The Fife Herald has kindly given the Dairsie web site permission to copy the Dairsie News that is printed in the Fife Herald every week.
The first meeting of 2003 was held on January 20th. It began on a sad note with the announcement of the death of Mr. Philip Manzie and messages of sympathy and condolence were sent to his widow, who has been a Guild member for many years, and to his son. Then Mrs Fargy read a poem of hope for the New Year and after a hymn and prayers and a reading by Mrs. Fergusan the speaker was introduced, Mr. Drummond gave a most interesting talk about how to find out about your family, using the records in Cupar Library. He gave examples of research, which he had done, to enable adopted children to find their birth parents, and to trace beneficiaries for lawyers. All this provoked many questions and comments. Mrs. Innes Smith gave the vote of thanks. Refreshments were followed by a short business meeting, which ended with members joining in saying the Benediction together.
Philip Manzie - The Rev. Alex Strickland conducted the funeral service in Dairsie Parish Church for Philip Manzie, who died suddenly but peacefully in Ninewells Hospital on Sunday, January 19. The church was full, as the minister spoke of many happy memories. The family invited the congregation to give a retiring collection for the Coronary Care Unit at Ninewells Hospital. The service was followed by cremation at Kirkaldy . A tribute appears elsewhere in the paper.
The funeral service for Philip Manzie, of Dairsie , who died in Ninewells Hospital, Dundee, on January 19, was conducted by the Rev. Alex Strickland in Dairsie Parish Church.
The large congregation heard of a long and happy life.
As the youngest of 10, he attended Leuchars and Guardbridge School. He played for both Leuchars and the Boys' Brigade football teams. Always a keen sportsman, at the age of seven, three of his siblings paid his membership fee to become a very junior member of Leuchars Golf Club, golf being an abiding passion . Indeed, at one time, he was captain of St Michaels Golf Club.
Philip lived in the area all his life.
As an adult, he is remembered for his pleasant and helpful advice at Watt's seedsmans, Cupar, for whom he was employed throughout his working life (some may remember the film taken at Watt's when Art Sutter came to interview some local people to be broadcast on Grampian Television.)
His work at Watt's was only interrupted when he was called up in the Second World War. He joined the RASC and became a sergeant, serving at Salerno, where he was wounded.
After the war, he returned to Watt's, where he remained until his retirement. Still very active, he took part-time employment at Roger's and the Garden Centre in St Andrews, where his life-long interest in plants and gardening proved invaluable. At one time, he was secretary of Leuchars Flower Show.
He and Jean were married in 1954, and moved to Dairsie in 1958. They had a long and happy marriage, blessed with a son Neil, towards whom he was a proud father, much loved and respected.
In Dairsie, he became an active member of the community, taking a keen interest in village affairs. He served on the village hall committee, at one time as secretary. Mr. Manzie played indoor bowls and supported cheerfully all village events at the hall and the church. He had a strong Christian faith; was a member of the church, and served both on the congregational board and as an elder.
An excellent neighbour and friend, he was always helpful, with a ready, cheery word for all, sharing many a joke with all who knew him.
All gained from knowing him. Thoughts and prayers are with his family and his many relatives and friends at this time.