StramashISSUE 55 - AUTUMN 2019

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

THE THEATRE OF HIS GLORYConserving the incredible

39 High Street, Kinross KY13 8AA

Castle Wedding for 110Marquee Wedding for over 200

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the misplaced desire for an endless supply of imagined ‘goods’. This is what drives the engines of a consumer-oriented society. As Professor Belden Lane puts it, “We’re trapped in a culture cage devoted to the relentless consumption of … all the things that attract us.” It’s a story of misdirected desire.

In Christian perspective, this world VI¾IGXW�XLI�GSRWYQQEXI�EVXMWXV]�of a loving Creator. It therefore demands our utmost respect, care and attention. The beauties of Harris and the shores of Loch Leven, with all the rest, are ‘the theatre of his glory’ (John Calvin). It’s a show of exquisite and unending pleasure. We are all rightly challenged these days to increase our delight in the incredible wonders of the natural world. Along with this, we must all play our part as best we can in conserving and protecting this amazing environment of ours. We owe no less to coming generations.

Yours sincerely, Angus Morrison

Very Rev Dr Angus Morrison

trees – trees of rich variety – lush meadows of waving corn and other GVSTW��[MPH¾S[IV�WOMVXIH�GSYRXV]�lanes, gently rolling hills and an island-WXYHHIH�PSGL�SJ�FVIEXL�XEOMRK�FIEYX]��I could not ever possibly weary of the drive each Sunday morning from XLI�1MPREXLSVX�QERWI�XS�4SVXQSEO�Church. Vistas of ever-changing loveliness. The truth, of course, is that when it comes to natural beauty our whole country stands comparison with any on earth. But then we would say that, wouldn’t we?

I’ve just been listening (again) to the great Louis Armstrong:I see trees of green, red roses too,I see them bloom for me and you,And I think to myself what a wonderful world!

A wonderful world indeed!

And yet, in our time, as is well ORS[R��[I�JEGI�ER�IGSPSKMGEP�GVMWMW�of which global warming is one manifestation. The church has not always been good at recognising the importance of attentiveness to our natural environment. Too often we have encouraged a spirituality divorced from concern for the earth and the oceans. As a result, we have been as guilty of ecological insensitivity as any. We have certainly done better of late.

In a wider perspective, the ecological crisis of our time has arisen from

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CONTENTS

CONTACTS

EDITORIALRuary MacLeod on 01577 863992 or email lothries@btinternet.com

ADVERTISINGKim Reid on 01577 862686or email janetedgarreid@gmail.com

DESIGNSarah Deighanemail sarahdeighan@hotmail.com

1 A WONDERFUL WORLDProtecting our environment

7 VOLUNTEERS WANTEDCalling all drivers!

8 A WISH FULFILLEDCruising creative churches

9 TIME TO PICKTree time treats

10 PRAYING FOR PEACEPondering on Pilgrimage

11 WATTERS THE ‘WATCH MAKER’A local longcase

12 MOMBWE’S MILLHow a ‘home’ happened

13 TICKET FOR TOKYOHandling the heat

14 CAPTURING THE ‘CREW’Rovers of the Rig

16 SORTING THE SNAPSD.I.Y. Digital

Dear Friends,I have said it before – so I hope you will bear with me – but we who receive this magazine are incredibly fortunate to live in what is possibly Scotland’s most beautiful parish. I say ‘possibly’ for there is, in my (entirely unbiased!) judgement, one other parish that could lay claim to this standing. I refer, of course, to Harris, the awesome island of my ancestry.

8LIVI�]SY�[MPP�½RH�XLI�MRGSQMRK�Atlantic Ocean, as it nears the shore, lit up in iridescent shades – from pale green to deep blue, with a broad spectrum of turquoise in between. Sandy beaches on the west coast rival any in Europe and beyond. The magical colours, the ever-changing light and the ethereal landscape of this island have drawn and entranced countless ZMWMXSVW��MRGPYHMRK�QER]�½RI�EVXMWXW��some of whom have stayed on and FIIR�LMKLP]�WYGGIWWJYP�MR�XLIMV�[SVO�

-�WSQIXMQIW�½RH�Q]WIPJ�VI¾IGXMRK�on the topographical and scenic contrasts of Harris and Kinross-shire. Harris represents, in general, a more austere bracing beauty. Our parish is so very different. What Harris possesses in abundance, /MRVSWW�WLMVI�PEVKIP]�PEGOW��3R�XLI�other hand, what this area enjoys a-plenty is for the most part absent from the island. I refer, not least, to

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Our oldest regularly attending couple, Bill and Pat Gray, both celebrated their 90th birthday earlier this year and the occasion was marked in Orwell Church on 5th May by the Minister making a small presentation of gifts and afterwards, in the Church Hall, by the couple enjoying a birthday cake baked by Pat Eadie.

-R�LMW�]SYXL��&MPP�[EW�E�OIIR�HERGIV�and was a regular attender at the local HERGI�LEPP�MR�7XSGOXSR�3R�8IIW��-R�1946, Pat, a rather shy young lady, was encouraged to come along with friends. It seems that one dance on that evening was the start of a romance that has now lasted 73 years.

Bill was at the time part-way through a seven-year apprenticeship as E�NSMRIV�ERH�GEFMRIXQEOIV��[MXL�conscription suspended till he had served his time. On completion, the couple married in 1950 just a [IIO�FIJSVI�IRPMWXQIRX�JSV�2EXMSREP�Service. Bill went to Germany with the Royal Engineers and Pat returned to her parents for two years, GSRXMRYMRK�LIV�[SVO�EW�E�XVEMRMRK�QEREKIVIWW�[MXL�1EVOW�ERH�7TIRGIV���

Married life was regularised after HIQSFMPMWEXMSR��½VWX�MR�E�LSYWI�with few of the amenities now XEOIR�JSV�KVERXIH��RS�LSX�[EXIV�

SV�MRWMHI�PSS��FYX�ER�IEVP]�¾MXXMRK�ERH�YWI�SJ�&MPP´W�ERH�JVMIRHW´�WOMPPW�in joinery and plumbing resulted in a more comfortable home. A family followed and they now have a daughter, two grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

To be closer to their daughter who now lives in Milnathort, the couple moved to Kinross in 2007 and live in a delightful cottage with E�WQEPP��I\GITXMSREPP]�[IPP�OITX�ERH�WXSGOIH�KEVHIR�[MXL�RSX�E�[IIH�in sight, bringing on from seed FSXL�ZIKIXEFPIW�ERH�¾S[IVW�JSV�themselves, family and friends.

Their Christian faith has been almost constant throughout their lives. Bill tells me that at 14 he had some doubts and gave up church, but on joining the army started attending services again, and on demob they both joined a new Baptist Church MR�7XSGOXSR�ERH�XLIMV�GSRRIGXMSR�remains, continuing to worship there when on holiday and receiving the monthly newsletter. They are now QIQFIVW�SJ�3V[IPP�ERH�4SVXQSEO�and have been constant attenders at Orwell since arriving in the area.

8LI]�EVI�RS[�PSSOMRK�JSV[EVH�XS�July next year when, God willing, they will celebrate their Platinum Wedding Anniversary.

ALLAN DEARING

Enduring Love

Letter of thanks from Bill and Pat

Dear Friends at Orwell & Portmoak,

Pat and I would like to thank you for the wonderful surprise we received for our 90th Birthday.

Before the morning service, Angus presented us with an orchid, a box of chocolates, a garden voucher and cards; an invitation also, after the service, for a cup of tea in the hall.

