St Andrews in Focus Issue 67 Nov Dec 2014

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

November/December 2014 Issue 67, £2.00

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

Jurek Alexander Pütter

The Bridge at Greenside Place Where did it all begin, that autumnal maritime ‘Amazonian’ adventure of 1953, that fabled lone voyage, that river exploration from salt seawater to the edge of freshwater? It originated at countless jumble sales held with timely frequency across the City in musty-smelling dusty halls. What was attracting him then, at the age of nine and even earlier, were maps, the world of the Ordnance Survey maps that became a Holy Grail of sorts to boys of his generation. In those far-off days long before the electronic age, the jumble sale in all its varied chaotic forms, represented an affordable access, a real introduction to the world of maps and books. They were events where pipe-smoking academics rubbed shoulders with rough-and-ready schoolchildren eager for an alternative education outwith the narrow confines of the school classroom; where collections of all manner of subject matter had their births and growths. He had started to collect wartime issues of Flight and National Geographic; vast pre-war series with titles such as Shipping Wonders of the world; Wonders of the Ancient World; and tons more. Whole series were tied up in stout string in back-breaking bundles and lugged or dragged happily back home in pony-express stages, to occupy pride of place upon expanding bulging bookshelves, or be consigned to the ubiquitous glory hole, to compete for space with household junk. But the dual efforts of the highly-focused rummage, and the physical portage, yielded an infinity of rewards of treasured hours of interest in that pre-TV age. He had acquired slender tomes of How to Read Maps, etc.

High and low water marks began to assume some fascination, as was the furthermost inland reach of Spring and Neep Tides. He had not failed to notice that the furthest reach of a spring tide up the Kinness Burn, which flowed in a valley on the south side of the Old City, was recorded as being at the Bridge at Greenside Place. He knew the bridge well, for he crossed it frequently en route to his Granny’s house at 2 Langlands Road, the lower flat in a block of four, situated on the West side of Langlands Road adjacent to and overlooking the garden of the red brick Boys Brigade Hall, which, in turn lay only a veritable spitting distance from the bridge at the foot of Greenside Place. He visited his Granny each Saturday morning in order to do her shopping at Bone’s tiny grocery shop, itself a hop skip and jump from the same bridge. He had mused long on the fact that the sea level a handful of times in the year, came within such a short distance of both places. It seemed both a topographical and geographical incongruity that the sea, yes, the same sea of the harbour, the beach, and the bay, should be such a disconcertingly close neighbour of the seemingly safe inland urban area complete with an iconic red-painted telephone box.

He had stood one Saturday morning in Mr Bone’s shop with his Granny’s shopping list, and raffia basket.

Mr Bone had graciously served him, item by item that he knew off by heart. It was part of a well-honed ritual, “Thank you Mr Bone. See you in a week’s time”. He decided then, as he paused outside the shop, that he would visit his Granny by rowing boat when the time and tide were right. He quietly told his Granny of his intention.

She said that if he did that, she would bring to him at the bridge, in his rowing boat, a cup of tea and a biscuit. Both were quietly serious, both looked forward to the event; it was their secret and he would make it happen. He had

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spoken to rotund Mr CargiIl, who wore a fisherman’s outfit – a ‘bunnet’ with which it was universally assumed he was born, smoked a pipe, and owned the small fleet of rowing boats tied up at the harbour bridge. Mr Cargill, who sat permanently on a great cast iron bollard, whose pipe never left his mouth, stated that indeed it was possible, but only on a handful of times in the year, and that if he was determined to do it, he must row alone with the smallest boat, travel up with the tide. Once at the bridge, he had only ten minutes of tidal slack before he had to leave. If he got stuck he wouldn’t come to his rescue, and that it would be, ‘One hell of a job’ to get back.

So it came to pass. He paid his money, climbed down the iron ladder, clambered over the bigger boats to the smallest one, unhitched it whilst the tide was quietly rising. He waved at rotund Mr Cargill fixed inseparably upon his iron bollard, removing his pipe from his mouth, “ten minutes at the bridge laddie”. Thus he proceeded up the rising ‘Amazon’, under the cantilevered harbour bridge, up into the broad inland sea of the upper basin, peppered with ducks and seagulls of mixed species; past the mixed cast-off remnants of the defunct fishing fleet; past the remains of Miller’s shipyard where fishing boats had been built, and the flooded ramp from where they had been Iaunched, past the gaunt block of the flat-capped tower of the yard’s forge. He came to the old Stormalind bridge on whose north side there had been a grain and flour mill in the later Middle Ages. Some traffic rumbled and boomed on the bridge above as he passed beneath, stabbing the wet arced walls with his oar. As the waters continued to rise he didn’t need to row much, for the tide carried him silently forward into the dark arboreal tunnel whose embracing canopy hid the Cottage Hospital. The sides of the ‘Amazon’ were shored up with the rotting walls of ancient timber masked with ancient seaweed. Soon he emerged out into the sunlight and the tall yellow reed beds fringing Woodburn Park, an ancient flood plain, sculpted by the remains of an ancient meander. The ‘Amazon’ became too narrow for the oars to be of any use, he had to stand, and using one oar punted forward to the final bend brushed by dense overhanging foliage, into the last straight stretch where he could see the bridge, the rear of Mr Bone’s shop and the telephone box. The ‘Amazon’ was thick with scum. He could see his Granny waiting on the bridge in her pinny and with her flask. He removed his socks and sandals, stepped out into the salty ‘Amazon’ which had come to meet freshwater, pushed the boat onto a gravel berm beneath the bridge and ever so quickly, laughing triumphantly, clambered up the dock-leafed embankment.

He drank his cup of tea, dunking his biscuit in celebration.

Granny, much amused, but ever vigilant, looked at her watch, pulled a face, said, “time to go – no time to be marooned!”

Disappearing under the bridge he pulled the boat off the berm, leaving as a reminder for him to see later, the furrow of its keel. Turning the boat, he clambered on board joining the sea’s retreat, waved farewell to his Granny, and other women who, surprised at the sight, had paused to witness both his arrival, and departure from the only time he came to see his Granny by boat at the Bridge at Greenside Place.

Illustration and text, © Jurek Alexander Pütter

St

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

From the Editor

Someone remarked that I must enjoy meeting people.

It’s true, I do. And why not? Everyone has a story. All are interesting, especially those of St Andrews itself.

Do you remember that Desiderata that was popular a few years ago? It was purported to have been written in 1692 and to have been found in a Baltimore church.

It was, in fact, written by Max Ehrmann, a GermanAmerican lawyer. It began, “Go placidly amid the noise and haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence.” That’s such good advice today when many people, mostly the young, are perpetually wired up. What I also like is, “ Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even the dull and ignorant; they too have their story.” So yes, being myself “…a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars,” I do wish you all to “…be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be, and whatever your labours and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life, keep peace with your soul. With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be careful. Strive to be happy.” Amen to that! Then may your Christmas be merry, your New Year ‘reet guid’!

Flora Selwyn

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The views expressed elsewhere in this magazine are not necessarily those of the Editor. © St Andrews in Focus (2003) NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2014 EDITOR Flora Selwyn Tel: 01334 472375 Email: editor@standrewsinfocus.com DESIGNER University of St Andrews Print & Design (printanddesign@st-andrews.ac.uk) PRINTER Winter & Simpson (ken@wintersimpson.co.uk) DISTRIBUTER Drop 2 Door (billy@drop2door.co.uk) PUBLISHER (address for correspondence) Local Publishing (Fife) Ltd., PO Box 29210, St Andrews, Fife, KY16 9YZ. Tel: 01334 472375 Email: editor@standrewsinfocus.com SUBSCRIPTIONS St Andrews in Focus is published 6 times a year.

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Contents FEATURES

• • • • • • • • • • • •

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RIP Hamish From the Community Council St Andrew Moses Chui Wan Raised Beds Holy Trinity Church windows Ask the Curator Reflections Fountain update From the Web Poets’ Corner – What triggers a poem?

– Colin’s 12 Days of Christmas!

– In Flanders Fields – An Early Bedder’s Lament Reviews – Through Students’ Eyes

4 5 6 6 7 8 9 10 10 11 11 12 13 13 13 14

TOWN & GOWN • • • •

The Byre Theatre Letter from Hong Kong A Graduate replies A Travel Website

15 16 16 17

SHOPS & SERVICES • • • • •

PodoFit in the UAE My Head is in the Cloud Zest Heather Lang advises Roving Reporter

18 19 20 21 23

ORGANISATIONS • • •

World Polio Day The Table Tennis Club The Community Trust

24 25 26

EVENTS • • • •

St Andrews Play Club Jack & the Beanstalk Vintage Collective Selected Events

27 27 28 29

OUT & ABOUT • •

Fife’s Far Frontiers Weathervanes

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NEXT ISSUE – Jan/Feb 2015 COPY DEADLINE: STRICTLY 28 NOVEMBER

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

Cover: original artwork © Jurek Pütter

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FEATURES

Hamish McHamish (1999 – 2014) Rest in Peace Old Friend

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FEATURES Howard Greenwell, Chairman of the

Community Council As I write this article for the magazine, I am reminded of a large portion of my own working life. The standards organizations I worked for in the last years of my career, just like the Community Council, can have endless committees trying to make decisions for the good of the people they represent.

Most involve participants fighting for their own agenda, but one such committee that has met a few times over this summer has sparked a new sense of co-operation in everyone around the table, which is rare in many committee meetings. I am talking about the co-operation among the people from the Community Council, the St Andrews Partnership, the Fellowship of St Andrews, the Food and Drink Festival, the Byre Theatre, the University, and Fife Council, all working towards the celebration of St Andrews Day at the end of November.

Following on from the success of last year’s events, it is good to see many people in the town working to making this year’s celebrations even better, including more Christmas lights, more events, a more coordinated schedule trying to avoid any overlaps. This year there will be 3 full days of events, culminating in the Christmas lights “switch-on” and the Ceilidh on St Andrews Day itself. Behind the scenes it is good to be part of something where everyone is trying to bring together a series of events we can all look forward to.

Not everything at this time of year is about St Andrews Day. The Community Council is also hard at work planning the Senior Citizens’ Treat taking place about 10 days before Christmas. Again it is good to see a number of townsfolk working alongside University students, again in true town

and gown co-operation. We are always looking for more volunteers to give a little of their time one Friday afternoon in December to add a little seasonal cheer to those a little less fortunate than ourselves.

September saw the end of the summer season at Craigtoun Park for this year. Buoyed by their new lease agreement with Fife Council, the Friends of Craigtoun have surpassed all expectations. They managed to attract approximately 140,000 visitors to the park this year; more than double the number for 2013. It was a great day out for all the family. Congratulations to all those who have worked so hard to bring Craigtoun back to life and to make it a real asset once more for the town.

October also saw the annual meeting of the members of the St Andrews – Loches Alliance, in St Andrews, to which some members of the Community Council were invited.

After 17 years of co-operation between the two towns it is good to see such thriving exchanges still taking place on a regular basis. The only sad aspect to this year’s visit was the recent death of Mary Freeborn, who, in the late 1990s, founded the link between Loches and St Andrews. She will be missed. After so many years of collaboration, this year’s visit does raise the question of a formal “Twinning” relationship for all of us to consider, perhaps as a tribute to Mary for her hard work and for all those who continue to move the Alliance forward. The Community Council would welcome your views on this.

Finally, as this is our last article for 2014, and autumn is almost over as I write, all of the members of the Community Council wish you a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year, when it comes.

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FEATURES Gavin White

Saint Andrew “I see that the town is going to spend three days celebrating Saint Andrew”, remarked the Professor of Astrobiology as he stirred sugar into his coffee, “It really is remarkable that his bones ended up here.” “Not just remarkable, but incredible”, replied the Reader in Antiquity, “the story given by the historian Eusebius is that Andrew went to the Scythians across the Black Sea and died there. We don’t know much about the Scythians, but they were not the sort of people one would wish to marry one’s daughter.” “So how did the bones come here?” asked a mere lecturer in mere logic.

“There were connections between Russia and Scotland in the First World War”, noted another, “Russian soldiers were seen passing through Scotland with long beards and snow on their boots. An unsubstantiated rumour. But Saint Andrew became the patron saint of Russia. The Russian navy before Communism, and after, had and has, the Cross of Saint Andrew as its flag. Though it never did them much good. They usually lost.”

