ISSUE 57 - SPRING 2020 FREE

StramashThe Orwell and Portmoak Quarterly Parish Magazine Scottish Charity Number: SC015523

HOPE AND JOY All shall be made right!

LOVE IN ACTION So many reasons to be hopeful! 17th Century Scottish Castle Castle Wedding for 110 and Family Home Marquee Wedding for over 200 Grade A Listed with a 9th century [email protected] ruined medieval church, maze and a www.tullibolecastle.com 150 yard ‘moat’ situated in its parkland Tel: 01577 840236

OPENING TIMES MON 9-5 WED 9-5 THUR 9-5 FRI 9-5 SAT 9-4

101 HIGH ST. LATE NIGHT ON REQUEST KINROSS KY13 8AQ SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY

01577 862095 FIND US ON | 39 High Street, Kinross KY13 8AA 1 on this issue, and what contrasting Dear Friends, emotions our departure has evoked. The old phrase ‘betwixt and Exuberant parties of celebration between’ has just come to in some places were matched by have a new resonance for wake-like gatherings in others. For us all in this country. A few some, this is an exciting moment hours ago (as I write) we woke up of great progress in our national to find ourselves in exactly that life; for others, there has been an situation, having now officially left the overwhelming feeling of sadness European Union. We haven’t been and loss for what’s past, and of here for nearly half a century and apprehension about what the future Life is usually more grey than black some readers at least will never have might hold. and white. We can but hope that known life except as citizens of the we will at least see an end to the EU. The times they are a’ changing. And we really are ‘betwixt and coarseness that has entered our between’, for although we are out public discourse during the last few Reports of gatherings up and down of the EU, we remain for the rest years, with greater calmness, self- the country to mark our departure of this year in a strange transition control and mutual respect among show clearly how divided we remain period, when the future shape of our politicians. Instead of polarizing our relationship with the EU will arguments, we want to see our be decided. Intense negotiations lie leaders work together to make ahead and it is not clear what that our nation a place where all can CONTENTS future relationship will look like. flourish and the weakest and most vulnerable are cared for. Is this too 1 BETWIXT AND Our political situation is a much to ask for? BETWEEN reminder that life is made up of a Quiet confidence of hope series of endings and beginnings, A theme running through the Bible transitions from one state or set of is that every ending is accompanied 2 LOSS OF A LEGEND circumstances to another. This is as by the presence of new hope. This Brian’s life of fulfilment true for us as individuals as it is for hope brings joy. The Christian faith is institutions and nations. Willy-nilly, essentially all about the hope and joy 6 POETRY PAGE we are caught up in ceaseless change. so conspicuous by their absence from Walking in Springtime We find ourselves regularly in what contemporary culture. Woody Allan has been called ‘the limbo of liminality’, quipped that ‘hope for the future has 7 ‘DEFROCKING’ that in-between state before crossing become a thing of the past’. Christian DAWKINS the threshold (limen is Latin for hope, however, is not a blind Bursting the Atheist’s balloon threshold) and becoming something optimism but the quiet confidence else. This is just the way life is. that, because the God who has 8 COFFEE Children become adults, pregnant revealed himself in Jesus is there, all CELEBRATIONS mums become mothers, ageing shall ultimately be made right. Saluting the ‘Scent’ ministers become retired has-beens! This hope has been a light which 9 FAMILY FAVOURITES Each rite of passage has within it a down the ages has guided countless Pen pictures of pets moment of the ‘not yet ended’ and the folk through life’s uncertainties ‘not yet begun’. Not infrequently, this and perplexities. It has the same 10 PATROLLING betwixt and between phase creates transformative power today for all PASTORS a certain level of anxiety about what who are willing to embrace it. As Street service of love lies ahead, together with sense of CS Lewis said of this ultimate hope, excitement about the prospect of ‘There are far, far better things 11 A LOCAL HERO new beginnings. ahead than any we have left behind.’ Supreme courage under fire No doubt the transition period Yours sincerely, 12 PRIDE IN PRIMARIES lying ahead for our nation will not Angus Morrison Changes and challenges be wholly bad – or wholly good. Very Rev Dr Angus Morrison 14 THE BIGGEST BRIDGE Passing over the Pease COVER PHOTO: Doug Carrie

