ISSUE 55 - AUTUMN 2019 FREE

Stramash!e Orwell and Portmoak Quarterly Parish Magazine Scottish Charity Number: SC015523

THE THEATRE OF HIS GLORY Conserving the incredible 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

39 High Street, KY13 8AA 1 Dear Friends, trees – trees of rich variety – lush meadows of waving corn and other I have said it before – so I hope you will bear with lanes, gently rolling hills and an island- me – but we who receive this magazine are incredibly I could not ever possibly weary of fortunate to live in what the drive each Sunday morning from is possibly ’s most beautiful parish. I say ‘possibly’ Church. Vistas of ever-changing for there is, in my (entirely unbiased!) loveliness. The truth, of course, judgement, one other parish that is that when it comes to natural the misplaced desire for an endless could lay claim to this standing. beauty our whole country stands supply of imagined ‘goods’. This I refer, of course, to Harris, the comparison with any on earth. But is what drives the engines of a awesome island of my ancestry. then we would say that, wouldn’t we? consumer-oriented society. As Professor Belden Lane puts it, “We’re I’ve just been listening (again) to the trapped in a culture cage devoted Atlantic Ocean, as it nears the shore, great Louis Armstrong: to the relentless consumption of … lit up in iridescent shades – from pale I see trees of green, red roses too, all the things that attract us.” It’s a green to deep blue, with a broad I see them bloom for me and you, story of misdirected desire. spectrum of turquoise in between. And I think to myself what a wonderful Sandy beaches on the west coast rival world! In Christian perspective, this world any in Europe and beyond. The magical colours, the ever-changing light and A wonderful world indeed! of a loving Creator. It therefore the ethereal landscape of this island demands our utmost respect, care and have drawn and entranced countless And yet, in our time, as is well attention. The beauties of Harris and the shores of , with all the some of whom have stayed on and of which global warming is one rest, are ‘the theatre of his glory’ (John manifestation. The church has not Calvin). It’s a show of exquisite and always been good at recognising unending pleasure. We are all rightly the importance of attentiveness to challenged these days to increase our on the topographical and scenic our natural environment. Too often delight in the incredible wonders of contrasts of Harris and Kinross- we have encouraged a spirituality the natural world. Along with this, we shire. Harris represents, in general, divorced from concern for the must all play our part as best we can in a more austere bracing beauty. Our earth and the oceans. As a result, conserving and protecting this amazing parish is so very different. What we have been as guilty of ecological environment of ours. We owe no less Harris possesses in abundance, insensitivity as any. We have certainly to coming generations. done better of late. other hand, what this area enjoys Yours sincerely, a-plenty is for the most part absent In a wider perspective, the ecological Angus Morrison from the island. I refer, not least, to crisis of our time has arisen from Very Rev Dr Angus Morrison

CONTENTS 11 WATTERS THE ‘WATCH MAKER’ 1 A WONDERFUL WORLD A local longcase CONTACTS Protecting our environment 12 MOMBWE’S MILL EDITORIAL 7 VOLUNTEERS WANTED How a ‘home’ happened Ruary MacLeod on 01577 863992 Calling all drivers! or email [email protected] 13 TICKET FOR TOKYO 8 A WISH FULFILLED Handling the heat ADVERTISING Cruising creative churches Kim Reid on 01577 862686 14 CAPTURING THE or email [email protected] 9 TIME TO PICK ‘CREW’ Tree time treats Rovers of the Rig DESIGN Sarah Deighan 10 PRAYING FOR PEACE 16 SORTING THE SNAPS email [email protected] Pondering on Pilgrimage D.I.Y. Digital 2 Enduring Love