After dwelling on sinking ships and lost battles, the Reader returned to the subject. “The story is that a monk named Regulus, though that would have been the rule by which he lived and not the man, if he had existed – which he probably did not – brought the bones here. Do not ask how. But there is another story.” Everyone leaned forward expectantly to hear the other story. “According to a tradition which is called unreliable, and being unreliable in this field of study is very unreliable, Andrew lived and died in the Greek city of Patras. And there really is a Patras; I went there once and saw a man eating a sheep’s head in the street.” Once again his mind wandered, then he came back to the subject, “The bones were taken from Patras to Constantinople, which was looted by western Crusaders, who sent or brought the bones to Rome. Or somebody else did. When Augustine of Canterbury sailed from Rome to evangelise the

Anglo-Saxons, though in fact they were already evangelised ......” He ground to a halt. Then he began again, “The monastery in Rome was dedicated to Andrew, and Augustine is said to have taken the bones from there to England, eventually to Hexham in Northumbria. When a pagan king threatened Hexham, Regulus (him again) took the bones to what is now St Andrews.”

“Is any of this true?” asked the lecturer in logic. “Probably not”, admitted the Reader, “That relics from Rome were taken to England, and were in Hexham, is quite credible. That the bones in Rome were those of Andrew is not credible. There are too many gaps in the story.

And returning Crusaders were not too particular about what they said about what they carried away. Nor were the people who sold them to the Crusaders, if a sale actually took place. And why take them from Hexham to a place in the wild north?” “But if there were bones, are they still here?”

The Reader thought long before answering. “Almost certainly not. You will know that on that June day of 1559 John Knox and his followers went from church to church bashing statues and digging up tombs. The shrine of Saint Andrew would have been a prime target. Though we do not know.”

“But does any of this matter?” asked a postmodernist to whom nothing existed, let alone mattered. “It mattered a great deal. In the Gospels Andrew was called by Christ before Peter, and Andrew then called his brother Peter. That gives Andrew priority over Peter, and any church with a foundation by Andrew is not under Rome. Constantinople played this card, and so did others. And in Scotland the bones of Saint Andrew meant that the church was not under St Peter’s in York.”

“I still prefer the story of long beards and snow on their boots”, piped up the earlier voice, but nobody was listening.

(Photo by Flora Selwyn, ‘The mists of time’)

“The abridged version won’t come out till Jesus of Nazareth”

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FEATURES Anthony Butler, Hon Professor, the Medical School,

The Chinese ‘stick and ball’ game (chui wan) St Andrews has long relished its reputation as the birthplace and home The Wan Jing consists, after an introduction, of 32 long and detailed rules of golf. The Royal and Ancient Golf Club is the custodian of the rules of for playing chui wan. Translation from the classical Chinese of that period golf. However, recently Chinese scholars have brought to our attention is very difficult. It was the language of a restricted band of men who had a game similar to modern golf played in China during medieval times, been through the same rigid educational system and much of the meaning thus threatening St Andrews’ unique position. is left to a ‘common understanding’, something There are undoubtedly similarities The key publication is an article by Ling Hongling, difficult to recapture. The language is terse and Professor of Physical Education at Northwest unpunctuated. Some characters are no longer used, between the two games Normal University, Lanzhou, China. It appeared in some have changed meaning and the rules use the Australian Society of Sports History Bulletin in 1991 and gives a brief a rather specialised vocabulary. One can imagine the difficulties facing a description of a Chinese game called chui wan (‘hit ball’). From pictorial Chinese scholar in translating the rules of cricket into Chinese with such and literary records of the time, there is no doubt that a game, involving phrases as ‘maiden over’ and ‘silly mid-on’. However, the first draft of the hitting a ball into a hole in the ground by Wan Jing translation is now available means of a stick, was played in China, and it makes fascinating reading. The possibly as early as 943 AD. aims of chui wan and modern golf are The clearest insight into the exact the same: to hit a ball into a hole with a nature of the Chinese game comes from club. However, in chui wan there is no two paintings of the Ming dynasty (1368initial long shot, the number of holes is 1644 AD). The first shows Emperor not specified and the scoring system, a Xuande (1425-1435 AD) playing chui cross between matchplay and strokeplay wan. He is holding a club in each hand, and involving collecting playing tokens, as if he is deciding which one to use, is entirely different. On the other hand, on a green in the palace garden with the similarity in the etiquette of play of a number of holes and into each is the two games is astonishing. Rule 1 fitted a small flag. The second is by the says, “Disobeying the regulations and talented painter of the Ming dynasty, ignoring the traditional style of play should Du Jin (1465-1487 AD) and is part of a be punished without forgiveness”. As 30ft long scroll depicting the diversions regards your fellow players, Rule 8 says, of ladies living in the Forbidden City.

“Players with literary talent and honesty It shows a number of beautiful court are acceptable”. Clearly the stakes used ladies, with servants carrying clubs in in play were high for Rule 12 states, silk bags, hitting a ball towards a hole “stupid people have poor playing skills in the grass. In late 2013 it was put on and eventually become poverty-stricken” show in London as part of a spectacular and “a decline in wealth is a clear sign of Painting by Du Jin of court ladies playing chui wan. exhibition of Chinese painting at the failure”. There is advice on having balls V&A and was given considerable publicity in the national press. made, which were wooden, and on psychological aspects of A by-line in The Times said: “Ming dynasty’s ladies of leisure play. The frequent repetition of the need for good manners is tee up (sic) battle over birth of golf”. Unfortunately for the tedious, but it is entirely consistent with the Confucian ethic that Chinese, playing chui wan died out during the Ming dynasty, pervaded Chinese society of that time. What is surprising is not possibly because of the introduction of foot binding which that such rules appear in a Chinese manual of that time, but prevented aristocratic women from easily walking around a that the ethos of the conduct of modern golf is so similar. Let us playing area. Thus, nothing has been written about the game, make the cheerful assumption that the Scottish gentlemen who even in Chinese, for the last 600 years. However, with the early formulated the rules of modern golf were also blessed with emergence of China as a major golf-playing nation, there is high ideals. renewed interest in chui wan.

Do the similarities between the play and conduct of chui How do the dates for playing the Chinese game compare wan and modern golf indicate that the modern game is derived with the appearance of golf in Scotland? There was a riotous from its Chinese precursor? One difficulty in accepting a link is golf-like game played by ordinary people in kirkyards after the the problem of transmission. Few Chinese inventions reached Sunday service. The aristocracy played a similar, but ‘long’ the West. One of the exceptions is gunpowder, invented in game on the seaside links. In an early reference the financial China during the ninth century AD, and its spread to Europe Rule 8 for playing accounts of the King’s expenditure for 1502 and 1503 mention has been mapped in great detail by the polymathic scholar chui wan. It should that he played “golf with the Erle of Bothuile”. The exact date Joseph Needham. No comparable evidence, of even the most be read downwards for the emergence of golf is difficult to decide, but it is certainly rudimentary kind, exists for the spread of chui wan. Until such from the right. several centuries after the flowering of chui wan in China. Did time as evidence of transmission is found, the best working Scotland get the idea of golf by hearing of the hypothesis is that ‘stick and ball’ games were Chinese game? invented independently in China and Scotland and There are undoubtedly similarities between the modern game evolved in Scotland. Both cultures the two games: the aim in both is to hole a small get credit and what could be better than that. ball by hitting it with a stick or club, and to do so We have tried recreating chui wan on a putting with the minimum number of strokes. In addition, green. It certainly adds spice to the game as you and Chinese scholars have made much of this, the are awarded playing tokens in number according etiquette of play in the two games is very similar; to your performance. We have not yet got around this could indicate a common origin. How is it to trying ‘fling’ or ‘one-armed’ strokes or playing that we know so much about the etiquette of chui strokes in a squatting position. It is not clear what wan? The etiquette of play, as well as a detailed benefits accrue. We have avoided a ‘decline in account of the rules, is contained in a manual wealth’ by keeping the stakes low (for example, printed in China in 1282 AD called the Wan Jing loser does the washing up). We have to challenge (‘ball manual’). This manual has been quoted certain rules. Rule 2 states, “Read and understand Professor Wuzong Zhou and Dr Chuan Gao many times by Chinese scholars to show the the manual and you will be able to play well”. similarity between the two games but, when the current project was first This is certainly not true. Rule 2 also tells you what to do if your ball hits a conceived by Dr David Hamilton (the golf historian) and myself, there was spectator. So far, we have not had to deal with that problem. no full translation into English of the Wan Jing. For further investigation We hope, eventually, to publish our translation of the Wan Jing with of the origins of golf, such a translation was urgently required to ensure scholarly essays. When this happens, it is hoped that others will gather that Chinese scholars are not cherry-picking the rules to suit a particular friends “who are respectful, peaceful and serene” (Rule 7) and try this agenda. After consulting John Moffett, librarian of the Needham Research interesting and rewarding alternative to the rigours of modern golf.

Institute in Cambridge, whose family live in St Andrews, we were able to recruit two distinguished Chinese scholars, Professor Wuzong Zhou and (Images courtesy Anthony Butler.

Dr Chuan Gao, both resident in St Andrews, to undertake the translation.

Painting with permission from Long River Press.)

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FEATURES Anne Lightwood discusses

Many ways to make use of raised beds Articles in St Andrews in Focus often provoke reducing stress, and encouraging social thought, and two in the recent issue (Sept/Oct, interaction. Gardening has been used as a no 66), though not obviously related, roused therapy since the time of the Egyptians; monks my interest. knew the value of the herbs they cultivated; In ‘Nourish Scotland’ Matilda Scharsach Queens and courtiers cultivated palace described the value of ‘Growing what we gardens; and even stern Victorian asylums eat and eating what we grow’, the benefits advocated that ‘patients shall be employed in of organic production, gardening... to promote Many spaces around town growing seasonal crops, cheerfulness and with fewer food miles in the happiness’. * have become building plots supply chain and the aim Currently the value for apartments – but here lies of eliminating food poverty of sensory gardens for the problem.

None seems through education and blind people and those designed for ‘living’ rather than with dementia or memory training schemes.

Therapist Heather loss is recognised, while just occupying for a while.

Lang wrote of longevity schools are encouraged as a double-edged sword, quoting Abraham to use part of playgrounds for vegetable plots Lincoln – ‘it’s not the years in your life...it’s the or planters. Some councils plant wild flowers life in your years’, and listing many examples along roadside verges, and there are waiting which will make later life happy and healthy. lists for allotments in many places. St Andrews By chance in the same week I saw an does bloom with long-lasting planters and on-line notice posted by The School of the baskets in public areas thanks to many hardBuilt Environment at Heriot Watt University working volunteers. The Botanic Garden in Edinburgh advertising for a PhD research buzzes with activity with schoolchildren from student with the subject, “Examining restorative all over Fife working on projects, plus many environments for carers and healthcare other adult activities. professionals”. The student would be a So why the need for further research if member of the Health and Wellbeing Research all this is already known? The message does Group based in the Centre of Excellence in Sustainable Building Design. And a brochure for new apartments designed ‘for retirement living’ was delivered with the post. Might there be a connection between all these?

Since the fifties I have had three addresses in St Andrews: Abbey Park as a schoolgirl, the Bell Rock House as a student, and Lade Braes for the last 30 years. Each one was right at the time. We like our sunny, central house with conservatory, large garden and garage, but sadly, the years take a toll and it is built on a steep slope with many steps inside and out. It seemed time to make a change.

Many spaces around town have become building plots for apartments – but here lies the problem. None seems designed for ‘living’ rather than just occupying for a while. Rooms looking smart in computer imaging turn out to be small when measured on a plan, only suited to minimal furnishing; one or two bedrooms preclude family visits or the need for a carer.

No room for a study, not much kitchen, space for golf clubs, or anywhere to park a bike, but – worst of all – no private space outside to sit in the sun with a coffee, grow some pots of herbs or chat to a neighbour. Lacking balconies, patios, or sheltered courtyards there is no substitute for the garden fence, pottering in shed or greenhouse, or even polishing the car.