EDITORIAL ADVERTISING DESIGN Ruary MacLeod on 01577 863992 Kim Reid on 01577 862686 Sarah Deighan CONTACTSor email [email protected] or email [email protected] email [email protected] 2 Brian’s Memorial Service On the first of February on to Summer Fields in Oxford, this year, a large number of where Brian wrote a bestselling people, from as far south as mathematics textbook for prep London and Oxford, gathered schools. We heard how Brian was in the beautiful Cleish Parish the only man ever to be interviewed Church to remember and give for the post of Head at St George’s thanks for the life of Brian School for girls in Edinburgh. He Ogilvie who had passed away loved to tell that story, adding with on the 7th of December 2019. a wry smile, ‘Sadly, I didn’t crack the glass ceiling!’ its life. He was almost always the first Regular readers of this Parish to respond positively to my quarterly Magazine will recall the countless Three areas of interest and close pleas for submission of ‘pieces’ for the articles penned by Brian for these involvement gave Brian enormous next issue. I could be sure of receiving pages over many years. These ranged pleasure and fulfilment. The first was from Brian a rich variety of most widely, from theology to book his joining the Dorothy L. Sayers interesting, informative and amusing reviews to café reviews. They were Society, of which he became a anecdotes. He was a good friend who always stimulating, often thought- devoted Treasurer for many years. will be sorely missed by me and by provoking, and not infrequently laced We heard an appreciation from the his many reader ‘fans’ who eagerly with his distinctive brand of humour. Society’s Dr Geraldine Perriam of awaited the pleasure of ‘devouring his Brian’s valued work and friendship in pieces’ when published in Stramash It was typical of Brian that he had that context. and of heading off immediately to prepared his own memorial service in try out Brian’s latest, recommended great detail. The extent of the detail Secondly, Brian heard and responded eating-place!” caused a headache or two to those to the call to service in the church. who were charged with organizing He initially became a Reader in Brian was a unique person of many and leading it, but in the event all the United Reformed Church. talents. He had a deep interest in went well. The congregational singing This enabled him to move directly and concern for people, from the of the five hymns Brian had chosen into the role within the Church of pupils he taught in school to the was superb. He had also prepared , on his and Moira’s return parishioners he served through the introductions for each of them and to Kinnesswood. He served the church. It was impossible not to these were read by five friends from parish of Cleish and Fossoway under warm to him. We shall all miss him the Fossoway Men’s Breakfast at which three ministers, the Revs David greatly, especially of course Moira Brian had been a regular attender. McLeod, Joanne Foster and Elisabeth and his family. We can be thankful, Stenhouse, each of whom he held however, that his suffering is over, We sang the great hymn, ‘Here is love, in high regard. From Joanne, at the that we have many bright memories vast as the ocean’, known as the ‘love service we heard memories of this to sustain us and that we can look song’ of the 1904 Welsh Revival. On period of Brian’s much appreciated to a future irradiated with the hope Brian’s instruction, before singing it, service. Elisabeth offered a most of the Gospel. As Dorothy L. Sayers’ we heard a verse sung in Welsh over appropriate prayer of thanksgiving. friend, CS Lewis, once famously the sound system. My impression was roared across a busy Oxford street, that the Cleish congregation did an As already mentioned, the third to a friend departing for the States: even better job! sphere of engagement which gave ‘Christians never say Goodbye!’ Brian much pleasure - and others In the eulogy, among much else, enrichment - was his regular and Moira wishes to convey her warm we heard of Brian’s early life of much valued contributions to appreciation for all the support poverty in Dundee, the academic Stramash. Ruary MacLeod, the editor, offered to her during Brian’s illness achievements in chemistry and comments: - and the many expressions of mathematics of this lad o’ pairts, sympathy following his passing, and his love for the brilliant young lady, “Brian was a most intelligent, loyal, for all who attended the Memorial with an Oxford doctorate, who diligent and enthusiastic contributor of Service in Cleish Church. came to Grove Academy as his Head articles to the magazine over much of ANGUS MORRISON of Department in 1973, sporting, to Brian’s initial surprise, a Girls’ Crusader badge, and his subsequent marriage to Moira in 1974.

We learned how their careers took them from Dundee to London and 3 Memorable Quotes from Dorothy L. Sayers Dorothy L. Sayers (1893 for Penguin Books of Dante’s Divine – 1957) was a writer of Comedy, which she regarded as detective fiction, poetry her best work. Less well known, and plays, besides being a unfortunately, are her remarkable devoted student of classical theological writings such as Creed or and modern languages. She is Chaos? She was offered a Lambeth most widely remembered as author doctor of divinity by the Archbishop of the crime mysteries that feature of Canterbury but she turned it the aristocratic amateur sleuth, Lord down on the (highly questionable) Peter Wimsey. These books still grounds that she was not a ‘proper’ have an enthusiastic readership. So theologian. A.M. does her idiosyncratic translation

‘A marriage of two ‘Wherever you find independent and ‘In the world it is called a great man, you equally irritable Tolerance, but in hell will find a great intelligences seems it is called Despair... mother or a great to me reckless to the the sin that believes wife standing point of insanity.’ in nothing, cares for behind him -- or nothing, seeks to know so they used to nothing, interferes ‘We’ve got to say. It would be with nothing, enjoys laugh or break interesting to nothing, hates nothing, our hearts in this know how many finds purpose in damnable world.’ great women have nothing, lives for had great fathers nothing, and remains alive because there is and husbands ‘Facts are like cows. If nothing for which it behind them.’ you look them in the will die.’ face long enough, they generally run away.’

Oasis Ladies Group will meet at Portmoak Church New Room asis at 10.15am on the following dates: LADIES GROUP Weekends come and buy our new range of tasty freshly March 27th – Craft Morning baked artisan breads April 24th – Speaker – Wilma Carragher May 29th – Craft Morning

Everyone will be most welcome to come along to any meeting. AVRIL ROGERS 4 Learning the ‘Good News’ at marvellous Messy

At Messy Church, finding faith can be fun for both young ones and grown-up helpers!

Messy Church will meet on Saturdays from 4pm-6pm on the following dates:

28th March – Orwell Church Hall 25th April – Portmoak Village Hall 30th May – Orwell Church Hall We hope to see you there! CARA CHALMERS

Orwell and Portmoak Guild Tuesday 17th March 7pm in Orwell Hall Charity Meal Come along and enjoy This year we are delicious soup and supporting fabulous puddings the Sailors’ Society and Seema’s Project All that is required is a donation towards the Everyone Guild projects. Welcome! 5

Scottish Fair Trade Awards honour local Fair Trade campaigner Fair Trade supporters gathered at Scotmid’s headquarters in Edinburgh on Monday 18th November to celebrate the 2019 Scottish Fair Trade Awards.