Our oldest regularly attending couple, Bill and Pat Gray, both celebrated in joinery and plumbing resulted their 90th birthday earlier in a more comfortable home. A this year and the occasion family followed and they now have was marked in Orwell Church a daughter, two grandchildren and on 5th May by the Minister two great grandchildren. making a small presentation of gifts and afterwards, in the To be closer to their daughter Church Hall, by the couple who now lives in Milnathort, the enjoying a birthday cake couple moved to Kinross in 2007 Letter of thanks from Bill and Pat baked by Pat Eadie. and live in a delightful cottage with Dear Friends at Orwell & Portmoak, and was a regular attender at the local in sight, bringing on from seed Pat and I would like to thank you for 1946, Pat, a rather shy young lady, themselves, family and friends. the wonderful surprise we received th was encouraged to come along with for our 90 Birthday. friends. It seems that one dance Their Christian faith has been almost on that evening was the start of a constant throughout their lives. Bill Before the morning service, Angus romance that has now lasted 73 years. tells me that at 14 he had some presented us with an orchid, a box doubts and gave up church, but on of chocolates, a garden voucher and Bill was at the time part-way through joining the army started attending cards; an invitation also, after the a seven-year apprenticeship as services again, and on demob they service, for a cup of tea in the hall. both joined a new Baptist Church conscription suspended till he had After the service, we went into the served his time. On completion, remains, continuing to worship there hall for a cup of tea and a chat; much the couple married in 1950 just a when on holiday and receiving the to our surprise, there was a lovely, monthly newsletter. They are now Service. Bill went to Germany with iced Birthday Cake, with two candles, the Royal Engineers and Pat returned and have been constant attenders at a nine and a zero. They were lit for to her parents for two years, Orwell since arriving in the area. us and then Pat and I blew them out and everyone sang ‘Happy Birthday’. July next year when, God willing, It was quite emotional. Thank you all Married life was regularised after they will celebrate their Platinum once again! Wedding Anniversary. with few of the amenities now ALLAN DEARING With Christian love and best wishes, Bill and Pat 3

The Guild

The new session of The Guild st will begin on Tuesday, 1 asis October, when the Minister, the Very Rev Dr Angus LADIES GROUP Morrison will be the speaker. Programme for Autumn 2019 The programme for the remainder of th August 30 Coffee Morning as follows – September 27th Heather Kirkham talks on and demonstrates - making things with pearls October October 25th Craft Morning, painting jars th 15th Andy Middlemiss returns November 29 Anna Garner - making gift bags to talk about ‘WW1 The December 13th Celebrate Christmas Aftermath – 1919’ Oasis had a very successful Spring programme, which we all enjoyed. 29th Olivia Giles will speak Oasis is there for any lady who wishes to join us. We usually meet on the about her charity ‘500 Miles’, whose main focus is supporting the development and delivery of sustainable prosthetic the subsequent meetings. You will be made very welcome! and orthotic services in AVRIL ROGERS Malawi and Zambia. This will be an Open meeting, as Olivia is no longer to be giving talks. Orwell & Portmoak Parish Church of Scotland November 29 South Street, Milnathort, KY13 9XA 12th Keren Guthrie, the Monday to Friday, 10am until 2pm Archivist at Blair Castle, 01577 861200 will disclose some of the [email protected] castle’s secrets. www.orwellportmoakchurch.org.uk www.facebook.com/OrwellAndPortmoakChurch th 26 Project day – a The Very Rev Dr Angus Morrison representative of The Sailors’ Society will speak on ‘A Chaplain for our Ports’. Portmoak -10am; Orwell -11.30am All meetings will be held in Orwell Church Hall, commencing at 2pm. It is hoped that this change of time will enable more people to attend. If you are a woman (or man), young or not so young, who is a newcomer to the parish, do please come along. You We can help! will be made very welcome and it is a great way of meeting other people Please come in and ask. JEANETTE McLENNAN Copying and printing are available at competitive rates Secretary - colour or black and white. 4 “Stop Messing About!”

Instead of heeding that well-worn warning, it’s time to “Start More Messy!”.

A popular pastime of young people of the parish is popping along for a couple of hours on a Saturday from 4-6pm to Messy Church.

YOU would be welcome to join in these amazing afternoon activities. Whether you are young in years and ready for action, or old in years but young in heart and ready to help, Messy Church has a place for you. It’s a time for families to capture the stories

Here are the important dates and venues for the next three months –

September 28th - Orwell Church Hall October 26th - Orwell Church Hall November 30th - Portmoak Village Hall

Hope to see YOU there! CARA CHALMERS 5 To Make You Smile!