Yet all these simple activities have been shown to have positive effects in relaxation,

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not appear to have reached the boardrooms of developers, or the drawing boards of architects judging by results so far. Buildings of little distinction, arranged in barrack-like blocks fill the space more profitably. The hope must be that super insulation, efficient solar heating, grey water purification and effective waste management are also built in to the system. No sedum roofs are visible yet.

Grass, some trees, and a few benches are more easily maintained, but why not some raised beds like those placed by Transition around town, or a conservatory accessible to wheelchairs? Many could then enjoy biting into the first tomato, tasting mint on new peas or a crunchy salad. “Well designed, accessible gardens enable those with physical disabilities or limited mobility and those living with sensory impairments to garden independently and get active in their communities” * Perhaps there is a need for that PhD student! Meantime we are staying put. * Information from Trellis website – www.trellisscotland.org.uk Trellis is an organisation supporting health through horticulture with many projects involving therapeutic gardening.

(Photo courtesy Anne Lightwood)

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FEATURES In June 2009 Hugh Playfair, grandson of the Revd Dr Patrick Playfair, Minister of the First Charge of Holy Trinity Church, St Andrews 1899-1924, published a booklet celebrating the windows of the Church. Peter Adamson provided the photographs.

It was recently suggested that readers’ attention be drawn once more to these wonderful works of art, such a priceless treasure in our town. Peter Adamson has kindly photographed again a selection, reproduced here. Do go and feast your eyes on this treasure.

There are placards in the Church to guide you, and Hugh Playfair’s booklet is freely available.

(Photos specially taken by Peter Adamson)

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FEATURES Samantha Bannerman, Curator of the Preservation Trust’s Museum

Answers Your Questions

Q. We “putt” each summer Monday on the Bruce Embankment and last week someone wondered why it was titled thus. A friend told us that the sea used to lap the border of the R & A until George Bruce had the land reclaimed. We were further referred to a splendid bronze plaque in the shelter next to the new Caddies “Caboose” beside the Himalayas. Someone thought that derelict boats filled with stones and rubble were used in the land fill as the plaque shows boats, rocks and shells.

A. Helen Cook’s book St Andrews through Time gives an excellent account of the history of this area. She details that the area now known as the Bruce Embankment was first created in 1893 with a land reclamation scheme undertaken by local worthy George Bruce (1825 – 1904). Coastal erosion meant that the sea was encroaching on the golf course, and so, in the area between the Step Rock and the West Sands, Bruce linked four fishing boats and filled them with soil and stones (pictured). The boats held back the sea, and so the area was aptly named the ‘Boat Embankment’. At high tide and during particularly bad storms the boats would move out of position, but they would be quickly put back again.

In December 1896, the Town Council renamed ‘The Boat Embankment’, ‘The Bruce Embankment’. They stated that, “giving the name of The Bruce Embankment to the works at the West Rocks may be largely a matter of sentiment, but the public generally recognise that the embankment as it now exists is due to the labours of Mr George Bruce, conducted at his own cost and risk, and it seems fitting that he should have the credit of it”.

The Council continued to ‘fill in’ the embankment by dumping the Town’s rubbish in the area just West of the fishing boats.

The embankment was just one of the many projects in the Town initiated by George Bruce. Poet, social reformer, naturalist, and Town Councillor, Bruce devoted his time and money to St Andrews, particularly in improving the Harbour area. We are fortunate to have his papers, containing photographs, scrapbooks, and manuscripts, in our archive.

(Photos courtesy the Preservation Trust Museum)

John Cameron

Reflections on the Course of History In what must surely be his last major work the renowned American diplomat and political scientist Henry Kissinger gives us an overview of our troubled times in “World Order”. Given the multiplicity of foreign policy emergencies we face as well as the centenary of the Great War the arrival of his illuminating book could hardly be timelier.

He was a teenager when his parents fled Nazi persecution in Bavaria and he arrived in New York via London in 1938, but retained for the rest of his life his Plattdeutsch accent.

Becoming a naturalized US citizen in 1943 he served with military intelligence in Europe and advised on the re-establishment of civilian administration in post-war Germany. He went up to Harvard where he graduated summa cum laude in political science before receiving his PhD for a dissertation entitled “Peace, Legitimacy and the Equilibrium”. That was followed by the book that made his name “Nuclear Weapons and Foreign Policy” and from then on combined the careers of academic and government consultant.

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Richard Nixon made him National Security Advisor in 1968 in which capacity he pioneered policies of détente with Russia and China as well as ending US involvement in the Vietnam War. The book’s most compelling sections are when he uses the lens of his realpolitik to look at the sources of conflict both in the First World War and the modern Middle East.

He also provides a succinct summary of his long-held views on the destabilizing dangers of insurgency from the French Revolution to the spectacularly misnamed Arab Spring.

The model to which he repeatedly returns is the Westphalian system set up in 1640s Europe when conditions roughly approximated those of the contemporary world. There was a multiplicity of statelets, many with contradictory philosophies and internal practices, in need of neutral rules to regulate their conduct and mitigate conflict. The three principles in this treaty which ended the Thirty Years War were: state sovereignty, equality of states and nonintervention of one state in the internal affairs of another.

Today, this model had been challenged long before fundamentalist Islam from fields such

as international security, humanitarian activity, global economy, and the spread of liberalism.

In the Middle East, borders set up by the likes of Winston Churchill in the 1920s with his pencil and ruler were not primarily concerned with the creation of stable societies. As we see in the Iraq he designed, forcing different ethnic, national, and religious groups to live together against their will is neither desirable nor stable in the long run.

Kissinger argues for realism in the Levant where jihadists have challenged the nationstate system in their violent quest for a caliphate based on extremist religious values.

This dangerous upheaval was facilitated by dubious US decisions to support regime change and Western-style democracy in Iraq, Libya, Egypt, Afghanistan, and Syria.

The fact that Kissinger himself played no small part in destabilizing virtually every secular ruler in the Middle East gives this last book a poignancy and sense of his personal remorse.

FEATURES Update from Bill Sangster

The Fountain in Market Street Over the past few months, contractors have been upgrading the fountain in Market Street in St Andrews to bring it up to modern standards such as time control, together with Health and Safety Standards. This was carried out in good time, overseen by Fife Council.

Costs for this operation have been met by The St Andrews Pilgrim Foundation £10,000; The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews £8,500; a further £10,000 had been used for the installation of the equipment situated under the roadway, with a control panel on the pavement side, covered by the St Andrews Common Good Fund.

On carrying out the final tests – water pumped under pressure through the system for a period of time – it was noticed that there were leaks to the internal pipework, requiring further investigation. The cost for this, approximately £6,000, has been donated by The St Andrews Pilgrim Foundation, for which I am very grateful.

Work should now proceed over the winter period. It is hoped that once this work has been carried out, St Andrews will again have a seasonal working fountain in the centre of town (after about 80 years or so), that all can enjoy.

From the Web – for those of us who remember Milk deliveries in Bottles at the front door, here is a good example of notes left for the milkman...

Dear milkman: I’ve just had a baby, please leave another one..

Please leave an

ralysed milk.

extra pint of pa

Cancel one pint after the day

after today.

Please don’t leave any more drink it.

(Photo by Flora Selwyn)

When you leav e my milk plea se knock on m bedroom windo y w and wake m e because I wan give me a han t you to d to turn the m attress.

t ken down and I missed las Please knock. My TV’s bro tell you l wil it, saw If you night’s Coronation Street. of tea? cup a r ove ed pen hap at me wh My daughter says she wan ts a milkshake. Do you do it before you deliver or do I hav e to shake the bottle?

Please send me details about stagnant.

cheap milk as I am

milk. All they do is Milk is needed for the baby.

Father is unable to supply it.

Milkman, please close the gat e behind you because the birds keep pecking the tops off the milk.

e a loaf but not bread

Milkman, please could I hav today.

Please cancel milk. I have n othing comin house but two g into the sons on the do le.

r bill before, but my wife Sorry not to have paid you rying it around in my had a baby and I’ve been car pocket for weeks.

Sorry about yesterday’s not e.. I didn’t mean one egg and a dozen pints, but the other way round.

and ery other day e two pints ev av le s y se da ea es pl Wedn From now on between, except in s y da e . k th il one pint on want any m s when I don’t and Saturday

My back door is open. Please put milk in ‘fridge, get money out of cup in drawer and leave change on kitche n table in pence, because we wan t to play bingo tonight.

When I say today, I mean Please leave no milk today. e yesterday. tomorrow, for I wrote this not milkman please put the coa l on the boiler, let dog out and put newspaper inside the screen door. P.S. Don’t leave any milk..

14 e milk at No. se do not leav ea Pl . k il m o N ice. til further not he is dead un

either as

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FEATURES: POETS’ CORNER Gordon Jarvie of Crail, Fife

What Triggers a Poem? or, Memory Hold-the-Door It’s quite hard for me to articulate what triggers a poem, or indeed why it may sit dormant (and unexpressed) in one’s head for many decades. But two examples of what I mean presented themselves to me in 2014. It was in January that Eleanor Livingstone (Director of StAnza) kindly commissioned me to write a poem for use at this year’s StAnza Festival. The poem’s subject was to be an African tribal wand from Zambia, an artefact which had been donated and exhibited at MUSA (the Museum of the University of St Andrews, on The Scores). My task was to produce a poem based on this museum photograph.

I have never been to Zambia. But in the 1970s I had spent many months working in West Africa. There I had seen tribal wands both on display and in use, mainly in Ghana and Nigeria. So, one of the poems I came up with in response to Eleanor’s photo was With a swish of his whisk, or wand, and I duly sent her a copy.

With a swish of his whisk, or wand is dedicated to my friend the late Olaiya Fagbamigbe, one-time agent in Nigeria for William Collins Publishers, of Glasgow and London. In the 1970s I was employed as the Collins overseas schoolbooks editor, and Olaiya had helped me to find textbook authors from all over Nigeria to write material for the local West African Exams Council syllabus. He came from the town of Akure, and he had also given me the gist of the story indicated in the poem.

I suppose With a swish of his whisk, or wand is therefore an example of a commissioned poem, based on anecdotes and recollections from my past. But much more recently, and quite unrelated to the StAnza commission, another African recollection was somehow dislodged entirely unbidden from the back of my mind. In July I wrote A house called Kaduna, a poem triggered by a simple name on a wrought-iron garden gate in my home town of Crail. The name had intrigued me for some time, and it seems to have pointed me to a shadowy but memorable event in the city of Kaduna some forty years back in my memory bank. It is this that amazes me – I who have trouble recalling what I did last weekend. When asked how long it took him to write a poem, I know that Norman McCaig famously quipped, “Two fags!” That was the wag in him, a notorious smoker. Someone else has answered the same question, in similar vein, “Between half an hour and twenty years.” But in With a swish of his whisk, or wand and in A house called Kaduna I’m actually doubling the latter calculation: a privilege of old age perhaps.

A third poem, An African artefact fetches up at St Andrews, also derives from the StAnza briefing; it features in Scotia Nova (Luath Press, 2014). I remain curious (if not exactly agog) to know if further African topics will yet beckon a few more poems out of me. I hope they will.

With a swish of his whisk, or wand Remembering Chief Olaiya Fagbamigbe (1925–1983), of Akure, Nigeria Aged in his nineties, the Deji (or chief) of Akure, as lately as 1953, was still the embodiment of a traditional way of life. That was the year when finally he rebuffed overtures from some Christian churches to build a chapel within his palace compound.

Describing their proposals as superfluous, he pointed out proudly that his compound already had within its walls the temples and shrines of seven hundred and twenty deities.

Then, with a collective swish of their wands the Deji’s courtiers dismissed the Christians from his chiefly presence. End of audience.

[In Yoruba society, the chiefs carry various honorific titles.

Hence the Deji (or senior chief) of Akure]

The Toka tribal wand, from the MUSA collection – the artefact that inspired the poems printed here.

(Reproduced courtesy of the University of St Andrews)

A house called Kaduna I : Crail, July 2014

II : Kaduna, November 1974

Walking west from Crail along by the coastal path you pass a scatter of villas and seaside cottage rows with local-sounding names – West Braes, Castle View, Spindrift, or Long Skerries, to name but a few.