The Scottish Fair Trade Karena Jarvie from Kinross-shire Karena acknowledged her gratitude Awards recognise the won Volunteer of the Year to all the many people individuals, groups and 2019 for her work in in Kinross-shire who organisations who work communicating the benefits support Fairtrade and locally to support and of Fair Trade, promoting buy Traidcraft goods. A promote Fair Trade in and selling Traidcraft selection of those goods Scotland, and thereby make goods and building support is always available from a tangible difference to the for Scottish-based Fair Trade the Church Office in South lives of the people in the businesses such as Bala Street, Milnathort Global South who grow our Sport and Just Trading during the usual Office food and make the products Scotland. opening hours. that we use every day. RUARY MACLEOD

4.30pm - 10.30pm 6 Out in the Elements Malcolm Guite is a poet, singer-songwriter, academic and Anglican cleric. He has a particular interest in the intersection of religion and the arts. This poem is about a walk he took in this season of spring. He writes:

‘It’s about walking on a wild wet windy early spring day, but as you will see, it’s also about the four elements within and around us and also, perhaps a little meditation on those hints in Paul that in Christ’s redemption and renewal of humanity will also be the redemption, in and through us, of all nature, that the creation waits with eager longing for glory, hidden in us, in us to be revealed. Anyway, I hope you enjoy it.’

I crunch the gravel on my ravelled walks In taste and fragrance, watching whisps of grey And clabber with my boots in the wet clay And graceful smoke in their brief flight, For I myself am clay that breathes and talks As sun breaks from the clouds and lights my way Articulated earth, I move and pray I feel the fire that makes the light that makes the day Alive at once to walk and be the way. The root beneath, the branch above the tree Now air is all astir in breaks and blasts, These hedges bright with blossom, white with May, The last grey rags of cloud are blown aside Everything concentrates, awaits in me The hedgerows hush and rustle in the gusts the coming of the One who sets creation free As clean winds whistle round me. Far and wide Bent grasses and frail flowers lean aside Earth opens now to sudden drumming rains, I breathe the world in with this brimming breeze The raised and falling waters of the sea That tugs at me and eddies at my side Whose tidal pull and play is in my veins Quickens and flickers through the tangled trees Spilling and spreading, filling, flowing free And breathes me back to life and brings me to my knees Whose ebb and flow is still at work in me And in the wombing pulse of play and work Akin to every creature I will learn When heart beats pushed in waves of empathy From each and all the meaning of my birth Till waters broke and bore me from the dark I love the dust to which I will return And found this foundered shore and took me from the ark The subtle substance of my mother earth, From water born by fire fathered forth, As rain recedes I pause to fill my pipe An index and epitome of nature, And kindle fire that flickers into light I sum and summon all the world is worth, And lights the leaf all curled and cured and ripe And breathing now His elemental air Within a burr-starred bowl. How fierce and bright I find the One within, without, and everywhere. It glows against the cold. And I delight

Hail the Holy Dusters

The house of God welcomes all who cross its doors But it is the Holy Dusters who clean the pews and floors.

The minister may preach his sermons, the organist play the tunes But it is the Holy Dusters who wield the pans and brooms.

The devil of dirt is excluded when the noble brigade go through, The work may be humble and lowly but so were the fishermen too.

Then offer a prayer of thanksgiving for those behind the scene Who give their love in labour that God’s house may be clean.

Anon (Alt.) BOOK REVIEW • BOOK REVIEW • BOOK REVIEW • BOOK7 Outgrowing Dawkins. God for not know what he is talking about. Grown Ups Rupert Shortt (SPCK, 2019) It was essential that this should be shown to be the case. Rupert Shortt, Our New Atheist friend, an academic and Religion Editor of Richard Dawkins, has been at the Times Literary Supplement has it again. His now notorious visceral done a superb job of doing just that hatred for all things religious, with a in his cheekily titled (but deservedly special quality of venom reserved for so!) response to Dawkins: Outgrowing Christianity, cannot remain quiescent Dawkins. God for Grown Ups. for long. It just has to get out there into the public domain, in the hope Shortt shows Dawkins’s book to be that as many others as possible little more than a rehash of positions will catch the virus. He cannot stated more fully in his larger, understand why so many have failed bestselling, God Delusion. In that book, to do so. Clearly, another attempt Dawkins attacks a certain form of seemed necessary. religion which is about as far removed as can be conceived from a mature This time, it’s a book which seems faith. What is extraordinary is that to be as much of a fundamentalist clearly to be aimed at potential teenage when some of the finest thinkers of as the religious fundamentalists readers. Its title, Outgrowing God. A our time (including atheists) pointed out he so loathes. Iain McGilchrist Beginner’s Guide wishes to convey to Dawkins the crudity of his assaults understandably comments, ‘There is the notion that belief in God is to be on what were little more than ‘straw scientific fundamentalism and there included among the childish beliefs, men’, he didn’t pay them the slightest is religious fundamentalism: why for example in Santa Claus and fairies, attention! It is almost incredible. waste time on either?’ Shortt takes we put away on reaching mature Dawkins’ flimsy arguments apart with adulthood. Belief in God is in the same Karen Kilby puts well one of the elegance and clarity. category as a conviction that elves live most basic category of errors running at the bottom of your garden. It’s fine through Dawkins’ polemic: ‘If God It is so sad to see a fine mind like to think such things during a certain is source of all, holding everything – that of Richard Dawkins, under the stage of childhood. As adults, we have including time and space themselves impulsion of bitter prejudice, produce outgrown such nonsense. – in being, then it follows that you such intellectual rubbish, riddled with cannot think of God as one more the most elementary mistakes. I hope Dawkins writes well and persuasively item in the universe, as one outsized he reads this book but suspect he and many of his books on science are actor among others, as vying for won’t. Maybe, one day he will manage deservedly held in high regard. He is space or influence with the beings to lose his arrogance and come to a a great communicator and he hopes God creates.’ better mind. Let’s hope so for his own that skill will serve to rescue lots of good and the good of us all. Meantime, young people, as they grow up, from In a manner, to say the least, we can be thankful for the work of the imbecility of belief in a creator academically irresponsible (I hesitate more careful and balanced academics, God. Unfortunately, what many of his to say dishonest), Dawkins refuses like Rupert Shortt, who with minimal young readers will not realise is that to read serious theology or engage effort show clearly that, for now at when it comes to issues of faith and with serious theologians on theology. least, this ‘emperor has no clothes’. theology, Dawkins, quite literally, does He reveals himself at every turn ANGUS MORRISON SMITH STREET MOTORS MOT, SERVICING & ALL TYPES OF VEHICLE REPAIRS

Derek McGregor 01577 864797 Mon-Fri - 8.30-5.30 6 Smith Street Kinross Sat - 8.30-12.30 KY13 8DD [email protected] 8 Fifteen Down! Who is counting? There will be many more to come!

