ISSUE 59 - WINTER 2020 FREE

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

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01577 862095 FIND US ON | 39 High Street, Kinross KY13 8AA 1 Dear Friends, breakthrough looks like the real deal. I had hoped, before coming Ten further vaccines are in the fnal to write this winter letter stages of testing and many of those for Stramash, that there now look even more promising. It might have been some good seems increasingly likely that life will news to celebrate. Remarkably be getting back to some semblance of – to my enormous pleasure and normality by Easter next year. What with impeccable timing! – the a blessing that will be. announcement has just been made resources (including the billions that results from the world’s frst I appear to have been using the squandered on aborted schemes) effective coronavirus vaccine have analogy of WWII D-Day and V-Day on protecting the elderly and shown that it can prevent more quite a bit of late. It comes strongly vulnerable, while allowing life for than 90% of people from getting to mind again in this context. With others to continue, I edge towards Covid. That is an astonishing and the newly announced vaccine despair. More lives are going to hugely encouraging fgure. The Pfzer breakthrough, today marks a clear be lost from lockdown than from D-Day in our long struggle. Here is a Covid. Young lives have been success of mind-boggling dimensions. wrecked. Community-serving CONTENTS Our rejoicing is tempered, however, businesses have been eliminated. 1 A NEW NORMALITY by at least two realities. Countless folk are out of work. Opportunity for change Families have been destroyed. But The frst is the recollection of the - can you believe it? - no lockdown 4 WALKING TO WISDOM tragic deaths and losses occasioned impact assessment has been done. Gardening for rain by Covid, together with the best Have we collectively lost our part of a year of excruciating national reason? Jesus spoke most solemnly 6 REFLECTIVE READS lockdown. For all of us, we look back about failure to count the cost. Food for thought on some of the most diffcult months we have ever experienced. For D-Day it may be for us, but a long 8 CHURCH some, the pain has been acute. For winter lies ahead, especially for the CHALLENGES others, it became simply intolerable. elderly, vulnerable and isolated. Revealing renovations We feel deeply for those who have V-Day is coming for sure. Meantime, lost loved ones. let’s do all we can to encourage 9 WINSTON’S WARNING and support those among us who Call to Vigilance I confess to having been increasingly need our help. That’s easily the best shocked that the relentless media contribution we can make over these 11 CAFE CELEBRATION obsession with the virus itself has not winter months to the continuing Convener’s Reward been matched by a correspondingly struggle of these in-between times. lively discussion of the negative 12 LIFE-CHANGING consequences of lockdown. This The joy of V-Day is coming - soon! EVENT was understandable last March amid The fear of Covid will be a thing of Captain to classroom the widespread (and governmental) the past. Let’s hope and pray that panic, when no one knew too much in our rejoicing the new normality 14 COTTAGE TO CHERISH about what was going on. That the will be better than the old. That Place of the Poet increasing understanding of the we don’t simply revert to the situation has not led to a mature tired consumerist, self-absorbed, 16 HELPING HANDS national discussion of the pros materialistic ways of the past. Books, buckets & bags and cons of lockdown versus non- Allow me, in conclusion, to wonder 16 NAME THAT TUNE lockdown simply beggars belief. aloud if Covid will be seen to have Song stories When I learn that people of the taught us that life is short, eternity 18 HIGH FLYING TIGER eminence of Professor Sunetra is long, and that there is a Pearl of great price of eternal value, worth Living the dream Gupta of Oxford, probably the world’s leading theoretical our utmost seeking. It’s name is 20 ERRONEOUS epidemiologist, have been subjected Jesus Christ. PRESUMPTION to abuse for suggesting that the Angus Morrison missed trick was to focus our Very Rev Dr Angus Morrison The surprising Samaritan

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 Remembrance Day Encounter This year, our Remembrance to show our respect for thoughtful initiative at this trying time Day observances were very Remembrance Weekend. Silke, who - typical of the men and women of low-key. No offcial Acts of as you know is German and I wanted our armed services. We are deeply Remembrance were held at our war to do something. Due to COVID, grateful and we are proud of them all, memorials. Wreaths were, however, memorial services and parades were past and present. laid at both our parish memorials somewhat muted or cancelled this ANGUS MORRISON at Bishopshire and in year. Normally, we would have been and it was a privilege to be present at a formal service and parade. when this took place. Legislation that permits the conduct of funeral The motivation for running the services of thanksgiving for the dead, 23 km route came from 7 SCOTS with twenty people present, indoors colleagues on the West Coast of and outdoors, but not an open air , who decided to pay their socially distanced solemn Act of respects through personal effort, by Remembrance, with anyone at all, is running a Remembrance Memorial to the present writer, at least, quite circuit. It was their example that we inexplicable. followed. The idea and the kudos for delivering on it, is entirely theirs. One surprise – and happy The rain, cold and muddy conditions - encounter on this year’s added to the solemnity of the event. Remembrance Sunday deserves to be shared with readers. Arriving to We were both delighted to meet you pay my respects at the Milnathort on our chance encounter and hope Kalim laying cross at War Memorial, I came by chance on that we may do so again. The socially Milnathort memorial a couple, in running kit and dripping distanced Remembrance gathering wet because of the incessant rain that at the Milnathort memorial was morning, reverently laying a small admirable and moving. Thank you.” cross on the Memorial. We engaged in conversation and their story Meeting the dedicated and modest moved and uplifted me. Kalim and Silke and Kalim greatly raised my Silke Rehman (Kalim a serving British spirits on what was otherwise a army offcer, Silke a German, as they rather gloomy day. In a world crying took pleasure in telling me) were out for peace and reconciliation, at the time engaged in running the there was something beautifully circuit of the war memorials around symbolic and hope-flled in this . Here is Kalim’s account united British-German endeavour. of their adventure, kindly emailed to I conveyed to them the warm me later: gratitude of us all in the parish for their tremendous effort. Well done “Silke and I ran the three memorials to them and to 7 SCOTS, whom from Scotlandwell (Kinnesswood, I had the privilege of joining on Silke laying cross at Kinross, Milnathort) and back to exercise when Moderator, for such a Kinross memorial

Silke and Kalim Kalim lays cross at Bishopshire memorial 3 KYTHE continues to shine

DYNAMIC a light for the young CHRISTIAN YOUTH people of Kinross-shire… WORK Throughout lockdown, the KYTHE youth workers, Barry and Gillian, have continued to be available for the young people of Kinross, initially by virtual platforms, but more recently face-to face in line with recommendations from Youth Link Scotland.

Regular activities at the Hub, situated across the road from Kinross High School and next door to the Health Centre, have restarted (albeit with limited numbers) with more planned in the coming weeks, such as the return of Katy-Beth’s art workshops every Tuesday from 4-6pm, and the once monthly Saturday evening Altitude event in the KYTHE Hub. For more information, keep an eye on social media, or visit our revamped website www.kythe.org.uk

With all the changes going on, it is important that young people feel supported. As a result, KYTHE have started a weekly blog available through our Instagram page #kytheemotionworks.

…and some of these young people shine their light in Kinross, by forming a Climate Care Group.