Late afternoon from across the Maidan’s baking dustbowl comes a thunder of ponies’ hooves and the softer thwack of wooden mallets on wooden balls at the polo club: two teams taking a last chukka before nightfall.

Among these names sits Kaduna, a 1920s stucco bungalow with fine vistas over the estuary to May Island, North Berwick Law, the Bass Rock. But how did it come by such an exotic cognomen for these parts? Was it built by some retired ex-colonial?

Sitting on a long veranda in front of the catering rest house a few spectators strain for a view through deepening twilight.

Eight riders loom suddenly alongside us, mostly army men in khaki, as well as two Fulani Al-hajjis in blue streaming robes.

Kaduna takes me forty years back to days of travelling Nigeria when the city administered all of the old Northern Region, an entity comprising more than half of that vast nation.

No sooner here than they’re away up the field again, rumbling into the gloom and heat of the evening, almost like ghosts.

A whiff of leather, sweat and horseflesh lingers on the night air.

[The Maidan is the (originally) Indian name for a polo field].

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FEATURES: POETS’ CORNER Colin McAllister’s

Twelve Days of Christmas On the First Day of Christmas my true love sent to me, A Birdie at a Par Three.

On the Second Day of Christmas my true love sent to me, Two missed Putts, And a Birdie at a Par Three.

On the Third Day of Christmas my true love sent to me, Three off the Tee, Two missed Putts, And a Birdie at a Par Three.

On the Fourth Day of Christmas my true love sent to me, Four Penalty Drops, Three off the Tee, Two Missed Putts, Etc.

John McCrae, May 1915

In Flanders Fields In Flanders fields the poppies blow Between the crosses, row on row, That mark our place; and in the sky The larks, still bravely singing, fly Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow, Loved and were loved, and now we lie In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe: To you from failing hands we throw The torch; be yours to hold it high.

If ye break faith with us who die We shall not sleep, though poppies grow In Flanders fields.

On the Fifth Day of Christmas my true love sent to me, Five Airshots, Four Penalty Drops, Three off the Tee, Etc. On the Sixth Day of Christmas my true love sent to me, Six Sad Slices, Etc. On the Seventh Day of Christmas my true love sent to me, Seven Duffed Drives, Etc. On the Eighth Day of Christmas my true love sent to me, Eight Wicked Hooks, Etc (Photo by Peter Adamson)

On the Ninth Day of Christmas my true love sent to me, Nine Nasty Shanks, Etc. On the Tenth Day of Christmas my true love sent to me, Ten Lost Balls, Etc. On the Eleventh Day of Christmas my true love sent to me, Eleven Unraked Bunkers, Etc. On the Twelfth Day of Christmas my true love sent to me, Twelve Bad Lies, Etc.

Johnnie Ritchie

An Early Bedder’s Lament Snug in yer bed o’ winters nicht, Frae storm and blast yer happit ticht; Ye coont a few elusive sheep And then faw soondly aff tae sleep.

Then suddenly yer dreams are shattered, Yer random thochts are rudely scattered; In crawls the wife frae fit tae heid Cauld: as if she wis somethin’ deid.

Wi’ frozen feet and legs and knees, Like some great fish frae polar seas; And what a daurnae write in verse Worst o’ the lot – a frozen ****!

And then tae show her fond affection She wriggles ower in your direction; And plants that icy muckle hummock Richt in the middle o’ yer stomach.

Wi’ anguished gasp and in-drawn braith, Ye shrink frae icy touch o’ daith; But still she wriggles till she’s captured, That warm space where ye lay enraptured.

And tho’ ye feel aboot tae perish, Ye promised aye tae love and cherish; So dae yer duty in style superior, An’ warm the lassie’s cauld posterior.

But thank the Lord that by the law Ye’ve only got yin wife tae thaw.

With fond memories of the late Charlie Todd of Freuchie, Fife, who entertained so many when he recited this poem!

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FEATURES: REVIEWS Jennifer Morton reviews

St Andrews: Through Students’ Eyes

The number six hundred is just that – a number.

The myriad of different people, events, achievements, tragedies, personal experiences and stories wrapped up in the passage of six hundred years of history is so vast and incomprehensible that reflecting on it is like trying to understand an endless motion picture with infinitely complex and countless story lines. One can only imagine the memories which a particular place creates over the years; and only regret how many have been left behind as the mists of time cloud over the clarity of the past.

The 600th Anniversary of the University of St Andrews brought with it an opportunity and a challenge. The landmark opportunity to showcase six hundred years of life in our ancient town was overshadowed by the challenge of how one can possibly capture the essence of St Andrews given the different voices it has spoken, experiences it has given, and legacy it has bestowed, upon everyone who has passed through its doors in the course of six centuries of time.

This is why St Andrews: Through Students’ Eyes is a remarkable book. It does not try and sum up six hundred years of history in a couple of hundred pages. Instead, it takes a snapshot in time, isolates a particular moment, and examines the different meanings St Andrews has for every individual suspended at that moment. Each of the four chapters – student life, academic life, kaleidoscope of life, and town and gown – encapsulates a different dimension of life in St Andrews, and fits together to form a mosaic of over 200 contributions unveiling the immense diversity within the walls of our small town.

Flicking through the pages of this book, one is immediately struck by an awareness that it is part of something bigger; each page adding to a storybook which has spanned the last six centuries of time. Through Students’ Eyes absorbs us into life at 600; yet, at the same time, it reminds us that we are always connected with history so long as we recognize the ways in which the past receives expression in our lives at present.

Above all, the book reveals the chameleonic character of St Andrews and the different voice it speaks to every person it has touched. The book is neither just for students nor just for locals – it is for anyone

who has allowed St Andrews to become part of their story, and who has felt the compelling magnetism of our unique cliffside town. Each contributor has expressed what St Andrews means for them in a dazzling array of ways: some using the simple written word, others using the imaginings of poetry, a few through fiction writing and interviews, and some capturing the spellbinding elegance of St Andrews with a single photograph.

The final product is a something more than a book. As the contribution titled “Creating” notes, Through Students’ Eyes has created an emotion. It has brought together a collection of personal journeys and the feelings that have inspired the journey – from surprise and admiration, to sorrow and laughter – and, for the reader, a stunned silence at the beauty of the words, stories and photographs inside.

Yet, the emotion that can be detected raw on almost every page is one of heartfelt gratitude. Gratitude for what this town has given so many people; gratitude that St Andrews has become and will stay a part of us. And, lastly, gratitude that the spirit of St Andrews has finally been allowed to come alive in the pages of a book.

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

Invite you to visit a hidden treasure in the heart of St Andrews OPEN DAILY ALL YEAR ROUND WINTER LECTURE PROGRAMMME 1st Tuesday at 7.30pm Chemistry Dept. North Haugh Entry Free – All Welcome CHRISTMAS PLANT SALE Saturday 13th December GIFT SHOP Open Weekends in December, 10am-12noon TO JOIN THE FRIENDS AND SUPPORT THE GARDEN CONTACT MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY Tel: 01334 476452 Charity No. SC006432

www.nphcinema.co.uk

117 North Street, St Andrews Tel: 013334 474902

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TOWN & GOWN Michael Downes, Director of Music at the University of St Andrews, has been appointed by the University as Artistic Director of the Byre Theatre from 2014 to 2017

Return of The Byre Theatre

When Nicoll Russell Studios were commissioned at the turn of the millennium to design the new Byre Theatre of St Andrews, the brief given was both simple and demanding: to create the best small theatre in Scotland. As most readers of St Andrews in Focus will know, they responded with a design whose originality and quality has been justly recognised in several architectural awards, combining intimate auditoria with a wonderful sense of space and light in the public areas. Sadly, for the last eighteen months the Byre has been closed to the public, but the agreement recently reached between the University of St Andrews, Fife Council, and Creative Scotland offers the chance both to realise the dream of those who commissioned the new theatre, and to create a still richer artistic programme than the Byre has previously been able to offer.

Drama will of course remain at the heart of the Byre’s work. The many local groups who previously enjoyed performing here have already been welcomed back: the St Andrews Play Club’s production of Noël Coward’s Blithe Spirit will open in November, and further productions by companies including the St Andrews Musical Society (The King and I) and The Guizards will follow early in 2015.

Student actors will be equally welcome: St Andrews has an enormously strong tradition of student drama, supported by the Mermaids Performing Arts Fund, which can only be further enhanced by Madras College under the guidance of composer Duncan Chapman and the opportunity the Byre offers to present more ambitious productions animateur Ellen Thomson have produced new pieces inspired by Jila to a wider audience. Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest Peacock’s work which can be heard in the foyers throughout the festival. will be the first student production to be performed in the Byre since the This is just one example of the work with younger people that will be a reopening; it will run from 6 to 8 November. priority for the Byre: we are also delighted to welcome back the Byre Youth This busy programme of amateur and student productions will Theatre under its director Ashley Foster and look forward to enjoying the complement our objective of returning the Byre to its pivotal place in the work of some of its members during the pantomime. Festivals, too, will be infrastructure of professional theatre in Scotland. Naturally, given the lead a focus for the Byre: as well as St Andrews Voices, we will be a hub and times required to plan professional productions, this will not be achieved main performance venue for several of Fife’s other festivals, including the overnight, but we will be making a great start with Jack and the Beanstalk, Fife Jazz Festival in February, and StAnza, Scotland’s international poetry produced by Bard at the Botanics, the same team which brought the very festival, in March. popular Snow White to the Byre in 2012: the pantomime opens on 27 The activity outlined above promises in time to offer an arts centre November (see advert elsewhere in this edition) and tickets are already whose richness of programming few if any towns of comparable size to selling fast, so make sure you get yours now! Jack will be followed by St Andrews could match. But we believe that there is still further value a varied and innovative range of professional productions through the to be added by the new links with the University that the theatre will year, using the Byre’s auditoria to best advantage and offering something enjoy, and the activity and investment that those links will bring. Though to everyone – in time, we hope also to develop a professional summer the auditorium will not be used for regular season along the lines of those so successfully weekly lectures, many University departments presented in Pitlochry and Keswick.

The combination of a packed will benefit from the Byre’s facilities and will Alongside drama, we will present programme of community, student, in turn enrich what we can offer the public. In performances in other art forms, including and professional performance with the addition to the Music Centre activities already music, opera, and dance. We believe that the new links that the Byre’s connection mentioned, and a new series of Music Research Byre has the potential to become a wonderful Seminars launched in the Byre in September, space for chamber music and Lieder, jazz, folk, with the University will bring offers the other departments with a link to the performing and world music, complementing the largeByre the chance to become not only arts will have a base in the theatre: Film scale orchestral and choral concerts presented the best small theatre in Scotland, Studies, for example, will develop the Byre’s at the Younger Hall. We will invest in the A B but also a centre for creativity of Conference Room as a new screening room Paterson Auditorium in the coming months which will also be available for festivals and international significance to ensure that music is heard here to best public events, while the School of English’s advantage. Many of the Music Centre’s popular postgraduate programmes in Writing for Performance will be based in the series of lunchtime concerts are already taking place in the Byre – the Laurence Levy Studio Theatre, ensuring that the Byre is once again a experience enhanced by the great range of food and drink now offered home for imaginative new writing and thinking about theatre. Nor will the in the re-opened café! – and three soloists from Scottish Opera will be academic links of the Byre be confined to arts disciplines: we are already performing here on 25 October as part of St Andrews Voices. The Byre planning a project with members of the School of Physics and Astronomy, will also become the home of the Music Centre’s opera company, whose for example, which will offer concerts, art installations and science performances of Albert Herring here this summer were so well received: demonstrations celebrating the International Year of Light in 2015. the next production by the company, now renamed Byre Opera, will be The combination of a packed programme of community, student, and Gluck’s Iphigenia in Tauris in June 2015, in a new translation especially professional performance with the new links that the Byre’s connection produced by University Modern Languages students. with the University will bring offers the Byre the chance to become not Of course, the Byre offers much more than just its auditoria. The only the best small theatre in Scotland, but also a centre for creativity of foyers on three different levels provide wonderful gallery and exhibition international significance. This is an exciting prospect, but it can only be spaces already in use: following the Dunhill golf exhibition in October, the realised if audiences both locally and further afield embrace what the new Byre will host a gallery of works by Jila Peacock as part of St Andrews Byre has to offer: I hope to welcome many of you to the theatre in the Voices, and an exhibition curated by postgraduates from the University’s coming months!

