St Andrews in Focus Issue 48 Sep Oct 2011 by Mike Collins

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

September / October 2011 Issue 48, £2.00

www.standrewsinfocus.com

the award winning magazine for St Andrews

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

From the Editor For the past eight years this magazine has been privileged to showcase the Leuchars Airshow. I trust this will not be the last issue to cover a Leuchars Airshow, even though the powers-that-be seem determined to axe the Airbase, despite the valiant efforts of so many to prove the necessity for it to stay. For as long as most of us remember, St Andrews and RAF Leuchars have been closely connected, each serving the needs of the other. The late Gordon Christie provided a historic link between the town and the earliest days of flying. He experienced his first flight in 1919, taking off from the West Sands during the first civil air display (see issue 30, May/ June 2008), serving in the RAF itself in 1941. There’s no point, however, in dwelling on what might be lost. As Winston Churchill observed, “a pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty.” Let’s all be optimists! Flora Selwyn

Contents FEATURES • Leuchars Airshow • Welcome, Adam Orr! • Tom Duncan • A Memorial to the WAAF • Ask the Curator • Autumn • Cat About town • Stamps • St Andrews’ Cafés of the ‘60s • Kiddies’ Take on Life • Ode to a School Teacher • The Station Master’s Garden • Reviews: – John McGhie – The Beginning and the End of the World – St Andrews Through Time – Beyond the Horizon – Venturesome Love

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SHOPS & SERVICES • Cohabiting • Rufflets Country House Hotel • Competition • Property Ownership • Toonspot • Roving Reporter

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DESIGNER University of St Andrews Print & Design (printanddesign@st-andrews.ac.uk)

ORGANISATIONS • St Andrews Musical Society

PRINTER Winter & Simpson (ken@trendellsimpson.co.uk)

TOWN & GOWN • Madras College Pipe Band • Summer • How History Repeats Itself • Transition • Budding Publishers

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EVENTS • Press Release • Teddy Bears’ Picnic • Win tickets for an Evening of Burlesque • Apple Day is on its Way • Selected Events

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OUT AND ABOUT • The Community Council • Good News! • Origin of the Chain Walk • Nature Notes • A World Tour • Return of the Red Squirrel • Sailing Club Regatta

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******** The views expressed elsewhere in this magazine are not necessarily those of the Editor. SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2011 EDITOR Flora Selwyn Tel: 01334 472375 Email: editor@standrewsinfocus.com

DISTRIBUTER Elspeth’s of Guardbridge PUBLISHER (address for correspondence) Local Publishing (Fife) Ltd., PO Box 29210, St Andrews, Fife, KY16 9YZ. Tel: 01334 472375 Email: editor@standrewsinfocus.com SUBSCRIPTIONS St Andrews in Focus is published 6 times a year. Subscriptions for 6 issues are: £14 in the UK (post & packing included). Please send cheques to: Local Publishing (Fife) Ltd., PO Box 29210, St Andrews, Fife, KY16 9YZ. £25 overseas (post and packing included). Please use PayPal account: editor@StAndrewsinFocus.com NOTE: please pay with a Personal Bank Account, as credit cards incur a 3.9% charge. REGISTERED IN SCOTLAND: 255564 THE PAPER USED IS 80% RECYCLED POST-CONSUMER WASTE

Cover: Photo courtesy of RAF Leuchars (Crown Copyright/MOD 2010)

NEXT ISSUE – Nov/Dec 2011 COPY DEADLINE: STRICTLY 28 SEPTEMBER

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

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FEATURES Henry Wilson, Head of Engagement & Media, RAF Leuchars

A Centenary Celebration One hundred years ago, in the sticking plaster and string era of what passed for aircraft, the beach at St Andrews was a vital part of keeping the venerable Royal Flying Corps pilots safe, well, and with a good chance of getting home to their base at RFC Montrose, the first operational military airfield in Britain. In a sense, the events of those pioneering days of flying almost count as the first local Airshow. The attraction of the beach was two-fold. First, it was a reasonable landing strip, soft enough to take the weight of the flimsy undercarriages. Above all, it was close to the local garage, where fuel and oil could be purchased. And, of course, there was usually plenty of wind blowing – hopefully directly onto the nose – to give the best chance of getting airborne. What we now know as the Royal Air Force Leuchars Airshow is in fact the RAF Leuchars Battle of Britain At Home Day. These At Home events round Britain started after World War Two. Leuchars is the only station still holding the event. Four thousand people attended the first of the shows in September 1947. On Saturday, 10 September 2011 something more akin to fifty thousand spectators will be treated to an astonishing display of aircraft in the air, as well as on the ground. The Red Arrows aerobatic Air Commodore R J “Harry” Atkinson (Crown Copyright/MOD 2010) team will perform their breathtaking ballet in the air. The “Auld Alliance” between Scotland and France is exemplified by the very welcome reappearance at Leuchars of the French star aerobatic team, the Patrouille will see the aircraft which have made the history of RAF Leuchars the de France. Add in RAF fast jets and Royal Navy helicopters, alongside glorious archive it is. aircraft from the Czech Republic, USA, and many other countries, and The RAF sees Typhoon as the future. It is the Royal Air Force’s you have an eclectic mix of skill, daring and entertainment. awesome, high-performance multi-role combat aircraft. Its purpose is The year 2011 encompasses history in so many ways for RAF to continue securing the airspace both here and abroad for decades to Leuchars. It is the 100th anniversary of military aviation in North-East come; providing relief, comfort and support for brave troops fighting harsh Fife; the 90th anniversary of RAF Leuchars itself; the 70th anniversary battles in hostile conditions; and gathering vital intelligence electronically. of RAF Search and Rescue to which the bravest of the brave, who All that is a far cry from a century ago when Britain was slowly leaving formed the original Air-Sea Rescue Service, the helicopter Search and behind the genteel, fashionable Edwardian Era. The year 1911 was to Rescue teams, and the Mountain Rescue Teams have contributed so have its moments. Henry Ford built his first Model T car in Britain; the selflessly; the 70th anniversary of the Air Cadets Titanic was launched; Woolworths was founded; Organisation of which the RAF is very proud; and beer cost the equivalent of one new penny a RAF Leuchars was awarded it is the year when the military wheel turned full pint; the Mona Lisa was nicked from the Louvre circle. in Paris…and the balloon went up in Tentsmuir the Freedom of St Andrews In the recent Strategic Defence and Security Forest in North-East Fife. on 22 Aug 1968 Review (SDSR) statement by the Defence Little could the Royal Engineers have Secretary, Dr Liam Fox, it was announced that imagined that as they experimented with big the Army will return to Leuchars in a few years’ time when the base balloons on long wires they were starting a military aviation dynasty ceases to be an RAF station. This year’s Airshow will celebrate Leuchars’ which would stretch more than a century encompassing all three Armed contribution to the defence of the skies, which continues today with Forces. The Royal Flying Corps followed in 1913, the first aircraft was Number 6 Squadron maintaining Quick Reaction Alert for the Northern UK landed by Captain Longcroft. The favoured landing spot was on the beach with the world-class Typhoon aircraft. In time, this vital mission will pass at St Andrews. The Royal Navy, through its Fleet Air Arm, had a training to RAF Lossiemouth in Moray as the site takes over from Leuchars as the function in that era, and again many years later, when squadrons from the RAF’s second Typhoon Main Operating Base. This will allow the Army to aircraft carrier HMS Ark Royal were land-based at Leuchars. relocate units from Germany to Fife. March 1920 saw the formal naming of Royal Air Force Leuchars. All around visitors to the Airshow will be the evidence and The Station Crest is the Cross of St Andrew superimposed on a globe of memorabilia of a century of aviation. Everything from grainy pictures of moving water. An upright broadsword further reflects its dual role so aptly how it all began; through the War years and all that brought by way of summarised by the motto, “Attack and Protect.” In the 1930s as the dark courage and sacrifice; to the extraordinary feats of Search and Rescue clouds of war loomed over Europe, Leuchars was chosen for a major teams; to aircraft synonymous with the today-and-tomorrow of the RAF in build-up of its capabilities coming under the aegis of Coastal Command. the shape of the Typhoon. On the ground and, of course, in the air, people August 1938 saw the arrival of squadrons equipped with Ansons, then Hudsons, giving the station a vital operational role. Everyone played their part in WW2, including our feathered friends. In 1942 “Winkie” the pigeon won the Dicken Medal (better known as the Animal VC) for flying back to Leuchars without a message after being released from a Beaufort aircraft which had ditched. The crew were rescued after personnel at Leuchars worked out the likeliest place of ditching, and sent one of their Air-Sea Rescue launches to find them. RAF Leuchars was awarded the Freedom of St Andrews on 22 Aug 1968. They have exercised that privilege on several occasions with parades through the streets featuring “bayonets fixed, drums beating and colours flying.” As we pass the milestone of the first hundred years of military aviation in the area, beer costs several hundred times as much; a precious few model T Fords continue to run; Woolworths and Titanic have gone; the Mona Lisa is back eyeing us up; and the military wheel has turned full circle with the announcement that Leuchars is to cease to be an RAF Station and will be handed over to the Army to write future chapters in its Defence history. (Crown Copyright/MOD 2010)

(Photos courtesy RAF Leuchars)

FEATURES Celebrating Adam, who arrived on 16 May. Wishing him, proud Mum Evelyn and Dad David Orr, Marketing & Sales Manager at the Byre Theatre, a lifetime of joy and wellbeing. David said, “To add to our perfect summer we got married on August 19th in Edinburgh. The original wedding date had to be changed after the baby’s due date was…the original wedding date!”

Flora Selwyn thoroughly enjoyed meeting

Thomas G Duncan Tom Duncan is one of St Andrews’ Treasures! Introduced to the town The two became life-long friends and Lionel has subsequently given many as a child in the 1940s through regular family golfing holidays, Tom recitals in Holy Trinity Church in St Andrews. Tom claims, “I picked up my moved here permanently in 1963 to take up a lectureship in the English musical education as I went along, largely through the influence of many Department of the University. By the end of the same year he was excellent musical friends and experiences.” appointed Organist and Choirmaster of The Parish Church of the Holy Here in St Andrews, as Organist and Choirmaster of Holy Trinity in Trinity. 1963, Tom was confronted with a proposed rebuild of the Church organ, a Tom’s musical interests were first sparked by two old ‘78’ recordings project which owed everything to the support of Dr Eric Rankin, Minister of of arias from Handel’s ‘Messiah’, sung by soprano Gladys Ripley and the First Charge. Organist and Minister rapidly became close friends and tenor Hedel Nash. Though early piano lessons ended when he was 10, the new organ was completed in 1966. Dr Rankin’s successor, Dr Charles Tom, undaunted, continued to sing in his church choir at St Cuthbert‘s in McGlashan, encouraged and secured finance for further major Saltcoats, dreaming of learning to play the organ. Having advised young improvements to the instrument culminating in the addition, in 1974, of Tom to wait till he had taken his Highers, the the ‘Bobby Jones Bombarde’, a magnificent set minister, the Rev Dr Smart MA PhD DD, then Though music has thus been a major of fanfare trumpets gifted by Mrs Mary Jones appeared at Tom’s house with Novello’s Organ in memory of her late husband. The organ, part of Tom’s activities, he has also Tutor, a bundle of organ music, and the keys recently renovated in 2008, is one of the finest enjoyed an equally rich academic life instruments in Scotland and no less than an to the church. So, at the age of fifteen/sixteen, in teaching and research Tom’s distinguished musical career began! important part of our heritage. In 1954 Tom went to Glasgow University, Music, indeed ‘the ministry of music’ is, Tom where he became a choral scholar in the University Chapel Choir and was believes, integral to worship, and he rejoices in the encouragement he greatly influenced by the then Organist and Choirmaster, Fred Rimmer, has received from the ministers of Holy Trinity over the last decade. Choir later, Professor Rimmer, a leading musical figure in Scotland’s musical membership has greatly increased, a development no little due to the scene of that time. introduction of choral scholars supported by the Friends of Holy Trinity, Going up to Oxford in 1959 to Pembroke College, Tom was introduced young voices drawn from school children and students. Year by year the to the service of Choral Evensong by Lionel Pike, then Organ Scholar. range and quality of the repertoire of introits, anthems, canticles, and prose psalms sung at Sunday services continues to grow. Soon to enter upon his 49th year as Organist and Choirmaster, Tom looks back with a great sense of gratitude and some fulfillment on his service to the music of Holy Trinity Church, to the many organ recitals he has given (not least along with the Renaissance Group in many foreign countries), and to the various organs he has designed in Scotland and England. He also recalls many other happy musical activities in St Andrews, not least the founding in 1977 of The St Andrews Chorus, which he directed until 1995. 28 February,1978, witnessed the first Chorus concert, a performance of the great Bach ‘Mass in B minor’, an occasion which also marked the first collaboration of the Chorus and the Scottish Chamber Orchestra, a collaboration which was to continue year by year until 1992. He also views the annual performances of Handel’s ‘Messiah’, which he has conducted in Holy Trinity or in the Younger Hall over many years, as an immense privilege. Though music has thus been a major part of Tom’s activities, he has also enjoyed an equally rich academic life in teaching and research. His colleagues recently held a party to celebrate his 50 years of university teaching, which began with tutorials in Oxford in 1959. His publications include books on Middle English lyrics and on medieval sermons, fields of work in which he continues actively to be engaged. He even finds time for the odd game of golf! He also admits to enjoying good company, the odd dinner party, and the not-so-occasional glass of wine. Travel continues to be one of his delights, especially to France and Germany where, in his own words, “from time to time I enjoy torturing the natives with my appalling French and German!” Tom in his beautiful garden