For their frst activity they went litter picking in the wooded area behind the KYTHE Hub and Health Centre. Whilst their numbers were few, the feedback on Facebook has been very encouraging, with offers to help next time. A great example of the young people of Kinross giving back to their community, and we look forward to seeing what their next activity will be. The KYTHE Team Kinross-shire Youth Enterprise SCIO (Scottish Charity No SC045043) @instakythe @KYTHEbook @tweetKYTHE

Climate Care group litter pick 4 Portmoak Primary School We have had a busy return to school following the October holidays. Our P6s and P7s have commenced Bikeability lessons and our two upper stage classes are taking part in virtual Mandarin lessons. We had a Halloween fun day in lieu of our annual Halloween Disco and preparations have begun for a virtual nativity and a virtual pantomime.

Some of our pupils have written contributions for this edition of ‘Stramash’. Firstly, two of our Primary 7s describe their Lomond Hill walk day, which took place at the end of last term, and we are Residential trip due to Covid-19. very grateful to staff from Ardroy The walk was part of our John Outdoor Education Centre who Muir Award that the P6s do every planned the trip and accompanied us year. Ardroy is a highlight of P6 on the day. but, unfortunately, we missed the opportunity to go (although we did Finally, two of our Primary 4s do some activities online). provide some information about our new rain garden, a project which was We started at Craigmead Car Park frst discussed late last year and had and went up a road in single fle. to be put on hold due to lockdown. Then we went down a path next We are absolutely delighted with the to a feld. We learned a lot about fnished rain garden and would like different plants and it was very to thank Brian D’Arcy (Kinross-shire interesting. We walked through a Raingardens Challenge) for giving up sheep feld down to a reservoir and so much of his time to get this up learned about different fsh and the and running, and to Kinnesswood in way they live. Next we came to a Bloom for their support too. banking which had a waterfall at the PAULA WOODS bottom. We kept walking until we Headteacher came to John Knox Pulpit and we learned about John Knox. We then The Lomond Hills Walk – by fnished at Glen Vale Car Park where Helena and Skye (Primary 7) we met the minibus to take us back to school. Not only was this walk We went on the hills walk because healthy and educational, but it was we could not go on our Ardroy also fun. 5

Portmoak’s Rain Garden – by Zoe and Brodie (Primary 4)

The frst layer of Portmoak Primary School’s Rain Garden is flled with big stones. The second layer has smaller stones laid out on it. The third layer is pea gravel, which is as small as a pea. The fourth layer is full of sand and the ffth layer is soil. Finally, the sixth layer is compost. There is a multitude of plants starting to grow and there are bits of bark, lots of leaves, moss and other things.

There are two pipes, one for storm water and a black one that leads to the plants to help them grow. We are planning to put in a mixture of little creatures, for example earthworms, centipedes and woodlice.

The reason we need a rain garden is because it reduces fooding after heavy rain as the water from the gutters and pipes travels slowly through the rain garden instead of going straight to the ground and drains. Rain gardens are also nice to look at, plants can grow peacefully and the minibeasts can have a lovely home in our rain garden.

hen I was minister poem, “Cantique de Noel” by Placide at Dunbarney Parish Cappeau was put to its now familiar WChurch (Bridge of music by Adolphe Adam (better- Earn), one of my parishioners known for opera and ballet scores always asked with a heavy such as “Giselle”.) I believe both the Weekends come and buy our sigh every Christmas why words and music capture the sheer new range of tasty freshly we did not sing her favourite wonder, the mystery of Christmas, baked artisan breads Carol, “O Holy Night”. Lucy and the humble response that is was born in Belgium and brought required from us. I would thoroughly up in the Roman Catholic Church recommend the renditions of this • Disabled Access where “O Holy Night” was a great lovely carol sung as a duet by Luciano • Free Parking favourite. My very lame reply was to Pavarotti and Placido Domingo, and/ • Outdoor Seating Area the effect that it was too diffcult for or by King’s College Cambridge • Direct access to the Heritage Trail a congregation to sing (I still believe choir. Both can be found on You it is too diffcult for the average Tube. In this period of pandemic, congregation). However, a more the lines: “A thrill of hope the weary honest reply would have been to say world rejoices, For yonder breaks that I had never heard it. a new and glorious morn” bring great encouragement to me in these However, in more recent years I gloomy times. have come to know “O Holy Night” and it has become a great favourite See page 19 for the full hymn and sing with me. The words and music along if you can. both have their origins in France; a DUNCAN STENHOUSE BOOK6 REVIEW • BOOK REVIEW • BOOK REVIEW • BOOK God and Coronavirus our reactions within a biblical limit. bear on the coronavirus. Is the He excels at placing the present proper solution to catastrophes God and the Pandemic. A crisis within the ‘big picture’ of the and natural evil to abandon God Christian Refection on the Bible’s narrative of salvation history, and embrace atheism, facing the fact Coronavirus and its Aftermath while avoiding the temptation to that we inhabit a universe of blind, Tom Wright (SPCK, 2020) offer simplistic answers pitiless indifference? to the questions raised One important question Where is God in a Coronavirus by the pandemic. He raised by Lennox is World? John C. Lennox rightly rejects the knee- that of the source of (thegoodbookcompany, 2020) jerk reaction of some the concepts of good conspiracy theorists and bad, which we all The global Covid-19 pandemic that the crisis signals possess, within an atheist will forever colour the the End of the world belief system. Within memory of 2020 It has raised or represents divine that system nothing in questions of many different judgement on particular fact can meaningfully be kinds. The titles of these two small human sins. pronounced ‘evil’, for and accessible books (of 76 and 63 reality is only a matter pages respectively) highlight what is, Wright’s approach is of atoms rearranging for many, one of the most pressing fundamentally pastoral themselves. of these. Can Christian faith help in its aim. Our thinking us make sense of the current crisis? about God and providence in relation Most people fnd that conclusion Written by academics eminent in to the pandemic must, he argues, be inadequate and unsatisfying. We their different felds, these books Jesus-shaped. His refections are shot instinctively reach for something are models of clear communication. through with hope that, even in this more. Lennox spells out the difference Both writers make a dark period, the Great God makes in a fallen and fractured valuable contribution Artist is still at work, world and the rich resources the to measured Christian not least through the Christian faith, centred on the cross refection on the many acts of kindness, and resurrection of Jesus, offers us all coronavirus crisis, while compassion, justice and in the current crisis. each is modest enough mercy which mediate to recognises the many the healing presence of In a postscript, he quotes a famous loose ends that remain. Jesus himself. Baptist preacher, Charles Haddon Spurgeon, ‘who said that while we Unsurprisingly, Professor Like those of Wright, may not understand why suffering Wright, one of the the refections of John has come, we can trust the God who world’s leading biblical Lennox (retired Professor suffered for us – the God who “is too scholars, spends much of Mathematics at Oxford wise to err and too good to be unkind”. time examining the University) have a strongly teaching and examples of pastoral orientation. I heartily commend both these books Scripture. While frankly sharing the An accomplished apologist, Lennox as valuable aids in helping us think range of emotions he has himself felt offers an interesting comparison through and cope with the present during the months of lockdown, he between the contrasting worldviews world crisis. stresses the importance of keeping of Christianity and atheism, as they ANGUS MORRISON