After the service, we went into the hall for a cup of tea and a chat; much to our surprise, there was a lovely, iced Birthday Cake, with two candles, a nine and a zero. They were lit for us and then Pat and I blew them out and everyone sang ‘Happy Birthday’.

It was quite emotional. Thank you all once again!

With Christian love and best wishes,Bill and Pat

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Orwell & Portmoak Parish Church of Scotland&KXUFK�2IÀFH 29 South Street, Milnathort, KY13 9XA

2IÀFH�+RXUV��Monday to Friday, 10am until 2pm3KRQH��01577 861200(�PDLO��orwellandportmoakchurch@gmail.com:HEVLWH��www.orwellportmoakchurch.org.uk)DFHERRN��www.facebook.com/OrwellAndPortmoakChurch0LQLVWHU��The Very Rev Dr Angus Morrison

&KXUFK�6HUYLFHV�RQ�6XQGD\�PRUQLQJPortmoak -10am; Orwell -11.30am �RWKHU�WKDQ�$OO�$JH�-RLQW�6HUYLFH�DW������DP�RQ�WKH�ÀUVW�6XQGD\�RI�HDFK�PRQWK�DQG�(YHQLQJ�6HUYLFHV�DW�����SP�DV�PD\�EH�LQWLPDWHG�LQ�&KXUFK�%XOOHWLQV�

:DQW�WR�DGYHUWLVH�\RXU�RUJDQLVDWLRQ"�:DQW�WR�UH�F\FOH�\RXU�VSHFWDFOHV��EDWWHULHV��VWDPSV�RU�

LQN�FDUWULGJHV"�We can help!

Please come in and ask.

Copying and printing are available at competitive rates - colour or black and white.

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The GuildThe new session of The Guild will begin on Tuesday, 1st October, when the Minister, the Very Rev Dr Angus Morrison will be the speaker.

The programme for the remainder of 3GXSFIV�ERH�JSV�2SZIQFIV�[MPP�FI�as follows –

October

15th Andy Middlemiss returns to talk about ‘WW1 The Aftermath – 1919’

29th Olivia Giles will speak about her charity ‘500 Miles’, whose main focus is supporting the development and delivery of sustainable prosthetic and orthotic services in Malawi and Zambia. This will be an Open meeting, as Olivia is no longer to be giving talks.

November

12th Keren Guthrie, the Archivist at Blair Castle, will disclose some of the castle’s secrets.

26th Project day – a representative of The Sailors’ Society will speak on ‘A Chaplain for our Ports’.

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 will be made very welcome and it is a great way of meeting other people ERH�SJ�QEOMRK�RI[�JVMIRHW�

JEANETTE McLENNANSecretary

Programme for Autumn 2019

August 30th Coffee Morning

September 27th Heather Kirkham talks on and demonstrates - making things with pearls

October 25th Craft Morning, painting jars

November 29th Anna Garner - making gift bags

December 13th Celebrate Christmas

Oasis had a very successful Spring programme, which we all enjoyed. Oasis is there for any lady who wishes to join us. We usually meet on the PEWX�*VMHE]�SJ�XLI�QSRXL�EX������EQ�MR�4SVXQSEO�'LYVGL�2I[�6SSQ�ERH�LEZI�E�ZEVMIX]�SJ�WTIEOIVW�ERH�GVEJX�[SVOIVW�

3YV�½VWX�QIIXMRK�MW�E�GSJJII�QSVRMRK��[L]�RSX�NSMR�YW�XLIVI�SV�EX�ER]�SJ�the subsequent meetings. You will be made very welcome!

AVRIL ROGERS

asisLADIES GROUP

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“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 ERH�WTMVMX�SJ�XLI�&MFPI�MR�JEMXL�½PPIH�JYR�

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

September 28th - Orwell Church HallOctober 26th - Orwell Church HallNovember 30th - Portmoak Village Hall

Hope to see YOU there!CARA CHALMERS

4.30pm - 10.30pm

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On a small island off the West Coast of Scotland they tell the story of the old minister who used to pray:

‘Blessing on our beautiful island, and on the neighbouring islands of Great Britain and Ireland.’

Professor Murdo Ewen Macdonald once told how he and the new minister of St Giles in Edinburgh, the Rev. Gilleasbuig Macmillan, attended DQ�RI¼FLDO�GLQQHU�VKRUWO\�DIWHU�Mr. Macmillan had moved from Portree, a delightful Highland village on the Isle of 6N\H��WR�WKH�KLVWRULF�+LJK�.LUN�of Edinburgh. Sitting next to 0U��0DFPLOODQ�ZDV�D�ODG\�IURP�the top-drawer of Edinburgh VRFLHW\��$W�RQH�VWDJH�LQ�WKH�HYHQLQJ��VKH�VDLG��²$FFXVWRPHG�DV�\RX�KDYH�EHHQ�WR�SUHDFKLQJ�LQ�3RUWUHH��\RX�PXVW�¼QG�LW�YHU\�GLIIHUHQW�SUHDFKLQJ�WR�the members of St. Giles.’ 0U��0DFPLOODQ³V�UHSO\�ZDV�QRW�quite what she expected: ‘Yes. ,�KDYH�WR�VLPSOLI\�P\�VHUPRQV�FRQVLGHUDEO\�³

To Make You Smile!

Orwell 70 Plus Fundraiser

Jamie DeeVocalist and Entertainer

12 October 2019Orwell Bowling Club

7.30pm for 8pm - 11pm£10 inc hot dog or burger

All WelcomeTickets: Contact 01577 863331

A commissioner to the General Assembly received a letter addressed:

Rev. Hugh MacDonald,The General Ass of the Church of Scotland,The MoundEdinburgh

$�WUDPS�ZKR�FDOOHG�DW�WKH�manse asked for a drink. When the minister’s wife brought him a glass of water, he said, ‘I’m QRW�GLUW\��,³P�WKLUVW\�³

7KH�ROG�ODG\�ZDV�GHDI��7KLV�meant that the question she asked her minister was asked VXI¼FLHQWO\�ORXGO\�IRU�HYHU\RQH�in the room to hear. ‘Was HQWHULQJ�WKH�PLQLVWU\�\RXU�RZQ�LGHD��RU�ZHUH�\RX�MXVW�SRRUO\�advised?’

From ‘Holy Wit’, Rev. James A Simpson

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Why We Get the Wrong PoliticiansIsabel Hardman%XPERXMG�&SSOW��������TETIVFEGO

If the dynamics of U.K. politics ever TVSQTX�]SY�XS�EWO��“How did we get into this mess?”�XLIR�XLMW�FSSO�is probably the best researched and most clearly expressed answer available to you today. Although Brexit dominates the landscape, Hardman only treats it as one symptom of an underlying malaise, the product of a wider political system, “… under which governments are able to implement their policies in the scrappiest and most thoughtless way possible” under scrutiny which is “shocking” in its inadequacy. If that sounds strong, the evidence presented supports her assertions in a devastating critique of Westminster’s dysfunctional structures and culture.

Despite the title, MPs are not the real targets of Hardman’s analysis. The trail of destruction starts with the parties’ candidate selection systems which require candidates to possess levels of personal wealth that immediately exclude huge swathes of the population. The road to Westminster for prospective MPs, if they ever get there, is shown to involve such demands on time, energy and family life that one is left wondering why anyone would [ERX�XS�MR¾MGX�XLEX�SR�XLIQWIPZIW��,EVHQER�[SVOW�MR�;IWXQMRWXIV�ERH�

her research involved many personal interviews with those who have endured the processes she describes, giving a very human dimension to LIV�REVVEXMZI�ERH�WSQI�WLSGOMRK�assessments of the human cost.