FEATURES Mary Heal attended the dedication of

A Memorial to the WAAF (Women’s Auxiliary Air Force)

In the autumn of 2009, the WAAF Association Committee responded to input from members by agreeing to raise a memorial to all who had served in the WAAF during World War II. Many had lost their lives in the conflict, and many had been decorated for bravery. With help, the Committee were put in touch with experts in the field. Funding came from many quarters throughout the country, and the project began to take shape. A big vote of thanks is due to Jane Carrington, the designer, architect, and builder. The Memorial’s design is based on the WAAF badge. The floating disc displays the two beautiful shades of blue, and the King’s Crown emblem. Inscribed all around are the important roles played between 1939 and 1945 by the young women of the WAAF. Light passes through the cut-out words creating shadows of remembrance on the slate below – ‘We Shall Remember Them’. The Memorial was dedicated in a ceremony on 11 June this year in the Arboretum Memorial Park, Alrewas, Staffordshire. The service was conducted by the Rev’d David Osborn BD ARC, Resident RAF Chaplain at St Clement Danes Church, London. (Photo courtesy Mary Heal)

Jennifer Reid, Curator of the Preservation Trust Museum

Has the Answer Apologies: As a reader was quick to point out, it is George Whyte-Melville, the prolific Victorian novelist, born in Mount Melville, who is commemorated by the Market Street fountain. Bailie John Milne has a fountain in his name in the Lade Braes. Q. Were there ever any brick works in St Andrews, or the surrounding area? A. Yes, there were. The earliest record of brick-making in this area was at a works owned by a Mr Arthur Martine. The University holds a record of payment to Martine for a delivery of bricks in 1754. These bricks were to be seen in the tower of St Mary’s College until the 1960s. Other than these works, there were three significant local brick works, Seggie, Edenside, and Seafield. Seggie, the earliest of the three, was situated west of Guardbridge; Edenside existed in 1775; Seafield does not appear until 1852, when it is shown on the first-ever Ordinance Survey Map. Seafield Pottery, Brick and Tile Works is probably the best-known of all the brick works. It is not remembered for being different or unusual, but for being a typical small industry that was no longer viable. Seafield Brickworks lay out on the Guardbridge Road; no buildings are left, but its site can be found just beyond the turn-off to Easter Kincaple Farm. Its clay for production was dug on site from a pit. The best source of brick clay was red laminated, with stones and gravely layers, still visible throughout Fife. The deposit of this clay at Seafield was originally 7.6m thick at its thickest. Brick works flourished in this part of the country when improvements to agricultural drainage increased the demand for clay pipes. The Wilson family ran Seafield from c.1920 until its closure in 1942, though it had really stopped operating in 1940. The site was demolished in 1950, little now remaining of the

business, which ran for almost 100 years. But one house, “Clova”, at St Michaels, was built from the bricks of the demolished works. Q. What can you tell me about Miss Rachel Reid, matron at St Andrews Memorial Hospital? A. Rachel C M Reid was the matron at St Andrews Memorial hospital from January 1904 until her retirement in December 1939. She was born on 16 January 1873 at Blair in the Parish of Bourtie in Aberdeen. At birth she was registered as “Rachel Reid” and her parents were Robert Reid, Farmer, and Jane Reid. She began her career

as a nurse in London at St Thomas’ Hospital, and later at Liverpool’s Hospital for Women, then as a Sister at Deaconess Hospital in Edinburgh. When the First World War struck in 1914, Rachel Reid was posted to Queen Alexandra’s Imperial Nursing Service. She was twice mentioned in dispatches and worked in an operating theatre at Boulogne Casino. Rachel died on Christmas day 1957 at Renny Brae, Kilrenny. She was 84 years old. Her name at death was “Rachel Carmichael Morrison Reid, formerly Rachel Reid”. Her death was registered by a “Law Agent” from St Andrews.

Rachel Reid in 1936 kicking football at a charity game between past and present members of St Andrews United Football Club

FEATURES Ruth Walker

Ken Roberts

Cat About Town

Autumn

Autumn Fields

Heart-warming, like a long-lost friend, She returns anew to harvest our affections, Wearing her familiar shimmering gown, Rustling with sequins of crimson and gold. Her perfume is wood smoke that hangs . . . In the air on long shadows, A friendly ghost. Intoxicating. Soporific. She paints her skies with purples and pinks Peppered with skeins of laughing geese Waving the North a long goodbye As they fly to our welcoming marshlands.

At first light the noise begins. Engines rev as hard hat men coax their tractors out on to the road, then, full throttle roar their way bumpily up to the town. More commotion when cement mixers roll, gravel is shovelled, saws spit and fizz as Caithness slabs are trimmed to fit our ancient pavements. Up there, where workmen stand beneath the streets tapping away at our ancient history, to-day’s life stirs uneasily. Girls balance polystyrene cups, heels teetering on greasy cobbles. Gangly youths stagger home to unmade beds. A baker’s van draws up beside a shop whose awning is already spread, trays of loaves are carried in to the cheerful hum of a row of girls in pinafores and boaters. Now busloads of children trip out to the timpani of wheelie bins being emptied into dumper trucks. Aloof, a solitary cat raises one paw as he debates the course of to-day’s itinerary. A half-blonde girl provides the answer by unlocking the door to “Dynamic Hair” ladies’ and gentlemens’ hairdressing saloon. In streaks Hamish to take his nap amongst cans of spray and hooded dryers first wolfing down a proffered snack before curling up on his favourite chair, transmogrifying into a forgotten hat, a fancy wig or a woollen mat – yet, unknown to the public, here sleeps a warrior slayer of rats, a veritable Grendel who tolerates now the noise of shampooing and everyday banter. He is no run-of-the-mill animal known only to friends. His fame opens doors to unexpected places. He sits in shop windows and, by his solitary endeavour, has rewarded himself with a runabout ticket and the freedom of Fife for life!

Watch closely how she tinkers with time, Borrows a bright hour from Spring, then, Strikes the same hour twice in gratitude. Her breath, a soft, rolling, misty breeze Scatters parachutes of thistledown through Fallen chestnuts, sycamore wings And dry twisted logs that will crackle . . . Through the long, white, marshmallow months Till, at last, her young green sister Comes bursting, giggling through the eager ground. (Original painting by Ruth Walker)

Alistair Lawson kindly sent samples of the two Christmas stamps mentioned in Alistair Leiper’s article on Henry Holiday’s stained glass windows (issue 46, page 9). Alistair pointed out, “The designs mirror very well the stained glass windows depicted. No GPO Christmas stamps have ever (started in 1966) had any St Andrews link until the ones highlighted in the last issue of St Andrews in Focus.”

Autumn, Daybreak, Fife

FEATURES Sylvia Thomson remembers

St Andrews’ Cafés of the Sixties My first ever holiday job at 15 years old involved working as a general counter, but we were not allowed to eat any unless a slice was broken or assistant in a café. That was 50 years ago. Recently, when reminiscing had crumbled. Never had apple pie been handled so carelessly, and not about hours, working conditions, and pay at the beginning of the sixties a day passed but several slices failed to reach the required standard for I could tell that my family found it all quite astonishing. I was uncertain public consumption! Yes, we were very particular. whether their faces registered admiration, pity, or disbelief that I’d been Two years later in 1963, I took another summer job in an mad enough to work so hard for what seemed little return! establishment just along the road from Kate’s Café – The Victoria Café. I had found myself a job in Kate’s Café, which, along with The This is now a popular student haunt, entirely different from the former Station and Windsor Hotel, was owned by the Milnes. The café and restaurant and tea-garden (which no longer exists). With its whiterestaurant then changed hands to become the Featherie and Firkin, then clothed tables and traditionally-dressed waitresses, it was popular with The Raisin. It is now The Blue Stane. families and business people. It also catered for wedding receptions in It was hard work, but good fun as I was working alongside other the upstairs rooms. I worked in the tea-garden. It was good to be out in girls from Bell Baxter High School, Cupar. We worked a 48-hour week the fresh air. The job wasn’t difficult to learn as we were serving mostly with one day off. It was an 8 o’clock start, my first task being to clean the scones, cakes, and drinks. The hours were even longer though – around café floor. By ‘clean’ I don’t mean running a wet mop over it. I remember nine and a half hours a day with only one day off a week. The pay was getting down on my hands and knees with a scrubbing brush, a cloth, less than £3 a week although we made the same again in tips. For the and a pail of soapy water! Other duties included serving customers, benefit of St Andrews’ younger citizens, £3 a week wasn’t quite as bad keeping the counter as it sounds. It filled, making was an era when a hamburgers and hot reasonable pair of dogs to order. We shoes cost £3 – £4, washed all the dishes half a dozen (6) by hand, including the rolls cost less than dishes, pots and pans a shilling (5p) and from the restaurant a bar of Cadbury’s adjacent to the café. chocolate was 6d Normally this was (2.5p). What’s more the only work we did these prices never for the restaurant, seemed to change except for a couple of throughout my occasions when they whole childhood. were short-staffed and We had to wear I was given the most black blouses and enormous basket of skirts and a white onions to peel and apron even in the chop. There were tea-garden. Casual enough to feed… wear then was not well….. a whole an option. All in all restaurant. Even it was a pleasant though Mrs Milne experience, except told me I could work for the time I was outside, I cried over told to work in them for two hours. the restaurant Another day she when they were asked me to make short-staffed. It omelettes for the would be a gross restaurant. I make an understatement to excellent omelette say I felt anxious. now, but a dozen I was so nervous I eggs and several couldn’t eat all day. crumpled specimens Anyone who knows later, they gave up on me well will vouch me before they lost all that this is a serious their customers. In any state of affairs. When I was 15, little did I think that 50 years (or half a century) on, case, I just couldn’t Apart from come to terms with the being thrown in I would be recalling the “old days” so publicly! thought of a customer at the deep end actually paying to eat with regard to the something I had made. complexities of Luckily for all concerned, it didn’t come to that! dining room protocol and kitchen routine, I felt quite agitated if the diners We also worked split shifts, giving us the opportunity to enjoy the were still without food a mere five minutes after I had taken their order. good weather for two to three hours in the afternoon. Summer weather However, one table that I thought I had taken a particularly long time to then held no nasty surprises (and I’m not wearing my rose-tinted serve, complimented me on the speed of my service and I began to relax glasses!). The downside was the thought hanging over us that we still a little after that. Looking back, it was an excellent confidence- boosting had to return to work. Our weekly wage was £3.4s.6d. experience. There were two students who worked in the staff kitchen; I was quite When I was 15, little did I think that 50 years (or half a century) envious when I found out how much they were paid – £5 a week! Still, on, I would be recalling the “old days” so publicly! However, these it involved, amongst other things, frying countless eggs all at the same reminiscences are just that – reminiscences. Speaking now as a time for staff breakfast. I would have cracked long before the eggs! customer, it’s clear that certain things never change, and restaurant and One other thing that sticks in my mind is our tea break. We were café staff nowadays have to work every bit as hard as we did. allowed to choose something from the café. Most of us were very fond of the mouth-watering apple and rhubarb pies made on the premises by the (Photos of Kate’s Café courtesy the cook. It was our job to cut them into slices before putting them out on the St Andrews Preservation Trust Museum)

FEATURES

“Out of the mouths of babes...” via the Internet, thanks to Keith Morris

‘burgundy’

Ode to a School Teacher (Miss Lee)

Oh! to be a school teacher. You may ask, what is the main feature? Tiredness and an itchy head? I could easily stay in bed this morning, But no! Rain and snow will not Slow me down, create a frown For my duty is to the children And their well-being. Not seeing them would not be right And I must try with all my might To be – Miss Lee!

FEATURES David Hamilton kindly contributed an enigmatic title.

