENTS

St Andrews Harbour Gala Day on the Horizon!

Sunday, 20th of August ‘Friends of St. Andrews Harbour’, (the group of volunteers who fund-raise towards helping with maintenance and improvement of the Harbour area), are very busy planning this summer’s Harbour Gala Day. August 20th, 2006 sees the third Gala Day since the resurrection of the tradition, which had lapsed since 1962.

‘Friends’ have been delighted at the success of the last two years – both with the money raised for funds and with the real community atmosphere which the event has generated.

A local businesswoman who enjoyed last year’s Gala Day with her family said, “You know, this is really the only true community event held in St. Andrews now.” – a compliment indeed!

This year will see the return of the popular Human Table Football League with local teams competing, whilst there will be a range of stalls, games, information displays, and activities for all ages. Come and try your hand at the coconut shy, or leap on to the bouncy castle! For those of you wishing to conserve your energy, afternoon tea will be served, the bar will be open for other liquid refreshments, and quality burgers will be hot and sizzling off the barbecue!

‘Friends of St. Andrews Harbour’ have been delighted at the support received in the past two years from Fife Council, the Harbour Trust, the RNLI, local businesses, volunteer workers........a list too long to itemise here! .......but not least, from everyone who came along and helped make the Gala Day such a success! We look forward to seeing you all again this year.

Nearer the time we will be collecting bric-a-brac, plants, and contributions for the bottle stall, and of course, home baking for our afternoon teas. It’s never too Photos courtesy Neil Dobson (‘warriors’ – top, Flora Selwyn) early to start accumulating, so keep those unwanted Christmas gifts and paperbacks for us – whatever it is, we can sell it! If you would like to help out, donations in kind – or in cash – would be very welcome. We also need energetic volunteers to help set up on Saturday 19th and to help on the big day itself.

For further information please contact: David Martin, (Chair), Friends of St. Andrews Harbour on 07778 618 634 (mobile), or Alison Gilmour, (Publicity), on 07793 242 376 (mobile) or, after 6 p.m. you can speak to either on 01334 473 536.

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EVENTS

St Andrews Art Club (Founded in 1948)

Our Club Rooms at 14c Argyle Street (just outside the West Port) are the venue on 15th July to 30th July for the 2006 SUMMER EXHIBITION All are welcome – Free admission – to see and perhaps purchase a wide selection of paintings. There will be local scenes of St Andrews, the East Neuk and surrounding locations. All the exhibits will be by Club Members and reasonably priced. Every visitor may vote for their choice of the best picture on show.

A variety of activities are arranged for members throughout the year

SOCIAL DANCE CEILIDH, OLD-TIME The BB HALL

Kinnessburn Road, St. Andrews

Sunday, 30th July, 7.30 - 11.00 p.m.

* Classes & Workshops * * Demonstrations, Lectures, Critiques of members works * * Summer Painting Outings to some of the many scenic spots around St Andrews * * Public Exhibitions at Easter and St Andrews Week at the Club Rooms * * Permanent Exhibition at the St Andrews Health Centre * Why not come and join us ?

MUSIC, JOHN WHITE AND FRIENDS WITH CHARLIE BRAID dances demonstrated Raffle & refreshments sold in aid of St Andrews & District Community Safety Panel projects Tickets at the door – £5.00

EVERYONE WELCOME

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EVENTS

Selected Events Saturday, 1 July to Sunday, 3 September – St Andrews Museum, Kinburn Park. Who do you think you are? Heraldry and Genealogy in Modern Scotland. An exhibition to coincide with the International Heraldic Congress in St Andrews in August. Admission free.

July – September – at the Preservation Trust Museum, North Street, St Andrews. Past Pleasures & Play Pursuits. Summer exhibition featuring leisure activities in St Andrews. Free.

Saturday, 1 July – 9.30am to 1.30pm. Argyle car park. Farmers’ Market – 12noon, 2pm, 4pm in the Castle. Tales from the Bottle Dungeon; Historic Scotland.

– 1.00pm, 3.00pm in the Cathedral. The Legend of St Andrew; Historic Scotland.

Sunday, 2 July – 2.00pm. Botanic Garden, Canongate. Botanic Garden Guided Walk; Friends of the Botanic Garden.

– 2.00-4.00pm Bow Butts Bandstand,The Scores, Bandstand Concert: Madras Pipe Band; Royal Burgh of St Andrews Community Council. Free. Contact: 01334 47355.