8LI�QENSVMX]�SJ�14W�[SVO�ZIV]�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 …”: GERRSX�FIGEYWI�SJ�XLI�WIZIVEP�³XVMGOW�of the trade’ available to government to circumvent legislative scrutiny, and will not, in many cases, because of the pressure to conform to the party whip and ministerial pressure, often in the interests of career advancement. As she says, “The most pernicious and inexcusable culture in the House of Commons is the yes-man.”

Among the major cultural factors undermining government’s capacity to deliver effective legislation is the privileged social demographic of political leadership in Westminster which isolates its members from the realities of life beyond the Bubble so that, “… policy debate becomes about the academic beauty of an idea rather than its practical implications.” The damaging effects in the lives of ordinary, and often struggling, people of that abstraction is traced out along trails of legislative disaster, including legal aid reform, XLI�FIHVSSQ�XE\��WMGORIWW�FIRI½XW�EWWIWWQIRXW��2,7�VIJSVQW�ERH�XLI�Iraq war. Hardman is neutral on Brexit itself, but views the political processes involved as symptomatic SJ�XLI�FVSOIR�WXVYGXYVIW�ERH�dysfunctional culture of U.K. government.

Hardman’s objective in writing is that we, “... go away feeling that Parliament must and can change.” That might be the most positive feeling many have entertained on the subject for a while, but Hardman offers interesting practical suggestions for bringing such changes about. After all, if democracy is to WYVZMZI�XLIR�[EPOMRK�E[E]�JVSQ�MXW�

&IRI½X�SJ�XLI�(SYFX� Les Cowan

If you enjoy reading novels with a fast-paced narrative and interesting characters, I would very much VIGSQQIRH�³&IRI½X�SJ�XLI�(SYFX´�by Les Cowan. The main character is a minister, David Hildago and there is an extra dimension to the FSSO��EW�XLI�JEMXL�ERH�HSYFXW�SJ�XLI�protagonists are explored, without MX�LEPXMRK�XLI�¾S[�SJ�XLI�WXSV]��%W�Les Cowan says, he did not set out XS�[VMXI�E�'LVMWXMER�FSSO�FYX�ER�I\GMXMRK�[SVO�SJ�½GXMSR��[LMGL�EPWS�MRGPYHIW�EWTIGXW�SJ�XLI�JEMXL��SV�PEGO�of faith, of the characters.Another enjoyable feature of the FSSO��MW�XLI�WIXXMRK�SJ�)HMRFYVKL�ERH�7TEMR��FSXL�TPEGIW�0IW�ORS[W�well and brings to life in a fresh and vibrant way. It is great news that he has planned a whole series featuring David Hildago and so when you LEZI�½RMWLIH�XLMW�SRI��³%PP�8LEX�Glitters’ is already published and the third in the series is due out this Autumn. Find out more at www.worldofdavidhildago.com

KARENA JARVIE

institutions isn’t an alternative. Which institutions they will be is, of course, another question.

An excellent read. DEREK MORRISON

BOOK REVIEW • BOOK REVIEW • BOOK REVIEW • BOOK 6

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We are very pleased to announce that we now have a new co-ordinator. Gwen Upcroft, who lives in Milnathort, started [SVOMRK�[MXL�YW�SR���th August. We hope that by the time you are reading this, Gwen will have settled in and will have met, if only over the phone, all our drivers and most of the people who use the service.

Since, sadly, losing Ann Munro in April the group have continued to meet the needs of our service users due to the dedication of our reserve co-ordinator, Ella Ward, and the great team of volunteer drivers. One of the volunteers decided, in August, that it was time to hang up LIV�HVMZMRK�KPSZIW��2IWXE�,SKK´W�

connection with KVG&ROS began in 1989. Since then she has been a committee member, Secretary and has been a driver for more years than WLI�GEVIW�XS�VIQIQFIV��8LERO�]SY�2IWXE��JVSQ�YW�EPP��]SYV�GLIIV]�WQMPI�will be missed.

A few years ago, we planted a Silver Birch in the grounds of Loch Leven Health Centre in memory of Chris Renton who was instrumental in starting the group. This September we are intending to plant another SRI��XLMW�XMQI�MR�QIQSV]�SJ�%RR�Munro. Ann was also involved in the group from the beginning, 37 years ago, and was employed as the co-ordinator for 30 years. The Health Centre has agreed to our request to plant another tree because “Ann was such a vital part of the Kinross-shire Volunteer Group and her tireless work was much appreciated by us and the patients who used the 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 has decreased due to ill health, retirement and one driver moving away. If you have a few free hours E�[IIO�ERH�[SYPH�PMOI�XS�HS�E�rewarding, voluntary job we would love to hear from you. All our drivers say that they get a great deal of satisfaction out of helping those less

able than themselves and they also hear some very interesting stories.

Most of the trips we do are medical and can be to the Loch Leven Health Centre or hospitals in Perth, Dundee, /MVOGEPH]��IXG���=SY�GER�GLSSWI�which trips you accept, some people PMOI�XS�HS�/MRVSWW�HIWXMREXMSRW�SRP]��others are very happy to go on the longer journeys. The choice is yours.

Please give us a call or email if you [SYPH�PMOI�QSVI�MRJSVQEXMSR�EFSYX�[SVOMRK�[MXL�XLI�KVSYT�SV�MJ�]SY�ORS[�WSQISRI�[LS�[SYPH�FIRI½X�JVSQ�SYV�WIVZMGI��8LERO�=SY�

Sandy Smith01577 862536email: chairman@kvgandros.org.uk

or

Pauline Watson01577 862685email: secretary@kvgandros.org.uk

Kinross-shire Volunteer Group and Rural Outreach Scheme

%RR�MR�XLI�SJ½GI

8

A long-desired wish to go to Budapest and cruise the lower reaches of the great (ERYFI�VMZIV�[EW�½REPP]�realised in early Spring by Brian and Moira Ogilvie.

We had enjoyed sailing on the river through its upper area in the Wachau valley some years before, but this GVYMWI�[SYPH�XEOI�YW�MRXS�RI[�XIVVMXSV]�SJ�MR¾YIRGI�F]�1SWGS[��'SYRXVMIW�PMOI�'VSEXME��7IVFME�ERH�Romania run their own affairs now but were part of the Soviet empire. How much had they changed a generation on?

So, landing in the different countries, the common factor in all those previously Russian satellites was seeing how, a generation on, was life improving? Clearly, freedom was hugely valued, as our guides told us, ERH�XLI�TSPMXMGEP�NSOIW�¾S[IH�FYX�

Danube River Memoriesanother generation of improvement [EW�TVSFEFP]�RIIHIH�JSV�XLI�FVSOIR�down pavements and poor housing, as well as polluting factories.

One thing which stood out was the churches which I was pleased to visit. They were full of icons and wall painting that was so bright and fresh. Well, the people were seeing the churches as a symbol for their country and as a gathering place for them.

One clergy member said that they were ‘Orthodox’ but did not hold themselves to Moscow. They were their own ‘Romanian Orthodox’ or

‘Serbian Orthodox’. The church and its attendance formed an important part of their national strength.