“Entering the Station Master’s Garden” The ‘St Andrews Rules’ governed the playing of golf in the late 19th judgements on any problems brought to century as the game’s popularity spread beyond the east coast of them from outside. Scotland. The R&A would readily supply these rules, any more complex This did not, however, settle the incidents arising during play being easily dealt with by agreement arguments. The Committee set up by between gentlemen. However, contained in the rules at Rule X was a the R&A itself had dissidents among puzzling reference to the penalty for a ball entering ‘the Station Master’s them, and the out-of-bounds rules were Garden’. Remembered with some amusement by writers outwith Scotland not settled. Enter Committee member on the history of the game, it was, correctly as it happens, assumed it had Horace Hutchinson, a prolific contributor something to do with the emergence of the out-of-bounds to the golf literature of guidance from rules. the day. He suggested The Garden in question belonged to the house built that players should know St Andrews was slow in 1879 for the senior railwayman in what was then of, and bow to, the usual in forthcoming the railway marshalling yards of the railway which had ‘form’ at St Andrews. its station in St Andrews, (where the bus station is today). The house This, of course, was the one place on survives as the Jigger Inn beside the Old Course Hotel, on the right-hand the Old Course regarded in all senses as side of the seventeenth hole of the Old Course. On the extensive linksout-of-bounds, i.e. the Station Master’s land here the ball was played where it lay, even from the railway line, or Garden. A storm erupted! The Dundee Horace Hutchinson from ‘any adjacent part of the county of Fife’. The one place from which Evening Telegraph succinctly wrote: (courtesy David Hamilton) it could not be played was the Station Master’s Garden, since it seems “The Station Master’s Garden that it was agreed not to trouble this respected local figure by entering his incident is only a detail in a great question shaking up the dry property and attempting a shot. The hole in the gutta era was a par/bogey bones of many well-meaning gentlemen who have only a crude five, and the ball could reach the Garden from a sliced second shot from knowledge of the laws of the game. Let a law the fairway, or if the ball after the drive reached the be established which makes all greens alike.…. Goods Yard and lay on its mounds of stored fine There is a tide running in the affairs of corporate coal, called chirls, a shot could be attempted and bodies, as well as men. If the R&A seize the tide the line to the green was directly over the Station at the flood their mastery is secured for all time.” Master’s Garden. About 1885 the R&A had agreed New Rules appeared in September 1899, that a ball therein was picked up, deemed to be with national authority, including the phrase, ‘lost’, and in the then-dominant match-play, under ‘out-of-bounds’, stipulating only a distance Rule X, the hole was conceded. penalty, allowing a match to proceed without New clubs obtaining the St Andrews Rules the automatic loss of a hole. Surprisingly, the mostly had restricted open space. Balls regularly St Andrews Local Rules still had no mention left their confines, so clubs decided on their own of out-of-bounds on the Links, still featuring how to deal with ‘out-of-bounds’ in local rules. the ‘enclosure known as the Station Master’s Developing in an anarchic way with penalties Garden’ with a niche penalty of loss of distance ranging in match-play from stroke and distance to for balls therein. just distance or loss of hole, guidance from The 17th Hole St Andrews was slow in forthcoming. A very Adapted by the Editor from an article in public debate in The Field indicating the tip of Through the Green, published by the British Golf Collectors’ Society. the iceberg of confusion among golfers, helped moves to set up a For membership details please contact David Hamilton: national ruling body for the game. The R&A finally, in the autumn of davidh60@hotmail.com 1897, undertook to revise the rules for use by all, as well as make (Photos by Flora Selwyn)

FEATURES: REVIEWS Douglas Anderson reviews

A Granddaughter’s Story of the Artist John McGhie by Nanzie McLeod

Published by Nanzie McLeod, Glasgow, 2011 (ISBN 0 9529527 8 5). Available at J & G Innes, and all good bookshops, price £12.50 To the fisher folk of the East Neuk he was “the laud that kin pent”. But amongst the artistic community of Glasgow he was a painter of considerable ability and of certain promise. John McGhie, born in 1867, by his early thirties was a married family man with a Glasgow studio and a solid grounding from apprenticeship and experience in London, Paris, and the Continent. But it was to Fife and the East Neuk with its high, blustery skies, racing seas, and ochre roofs that he was constantly drawn, until in 1911, with the proceeds of a painting bought by Glasgow Corporation, he purchased a dilapidated cottage in Pittenweem, turning it into a home and studio in which he and five successive generations would live and work. To celebrate the centenary of “that propitious year” Nanzie McLeod has produced a handsome, delightful and wholly fascinating book entitled “A Granddaughter’s Story of the Artist John McGhie”. With access to many of McGhie’s paintings and sketchbooks, family lore and anecdote, Nanzie has compiled a tribute in which warmth, humour and affection,

along with stunning illustrations, sparkle and entertain. The book is a happy and skillful combination of biography and art monograph. On every page are colour reproductions ranging from lively sketches to finished studio portraits and narrative paintings. If the pictures speak eloquently for the artist, the text speaks to the reader in Nanzie’s own voice and with a disarming confidentiality and wit. In this her previous experience as novelist and short story writer is manifest, but also, as a painter herself, she has the gift of “eye” and the practical knowledge to make perceptive and telling comment on the many drawings and paintings illustrated. John McGhie can be loosely described as having had two successful simultaneous careers as both portraitist and genre painter. From early in the twentieth century the wealth of the City brought many commissions for portraits from prosperous Glasgow families and those illustrated show his confidence in technique and draughtsmanship. Exceptional and masterful, with echoes of Sargent, is a fulllength painting of his wife Agnes in a red cloak.

But in the paintings of his beloved East Neuk and its working folk his canvases come to a different life and movement. His delight in sea, sky and shore is apparent in his practice of painting background before the subject figures and Fresh from the Sea, reproduced here as a double spread, is a fine example. It is, incidently, the painting which financed the Pittenweem cottage. Throughout the pages sepia family photographs mingle with a plethora of sketchbook studies demonstrating the artist’s versatility of styles through some delicate early flower studies, pen, pencil, chalk and wash drawings, including a charming crayon sketch of Agnes sleeping, and a dignified portrait of his elderly father, Cleverly compiled, beautifully designed, sympathetically printed, this delightful book is the affectionate tribute of a grown-up little girl to a grandfather adored as a man and admired as an artist. We should be grateful to Nanzie McLeod for allowing us to share such personal treasures and memories.

Robert Crawford explains

The Beginning and The End of The World by Robert Crawford

Published by Birlinn at £16.99, available at J & G Innes, and all good bookshops. An exhibition, ‘The Beginning and the End of the World’, will open at the Gateway Gallery on the North Haugh on 17 September. Like many people I’ve read the blue plaques on the former Post Office in South Street and outside the University’s Careers Centre in Market Street that commemorate the work of early St Andrews photographers. I’d even seen some of their work in exhibitions and in books. But only after living here for two decades did I realise that St Andrews was the first town in the world to have been thoroughly documented through photography. I don’t think anyone else who has written about the place has quite twigged to that. Photographs were taken in Paris, London, and elsewhere before the earliest surviving St Andrews pictures were created. Yet because St Andrews in the 1840s was such a thriving centre for early photography, and because it was comparatively small, the town was comprehensively recorded through this new visual medium before any other town on earth. The story of how this happened takes in eccentricity, brilliance, and an international scandal. An academic, Sir David Brewster, helped found the St Andrews Literary and Philosophical Society in 1838. Its early corresponding members included the young Charles Darwin. Among its Fife stalwarts were pioneering photographers from the town as well as from the university. One of these, local doctor John Adamson, trained his brother, Robert, in the new art. A farmer’s son from near Boarhills, Robert Adamson

established with David Octavius Hill the most famous artistic partnership in the history of photography. Early St Andrews photographs can be found in the collections of the Getty Museum in Los Angeles, in New York’s Metropolitan Museum, and in any of the world’s greatest photography collections, including that of St Andrews University Library – which holds what is by far Scotland’s largest photographic hoard. Writing a book about all this, I realised that at the same time as the early photographs were being taken, another member of the St Andrews Lit and Phil was writing at Abbey Park in St Andrews one of the nineteenth-century’s most scandalous books. Read by everyone from local folk to Queen Victoria, George Eliot, and Abraham Lincoln, Robert Chambers’ Vestiges caused an international scandal; its speculations about the cosmos – its origins and potential termination – convulsed Victorian intellectual life. That’s why the illustrated book I have written about all this is called The Beginning and the End of the World: St Andrews, Scandal, and the Birth of Photography. Not the snappiest of titles, I admit. But it portrays St Andrews with some affection, and all local readers will recognize a good many of the locations, not to mention some of the protagonists.

FEATURES: REVIEWS Kenneth Fraser reviews

St Andrews Through Time by Helen Cook

Amberley Publishing, 2011 (ISBN 978 1 84868 541 3), at J & G Innes and all good bookshops, price £14.99. Amberley Publishing have embarked on a series in which old photographs of a place are paired with corresponding modern ones. St Andrews, with its wealth of early photographs, must have appeared an obvious candidate, and once this decision was made, Helen Cook, whose earlier publications demonstrate her wide knowledge of the City’s recent past, will have been a natural choice to write the text: she also took some of the modern photographs. Though some of the earlier illustrations, often taken from the collections of the

Helen Cook at her book launch (Photo by Flora Selwyn)

Preservation Trust, have been published before, many have not. It is remarkable to see how much has changed over the last hundred years or so in a city we habitually think of as unaltered by time. We might regret these changes now, but that would not have been the contemporary view. Mrs Cook reminds us, for example, that the houses on the west side of Baker Lane, of which only vestiges now remain, had their backs built against the wall of the St John’s House garden: they must have been picturesque, but unhealthy. The photographs, as well as the text, will repay detailed study. They answer some otherwise perplexing questions. I had often wondered, for instance, why the entrance of the New Picture House was permitted to jut out so far in front of the general building line; the answer is that the previous house on the site did exactly the same. Other photographs provoke questions: what happened to the bust of Dr Bell which used to adorn the West Infant School? This is not just a book about architecture, but also about the people of St Andrews, some of whom Mrs Cook can identify by name. She has picked out many historic scenes which will not come again: fisherwomen baiting their husbands’ lines, lifeboatmen struggling to row

back to the Harbour in a gale, laundrymen in paramilitary uniforms, circus elephants and their keepers processing through the streets. Others have their successors today, in very different guises: bathers on the sands, Lammas Fair revellers, and of course, golfers. The careful reader may notice that some aspects of St Andrews have inevitably avoided the author’s researches and the Preservation Trust’s collections, for certain parts of the old City did not attract the attention of photographers. Ronald Cant observed, for instance, that the site of the present Police Station was previously occupied by a sixteenthcentury house of some distinction; apparently nobody photographed it. But there may still be hope. The “Fife News Almanac” reported in about 1909 that the local photographic society had taken pictures of the most interesting old buildings in St Andrews. Do they survive? If readers of “St Andrews in Focus” will search their cupboards and attics, someone may yet unearth these missing records of the City’s past, and thus perhaps inspire a sequel to this intriguing book.

Claire Bagnall relates the background to

Beyond the Horizon: Short Stories of Discovery By Alasdair Firth & Claire Bagnall

Published by Bamboccioni Books. Available from Amazon, The Book Depository, and Waterstones, price £9.99. Alasdair Firth approached me and asked me to act as commissioning editor of Bamboccioni Books. I have always been an avid reader, and closet writer (what English student isn’t?), and had considered a career in publishing myself. Granted, I took on this challenge not entirely aware of what it would involve, or the time it would take up. Thankfully, Alasdair’s work on the project was well under way, and we were already ploughing through submissions for our first publication. Although, annoyingly, university work often got in the way, I relished being able to sequester myself in a St Andrews’ café, or a university computer lab at 2.00am, to read over the stories, edit them and liaise with our writers. If not a little out of my depth, I thoroughly enjoyed every moment, excepting one traumatic morning in Taste, when I managed to knock an entire glass of water over all the manuscripts and myself! While the University has a flourishing creative writing community, we were keen to move beyond this. As such, we were happily able to commission writers such as Derek Thompson, whose credits include ‘The Guardian’ and BBC Radio Scotland, and Chloë Banks, a national and local short story competition winner. However, within St Andrews we received a wonderful and strikingly original entry from a current student of the University, Peter Aitken, whose mythic tale is both powerful and enchanting. Alongside these and several others (myself included), we were remarkably fortunate to attain the patronage and the consequent charming contribution from Meaghan Delahunt: the multiple prize-winning

Australian novelist, who works in the School of English and who appeared at the Edinburgh International Book Festival in August, furnished our collection with a fabulous account of Greek life. In short, the stories, culled from all over the United Kingdom were fine-tuned in St Andrews, before pinging back and forth between myself in the town and Alasdair in Wolverhampton. Needless to say, we both grew to be incredibly proud of what Bamboccioni Books’ first endeavour had achieved. One stand-out moment for me, amidst the red pen and postit notes spread across Costa tables, was when our book appeared on Amazon. After several months of hard work, Beyond the Horizon: Short Stories of Discovery, was finally ready for publication. It proved to be quite an adventure, both in the production and the final product. As a result, it invites the reader to riffle through heirlooms and memories, and traverse worlds and moments, from rooftops to bedrooms. Our collection of short fiction probes the mythical and the mundane to discover that sometimes the thing that matters is not necessarily what you find, but the search itself. If you are interested in publishing a piece of writing with us please visit http://www.bamboccionibooks.com

FEATURES: REVIEWS Helen Donald reviews

Venturesome Love by Elizabeth Traill

Available from Faith Mission Bookshop, 548 Gilmerton Road, Edinburgh EH17 7JD price £8.99. All profits go to the Constance Hornby Education Fund for girls with special educational needs in Kigezi. This is a remarkable story about the life of a missionary, Constance Hornby, 1884-1972. Her life’s work in Uganda was concerned almost entirely with the primary objective of educating girls and women. The author, a graduate of St Andrews University, has produced a detailed account of Constance Hornby’s life, principally because of her own knowledge of teaching in Uganda. She has enhanced the book with photographs, a bibliography, an index, and quotations from many sources. The text covers Ugandan history, geography, and the political progress of the day. This sub-Saharan land-locked country in East Africa, with its capital Kampala at the Northern end of Lake Victoria, was fortunate. This is where Miss Hornby, brought up on a farm in Richmond, Surrey, was given the chance by the Church Missionary Society (CMS) to work as a pioneer. At an early age young Constance was convinced that her life’s work must be as a pioneer in education. To do this effectively she must live among the people she wanted to help. The author has detailed her early life, along with a religious background in Victorian England.