On a small island off the West A commissioner to the General Coast of Scotland they tell the Assembly received a letter story of the old minister who addressed: used to pray: Rev. Hugh MacDonald, ‘Blessing on our beautiful island, The General Ass of the Church of and on the neighbouring islands of Scotland, Great Britain and Ireland.’ The Mound * Edinburgh Professor Murdo Ewen Macdonald once told how he * and the new minister of St Giles in Edinburgh, the Rev. manse asked for a drink. When Gilleasbuig Macmillan, attended the minister’s wife brought him a glass of water, he said, ‘I’m Mr. Macmillan had moved from Portree, a delightful Highland village on the Isle of * of Edinburgh. Sitting next to Orwell 70 Plus Fundraiser meant that the question she the top-drawer of Edinburgh asked her minister was asked Jamie Dee Vocalist and Entertainer in the room to hear. ‘Was 12 October 2019 Orwell Bowling Club advised?’ 7.30pm for 8pm - 11pm the members of St. Giles.’ £10 inc hot dog or burger quite what she expected: ‘Yes. * All Welcome From ‘Holy Wit’, Rev. James Tickets: Contact 01577 863331 A Simpson

4.30pm - 10.30pm BOOK6 REVIEW • BOOK REVIEW • BOOK REVIEW • BOOK her research involved many personal interviews with those who have endured the processes she describes, giving a very human dimension to assessments of the human cost.

hard. The structural problem Hardman exposes is that their core responsibility, namely, the scrutiny of legislation and the holding of government to account, is one “… that they cannot or will not take …”: of the trade’ available to government to circumvent legislative scrutiny, and will not, in many cases, because of Why We Get the Wrong the pressure to conform to the party Politicians whip and ministerial pressure, often in Isabel Hardman the interests of career advancement. As she says, “The most pernicious and inexcusable culture in the House Les Cowan If the dynamics of U.K. politics ever of Commons is the yes-man.” “How did we If you enjoy reading novels with a fast-paced narrative and interesting get into this mess?” Among the major cultural factors characters, I would very much is probably the best researched undermining government’s capacity and most clearly expressed to deliver effective legislation is the by Les Cowan. The main character answer available to you today. privileged social demographic of is a minister, David Hildago and Although Brexit dominates the political leadership in Westminster there is an extra dimension to the landscape, Hardman only treats it which isolates its members from the as one symptom of an underlying realities of life beyond the Bubble protagonists are explored, without malaise, the product of a wider so that, “… policy debate becomes political system, “… under which about the academic beauty of Les Cowan says, he did not set out governments are able to implement an idea rather than its practical their policies in the scrappiest and implications.” The damaging effects most thoughtless way possible” under in the lives of ordinary, and often scrutiny which is “shocking” in its struggling, people of that abstraction of faith, of the characters. inadequacy. If that sounds strong, is traced out along trails of legislative Another enjoyable feature of the the evidence presented supports her disaster, including legal aid reform, assertions in a devastating critique of Westminster’s dysfunctional well and brings to life in a fresh and structures and culture. Iraq war. Hardman is neutral on vibrant way. It is great news that he Brexit itself, but views the political has planned a whole series featuring Despite the title, MPs are not the processes involved as symptomatic David Hildago and so when you real targets of Hardman’s analysis. The trail of destruction starts with dysfunctional culture of U.K. Glitters’ is already published and the the parties’ candidate selection government. systems which require candidates third in the series is due out this Autumn. Find out more at www. to possess levels of personal wealth Hardman’s objective in writing is worldofdavidhildago.com that immediately exclude huge that we, “... go away feeling that KARENA JARVIE swathes of the population. The road Parliament must and can change.” to Westminster for prospective That might be the most positive MPs, if they ever get there, is shown feeling many have entertained institutions isn’t an alternative. Which to involve such demands on time, on the subject for a while, but institutions they will be is, of course, energy and family life that one is Hardman offers interesting practical another question. left wondering why anyone would suggestions for bringing such changes about. After all, if democracy is to An excellent read. DEREK MORRISON 7 Kinross-shire Volunteer Group and Rural Outreach Scheme

We are very pleased to connection with KVG&ROS began announce that we now have a in 1989. Since then she has been a new co-ordinator. Gwen Upcroft, committee member, Secretary and who lives in Milnathort, started has been a driver for more years than th August. We hope that by the time you are reading this, Gwen will have settled in and will will be missed. have met, if only over the phone, all our drivers and most of the people A few years ago, we planted a Silver who use the service. Birch in the grounds of Loch Leven Health Centre in memory of Chris Since, sadly, losing Ann Munro in Renton who was instrumental in April the group have continued to starting the group. This September able than themselves and they also meet the needs of our service users we are intending to plant another hear some very interesting stories. due to the dedication of our reserve co-ordinator, Ella Ward, and the Munro. Ann was also involved in the Most of the trips we do are medical great team of volunteer drivers. group from the beginning, 37 years and can be to the Loch Leven Health One of the volunteers decided, in ago, and was employed as the co- Centre or hospitals in Perth, Dundee, August, that it was time to hang up ordinator for 30 years. The Health Centre has agreed to our request which trips you accept, some people to plant another tree because “Ann was such a vital part of the Kinross- others are very happy to go on the shire Volunteer Group and her longer journeys. The choice is yours. tireless work was much appreciated by us and the patients who used the Please give us a call or email if you service”. The tree will be planted by Ann’s son, Ross and daughter, Jane on 27th September. Unfortunately, during the past few months, our pool of drivers Sandy Smith has decreased due to ill health, 01577 862536 retirement and one driver moving email: [email protected] away. If you have a few free hours or rewarding, voluntary job we would love to hear from you. All our drivers Pauline Watson say that they get a great deal of 01577 862685 satisfaction out of helping those less email: [email protected] 8

