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.
Dairsie Church Guild invited the Cecilian Choir to perform in Dairsie Church, with an open invitation to all to come along. The choir was founded in 1952 by Bishop James Donald Scanlon of Dunkeld - later Archbishop of Glasgow, and it was named after St. Cecilia, patron saint of music. The mixed choir of almost 30 singers love music, and take great pleasure in performing, and this was apparent throughout the evening. Dairsie was indeed honoured, as they have performed in so many exciting places, including in 1991 in St. Peter's, Rome; Iona; Jerusalem; and they sang while sailing on the Sea of Galilee; together with many other venues ,both at home and abroad. This did not mean that their programme was only church music - far from it. There were Scottish, Welsh and traditional pieces; songs from the shows, including from "Cats" and "Phantom of the Opera"; unaccompanied singing; tenor solos by Bill Young; piano accompaniment by Helen Boyle, and the whole with the enthusiastic Kevin Veal as conductor, (known in other circles as Sheriff of Forfar!) Etta Rennie said it all in her vote of thanks "An evening of pure delight" then invited them to go first to enjoy the well-earned feast laid on in the church hall by the Guild ladies.
The funeral service, conducted by the Rev. Charles McMillan, was held in Dairsie Church. Robert Hunter died in Ninewells Hospital on Friday, 22nd April after a short illness. He was the organist in Dairsie church for 23 years, and tribute to Robert was paid by Alex. Strickland, who was minister at the church then. He spoke of Robert as a man who will be remembered by many in the area, as he gave his services willingly, helping out at a number of churches, as well as at eventide homes, and wherever he was needed. Born in Greenock, as a young man he served in the RAF for over 6 years, then in 1952, he married May, and they were to enjoy a long and happy marriage, built on a strong foundation of love, trust, and understanding, as well as a shared interest in music. He was organist and choirmaster for 12 years in the Gardeners Church in Brechin, when employment took him there, and came to live in Pitscottie in 1965 when he was appointed as Personnel Officer to Fife Council. He had many interests, reading, gardening, cars, golf and football. He was an Elder at Dairsie Church for 20 years, and was a man of great faith, earning great respect from all who knew him, and was much loved by his extended family - for the interest he always took in them, and for his delightful sense of humour. Worshippers were asked to give thanks to God for a long and fulfilled life, and there was love and sympathy to his wife, May, and his extended family at this time of loss.
It is hoped to have the usual popular safari supper on Saturday, 18th June at 6.30pm. However , for it to happen, volunteers are needed to prepare and serve one course, soup, main course or sweet, in their own home. For those unfamiliar with how it works, or who may be able to volunteer, the organiser is Carol Owen, who will be pleased to hear from you.
It has now been confirmed that the General Assembly Committee on Parish Appraisal has agreed that the congregation of Dairsie Parish Church and the congregation of St. John's Church, Cupar shall be linked as from the 1st. June 2005, and united by the 1st June 2008.
"Music in May" is the theme chosen for a Flower Festival to be held in Dairsie Church on Saturday, 28th May from 11am to 6pm, and on Sunday, 29th May from 1pm to 6pm. There will be a sales table, and donations of baking and produce would be appreciated. Admission is £2.50, including tea. It promises to be a feast for the senses and all are welcome.
There were only ten teams competing this year - down on previous years - but the evening was enjoyed by all, and the questions, set by Blair Littlejohn, were not too severely challenging, though the contestants might say otherwise!
Winners of the May draw of the Dairsie War Memorial Hall 200 Club were: V. Murray - £20: G. Jones - £10: and F. Panton - £5.
The ladies will be busy in Dairsie Church this Friday afternoon and early evening (today) creating the displays for the Festival tomorrow and Sunday, and any donations of baking or produce will be welcome then.
The infant son of Michael and Sarah McDonald was baptised William Alexander by the Rev. Donald McEwan in Dairsie Parish Church on Sunday, 22nd May. William is a new grandchild for Bill and Margaret Taylor, who now live in Balmullo, but who lived in Dairsie for many years, and where Sarah grew up together with her brother Gordon. The proud parents were warmly welcomed on their return visit from their home in Wimbledon.
Plans relating to the coming linkage with St. John's Church, Cupar were announced in Dairsie Church on Sunday by Dairsie's Session Clerk, Alex. Lorimer.