Falkland and its people 1901-1913 60 illustrations and four maps also Thomas Playfair and Ross Burgess (The Falkland Society 2020) provide a visual feast highlighting people, places and events of the time. For anyone who enjoys Hot off the press, as 2020 draws to visiting Falkland Palace, a close, is the latest offering from Between the pages we can exploring the streets, wynds The Falkland Society - a 560-page visualise the last days of handloom and closes of historic Falkland hardback volume entitled Falkland and weaving and the growth of linen or strolling through the its People 1901-1913. Researched by and foorcloth factories as major leafy designed landscape Thomas Playfair and edited by Ross employers, alongside the arrival of of the Falkland Estate, the Burgess, this new book draws on motor cars, the telephone and piped publications of The Falkland a wide range of newspapers, Town water, as well as plans for a Falkland Society are an invaluable Council minutes and Falkland Estate Light Railway. In addition to local source shedding light on this papers to reveal a fascinating insight markets, fairs and sporting activities, idyllic corner of Fife in the into all aspects of daily life in Falkland great social events are recorded shadow of the Lomond Hills. in the Edwardian period. More than such as celebrations to mark the BOOK REVIEW • BOOK REVIEW • BOOK REVIEW • BOOK7 Why the Germans Do it Better: How can a nation distribute power Notes from a Grown-Up equitably across its regions? Can Country capitalism be genuinely compatible Author: John Kampfner with social responsibility? Are there Atlantic Books structures within which industrial relations can successfully and “ .. judge ... book ... cover.” consistently serve the interests of You know the old adage. It both management and workers? Is applies here. The boldness of long-term planning viable in a world the cover rather belies Kampfner’s that favours short-term advantage? critique of modern Germany Why has Germany’s response to which occasionally seems more Covid-19 been so much more set to undermine his title than to effective than that of other European support it. Ultimately, however, his countries? How does a nation come objectivity and candour lend all the to terms with a deeply troubled more authenticity and credibility to history without being either paralysed his conclusions. by guilt or falsifed by denial?

Germany’s historic traumas and Kampfner also addresses the more challenges are second to none. intangible question of mindset. Kampfner, a German-based British How can Germany enjoy such The book’s fnal sentence includes journalist, deftly surveys the economic success yet place less the statement, “Germany… ...knows turbulent years of her post-war importance on commercialism and what happens when countries fail recovery, the generational trauma material acquisition than the UK? to learn the lessons of history.” It of the late ‘60s with its demands for (German shops often close at 6:30 may come as a surprise to some, war-time accountability, the political PM on weekdays, take half-days but at the heart of Germany’s revolution and subsequent national on Saturdays and don’t open at all contemporary strength and civility reunifcation of 1989-90, the refugee on Sundays.) Why does a worker lies a strong dynamic between the crisis of 2015 and the coronavirus in Britain take fve days to produce qualities of realism and humility. pandemic of 2020. what a worker in Germany produces Without exception, every German in four? How does social media with whom Kampfner shared the title The historical account alone makes infuence public discourse and affect of his book as he wrote it, recoiled excellent reading but the emerging individual politicians? (Most German from its assertion. That may be the characteristics of a country that has politicians avoid having personal most salient lesson of all. not only survived but thrived in the social media accounts.) face of such challenges makes this An enlightening and relevant book. a book that offers timely social and Kampfner is far from alone in DEREK MORRISON political hope to the often febrile admiring modern Germany. He and polarised world of Western quotes Paul Lever, a former UK democracy. To be succinct, if the ambassador there, as saying, “To following questions interest you at live in today’s Germany… is to all then you will almost certainly fnd experience to the full the virtues of this an engaging read. European and Western civilisation.”

coronation of King Edward VII and posed by the Women’s Suffragette the wedding of local laird Lord Ninian movement in the summer of 1913 Crichton-Stuart. when Falkland Palace was closed for fear of vandalism by militants. Read also about petty criminal The approaching war is scarcely activities that include hen raids, coal mentioned though, apart from a stealing, hawking beer, poaching and passing reference to recruiting for the stealing of pies from a baker’s the Highlands Cyclist Battalion. shop by youngsters of 14 years and under for which punishment Full of fascinating detail, this is a book was meted out by administering to dip into in search of local insights strokes of the birch as a means of prior to great changes that would “keeping them out of mischief.” Find see so many of the people in the Find out how to obtain the book out about the three-week autumn narrative of this community swept (£20) at www.falklandsociety.org.uk. potato lifting holiday and the threat away as war engulfed the world. DAVID MUNRO 8 “Out with the Old, In with the New!” That well-worn adage or to be inflled and the wall stabilised. The old oil-fred boiler, oil tank and instruction is very apposite The timber frame of the window heating pipes are in course of being to the ongoing work of higher-up on that wall was found to removed prior to the installation of a renovation to Orwell Church. be in a poor condition due to wet new electrical heating system. rot and it has had to be replaced The building contractors have been with a new window. Many other improvements to the busy since early September removing church will be taking place between from inside the church the old Work on the construction of the now and next March and so, as they ground-foor pews, the pulpit and the new north extension to the church is say, “Watch this space” for more raised dais; and outside have been well underway, with the completed exciting news to come! demolishing and removing the former erection of the timber frame, roof RUARY MACLEOD lean-to north entrance lobby and trusses and the roof itself, with the Convener toilet (a chilly place on a cold winter’s intention of making the extension Church Improvements morning!). All this work is being done wind and water-tight before the onset Working Group in preparation for the signifcant, new of the worst of the winter weather. (k/a ‘CHIMPS’) improvements to come in their place. Former door opening (grey brick) Unfortunately, as often proves to be the case in the renovation of old buildings such as the church (which has stood on this site since 1729), the removal of the raised wooden and carpeted dais on the ground foor revealed not a bare wooden stretch of foor beneath but rather an unexpectedly large void in the foor of the church, which has had to be re-foored, with the provision of suitable supporting joists. It also disclosed unwelcome evidence of extensive wet rot to many of the timber joists supporting the remainder of the wooden foor of the church, all of which has had to be lifted and replaced, in so far as necessary, with new timber. The demolition and removal of the lean-to north entrance to the church revealed a previously undetected former door opening in the north wall of the church, which has had New extension

Void in church foor 9

Barnhill, Jura

The novel is a powerful call to vigilance against totalitarianisms of every kind. The terms Orwell uses to convey totalitarian ideology have become part of our language. ‘Newspeak’, ‘Doublethink’, ‘Big Brother’, ‘Thought Police’ also, alarmingly, describe signifcant aspects of our current ‘democratic’ experience.