– 12noon, 2.00pm, 4.00pm in the Castle. Tales from the Bottle Dungeon; Historic Scotland.

– 1.00pm, 3.00pm in the Cathedral. The Legend of St Andrew; Historic Scotland.

Saturday, Sunday, 8, 9, 15 & 16 July – 12noon, 2.00pm, 4.00pm. Castle. Tales from the Bottle Dungeon; Historic Scotland.

– 1.00pm, 3.00pm. Cathedral. The Legend of St Andrew; Historic Scotland.

Saturday, 8 July – 2.00pm. Scottish Wildlife Trust, Barnyards Marsh Reserve Open Afternoon. Meet at Reserve entrance near car park

by Kinneuchar Inn, Kilconquhar. The wild flowers should be at their best and Reserve Convener Albert Lawrie will be on hand. Contact him on 01333 330 480 for further details.

Sunday, 9 July – Isle of May boat trip with East Fife Rangers. Trip lasts around 5/6 hours. Please book through the May Princess on 01333 310 054.

– 2.00-4.00pm at the Bow Butts Bandstand, The Scores. Bandstand Concert: Kennoway Town Pipe Band. Contact: Royal Burgh of St Andrews Community Council, 01334-473552. Free.

Wednesday, 12 & Saturday, 15 July – 10am-4.30pm at the Victory Memorial Hall, St Mary’s Place. Antique & Collectors Fair; Albany Fairs. Contact, 0191-584-2934.

Sunday, 16 July – 2.00-4.00pm at the Bow Butts Bandstand, The Scores. Bandstand Concert, City of Discovery Instrumental Band.

Contact: Royal Burgh of St Andrews Community Council, 01334 473 552. Free.

Monday, 17 to end July – 10.30am-12.30pm at the Cosmos Centre, Abbey Walk. Through the Wardrobe. Activity clubs for children, 3+ and 5 -12 yrs. Holy Trinity Church IMPACT Mission. Free.

– 12.00-3.00pm at the Gateway Gallery, North Haugh. Drop in & Draw – Still Life. School Holiday Activities for children age 7+.

Contact 01334 462 396 / 462 417.

Wednesday, 26 July – 7.00pm at West Braes car park, Pittenweem.

Rock Pools with East Fife Rangers. Booking essential, 01592 414 300.

Sunday, 30 July – 10.00am at Temple car park. Barnacles and Butterflies with East Fife Rangers. Booking essential, 01592 414 300.

– 7.30-11.00pm. BB Hall, Kinnessburn Road, St Andrews. Social Dance to the music of John White and Friends with guest Charlie Braid. Tickets at the door £5. No bar. Refreshments on sale for charity.

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Friday, 4 to Tuesday, 8 August – Town Centre. Lammas Fair. Contact: Fife Council 01334 417 846.

Saturday, 5 & Sunday 6 August – 12noon-4.00pm. The Castle, St Andrews. The Bruce. Story of Robert the Bruce, with castle life and weapon demonstrations; Historic Saltire Society.

– 1.00pm, 3.00pm in the Cathedral, St Andrews. The Legend of St Andrew, Historic Scotland.

Sunday, 6 August – 2.00-4.00pm. Bow Butts Bandstand, The Scores.

Bandstand Concert, Richfield Springs Harmony Group. Contact: Royal Burgh of St Andrews Community Council: 01334 473 552.

Free.

Monday, 7 August – 12-3.00pm. School Holiday Activities, Gateway Gallery, North Haugh; Design Your Own Book. Children age 5+ Contact: 01334 462 396 / 462 417.

– 6.30pm at East Sands, St Andrews. Rock Pools with East Fife Rangers. Booking essential, 01592 414 300.

Saturday, 12 & Sunday 13 August – 12noon, 2.00pm, 4.00pm in the Castle. Tales from the Bottle Dungeon. Historic Scotland.

– 1.00pm, 3.00pm in the Cathedral The Legend of St Andrew. Historic Scotland.

Sunday, 13 August – 2.00-4.00pm. Bow Butts Bandstand, The Scores. Bandstand Concert, Dunfermline Town Band. Contact: Royal Burgh of St Andrews Community Council, 01334 473 552. Free.

– 3.00pm at Outhead (car park charge). Seals and Sands with East Fife Rangers. Booking essential, 01592 414 300.