On application to the CMS she was asked to fill in a form. There was a large space for ‘Qualifications’, where she wrote, “I have never taken any examinations”. She accepted a fourterm training by CMS. She was told she was a “steady-going purposeful worker, gifted with sanctified common sense”. Although accepted as a missionary for service in Africa in July 1915, because of the War, no sailing date was available. She used the four months of delay to train as a midwife. In 1916, at the age of 32, she arrived in Africa after a long and hazardous journey. Uganda, a Protectorate of Great Britain, was, like most African countries in those days, disease ridden. Successes, failures, and frustrations were all experienced. Fortunately her sense of humour helped her to overcome many setbacks. She covered miles on foot, then by bicycle, and finally in her own car, to spread the news of her aim to educate girls. And so her story is recorded through local incidents, statistics of her developing schools, and world events. In the New Year Honours list for 1948 Miss Hornby was awarded an MBE, and in 1954 she was presented, in a party of

four Africans and three Britons, to the Queen. The author remembers her “snow-white hair, her blue eyes shining with joy” as a group of teachers sang carols to her. It was a starlit night on her last Christmas. Her first school was named Hornby High School, and had her own motto – MUKUNDANE – Love one another Constance Hornby was an extraordinary missionary. She had great vision in starting girls’ education from the days when only boys were considered to be worth educating. She was like so many pioneers, a catalyst for change. Educate a girl and you educate a family. This is a book well worth reading. The author has made certain that the reader is rewarded. (Book cover photo: Miss Hornby’s retirement party 1954)

SHOPS & SERVICES Advice from David Adie. As always this is general information and is not a substitute for taking specific and detailed legal advice on your own individual situation.

Cohabitating (formerly “living in sin”) Many people are now cohabiting for a lengthy period of time, sometimes discretionary one, therefore the parties would eventually getting married and sometimes not. People who have been throw themselves at the mercy of the Sheriff, through marriage and divorce often cohabit rather than re-marry. What or the Judge. The Court has to consider was considered “living in sin” a few years ago the Law now recognises as whether the one party has derived economic cohabitation for certain legal purposes. advantage from contributions made by the Unlike a wife or husband there is no obligation to aliment a applicant and whether the applicant has cohabitant and generally an individual’s property rights are unaffected suffered economic disadvantage. Contribution by cohabitation. Someone who owns the family home outright is covers indirect and non-financial contributions, not restricted from selling it or dealing with it because he or she is including looking after their child. Broadly cohabiting. However, Cohabitant without any right to occupy the home speaking, economic advantage includes gains in capital, income, and may apply to the Court for occupancy rights. Duration is limited to an earning capacity, and economic disadvantage includes losses in those initial period of up to 6 months and for further periods not exceeding areas. that. There can be many renewals of the 6-month period. The parties There are also provisions for the survivor on the death of a require to be living together as husband and wife or as civil partners. cohabitant if there is an intestacy: i.e. the deceased cohabitant died There are certain other rights, such as exclusion orders and ancillary without leaving a Will. Rights given to a spouse on death do not extend remedies available to cohabitants. to cohabitants, but there is a limited right to apply to Court for provisions Of most significance are the provisions in relation from the deceased’s estate. An order can be made to a breakdown of cohabitation. Cohabitation has by the Court for payment of a capital sum and for fewer legal effects than marriage or civil partnership, property to be transferred. In determining whether The moral of the story but there is a limited statutory provision for financial or not to make an award the Court has an almost claims created by the Family Law (Scotland) unfettered discretion and the matter is only now (and there is always a Act 2006. No minimum period of cohabitation is being clarified by case law. No doubt the Law will moral to every story), is specified. I suppose a weekend would be too short, develop considerably in the years to come. It is an but to determine whether or not the persons are ‘think before you cohabit‘ area fraught with difficulty. The Court can take into cohabiting regard has to be had to the length of time account the size and nature of the deceased’s net and the nature of the cohabitation and the nature intestate estate. The cohabitant’s level of award and extent of the financial arrangements between is limited so that it does not exceed the amount the parties when they were living together. There is a rebuttable which a surviving spouse or civil partner would have received. These presumption of an equitable share in household goods acquired during applications must be raised within 6 months of the deceased’s death. the period of cohabitation. The main or sole residence is excluded The moral of the story (and there is always a moral to every story), from that rule and there is no general rule of matrimonial or community is ‘think before you cohabit’. Avoiding the obligations of marriage may property for cohabitants. be a sensible aim for cohabitants, but cohabitation itself is not without Any claim for financial provision must be made within one year its down side from its financial point of view. of the cessation of cohabitation. Any remedy given is a wholly

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

We can consult locally

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

St Andrews & District Community Safety Panel

For more information about your local panel please contact PC Paul Buttercase, Community Safety Officer Tel. 01334 418745 EMail paul.buttercase@fife.pnn.police.uk

SHOPS & SERVICES Hugo D’Bere, your Grizzly Gourmet, visits

Rufflets Country House Hotel Perhaps the Restaurateurs in St Andrews live We had drinks by the fire, while checking in fear of a small woolly creature walking in out the menu and the very extensive wine list. their door and into the restaurant, but Rufflets It is always a sign of a good wine list if it has with its two AA rosettes have nothing to fear. Château Musar, the unusual, superb wine from Built in 1924 by the widow of the Lebanon (a cross between a An excellent venue a Jute Baron (she must have Bordeaux and a Rhône). had considerable bricklaying Muffy decided not to have for a romantic night skills!) the house has been out, we would award a starter, but Hugo had a subsequently extended, but still salmon terrine of hot smoked it 9 out of 10 has the ambience of a delightful and marinated salmon. This country house and in particular, has an was washed down with a glass of Chilean immaculate and attractive garden. No doubt a Sauvignon Blanc. In fact the salmon terrine was good place for pre-dinner drinks. The restaurant slightly on the dry side, but it was flavoursome. itself is in a traditional, yet still modern style of For a main course Hugo had wild duck crisp white linen and deep red. breast, which was very succulent and pink, almost to the stage of being bloody. Quite clearly, however, it was a wild duck and had considerable flavour. It was set on a bed of puy lentils with a blood orange reduction and orange segments. We would give this dish 10 out of 10. Muffy had a venison Wellington. Again, the venison was very succulent and just correctly done, even if the (filo) pastry was a bit voluminous. There was unanimity on the choice of dessert, which was an apple trio. This comprised a Braeburn apple charlotte, which was very tasty, but perhaps a little lacking in the volume of apples. There was a green apple sorbet, tingly on the tongue, and a calvados bavarois. The last one was, however, just a

little bit bland, really more like a crème brulée. Perhaps the apple flavour was just drowned out by the other parts of the composition, which had a strong flavour. As for drinks, a half bottle of excellent Côtes du Rhône came in at £15; the glass of Sauvignon Blanc was very reasonably priced in addition. Tap water is served in jugs, always saving about £3-£4 in buying bottled water, and the meal was rounded off with a Latte and an Earl Grey Tea. Perhaps a few mints or chocolates would have been in order (not just one bit of tablet each). An excellent venue for a romantic night out, we would award it 9 out of 10. Not one you would take children to. Cost all in, £92. Not cheap, but a good treat. Bear in mind you will probably have to take a taxi there and back, however, as it is not walkable from the centre of town, unless you are very energetic. (Photos courtesy Hugo)

SHOPS & SERVICES Jonnie Adamson

Property Ownership isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t so Taxing expensive, so choosing the right strategy at the outset can help save tax at an earlier stage. When it comes to selling up, tax may be payable on any capital gains achieved over the period of ownership. For properties bought some time ago there may be some large gains accruing. However, assuming there are no other gains in the year, the first ÂŁ10,600 is free from tax (two exemptions are available if the property is owned between husband and wife). If a property has been used as a main residence as well as rented out during its period of ownership then it is likely a lot less capital gains tax will be payable. Perhaps it is fair then that no tax is due on gains made on properties owned as main residences for the entire period of ownership when no mortgage interest relief can be claimed, as in the case of the landlords. For further information on this, or other matters, please consult: Henderson Black & Co. 149 Market St St Andrews

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Tel: 01334 472 255

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It is hardly surprising that with continued diminishing returns on savings accounts that more people are moving into property investment, especially in the St Andrews area. Even if the capital returns are not at the levels of the past few years there is still opportunity for steady rental income from the student and tourist sectors. From a personal point of view I find it sad that many local families are forced out of town as property prices are kept buoyant by so many external influences. I suppose this is the price to pay for living in such a popular area. A part of me feels that it is unfair that while a family does not get any tax relief on the mortgage interest payments on their own home a landlord renting out a similar property does. Despite my grievance, it is important to point out to landlords that they should look carefully at how to structure loans on any rental and private properties in order to take best advantage of this relief. There are other expenses relating to the renting out and upkeep of the property which are also allowable. Agency fees, service charges, utilities, and some legal and professional fees are deductible. When it comes to repairs and renewals then you have a choice to either claim an allowance for the wear and tear of equipment and furnishings in the property (based on 10% of the rental income) or claim for the renewal of these items (but not the initial purchase or any renewals where there is an element of improvement). If the former is chosen then there is still opportunity to claim on renewals of fixtures integral to the building, such as baths, toilets, central heating installations. These items can be

SHOPS & SERVICES

Roving Reporter received this interesting press report from Jan Shelley: 1. Weft textile studio in Pittenweem begins a new session of creative textile courses and workshops this September. The studio on the harbour, opened in February by the designer/weaver Jan Shelley, is the home of Fife’s latest independent weaving school. Weft offers a range of textile design courses, from cloth weaving to Gobelin tapestry. New Autumn courses include Developing Ideas for Textiles with artist Linda Green and Upcycling Knitted Garments with designer Sue Heathcote. The tapestry weaver Rebecca Black will again run her popular weekend courses in Gobelin Tapestry and Jan Shelley will be providing some intriguing new insights into the potential of the four-shaft loom. Weft textile studio provides a unique environment for the promotion of traditional textile skills. Whether you are a complete beginner or an experienced maker, a short course at Weft will inspire and refresh your creativity. A range of hand-made textiles and textile artworks is available for sale at the studio and commissions are welcome. For information visit: Weft studio, 15 East Shore Pittenweem, Fife, KY10 2NH. Tel: 07928 644 720, email: studio@janshelley.com web: www.janshelley.com/wef

(Photo courtesy Jan Shelley)

*****

2. Jacqui Hunter BSc (Hons) DC is now at the Kingdom Chiropractic premises in 205 South Street, St Andrews (tel: 01334 473 399). A St Andrean through and through, she had her first introduction to chiropractic in America while on a family holiday. Having graduated in 2001 with a University of Glasgow degree in Sport Science, Jacqui spent a year travelling in Australia before undertaking a chiropractic degree programme at the Welsh Institute of Chiropractic, University of Glamorgan, South Wales, where she graduated in 2007. After working in Hampshire, Jacqui is happy to be back in her native St Andrews. Reporter welcomes her home! She told him that she “finds working as a chiropractor an incredibly rewarding experience that allows me to combine my degrees to offer treatment and advice specifically tailored to each individual.” Chiropractic aims above all to prevent illness, to improve (Photo courtesy overall health and fitness. Jacqui Hunter)

*****

Reporter ducked under the (temporary) massive scaffolding over 144 Market Street to talk to Julie Amphlett, Shop Manager of the newly-opened University Shop. She explained that “the premises had been used as a temporary pop-up venue over the past 6 months for lots of events, from the FS2011 Fashion Show base, to the On The Rocks Festival Box Office, and the STAR Radio outside broadcast hub. It is now home to a permanent shop run by The University of St Andrews, celebrating its 600th Anniversary. The new shop sells limitededition artwork; St Andrews hallmarked jewellery; organic, fairtrade clothing; crafts; and books, all with a St Andrews theme. Most items bear the University crest, making them ideal gifts for students, alumni, or as a reminder of your time in the town. Our friendly and knowledgeable staff are all students or alumni of St Andrews, so if you have any queries about the University they’ll do their best to help! You can keep up to date with new arrivals and special offers through our facebook page and Twitter (@StAUniShop).” Reporter likes the spacious layout with tastefully arranged goods on display. With so much rain lately he couldn’t resist photographing the staff with a University umbrella! 4.