Winston works for the ironically named Ministry of Truth in which all records are made to conform George Orwell with Big Brother’s current pronouncements. What is true is A Wake-Up Call from Jura what the Party says is true. Have you ‘1984’ noticed how ‘truth’ is becoming a Do you remember having to on their personal freedoms, or gave taboo subject in our culture? read George Orwell’s novel, up on defending the precious human Nineteen Eighty-Four, in right to have one’s own thoughts Orwell’s Thought Police could school? I confess that my own initial and perspectives. easily be a description of our PC encounter as a teenager with this now culture warriors who are intent on iconic work was less than promising. I Winston, the main character in punishing any who hold a different gave up after half a dozen pages. the novel, lives in a country where point of view from that of the individual thought is banned and only faddish, media-promoted identity Of late, I’ve been dipping in again. After the leader, Big Brother, is allowed politics of our time. The recent all, the great man’s pen name (he was to reason and decide. With an ill-treatment at their hands of born Eric Arthur Blair) connects him overpowering need for refection distinguished, thoughtful and liberal with our parish! And the fact that most and critical thought, Winston rebels. (in the true sense) public intellectuals of the book, frst published in 1949, He cuts a lonely fgure, since the vast like the (late) Sir Roger Scruton and was written in a remote farmhouse majority of his fellow citizens see Professor Jordan Peterson, has been (‘Barnhill’ or, in Gaelic, ‘Cnoc an no need to question higher political shameful. University ‘safe spaces’ and t-Sabhail’) on the Hebridean island of authority. His rebellion ultimately fails. ‘the right to be comfortable’ are a Jura, lends it added interest for a Gael marvellous and acutely embarrassing like me. Orwell was by then extremely The bigger picture in which Winston’s example of Orwellian ‘Doublethink’. unwell and he lived on Jura a largely story is set is that of the world And Newspeak comes into its own reclusive life, glued to his typewriter. of ‘1984’, divided between three with our currently militant Pronoun The gales that buffeted his lonely totalitarian States, Oceania, Eurasia Police, who denounce all use of ‘he’ dwelling, night and day, seem to refect and Eastasia, each ruled by infallible or ‘she’ as potentially transphobic. the bleakness of his message. Nineteen and all-powerful Big Brothers. In Eighty-Four, Orwell’s fnal book, has each State, individual freedom – Well, we can’t say that George come to be recognized universally as a most profoundly the freedom to Orwell didn’t warn us of the danger literary masterpiece, described by one think one’s own thoughts - has been of the loonies taking over the critic as ‘probably the defnitive novel comprehensively eradicated. asylum. ‘War is peace, freedom is of the 20th century’. slavery, ignorance is strength’. I fear From the perspective of 2020, it is that unless we all wake up to these From the island of Jura, Orwell was striking how much of the language realities and learn once more how intent on issuing a deadly serious and thought of ‘1984’ resonates more very much we owe to the Judeo- warning. He wanted people to deeply than ever. From the reality TV Christian roots of our civilisation, understand what could happen to show Big Brother to warnings about we are doomed to enter a new and humankind if they failed to notice surveillance, Orwell’s masterpiece is potentially terrifying Dark Ages. subtle - and not so subtle - assaults never far from our consciousness. ANGUS MORRISON 10 11 MISSION TO JAPAN

Lorna's Update Church converted from old apple warehouse Recently, I had the Another church that I visited runs opportunity to visit Aomori a café to connect with the local prefecture in the far north of community. Most people have never Honshu island to see various been into a church before and so OMF members and ministries. the café serves as a bridge. People When OMF started work in Japan in often come into the café looking for the early 1950s, they surveyed the someone to talk to and the staff are country to see where there were the happy to do that. As part of the café, fewest Christians and missionaries. they have a small Christian bookshop One of those places was Aomori. to serve all the Christians and Since those days, several small churches in the prefecture. churches have been planted but there is much still to be done. I also visited a Christian campsite, run by an OMF family. They have a It is an area of spectacular beauty, vision to reach the next generation especially in the spring when the for Jesus, so hold summer and cherry blossoms are blooming and winter camps, as well as a variety in autumn when the colours are of more regular events. Obviously, stunning. It is also known for its this year is more diffcult because snow. Aomori city is the snowiest of the coronavirus, as it is for all of city in the world with around 8 the ministries. It was encouraging metres of snow a year. This area to meet missionaries and a Japanese is particularly famous for apples. pastor persevering in an area where Around 50% of the apples grown they often see so little fruit, or those in Japan come from Aomori. Trees who do believe then move away to are laden with hundreds of apples, bigger cities. many of them as big as your hand. There are also walnut, persimmon Please pray for areas of Japan like and Japanese pear trees, as well as Aomori, where there are so few grapes and various berries. It truly is Christians. We long that one day we a fruitful area. will see it not only being known for the fruit of apples, but also for the However, it is also an area which fruit of the Gospel. is very challenging for the church. LORNA FERGUSON There are few Christians and very few churches. Autumn leaves, Japan I stayed at one of those OMF churches. It used to be an apple warehouse but the missionary has converted it into a church. They hold a variety of classes as a way to connect with the community and share the good news about Jesus. On Friday evening, 5 young people came for an English café. After eating delicious homemade donuts, and answering some quiz questions in English, they looked at the story of Jesus meeting the woman at the well, in John’s Gospel. For most of them this was the frst time they had ever read the story and they had a good discussion about what it means. 11 Common Grounds Community Cafe Turns Twenty! Volunteers celebrate with Award Winning Convener Elspeth Caldow