The much-loved Heaven like coffee, I’ve never ever drunk a had to pick a work highlight, it would Scent Coffee Shop in cup, I’m 100% a tea man, but I felt be winning Scottish Entrepreneurial Milnathort is celebrating that a coffee shop was what the local Caterer of the Year in 2016.” its 15th birthday this May. community needed most.” Stramash catches up with owner And some low Andrew D Scott to find out more. Heaven Scent has points a very distinct look “We’ve been broken into Congratulations! 15 years is a and feel. How have and vandalised several great achievement. How are you achieved this? times in the past few you going to celebrate? “When I first bought years which has been “Many thanks – feels longer! We’ll Heaven Scent, it was heart-breaking, but be running special events throughout in need of serious the support from the the year, competitions and prizes refurbishment, especially community has been etc and we’ll have a birthday party as I had to convert outstanding. Outside of weekend at the end of May with a it from a florist into Heaven Scent, I had a barbecue, live music, amazing food, a coffee shop. It’s business venture in Perth fun cocktails ... we’ll announce the seen a number of which didn’t work out, to details soon.” transformations over the years, and put it mildly. Again, every cloud, and customers seem to love the current it taught me enough to enable me to antique style colours and quirky set up Victus Consultancy which sees features. Buying the flat above me travelling around Britain like a was a huge coup as it meant we real-life Ramsay Kitchen Nightmares could expand upstairs and outside meets The Restaurant Man with a to create “The Secret Garden” little dribble of Alex Polizzi.” and “Heaven Above”. Using a SMEG fridge instead of a normal What are you most proud of? door to access the stairs has worked “I look around the shop and see brilliantly and is still a talking point couples, high school kids, professionals almost three years later. We even on laptops, cyclists, grandparents won the STAR Award for innovation with their grandkids, mums with on the back of it!” babies, locals and tourists. It’s such an amazing mix. I’m also proud of our Where did the name come afternoon teas as we allow customers What gave you the idea of from? more choice than usual, and that opening a coffee shop? “The shop I bought was called “Scent we have remained innovative and “I’ve worked in catering and from Heaven” which I really liked creative, especially when it comes to hospitality since the age of 13, a wee but it didn’t quite fit the bill. A wee catering for customers with special lad starting out as a kitchen porter. bit of jiggery pokery later and boom! dietary requirements.” I didn’t do well at school but had Heaven Scent was born.” the right skills and personality to Sum up Heaven Scent in five work in hospitality, so studied hard What have been your words at college and was a hotel General highlights? “Eat, Drink, Relax, Coffee, Cake.” Manager at just 22. Entrepreneurial “I’m a people person, so I love spirit runs in my family, so a few recruiting, developing and nurturing Andrew D Scott is owner and years, promotions, and countries young people and watching them MD of the ‘Heaven Scent’ later I bought a small café in Kinross, thrive. I also love going into local brand and Victus Consultancy. then the former florist shop in schools and colleges to support with Milnathort. You know, I don’t even nutrition and cooking programmes, judging baking competitions and spotting some potential talent while I’m at it! Most of all, when I bought the shop, I had no kids, now my two boys very much want to be part of its future. Being invited to open a Heaven Scent in DCLG is kinda cool but If I 9 ‘All Creatures Great and Small’ Dick tells tales of formerly ‘reigning’ cats and dogs of the Crighton household The animals we love can We have had cats for about fifty years sometimes rule our lives if we up until now. Our last one, Cava, let them, but it’s so hard to died at about sixteen years old, late resist the various and cunning last year. He was a stray who found ways that pets seem to have his way into our garden. We had no to get their own way. dogs by that time but Cava may have known dogs in his previous home. He Here are a few pen pictures - and enjoyed meeting our neighbour’s large photos - of pets with whom we have Gordon Setters and would go out to shared our lives from time to time meet them when they appeared. Cava over many years. even rubbed himself around one of the dog’s legs, much to the worried Ringo was our first dog. He was a looking dog’s consternation, while stray who, after wandering between being constrained on a tight lead. Kinnesswood and our place in Scotlandwell for several months, Squeaks and Meggie came to us from found his way to our house. He the Fife Cat Shelter in Colinsburgh, was enticed in by means of a little as it was at the time. We visited Squeaks relaxing on armchair cat food. He lived with us for about the shelter to see if there were two seventeen years and enjoyed walks cats that we could have together. around the fields. Often, while out On arriving we saw this beautiful with him, he would gradually move fluffy female, Meg. We renamed her further away from me until he ‘Meggie’ as I frequently address my thought he was out of earshot and wife, Margaret as Meg. Two Megs then he would increase speed and in the house would have been too make his own way home, leaving me much. We decided to take Meggie to return home by myself. and were persuaded to take a young, recently arrived male as well. We Cholet, our second dog, a female, named him ‘Squeaks’ because of his was found in Scotlandwell late one mouse-like voice. evening and, on being found, seemed to become excited whenever a car Squeaks and Cava were never friendly appeared. It was as if she had been towards each other, although they dumped from a car and was looking never fought. For as long as Meggie for her owners. Despite appeals for was around, the two boys behaved information and notices posted, no themselves. However, after Meggie owner came forward. She came at died, both males went everywhere a time when Ringo was aging quite marking “their” territory, which a lot, had put on weight and was just happened to be our entire house. Meggie watching something slowing down. Well, when this new We had to keep closed the doors to young female appeared, the old lad every room. Almost the moment that Ringo at West Sands, St Andrews perked up a lot, began to slim down Squeaks died and Cava was on his own, and lived about five more years than the marking stopped - thank goodness! we’d expected him to live. DICK CRIGHTON