*****

The things Reporter gets up to for this magazine – like dipping his toes into a tank full of fish! Not any fish, you understand, but carp which clean (and tickle!). Jackie Flett, owner of Hepburns Nail Lounge, 14 Argyle Street, St Andrews (01334 476 767) kindly invited Reporter to try the town’s very first Garra Rufa Fish Pedicure. It is no joke, but serious, and relaxing foot cleansing. The tanks are meticulously filtered to avoid any contamination. Feet are washed before they’re popped into the tank for 15 or 30 minutes, then refreshed at the end with foot mist (and dried, of course). Aside from this interesting treatment, Jackie offers a full range of pedicure, manicure, massage, spray tanning, and lots more – the Treatment Menu leaflet is comprehensive, showing what’s on offer in detail, with prices. All products on sale are of the highest technological standard.

There are “130 professional formula” nochip, long-lasting nail colours. If a customer wishes to have “a side order”, she can have a special colour mixed for her, which she can take home afterwards. Reporter was intrigued by the Minx covering for toenails; heated vinyl pressed onto the nail which sparkles in any colour chosen! Products are carefully sourced for their quality from many countries. Men are also catered for: Manscaping! for chest and back waxing. Go and find out, says Reporter. Electronically up-to-date in every way, you can even book your appointment online, or telephone, text, go to Facebook, Twitter, see the webpage: www.hepburnsnaillounge.com or email: enquiries@hepburnsnaillounge.com

*****

5. It’s always great to find a reason to celebrate, says Reporter. Renton Oriental Rugs, 72 South Street, St Andrews (01334 476 334) has been trading in the town now for 35 years, a real achievement in these uncertain times. Douglas Renton, who bought the business on his father’s retirement, can hardly believe how the time has flown; he told Reporter he was five years old when the shop opened. Now his 14 year-old daughter Molly is helping, doing odd jobs efficiently, even dealing very professionally with customers. Reporter delights in the exotic atmosphere of the shop, hung with oriental carpets of every hue and size, with statues of Buddha on furniture from the East, and every kind of ornament to attract his gaze. Carpets come from Afghanistan and Iran, in spite of the troubles out there, in a heady mix of new and antique. If you have a torn rug, Reporter learned, you can bring it in for Mrs Pert to repair. Douglas said that apart from Oriental rugs he offers fitted carpets, and a variety of other floor coverings. For gifts of all kinds Reporter suggests you visit to see the variety and quality in this true Aladdin’s Cave unique to St Andrews.

Assistant Lorraine

*****

SHOPS & SERVICES

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George Ferguson Shoe Repairs Luggage, Shoe Repairs and Accessories

Steven George Ferguson Traditional Cobbler 151 South Street St Andrews KY16 9UN steven@fergos.plus.com 01334 472134

ORGANISATIONS Jeannine Nicholls introduces the

St Andrews Musical Society (formerly St Andrews Amateur Operatic Society)

We have been performing amateur shows and providing entertainment in “at a time like this, when there is so much anxiety and St Andrews for over 60 years. The aim of the society is to provide musical unrest in the world, it is absolutely essential that we should keep our entertainment, at the same time providing a society for those people with peckers up, and there is no better way of doing it than making music”. an interest in acting, singing, dancing, or stage work At the meeting doubts were raised about financing in which they can join. music shows, but these doubts were dismissed by We have been performing In 1939, during a packed meeting in the Old Court T T Forsyth, “it is nonsense to say that it cannot be amateur shows and providing Room, St Andrews, a discussion arose regarding the done”. entertainment in St Andrews possibility of the town starting its very own Operatic Later in the same year rehearsals began for a for over 60 years Society. The proposal came from Mr Alex Maxwell performance of “A Country Girl” by James T Tanner, who “was surprised that a city like St Andrews was which was due to be staged in 1940. not represented in this branch of theatre art”. It was noted that another That performance never took place because of the war, and it wasn’t speaker at the meeting commented, “if Cupar could do it so could until 1947 that St Andrews Amateur Operatic Society was to stage its St Andrews”. first show, “The Pirates of Penzance”. The Society continued to perform So on Tuesday, 21 March 1939, in a meeting chaired by Dr Mair, Gilbert and Sullivan until 1964, when Oklahoma was performed. Since St Andrews Amateur Operatic Company (the title was soon to be changed then the Society has continued to perform varied shows from Viennese to Society) was formally inaugurated. Dr Mair said during the meeting, Operetta to Modern Musicals. Last year we performed “Guys & Dolls” to packed houses, and this year we start rehearsals for “Anything Goes”. We are continually welcoming new members, ensuring the continued success of the Society. If you are interested in acting, singing, dancing, or working behind the scenes, you would find a warm welcome awaits you. You do not need to have any previous experience or be able to read music, just bags of enthusiasm. We will commence this year with a ‘Meet & Greet’ night to get the ball rolling. This will take place at Madras Kilrymont School at 7.30pm, Monday,19 September. We will be joined by Utopia Costumes, who will provide instruction in stage make-up and costumes. The rehearsals will then continue till the end of February 2012, culminating in our performance at the Byre Theatre of “Anything Goes”. For further information please contact our secretary: secretary@standrewsaos.co.uk or join us on Facebook (St Andrews Musical Society). We look forward to meeting you. (Photo courtesy The St Andrews Musical Society)

Print & Design

We welcome commercial enquiries The services we offer include: • Colour Digital Printing • Graphics & Pre-Press • External Display Banners St Katharine’s West, 16 The Scores St Andrews, Fife KY16 9AX T: (01334) 463020 E: printanddesign@st-andrews.ac.uk www.st-andrews.ac.uk/printanddesign The University of St Andrews is a charity registered in Scotland, No: SC013532

THISTLE DAE FOR ALL OCCASIONS A Gift for all occasions • Party Decorations • Themed Parties • • Gifts for Tourist/Golfer • Home Crafts • 207 SOUTH STREET, ST ANDREWS 01334 479408

TOWN & GOWN Lauren Galloway, in her 4th year at Madras College, plays “usually in the front row at band practices, but generally the second row at events” in

The Madras College Pipe Band

Madras College Pipe Band was founded 18 in their first year at Madras at the age of 11 years ago at the suggestion of former music or 12. They then begin to learn tunes off by teacher, Alan McGeoch. It started as a small heart and after that can progress on to a set of band with only 8 pipers and 7 drummers, but bagpipes made by local man Duncan Soutar, was swiftly being asked to play at a number whose father, Andy, also assists in piping tuition of events each year. The late Pipe Major Bert at Madras. After mastering the complicated Barron B.E.M (a piping instructor since 1953) blowing and squeezing technique, the pupils obtained second-hand Black Watch uniforms are invited to the weekly band practice on the free from another pipe band and drums were South Street lawn. The new members are also procured from a related source for a low then taught how to march and, after they are cost. The band is still going strong with up to deemed competent, begin to participate in band 16 pipers and 12 drummers. Around 70 pupils performances. Learning to march is another are currently learning pipes and time-consuming process. Most drums. members become proficient Around 70 pupils Roderick Barron, son of Bert after a few years of harassment are currently learning Barron, has now carried on the by the rest of the band telling pipes and drums pipe band. Formerly a Head them they are on the wrong Green keeper for St Andrews foot, going the wrong way, or Links, he has now retired, which has allowed about to bang into something.You know you him to devote more time to teaching young have cracked it when the yelling stops! pupils the bagpipes. He also composes new We take part in a great number of events tunes to add to our repertoire, including a throughout the year although we occasionally piece paying tribute to the school’s former have some difficulty balancing a busy school headmaster, Lindsay Mathieson. Stuart Foggo calendar with our commitments. Some of (Mr Barron’s nephew) teaches side drums the more illustrious events in our diary this while Naomi Thom teaches the bass and tenor year were The Royal Wedding Breakfast in drums. All the present tutors are ex-pupils of St Salvator’s Quad, and the Armed Forces Madras themselves. Parade in South Street. Our annual events Pupils are given the opportunity to begin include The St Andrews Midsummer Ball, The learning the chanter (similar to a recorder) University Alumni Ball, and The Dunhill Links

Championship. Connor Burgess, the current Pipe Major, when asked what he likes most about being in the band replied, “I enjoy the feeling of achievement after an event has gone well”. As well as more high-profile events, we play at school concerts and notable school occasions such as Sports Day and the Burns Supper. In addition to our performances scheduled throughout the year, we accompany the orchestra and wind band on a music trip biennially. Having previously visited Holland and Belgium, our next trip is planned for the summer of 2012 to the Black Forest, Germany. As well as offering the opportunity to learn a new instrument, the band is also a fantastic way to meet new people. Connor Burgess says, “one of the great things about pipe band is that it’s an excellent way to meet people you might not have met otherwise and I enjoy all the ‘banter’ between band members.” Uniform is an essential part of the band. However, kilts and waistcoats are constantly outgrown, shoes worn out, and hats misplaced; therefore it is extremely difficult to keep every member correctly attired. Replacement outfits can be expensive, especially if they have to be specifically made. The tartan we wear is listed in the Scottish Tartan Register and was specially designed for the band by Roderick Barron and Alan McGeoch. Mr Barron says, “It is a struggle to find the money needed for tuition, instruments, and kilt outfits as the band is self-funded and relies entirely on donations.” All in all I feel the pipe band is a very rewarding experience for all involved and I hope, as we look forward to our move into a new school, this will be a tradition which will continue to give people enjoyment for many years to come. (Photos courtesy Lauren Galloway)

Contact David Morrison – Telephone: 01592 748368 Freephone: 0800 148 8094 Mobile: 07740 839559 Email: david.morrison77@btconncet.com

TOWN & GOWN Jessica Volz, writer, translator, & Foreign Correspondent, is studying at the University of St Andrews for a PhD in English

Summer – a Season to be Savoured

In St Andrews, summer is as difficult to crowd gathering around the AEG Taste define as any other season: it overflows Theatre to watch Gary Rhodes do what he with meteorological highs and lows and does best received an extra course on the juxtaposes the year-round spectrum joys of cooking. As expected, he saved his of greys with a fleeting gilded glow. As crème de la crème demo for last: mouthlocals—old and new—can attest, predicting watering cranachan with a healthy portion weather patterns requires of succulent Scottish no stroke of clairvoyant raspberries. Radiating However, it is not genius; “all of the above” with gusto, Gary found provides as accurate words an insufficient worth surrendering a guess as any. When means of communicating to weather-induced gazing out at West Sands a truth he could not under a sky that seems pessimism about lost emphasise enough: to spell out, “Tut-tut, it Scotland’s berries are golden afternoons looks like rain,” visions some of the best in the of summertime shouldworld. To illustrate his have-beens—picnics on the beach, garden point, he licked the spoon clean, leaving his parties galore, and frequent Lade Braes audience filled with an insatiable craving strolls—dance in one’s head to the shrill for that “berry” same taste of summer in laughter of the gulls. Scotland. However, it is not worth surrendering With Gary’s “proof-in-the-pudding” to weather-induced pessimism about lost theory in mind, summer in St Andrews golden afternoons. At June’s Taste of becomes a forever palatable affair. Whether London, the damp drizzle did not prevent as simple a pleasure as a strawberry fresh a stampede of summer-hungry foodies— from Allanhill farm, or as decadent an including Gwyneth Paltrow sporting indulgence as afternoon tea with scones wellies—from storming Regent’s Park and strawberry and pink champagne to sample celebrity chefs’ versions of inpreserves at the Old Course Hotel, summer season gourmet eating. On a more local in St Andrews is a season to be savoured! note, Taste of Edinburgh offered a similar helping of summer-inspired food-fare. The (Photo courtesy Jessica Volz)