Danube River Memories A long-desired wish to go another generation of improvement ‘Serbian Orthodox’. The church and to Budapest and cruise the its attendance formed an important lower reaches of the great down pavements and poor housing, part of their national strength. as well as polluting factories. realised in early Spring by Brian and Moira Ogilvie. all the care given to their church and as a focus for their worship. And We had enjoyed sailing on the river Scottish more young people were attending! through its upper area in the Wachau churches This was an unexpected surprise for valley some years before, but this us and one I was so glad to see. [are] rather austere The paintings showed Bible stories or ancient patriarchs and another Romania run their own affairs now One thing which stood out was the surprise was that they are not that but were part of the Soviet empire. churches which I was pleased to How much had they changed a visit. They were full of icons and wall excellent English recognised my golf generation on? painting that was so bright and fresh. club badge from St Andrews and said Well, the people were seeing the that he had been there and so we So, landing in the different countries, churches as a symbol for their country had a good chat. Smiling, he thought the common factor in all those and as a gathering place for them. that the Scottish churches were previously Russian satellites was seeing how, a generation on, was One clergy member said that they We threw out such a lot that was life improving? Clearly, freedom was were ‘Orthodox’ but did not hold good - and so I enjoyed his church hugely valued, as our guides told us, themselves to Moscow. They were probably more. their own ‘Romanian Orthodox’ or BRIAN OGILVIE SMITH STREET MOTORS MOT, SERVICING & ALL TYPES OF VEHICLE REPAIRS

Derek McGregor 01577 864797 6 Smith Street Kinross KY13 8DD 9 Days of Apples and Christmas Trees Portmoak folk are very when apples are brought together Kilmagad Wood - Map fortunate to have wonderful with twigs and leaves. You may be woodland areas in the parish. surprised to learn the name of the The Woodland Trust owns the variety you have in your garden. woodland areas of The Moss and There are many different varieties Community Woodland Group, which in the orchard, from the early, is our local woodland organisation, bright-red Discovery apples to the runs some community events, two giant Howgate Wonders and some of which are the Apple Day and the Christmas Tree Day. Reinette Etoilee and Kaiser Wilhelm.

Apple Day this year is on Sunday, This is a great village, parish and 22nd September at 2pm. It is the community event for everyone. perfect chance to have your own Remember, bring a container or two apples mashed, crushed and squeezed before your very eyes by a big apple enjoy at home. press. Juice extracted from apples your containers ready - and to taste place on Sunday, 15th December. It’s the pure, unadulterated and fat-free a good reason for a day out and to “amber nectar”. see the Woodland Group in action. Anyone can go along to The Moss to select a tree for themselves (having levelled play area in the orchard. previously measured the height of the Enter by the gate opposite the living room ceiling!). A member of the Woodland Group will cut the called Chris’s Place, in memory of a tree for you. All you have to do is member of the group, Chris Vlasto, carry it to your car to put the tree of , who died suddenly onto the roof or squeeze it in beside two and a half years ago, leaving passengers or dog! At the tree area, a widow, Charlotte, and daughter you can have some mulled wine Chloe, who is now 13 years old. and shortbread or mince pie. You may wish to give a donation to the Kilmagad Wood - Chris’s Place picnic bench There will be range of mouth- Group before removing your Kilmagad Wood - Apple Tree from locally grown fruit. On hand will personally selected Christmas tree. be Andrew Lear, who will identify (Thanks to Louise Batchelor for providing much of the information used in this article.) DICK CRIGHTON