Monday, 14 August – 12-3.00pm. School Holiday Activities; Gateway Gallery, North Haugh. Make a Mini Museum. children age 7+ Contact: 01334 462 396 / 462 417.

Wednesday, 16 August – 7.00pm at Birnie Loch. Birnie Loch with East Fife Rangers. Booking essential, 01592 414 300.

Thursday, 17 August – 8.00pm at Dura Den. Bat Walk with East Fife Rangers. Booking essential, 01592 414 300.

Saturday, 19 & Sunday 20 August – 1.00pm, 3.00pm in the Cathedral. The Legend of St Andrew. Historic Scotland.

Sunday, 20 August – Harbour Gala.

Sunday, 20 August – 2.00-4.00pm Bow Butts Bandstand, The Scores.

Bandstand Concert, Tayport Instrumental Band. Contact: Royal Burgh of St Andrews Community Council, 01334 473 552. Free.

Monday, 21 August – Procession to Parliament Hall, South Street, – delegates to The International Congress of Genealogical & Heraldic Sciences, on the opening of their 27th Congress. Please see details in the local press.

Saturday, 26 & Sunday, 27 August – 12noon, 2.00pm, 4.00pm in the Castle. Tales from the Bottle Dungeon. Historic Scotland.

– 1.00pm, 3.00pm in the Cathedral. The Legend of St Andrew. Historic Scotland.

Sunday, 27 August – 2.00-4.00pm. Bow Butts Bandstand, The Scores. Bandstand Concert, Clackmannan Brass Band. Contact: Royal Burgh of St Andrews Community Council, 01334 473 552.

Free.

Monday, 28 August – 12noon, 2.00pm, 4.00pm in the Castle. Tales from the Bottle Dungeon. Historic Scotland.

– 1.00pm, 3.00pm in the Cathedral. The Legend of St Andrew. Historic Scotland.

OUT & ABOUT Lesley and David Galloway, keen Ramblers who often lead walks, begin this new series of Favourite Walks with

Elie and Shell Bay This is an easy walk of about 4.5 miles and 200 feet of ascent.

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Park at Elie Golf Club Visitors’ Car Park (OS Map 59 487001).

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To reach the car park, turn off the A 917 where it curves sharply at the end of Elie’s main street and follow the signs for Earlsferry. About half a mile from the road junction, just past the Post Office, at signs for Golf Club and Sports Club, turn right into Golf Club Lane. Go up the lane to the car park on the left.

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From the far end of the car park, follow the path along the edge of the golf course and turn right up the minor road (Ferry Road) to the far side of the golf course.

Turn left on to a road (Grange Road) between the golf course and a row of houses.

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–

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Continue on this road as it bears right and slightly uphill and becomes a track past Grangehill Farm. Follow this path until it joins the road at the entrance to the Shell Bay Caravan Site.

Turn left on to the Caravan Site entrance road and follow it for about half a mile down to the beach. Cross a small bridge over a burn and turn right on to the Coastal Path. Continue along the path above the beach and follow it as it twists uphill to the top of the cliff.

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Go along the cliff top past the remains of World War 2 coastal defences. Although the path is well made with steps, go carefully downhill to the beach and turn along the dunes at the edge of the golf course until you reach a sandy track across the course. Turn left on to this, keeping a sharp lookout for any golfers within range.

When you reach the houses at the top of the path, you can either follow the road round the edge of the golf course into Earlsferry and back to the starting point.

–

Or, alternatively and better, turn right on to the grassy path behind the houses and follow it round the point. The path ends at an open area with benches overlooking the bay and the village.

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Turn left down the road for a short distance. At a gap between two large houses, turn right on to a small patch of grass leading down to a litter bin and the beach. At the bin, turn left on to a path past some houses, along through the dunes and across a short stretch of sand to a lane (Telfer Wynd). This takes you up to the main road. Cross to Golf Club Lane just opposite and return to the car park.

Alistair Lawson, Field Officer (ScotWays), points to

Newly-Signed Countryside Paths

“I told you to play near the beach at St Andrews, and to keep away from that tanker.”

ScotWays (the Scottish Rights of Way & Access Society) is increasingly being approached by farmers wishing to take advantage of the Land Management Contract Scheme operated by SERAD. One of the menu options within the scheme covers the management and signing of paths on farming land, and partial grant support is available for this sort of work.