Institute for Theology, Imagination and the Arts. During St Andrews Voices (Photo courtesy Michael Downes) the Byre will also host an innovative education project: students from

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TOWN & GOWN Jennifer Morton, 3rd year undergraduate in International Relations, sends a

Letter from Hong Kong Having spent almost my entire life in Scotland, I am accustomed to all things Scottish. I have been dragged round almost every castle still standing on Scottish soil, and I take for granted picture postcard views of lush green hills and mountainous vistas out of my bedroom window.

I know what a “bairn” is and what to say when I am asked, “fit lyk?” I am not startled by the dryness of Scottish humour, and experiencing the entire spectrum of weather phenomena (except warmth and sunshine) in a single day is nothing significant for me. I chose to go to university in a Scottish town with only three streets, in a place which local lingo terms “the bubble”. Moving, studying, experiencing life in a different continent, culture, and climate was something that, up until it happened, was only an imagination exercise.

From a university of seven thousand students to a global megacity with the same number of skyscrapers, St Andrews to Hong Kong was like traversing down a road leading to a different world. A cluster of ancient buildings and cobbled streets encircled by the tranquillity of the Scottish countryside morphed into one of the world’s most iconic skylines; a breath-taking visual of glittering lights illuminating the spirit of a city which never sleeps.

Aside from differences in size and structure, there is one thing which most pertinently separates my old seaside town from my new seaside metropolis. In St Andrews, one does not have to go far to find oneself utterly alone.

Those who tread through the streets at early dawn or late dusk often find themselves doing so solitarily; confronted by nothing other than eerie silence, and enveloped in a blanket of darkness as no buildings light up to guide the way. In downtown Hong Kong, finding oneself in this situation is simply impossible. Every shop, street, skyscraper casts a brilliant beam of light into the city, highlighting every nook and cranny in its hidden corners, lending Hong Kong the vibrancy and dynamic character for which it is so renowned.

But, below the bright lights and towering skyscrapers lies the most staggering difference of all: quite simply, the number of people. No matter how long the street, how secluded the back alley, or secret the passageway, there are endless streams of people from all corners of the globe going about their daily lives. With seven million people crammed into just 1,104 square kilometres, those living in Hong Kong are constantly walking in the footsteps of others; unmistakably conscious of the company of those who share in the life of the city around them.

Yet, as much as the dizzying energy and The first thing those living in the centre vitality of my new home fascinates me, those of Hong Kong see when they wake up and who have grown up in Scotland can attest look out from their high-rise window is not a to the desire such a life instils: a yearning, quaint picturesque landscape, but a dynamic from time to time, for some peace and quiet. unforgettable cityscape. The scene they look I was surprised to discover that I was not to down upon – skyscrapers and high-rises, be disappointed. When the desire sets in to food outlets; teahouses; clothes markets; fruit shut one’s eyes from the stalls – all bring with them The unfamiliar territory of Hong dazzling lights and take people. But, what seems a step away from the most distinctive about Kong is a feast for the senses hustle and bustle of the Hong Kong, is that it is not crowds, one need only travel to the numerous just a city of people, but a city of culture – an enclaves surrounding Hong Kong, which offer explosion of diversity in the place that fuses an oasis of serenity not to be found in the city. together the East, the West, and everywhere in The abundance of mountains, peaks, and hills between. encircling Hong Kong offer hikers a sanctuary In St Andrews, sophisticated restaurants, of green, clean fresh air, with rewards of coffee shops, and boutiques abound. The unsurpassed and unforgettable mountainous streets are quaint, the atmosphere tranquil, views. It is not uncommon for hikers to venture and the surroundings familiar. The unfamiliar off the trodden path and stumble across idyllic territory of Hong Kong is a feast for the senses. beaches in the coves and valleys below the The streets are crammed with traditional peaks, which are often deserted, seemingly Chinese stores selling obscure-looking dried untouched. Standing atop a silent mountain in seafood with pungent aromas to match; market the midst of nature offers the opposite extreme stalls with bunches of exotic fruit strung from to the experience from the beckoning city the ceilings emanate rich rainbows of colour below. into the eyes of passers-by; sounds of traffic – To describe Hong Kong is incredibly screeching trams, beeping taxi horns, puffing difficult. Hong Kong is not just one story. It double-deckers – reverberate through the is multi-dimensional, multi-experiential, full streets, the clamour momentarily ceding as of both clichés and unexpected finds. How the beeping of the green man grinds traffic to to encapsulate my first month in a single a halt; and irresistible smells waft from tiny dim sentence? That Hong Kong is a place that really sum restaurants as they serve up deliciously does seem to have it all. authentic Hong Kong eats – everything from mooncakes, to barbeque pork buns, to egg (Photos courtesy Jennifer Morton) custard tarts.

St Andrews graduate Dr Jonathan Cooper responded to the query about the Red Gown posed on page 8 of the last issue: There are records of students wearing the scarlet gown in the Universities of St Andrews, Glasgow, Aberdeen, and Edinburgh from around the middle of the seventeenth century. A Parliamentary Commission appointed in 1690 visited the universities and made the scarlet gown compulsory, that therby the students may be discurraged from vageing or vice.

16

At St Andrews in 1838 the gown was lengthened and long sleeves and a velvet yoke were added.

Editor’s note: Dr Cooper has written a detailed account of the history of the Red Gown in volume 10 of Transactions of the Burgon Society.

(It can be Googled)

TOWN & GOWN Kelly Bertrando introduces the

St Andrews Travel Collective Website Founder of the collaboration, the guidelines for such articles St Andrews Travel are not restrictive; they simply require that Collective website, I am an entry relates to travel and includes a few a third year student from pictures. Those wishing to find advice on Los Angeles with a double major in Art History specific places, or wishing to meet up with and International Relations. fellow St Andrews travellers abroad, can reach My decision to come to St Andrews, like out to others on the Forum. In an attempt to many before me, was motivated by the town’s make the website easily accessible, existing unique cosmopolitan culture. With students, multimedia platforms are utilised, such as teachers, townspeople, and tourists from all Pinterest, Facebook, and Instagram; the parts of the world, I wanted to find a medium website is very visually based. through which the community could express Many students at St Andrews are fortunate its heritage and travel experiences. My love of to have the opportunity to travel throughout travel and this diversity sparked my decision the world. Upon returning to classes after a to create the St Andrews Travel Collective break, I often hear students talking excitedly website. about their trips, sharing St Andrews Travel their photos, discussing My decision to come to Collective is a collaborative their favourite hotels and St Andrews, like many travel website unique to the people they met abroad. before me, was motivated the St Andrews community.

Even if students or town by the town’s unique Everyone is encouraged to members are unable to submit articles, share travel travel, they can still use the cosmopolitan culture questions and experiences. website to share information The group behind the site encourages about their home towns and their culture. the community to ask questions and seek Participants are invited not just to write about information prior to their travels, to share travelling, but also to educate readers on information and impressions after their things such as the financial and environmental travels. Due to the website’s emphasis on impacts of tourism.

If you are interested in learning more about this new project, please check out the site and contact us with any questions, submissions, or suggestions. We look forward to hearing from you!

Find us on: www.statravelcollective.com saint.a.travelcollective@gmail.com (Photo and logo courtesy Kelly Bertrando)

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SHOPS & SERVICES Stephen Boardman

PodoFit Makes Tracks to the UAE People have foot problems the world over, but these differ quite distinctly from country to country. Sara Boardman, principal podiatrist at PodoFit in St Andrews, spent the third week of September in Abu Dhabi at an international exhibition attended by 120,000 pairs of feet.

Sara Boardman was invited by Al Mandoos, a respected producer of traditional, hand-made Emirati footwear, which was launching its range of custom-fit sandals. The company realised that sandals with footbeds which conform exactly to the wearer’s feet would ensure the best support and control when standing and walking.

“It was interesting to discover that over 95% of the people who came to see us presented with flat feet. This seems to be due to an inherent foot type exacerbated by wearing sandals from a young age. Common symptoms included plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, knee pain, and back pain. Custom-fitted sandals which provide arch support can help to prevent these conditions,” says Sara. “What was surprising was the very small incidence of bunions!”

PodoFit uses an American CAD/CAM system for scanning patients’ feet and manufacturing custom orthotic insoles. “We have 10 years’ experience with the AMFIT system and we also specialise in footwear fitting,” reports Sara. “We believe that this system is perfect for Al Mandoos’ use as part of bespoke footwear manufacture.”

The launch of the sandal was very well attended, and received orders from members of several of the Gulf state royal families. “When the ruler of Abu Dhabi appeared, I was somewhat overwhelmed by the entourage and TV camera crew; quite an experience!” Sara adds.

Last year the Boardmans went to Russia. Stephen says, “The idea was the same, but it was actually very different! Apart from the 42-degree heat compared to –13 (we went to Russia in December), the Abu Dhabi event was far friendlier, and everyone spoke English. As soon as people

found out we were from Scotland, we were asked our views on the Independence Referendum. They all seemed concerned that Scotland might leave the United Kingdom.”

(Photos courtesy PodoFit)

Sara Boardman speaking to Mr Mohamed Al Falasi, General Manager of Al Mandoos.

His Highness Sheikh Suroor Bin Mohammed Al Nahyan is a senior member of the Ruling Family of Abu Dhabi.

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

We can consult locally 18

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

SHOPS & SERVICES Jonnie Adamson

My Head is in the Cloud software allowing your accounts to be kept Keeping your financial records on computer is easily up to date. This means that information now commonplace; the advantages of doing for running your business is often right up to so are well documented. The market leaders of date, which means a better handle Sage and QuickBooks dominate is kept on financial decisions of this market, having done so for a Cloud accounting the business. Secondly, from my number of years. However, there is becoming very point of view as the accountant, are now some online options that popular I am able to remotely access may appeal, and not just to the IT the live data of a business, and crowd. am in a better position to advise with up-toCloud accounting, so called because all date information. This works particularly well your accounts data is stored online rather with clients on the move, or who live in rural than on your own computer, is becoming very locations unable to meet up as often as they popular. The interest is coming from small would like. businesses that see the benefits of being Data security is a worry for many; serious able to access their information as and when consideration should be given to this. I have they want. Access is not limited to specific come across two wildly separate points of view computers; you are now even able to use on this: from, “There is no way I am putting smart phone apps to assess your financial any of my financial details on somebody else’s data whilst on the move. Indeed, one clever computer” to, “Great, one less thing to worry feature of this type of software is that you are about losing data if my computer crashes!” Data able to take a photo and store your receipts for protection is strictly governed here, but you claiming expenses. Interestingly, HMRC are should still make sure any software provider quite progressive about this and are happy to complies properly. Being on the cloud means accept electronic copies of receipts as proof of that the data may not be held in the UK, or even expenditure (as long as they are legible). the EU, so laws may be very different.

In my opinion the real benefit comes in two Although there are many providers now areas. Firstly, a number of the cloud accounting available I have had positive experiences providers also use a feature which automatically using two in particular, FreeAgent and Xero. downloads your bank statements into the

FreeAgent, a Scottish company, is particularly suitable for contractors who use timesheets and recharge expenses to customers, although it can be used in most small business situations. It has the benefit of having a payroll function as well. Xero is more flexible. It has a few more features allowing automation of data entry. It is also very friendly for non-accountants as the interface is very easy to use.

There is no doubt that this is an area which has seen, and will continue to see, growth as people get more and more comfortable with doing their business online. In the end, if there are ways to make sure less time is spent on doing the books and more on running the business then that can only be good news for everyone involved.

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

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SHOPS & SERVICES From the Team at Zest

A HUGE thank you!

Not everybody knows, but Zest has a very different approach to employment.

Inclusiveness is the key word in a philosophy which seeks to give opportunity to those facing barriers to employment: a hand up, not a handout.

We seek to shun the labels of youth unemployment, learning difficulties, and offender, by giving people the chance to work in a friendly and fun environment. Starting a new job is scary under any circumstances, never mind when you might be counted in one of these groups.