Cholet on Mull Cava and ‘He’s behind you’ 10 11

AStreet personal perspective Pastors by Derek Morrison The term ‘night economy’ 12 volunteers have today become effectively means working not only may, or may not, be 51, drawn from 37 churches across with local authorities but, very meaningful to you, but the city. In total, 110 volunteers have importantly, with the remarkable across the UK through- patrolled the city centre since then. network of church and charity the-night trading in town Thousands of meaningful personal facilities within the city that provide and city centre pubs, clubs, interactions occur on the streets food and shelter, or that can address restaurants, cinemas and every year. Street Pastors are given more complex needs such as theatres generates an 50 hours of training in topics such as addiction problems, mental health estimated £70 billion. But, sadly, listening skills, mental health, alcohol issues or debt. the night economy also often carries and drug awareness and youth human hardship. Issues of addiction, culture, while remaining focussed on Our patrols are in the city centre homelessness, loneliness, isolation demonstrating the love of Christ to from 11pm to 4am. Currently, six and crime are often embedded within the homeless, to the party goers and teams patrol in Edinburgh each these hours of urban darkness. revellers from pubs and night clubs Friday night and on two Saturday and to anyone in need, whatever nights each month. More volunteers In October 2019, I joined the form it takes. are being recruited to enable us to staff team at Edinburgh Street patrol every Saturday night and as Pastors on a short-term contract. Practically, that may mean giving hot a result, a seventh team is almost A Christian charity, Street Pastors drinks, blankets and warm woollens ready to begin operating. began in London in 2003 under to someone sitting freezing on a the leadership of a church Pastor pavement, or directing a vulnerable Are you interested in joining called Les Isaac. 18 volunteers began young runaway girl, far from home, this work? patrolling the troubled streets of to a night shelter. It could mean Brixton, offering non-judgmental listening to a nightclub manager Street Pastors work in Edinburgh, listening, unconditional caring and sharing his personal worries, or in Perth and in surrounding areas, practical help to anyone they met. helping a drunk, distressed and lost including Dunfermline. This is an The initial scepticism of the Local man to find his way home – real exciting opportunity to work with Authority and the Police turned examples from recent patrols. volunteers from all over the world to enthusiastic support as records Prayer, if appropriate, will form and from many different Christian showed reductions in crime in the part of the care offered. So may the denominations. We learn from areas patrolled by Street Pastors. gift of a Bible. We often have the each other and work together as It is a remarkable measure of the opportunity to share our Christian Street Pastors sharing one common effectiveness of this work that there faith as a result of the care we offer purpose to bring the love of Jesus are now 12,000 trained volunteer and the relationships that develop onto the streets. Street Pastors across the UK, from that. The good news of Jesus working in 300 towns and cities Christ is at the heart of what we do. Our training takes place twice with full Local Authority and Police He promises, “Whoever comes per year, in February/March and support. That number rises to 20,000 to me I will never drive away.” October/November. If you are when Prayer Pastors, management Street Pastors aim to embody that interested in joining us, please teams and trustees are added. commitment in personal, practical contact the Recruitment and Training and spiritual ways. Administrator by email at Edinburgh Street Pastors began city [email protected] centre weekend night patrols with 12 A Street Pastor’s main responsibility or call 07523 26906. volunteers in June 2009. The original is to care. Delivering that care DEREK MORRISON 11 George Thompson VC: Courage never equalled To mark 75 years since In 1943, after a spell in the Middle the posthumous award East, George Thompson was of a Victoria Cross to relocated to Bardney in Lincolnshire Kinross-shire lad Flight- with a posting to No. 9 Squadron Sergeant George Thompson, RAF Volunteer Reserve Bomber Kinross (Marshall) Museum Command, the oldest dedicated has mounted a special bomber squadron in the Royal Air anniversary display telling his Force. It was there that George met story. David Munro here describes bomber pilot F H Denton who was his early days in Portmoak Parish to describe him as “the best wireless and his heroic action during an RAF operator I have ever known – always bombing raid over Germany on 1st right on top of his job in the air.” January 1945. It was on 1st January 1945 Flight-Sergeant George Thompson VC Born 100 years ago on 23rd that a flight of Lancaster Holland near the North Brabant town October 1920 in Borestane Bombers made a daring of Heesch. The crew were quickly Cottage in the Perthshire daylight raid on the taken to hospital in Eindhoven from parish of Trinity Gask, Dortmund–Ems Canal where George Thompson was taken George Thompson was the in the industrial heart of on to Brussels suffering from severe son of a ploughman, James Germany’s Ruhr valley. burns and frostbite. On 23rd January, Thompson, who later After releasing bombs on just over three weeks after the crash relocated to Kinnesswood target, the plane on which landing, George died of pneumonia. in Kinross-shire to work Flight-Sergeant George He was buried in Brussels Town on Parkhouse Farm. Thompson was the No.9 Bomber Cemetery and a month later, on th George’s early schooling Squadron logo wireless operator was hit 20 February 1945, he was awarded was at Portmoak Primary by anti-aircraft fire. Most a posthumous Victoria Cross for School in Scotlandwell and in 1935- of the nose compartment was shot conspicuous bravery. 36 he completed his formal education away, gaping holes were torn in the at Kinross Public School. fuselage and one engine was ablaze. Flight-Sergeant George Thompson VC is remembered on war memorials George Thompson left school at the Through flames and exploding in Portmoak and Orwell parishes age of 14 to serve an apprenticeship ammunition, George Thompson and special commemorative plaques in David Sands’ grocery shop in made his way to the mid-turret are to be found locally in Portmoak Kinross where, after four years, he where he pulled the gunner to Primary School and Kinross High qualified as a certified grocer. His real safety from his seat extinguishing his School. His name is also to be found interest, however, was in “tinkering burning clothing with his bare hands. on street names in Kinross and in with wireless sets” and at the age of Despite his own severe injuries Heesch where Thompsonstraat was 20 he enlisted as a Royal Air Force George then made his way to the created in 1995. George Thompson’s ground wireless operator. rear of the aircraft where he again medals are on show in the Royal Air extricated a helpless gunner, beating Force Room at Edinburgh Castle for Below left: Wreath laid at the foot of out flames in the process. all to see. the Bishopshire War Memorial 75 years rd after George Thompson’s death on 23 Forty minutes after being hit, the January 1945. Below Right: Inscription “His courage has never been on the Bishopshire War Memorial. crippled Lancaster crash landed in equalled and never surpassed.” 12 Milnathort Primary School We are well into the swing of currently have an extremely Term 3 at Milnathort Primary successful netball team competing School and Nursery, our in a Perth and Kinross league who busiest and longest school are unbeaten at time of writing! term heading towards Spring, Digital Leaders continue to keep our some lighter mornings and Digital Schools Award alive, and are evenings and hopefully some regularly in classes delivering digital warmer weather. We always lessons alongside, and sometimes have lots to share and there is never enlightening, our staff. a dull moment or a quiet day in the diary for our learners and staff! Our Nursery has experienced some transformations over the last year We continue to work in partnership with a lot of work on the indoor with the Modern Languages environment with a Closing the department at Kinross High School Communication Gap theme, making it and many of our children benefit from inviting and conducive to teaching the weekly Mandarin lessons which are core communication skills: listening stimulating, interactive and produce and talking. Another literacy rich some of the most wonderful art and corner of our establishment, the craft to decorate our corridors. Nursery has a simply enchanting fairy- tale like story corner with furniture We have lots of opportunities for fashioned from donated cable reels, children to lead learning, including again from our local community. very active Reading, Digital and Sports committees. Children Children in Nursery are currently in the Reading Committee take benefiting from a huge investment responsibility for organising a whole in “Adventures with Alice” staff host of events, from character training – where themes of curiosity, themed discos, storytelling sessions creativity, connection and language with members of the community and development are the basis of our story themed drama presentations. provocations for learning. Our next We are proud to be a literacy rich big project is a total refit of the school with lots of followers on bathroom area, due to take place Twitter pinching some of our “MPS during the Easter holidays. Loves Reading” ideas. We are lucky to have had a huge We have many regular volunteers The Sports Committee children are uptake in parents, carers and who help-out in school and so I will kept busy with a full timetable of members of our community to close by extending an invitation for sporting clubs and activities on offer support our Family Learning times anyone who would like to contribute throughout the week. In addition to on Tuesday afternoons this term. to our learning and teaching taster sessions such as Judo from Extra adults have been invaluable in community. Whether it be an the local community, we run weekly supporting the delivery of science expertise or skill you already possess, netball, dance, yoga, ball skills, rugby, lessons for groups of P1-P3 children, or a desire to help with a club or cross country running, playground and Masterclasses for the upper library duty, please do contact us and games and badminton, with football school which look at life skills and we will offer a warm welcome. practice blocks each term before career education - Skills for Learning, LAURA KNOYLE, DHT competing in festival events. We Life and Work across our school! Milnathort Primary School 13