Two farmers in the Lindores / Newburgh area have been supplied with ScotWays signs under this scheme, as a result of which the path from Glenduckie, 2 miles N-E of Lindores, northwards over the hill to the Tay coast road at Ballinbreich, is now signed. In addition, clearance of previously-encroaching summer growth will be undertaken by the farmers concerned.

Elsewhere in Fife, the owner at Foxton, 2 miles N-E of Cupar, has also taken advantage of this scheme and has installed a sign pointing to the viewpoint east of the farm, where good views can be obtained of the Eden estuary. It is also intended to install a direction-indicator, which will enable visitors to identify what they are seeing.

A further farmer west of Newburgh is also about to take advantage of the scheme, in order to identify more clearly the site of Macduff’s Cross on the Newburgh to Auchtermuchty road.

While the SERAD scheme is gathering pace in Fife, ScotWays has also been involved in meeting a flurry of similar requests in East Lothian.

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OUT & ABOUT Brian Cunningham surveys

The Herbaceous Border No matter what time of the year you wish to make a visit to your Botanic Garden in St. Andrews, there will always be something to see from our collection of worldwide plants that will make your trip worthwhile. Just a ten-minute walk from the town centre, you can take a stroll around the grounds during the summer months enjoying the Woodland, Rock, and Water Gardens, while during the winter months you can escape to another clime by visiting the warmth of the Tropical Glasshouses. The Garden contains a collection of trees, conifers, shrubs, ferns, cacti, and bulbs, but at this time of year, it’s the herbaceous plants that provide the finishing touches to the summer garden scene.

Herbaceous can be described as a 3-season plant. Life begins in spring when plants emerge from the ground after a period of winter dormancy. The summer months see the plants at the peak of their display before dying down at the end of the growing season, when they are not seen again until the following spring. A number of plants in the Garden’s collection come under this category, and you can see them growing in many of the different habitats that we have represented at the Botanics.

However, very little can beat the spectacular scene of the concept created in the early 19th century of growing mass plantings of herbaceous together in a single border, one of which the Botanic Rudbeckia nitida Garden can boast. Set against a backdrop of a 5m high Beech hedge, the border is approximately 50m in length and 6m deep containing a large and impressive display of plants with a variety of heights, shapes, sizes, flowers, and colours.

Plants such as Rudbeckia nitida ‘Herbstonne’ – the name ‘Herbstonne’ meaning autumn sun – describing perfectly the plant’s yellow daisy-like flowers, and Delphiniums, with their spires of bluecoloured flowers, can reach up to 2m and more and provide height to the structure of the bed. Due to the informal style of planting in a herbaceous border, tall specimens are not always restricted to the rear of the bed and are sometimes placed nearer the front next to medium and low growing plants, such as the thistle-like flowers of the Knapweed, Centaurea montana ‘Rosea’, that only reach up to a height of around 50cm.

As you follow the main path into the Garden at this time of year, you will be drawn to the Herbaceous Border by the visual impact the colours of the flowers have on you.

On closer inspection, you will soon realise that interest also extends to the foliage of the plants. Ligularia dentata ‘Desdemona’ has large heartshaped leaves. The Dropwort, Filipendula vulgaris ‘Flore Plena’, bears white flowers above soft fern-like foliage, while we can all recognise the sword-shaped leaves of

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the Iris. Another dimension to the foliage is colour, which although predominantly green, also comes in reds and yellows. Stachys byzantina, an ideal plant for the front of the border, has woolly grey foliage, while very little can beat the variegated, elegant foliage forms of the Hosta.

The layout of the Herbaceous Border that you see today is owed largely to the assistance of The Friends Of The Botanic Garden, who funded the rejuvenation work of the border carried out in 1989, and who continue to generously support many of the projects that the Garden has today. Growing beside the garden cultivars, and in keeping with the Garden’s function, herbaceous plants are also included within the border that have botanical interest, such as Phytolacca clavigera from Yunnan, China. This is a highly decorative plant that has brilliant crimson stems holding clusters of pink flowers in summer, which in autumn are followed by poisonous black berries, as the foliage turns yellow.

Phytolacca clavigera

Pay a visit to the Garden and see for yourself the plants on display in the Herbaceous Border and throughout the Garden. If you’d like to learn a little more about what you see then why not take part in one of the Conducted Garden Walks at 2pm on the first Sunday during the summer months. You can reach the Garden on foot using the Viaduct Walk from the Argyle Street Car Park, perhaps making a circuit to include the Lade Braes. If coming by car follow the signs to the Garden, where we have ample parking space, while the No. 94A bus service passes nearby, (get off either at Nelson Street or Broomfaulds Avenue, followed by a short walk).