Portmoak Moss entrance

Portmoak Moss entrance 10 A wonderful, emotional experience - with loads of laughter too! After writing about the Jordan, although so very natural and What is so apparent is the political Pilgrimage itinerary in the untouched, had platforms built to last edition of Stramash, I felt Christians in the Holy Land are that I would like to add some Pilgrims of all faiths and nationalities declining. In 1948, they were (I think) gathered and some were being about 30% of the population and the people on all three Pilgrimages baptised in the river. now about 1.5%. The separation that I’ve had the pleasure of joining will have different thoughts, emotions and ‘most moving’ experiences. The Pilgrimage, at mealtimes, on the of unemployment is high. Families easy to appreciate for what we had have moved to other countries. The life, some retired and a few of us still travelled so far. Our leaders put a educated local guide, a Palestinian Christian, assigned to our Pilgrimage the same footsteps of Jesus. organising the trip and the worship group, was very informative and that we enjoyed on Pilgrimage, but One of our fellow Pilgrims said that we also had to prepare ourselves. journey through the separation wall. we’d visited 24 worship centres. Pilgrimage for me was inspirational As I said in my last article, some Rev Dr John McCulloch – who serves were a bit too ‘glamorous’ for me, We are all different and to try and as Minister at St Andrew’s Scots with red and gold baubles as part document everything is so hard. Memorial Church in Jerusalem - lives in Bethlehem and so also endures the centres were so very plain and basic. One of the highlights for me was border crossing every day. We were Everyone has their own opinion of told that only 14 Christian families the River Jordan. Reading at Sunday remain in Bethany, behind the Mount the smaller, basic worship centres. worship at St Andrew’s Church in Some of the worship centres had Jerusalem, celebrating Communion journey is necessary from Jerusalem such wonderful acoustics - in a small on the shores of the Sea of Galilee because of the separation wall. stone church, a wee group of 22 and seeing how Al Shurooq School for the Blind in Bethlehem had One of the things that surprised all parts of the world where there me, but was encouraging, is that so is tourism, a lot of places we visited were also high on my list. There many times we encountered signs have been ‘adjusted’ over the years for ‘Peace in Jerusalem,’ Peace dove however, being at the Dead Sea places, in my opinion, to the extent was one thing, yes, I enjoyed being of, perhaps, distracting from the real their lands. Rev Dr John McCulloch reason we were visiting. The River experience - an allergic reaction, three antihistamine tablets all at once and it was sorted all appreciate that we have peace in visit). This time I enjoyed watching our land. others enjoying their experience! MARGARET SPENCE 11

“Too large for the shelf”

The generous gift of a locally remembered on a memorial stone in made longcase clock to Kinross (Marshall) Museum on the Ba’ Hill. this summer prompted museum volunteers Janet Mullan and David Munro Christiaan Huygens in 1656, maker of the clock who lived in Milnathort. pendulum for near frictionless time- An e-mail in March 2019 from subsequently developed by the British the swing and provided improved series of communications with his brother, Raymond, who had inherited originally named longcase because they needed a long wooden case to give to the museum in Kinross. Duly house heavy weights suspended on delivered and now proudly exhibited wire, one for supporting a pendulum in the Museum’s display area in the that drove the hands on the face of Loch Leven Community Campus, chiming mechanism. On the dial of “W C Watters, Milnathort”.