Portmoak Primary School 60th Birthday Celebrations There has been much our special wee school which, as our • At the end of a snowy break excitement afoot at house captains said, is a place that time, all staff came out to greet Portmoak Primary School brings out the best in every person, the children with a ‘Let’s Twist over the last few weeks as is a place where we support and Again’ flashmob, to which we prepared to celebrate our encourage each other, and is a fun everyone joined in. It was a real 60th birthday. The school for and enjoyable place to learn. sight to see, 120 children and the parish was previously situated staff ‘twisting’ in the snow! in Scotlandwell and opened in its Our second celebration took present location in Kinnesswood in the form of a 1960s school day. All the children spoke very positively April 1960. There were lots of new rules and about the day and had lots of fun. routines for the children to learn, The learning of each class this term and activities throughout the day At the time of writing this article, we has focussed on one of the decades included dictation, handwriting, are looking forward to our third and that Portmoak Primary School has atlas work, maths sums on the final celebration which takes place on th been open, with our youngest pupils board and NO TECHNOLOGY! 20 February – our ‘Dance Through learning about the Swingin’ Sixties. Other differences to the school day The Decades’ family disco featuring They recreated iconic Beatles album included: lots of familiar cult dances such covers, danced to ‘Let’s Twist Again’, as the 70s ‘Bus Stop Line Dance’, • During assembly, pupils sang ‘God looked at toys and games from the Whigfield’s‘Saturday Night’ and the Save The Queen’ and recited the 1960s and watched children’s TV ‘Rock the Boat’ song. Lord’s Prayer. programmes – their favourite was Happy Birthday Portmoak ‘Bill and Ben, The Flowerpot Men’! • Before eating their lunch, Primary School!!! Their learning culminated in a musical everybody’s hands were PAULA WOODS extravaganza on 10th February where inspected to ensure they were Acting Headteacher every class performed a song and clean enough to be served. dance from the decade and shared some of the big news headlines. Mr • Mrs Livitt, our school cook, put Buchan, from Kinnesswood Garage, on a very special 1960s lunch of was a pupil at Portmoak Primary mince cobbler and iced sponge in 1960 and so we were delighted with pink custard – yum! that he was able to join us for our • Mr Ainsworth, our PE teacher, celebrations and to cut the cake had a special 1960s gym lesson alongside one of our P1 pupils. It was in store for the pupils, which fantastic to hear our 110 pupils and focussed on fitness and exercises. 120 guests sing ‘Happy Birthday’ to 14 The World’s Tallest Bridge Readers may not have known or heard previously of this notable structure and how it came about, as here narrated by James Barr. I’m straying from Stramash’s territory to follow; heavy supplies could be but I’m aiming to raise awareness of a carried by sea and offloaded at ports relatively unknown historic landmark. along the way.