There’s a lot to celebrate a “foater” in the summer holidays, welcome for you to enjoy. We are at Common Grounds these volunteering as and when needed. following the strict guidelines for days, despite Covid 19! Enjoying that so much, I became a cafes to keep you safe. However, if The community cafe that turned more regular one, then moved on to you are unable to join us but wish TWENTY in September has raised becoming the rota co-ordinator for to donate online to help support £161,152 to support self help several years. Everyone always gave the work of Common Grounds our projects, primarily in Africa, as well generously of their time as we only account details are: Sort code 83- as other agencies that respond to had to close one morning through 23-47, Account Number 00169342. international emergencies. This great lack of a volunteer. If Elspeth’s experience has inspired achievement has no doubt been you to become a much needed the result of our dedicated team My next post was Convener and volunteer, please email our long of volunteers, creative committee over the years I have had nothing acting, dedicated Secretary Linda members and a very appreciative, but excellent support for any of Freeman with your details at linda. supportive community. We are also my fundraising ideas and appeals. [email protected] celebrating the recent recognition Common Grounds is indeed a team MARG MEADE that has been given to our current effort! It was such a surprise to Common Grounds Project lunch Convener Elspeth Caldow for receive the “Good for Golf” her leadership and many years of Award. However, for every effort I working tirelessly as a volunteer put into Common Grounds, I have at Common Grounds. Elspeth was gained much more in return. My named as the latest “Good for Golf” Mam, a very generous soul, would winner, which is the European often say “A giving hand is a Golf Tour’s way of rewarding getting hand”. Over the years everyday heroes of the Covid 19 I have met inspirational speakers pandemic. Elspeth also manages to at our project lunches, dedicated Anne Milburn and Peter McEleny enthusiastically share her time and volunteers and lovely customers from energy playing and marshalling for all walks of life, often with wonderful golf tournaments in Scotland. stories of their own. Above all, I have made many friends, all of us united In receiving this award, Elspeth in what Common Grounds achieves described Common Grounds as “A and has to offer, especially valued in small charity with a big heart”, not these challenging times.” only fundraising for projects in Africa but also providing a safe space during Hopefully, Common Grounds can this pandemic to welcome folk in the continue in these challenging times, community that long for a cuppa and as we are optimistically planning the some company! She mentioned that following events: there was a lady last week who said it might be the last time she speaks to Saturday 28th November anyone until next week. “For a lot of A Christmas Craft Sale of folk, it’s been a lifeline.” creations by our volunteers Elspeth Caldow, Emma Patton and Helen Pearson As Elspeth is nearing the end of Tuesday 22nd December her time as Common Grounds A Christmas Coffee Morning Convener, we thought this was a and raffe. good opportunity to ask Elspeth to share how her journey with In the meantime, please do join Common Grounds began and what us for a cuppa and good company the experience has been for her. any Tuesday or Saturday morning She very kindly told us: “My journey 10am – 12.30pm in the Guide Hall, began one day when I rewarded Church Street, Milnathort. There’s myself with a coffee stop/book search always freshly brewed Fairtrade at Common Grounds. I then became coffee, home baking and a warm 12 Life’s ups and downs! Former British Airways pilot, in Nigeria from 1995-99 on fxed- and current Modern Language wing fying operations in support teacher at Kilgraston School of Shell oil and gas exploration in in Perthshire, John Maxton, the Niger delta. The company had describes the diverse nature of numerous helicopters, but only six his career and the need to be fxed-wing aircraft, and it was in fexible, even when you think these that I few, carrying out line However, such feelings are transient your fight-plan is sorted. fying and recurrent training for and as the door on my past career pilots on de Havilland DHC-6 (Twin closed with a resounding bang, I Imagine yourself fying along in bright Otter) and Dornier 328 aeroplanes. began to reassess. The pilot in me sunshine above an unbroken blanket Our operation also provided extra kicked in. It was time to land on a of soft, fuffy clouds. Heading off on capacity to the locally based airlines. different runway. holiday or fying down to Manchester on a business trip? No, you are the It was during this time that I Having previously completed over captain of the British Aerospace ATP contracted cerebral malaria. 11,300 fying hours (getting on 64-seater, heavy turboprop, having Frequently, this condition can be for a year and a quarter in the reached the pinnacle of your career fatal and, although I recovered, the sky), I suddenly realised that my in aviation. It’s what you have been condition returned with suffcient airborne hankerings had actually working towards since childhood; all severity in 2003 to warrant the Civil been vanquished, replaced with a that model aircraft building and years Aviation Authority taking away my deep sense of gratitude for having of painful training have brought you medical certifcate (which is renewed survived a sometimes dangerous, to this point. every six months). Becoming a co- and certainly exhilarating, 23-year pilot was a faint possibility, but I period of fying exploits. You are very happy in your job; in decided that a career change was the fact you could honestly say that you best option. Looking at my school, university and feel extremely lucky to be one of the post-graduate qualifcations, together few people in life who would probably A situation, which appears at with skills and experience gained as be in this seat with no pay involved. frst glance to be negative, can be a pilot, I realised there was in fact Are you getting the picture? Well, ‘rebranded’ into an unexpectedly quite a good foundation on which to just imagine that you are actually on positive outcome. Being told that, for launch a new career. your last fight, ever. Your whole medical reasons, I could no longer life is about to change with serious continue my passion was a crushing My degree was in German and I had implications for your own future and moment. Initially, I felt anger and been a training captain with two of those closest to you. This is exactly frustration, closely followed by a my former airlines – Loganair and what happened to me in 2003. sense of failure and loss. I quickly Bristow Helicopters – and I had a became the classic ‘fsh out of water’, diploma in European Marketing and Earlier in my fying career, I had been not knowing where or to whom I Languages. As a pilot you are at employed by Bristow Helicopters should turn. the front of your class, dealing on a

Main image: John Maxton with BA colleagues; Top: John Maxton as language teacher at Kilgraston School 13

L to R above: Do 328 Aircraft Port Harcourt, Nigeria; Do 328 Training Flight, Kano; DHC-6 Twin Otter Tingwall, Shetland daily basis with a range of different There were many correlations to erupt very quickly and, for the sake nationalities and backgrounds and my previous guise; a wonderfully of the whole crew, a captain needs often speaking in myriad languages. varied group of people, all bringing to spot them early and nip any Great similarities to being a teacher their own strengths and experiences, problems frmly, and diplomatically, at a boarding school. set on a clear route forward and in the bud. coming together under one roof to So, with a renewed tailwind, I decided enjoy their mutual journey. It is a As with fying an airliner full of to rekindle my languages background great pleasure to walk the school passengers, it’s a great privilege to and embark on a one-year teacher corridors and hear the huge variety be trusted with the responsibility training PGCE course at Moray of languages being spoken and of taking a young person’s skill and House, University of Edinburgh. marvel at the truly international delivering it safely to exam day. nature of our community. Changing Admittedly, in my late forties, I was career actually gave me a new lease I greatly appreciate that, while the oldest student on the course, of life, allowing recently toppled my career has encountered a bit but everyone’s journey is unique gyros to reset. of turbulence, I have had a very and these are your frst steps pleasant fight and am delighted towards rebuilding your working The pilot’s mantra of “Prior to have reached this destination. life. My fellow students were an preparation prevents particularly Diverse skillsets can often be applied eclectic, diverse group, all looking poor performance” is something I to a very different direction and I’m for a new direction. Despite years still chant to myself every morning. extremely pleased to be fying with a of neglect, I was pleasantly surprised Maintaining good ‘fight logs’ is as new crew. to fnd my language skills were still vital in the classroom as it is at the up to the task. My unconventional end of a journey, while being vigilant The Dalai Lama’s quote: “Remember career path ‘landed’ me in beautiful is another crucial skill. Like a captain, that sometimes not getting what you Perthshire at Kilgraston School, a teacher might be looking forward want is a wonderful stroke of luck” where language learning is still very but he or she needs to understand has, for me, always struck a chord. much in vogue and keenly supported. the full horizon. Tiny situations can JOHN MAXTON