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This is why we’d like to say a big ‘thank you’ to those who know us best; the regular customers who understand what we do; who naturally create a welcoming environment; who treat everyone equally and take an interest in their lives, with patience and understanding – we couldn’t do it without you!

The benefits are plain to see. Confidence is critical for all of us (we’ve all been low at some point), and maybe some of us take being treated fairly and equally for granted, but it makes all the difference. And that’s the key thing that our placements take from our

customers – confidence in being able to fit in, and to become a valued member of our ‘family’.

So, again, it’s a huge thank you from us, and we hope you stick with us through the journey.

We need you for more than your custom.

For information contact: lisa@zest-standrews.com Tel: 01334 471 451 And: www.zest-standrews.com where we have other blogs etc...

SHOPS & SERVICES Heather Lang

“One advantage in keeping a diary is that you become aware with reassuring clarity of the changes which you constantly suffer” – Franz Kafka

We all have moments when we are left speechless, or have a mental blank, only for clarity of thought or that witty retort to come to us once we have left the room and the moment has passed. Pensées d’escalier is a wonderful French term which literally means ‘thoughts on the stairs’; many people visiting a medical practitioner can relate to the frustration of forgetting all the questions they wanted to ask during their consultation, only for them all to come tumbling back on the journey home. It can also be very difficult at times to get all the information relating to the condition across clearly, as the discomfort is a very subjective thing and not always easy to describe. The symptoms may fluctuate with some being constant, others intermittent, there may be other factors to consider such as work load or lifestyle or the symptoms may have been present for so long that the pain becomes familiar and stops registering on a day-to-day basis. For all these reasons, it is beneficial to have an idea of how you can help the practitioner by organising your thoughts and concerns, writing them down to make the most of your consultation time.

The practitioner may not be able to address everything in one treatment, but often the symptoms are related so can be treated all together. To get a clear picture, the practitioner needs to ask details about the type of discomfort, intensity, pattern, and timescale. It’s best to write these down prior to the appointment as it can get a bit confusing.

Where is the problem?

Seems straight forward enough, but often the problem isn’t just in one area, or it spreads at times to other areas. Write down the main area of discomfort, then how far it spreads. After that, write down the other areas that need addressing.

When and how did the symptoms first come on?

Write down when you first noticed the different symptoms, and if anything happened to bring the symptoms on. Also mention if you have ever had similar symptoms before.

For example, ‘Left hip pain – 2 months, down back of leg to knee – 5 weeks, low back pain – 4 months this time. 12 years ago, but cleared up since. neck – comes and goes 2 years since falling and knocking head headaches – when neck gets bad.’

The practitioner can then ask more questions about each area.

Does anything make the symptoms easier or worse?

Write down if walking, resting, sitting, driving, exercise, or certain positions help or make the condition worse. If you are taking any medication for the condition, be sure to tell the practitioner if the

medication is helping. Take note, also of any daily pattern in the discomfort. Is it worse in the mornings or evenings? Does it intensify through the week? Has it been getting easier or worse since it first came on?

Make a list of any medication you are taking and the doses.

Tell the practitioner your fears.

Nothing will shock a health professional. If something is on your mind regarding your health, it is better to address it sooner rather than later.

More often than not, there is nothing to worry about, but early diagnosis makes the treatment far easier. If the area of complaint is a more discreet part of your anatomy, rest assured that a medical professional will most certainly have seen it all before! If you are likely to find it too embarrassing to say, write it down. It’s your job to talk openly about your symptoms and concerns. A practitioner can’t help you unless you tell the whole story.

Have you undergone any tests or scans?

If you have, write down the test and the results. If you have copies of the reports, bring them along. It all helps build the picture.

Bring a second person.

‘White-coat syndrome’ is the official term for when the patient becomes stressed in the medical environment. It is common for people to be anxious in matters relating to their health so it can be useful to bring along a partner or friend who can help answer questions and take in what the practitioner is telling you. It can be a lot to take in, so it can be useful having someone to help remember what was said afterwards.

A few minutes of preparation will free up a lot more time for treatments.

I often ask patients to keep short notes in a diary or on a calendar to help monitor progress of a condition or to highlight any patterns.

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

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

St Andrews Osteopaths – Providers of effective treatment since 1998 136 South Street, St Andrews, KY16 9EQ. Tel: 01334 477 000 www.standrewsosteopaths.co.uk

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SHOPS & SERVICES

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SHOPS & SERVICES

From our Roving Reporter 1.

Reporter received this from Adam Browne and wishes him much good luck: “I have been working in the hospitality industry for 15 years in Fine Dining restaurants, 5 Star Hotels and resorts, Gastro pubs, and outside catering. This has taken me all over the world working in France, Thailand, Australia, Canada, and the Caribbean, as well as all over the UK. Having recently moved to Scotland I’m still offering the same high level of cuisine and service, but in your home, place of work, lodge, chalet, or villa. I’m available all year around for all those special occasions or holidays, training for an event (creating balanced nutritional food to help you succeed), or when life gets complicated.

All menus and events are completely tailor made. I ask lots of questions to help me create an unforgettable experience for you. Cooking classes are also available.

These are normally based around what you would like to learn, or things like no stress Christmas dinner, or student life: how to cook”. You can find out more at www.privatechefadam.com or email: privatechefadam@gmail.com Tel: 01382 685 884.

(Photo courtesy Adam Browne)

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2. A relieved Reporter was glad to receive this from Bob Niven, “Some readers will doubtless have walked past Gordon Christie Toys, 195 South Street recently and assumed that the shop was closing. In reality the shop interior was being stripped out ready for a nice new carpet to be fitted courtesy of our friends at CarpetsUnlimited in Anstruther. After the carpet was fitted and the floor was still clear, we started thinking about a change. Much head scratching followed and eventually the shop counter was moved to another wall. Suddenly the floor space seemed much more open and

inviting even though everything that was there before was back again. Some kind of Tardis effect perhaps. So here we are, fitter, fresher, full of new toy ranges and ready for the run up to Christmas. If you need help with Christmas presents and ideas, for children and adults, Marysia, Zoe, and Bob are all there to help and advise on what’s hot and what’s not. We have toys priced from 15p to hundreds of pounds and can surely find something to suit your needs.

By the time you read this, we will have set up our newest (and biggest ever) window display. Please pop along for a look, we are sure you won’t be disappointed.”

for all ages and levels of interest, across a wide range of art forms. It really is a wonderful place to come and meet new people, try something new, or develop your skills to a new level. Although I grew up in Glasgow, my father has lived in St Andrews for about twenty years and my mother also recently moved into the area. I love Fife; my husband and dog didn’t take much convincing that this was the place to be! As a writer myself, I will be continuing my own creative work alongside my role at Forgan.

There is no shortage of creativity in Fife, and I can’t wait to get involved!

(Photo courtesy Rebecca Sharp)

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3. Hard on the heels of the article in the last issue about the Forgan Arts Centre, the newly-appointed Co-ordinator, Rebecca Sharp, sent this to Reporter, “On 1st October I had the great pleasure of starting at the Forgan Arts Centre in Newport-onTay. The Centre has been running since 1978 under Fife Council and has now been transferred fully to the Trustees, who continue to manage the Centre with incredible energy and commitment.

The Trustees created my role in order to expand the reach of the Centre, ensuring it remains vibrant and welcoming to all. So it’s quite a responsibility, also a very exciting opportunity! I look forward to maintaining our successful existing programme, as well as introducing new classes and events, seasonal specials, informal drop-in days;

4. Julie Thow, Manager at Waterstones in Market Street told Reporter that in October the store marked its 10th year of trading in St Andrews. A party on 1st November is going to celebrate the landmark and, said Julie, “everyone is welcome. We will have author signings during the day, a facepainter, character costumes, and Children’s activities. There will be plenty to do for the whole family. A full programme of the day will be available from the store.” Among other authors “Susan McMullan will be talking about and signing copies of her new book, What your cat really thinks?” On top of all that, Reporter learned, “We will also be giving away 2 x £10 gift cards in November, so pop in to the store to find out more.” Sounds like a great place to be, thinks Reporter!

(Photo courtesy Julie Thow)

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ORGANISATIONS From Arthur Griffiths, Rotary Club of St Andrews

World Polio Day In March 2014, the World Health Organization announced that its The World Health Association declared 24 October to be World Polio Day, Southeast Asia region was officially polio-free. The certification came on so how close are we to eradicating this disease and should it concern us the heels of India’s successful fight against the disease. It celebrated here in St Andrews? Polio is a crippling and potentially fatal infectious three years without polio in January. India’s achievement is the result of a disease. It has crippled millions of children throughout the world costing gruelling 36-year battle that sent millions of health workers and volunteers many billions of pounds to eradicate. There is no cure, but there are safe down alleys, up mountains, and across deserts to reach every child in and effective vaccines. The strategy to eradicate polio is therefore based this sprawling country. Not long ago, India had more cases of polio than on preventing infection by immunizing every child until transmission stops any other nation in the world. This milestone means that 80 percent of the and the world is polio-free. Until this happens children everywhere are at population worldwide lives without fear of the paralyzing disease. risk if vaccination levels fall away, as they often do when the risk is seen Rotary, along with UNICEF, WHO, and the Gates Foundation has to be low. reduced polio cases by 99 percent worldwide since our first project to The fight to eradicate polio from the world has been a long and largely vaccinate children in the Philippines in 1979. The Gates Foundation has successful one. In the early 20th century, polio was one of the most committed to putting $2 into the Polio fund for every feared diseases in industrialized countries, paralysing dollar that Rotary raises up to a maximum of $35 hundreds of thousands of children every year. Soon The fight to eradicate million per year. after the introduction of effective vaccines in the polio from the world has Volunteers from Rotary Clubs around the world, 1950s and 1960s however, polio was brought under including Rotarians from St Andrews, have helped control and practically eliminated as a public health been a long and largely to immunize more than two billion children against problem in these countries. In 1978 there were still successful one polio in 122 countries. A child can be protected 125 countries with endemic polio, only 71 of which against this crippling disease for life for as little as were deemed to be clear of the disease. There were 40p.The fight to end polio will receive an additional US $43.6 million boost over 350,000 cases confirmed every year. Vaccination on a world scale from Rotary in support of polio immunization activities, surveillance, and started in the Philippines in 1979; by the time India was declared free research to be carried out by the Global Polio Eradication Initiative, which of disease in March 2014 the number of cases confirmed per year has aims to end the disease worldwide by 2018. However, tackling the last 1% dropped to below three hundred. There are now only three countries in of polio cases has still proved to be difficult. Conflict, political instability, the world that are classified as being endemic—Afghanistan, Nigeria, and hard-to-reach populations, and poor infrastructure continue to pose Pakistan. challenges. Each country offers a unique set of challenges, requiring local One of the problems in trying to eradicate diseases is that they are no solutions. Thus, in 2013 the Global Polio Eradication Initiative launched respecters of international borders. Afghanistan, Nigeria, and Pakistan are its most comprehensive and ambitious plan for completely eradicating the only countries in the world that have never managed to entirely stop polio. It is a 5 -year all-encompassing strategic plan that clearly outlines the spread of the polio virus. All three countries have their own particular measures for eliminating polio in its last strongholds and for maintaining a upheavals, which make disease control more difficult, but eradication from polio-free world. these countries is vital if we are to stop re-infection in other countries.

Rotary Clubs throughout Scotland are continuing to support the Polio What is equally worrying is that over the last two years small numbers of Eradication Initiative through various fundraising events, including the cases have been appearing in West Africa, Somalia, Ethiopia, and in the Purple Crocuses which you may have seen on sale in various local retail Middle East. All these areas have experienced internal strife, making the outlets. operation of thorough vaccination programmes difficult. However, it is vital that action is taken to eradicate virus from these pockets of re-infection.