Made in the early 19th century, this said to date from 1876 when Henry Watters, who is described as a ‘watch maker’ in the 1851 census, operating from his home on the eventually to become world famous through recordings by the Hayden Quartet, the Radio Revellers, Bing Watters, who was born in Dysart Crosby and Johnny Cash. The idea c.1777, married in 1818 a young for the song came from a longcase lady from Aberfeldy with the surname McLaggan. A year later, encountered in the George Hotel in they went north to Leslie where the Durham village of Piercebridge. moving on to Milnathort about Owned by two brothers named 1830. Born in 1831, their sixth and last child, John, eventually became down when one brother died. It death of the other. Often played on elder brother Thomas. the Children’s Favourites BBC radio programme, the song In 1856, their begins: only daughter Isabella married “My Grandfather’s Alexander Watson, clock was too a prosperous large for the shelf, So it stood ninety Above: Longcase clock by W C Watters of in Auchtermuchty, Milnathort on show in Kinross (Marshall) who later moved his Museum. The case is made of high-grade It was taller by mahogany. half than the Road in Milnathort. old man himself, Left: a hand-painted ‘View of the Thames’ Alexander and is the clock dial inscribed “W C Watters, Though it weighed not Milnathort”. It has two winding key-holes Isabella Watson are a pennyweight more.” as well as 31-day and 60-second dials. Photos courtesy of Kinross (Marshall) Museum 12 Mill found a Home They “made him an offer he could not refuse” Back view of the maize mill house Readers familiar with ‘The Godfather’ movie may well recall that somewhat chilling remark and the somewhat been fully completed. Windows and horse’s head being revealed by by ‘burglarbars’ and electrical wiring the pulling back of bedcovers. installed. The maize mill has been mounted on concrete and iron supports and is ready for its intended to mind when hearing quite recently use by the people of the parish and by email from Rev Bonet Kamwela, others from surrounding districts. Front view of the maize mill house the Minister of the congregation It should produce a regular source of Mombwe in Malawi, which is of income for the congregation for twinned with the congregation of many years to come. Further good news has more He wrote of his congregation’s recently come from Mombwe with ultimately successful attempt to the report from Rev Kamwela that, purchase from its then owner after the eventual connection of an a partially completed building, electricity supply and provision of a situated near to the new church meter to the new manse, the manse manse at Emanyaleni, for use as a Drilling machine at Emanyaleni suitable ‘home’ to house the newly up occupation of their much larger acquired maize mill, purchased and and greatly improved new home. of water (usually on the heads of transported there from the supplier the womenfolk) from a previously in Mzuzu, with funding gifted to Most recently and ‘hot off the press’ distant source. the congregation of Mombwe by has come the news that, with further monetary assistance from this Rev Kamwela and his Session and parish, a bore hole has been drilled congregation have expressed their It appears that the owner of the successfully for some 70 metres profound gratitude to the people of into the water table found close requested a purchase price of to the new manse at Emanyaleni, for helping them, by their generous MWK450,000.00 (about £530) for with the wonderful result that, after the building but, after a subsequent the installation of a suitable pump, the purchase locally of the necessary visit from three village ‘headmen’, materials and the employment of local, he was ‘persuaded’ after some meet the needs not only of the ‘negotiations’ to reduce the price to manse family but also of many others MWK150,000.00 (around £177), in the locality is now readily available places of worship, manse, maize milling which represented a considerable – bringing to an end the need for and water supply, which they might saving to the congregation. manual transportation of containers otherwise have been unable to achieve.

Roselyne drawing water from the new borehole congregation in Malawi – and very much assistance is still required – particularly within the three primary schools (as mentioned in a previous issue) – then please contact our Treasurer, Mrs Linda Stewart , care who will be pleased to offer advice as RUARY MACLEOD Twinning Co-ordinator 13 MISSION TO JAPAN Lorna's Update So, rather than run expensive air conditioners all the time, there is “1 Year to Go!” is the theme a plethora of products for sale to of various events in Tokyo help you cope in the heat. Some are this summer.“1 year to what?” parts of your body, each promising that the 2020 Olympics will be held some “heat protection”. You can also buy undershirts and other items of ceremony on 24th July. The stadium is already 90% completed and due feel a few degrees cooler. Large hats, to open later this year. In May, there “sun umbrellas” and hand-held fans are also popular. million people applied but fewer than The question of the heat has led to many people were disappointed. This 9, verse 25, Paul writes, “Everyone is perhaps a downside of holding the both athletes and spectators for the who competes in the games goes into Olympics in the biggest metropolis in Olympics. This summer the Japanese strict training. They do it to get a the world. Government is carrying out various crown that will not last, but we do it experiments to help people cool to get a crown that will last forever.” Although many things are proceeding He says that as a Christian he trains according to schedule, one worry the race and get that crown. This summers are notoriously hot and material. Cooler fans and misting humid. Daytime temperatures machines are being installed in the Bible, praying, and meeting with regularly get up to the mid-30s, but various public places. The marathon other Christians to worship God. the “feels like” temperature can will start at 6am to avoid the hottest We cannot control what will happen often be over 40 degrees. The nights part of the day. are sultry too. When you go outside preparing for the Olympics we can In the end of the day you cannot the door of an oven and stepping into control the weather and the heat. All you can do is to be prepared as receive a wonderful crown which will building as soon as you can. best you can. The athletes who will last forever. LORNA, DANIEL, Ever since the tsunami and nuclear MATTHEW, CALUM and disaster of 2011, Japan has been ALISTAIR FERGUSON conscious about saving electricity. about life as a race. In 1 Corinthians