As the Kingdoms of Scotland and There was one physical obstacle, Earlier, I mentioned a deep Gully, England grew into the forms with a deep gully, the Pass of Pease, the Pass of Pease, and so now we which we are familiar, by what land a bottleneck just south of come to the historic landmark. routes was strategic access achieved? Cockburnspath, a small town that was This ravine became a defensible An army moving down south into the doorway into rich agricultural lands site. On occasions, defenders dug England or northwards into Scotland and ports. This area has undergone trenches both in and on the lips of had to cross the Border close to the name changes and reorganisations, this wooded ravine and only fierce North or the Irish seas. Even today, today it’s called . fighting secured passage. Oliver it’s the choice of travelling via Carlisle Cromwell described it as a place or taking the Newcastle road. East Lothian was then a natural “where 10 men to hinder are better passageway for armies. That same than 40 to make their way”. agricultural land created huge wealth for those who possessed the By 1783, the road had become acreages and who then built castles an important highway and, with and fortifications to retain that considerable lobbying from military wealth. Threats to their wealth came concerns, a bridge was built and from armies, English or Scottish, opened in 1786. At 300ft long, Border Reivers and feuds. This area 16ft wide and 130ft high, it was was for over 2,000 years one of the recognised as ‘the tallest bridge in the most fought over in the British Isles. world’. The bridge carried the A1107 public road over the Pease Burn to For a large force, going the western Battles fought there include Cockburnspath and beyond. route meant crossing the boggy mud Athelstaneford 832, 1296, flats of the Solway. Taking the eastern Pinkie 1547, Dunbar again 1650 and Today it’s by-passed by the A1, route gave two options. Crossing Prestonpans 1745. There are over passing a short distance away, with the Border over the Lammermuirs 30 Castles and Towers and Roman a turning to the bridge. It is now via the old Roman Hospital at Soutra Forts aplenty, as well as ancient forts used mainly by farming traffic and led straight to the seat of power, such as Law. The cars going to the caravan site on the Edinburgh. The ground was firm most impressive, Traprain Law, had beach. It really is a sight to behold. but the hills could prove difficult in been used for some 1,500 years until Take a look the next time you pass bad or winter weather. The coast power passed to the Roman legions. by on the A1. road became favoured; it was simple JAMES BARR

Please see Page 17 for Orwell & Portmoak Parish details of Services over Church of Scotland the Spring Season. Church Office 29 South Street, Milnathort, KY13 9XA Office Hours: Monday to Friday, 10am until 12noon Want to advertise your organisation? Phone: 01577 861200 E-mail: [email protected] Want to re-cycle your spectacles, Website: www.orwellportmoakchurch.org.uk batteries, stamps or ink cartridges? Facebook: www.facebook.com/OrwellAndPortmoakChurch We can help! Minister: The Very Rev Dr Angus Morrison Please come in and ask. Church Services on Sunday morning Copying and printing are available at Portmoak -10am; Orwell -11.30am (other than All-Age Joint Service at 10.30am on the first Sunday of competitive rates - colour or black & white. each month) We’re here for YOU! 15

DYNAMIC CHRISTIAN YOUTH WORK KYTHEDynamic Christian Youth Work in Kinross-shire Stramash has visited the Devon Village Hall, Band Camp and volunteers. Barry urges members of KYTHE Hub beside the Holiday Club. Orwell and Portmoak Parish Church Health Centre on the Muirs and of the wider community to to catch up with Senior Youth These clubs are complemented consider whether they could support Worker, Barry Dougall, and by one-to-one pupil support. We KYTHE by volunteering their time to learn about the breadth are all too aware of the pressures and skills - “This is a great way to of initiatives this small young people have in their lives and serve your community by seeing charitable organisation is of the importance of good mental young people flourish; and I undertaking to reach out to health. A young person’s emotional particularly ask men to consider our young folk in Kinross- or spiritual journey rarely follows a if they could get involved”. shire and surrounding areas. straight trajectory with an end point clearly and neatly following on from In conclusion, Barry emphasizes - The Hub itself has been in a state of a start point, and this is the skill of “Importantly, and underlining flux recently, with lots of renovations a professional Youth Worker to everything, is that we are trying going on to change it from its previous actively listen and respond to the to show the love of Christ in existence as a shop to a welcoming individual’s needs at a time and in a all that we do. Your prayer meeting place for young people. way that meets their needs. Equally, support is always welcomed.” it is recognising when a person may Barry is supported by part-time need greater support and so acting as Please contact Barry by email at Youth Worker Gillian Shackleton, a signpost to professional help. together with volunteers, a strong [email protected] management team and a Board of Barry works closely with other Trustees. Orwell and Portmoak organisations and individuals who or visit the KYTHE website at - Parish Church, along with some of support the work of KYTHE. He the other local churches, financially explains - “We need to be able www.kythe.org.uk supports KYTHE, recognising its to measure what we do, but value in our community. the number of contacts (which Kinross-shire Youth Enterprise SCIO, has grown 2.5 fold in the past known as ‘KYTHE’, Scottish Charity To give a flavour of the groups on year) does not demonstrate No. SC045043 offer, SupaClubs run at Kinross and the qualitative aspects of our Milnathort Primary Schools, TalkBack work, so KYTHE is using a is held at Kinross Centre, a Fitness database to capture these key Club takes place at the High School, elements of our interactions”. and Chill’n’Chat meets at the Hub. Lots of other fun activities take The scope of potential outreach is place too – drop-ins and Altitude boundless, but all initiatives thrive youth clubs in the Hub and Crook of on the energy and commitment of