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ORGANISATIONS Dave Beveridge, Publicity Officer, SATTC

Table Tennis on the up in St Andrews St Andrews Table Tennis Club, which was Not content to sit back and admire its originally conceived in 1965 in the art room efforts, however, the Club recently secured a of the Old Burgh School by two enthusiastic further £2300 in lottery funding. Awards for All teachers, Arthur Edward and Tim Grove, is fast Scotland, in conjunction with SportScotland, becoming one of the most vibrant and forwarddecided that the Club’s application looking sports clubs in our area. successfully met the criteria It draws its membership mainly of ‘People and communities All ages and abilities from St Andrews and the East are healthier’, and ‘People will find a place for Neuk, but, heaven forbid, even have better chances in life’. themselves in the Club has members from remote These funds are aimed at places like Glenrothes. helping the Club develop its The Club accommodates serious coaching programmes for youths and adult competitive play to anyone interested in a beginners/returners, and to replace other knock up and a bit of fun; also the young to the, essential equipment. well, getting on a bit. All ages and abilities will Club Chairman, Neil Lea, told St Andrews find a place for themselves in the Club. in Focus that, “The Club has several There are four teams that play in the UKCC-qualified coaches with ‘disclosure’ Dundee and District leagues; it boasts, in the clearance. We provide a safe environment New Kids, the 2013/14 Division 2 champions in which youngsters can learn the basics of and Secondary Shield winners. Its other three table tennis in a friendly and encouraging teams, Prefects; Swot; Prospects, also draw atmosphere. We would love to see more their names from the Club’s academic origins. youngsters progressing to play competitively Club members enjoy a good social life. in the leagues. We are also finding that table A recent highlight of its social calendar was tennis is increasingly popular with the older a trip to the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth generations; it’s never too late to take up Games – to watch table tennis, of course! See the sport. Several of our mature members accompanying photo. will testify to the benefits to their health from In the last 18 months, the Club’s playing table tennis”. management committee has acquired new The Club has several vacancies in its funds from various sources, allowing it to existing youth coaching programme, and replace all of its tables with four brand new would love to hear from parents about any state-of-the-art models that would grace any top youngsters that would like to join in. The venue. current group are aged from 10-15 years

old. They meet on Mondays from 5.15pm to 6.30pm in the Victory Memorial Hall, St Andrews. A new adult session, led by former Scotland internationalist, Elaine Forbes, has also been established on Thursday evenings from 6.00pm to 7.30pm in the Madras College Gym, Kilrymont Road, St Andrews, that is targeted specifically at beginners and ‘returners’.

For more information, or to register an interest in attending either session, please contact the Club through its website: www.standrewstt.wordpress.com or phone (for youngsters) Howard Lee: 01334 828 694 or (for adults) Elaine Forbes: 07790 924 698.

Footnote The Big Lottery Fund, the largest distributor of National Lottery good cause funding, is responsible for giving out 40 per cent of the money raised for good causes by the National Lottery. The Fund is committed to bringing real improvements to communities and the lives of people most in need. It has been rolling out grants to health, education, environment across the UK. Since its inception in 2004 it has awarded over £6 billion.

Men’s table tennis singles – Scotland v Australia – Glasgow 2014 (Photo courtesy the Club)

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ORGANISATIONS Arthur Griffiths

St Andrews Community Trust The St Andrews Community Trust was established buy new equipment and Enable St Andrews & District to provide a full in 2010 through an agreement between the Royal programme to support people with learning difficulties and their families.

Burgh of St Andrews Community Council, Fife Council On the Environmental scene we have been able to lend support to and St Andrews Links Trust; Dunino Church to install a central heating system; to it started distributing funds St Athenase Church in Leuchars to install an induction The Trust has supported a wide in 2011. Henry Paul was loop and sound system; to St Andrews Harbour Trust range of projects and initiatives appointed as first chair of the Trust and I to help with their development plans for the harbour that have benefited local people, area. Last, and by no means least, we were able to succeeded Henry in June 2013.

The purpose of the Trust is to distribute make a donation towards the unveiling of the statue to groups, and clubs funds generated through the protection and the town’s iconic cat—Hamish MacHamish. trademark of the Town Crest of the Royal Burgh of St Andrews to clubs, If you think that your club, group, or organisation could be eligible for charitable organisations, and good causes in and around the Burgh. The assistance then I invite you to go to our website, read the conditions and Community Trust comprises two members from St Andrews Community submit an application. The closing dates for the receipt of applications are Council (Judith Harding and Henry Paul), one local Fife Councillor (Keith given on the home page of the Trust’s website.

McCartney) and a representative from St Andrews Links Trust (Kate A few points to remember are that the Trust is unlikely to fund travel, Ferguson). In addition, there are three local resident trustee positions, projects outside the Operating Area, salaries or multi-year projects that currently held by Arthur Griffiths (Chair), Donna Renton, and Jo Roger. require committing money for future allocation. The Trust is unlikely to The Trust meets three times a year to consider donations to projects. fund events that are aimed at raising money to give to another charity. If The application must comply with at least one of the trust’s objectives, a project requires planning permission or other consents the Trust may which are listed on the website ( www.standrewscommunitytrust.co.uk ) or agree to make an award, but to withhold payment until written proof is a paper version can be obtained by writing to: The Secretary, St Andrews provided that these have been obtained.

Community Trust, C/O Murray, Donald, LLP, Kinburn Castle, St Andrews, The Community Trust is a charity registered with the Office of Fife, KY16 9DR or email to info@standrewscommunitytrust.co.uk the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR). The Trustees follow OSCR’s Since its inception in 2010 the Community Trust has received guidelines for best practice when considering requests and processing £296,310 from the St Andrews Links Trust to distribute to good causes successful grants. All applications must be submitted on a standard that meet its criteria, within St Andrews and the community council areas application form, online, or by paper copy, ensuring that the same basic of Boarhills & Dunino, Cameron, Strathkinness, and Leuchars. In the four information is recorded for each application. Following approval of a grant years to September 2014 the Community Trust has supported 91 projects and the completion of the relevant project, the applicant must complete a and distributed £246,126. feedback form to ensure the grant was disbursed within the terms of the The Trustees will consider applications that fall into one of six broad application. The Trustees have many community interests and operate categories —Youth Groups; Schools and Educational Projects; Sports a strict ‘conflict of interest’ policy. A trustee who is a member of the Clubs; Support Groups; Theatre & Entertainment; Environmental Projects. governing structure of the organization making the application is obliged You can find details of the criteria that we work with on the application to leave the meeting while the application is considered. form on the Trust website.

We may on occasion have vacancies amongst our Trustees. If you Details of the awards that the Trust has made can be found in the feel that you have the qualities needed and would like to be considered Current and Archived News sections of the website. Feedback that has please contact our secretary at Murray Donald who will ask for further been received from the applicants can also be found in these sections. details should a vacancy arise.

The Trust has supported a wide range of projects and initiatives that have benefited local people, groups, and clubs. As examples of helping Youth Groups, the Girl Guides have been helped to install a new fire door; the Girls Brigade was helped by funding their winter programme; a contribution was made to the Open Virtual World Group which produced a 3D digital reconstruction of the Castle, the Cathedral, and St. Salvators Chapel, successfully used in several presentations to schools. The Botanics Educational Trust received funding towards a Commonwealth Plant Trail to celebrate the Commonwealth Games. In the sports areas the Trust helped to fund the building of the first skiff for the St Andrews Coastal Rowing Club; provided funding for the Table Tennis Club to buy new tables; the Colts Football Club to buy new goal posts so that they could cater for all ages. In responding to requests from Support Groups we were able to make donations to help the St Andrews Nursery Centre

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(Photos courtesy Arthur Griffiths: summer camp funded by the Trust)

EVENTS Pamela Robertson, Director, is

Back at the Byre!

The St Andrews Play Club is delighted to be back performing on the Byre stage again with Noel Coward’s Blithe Spirit from Tuesday, 11 November to Saturday, 15 November.

The play is set in the 1930s in the house belonging to Charles and Ruth Condomine. Charles is conducting research for a book and invites local medium, Madame Arcati, to conduct a séance, along with their friends Dr and Mrs Bradman.

Charles expects to learn some of the ‘tricks of the trade’, but unfortunately Madame Arcati manages to materialise the ghost of Charles’ first wife, Elvira, who died seven years previously. Only Charles can see and hear Elvira (who drifts mischievously around the room) and thus the scene is set for this delightfully improbable farce.

Noel Coward wrote the part of Charles for himself; the play is sprinkled with his typical wit, as well as several martinis, served by the maid, Edith.

Director, Pam Robertson, has chosen to retain some of that ‘30s elegance by setting it in its original time. A strong technical and backstage team will ensure that the production runs smoothly. Liz and Eric Box are in charge of lights and sound, Moira Cockburn and Sandra Skeldon backstage and props. The set was designed by Alan Tricker.

(Photo courtesy the Play Club)

The photograph shows the cast in an early rehearsal. Come along any evening at 7.30pm between the 11th and 15th November 2014, matinée on Saturday, 15th at 2.30pm.

Tickets are on sale at the Byre Theatre box office between 9.00am and 5.00pm, Monday to Friday.

James Heaney is enthusiastic that

Jack and the Beanstalk is bringing magic back to the Byre Theatre!

Thanks to a recent management agreement struck between the University of St Andrews, Fife Council, and Creative Scotland, the town’s beloved Byre Theatre is set to re-open its doors to the public once again. And, with the festive season fast approaching, there could be nothing better than a pantomime favourite – Jack and the Beanstalk – to launch what will be an exciting new programme of events for the theatre.

Running from Thursday, 27 November 2014 until Saturday, 3 January 2015, Jack and the Beanstalk will be a theatrical extravaganza worthy of boards that have been trodden by international stars of stage and screen.

This unique version of the classic tale has been written and directed by Gordon Barr – Artistic Director of ‘Bard in the Botanics’ in Glasgow and the same creative genius responsible for the Byre’s hugely successful Snow White pantomime in 2012. It follows Jack and his journey up into the giant’s kingdom, but there’s a distinctly ‘St Andrews’ flavour to the plot!

Along with tunes ranging from recent chart hits to songs from the seventies, Jack and the Beanstalk is bursting with a plethora of twists, turns, and surprises that will keep the young and old alike gripping the edge of their seats in anticipation. Side-splitting comedy and audience participation (if you’ve got the beans for it!) also add an essence of fun that the whole family can enjoy.

Jack and the Beanstalk marks the beginning of a new era for the Byre Theatre, so make sure to book your tickets for some festive fun, and to be a part of history in the making. There are even school performances available (starting at 10.00am on various dates), so, if you’re a teacher or the parent of a pupil at a local primary or secondary school, why not think about organising a wee class trip to celebrate the end of term in panto style?

PS – “The Byre Theatre is looking for furnished houses to rent in St Andrews for our lovely pantomime cast. We need 9 rooms for 7 weeks – Sunday, 16 November to Sunday, 4 Jan – AND 5 rooms from 16 November to 29 November. If possible, we also need any accommodation to have WiFi available. If you have any information then please email us at: byretheatre@icloud.com”

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EVENTS Jasmine Wheelhouse

Vintage Collective The long-awaited Vintage Collective (formally, Very Vintage) returns to the Younger Hall on 1st November.

Back in October 2011, the Very Vintage Fashion Fair launched, bringing an eclectic mix of vintage fashion, goods, and collectables to the town. Two students – Jasmine Wheelhouse, and Nicola Kettell – aimed to bring the very best of Scottish vintage to St Andrews. The fair provided a mixture of retro and vintage clothing, collectables, and paraphernalia, which, even if you weren’t buying, is always worth a browse!

It was all in our own interest really – we missed the kind of shops we were used to in London or Leeds, and after the second fair we realized that quite a lot of students felt the same way! When we did the first one, we must have cold-called every vintage vendor in Fife, if not Scotland, and still struggled to fill the Younger Hall in the limited space of time. In the end, we resorted to buying vintage clothes

Prima Donna at Elspeth’s of St Andrews 9 Church Street, Tel: 01334 472494

Renton Oriental Rugs Tel: 01334 476 334

72 South Street, St Andrews Fife, KY16 9JT

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from eBay and selling them ourselves… daunting, but still it turned out to be quite a success!

Fast-forward a year and we were turning away stallholders. We hold them anywhere we can – Younger Hall, Parliament Hall, even the Students’ Union – all were bursting at the seams – it was amazing! In my final year, we ventured across the water to Dundee, and it was equally successful.