The Music Centre offers exceptional opportunities to everybody with an interest in music – players, singers and listeners. We are open to everyone – students and non-students alike. • Tuition with experienced professional tutors in singing and many instruments, from beginner to advanced. • NEW groups for 2011-12 include a brass ensemble, a clarinet choir and a children’s string group. • St Andrews Chamber Orchestra rehearses on Monday evenings: plans for 2011-12 include Beethoven Symphony no. 7, Kurt Weill Symphony no. 2 and Berlioz Nuits d’été with mezzo-soprano Clare Shearer. New members welcome: contact us to find out more or arrange an audition. • Other groups include St Andrews and Fife Community Orchestra, Baroque Orchestra, St Andrews Opera, Saxophone Ensemble, Big Band, Flute Ensemble, Jazz Studio and many more. • Lunchtime concerts every Wednesday in term-time: admission only £2, or free for Music Centre members. • Workshops and masterclasses with top-class visiting artists. • Intensive courses in jazz, organ, conducting and more. • Professional concerts this semester include: David Rees-Williams Trio with their unique jazz-inspired interpretations of classical works (6 October) and Jeremy Huw Williams (baritone) and Tom Wilkinson (piano) performing Schumann’s Dichterliebe and a work by Paul Mealor (17 November). Music Centre, University of St Andrews, Younger Hall, North Street, St Andrews, KY16 9AJ. T: 01334 462226 E: music@st-andrews.ac.uk W: www.st-andrews.ac.uk/music  The University of St Andrews is a charity registered in Scotland. No: SC013532

TOWN & GOWN Alan Robertson reveals

How History Repeats Itself Drawing any parallel with recent events might easily be construed as showing disrespect. ‘Dissing’ is assuredly far from this writer’s mind. There is, however, good evidence to support the view that newlyappointed Principals are fully capable of serious errors of judgement. A memorable example concerns Thomas Malcolm Knox, who came to St Andrews in 1936 as Professor of Moral Philosophy. According to all accounts he was a fine teacher, devoting care to his students and giving them every encouragement, but carrying that faint whiff of disapproval not rare in sons of the Manse. Occupying his Chair until 1952, it might be expected that he would have had more than ample opportunity of grasping which matters loomed large in the undergraduate psyche, or in more modern parlance, what made them tick, or indeed ‘rattled their cage’. Sir James Colquhoun Irvine was Principal from 1921 until his death in June 1952, whereupon Professor Knox was appointed Acting Principal. He was confirmed in the appointment as Principal & Vice-Chancellor in 1953, remaining in post until 1968, latterly as Sir Malcolm. Almost his first public act as Principal was to abolish St Andrew’s Day as a university holiday. Little stretch of imagination is needed to envisage how that endeared him to the student body. By way of marking the holiday’s demise, a mock funeral was staged, the saltire-covered coffin borne just outside the gate of St Salvator’s College by sombrely-dressed students while a piper played. The attached photograph of the event appeared, probably in St Andrews Citizen, which remarkably has no photo archive. Do any of those shown recognise themselves as they were in 1956?

Not unexpectedly, sharp young intellects were swiftly applied to devising ways of enraging the Principal, who laid himself open to ridicule by making stern pronouncements on matters of little real consequence. One of these was the practice of throwing rolls of toilet paper from the galleries of Younger Hall. These would unwind in spectacular cascades of streamers as the academic procession made its dignified progress towards the platform on Graduation days. In the words of ‘Wall’: “I simply can’t abide the issue of perforated toilet tissue!” ‘Wall’, two typewritten sheets in old foolscap size, was a distinctly sour & waspish collage by anonymous authors and had been in existence since begun by ExService students shortly after the end of World War II. It was posted every ten days or so within a glass-fronted board in the (Men’s) Union, the Admirable Crichton’s lodgings. Singled out as targets were pretentiousness, bad behaviour and ‘attitude’ in undergraduates, and the Principal’s hobby-horses. In pursuit of the latter were some verses, some lines of which ran:

“I’m Thomas Malcolm Knox the Princ And I command you all to think. Come, fellow students of this College Awaken your desire for knowledge – The like of which I’d oft instil When I was Prof of Moral Phil. Indeed I might have been there still Had I by pulling wondrous strings Not raised myself to higher things.” (Photo courtesy Alan Roberts)

Spiritual Light Within Victory Memorial Hall, St Mary’s Place, St Andrews. Spiritual meetings every Saturday. Doors open 6.15pm. Service starts 7.00pm. Second half starts 8.30pm. until 9.15. Entry £3. (Optional raffles £1). We have different visiting mediums every week. Private readings are available. Further information: 01334 476 448

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TOWN & GOWN Rebecca Petford, Transition Project Officer, Transition University of St Andrews (TUSA)

Transition University of St Andrews Transition University of St Andrews was launched by a group of enthusiastic, sustainability-focused students in 2009, as part of the national Transition movement. Transition aims to increase the resilience of communities against the threats of climate change and peak oil, while focusing on activities which lead to community-building and increased individual wellbeing. The students wanted to see more action on the ground within the University, reducing energy wastage, increasing recycling and re-use, promoting local and sustainable food, and encouraging sustainable transportation options. They were also keen to work on links with local residents, and between different groups within the University and town. Their hard work set in motion a project-focused campaign which has since gained much momentum. This spring, after a great deal of work on the part of a Steering Group of students, academics, and members of Estates, it was announced that Transition University of St Andrews had secured £90,000 in funding from the Scottish Government’s Climate Challenge Fund. This has allowed the employment of three full-time staff to further the movement – Jamie Peters, Carol-Ann Cunningham, and Rebecca Petford – who work closely with the Steering Group and many other stakeholders. The Transition team are now working on a number of projects assessed to have particular carbon-reduction, or community-building, potential. Some of these projects, such as the Interhall Energy Competition, University Community Garden, Car Share, and StAndRe-Use, involve expanding or re-invigorating existing sustainability projects at the University. Others, such as the Skillshare and Scottish Christmas Experience projects, involve devising and initiating new activities within the University community. More information on a few of these projects and how you can get involved is available below. Transition University of St Andrews will be holding a number of Open Forum events over the year, to allow staff, students, and members of the local community to get together and discuss their hopes and ideas for the transition of the town to a more environmentally sustainable and happy, resilient community. The first Open Forum will be on Sunday, 8 October, with more information on the event available nearer the time on the Transition website. All members of the local community are invited to attend. (Photo courtesy the Transition Team)

If you are interested in meeting the Transition team, getting involved with any of the projects, or have any questions or advice for Transition, please don’t hesitate to get in touch: visit 65 North Street, St Andrews, Tel: 01334 464 000 See web: www.st-andrews.ac.uk/transition SKILL SHARE The Transition team is working on devising a programme of activities allowing students, staff, and local residents to share particular skills useful to others, such as cooking, gardening, bike repairs, and mending clothing. If you have any life-skills you would be willing to share please let the Transition team know. UNIVERSITY COMMUNITY GARDEN For several years there has been a community garden at the University. The Garden is accessible from Buchanan Gardens, beside the University Observatory. We have staff, students, and community members growing vegetables and fruit all year round. The Garden is truly community-led, and all those who help receive a portion of the produce to take home! We are also going to be running training sessions for members and social events based in the garden. Group gardening times will be Tuesdays 5.30-7.30pm and Sundays 2.00-4.00pm till the beginning of September – feel free to turn up, or get in touch for more details: transition@st-andrews.ac.uk SCOTTISH CHRISTMAS EXPERIENCE The Transition team is working on a project to devise a Scottish Christmas Experience for overseas students, to provide them with a series of traditional and fun events to participate in if they choose to stay in St Andrews. In the past, many overseas students have reported feeling that they can’t stay in town as there is nothing to do. The carbon-savings come from the saved international flights, but this project hopes to work closely with St Andrews’ residents for events, such as mince-pie baking and the preparation and enjoyment of a Christmas meal together to make sure everyone has as good a Christmas as possible. Please get in touch if you have any ideas for the project or would like to get involved.

Open Association 2011-2012 The University of St Andrews Open Association has a wide range of classes and lectures available for the 2011-12 academic session. These encompass a variety of topics including: Literature, Music, History, Creative Writing, New Testament Greek, Film Studies, Wine Tasting, Geology and Garden Design. We are also offering a new business skills programme consisting of two modules: The Successful Manager and Success at Work. For full details of all courses and day schools, please see our website at www.st-andrews.ac.uk/admissions/non-degree/openassociation/ or contact the Open Association office on 01334 462275. Brochures are also available during office hours from the main reception at St Katharine’s West, 16 The Scores, St Andrews, KY16 9AX. We do hope that you will find something which appeals to you and we extend a very warm welcome to you to participate in the Open Association programme. The University of St Andrews is a charity registered in Scotland. No: SC013532

TOWN & GOWN Claire Bagnall

Budding Publisher This June marked the end of my five years in St Andrews. Half a decade of enjoyable and engaging classes, challenging exams, and, vitally, the opportunity to live and study in one of the most beautiful university environs in the United Kingdom. This has always been something I’ve been keen to take advantage of, whether socializing and sipping champagne in the Castle during one particularly memorable May Ball, or running out along the cycle route towards Leuchars. I often strode along the breathtaking coastal path to Crail, exploring its secret coves with their Mediterranean-blue surf. However, most commonly I would wander along West Sands: in the very best and worst of weather. I’ve stepped along the shore in glorious sunshine,

torrential rain, battering gales and even during the blizzards of this past winter. Running along the empty, open stretch of sand at 7.00am with the sun beating down and glinting off the waves is a life-affirming and memorable experience – even without the ‘Chariots of Fire’ theme song! But St Andrews isn’t just a site of beauty; it is also a place of academic excellence. I had the pleasure of studying both English Literature and Spanish – two wonderful University departments. The former made it fortunate enough for me to have my tutorials in the School of English, Castle House. This period property at the end of the Scores, with views across the Castle out to sea, is a location which could not fail to inspire the students lucky enough to study there. It was here, whilst studying an in-depth and incredibly stimulating module on Virginia Woolf, that I first properly became acquainted with Alasdair Firth (see Reviews). Along with further explorations of modern fiction, looking out on the blooming Kennedy Gardens, my paths and Alasdair’s also crossed with the launching of a new student magazine in 2009, The Tribe (www.thetribeonline.com). Alasdair was working as section editor of Comment, and I was in charge of Sports, then Arts. More importantly, I was also writing for Alasdair’s section – something which provided me with ample liberty to rant and rave about the length of queues in Tesco, amongst other things! We worked together and watched as the magazine went from strength to strength. Although Alasdair graduated in June 2010, passing the job of Comment editor on to me, I was able to witness the magazine’s website expand and improve, as well as leaping off the webpage on to the printed. A genuine achievement. It was after his graduation, and during the final year of my degree, that Alasdair and I were to join forces again. Post-graduation Alasdair had a few interviews with large publishers, but

each time was pipped to the post by candidates with more experience. Rather than going through the gruelling process of setting up more unpaid internships, Alasdair instead moved with his partner to the West Midlands, finding employment in a different industry. He did not give up on his dream of working in publishing, and one cold day in December 2010 he decided to take a risk and set up his own company, Bamboccioni Books. He placed several adverts online looking for authors to contribute to a collection of short stories based around the theme of discovery. After receiving a fair number of responses and greater responsibility in his day job, the enormity of the task he was undertaking sunk in, and he quickly realised that he’d need other people to help him out. Read the rest of this story in Reviews, page 11. (Photos courtesy Claire Bagnall)

EVENTS The following is a press release:

Old St Andrews, Exhibition at Old Course Hotel A series of old photographs of St Andrews scenes – and their modern equivalents – will be on display at the Old Course Hotel during this year’s Dunhill Links Championship. The photographs, numbering around fifty, are from the ten thousand-strong St Andrews Preservation Trust Collection and local photographer Stuart Reid has been out capturing the updated equivalent picture. The photographs include golfers, and washing on the whins of the Old Course, in 1860; the old toll booth on Market Street (c. 1901); the Lammas Market in 1890; the old Post Office building in South Street (1862); Hamilton Hall on fire (1976); and North Street (1891). Stuart Reid of SK Reid Photography says, “I have tried to match the old shots as closely as possible where it is feasible and the exhibition will be a fascinating display of how the town has changed over the years in so

Then many ways. It shows how we have lost some buildings, but improved others. Both the Old Course Hotel and Dunhill are major players now in St Andrews and it is great that they are staging this exhibition when there are so many visitors to our town at a time when St Andrews faces such development pressures.”

