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.
November winners were; £20 - Mrs. E. McDiarmid, Dundee; £10 - Mrs. Betty Cowieson, Cupar; £5 - Mrs. Stevenson, Dairsie. 200 Club tickets for 2004 are now on sale from Dairsie hall committee members - price £5.
Worship was led by Rev. Alex Strickland, choosing Advent as his theme. As a result of the recent visit from the Parish Reappraisal Committee, the minister announced that an important meeting is to be held on Tuesday, December 16, at 7.30 p.m., which it is hoped as many church members as possible will attend. The purpose is to discuss the future of Dairsie Church and the present linkage, which it seems is unlikely to continue in its present form on the retiral of the minister in 2005.
The parish newsletter brought wishes from the minister for a happy and peaceful Christmas and God's blessing for the year ahead. Family service at 10 a.m. on Sunday. To be noted - the Hogmanay dance for all age groups starts at 8 p.m. at the village hall. Tickets from Morag Jones. On New Year's Day, a walk to clear the cobwebs, or head! less than three miles, from the Church hall at 2 p.m. and back for a warming cup of tea. Stout footwear needed.
Clarification about the recent changes of the contents of the brown bins. In future only garden waste is to go in the bins. Apparently, there is a possibility of cross contamination of vegetable matter with meat products, when food is prepared in the house. Unless heat treated at a very high temperature - not currently available in this area - meat contamination can carry a risk of disease to animals. So, garden waste only, which at this time of year, will probably mean bins are fairly empty - hence the four weekly collection. Finally - a very happy Christmas to all.
The options for the future of Dairsie Parish Church after the minister, Rev. Alex Strickland, retires in 2005, were discussed by church members at a meeting in the church hall. There was reluctant acceptance that some change would be inevitable, due to a shortage of ministers and reducing church rolls. Finally, members agreed by a majority on their preferred way forward. This has now gone to St Andrews Presbytery, and, probably, for the ultimate decision to HQ in Edinburgh.
Christmassy tables prepared by the president and secretary, welcomed members as they arrived at the church hall for their Christmas party. The meal was to be a buffet, to which all members contributed. Savouries, desserts and drinks appeared, until the tables groaned! After the excellent supper, Alex Lorimer showed his collection of old carpentry tools - an appropriate choice of talk for Christmas. The tools caused many interested comments, and memories of their use by earlier family members. All agreed it was a very happy evening.
Although it is some years since Nettie Cook lived in the village, many longer term residents of the village remember her with great affection. Her funeral service was held in Dairsie Parish Church - she died recently after many years of ill health, latterly residing in a nursing home. When she was able, she was a dedicated worker of the community - a member of the church and served on the hall committee and so on. Newcomers to the village soon learnt to turn to Nettie, as did everyone, for she was always ready with a smile, information, advice and active help. When first disabled by strokes, she was very sorely missed. Her sister Maggie and brother Jim, also living in Dairsie, cared for her with great devotion for as long as they were able. Always, though so handicapped, she had a lovely smile for all - a lovely lady.