8LI�[SVO�[EW�WS�GVIEXMZI��WLS[MRK�all the care given to their church and as a focus for their worship. And more young people were attending! This was an unexpected surprise for us and one I was so glad to see.

The paintings showed Bible stories or ancient patriarchs and another surprise was that they are not that SPH��3RI�FMWLST�[LS�WTSOI�XS�QI�MR�excellent English recognised my golf club badge from St Andrews and said that he had been there and so we had a good chat. Smiling, he thought that the Scottish churches were VEXLIV�EYWXIVI��ERH�-�LEH�XS�EKVII��We threw out such a lot that was good - and so I enjoyed his church probably more.

BRIAN OGILVIE

Scottish

churches

[are] rather

austere

SMITH STREET MOTORSMOT, SERVICING & ALL TYPES OF VEHICLE REPAIRS

Derek McGregor01577 864797

6 Smith StreetKinrossKY13 8DD

RIÀFH#VPLWKVWUHHWPRWRUV�FR�XN

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9

Portmoak folk are very fortunate to have wonderful woodland areas in the parish. The Woodland Trust owns the woodland areas of The Moss and /MPQEKEH�;SSH��8LI�4SVXQSEO�Community Woodland Group, which is our local woodland organisation, runs some community events, two of which are the Apple Day and the Christmas Tree Day.

Apple Day this year is on Sunday, 22nd September at 2pm. It is the perfect chance to have your own apples mashed, crushed and squeezed before your very eyes by a big apple press. Juice extracted from apples MW�XLIR�]SYVW�XS�XEOI�E[E]���LEZI�your containers ready - and to taste the pure, unadulterated and fat-free “amber nectar”.

8LI�IZIRX�[MPP�XEOI�TPEGI�MR�XLI�RI[P]�levelled play area in the orchard. Enter by the gate opposite the ,EPP�GEV�TEVO��8LI�RI[�TPE]�EVIE�MW�called Chris’s Place, in memory of a member of the group, Chris Vlasto, of Kinnesswood, who died suddenly two and a half years ago, leaving a widow, Charlotte, and daughter Chloe, who is now 13 years old.

There will be range of mouth-[EXIVMRK��ETTPI�XLIQIH�FEOMRK�QEHI�from locally grown fruit. On hand will be Andrew Lear, who will identify ER]�ETTPIW�[LMGL�JSPO�FVMRK�JVSQ�XLIMV�KEVHIRW��-HIRXM½GEXMSR�GER�FI�LIPTIH�

when apples are brought together with twigs and leaves. You may be surprised to learn the name of the variety you have in your garden.

There are many different varieties in the orchard, from the early, bright-red Discovery apples to the giant Howgate Wonders and some KVIEX�REQIW�PMOI�/MRK�SJ�XLI�4MTTMRW��Reinette Etoilee and Kaiser Wilhelm.

This is a great village, parish and community event for everyone. Remember, bring a container or two XS�XEOI�E[E]�ETTPI�NYMGI�JSV�]SY�XS�enjoy at home.

'LVMWXQEW�8VII�(E]�XLMW�]IEV�XEOIW�place on Sunday, 15th December. It’s a good reason for a day out and to see the Woodland Group in action. Anyone can go along to The Moss to select a tree for themselves (having previously measured the height of the living room ceiling!). A member of the Woodland Group will cut the tree for you. All you have to do is carry it to your car to put the tree onto the roof or squeeze it in beside passengers or dog! At the tree area, you can have some mulled wine and shortbread or mince pie. You may wish to give a donation to the 4SVXQSEO�'SQQYRMX]�;SSHPERH�Group before removing your personally selected Christmas tree. (Thanks to Louise Batchelor for providing much of the information used in this article.)

DICK CRIGHTON

Days of Apples and Christmas Trees

Portmoak Moss entrance

Portmoak Moss entrance

Kilmagad Wood - Apple Tree

Kilmagad Wood - Map

Kilmagad Wood - Chris’s Place picnic bench

10

After writing about the Pilgrimage itinerary in the last edition of Stramash, I felt that I would like to add some SJ�Q]�VI¾IGXMSRW��-�ORS[�XLEX�EPP�the people on all three Pilgrimages that I’ve had the pleasure of joining will have different thoughts, emotions and ‘most moving’ experiences. The JSPOW�SR�EPP�XLI�4MPKVMQEKIW�[IVI�E�³QM\IH�FYRGL´�JVSQ�ZEVMSYW�[EPOW�SJ�life, some retired and a few of us still [SVOMRK�FYX�[I�[IVI�EPP�[EPOMRK�MR�the same footsteps of Jesus.

One of our fellow Pilgrims said that we’d visited 24 worship centres. As I said in my last article, some were a bit too ‘glamorous’ for me, with red and gold baubles as part SJ�XLI�HIGSVEXMSR��SXLIV�[SVWLMT�centres were so very plain and basic. Everyone has their own opinion of [LEX�MW�RMGI��LS[IZIV��-�TVIJIVVIH�the smaller, basic worship centres. Some of the worship centres had such wonderful acoustics - in a small stone church, a wee group of 22 WSYRHIH�PMOI�E�LIEZIRP]�GLSMV��%W�MR�all parts of the world where there is tourism, a lot of places we visited have been ‘adjusted’ over the years XS�EGGSQQSHEXI�4MPKVMQW��WSQI�places, in my opinion, to the extent of, perhaps, distracting from the real reason we were visiting. The River

Jordan, although so very natural and untouched, had platforms built to EPPS[�JSPO�XS�EGGIWW�XLI�WLSVI�[LIVI�Pilgrims of all faiths and nationalities gathered and some were being baptised in the river.

8LI�VETTSVX�[MXL�XLI�JSPOW�SR�Pilgrimage, at mealtimes, on the GSEGL�ERH�EW�[I�[EPOIH��QEHI�MX�WS�easy to appreciate for what we had travelled so far. Our leaders put a XVIQIRHSYW�EQSYRX�SJ�[SVO�MRXS�organising the trip and the worship that we enjoyed on Pilgrimage, but we also had to prepare ourselves. Pilgrimage for me was inspirational ERH�IQSXMSREP��E�YRMUYI�I\TIVMIRGI��We are all different and to try and document everything is so hard.

One of the highlights for me was XLI�VI�EJ½VQEXMSR�SJ�Q]�&ETXMWQ�EX�the River Jordan. Reading at Sunday worship at St Andrew’s Church in Jerusalem, celebrating Communion on the shores of the Sea of Galilee and seeing how Al Shurooq School for the Blind in Bethlehem had HIZIPSTIH�WMRGI�Q]�½VWX�ZMWMX�were also high on my list. There [IVI��QER]�QIQSVEFPI�QSQIRXW��however, being at the Dead Sea was one thing, yes, I enjoyed being XLIVI��FYX�³¾SEXMRK´�[EW�RSX�Q]�FIWX�experience - an allergic reaction, three antihistamine tablets all at once and it was sorted �XLEX�[EW�SR�Q]�½VWX�visit). This time I enjoyed watching others enjoying their experience!

What is so apparent is the political GSR¾MGX�XLEX�MW�HMZMHMRK�GSQQYRMXMIW��Christians in the Holy Land are declining. In 1948, they were (I think) about 30% of the population and now about 1.5%. The separation [EPP�FIX[IIR�;IWX�&ERO�ERH�.IVYWEPIQ�QEOIW�MX�HMJ½GYPX�JSV�JSPO�XS�XVEZIP�XS�[SVO�ERH�WS�XLI�PIZIP�of unemployment is high. Families have moved to other countries. The educated local guide, a Palestinian Christian, assigned to our Pilgrimage group, was very informative and ORS[PIHKIEFPI��,I�JEGIH�E�HEMP]�journey through the separation wall.