Then

Now The exhibition is free and will run the week of the tournament from Monday, 26 September, to Sunday, 3 October. The hotel is open to the public all week. For further information; Stuart Reid: stuart@skreid.com (Photos courtesy Stuart Reid)

Now

From Hamish Alldridge

Teddy Bears’ Picnic

(Photos courtesy Hamish Alldridge) The Teddy Bears’ Picnic held in Craigtoun Park last September, was a great success for all concerned. CLIC Sargent, the charity dedicated to raising funds to help children with cancer and leukaemia, across Scotland, is delighted to be holding the event again this year, on Sunday, 4 September, at The Balgove Larder, and we hope for another splendid turnout of Families, Bears, and their friends. Last year’s event was enjoyed by many and most importantly, raised over £4000 for CLIC Sargent. This contributed a great deal to our ability

to provide support for the 10 children diagnosed with cancer every 48 hours – through Homes from Home, Outreach Nurses, Care Grants, Play Specialists and Social Workers. Thank you to all who came along – and lets look forward to a real fun day again this year. Remember – Sunday, 4 September – 11.00am – 4.00pm – The Balgove Larder. Bring a Bear, a Picnic and enjoy all the activities and attractions!

EVENTS From Alan Norris

Win Tickets to See An Evening of Burlesque Direct from London’s West End, tantalising yet tasteful, camp and colourful, the fascinating art form of Burlesque is coming to the Rothes Hall on 16th October. St Andrews In Focus have teamed up with the producers of this superb production to give away a pair of tickets to see the show at Glenrothes. An Evening of Burlesque is a brand-new theatre production that recreates the tradition of Burlesque, giving it a modern-day twist. Burlesque is back in fashion – Hollywood’s film Burlesque, starring Christine Aguilera and Cher, packed in fans at UK cinemas nationwide earlier this year. Its popularity has continued with Britain’s only nationally touring burlesque stage show capturing theatre goers’ imagination, attracting newspaper headlines and capacity crowds wherever it plays. An Evening of Burlesque is the only theatre show on tour that brings to life this intriguing art form. “The show brings variety back to the theatre, combining comedy, magic, and vocal harmony with couture costumes, breathtaking choreography and a fabulous score,” says show producer Michael Taylor. The stars of the show have been playing to full houses regularly in London’s West End. “We thought it time the rest of the UK joined in the fun,” says Michael.

The first entry drawn will win a pair of tickets to the show. Send your answer via email/on a postcard with your name, address and daytime phone number to editor@standrewsinfocus.com Or by post: PO Box 29210, St Andrews, KY16 9YZ. Closing date: 1/10/ 2011. The prize will go to the first entry drawn on 2/10/2011. There is no cash alternative. Usual St Andrews In Focus rules apply. Editor’s decision is final. To win tickets to this amazing show answer this simple question: In which French city is the Moulin Rouge to be found? To buy tickets contact: Rothes Hall, Glenrothes Box office: 01592 611 101 www.attfife.org.uk (Photos courtesy Alan Norris)

EVENTS From the Botanic Garden,

Apple Day is on its way! Will the Lady of Wemyss, Lord Rosebery, or from St Andrews Orchard Group will be on hand Charles Ross, be seen at the Botanic Garden with their apple press to show how apple juice Apple Day this year? At the first St Andrews is made – plenty of free tasting. If you have Apple Day last year, our local apple expert, surplus apples from your garden, why not bring Willie Duncan of Drumeldrie, displayed and a full bag or two along, and either donate them identified many unusual varieties of apple and to visitors, who perhaps haven’t a garden of was delighted to find that the ancient golden their own, or swap them and take home a bag yellow Scottish variety, the Oslin, or Arbroath of another variety. Alternatively you can get Pippin, was still growing in a private garden in them pressed into juice you can taste on the the town. If you have a nameless apple variety premises, or, if you bring along a bottle, you can you would like identified this year, bring along at take some home. least two samples, including the apple stalk and Fife Beekeepers Association will be talking some leaves: our expert will see what he can about the importance of bees in fruit growing. do to name it. We hope a Fife Countryside Ranger and From treasure hunt to tombola, from an members of the Fife Diet group will also be apple history timeline, to tours of the orchard, there. Different varieties of apple will be there you will find a variety of appleto taste, and practical aspects of linked events for all ages at the apple growing to learn about, all Once again there second Apple Day to be held in with the aim of entertaining and will be lots to see September this year. Fife Council informing visitors of all ages. and take part in have generously waived the entry Plenty to occupy small fee to the Garden for that day, so children too, with an orchard you can bring the whole family along to join in treasure hunt, apple games, apple art, as well the fun in the Garden and in the Glass Class. as apple snacks for the little ones to make. All Once again there will be lots to see ages can try the longest apple peel competition. and take part in. John Hancox of the Buy tea, coffee, and bacon rolls to keep your Commonwealth Apple Project, and Henry Paul strength up as you go round, inspect the

(Photo: Brian Carr) autumn-themed display in the Gatehouse, buy a gift or a greetings card there, or perhaps go home with a plant from the sales area, as well as some apple goodies, such as chutney and jelly. Traditional apples are a valuable part of our history and culture. Don’t let them disappear! Don’t miss what promises to be another entertaining day at the Garden. Support your local Apple Day! The Botanic Garden Apple Day will be held on Sunday, 25 September between 11.00am and 3.30pm. Drinks and snacks available to buy. Free entry. St Andrews Botanic Garden, Canongate, St Andrews, follow the brown signs from City Road. The Garden is 250m up the Canongate on the right hand side. Parking available.

Selected Events Saturday, 3 September – 9.00am-1.00pm. Argyle Street carpark. Farmers’ Market. Contact: info@fifefarmersmarket.co.uk – 2.30pm. DUNDEE, Glasite Hall, St Andrews Church Hall Complex, King Street. Still No-Man’s Land? The controversial life of Brig General Frank Percy Crozier 1879-1937. Mike Taylor BSc MA FMA Branch Member, Western Front Association. Free, but donations welcomed. Contact: Bob Paterson, 01382 775 000, email: wfatayside@lochnagar.fr – 2.00-4.00pm. St Andrews Museum, Kinburn Park. Poems about paintings: the French connection, Scottish poet David Kinloch will talk about the process of translating visual images into language, with readings from his most recent collection Finger of a Frenchman – poems that retell the story of Scotland’s relationship with France across five centuries of artistic interaction. Contact: 01334 659 380. Sunday, 4 September – 11.00am-4.00pm. Balgove Larder, Guardbridge Road by St Andrews.Teddy Bears’ Picnic. In aid of CLIC Sargent, helping children with cancer. See page 23. Contact: Hamish Alldridge, 01333 311 198, handal@btinternet.com Tuesday, 6 September – 12.45pm. The Prior’s House, St Andrews Cathedral. Harp Recital by Simon Chadwick on his replica Queen Mary harp. Admission is free, but booking is advisable from the Cathedral Visitor Centre: tel. 01334 472 563. Saturday, 10 September – 11.00am. Leuchars Airshow. Tickets £25, children £15. Contact: 0844 481 8922, info@airshow.co.uk Tuesday, 13 September – 10.00am. St Andrews Public Library, Church Square. Bookbug Session story, song, and rhyme for babies, toddlers, pre-school kids (ages 0-4) and their families; Fife Council. Contact: 01334 659 378. Wednesday, 14 September – 7.30pm. St Andrews Town Hall, Queen’s Gardens. Madagascar, a talk by Rob Armstrong; Scottish Ornithological Society, Fife Branch. Contact: 01334 848 278. Saturday, 24 September – 10.00am-12noon. Town Hall, St Andrews. Annual Show & Coffee Morning. The St Andrews Gardeners’ Club. Contact: Secretary, Mrs. S. Scott, Beley Bridge Farmhouse, Dunino, St Andrews, Fife. KY16 8LX. Telephone: 01334 880 341. Friday, 30 September – 6.00pm. The Guid Cheese Shop, Burghers Close, 141 South Street, St Andrews. Italian Feast. Sample some of Italy’s best wine and cheese combinations and hear stories of our pilgrimage to the Cheese Festival in Piedmont. £20 per person. Contact: 01334 477 35, info@guidcheeseshop.co.uk

Saturday, 1 October – 9.00am-1.00pm. Argyle Street car park. Farmers’ Market. – 7.30pm. Town Hall, Queen’s Gardens. The Wetland Bird Survey in Scotland, a talk by James Bray, the Scottish Ornithological Society, Fife Branch. Contact: Karen Dick, 01334 848 278. Sunday, 9 October – 4.00pm. St Leonards Music School, The Pends, St Andrews. Sam Haywood (piano), and Arisa Fujita (violin) play music by Bach, Beethoven, Brahms. Season tickets £49, concessions £45, students £9. At the door £11, concessions £10, students £3, children £2. Contact: Alison Cross, 01334 476 056. Tuesday, 11 October – 10.00am. St Andrews Bowling Club, Kinnessburn Road. Probus. First meeting of the 2011/12 season for retired business and professional men. New members welcome. Contact the Secretary: 01337 830 262. Saturday, 22 October – 2.30pm. DUNDEE, Glasite Hall, St Andrews Church Hall Complex, King Street. Mud, Blood and Wood, BEF Logistics during Third Ypres. Rob Thompson, Teaching Fellow in Modern History, and author. Western Front Association. Free, but donations welcomed. Contact: Bob Paterson, 01382 775 000, email: wfatayside@lochnagar.fr Friday, 28 October – 6.00pm. The Guid Cheese Shop, Burghers Close, 141 South Street, St Andrews. Harmony of Wine & Cheese.Try some new cheeses and learn more about pairing cheeses and wine. £15 per person. Contact: 01334 477 355, info@guidcheeseshop.co.uk Sunday, 30 October – 7.30pm. The Younger Hall, North Street. The Heisenberg Ensemble, Conductor Gillian Craig. The concert includes music by Mozart, Elgar. Tickets £10, concessons £8, students £5, from the Music Centre, Younger Hall, or at the door. Contact: 01334 462 226.

EVENTS

Invite you to visit a hidden treasure in the heart of St Andrews OPEN DAILY ALL YEAR ROUND

PLANT SALES AREA Open Till end of September

APPLE DAY

25th September

WINTER LECTURES

Start 1st Tuesday in October Chemistry Dept. North Haugh TO JOIN THE FRIENDS AND SUPPORT THE GARDEN CONTACT MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY Tel: 01334 476452 Charity No. SC006432

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117 North Street, St Andrews Tel: 013334 474902

OUT & ABOUT Izzy Corbin, CC Convenor Health Education & Welfare,

The Community Council Following on from the huge success of the St Andrews Wedding Breakfast, where the community worked in unison together to bring an amazing event to fruition, and filmed from all the corners of the globe – this would not have been possible without all of those bodies taking part, organizers, businesses, all our sponsors, and ultimately the people of St Andrews who generated such humongous enthusiasm from start to finish of the event – St Andrews Community Council wishes to say a huge “Thank You” to all who were involved, and if we inadvertently missed some names out please accept our heartfelt apologies. We would like to enlist and welcome the people of St Andrews to help build on that Community Spirit, in the same way, in an endeavour to keep Craigtoun Park and its amenities open for all, to ensure its future for this generation and our future generations. St Andrews Community Council has been working alongside Fife Council in an attempt to ensure that one of the most beautiful, tranquil areas that we in St Andrews are proud to have, remains open to the public; namely the 16.5 hectare Craigtoun Park, just two miles outside St Andrews, home to many listed buildings, including the picturesque Dutch village. To make things more enjoyable it should be free, thus providing families with days out in spectacular surroundings. Many of us will also remember that the miniature railway, not running for some time, is now back on track, again adding

an incentive to keep the Park open. There is an extensive children’s play area, one of the best play areas around with plenty of space, together with trampolines to unleash energy. This vast amount of space allows various activities to be enjoyed by all, young and old alike. There are now in place many picnic tables, for those much-loved outdoor meals. The plans for the future of Craigtoun include refurbishment of the Dutch Village and the much-loved Gazebo. The Gazebo may well be one of the first on the extensive list. There are also plans to re-open the greenhouses, and later operate the boats again on the impressive, breath-taking lake. Please use our green space, one of St Andrews’ most special best assets. It would be an incredible shame to lose it, because if the gates close on it, it would be to each and every citizen’s detriment. We would also like to ask the people of St Andrews to become more involved, by letting us know what you would like to see done, and what events staged. Your ideas are so important, please feel free to bombard us with all your thoughts, wishes, and feelings on this matter of utmost importance. There are counters on the Park gates, so the more you use it now, the more it will reflect the Park’s usage. Please do not hesitate to contact us. Addresses can be found on the Community Council website. Please help build on our unique community spirit and get tapping, or penning. Many thanks.

Good News!