4.30pm - 10.30pm 14 A little up-and-downstairs cottage As the Michael Bruce Trust to as portioners. This new breed To keep the building snug and launches an appeal to raise of better-off residents with a windproof, the doors are typical funds for essential repairs permanent home to call their own Scottish double-doors, the upper to the cottage museum and started to rebuild their houses using door featuring an iron risping pin garden in Kinnesswood, local sandstone and limestone. used instead of a door knocker. The Trust Chairman David Munro windows likewise are all small with explores the building where Family life in a single-storey cottage six panes. the ‘Gentle Poet of Loch Leven’ would have been severely cramped was born in March 1746 and for the Bruces and it is said that Alterations, mostly to the interior, where he died in July 1767 at within four years of the poet’s birth, were made in the late 1860s when the early age of 21. his father had enlarged the building David Marshall and Robert Burns with a second storey. What we see Begg, Junior, acquired the cottage. One of Kinross-shire’s most noted today is, more or less, the result of The building was turned into a historic buildings, apart from Loch this rebuilding in stone during the museum in 1906, three years after Leven Castle, is the Michael Bruce mid 18th century. The upper foor, the formation of the Michael Bruce Cottage Museum in the heart of accessed from the rear via a narrow Trust, and in the 1980s the earthen old Kinnesswood. Described by pathway and steps, would have foor in the basement was tanked to Thomas G Snoddy as “a little formed the living quarters, complete make the place damp proof. More up-and-downstairs cottage,” it is with two freplaces, while downstairs recently, Kinnesswood in Bloom and situated on the Loan to the Hill, provided a much larger space other local volunteers have helped now known as The Cobbles, with accommodating a handloom. the Trust look after the garden. its west-facing gable end looking defantly out towards Loch Leven The roof of the original cottage as Surveys are being carried out and with the Bishop Hill forming a well as the new enlarged building to form the basis of essential stunning backdrop to the east. It is would have been thatched with restoration work to be carried out, an inspirational place for a budding reeds brought up from the shore leaving both cottage and garden poet to be brought up. of Loch Leven. If you look up safe and in good shape for the towards the chimney stack at the foreseeable future. Like any other When Michael Bruce was born here, western gable end you can see the house the “little up-and-downstairs the ffth of eight children born to ‘thackstane’ under which the thatch cottage” needs looking after. Alexander and Ann Bruce, it was was tucked until replaced with a single-storey cottage housing pantiles in the 1920s. living quarters and work space for a handloom. We do not know Skews or coping stones top either whether this building was built side of the gable facing the loch and of turf or stone but we do know on one of the skewputts that project that about 1700 houses that had outwards at the lower end sits an been occupied by tenants on short ornament that originally probably term leases started to become the formed the top half of another property of feuars locally referred ornament half-way up the skew.

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If you would like to support the 5 3 Michael Bruce Cottage Appeal, please consider becoming a Friend of the Michael Bruce Trust or sending a one- off donation. For further information please contact David Munro. Cheques should be made out to the Michael Bruce Trust and sent to Dr David Munro, Chairman, Michael Bruce Trust, Rose Cottage, The Cobbles, Kinnesswood, Kinross KY13 9HL.

1. The Cottage Museum, birthplace of the poet Michael Bruce. 2. The upper storey of the cottage with thatched roof, 1895. 3. Chimney and ‘thackstane’ under 6 7 which reed thatch was tucked. 4. The freplace in the lower foor with swee and salt box. 5. Basement window facing onto The Cobbles, possibly dating from the original single-storey cottage. 6. Ornament on the gable end skewputt. 7. Ornament half-way up the gable end skew.

A bag of Kilombero rice can change a life! This year it has been can all make a difference to the lives clothe their families particularly diffcult to feel of farmers in Malawi while enjoying and send a child to that we are able to make a delicious rice. Also if you would secondary school for difference when we are in our like to also make even more of a a year. It gives them a route to work own homes for so much of difference, you could buy two 1kg their way out of poverty with dignity. the time and unable to meet bags and donate one to a foodbank! up for worship and social If you would like to buy a kilogramme events. We can, however, all still 90kgs is the amount of Kilombero or two of Kilombero rice please make a difference by the choices we rice that gives hope to the rice email [email protected] and it make of what we buy. farmers of Northern Malawi and can be delivered to you. You can pay provides them with enough of by cash, cheque or bank transfer to The 90kg Rice Challenge by JTS, an income to create sustainable the Traidcraft account. a Scottish based fair trade food livelihoods and allows them to importer, is an exciting way that we reinvest in their farms, feed and Thank you! KARENA JARVIE 16

Dean loading boxes of school materials at Mzuzu Kacheche PS receives buckets Kacheche PS receives cartons of soap

Emanyaleni PS - Rev Bonet Kamwela presents exercise books to a pupil “Now, take a good note of what I’m saying!” That instruction might now be given regularly by teachers to pupils in all or any of the three Primary Schools of Emanyaleni, Kacheche and Thofu, in Mombwe parish of Northern Malawi, following upon the purchase by Rev Bonet Kamwela, Minister of the Mombwe congregation and distribution among the pupils of those three schools of a large quantity of exercise books, pens and pencils.

The purchase of those school fortunately, not as yet to Mombwe), materials was made possible through the money donated had been the donation to the Mombwe retained in the congregation’s Bank congregation, at the start of this account but immediately the three Emanyaleni PS Head year, of the sum of £4000 which had schools were permitted to reopen Teacher giving exercise been raised by members and friends in October, Rev Kamwela withdrew books to a pupil of Orwell and Portmoak, their twin the funds from the Bank and congregation (including a substantial purchased the school materials at donation made at last year’s Harvest the neighbouring town of Mzuzu. Thanksgiving services). He was accompanied on that mission With the closure of the schools by Mr Dean Phiri, the Headteacher earlier this year by order of the of Kacheche Primary School, who Malawi Government, due to the had come to Orwell and Portmoak Dean giving boxes of school Covid-19 infection spreading in the summer of 2018 along with materials to Deputy Head Teacher across parts of Malawi (although, Rev Kamwela and his wife Roselyne, of Emanyaleni PS

story, whereas the original Swedish What’s in a name? language version is about a man Over this coming festive Dana Andrews and Gene Tierney. named Fernando who has lost his love season, as you dig out of Raksin always maintained that the and is being consoled by the singer. the cupboard some long haunting theme seemed to write forgotten vinyl recording itself when his wife left him. The ELEANOR RIGBY to while away a dark winter song has been recorded over 400 Eleanor Rigby was a scullery evening, will you wonder times, the best-known versions maid who died in 1939 aged 44. about the story behind the being, among others, by Carly Simon, Her headstone is in a Liverpool choice of name in the song Frank Sinatra, Julie London, Woody graveyard. Primarily written in title? Herman and Dave Brubeck. 1966 by Paul McCartney, of Beatles fame, the song did well in the charts, Here, Dick Crighton muses upon FERNANDO spending four weeks at number one some personal probing into a few Fernando is a song made famous by in the UK charts. That the song once better-known songs, now the Swedish group ABBA. It tells the title was inspired by the name on the largely consigned to musical history. story of two friends, one of whom is headstone is debateable. McCartney Fernando, sharing their memories of claimed that the name “Eleanor” LAURA a guerrilla war in which they fought is after the actress Eleanor Bron. Lyrics by Johnny Mercer, music by together for several years in Mexico. As for “Rigby”, he said, he “just David Raksin. The song was written The Spanish language version and the liked the name” and “Eleanor Rigby in 1944 for the flm Laura starring English language version follow their sounded natural.”. 17

Emanyaleni PS Deputy Head Teacher with buckets and cartons of soap Maize bags stored at manse

at which time they had visited whose own crops of maize had failed Portmoak and Milnathort Primary through the affects of excessive Schools and spoken with some of rainfall and foods, and were the pupils. consequently at risk of starvation.