Rev Dr John McCulloch – who serves as Minister at St Andrew’s Scots Memorial Church in Jerusalem - lives in Bethlehem and so also endures the border crossing every day. We were told that only 14 Christian families remain in Bethany, behind the Mount SJ�3PMZIW��WS�RIEV�FYX�E�LEPJ�LSYV�GEV�journey is necessary from Jerusalem because of the separation wall.

One of the things that surprised me, but was encouraging, is that so many times we encountered signs for ‘Peace in Jerusalem,’ Peace dove TEMRXMRKW�ERH�IZIR�³4IEGI´�KVEJ½XM��7S�QER]�JSPOW�EVI�TVE]MRK�JSV�4)%')�MR�their lands. Rev Dr John McCulloch WTSOI�XS�YW�EFSYX�LMW�LSTIW�ERH�XLI�GLEPPIRKIW�SJ�LMW�[SVO��;I�WLSYPH�all appreciate that we have peace in our land.

MARGARET SPENCE

5HϿHFWLRQV�RQ�C)ROORZLQJ�LQ�WKH�)RRWVWHSV�RI�-HVXV

A wonderful, emotional experience - with loads of laughter too!

11

The generous gift of a locally made longcase clock to Kinross (Marshall) Museum this summer prompted museum volunteers Janet Mullan and David Munro XS�½RH�SYX�QSVI�EFSYX�XLI�maker of the clock who lived in Milnathort.

An e-mail in March 2019 from 4SVXQSEO�'SQQYRMX]�'SYRGMPPSV�%RHVI[�1YW^]RWOM�WIX�MR�QSXMSR�E�series of communications with his brother, Raymond, who had inherited E�PSRKGEWI�GPSGO�[LMGL�LI�[MWLIH�XS�give to the museum in Kinross. Duly delivered and now proudly exhibited in the Museum’s display area in the Loch Leven Community Campus, XLI�GPSGO�LEW�ER�SVREXI�HMEP�[LMGL�FIEVW�XLI�REQI�SJ�XLI�QEOIV��“W C Watters, Milnathort”.

Made in the early 19th century, this ½RI�I\EQTPI�SJ�E�PSRKGEWI�GPSGO�[EW�XLI�[SVO�SJ�;MPPMEQ�'EQTFIPP�Watters, who is described as a ‘watch maker’ in the 1851 census, operating from his home on the WSYXL�WMHI�SJ�2I[�6SEH��1MPREXLSVX��

Watters, who was born in Dysart c.1777, married in 1818 a young lady from Aberfeldy with the surname McLaggan. A year later, they went north to Leslie where XLI]�LEH�½ZI�GLMPHVIR�FIJSVI�moving on to Milnathort about 1830. Born in 1831, their sixth and last child, John, eventually became E�FPEGOWQMXL�MR�/MRVSWW�[LIVI�LI�[SVOIH�EW�ER�ETTVIRXMGI�XS�LMW�elder brother Thomas.

In 1856, their only daughter Isabella married Alexander Watson, a prosperous 1EWXIV�&SSXQEOIV�in Auchtermuchty, who later moved his FYWMRIWW�XS����2I[�Road in Milnathort. Alexander and Isabella Watson are

remembered on a memorial stone in XLI�OMVO]EVH�SJ�3V[IPP�4EVMWL�'LYVGL�on the Ba’ Hill.

0SRKGEWI�GPSGOW�[IVI�SVMKMREPP]�TVSHYGIH�F]�XLI�(YXGL�GPSGOQEOIV�Christiaan Huygens in 1656, IQTPS]MRK�JSV�XLI�½VWX�XMQI�E�pendulum for near frictionless time-OIITMRK��8LI�ERGLSV�QIGLERMWQ��subsequently developed by the British WGMIRXMWX�6SFIVX�,SSOI��VIHYGIH�the swing and provided improved EGGYVEG]��8LIWI�X]TIW�SJ�GPSGO�[IVI�originally named longcase because they needed a long wooden case to house heavy weights suspended on wire, one for supporting a pendulum that drove the hands on the face of XLI�GPSGO��XLI�SXLIV�JSV�STIVEXMRK�XLI�chiming mechanism. On the dial of XLI�;EXXIVW�GPSGO�]SY�GER�WII�XLI�X[S�OI]LSPIW�JSV�[MRHMRK�IEGL�GEFPI�

,S[�XLI�PSRKGEWI�GPSGO�GEQI�XS�FI�ORS[R�EW�XLI�³+VERHJEXLIV�'PSGO´�MW�said to date from 1876 when Henry 'PE]�;SVO�[VSXI�E�WSRK�GEPPIH�1]�+VERHJEXLIV´W�'PSGO��8LMW�WSRK�[EW�eventually to become world famous through recordings by the Hayden Quartet, the Radio Revellers, Bing Crosby and Johnny Cash. The idea for the song came from a longcase GPSGO�XLEX�,IRV]�'PE]�;SVO�encountered in the George Hotel in the Durham village of Piercebridge.

Owned by two brothers named .IROMRW��XLI�GPSGO�FIKER�XS�WPS[�down when one brother died. It ½REPP]�WXSTTIH�JSVIZIV�YTSR�XLI�death of the other. Often played on the Children’s Favourites BBC radio

programme, the song begins:

“My Grandfather’s clock was too large for the shelf, So it stood ninety \HDUV�RQ�WKH�½RRU��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������It was taller by half than the old man himself, Though it weighed not a pennyweight more.”

“Too large for the shelf”

Above: Longcase clock by W C Watters of Milnathort on show in Kinross (Marshall) Museum. The case is made of high-grade

mahogany.

Left: a hand-painted ‘View of the Thames’ is the clock dial inscribed “W C Watters,

Milnathort”. It has two winding key-holes as well as 31-day and 60-second dials.

Photos courtesy of Kinross (Marshall) Museum

12

Readers familiar with ‘The Godfather’ movie may well recall that somewhat chilling remark and the somewhat VITYPWMZI�½PQ�WLSX�SJ�XLI�horse’s head being revealed by the pulling back of bedcovers.

8LEX�VIQEVO�WTVERK�VEXLIV�TIGYPMEVP]�to mind when hearing quite recently by email from Rev Bonet Kamwela, the Minister of the congregation of Mombwe in Malawi, which is twinned with the congregation of 3V[IPP�ERH�4SVXQSEO�

He wrote of his congregation’s ultimately successful attempt to purchase from its then owner a partially completed building, situated near to the new church manse at Emanyaleni, for use as a suitable ‘home’ to house the newly acquired maize mill, purchased and transported there from the supplier in Mzuzu, with funding gifted to the congregation of Mombwe by QIQFIVW�SJ�3V[IPP�ERH�4SVXQSEO�

It appears that the owner of the FYMPHMRK�MR�UYIWXMSR�LEH�EX�½VWX�requested a purchase price of MWK450,000.00 (about £530) for the building but, after a subsequent visit from three village ‘headmen’, he was ‘persuaded’ after some ‘negotiations’ to reduce the price to MWK150,000.00 (around £177), which represented a considerable saving to the congregation.