14 THE HOG RIG ROVERS (An enduring friendship) Gordon Menzies reveals the story behind the name. It was in 1958 that the me as “The band” playing the mouth the Rovers, we still used Hog Rig six young lads, pictured, every year, as our meeting place for experienced an epiphany. alongside and a mournful calf with Together with three friends, the we adopted the name and designed late Dave (Bevs) Berry, Bill Harley the logo which we wear with Sometimes we would stay aboard our homeward bound train until it here, to the Paterson Family at the Kinross-shire Rover Scout Crew. But reached Kinross Junction where we Golland Farm, who granted us access the story starts several years earlier. would rendezvous with the train over the years to camp at Hog Rig. from Dollar, and for the one stop At Milnathort Primary School, Sandy As the years rolled on, we went our Smith, Eric Low, David Berry and bit of good natured rough and tumble myself formed a strong friendship friendly rivalry. Health and safety? based on a mutual love of exploring Out the window. Literally. Sandy (Sanda) Smith chose the surrounding countryside, Accountancy and after leaving Dollar We had all joined the Scouts and, with a view to extending our “The Burn”, and investigating Loch Forth Wines, becoming a Director Leven and the Lomond and Ochil of forming a Rover Scout Crew and of the Company. On his retiral, after Hills. In these airts, we honed our invited Robert Urquhart, a well- 26 years in the Wines and Spirits respected scout leader, to lead our trade, he became the local Milnathort and identifying the varied wildlife, Crew, which is what eventually Registrar and one of the very few happened. Scouting had nurtured remaining Registrars to complete his or until hunger sent us home. Brian our natural love of the freedom to (Podge) Dewar soon joined the clan wander and explore the surrounding He still lives with his wife Iris, in the and in 1952, when Hugh MacCalman hills. It was during one such sortie family home, Rowallan, Milnathort. that a site was discovered in the Said house, Rowallan, was, and still Headmaster, his elder son Sandy was foothills of the Ochils. Two burns is, the assembly point for the Hog also welcomed to the group. converged here, near a small outcrop Rig lads’ journeys. Sandy’s mother, Agnes, who mothered us all, recently Moving on from Primary school, celebrated her 101st birthday. Sanda Sandy Smith, Sandy MacCalman and sunny or drizzly wet summer evening David Berry transferred to Dollar Academy, Eric Low moved to Perth alive by the Ochil Midges (a very High School, while Brian Dewar, Bill virulent breed) Dollar days as “King”, due to his Harley and myself all attended Perth and sausages and thoroughly enjoying Travel Monitor duties, also became Academy. At Dollar, the two Sandys ourselves. Even after the demise of an accountant after studying at and David teamed up with Lindsay Sands, whose father owned a grocery From left: Eric Low, Sandy MacCalman, Lindsay Sands, Brian Dewar (peeking) shop in Kinross. Gordon Menzies, Dave Berry and Sandy Smith

Another thing we had in common was travelling to and from our respective places of education by train. Train travel was a life changing experience for young lads in those days before Dr. Beeching committed his unforgivable crimes. Depending on the driving crew, we were sometimes granted the experience of with them for short distances. We had dances in the guard’s van with 15 Glasgow University. He spent some of Eric on said unique guitar/banjo, Mrs. Ramage Dawson until his 19th time in Canada then returned to Sandy Smith on Drums, Dave Berry birthday when he joined Stirling Kinross-shire. Sandy eventually on home- made Tea Chest Bass (Big became the senior partner of a Jessie) and I myself on vocals. Having transferred to the City of Glasgow, ending up in the C.I.D. During this Chartered Accountants and having period, he formed Gaberlunzie with now retired, he dwells in Milnathort. two colleagues, Robin Watson and him and he sailed the Seven Seas for Jimmy Macdonald. In 1972, Gordon several years as Ship’s Engineer. He and Robin parted company with conquered all the Munros. He was came home to Scotland and retired the Police and turned to full time “discover” Hog Rig. Denise, his wife, in Dunfermline travelling extensively and writing and Brian (Podge) Dewar came away from Perth Academy to study with his wife, Dr. Evelyn Menzies, Biology at Edinburgh University. Lindsay (Lin) Sands left Dollar and his old tractor, in the quaint Brian is a motor- cycle enthusiast Academy and obtained a degree hamlet of Carnbo. and has been the proud owner in Business Studies at Edinburgh University. He then emigrated to Despite the varied and diverse rugby fanatic, he played for and still careers and the geographical locations of the HOG RIG ROVERS, RFC. Brian taught Biology at we have maintained and built on Peebles, then Balwearie High Lin came home to join his father’s our friendship both socially and business in Kinross, David Sands Ltd., individually. Combinations of the head of his Department and has and in time extended it to a multi- since been trying to biologically store enterprise throughout , climbed the mountains as and when cure the rugby damage to his Kinross and Perthshire. His family physical body. Brian still lives with have all been involved in the business, AGM of the HOG RIG ROVERS and which was eventually sold to the anniversary year. In bygone days, it he is still a very active part of the new family calling, “David’s Kitchen” and bred. He has always been year for as many of the company technically minded and early in his Musselburgh. Lin lives with his wife, as were available. Throughout the Engineering career he designed Edith, in Milnathort, but manages toddling years, hotels and other and built the only solid, electric, frequent sabbaticals to Rannoch. He civilized sanctuaries were sought. left -handed, guitar-shaped banjo in has climbed all the Munros at least existence. Eric played this instrument drizzling through the hourglass, the lads meet twice each year at a house at the Rover Scout Dances which Gordon Menzies bade farewell owned by Lindsay in the wilds of to Perth Academy with a view Rannoch Moor. Once the question Street Hall, raising funds for the to joining the Police Force. He was, “How many hills?” query is “How many pills?”