George MacQuarrie, National Secretary of ScotWays, kindly wrote to your editor: “In your last but one issue, you were good enough to carry an article on behalf of ScotWays, seeking volunteers to assist with our “Route Wardens” scheme in Fife, particularly in the area south of St Andrews and down towards Crail and Anstruther. I am pleased to say that this has been successful, and three of your readers – one

of our own members plus two others – have come forward, which covers our need very adequately. One of the new volunteers is a horserider, which is particularly helpful, as most of our path-reports and observations record things as seen by walkers, so it is most helpful to have this new perspective. The

areas now covered are Boarhills, Blebo, and Crail, which still leaves scope for others to offer themselves. May I record the gratitude of ScotWays for this opportunity to reach your readership? As editor, you will doubtless be pleased to note that St Andrews in Focus is achieving useful community connections of this sort.”

OUT & ABOUT Ann Riddle in Earlsferry kindly answered the question asked by Alistair Lawson in the last issue

The Origin of the Elie Chain Walk My grandfather Alec Cook, when Elie Burgh Clerk and local lawyer, organized the first chains to be installed round Kincraig point. A local blacksmith was given the task in 1929. Here is the story of why!! One day my mother Meryll and her sister Barbara aged 18 and 15, failed to return from a walk when expected. Their father, Alec, set out to look for them. They were found unharmed sitting high on the rocks at Kincraig waiting for the tide to go out

so that they could return to the beach and home. They had enjoyed the climb and all the excitement and their father decided that others might enjoy the challenge in rather more safety. The walk was never advertised, as word of mouth for the summer visitors was enough. Grandfather died in the 1960s and in 1977 my uncle was very concerned that many of the links and chains were badly corroded by the salt. I have a (poor) copy of a press photo showing a gang of Elie children headed by Uncle Peter, carrying a very long

replacement chain donated by a foundryowning Elie family; Peter had persuaded Fife Council to undertake maintenance of the links and chains provided that they were in good condition at the handover! My mother Meryll Cowan, in her 98th year was interviewed by Mark Steven for Radio Scotland Past Lives and gave her account (somewhat confused with dates!) of the adventure that led to the Elie Chain Walk.

Tony Hardie’s

Nature Notes – July 2011 a special lens over the eye to It is not often that St Andreans have the chance to watch a allow for the dive. “spectacular” free of charge. But when a shoal of mackerel (or are The Latin name for the bird they herring?) comes into St Andrews Bay, and when this is spotted is Sula basana, derived from the by gannets from the Bass Rock, then an acrobatic circus follows. gannetry at the Bass Rock, but Gannets start their dive from high up, close their wings and plunge other gannetries include Souliskerry headlong into the sea. They have dived to spear their prey and to in the Orkneys, Muckle Flugga in quickly reappear, take off, and join that aerial circuit once again. I am Shetland, St Kilda, the Ailsa Craig, reminded of children on the diving board when they rush up the steps and the Sea Rocks in Luce Bay. It is to try again. But the gannets’ dive can be so dramatic and there may a bird of the North Atlantic latitudes, those be many birds circling one hundred feet up – that’s a high dive! Not all seas where their food source is so dive from directly above, some have worked out the plentiful. Unlike the fulmar and many angle at which to take their particular fish. This is a This is a feast: the sun other gulls, they are not scavengers. feast: the sun reflects on white wings in the sky and reflects on white wings There is another gannetry off the Island on the splash that they make. In time they fly away, in the sky and on the of Lewis, where the men of Ness obtain with measured wing beat, in single file and low over permission to cull the young birds, which in the water to the Bass Rock, whence they have come splash that they make days gone by provided meat and feathers for – a round trip, in this case of 50 miles – to feed their the islanders. This cull calls for great climbing skills. I suspect one youngster. I could not describe this wonderful bird better than to that the young bird, known as guga, is an acquired taste. The history take the description direct from A Field Guide to the Birds of Britain books suggest that they were not to the liking of King Charles II. and Europe: “a goose-size white sea-bird identified by extensive With the approval of the editor I hope that in the next issue I may black tips to long narrow wings... the pointed bill is often pointing write about those lovely small birds to be seen in summer on the downwards and pointed tail... wheels majestically when feeding.” St Andrews links. It has been designed as a high aerodynamic diver: no nostrils, but air in the body (Photos by kind permission of John Anderson for protection as (www.pbase.com/crail_birder)) they plunge and

Gannets on Bass Rock

OUT & ABOUT Alistair Lawson takes a

World tour of Europe, Egypt, Asia, and Fife What is Fife’s connection with the White House (upper case)? Answer – the white house (lower case) in Tayport. Readers who have walked from Tentsmuir Forest through Tayport and on along the coast towards the Tay Bridges, may have noticed the white house (lower case) in Tayport which bears a plaque commemorating the visit, in September 1877, of former American President and Civil War hero, Ulysses S Grant. Grant’s major accomplishments were behind him by that time. He had played a major part in leading the Union Army to victory in the American Civil War, he had, in what historians call the post-bellum period, taken a prominent role in rebuilding the southern states, promoting civil rights for freed slaves, reuniting the south with the north, and he had secured not only the Presidency but also a second term. It was in that second term that things took a downward turn for him; he had appointed some sub-standard people to office, they turned to corruption and the President’s reputation suffered collateral damage. By the time he demitted office, his standing was probably at its lowest ebb. In 1880, after a due interval, he tried for a third term, but to no avail. During that interval, he and his wife made a two-year world tour. He had more than just rest and relaxation on his mind, the sub-agenda being that, if people abroad could be shown to admire him for his military and civil rights achievements, then his stock at home would

Leaving the power of the Press to work rise and he would stand a good chance of its magic, the Grants’ odyssey continued, securing a third term. It was not to be. with visits to Egypt, Jerusalem, Greece, The tour started well. When the Grants’ Rome, Russia, Austria, Switzerland (where ship arrived in Liverpool on May 28, 1877, huge he acquired a St Bernard named Ponto) crowds turned out to welcome him, honouring Germany and Denmark, before heading east him not just as a former president, to Burma, Singapore, Siam, Indo-China, but as the military hero who saved China, and Japan. Readers back home were America from falling apart. British fascinated by accounts of these little-known leaders, from the Prince of Wales places, with most of which the USA had no to Queen Victoria herself, lined up formal diplomatic relationship at that time. to host the Grants at lavish dinners The Emperor of China refused to meet the and receptions. The Queen was Grants, though they were received by the irritated because the Grants Emperor and Empress of Japan. Arriving back brought their son, Jesse, along in the USA at San Francisco, they were met to meet her. Still, she treated by huge crowds, fascinated by the success them cordially, although she later of the world tour, the stories of strange lands referred to 19-year-old Jesse and peoples and his enhanced reputation on as a “very ill-mannered young the world stage. Yankee.” Perhaps the most incredible display However, that homecoming welcome was of affection came in Newcastle, which the the high point, and, during his follow-on tour Grants visited on September 22, 1877. Tens of of hometown America, thousands of people turned support diminished. By out to honour Grant with British leaders, from the the time the Republican a parade and to hear him Prince of Wales to Queen Convention came speak. Victoria herself, lined up to round, the party gave It was during these host the Grants at lavish its nomination to James weeks in Britain that he Garfield, who went on to visited Fife, and it was from dinners and receptions win the Presidency and Tayport that he set off to view serve in the White House – though only for the partially-built, ill-fated first Tay Bridge. 200 days, before being assassinated. The positive receptions continued in So, in all these momentous events on the mainland Europe. The sub-agenda was working world stage, Fife played its little part. Go to out well, in that a New York Herald reporter Tayport and see the white house (lower case) travelled with the Grants and sent dispatches for yourselves! home to readers in the USA. Americans began to forget Grant’s scandals and remember his (Image courtesy Alistair Lawson) heroism.

Nikki Macdonald, Education Officer, St Andrews Botanic Garden Education Trust, is delighted to report

The Return of the Red Squirrel Following an absence of over a year there have been red squirrel sightings again at St Andrews Botanic Garden. The first were in April, made by a seasonal gardener working in various areas of the Garden. More recently, on two separate occasions, visitors reported seeing a red squirrel. The first of these sightings was in a Scots Pine tree close to the large pond. The visitor was able to take a photograph using her mobile phone. She mentioned that the squirrel stayed in the same position for quite some time. How obliging! The second spotting was in the Coniferous Woodland where the squirrel remained on the ground for some time and seemed unconcerned about being observed! A red squirrel, nicknamed Rhuiraidh by Garden staff, was seen on several occasions in 2007 and 2008. Visitors and the Education Trust recorded sightings of both red and grey squirrels during this period. Recently we have seen only grey squirrels. We are very pleased to hear of the new sightings and hope to find out whether this is a very active solitary squirrel appearing all over the Garden, or preferably, a breeding population.

It is possible that the red squirrels are coming into the Botanic Garden from Lade Braes and it would be wonderful if they decided to make a permanent home in the Garden, which certainly provides a perfect habitat for them. There is plenty of food available in the form of pinecone seeds of the Scots Pine and Larch trees, plus hazelnuts, beechnuts, berries, and even mushrooms in Autumn. There are large areas of both coniferous and broadleaf woodland for them to build their nests, known as dreys. We still have a range of special feeders throughout the grounds from when Rhuiraidh the Red Squirrel was a tenant of the Botanic Garden. These feeders exclude the grey squirrels, which compete with the reds for food. We hope that the red squirrels are here to stay and that visitors to the Garden will inform staff at the Gatehouse (or contact us via our website, or on Facebook) of any squirrel sightings. And if you get a snapshot, even better! (Photo by kind permission of John Anderson (www.pbase.com/crail birder))

OUT & ABOUT David Adie

The Sailing Club Regatta The Sailing Club Regatta was held over the weekend of 11 and 12 June, with 3 races on the Saturday and 2 on the Sunday, which was slightly earlier than normal, but the Regatta now tends to be timed before the school holidays start to ensure maximum participation. The Regatta has long been a feature of the Sailing Club’s annual programme and visitors to the Club can inspect photographs going back to the 1960s when the sailing club was known as St Andrews Boating Club. These show “serious all over the place as different boats tack at looking men” in tweed jackets with heavy frame different stages to manoeuvre up to the first spectacles and wooden boats! Things have mark. Confusing, but colourful, and on some changed remarkably since those days and of occasions nail biting is the best description of the 18 boats sailing at one stage or the other the start of a race. in the Regatta, there was in fact only 1 wooden The weather conspired to create a boat, a beautifully maintained Mirror, sail regatta of two halves. The Saturday was wind No. 69958, sailed by force 3-4, dull, wet, Walter Mouat and his The Regatta has long been and generally rather daughter, Elise. unpleasant – dreich a feature of the Sailing The remaining 17 would be the Scottish boats were all modern Club’s annual programme word. The Sunday on glass fibre of various the other hand was dry vintages and makes and altogether the fleet and sunny with a slightly stronger wind. The made a colourful scene in the bay. A casual main disadvantage of Sunday was that it was observer looking at the races may wonder why extremely cold, as those on the rescue boats all the boats suddenly seem to go in every could testify (myself included). Altogether it was direction at once, almost colliding, changing most unseasonal weather tack and moving around. This is because at for the middle of June, but the start of the race the boats manoeuvre for this did not dampen the position. It is obviously not possible to line spirits or the enthusiasm up sailing boats along a line as if they were of all of the competitors. runners, and so the technique is to try and Albeit the weather was make sure that when the gun goes off signalling not the best, at least it the start of the race your boat is just about was much better than last to cross the line, which is usually between year’s regatta, when there a Committee boat and a buoy. The casual was 10-12 feet of surf, observer will then notice that all the boats tend unusually resulting in the to sail off in the one direction on the one tack, cancellation of the whole then within 5 or 10 minutes are all dispersed event.

– First overall, and the first laser, was Charlie McMonagle, who won the Kinkell Cup. – Second overall, and the second laser, was Ali Macqueen, the former Commodore of the Club. – The Mouats won the Menzies Cup for the first double-handed boat in their lovely Mirror. – Special mention should be made of Joel Currie’s excellent efforts, resulting in his winning the Novice Cup. – A special merit award was made to Ben Pitcairn and Matthew Steele for their achievement in learning to sail so well in a very short space of time over a few months. They had a great regatta! – Another merit award was made to Callum Frood, leading the Topper fleet by a long way, until equipment failure forced him to retire from the last two races. Bad luck Callum! As always the regatta was only possible because of the large number of people who provided the back-up. Running a regatta like this involves at least two safety boats, a committee boat, a base radio, beach officials, and people to take entries and deal with signs and the all-important Galley. If anyone feels like getting their feet wet or having a go at sailing, come down to the Club, because regular training events are held and regular sailing is held throughout the Spring, Summer, and Autumn. Who knows, you may even win next year’s Regatta!

(Photos courtesy David Adie)

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Podiatry/Chiropody: 01334 479003 Biomechanics/Orthotics: 01334 470111 Website: www.FootClinicUK.com

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