Both teachers and pupils in Mombwe These urgent pleas for help have were highly delighted to receive been heeded by friends here, and Distribution of maize at the manse the new school materials (as shown the photos show the collection in the photos) and have asked that and distribution in Mombwe of the their gratitude be made known to all requested materials. those here who contributed to the gift of money. If you would like to offer some fnancial assistance to our twin In more recent weeks, with the congregation, to meet their ongoing continuing threat of infection needs, please contact our Treasurer from Coronavirus, Rev Kamwela Linda Stewart (07925 321 932) expressed an urgent plea for fnancial who will be happy to offer you help in the purchasing of supplies of advice as to the best means of buckets and soap for the pupils of giving, including giving by way of Gift the three Primary Schools, to assist Aid donation. In any event, please with regular handwashing. remember our friends in Mombwe in your prayers. He also asked for some money to enable him to purchase bags of maize, Thank you! for distribution of maize among RUARY MACLEOD the poorest people of his parish, Twinning Co-ordinator Distribution of Maize at the manse

BILL BAILEY DONALD RUDOLPH Originally titled “Bill Bailey, Won’t “Donald, Where’s Your Troosers?” “Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer” You Please…. Come Home?”, it was written by Andy Stewart with was written by songwriter John was published in 1902. Its words music by Neil Grant. It was released Marks. Rudolph frst appeared in and music were written by Hughie in 1960 and reached number 37 in a story by Robert May in 1939. Cannon when he was working as a the UK charts, and in 1989 when In North America the reindeer bar pianist in Jackson, Michigan. A it was re-released it climbed to are known as caribou, but singing regular customer and friend, Willard number 4. Quite an achievement “Rudolph the red-nosed caribou” “Bill” Bailey told Cannon about for lyrics that were written in just just wouldn’t be the same, would it? his marriage during one of “Bill’s” ten minutes. Andy was well known Edinburgh professors Gerald Lincoln frequent visits to the bar. Hughie to Scottish television audiences for and David Baird commented that Cannon dashed off the song, much his frequent appearances on BBC Rudolph cannot be a male because to his friend’s delight. Bill’s wife Scotland’s ‘White Heather Club’ and only female reindeer keep their Sarah was not greatly impressed. for singing his own composition “A antlers all winter. The males shed Willard and Sarah Bailey later Scottish Soldier”. He died in 1994 their antlers soon after the rut and divorced; he died in 1954, and she aged 59. before mid-December. But why let a died in 1976 aged about 102. There’s fact spoil a good story? a moral in there somewhere! DICK CRIGHTON 18 The Dream of a Lifetime From childhood I have been from his father in law. In 1996 it fascinated by fight. Whether won the Heron Trophy as the best that has any bearing on the fact that owner restored aircraft. Intended today one of our children is an RAF as a military and civil trainer, the pilot and another has thoughts in RAF had about 1,000 De Havilland It’s hard to convey the joy of the that direction, I am not sure. The Tiger Moths at the start of World healthy sound of the engine in your sight of an aircraft cockpit still gives War II. This particular aircraft was ears and the rushing wind in your me a thrill. built under licence in Australia in face. Cameras need to be held in a August 1942 and served originally vice-like grip or off they go! I had For a period of years, I few regularly as a primary trainer with the Royal hoped that we might fy down to the between Stornoway and Edinburgh Australian Air Force. Although later parish – even drop a water bomb on to fulfl duties as a Kirk Council extensively restored, its engine a neighbour or two! – but our route Convener. Our own John Maxton remains the original. had been pre-planned. The views of was probably in the pilot’s seat on the city of Perth were wonderfully more than one of these occasions. On the chosen day, the calm and clear, as were those of the The cabin crew became friends. On clear conditions were ideal for fying. breathtakingly beautiful Perthshire one occasion, the seats on board My wife Marion, brother Derek and countryside. For a time, we followed had been overbooked and (‘since we I rendezvoused with William and his the course of the River Tay. Among know you and you have a friendly daughter Sophie at Perth Airport, other landmarks, Scone Palace stood face’!) I was asked if I minded terribly where the Tiger Moth is kept. out in its magnifcence. sitting in the jump seat between the Several layers of clothing had been pilots for the journey south. I didn’t advised and it soon enough became With controls in each cockpit, the require much time to think about it. clear why. A detailed briefng and trusting captain kindly permitted the Pilots are enthusiastic about their job demonstration of the method of novice to ‘have a go’. It was such fun and the two in the cockpit that day entering and leaving the cockpit feeling the plane respond to every cheerfully answered every question was given, including instructions movement of the joystick. put to them and kindly explained on how to uncouple the harness what was going on at each stage. It should we be unfortunate enough Too soon it was time to return to was a memorable experience. to fnd ourselves upside down in a terra frma. Landing was another Perthshire ditch. great experience and I was amazed by An even more memorable fying the pinpoint accuracy with which that experience was a shared family And so it was time to fy. Sporting was accomplished. It was great to birthday present this year. For me fying helmet, goggles and fying know that the pilot was someone of it represented the fulflment of gloves, I never felt more like my enormous fying experience and skill. a lifetime’s dream. Having made boyhood hero, Biggles, in my life. It countless model aircraft as a boy was slightly strange to be sitting in William’s Tiger Moth is a (many of them suspended from my the forward cockpit with the unseen ‘magnifcent fying machine’ of bedroom ceiling), it was biplanes that pilot in control behind me. I couldn’t real beauty. You may have seen gave me most pleasure – Sopwith see him but I trusted he was there it featured in the BBC 2 series Camels, SE5 A’s and the like. I often and knew what he was doing! Faith ‘Scotland from the Sky’, presented wondered what it would be like to is rather like that, of course. And by James Crawford. To be aloft in it fy in a biplane’s open cockpit. what a thrill it was as we taxied out, was an incredible and unforgettable received clearance and with a roar privilege, a lifetime’s dream fulflled. Thanks to the father of a friend of were airborne, having made use of And it reminded me that on life’s one of our family, the opportunity only a few feet of great fight, to know that we have at to fnd this out came a few weeks the runway. the controls in every situation a Pilot ago. William is the proud owner, of total competence and care, is the and experienced pilot, of most important matter of all. a two seat, open cockpit ANGUS MORRISON Tiger Moth biplane, inherited 19 O Holy Night

O holy night the stars are brightly shining, Chorus It is the night of the dear Saviour’s birth. He knows our needs. To our weakness no stranger! Long lay the world in sin and error pining Behold your King! Before Him lowly bow! ‘Till he appeared and the soul felt its worth, Behold your King! Before Him bend! A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices, For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn. Truly He taught us to love one another; His law is Love, and his gospel is Peace; Chorus Chains shall he break, for the slave is our brother, Fall on your knees, Oh hear the angel voices! And in his name all oppression shall cease. O night divine, O night when Christ was born, Sweet hymns of joy, in grateful chorus raise we; O night, O holy night, O night divine! Let all within us praise his Holy name

Led by the light of Faith serenely beaming; Chorus With glowing hearts by his cradle we stand; Christ is the Lord, then ever! Ever praise we! So, led by light of a star sweetly gleaming, His power and glory, evermore proclaim! Here come the wise men from Orient land. His power and glory, evermore proclaim. The King of Kings lay thus in lowly manger, In all our trials to be our Friend. Words: Placide Cappeau Music: Adolphe Adam