From left: Sandy Smith, Lindsay Sands, Sandy MacCalman , Brian Dewar, Eric Low and Gordon Menzies.

Weekends come and buy our new range of tasty freshly baked artisan breads 16 Time to go Digital

Two years ago, I took a look Starting Album 2 a year later in 2019, got me going. It was excellent. By the at a mountain of photographs. way, the only charge I had to pay was I had shoe boxes full of snaps left for the printing and delivery. by my parents and other relatives, now fading and going mouldy. From To get an idea of what a completed wherever and then, having paid for compiled by friends of my daughter. in albums, well annotated. These are information in most of them. I could now starting to fade, fall out or have see that when the compiler passed been pinched. About 18 years ago, on, so would the albums. I switched from my trusty old Agfa Family characters need introducing. to a Canon digital camera. I became Who is this person, where and when These results did not go into albums but instead they are now, in their a Digital Album compiler will need a simple App to crop and enhance PC’s drive, largely un-annotated, most of the pictures used. Either rarely seen and then only by me. that or have a friend who can help prepare pictures when necessary. I feel sure that out there are Stramash readers in similar situations and in I was delighted by the reception from quiet moments they fear losing this decide for whom I was doing it. It wasn’t for me but for my children and their children. Having decided on covers. As for the mountain of In the Spring of 2018, I decided to go CEWE and got the software sitting photos with which I started. The down the Digital Photo Album route. on my PC, my next decision was to rubbish is gone. The remainder There are lots of D.I.Y digital album carefully thinned out. Album 2 titled suppliers. I chose ‘Jessops’ who used I chose “Large Landscape”, pressed ‘A family goes to War’ is assembled the CEWE (pronounced ‘Ceewee’) and waiting approval from a few design tools. They were good in trusted critics. every respect, especially the Helpline. JAMES BARR Autumn Di!y Dates Prayer Corner September Despite having studied at Harvard, Sun 1st Joint All-age Service e.e.cummings has a very individual style of writing: he never uses capitals except when Sun 8th Communion and reverence. His writing style is also Orwell Church - 11.30am unique, here slowing the reader down and Sat 28th Messy Church Orwell Church Hall - 4-6pm optimism and delight in each day. We too can October communicate with God in our own individual Sun 6th Joint All-age Service ways - just so long as we do so. Orwell Church - 10.30am Tue 22nd Autumn Afternoon Tea ‘I thank You God for this most amazing’ Orwell Church Hall - 2-4pm i thank You God for this most amazing day: th Sat 26 Messy Church for the leaping greenly spirits of trees Orwell Church Hall - 4-6pm Sun 27th Harvest Thanksgiving which is yes Orwell Church - 11.30am (i who have died am alive again today, November day of life and of love and wings: and of the Sun 3rd Joint All-age Service gay great happening illimitably earth) Sun 10th Remembrance Sunday how should tasting touching hearing seeing breathing any – lifted from the no Orwell Church - 11.30am of all nothing – human merely being doubt unimaginable You? th Sat 30 Messy Church (now the ears of my ears awake and now the eyes of my eyes are opened) e.e.cummings 1894-1962 18

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