;MXL�XLI�FIRI½X�SJ�WSQI�JYVXLIV�½RERGMEP�EWWMWXERGI�JVSQ�3V[IPP�ERH�4SVXQSEO��XLEX�FYMPHMRK�LEW�RS[�been fully completed. Windows and HSSVW�LEZI�FIIR�½XXIH�ERH�WIGYVIH�by ‘burglarbars’ and electrical wiring installed. The maize mill has been mounted on concrete and iron supports and is ready for its intended use by the people of the parish and others from surrounding districts. It should produce a regular source of income for the congregation for many years to come.

Further good news has more recently come from Mombwe with the report from Rev Kamwela that, after the eventual connection of an electricity supply and provision of a meter to the new manse, the manse JEQMP]�LEZI�½REPP]�FIIR�EFPI�XS�XEOI�up occupation of their much larger and greatly improved new home.

Most recently and ‘hot off the press’ has come the news that, with further monetary assistance from this parish, a bore hole has been drilled successfully for some 70 metres into the water table found close to the new manse at Emanyaleni, with the wonderful result that, after the installation of a suitable pump, E�KSSH�[EXIV�WYTTP]��WYJ½GMIRX�XS�meet the needs not only of the manse family but also of many others in the locality is now readily available – bringing to an end the need for manual transportation of containers

+RZ�0RPEZHV�0DL]H�Mill found a HomeThey “made him an offer he could not refuse”

of water (usually on the heads of the womenfolk) from a previously distant source.

Rev Kamwela and his Session and congregation have expressed their profound gratitude to the people of XLI�TEVMWL�SJ�3V[IPP�ERH�4SVXQSEO��for helping them, by their generous ½RERGMEP�HSREXMSRW��XS�EGLMIZI�XLVSYKL�the purchase locally of the necessary materials and the employment of local, WOMPPIH�XVEHIWTISTPI�ERH�PEFSYVIVW��WMKRM½GERX�MQTVSZIQIRXW�XS�XLIMV�places of worship, manse, maize milling and water supply, which they might otherwise have been unable to achieve.

-J�=39�[SYPH�PMOI�XS�SJJIV�WSQI�½RERGMEP�LIPT�XS�SYV�X[MR�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 SJ�XLI�'LYVGL�3J½GI�MR�1MPREXLSVX��who will be pleased to offer advice as XS�LS[�FIWX�XS�QEOI�]SYV�HSREXMSR��8LERO�]SY�

RUARY MACLEODTwinning Co-ordinator

Roselyne drawing water from the new borehole

Back view of the maize mill house

Drilling machine at Emanyaleni

Front view of the maize mill house

MISSION TO JAPANLorna's Update

“1 Year to Go!” is the theme of various events in Tokyo this summer.�2S�SRI�EWOW��“1 year to what?”��)ZIV]SRI�ORS[W�that the 2020 Olympics will be held MR�8SO]S��WXEVXMRK�[MXL�XLI�STIRMRK�ceremony on 24th July. The stadium is already 90% completed and due to open later this year. In May, there [EW�E�PSXXIV]�JSV�XMGOIXW��3ZIV���million people applied but fewer than ��QMPPMSR�XMGOIXW�[IVI�EZEMPEFPI�ERH�WS�many people were disappointed. This is perhaps a downside of holding the Olympics in the biggest metropolis in the world.

Although many things are proceeding according to schedule, one worry VIQEMRW���XLI�[IEXLIV��8SO]S�summers are notoriously hot and humid. Daytime temperatures regularly get up to the mid-30s, but the “feels like” temperature can often be over 40 degrees. The nights are sultry too. When you go outside SR�E�WYRR]�HE]��MX�JIIPW�PMOI�STIRMRK�the door of an oven and stepping into MX�ERH�]SY�[ERX�XS�KIX�FEGO�MRWMHI�XLI�building as soon as you can.

Ever since the tsunami and nuclear disaster of 2011, Japan has been conscious about saving electricity.

13

So, rather than run expensive air conditioners all the time, there is a plethora of products for sale to help you cope in the heat. Some are XLMRKW�XS�WTVE]�SV�WXMGO�SR�HMJJIVIRX�parts of your body, each promising some “heat protection”. You can also buy undershirts and other items of GPSXLMRK�[LMGL�WE]�XLI]�[MPP�QEOI�]SY�feel a few degrees cooler. Large hats, “sun umbrellas” and hand-held fans are also popular.

The question of the heat has led to WMKRM½GERX�GSRGIVR�JSV�XLI�LIEPXL�SJ�both athletes and spectators for the Olympics. This summer the Japanese Government is carrying out various experiments to help people cool HS[R��1SVI�XLER����OQ�SJ�VSEHW�EVSYRH�8SO]S´W�GMX]�GIRXVI�EVI�FIMRK�VIWYVJEGIH�[MXL�RI[�VI¾IGXMZI�material. Cooler fans and misting machines are being installed in various public places. The marathon will start at 6am to avoid the hottest part of the day.

In the end of the day you cannot control the weather and the heat. All you can do is to be prepared as best you can. The athletes who will FI�GSQTIXMRK�MR�8SO]S������[MPP�FI�[SVOMRK�LEVH�XS�TVITEVI�JSV�XLI�GLEPPIRKMRK�GSRHMXMSRW��8LI�&MFPI�XEPOW�about life as a race. In 1 Corinthians

9, verse 25, Paul writes, “Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.” He says that as a Christian he trains XS�QEOI�WYVI�XLEX�LI�[MPP�½RMWL�the race and get that crown. This XVEMRMRK�MRZSPZIW�XLMRKW�PMOI�VIEHMRK�the Bible, praying, and meeting with other Christians to worship God. We cannot control what will happen XS�YW�MR�SYV�PMZIW��FYX�PMOI�EXLPIXIW�preparing for the Olympics we can XVEMR�XLI�FIWX�[I�GER�XS�QEOI�WYVI�XLEX�[I�½RMWL�XLI�VEGI��8LIR�[I�[MPP�receive a wonderful crown which will last forever.

LORNA, DANIEL, MATTHEW, CALUM and

ALISTAIR FERGUSON

8ST��8SO]S�XIQTIVEXYVI��6MKLX��'SSPMRK�TVSHYGXW��&IPS[��1MWXMRK�WYR¾S[IVW

It was in 1958 that the six young lads, pictured, experienced an epiphany. Together with three friends, the late Dave (Bevs) Berry, Bill Harley ERH�6SFIVX��8YVOW �9VUYLEVX��XLI]�JSVQIH�XLI�½VWX�ERH�SRP]�³7IGSRH´�Kinross-shire Rover Scout Crew. But the story starts several years earlier. At Milnathort Primary School, Sandy Smith, Eric Low, David Berry and myself formed a strong friendship based on a mutual love of exploring the surrounding countryside, KYHHPMRK�EFSYX�MR�XLI�6MZIV�2SVXL�5YIMGL��ORS[R�EJJIGXMSREXIP]�EW�“The Burn”, and investigating Loch Leven and the Lomond and Ochil Hills. In these airts, we honed our WOMPPW�EX�WIIOMRK�SYX�FMVHW´�RIWXW�and identifying the varied wildlife, VSEQMRK�JVSQ�QSVRMRK�YRXMP�HEVO�or until hunger sent us home. Brian (Podge) Dewar soon joined the clan and in 1952, when Hugh MacCalman XSSO�SZIV�JVSQ�4IXIV�+MPPSR�EW�Headmaster, his elder son Sandy was also welcomed to the group. Moving on from Primary school, Sandy Smith, Sandy MacCalman and David Berry transferred to Dollar Academy, Eric Low moved to Perth High School, while Brian Dewar, Bill Harley and myself all attended Perth Academy. At Dollar, the two Sandys and David teamed up with Lindsay Sands, whose father owned a grocery shop in Kinross. 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 XEOMRK�XYVRW�SJ�VMHMRK�SR�XLI�JSSXTPEXI�with them for short distances. We had dances in the guard’s van with

THE HOG RIG ROVERS(An enduring friendship)Gordon Menzies reveals the story behind the name.

me as “The band” playing the mouth SVKER��[LMPI�GEKIW�SJ�LIRW�¾YXXIVIH�alongside and a mournful calf with LMW�LIEH�WXMGOMRK�SYX�SJ�E�GERZEW�WEGO�FE[PIH�LMW�EGGSQTERMQIRX��Sometimes we would stay aboard our homeward bound train until it reached Kinross Junction where we would rendezvous with the train from Dollar, and for the one stop FEGO�XS�1MPREXLSVX��MRHYPKI�MR�E�[II�bit of good natured rough and tumble friendly rivalry. Health and safety? Out the window. Literally.