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‘And why’s that?’ I asked. work opportunities had been scarce Audition ‘I’m too good to be rejected.’ for both of us. I thought about how A short story ‘Have you done any musicals?’ we’d met at drama school and of by Russell Auld ‘Yeah, loads.’ how we’d shared sandwiches during Day ‘Leading parts?’ those too short lunch breaks. ‘It’s a bit out of your league isn’t it?’ ‘Well, no. I’ve been in the chorus A typical Alec greeting, always trying but I’ve lots of experience. I I was just beginning to feel to put me down. don’t suppose you’ve been in any more relaxed when the waiting musicals.’ room door opened and the ‘Not really, I love musicals and this ‘No, but I’ve been in several plays receptionist who had registered my is one of my favourites. I know I’m and there are plenty directors attendance, hurried towards me. going to enjoy it.’ Alec Roberts was who’ve liked my singing voice.’ ‘Are you Jack Paton?’ she said. ‘It’s an experienced professional actor your wife, there’s been an accident.’ but the big parts had often eluded We were at it again, the I jumped up. ‘What happened? Is him. He was good but there were so verbal rallies, each of us trying to she alright?’ many others who were known to be better the other. It was like two Lorna had dropped me off at the better. What was I talking about, I schoolboys arguing over their audition venue and had intended to wasn’t in the big league either. But I prize conkers. I realised that if this drive to the local supermarket, but wasn’t going to let that supercilious continued I would lose my focus the receptionist explained that a idiot put me off. and my performance would suffer. speeding motorist had collided with Some of the other auditionees were her car at the nearby crossroads. The drabness of the waiting staring at us. ‘Sorry,’ I whispered as I ‘Both drivers were taken to hospital room in the old tenement didn’t fumbled in my jacket for my audition a few minutes ago,’ help my mood. ‘I’ve been here for pieces. I felt embarrassed and ‘Which hospital? How do I get over an hour,’ said one man, as he annoyed that I’d been drawn into an there?’ took another look at the audition argument with him. Calm down and ‘Sit down Mr. Paton,’ the pieces. No one wanted to reveal get control of yourself. I touched my receptionist whispered before she their desired role but everyone forehead. Perspiration. I could hear left to make me a cup of tea. either had their head in a script or my heart thumping. Calm down! ‘It’s alright Jack, I’ll take you, my was staring out of the window. It Calm down! car’s just outside.’ was a small room. Every chair was I looked to see who this good occupied except one. Just my luck I looked out of the window Samaritan was and to my amazement that it was the one next to Alec. and as I did so a gradual feeling of I discovered that it was Alec. ‘I must be in with a shout,’ he said peace came over me. There was as he looked at me with that smug no stunning panorama, no unusual ‘Oh, thank you,’ I mumbled. ‘That’s grin that I’d known for so long. We activity, but I sat transfxed. On the very kind of you.’ had been rivals since we’d met at window sill were two sparrows The receptionist returned with the acting school. The acting coaches and one was attempting to feed the tea. ‘Thanks, but we’ll need to be usually preferred me but somehow other some breadcrumbs which had going,’ Alec said as he rushed me out he always managed to get under my been left there. I was fascinated. of the building. skin. This sometimes meant that Soon my thoughts began to drift I gave a below par audition which to later when I would be joining He bundled me into his resulted in some roles being given to Lorna for dinner at The Archway. car and we were soon on our way. him. Well not today, I thought as I We’d been married for two years The roads were congested and I sat down. and outings like this were rarities as could hear Alec mumbling under his

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breath. Almost every chair was occupied. release her.’ ‘Come on, come on,’ he said as the ‘There’s one here,’ shouted a voice. ‘What sort of injuries?’ traffc slowed to a crawl. I glanced And in the corner of the room I saw ‘She’s had a bump on the head. I over at him but he sensed my a woman waving to me. She pointed don’t think it’s too bad but we’ll anxiety. to the vacant chair by her side. I sat need to examine it.’ She has two ‘Don’t worry,’ he said. ‘We’ll get down next to her and thought again broken ribs and a few bruises in that there. Just leave it to me.’ about Lorna and her accident. But area but nothing internal.’ my thoughts were soon interrupted I groaned. The car was moving again by a small boy running around after ‘From what I’ve heard the cars are but I had no idea where we were. a paper aeroplane which he had just in a far worse condition than the Alec had found a route which thrown into the waiting people. He drivers. I suggest that you grab some he claimed would take us to the was pulled from the wreckage by his coffee at the cafeteria and come hospital ‘in no time.’ I thought it best mother who gave him a very vocal back in half an hour.’ not to argue since he seemed very dressing down resulting in many tears confdent about this. I tried to phone and much howling. I did what he suggested but the hospital. when I reached the cafeteria, I found ‘Damn, no signal.’ ‘It’s ok,’ said Alec, ‘It’s pandemonium in here.’ Alec waiting for me. He insisted on ‘we’re only a few minutes from the The woman next to me looked at buying me coffee and I told told him hospital.’ me as she continued. ‘I’ve been here about Lorna. I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. for ages. I heard someone say there’s ‘That sounds positive. You’ll be Alec Roberts, this kind, considerate, been a road accident. That’ll keep us hoping she’ll be able to get home caring man who was doing everything waiting even longer.’ tonight.’ he could to help me, was he the same ‘That’s why I’m here. It’s my wife ‘Yes. I should know soon.’ man who had been a continual source who...’ ‘I can take you home whenever. I’m of irritation to me at auditions for ‘Oh I’m sorry. Are you alright?’ in no hurry.’ longer than I could remember? I’d almost cried but I took a quick ‘I don’t want to burden you any more. breath. ‘Yes. Thanks. Just anxious You’ve done such a lot to help me.’ He parked the car at and worried.’ ‘No problem, Jack.’ the entrance to the A and E ‘Of course.’ I looked at him. ‘There’s one thing I Department. I turned towards him. don’t understand. Why are you doing ‘Go! I’ll park the car and wait for We sat quietly with our own this?’ you inside.’ I hesitated. He looked at thoughts. The room was gradually ‘You were in a spot. You needed me as I stared at him. ‘Take as long emptying of people. The boy, minus help.’ as you need.’ I opened my mouth but his aeroplane, had left with his ‘And I’m very grateful, but why are no words came out. I raised my hand mother. There was a stillness which you being so kind and supportive?’ in a feeble wave of thanks as I closed had been absent before. The clock ‘I’ve always rated you Jack. You’ve the car door but I don’t think he on the wall above the reception desk always been a better actor and a noticed as he drove away in search slowly ticked on. I was staring at it better person than me. The only way of a parking bay. when a doctor appeared at my side. I could hope to get ahead of you was ‘Mr. Paton?’ to undermine you. Quite simply, I Once inside the hospital ‘Yes.’ wish I was more like you.’ reception area, I was soon informed ‘Your wife’s been in a road accident. I sat motionless. He saw the dazed that someone would be with She’s sustained some injuries. expression on my face. me ‘shortly,’ and to ‘take a seat Nothing too serious, but we’ll need ‘Come on,’ he said, ‘let’s fnd out if meantime.’ I looked around the room. to do a few tests before we can she can come home.’

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