Pictures: courtesy Richard Cormack

OUT & ABOUT

Walks Fife Reviewed by Munroist and hill gangrel, Margaret Squires Spring arrived at long last, or dare one venture now, even Summer? So it’s time to dig out the walking boots again, and given the contribution car exhausts make to climate change, it could be a good idea to look closer to home for exercise. So Owen Silver’s new edition of Walks Fife (published by Hallewell at £2.95) is very timely. Walks to suit all abilities cover all sorts of terrain from sections of the Fife Coastal Path to Norman’s Law and the Lomonds. Owen ticks all the right boxes in that he grades the walks, he describes them in detail, while stressing the need for an O/S map (landmarks can get removed), and his sketch maps provide a useful backup to the text.

So your reviewer set off one day to testwalk some of the ones that might be less familiar to the St. Andrean.

Walk 2. Craigluscar Hill. Even the experienced walker sometimes forgets what a slight elevation can do to the view, so the panorama from Craigluscar Hill came as a surprise. The book advises you to follow the colour-coded tracks, and although the colour coding is more apparent on the local map than on the ground, it is almost impossible to get lost

as broad mown paths guide you round the contours, and the view along the Forth is spectacular.

Walk 5. Burntisland. I set out on this walk ready to condemn Owen for irresponsibility, since an early encounter with a semi-wild horse in Wales makes me inclined to refuse a walk at the first fence where a field of horses is mentioned. These, however, were totally indifferent to our presence and Owen is quite justified in including this route, despite a field-full. Who hasn’t wondered what lies at the top of that big cliff behind Burntisland you pass every time you go to Edinburgh? Now you can find out.

Walk 1. Culross. The easiest walk: the wander round the town contrasts with a short walk in the countryside. We spotted yellowhammers, a linnet, chaffinches, a bold crow hassling a buzzard and three sorts of butterfly, all in half a mile. One slight niggle – Owen says that the Palace and the tearoom are open from Easter until September; true, but not on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, so if you want to extend your walk with a visit here, choose the right day.

This useful publication fits easily into a pocket, and is thoroughly recommended, though if you already have the previous edition, don’t be tempted by 27 walks instead of 20: the seven new ones are just a rearrangement of the coastal path walks.

All the walks were checked in 2005 by ScotWays‘ Field Officer, Alistair Lawson.

The book can be obtained in the Tourist Information Centre, in bookshops, or from ScotWays, 24 Annadale Street, Edinburgh EH7 4AN. Tel. 0131 5581222.

Hamish the cat isn’t the only noteworthy denizen of St Andrews – we also have ducks, as Flora Selwyn has noticed.

Silly Season for Ducks Once upon a long time ago, in primary school, we learned a song with the refrain, “Ducks are a-dabbling / Up tails all!” Now a duck and her drake come “a-dabbling” in my garden, which they have chosen as their pied à terre. He dutifully (or is it jealously?) tags along behind her everywhere she goes. To begin with they waddled around for several days as if they owned the place, completely unfazed by my presence.

Indeed, they followed me about. Some three days later they vanished as mysteriously as they had come and I thought that was the end of it; short, but sweet. Walking home

not long after, unmistakably I saw them again, snoozing in the middle of the pavement. And then they were in the garden once more, eyeing me quizzically as if to say, “So there you are!”

I watch out for them now, for they come and go, on one occasion staring at me for ages through my glass doors – “Aren’t you ever coming out?”

Are ducks monogamous? You’d be forgiven for thinking so, if you saw this pair. Has anyone else got a pond-less garden with ducks in it? Do tell me!

Photos by Flora Selwyn

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Invite you to visit a hidden treasure in the heart of St Andrews WOODLAND & WATERGARDENS HERBACEOUS & SCREE ALPINES & RHODODENDRONS GLORIOUS GLASSHOUSE COLLECTIONS

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Please see local press for further details nearer the time TO JOIN THE FRIENDS AND SUPPORT THE GARDEN CONTACT MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY. Canongate, St Andrews, Fife KY16 8RT Tel: 01334 476452 www.st-andrews-botanic.org

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