We had all joined the Scouts and, with a view to extending our 7GSYXMRK�]IEVW��[I�¾SEXIH�XLI�MHIE�of forming a Rover Scout Crew and invited Robert Urquhart, a well-respected scout leader, to lead our Crew, which is what eventually happened. Scouting had nurtured our natural love of the freedom to wander and explore the surrounding hills. It was during one such sortie that a site was discovered in the foothills of the Ochils. Two burns converged here, near a small outcrop ORS[R�EW�,SK�6MK��8LMW�FIGEQI�SYV�JEZSYVMXI�GEQTWMXI�ERH�QER]�E�½RI��sunny or drizzly wet summer evening [I�WEX�VSYRH�E�GEQT½VI�FIMRK�IEXIR�alive by the Ochil Midges (a very virulent breed)�HIZSYVMRK�FEOIH�FIERW�and sausages and thoroughly enjoying ourselves. Even after the demise of

the Rovers, we still used Hog Rig every year, as our meeting place for EX�PIEWX�SRI�[IIOIRH�ERRYEPP]��8LYW��we adopted the name and designed the logo which we wear with GEYXMSYW�TVMHI��%�[SVH�SJ�XLEROW�here, to the Paterson Family at the Golland Farm, who granted us access over the years to camp at Hog Rig.

As the years rolled on, we went our WITEVEXI�[E]W�FYX�XLI�¾]�LSSO�MR�XLI�GSPPEV�WSSR�VIIPIH�YW�EPP�FEGO�MR�Sandy (Sanda) Smith chose Accountancy and after leaving Dollar %GEHIQ]�ERH�KEMRMRK�LMW�UYEPM½GEXMSRW�LI�IZIRXYEPP]�[SVOIH�QER]�]IEVW�JSV�Forth Wines, becoming a Director of the Company. On his retiral, after 26 years in the Wines and Spirits trade, he became the local Milnathort Registrar and one of the very few remaining Registrars to complete his HSGYQIRXEXMSR�F]�LERH��TIR�ERH�MRO��He still lives with his wife Iris, in the family home, Rowallan, Milnathort. Said house, Rowallan, was, and still is, the assembly point for the Hog Rig lads’ journeys. Sandy’s mother, Agnes, who mothered us all, recently celebrated her 101st birthday. Sanda MW�XLI�GLIIVMIWX�KY]�-�ORS[�

7ERH]�1EG'EPQER��ORS[R�JVSQ�Dollar days as “King”, due to his Travel Monitor duties, also became an accountant after studying at

From left: Eric Low, Sandy MacCalman, Lindsay Sands, Brian Dewar (peeking) Gordon Menzies, Dave Berry and Sandy Smith

14

15

Glasgow University. He spent some time in Canada then returned to Kinross-shire. Sandy eventually became the senior partner of a [IPP��IWXEFPMWLIH�)HMRFYVKL�½VQ�SJ�Chartered Accountants and having now retired, he dwells in Milnathort. ,I�MW�E�OIIR�VYRRIV�ERH�LEW�E�PSZI�SJ�½RI�GEVW��3ZIV�XLI�]IEVW�7ERH]�LEW�conquered all the Munros. He was ½VWX�XS�“discover” Hog Rig.

Brian (Podge) Dewar came away from Perth Academy to study Biology at Edinburgh University. Brian is a motor- cycle enthusiast and has been the proud owner SJ�QER]�ZMRXEKI�FMOIW��%�PMJIPSRK�rugby fanatic, he played for and still LEW�IRHYVMRK�XMIW�[MXL�/MVOGEPH]�RFC. Brian taught Biology at Peebles, then Balwearie High 7GLSSP�MR�/MVOGEPH]��,I�VIXMVIH�EW�head of his Department and has since been trying to biologically cure the rugby damage to his physical body. Brian still lives with LMW�[MJI��%ZVMP��MR�/MVOGEPH]��,I�QEOIW�E�QIER�WTEK�FSP�

)VMG��)GO �0S[�MW�1MPREXLSVX�FSVR�and bred. He has always been technically minded and early in his Engineering career he designed and built the only solid, electric, left -handed, guitar-shaped banjo in existence. Eric played this instrument WOMPPJYPP]�[MXL�LMW�FERH��8LI�&IEXRMOW��at the Rover Scout Dances which [I�LIPH�[IIOP]�MR�XLI�'LYVGL�Street Hall, raising funds for the SVKERM^EXMSR��)GO´W�FERH�GSRWMWXIH�

of Eric on said unique guitar/banjo, Sandy Smith on Drums, Dave Berry on home- made Tea Chest Bass (Big Jessie) and I myself on vocals. Having KEMRIH�LMW�)RKMRIIVMRK�UYEPM½GEXMSRW��)VMG�[SVOIH�JSV�E�[LMPI�EX�6SW]XL�(SGO]EVH��XLIR�[ERHIVPYWX�KSX�XS�him and he sailed the Seven Seas for several years as Ship’s Engineer. He came home to Scotland and retired JVSQ�6SW]XL�(SGO]EVH�XS�PMZI�[MXL�Denise, his wife, in Dunfermline 8SSR��HVMROMRK�XLI�FPYMH�VIH�[MRI�

Lindsay (Lin) Sands left Dollar Academy and obtained a degree in Business Studies at Edinburgh University. He then emigrated to 0SRHSR��[SVOMRK�JSV�E�ZIV]�[IPP��ORS[R�SVKERMWEXMSR�[LS�XEYKLX�LMQ�XLI�KVSYRH�¾SSV�VYPIW�SJ�VIXEMP��Lin came home to join his father’s business in Kinross, David Sands Ltd., and in time extended it to a multi-store enterprise throughout Fife, Kinross and Perthshire. His family have all been involved in the business, which was eventually sold to the 'S�STIVEXMZI��2SX�SRI�XS�FI�MHPI��he is still a very active part of the new family calling, “David’s Kitchen” [MXL�WLSTW�MR�+PIRVSXLIW��*EPOMVO�ERH�Musselburgh. Lin lives with his wife, Edith, in Milnathort, but manages frequent sabbaticals to Rannoch. He has climbed all the Munros at least SRGI�ERH�GEXGLIW�FMK�½WL�

Gordon Menzies bade farewell to Perth Academy with a view to joining the Police Force. He [SVOIH�SR�&EPEHS�,SQI�*EVQ�JSV�

Mrs. Ramage Dawson until his 19th birthday when he joined Stirling ERH�'PEGOQERRER�*SVGI��+SVHSR�transferred to the City of Glasgow, ending up in the C.I.D. During this period, he formed Gaberlunzie with two colleagues, Robin Watson and Jimmy Macdonald. In 1972, Gordon and Robin parted company with the Police and turned to full time QYWMG�EW�+EFIVPYR^MI�*SPO�(YS��travelling extensively and writing and VIGSVHMRK�TVSPM½GEPP]��+SVHSR�PMZIW�with his wife, Dr. Evelyn Menzies, and his old tractor, in the quaint hamlet of Carnbo.