Local and unique crafters

Mon Closed Tues 10am till 5pm Wed 10am till 2pm Thur 10am till 5pm Fri 10am till 5pm Sat 10am till 2pm Sun Closed 16 MISSION TO JAPAN sense that they could do anything to Lorna's Update Japanese bible help bring about any change. It’s been lovely to have the chance to meet some of you Japan is a demographic time bomb. while I have been back in Last year, there were half a million Scotland. Unfortunately, the time more deaths in Japan than births. was all too short and I am due to That means that the population of return to Japan on 26th March. That is Japan is decreasing at nearly the rate also the day that the Olympic Torch of one person per minute. Since Relay begins, taking the torch round life expectancy is long, the ratio of all 47 prefectures in Japan before working people to retirees is also finishing in Tokyo in July. decreasing, leading to a crisis in the pension system and in paying for hosting the Olympics may well bring The theme which has been chosen medical care. some hope, at least to some people for the Torch Relay is “Hope Lights in Japan. our Way”. You may think that the There is a rise in a phenomenon people in Japan have many reasons to known as “lifelong singles”. By However, any hope given by the be hopeful. They live in a beautiful the age of 50, 1 in 4 Japanese men Olympics is unlikely to last beyond country, with good education, trains and 1 in 7 women have never the summer, when all the athletes that run on time, clean streets and a been married. Some restaurants and spectators have packed up and high level of safety. and karaoke bars are now actively gone home. What Japan needs is catering for solo customers. The eternal hope. As Christians, that is Yet surveys regularly show that number of single person households the hope that we have in the gospel Japanese people do not have much has risen by 40% in the past 20 of Jesus. In a conversation Jesus had hope for their future. A recent years. An increasing number of with a woman at a well, he said, survey of 18-year-olds in 9 different elderly people are also dying alone, “Everyone who drinks of this water countries showed that Japanese sometimes only found by neighbours will be thirsty again, but whoever young people had the least hope that weeks or months later. Well over drinks of the water that I will give things would improve and the least 1 million people (mainly men) have him will never be thirsty again. The also withdrawn from society and are water that I will give him will become known as “hikikomori” or “shut-ins”. in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” (John 4:13-14). Perhaps, these are some of the reasons why so many Japanese young We long that many more Japanese people don’t feel hopeful about the people may come to know this future. So, the theme of the Torch wonderful hope which lasts forever. Relay is a very appropriate one and LORNA FERGUSON

Choshoji 17 Prayer Corner O God, our loving and merciful Father in heaven, We thank you that you so loved the world that You gave your only Son for us and for all mankind. We thank you for Jesus Christ, our blessed Lord, That he was obedient unto death, even death on the Cross, Spring Diary Dates That he loved us and gave himself for us. * Supported by Kinross-shire Churches Together Greater love has no man than this, That he lay down his life for his friends. March Help us never to forget the love of Him Sun 1st Joint All-age Service Who laid down his life for us. Portmoak Church – 10.30am Help us, in the Cross, to see the wonder of love And to surrender for ever to it. Frid 6th *World Day of Prayer Services Kinross Centre at 2pm & Cleish P.C. at 7pm O Lord Jesus Christ, who did conquer death th And rose from the dead and who is alive for evermore, Sun 8 Communion Services Portmoak Church – 10am Help us never to forget your risen presence with us. Orwell Church – 11.30am Let us be certain that there is nothing in time or eternity Which can separate us from you, so that in your presence Tue 17th Guild Charity Meal we may meet life bravely and death without fear. Orwell Church Hall – 7pm Hear these our prayers, for your Love’s sake. Sat 28th Messy Church AMEN Orwell Church Hall – 4-6pm William Barclay (Alt.) April Sun 5th Palm Sunday Joint All-age Service Orwell Church/Hall – 10.30am *Walk of Witness St Paul’s SE Church to Kinross P. Church – starts 2.30pm Mon 6th *Stations of the Cross St James’ RC Church – 7pm Thu 9th *Maundy Thursday Communion Service Portmoak Church – 7.30pm Fri 10th *Good Friday Family Activities Kinross Parish Church – 10.30am – 12.30pm *Good Friday Service – Kinross Parish Church - 7.30pm Sun 12th *Lochside Service Kirkgate Park – 7.30am & breakfast at Kirklands Hotel Easter Services Portmoak Church – 10.00am; Orwell Church/Hall - 11.30am Below: From Portmoak Primary School’s 60th birthday celebrations. See page 13 *Easter Songs of Praise Fossoway Parish Church – 6.30pm Sat 25th Messy Church Portmoak Village Hall – 4-6pm May Sun 3rd Joint All-age Service Portmoak Church - 10.30am Sat 30th Messy Church Orwell Church Hall – 4-6pm Sun 31st Pentecost Joint Service Loch Leven Community Campus - 11.00am No Services at Portmoak or Orwell Churches Trusted family business with over 40 years experience Kinross Business Centre, 21-25 High Street, Kinross KY13 8AW Tel: 01577 351029 www.winskisofkinross.co.uk www.quartzconversions.co.uk