We try to make our fairs fun for everyone – we have a specialist ‘vintage’ playlist throughout the day, which ranges from Nat King Cole and Ella Fitzgerald to Curtis Mayfield, and The Jam – sometimes we even invite live performances from local St Andrews groups. For children, we have a sweet stall, which goes down equally well with the adults. We have cakes, teas, coffees, and you can browse or relax for as long or as little as you like.

When we graduated and moved to London, it was a difficult decision not to carry

on with Very Vintage – it was something that had formed a big part of university life. We got to know all our clients personally, so it was just like catching up with old friends every few months.

Since we left, we’ve been inundated with requests – from traders and students alike – to return to bring the fair back to the Bubble. After long working days, with a few glasses of wine between us, we decided it was time to return.

So, on reading this, we’ll probably already be in the Younger Hall. Why not join us – you never know, you might just grab a bargain or two!”

Vintage Collective Saturday, 1 November Younger Hall, North Street, St Andrews £2 entry, children free

EVENTS

Selected Events Now till Sunday, 23 November – 10.00am-5.00pm daily. St Andrews Museum, Kinburn Park. Fife Dunfermline Printmakers Workshop.

An artists’ co-operative showing many artists’ work. Contact: Karin Hill, 03451 555 555 ext 472 803.

Friday, 21 November – 7.00pm. Rufflets Country House Hotel, Strathkinness Low Road. Champagne Masterclass & Fork Buffet. £65, adults over 18 only. Contact: masterclass@rosemurraybrown.com Tel: 01334 870 731.

Saturday, 1 November – 9.00am-1.00pm. Argyle Street car park.

Farmers’ Market.

Saturday, 22 November – 7.30pm. Younger Hall, North Street.

Mozart’s Requiem & CPE Bach’s Magnificat. The St Andrews Chorus. Tickets: £10, Concessions £8, Students £2. Contact: 01334 462 226.

Sunday, 2 November – 1.45pm. New Picture House, St Andrews. Frankenstein (with J Lee Miller). Live from the National Theatre. Contact: 01334 474 902.

– 7.30pm. Younger Hall, North Street. 25th Anniversary concert of the Heisenberg Ensemble. Conductor, Gillian Craig. Music by Brahms, Mussorgsky, Beethoven. Tickets £10, students £5, from the Music Centre, Younger Hall, and at the door. Contact: www.heisenbergensemble.co.uk Tuesday, 4 November – 10.00am. St Andrews Library, Church Square. Bookbug song, story, rhymes for toddlers & pre-school children. Free. Contact: 01334 659 378.

– 5.15pm. The Arts Lecture Theatre, the Scores. Women Behind the Camera; An Institutional History of Iranian Cinema, a talk by Dr Maryam Ghorbankarimi (University of St Andrews). Contact: 01334 467 476.

Wednesday, 5 November – 8.00pm. Parliament Hall, St Andrews.

The 2014 Mitford Memorial Lecture, by John Hunter, Emeritus Professor of Ancient History and Archaeology (University of Birmingham): The Living and the Dead, a review of the archaeology of modern homicide. Contact: bec@strathmartine.demon.co.uk Thursday, 6 November – 5.30pm. The Gateway, North Haugh,

St Andrews. Artist Talk. Barbara Rae tells what inspires her as an artist. Contact: 01334 461 660.

Saturday, 8 November – 10.00am-4.00pm. Victory Memorial Hall,

St Andrews. Craft Fair. Fife Craft Association. Contact: 01592 743 539.

Sunday, 9 and Monday, 10 November – Noon till 1.30pm. Sands Grill, Old Course Hotel. Discover the Science behind the Perfect Cuppa. A talk by Dananjaya Silva as part of this year’s Dundee Science Festival. Admission Free, but booking essential. Contact: 01334 474 371 or email reservations@oldcoursehotel.co.uk Tuesday, 11 to Saturday, 15 November – 7.30pm (Saturday matinée, 2.30pm). Byre Theatre. The St Andrews Playclub presents, Blithe Spirit by Noel Coward.

Tuesday, 11 November – 5.00pm. Parliament Hall, South Street.

Gulabi Gang, a film about rural Indian women striving for rights.

To be followed by a discussion with Film director Nishtha Jain.

This is a joint event by the Centre for Film Studies, International Relations, & the St Andrews Fem Society.

Contact: 01334 467 476.

Friday, 14 November – 9.30am-5.30pm. Parliament Hall, South Street, St Andrews. The Dante Lecture Series. Free public lectures by different scholars discussing individual Cantos of the Divine Comedy. Contact: rpw@st-andrews.ac.uk Saturday, 15 November – 2.00pm. Holy Trinity Church Hall, Queen’s Terrace, St Andrews. Guild Christmas Fair; all the usual traditional stalls, to include Home Baking, Jewellery etc etc. All Welcome.

Contact: Bob Archer, bobandjoanarcher@gmail.com Sunday, 16 November – 2.00pm. Bell Pettigrew Museum, Bute Medical Buildings, off South Street. The St Andrews Scholarship Brass Quintet. A short concert as part of the St Andrews Brass Festival. Contact: 01334 461 660.

Thursday, 20 November – 7.30pm. Holy Trinity Church, St Andrews.

Russian Sacred Music. The Volkresenije Choir of St Petersburg – director Jurij Maruk with The Priory Singers – director Gillian Craig. Music by Mussorgsky and folk songs from the Russian countryside. Tickets £9, concessions £8, students £5, by phone: 01382 540 031 or at the door.

Sunday, 23 November – 3.00pm. New Picture House, North Street. Pharaos Daughter. The Bolshoi Ballet. Contact: 01334 474 902.

Tuesday, 25 November – 7.30pm. Younger Hall, North Street,

St Andrews. St Andrews Chamber Orchestra, with Ben McAteer, Baritone, in John Adam’s ‘The Wound Dresser’. Also Brahm’s Symphony no.1. Contact: www.benmcateer.com Wednesday, 26 November – 7.15pm. New Picture House, North Street. L’Elisir D’Amore. Royal Opera, Covent Garden. Contact: 01334 474 902.

Thursday, 27 to Sunday, 30 November – Celebrating St Andrews Day. Many fun events throughout the town. Switch-on of Christmas lights, etc etc.

Friday, 28 November – 7.00pm. The Old Course Hotel.

Celebratory Dinner, part of this year’s Food & Drinks Festival.

4 top Scottish chefs will prepare local produce of the finest quality! £65 per person. Contact: 01334 474 371 or: reservations@oldcoursehotel.co.uk Saturday, 29 November – 10.00am-12 noon. Holy Trinity Church. Optional choir rehearsal, then 2.00pm-4.00pm choir with orchestra rehearsal.

– 7.30pm. Holy Trinity Church. ‘Come and Sing’, Handel’s Messiah. All welcome. Further details from conductor Gillian Craig: gc5@st-andrews.ac.uk Sunday, 30 November – 12noon-4.00pm. The Vic, 1 Mary’s Place, St Andrews. Little Birds Market. Vintage, craft, design shopping with quirky exhibitors. Contact: littlebirdsmarket@hotmail.com

*****

Tuesday, 2 December – 7.30pm. Purdie Building, North Haugh,

St Andrews. Is there a role for Botanic Gardens in the 21st Century? A talk by Dr David Rae, Edinburgh Royal Botanic Garden, for the Friends of the St Andrews Botanic Garden.

Contact: 01334 474 129.

Saturday, 6 December – 9.00am-1.00pm. Argyle Street Car Park.

Farmers’ Market.

Tuesday, 9 December – 7.30pm. Supper Room, Town Hall, St Andrews. Wildlife Trust AGM followed by a talk by Dr Catriona Harris of CREEM, Monitoring Sea Mammal Populations. Cards & Gifts for sale, also mince pies & refreshments. Free, but donations welcome.

Contact: 01382 542 826.

– 8.00pm. New Picture House, North Street. National Theatre Live, John. Contact: 01334 474 902.

Tuesday, 16 December – 7.15pm. New Picture House, North Street. Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. Royal Ballet.

Contact: 01334 474 902.

Wednesday, 17 December – 7.00pm. St Leonard’s Chapel, the Pends, St Andrews. Carols by candlelight. The Priory Singers, Director: Gillian Craig. Carols old and new with a chance to sing traditional favourites. Tickets, £5 by phone: 01382 540 031 or at the door.

Sunday, 21 December – 3.00pm. New Picture House, North Street. Nutcracker Bolshoi Ballet. Contact: 01334 474 902.

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OUT & ABOUT Alistair Lawson of ScotWays

En Fete on Fife’s Far Frontiers Far away to the west of St Andrews, perched on the very edge of earth’s curve, lie Blairhall, the Bluther Burn and Balgownie – all the Bs. On a normal, lazy day, these places enjoy little in the way of prominence; even on a good day, they probably remain unknown to the residents of St Andrews. However, every dog has its day ...

For some years past, an active little group of volunteers, West Fife Woodlands, has been working to create a new path leading south and west from Blairhall, over the Grange Burn, over the Bluther Burn, west to Balgownie Wood and onwards, eventually to Devilla Forest (and so to Kincardine). These plans reached a milestone stage just recently, with the installation of a new bridge over the Grange Burn, and, on 26th August, a gathering of 30 members, supporters, grant-giving bodies, councillors and other allies was convened. The party was conducted over a length of new path and came to a halt at Over the years, readers of “St Andrews in the magnificent new bridge. The chairman of Focus” will have noted my frequent reference WFW, Stan Welch, made appropriate remarks, to similar groups of local enthusiasts who band mentioning both the trials and the successes together either to create new recreational along the way and thanking supporting paths where previously there were none or to organisations. Scissors were improve and bring back into then produced and handed to use degraded paths. Within voluntary groups can Joan Geddes, a long-time ally recent years, ScotWays add significantly to the of WFW and formerly Lead has been pleased to work sum of what is achieved Officer with Fife Council’s with Culross Community Development Services. There Council, the Craigencalt then followed a prolonged and somewhat Rural Community Trust, Auchtertool muscular struggle, the scissors proving unfit Pathways Project, Markinch Heritage Group for purpose, but the artistic woven wreath of and Limekilns, Charlestown & Pattiesmuir tough, burnside vegetation (see illustration) was Community Council. Fife Council, of course, eventually severed, and all were able to walk has overall responsibility for Rights of Way and over. for Core Paths, but voluntary groups can add The onward links all the way to Devilla significantly to the sum of what is achieved, remain a work in progress, but this was a not least because they can provide unpaid significant step in the realisation of the overall effort and can also access grants not directly vision. available to Councils.

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Should readers wish to visit the new path and bridge, park (east or west of the B9037 road) at Grid Ref 001 883 (O.S. 1:50,000 map, sheet 65) and walk westwards for 400m. If that is too short an outing, walk north from the back of the east-side car park and find the nearby Alloa – Dunfermline walkway / cycleway, which opens up a whole range of onward options.

(Photos by John Rogers, WFW)

OUT & ABOUT Arlen Pardoe

Hidden Gems in St Andrews (in plain view) Focussing on features that are in plain sight, but often overlooked Weather Weather vanes, wind vanes, or weathercocks are familiar sights in most cities, towns and villages around the country. They are commonly seen on churches and religious buildings, also on public and private buildings, on roofs and towers. The actual construction

is as individual as the location and may feature points of the compass, a pointer in the form of an animal, or just a simple arrow. The word ‘vane’ comes from the Old English word fana meaning ‘flag’. St Andrews has a fine variety of weather vanes with features such as a cockerel, a fish, with the installation year.

Vanes with compass points:

Holy Trinity Church

Simple vanes:

Hope Park Church

St Leonards School

Castle

Chaplaincy

Argyle Lodge

Westerlee

University Hall (1911)

Hamilton Grand

90 Market Street

St Salvators

Town Hall

R & A

Alexandra Place

Crawford Arts

Queen’s Gardens

All Saints Church

Castlegate

Other items: Other weather-related equipment includes the barometers at Ladyhead in North Street (left), and the wind-speed and direction indicators at the R & A, connected to the anemometer on the roof above (right).

(Photos courtesy Arlen Pardoe)

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THE St Andrews pet shop!

Stocking the widest range of pet foods, accessories.

Anything not stocked we can order.

78 South Street, St Andrews, KY16 9JT Tel: 01334 470 873