Despite the varied and diverse careers and the geographical locations of the HOG RIG ROVERS, we have maintained and built on our friendship both socially and individually. Combinations of the 'VI[�LEZI�[EPOIH�XLI�LMPPW�SV�climbed the mountains as and when XLI�WTMVMX�HIGVIIH�������[EW�XLI�½VWX�AGM of the HOG RIG ROVERS and �����LIVEPHIH�SYV���XL�YRFVSOIR�anniversary year. In bygone days, it [EW�E�HI½RMXI�EWWIQFP]�EX�6S[EPPER�ERH�E�XVIO�XS�,SK�6MK�SRGI�IZIV]�year for as many of the company as were available. Throughout the toddling years, hotels and other civilized sanctuaries were sought. 2S[EHE]W��FIGEYWI�XLI�WERHW�EVI�drizzling through the hourglass, the lads meet twice each year at a house owned by Lindsay in the wilds of Rannoch Moor. Once the question was, “How many hills?”�2S[�XLI�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

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Time to go DigitalTwo years ago, I took a look at a mountain of photographs. I had shoe boxes full of snaps left by my parents and other relatives, now fading and going mouldy. From XLI�EKI�SJ�WM\XIIR��-�LEH�XEOIR�Q]�I\TSWIH�VSPPW�SJ�½PQ�XS�&SSXW�SV�wherever and then, having paid for XLIQ��WXYGO�IZIV]�WMRKPI�TLSXSKVETL�in albums, well annotated. These are now starting to fade, fall out or have been pinched. About 18 years ago, I switched from my trusty old Agfa to a Canon digital camera. I became TVS¾MKEXI��WRETTMRK�E[E]�EX�ER]XLMRK��These results did not go into albums but instead they are now, in their LYRHVIHW��MR�E�WIVMIW�SJ�½PIW�SR�Q]�PC’s drive, largely un-annotated, rarely seen and then only by me.

I feel sure that out there are Stramash readers in similar situations and in quiet moments they fear losing this PMRO�[MXL�XLI�TEWX��&YX�[LEX�XS�HS#

In the Spring of 2018, I decided to go down the Digital Photo Album route. There are lots of D.I.Y digital album suppliers. I chose ‘Jessops’ who used the CEWE (pronounced ‘Ceewee’) design tools. They were good in every respect, especially the Helpline.

Starting Album 2 a year later in 2019, -�JSYRH�XLEX�.IWWSTW�RS�PSRKIV�PMRO�[MXL�');)�FYX�-�WXYGO�[MXL�');)�EW�-�ORI[�LS[�XS�YWI�MX�

To get an idea of what a completed FSSO�PSSOIH�PMOI��-�PSSOIH�EX�EPFYQW�compiled by friends of my daughter. ,IVI��-�[EW�WYVTVMWIH�EX�XLI�PEGO�SJ�information in most of them. I could see that when the compiler passed on, so would the albums.

7S��MR�QEOMRK�XLMW�EPFYQ��-�LEH�XS�decide for whom I was doing it. It wasn’t for me but for my children and their children. Having decided on CEWE and got the software sitting on my PC, my next decision was to GLSSWI�XLI�HMQIRWMSRW�SJ�XLI�FSSO��I chose “Large Landscape”, pressed XLI�VMKLX�OI]W�ERH�[EW�TVIWIRXIH�[MXL�E�FPERO����TEKI�EPFYQ�VIEH]�XS�FI�½PPIH��8LMW�MW�[LIR�XLI�,IPTPMRI�

got me going. It was excellent. By the way, the only charge I had to pay was for the printing and delivery.

Family characters need introducing. Who is this person, where and when [EW�XLI�TMGXYVI�XEOIR#�4EKI���[EW�STIRIH�[MXL�E�JEQMP]�XVII��2SXI�XLEX�a Digital Album compiler will need a simple App to crop and enhance most of the pictures used. Either that or have a friend who can help prepare pictures when necessary.

I was delighted by the reception from XLI�JEQMP]�Q]�½VWX�IJJSVX�VIGIMZIH��&IPS[�EVI�XLI�JVSRX�ERH�FEGO�LEVH�covers. As for the mountain of photos with which I started. The rubbish is gone. The remainder carefully thinned out. Album 2 titled ‘A family goes to War’ is assembled and waiting approval from a few trusted critics.

JAMES BARR

Autumn Di!y DatesSeptemberSun 1st Joint All-age Service� � 4SVXQSEO�'LYVGL��������EQ

Sun 8th Communion� � 4SVXQSEO�'LYVGL�����EQ Orwell Church - 11.30am

Sat 28th Messy Church Orwell Church Hall - 4-6pm

OctoberSun 6th Joint All-age Service Orwell Church - 10.30am

Tue 22nd Autumn Afternoon Tea Orwell Church Hall - 2-4pm

Sat 26th Messy Church Orwell Church Hall - 4-6pm

Sun 27th Harvest Thanksgiving� � 4SVXQSEO�'LYVGL�����EQ Orwell Church - 11.30am

NovemberSun 3rd Joint All-age Service� � 4SVXQSEO�'LYVGL�¯������EQ

Sun 10th Remembrance Sunday� � 4SVXQSEO�'LYVGL�����EQ Orwell Church - 11.30am

Sat 30th Messy Church� � 4SVXQSEO�:MPPEKI�,EPP�¯����TQ

Prayer CornerDespite having studied at Harvard, e.e.cummings has a very individual style of writing: he never uses capitals except when WTIEOMRK�XS�+SH��[LIVI�LI�EPWS�EHHVIWWIW�,MQ�EW�=SY�EW�E�QEVO�SJ�LMW�HIITIWX�VIWTIGX�and reverence. His writing style is also unique, here slowing the reader down and QEOMRK�YW�[SVO�XS�GSQTVILIRH�JYPP]��ERH�[MXL�E�GLMPH�PMOI�UYEPMX]�MR�LMW�IRXLYWMEWQ��NS]��optimism and delight in each day. We too can communicate with God in our own individual ways - just so long as we do so.

‘I thank You God for this most amazing’

i thank You God for this most amazing day: for the leaping greenly spirits of treesDQG�D�EOXH�WUXH�GUHDP�RI�VN\��DQG�IRU�HYHU\WKLQJ�ZKLFK�LV�QDWXUDO�ZKLFK�LV�LQ¼QLWH�which is yes(i who have died am alive again today,DQG�WKLV�LV�WKH�VXQ³V�ELUWKGD\��WKLV�LV�WKH�ELUWK�day of life and of love and wings: and of the gay great happening illimitably earth)

how should tasting touching hearing seeing breathing any – lifted from the noof all nothing – human merely being doubt unimaginable You?(now the ears of my ears awake andnow the eyes of my eyes are opened)

e.e.cummings 1894-1962

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[[[�[MRWOMWSJOMRVSWW�GS�YO�����www.quartzconversions.co.uk

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