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.
Marion Smith, District Commissioner for Cupar District of the Girl Guide movement, was the guest speaker at the recent meeting of the Guild. Her theme was the Guild theme "Commitment", and she spoke of the time she had willingly given to the Guides over many years - from being a Tawny Owl sometime in the 1960's, to the post she now holds. She stressed that the service she has given, was and is, given willingly, and she has been rewarded by the enjoyment, the challenge, and the contact with so many others who also believe deeply in the movement and its aims. She stressed that it is not to be undertaken lightly, as her commitment has meant much juggling of her time, giving a minimum of 4 to 6 hours each week, with extras such as camps, helping out when a leader cannot be at a meeting, and much more. She is delighted that her daughter is now actively involved as well. Avril Paul gave thanks.
The President was pleased to tell members that 23 shoe boxes had been filled for Blythwood Care to be distributed to those in need in Eastern Europe.
After the Communion Service this Sunday, 4th December, the congregation are asked to stay behind to vote on the management of the linkage with St. John's Church, Cupar. Leaflets have already been circulated to permit study of the alternative proposals.
Community Council PREF(Protect Rural East Fife)
Last week several MSP's attended a meeting at the Corn Exchange, Cupar, to hear a presentation from an alliance of representatives from NE Fife, including Dairsie, whose communities would be affected by the proposed Draft Local Plan and the imposition of large scale housing - 6648 houses are proposed for the area, with 70 in Dairsie village. The emphasis was first that all necessary infrastructure should be in place and essential local need determined, before any building takes place. For a summary of the public response to the proposals, visit Development Services in Cupar County Buildings or log on to Fife Direct, November 17th. The final Local Plan Proposals are due to be out in January, with responses returned by May. Meanwhile, there is a Dairsie folder in the village shop.
On Saturday, 26th November, around 50 Senior Citizens of Dairsie accepted the invitation from Dairsie SWRI to what proved to be a most enjoyable, early Christmas afternoon tea. Welcomed by the President of the "Rural" Janette Armes, the guests were then introduced to the entertainment - a group of five young people who share a keen interest in Celtic music, and who have formed their own band, "Celtic Twist". Their band manager, Karen Haggis from Newport, said with great pride that they each practise for around four hours a week on their own at home, and when they undertake a public performance, they come together for at least two evenings, and much of the music is their choice, with favourite bands to inspire them. Their ages range from 10 to 17 years, and all come from N.E.Fife - two from Newport, two from near Cupar, and one from near Gauldry. They are, from the eldest: Jonathan Spy - Guitar; Janey Spy - clarsach(harp) & whistle; Imogen Graham - fiddle & whistle; Mhairi Britton - clarsach & low whistle; Anna Britton - fiddle.
The band and all who had helped were thanked warmly by the President, and then Andrew Stevenson expressed the very appreciative thanks of the guests for the afternoon tea and there was special admiration and praise for the young people, for their music, their skill, enthusiasm, and obvious enjoyment.
A busy time of year at Dairsie School, and they are inviting parents, friends and members of the community to join them at their Christmas Service at Dairsie Church on Tuesday, 13th December at 6pm. Primaries 1-4 will present the "Little Fir Tree" and P's 5-7 the tradition of "The Christingle" at Christmas. Afterwards, there will be tea/coffee and mince pies served at the school, and some sales items from their "Enterprise" group. If you cannot be at the church, you are welcome to pop in later at the school.
Nineteen church members stayed behind on Sunday, 4th December after the service to vote from three alternative ways (previously made available for all to consider) on the preferred way to implement the unitary constitution in Dairsie Church. There was a presentation by the minister, the Rev. Sheila Blount in which she advised that the present office bearers recommended a vote for option 1, which will mean wider involvement by members in parish duties. Option 1 was chosen by vote of 18 to 1.
At a well publicised public meeting called by the Trustees of the Pitcairn Trust on Thursday 1st December, it was unanimously decided to bring the documentation and organisation of the Trust into the 21st century as recommended by the retiring chairman, Rev Alex Strickland and other Trustees. The Trust will now be obliged to hold an Annual General Meeting when a report will be given by the Chairman and the Treasurer, and the Trustees elected/re-elected for the ensuing year. Office holders elected on Thursday are Mr James Murray, Chairman, Mr Bill Sinclair, Treasurer, Mr Blair Littlejohn, Secretary, with Mr Howard Chapman, Mrs Mary Campbell-Brown, Mrs Norma Davis, Mr Jimmy McGowan, Mrs Mary Rae also being elected to serve on the committee. Rev Sheila Blount and Mrs Joanne Evans were also elected as ex officio members.
All other rules and regulations remain in force and the committee will continue to have the responsibility of the administration of the park in Dairsie and to ensure that its facilities are available to all residents in the village for their benefit.
The meeting closed after a vote of thanks was proposed for Rev Strickland's efforts over a number of years. His name first appears in the minute book as attending a meeting on 9th November 1981 and he took over as chairman in 1989. During these years he contributed hugely to the upkeep of the park's facilities.
Another gentleman who retired from the Trust at this meeting was Alex Lorimer. Now living in Balmullo, he joined the Trust in 1992 and also contributed significantly to the administration of the park and the new Secretary of the Trust acknowledges his mistake in not publically thanking Alex as well for all his input over the years.
On Sunday 18th December at 10am, there will be a Christmas Family Service with the Sacrament of Baptism. All are welcome and any children are invited to dress in character (angel / shepherd / king / Mary / Joseph ) from the Christmas story.
On Saturday 24th December at 11,30pm there will be a Watch Night Service and on Christmas Day from 10 to 10.30am there will be family worship and children especially are invited to bring a gift to show to all.
Around 50 Senior Citizens were entertained recently by the ladies of "Dairsie Rural" to a much enjoyed afternoon tea. The entertainment was supplied by a very talented band "Celtic Twist". The young players - aged from 10 to 17 years performed a varied programme of Celtic music. Vote of thanks was given by the President, Janette Armes, and Andrew Stevenson thanked the ladies on behalf of the Guests.
The December meeting was a visit to the pantomime at Newport where the Tayport Amateur Music Society presented Ali Baba and the 40 Thieves. A pleasant change and much enjoyed by those members who were able to go. Next meeting will be on Friday 13th January 2006 at 7.30pm in Dairsie Memorial Hall.
First the Primary School delighted the families, friends and local folk who filled Dairsie Church to overflowing, when they performed the play "The little fir tree" (P1-4), and "The Christingle at Christmas" (P5-7). A special mention, perhaps, for the soloist from the younger group, who sang twice in a clear true voice. The service was followed by a Christmas Fayre in the school - very busy indeed. Congratulations are due to all - staff, pupils and the many helpers - for organising the whole event so successfully. In fact, it was amazing, so well done all.
Then on Thursday, the Church Guild members treated themselves to a Christmas lunch at the Guardbridge Hotel. It was an excellent meal, efficiently and cheerfully served, so a great beginning to this special time for the church.
Last but not least, there was a Baptism at the morning service on Sunday 18th December. William Alexander, infant son of Ian and Susan Martin, Main Street, Dairsie was baptised by the minister, the Rev Sheila Blount. The family, including baby William's two big brothers, Cameron and Fraser, were welcomed to the fellowship of the church by their elder, Anne Angus, with a handshake and a posy of flowers. The large baptismal party meant an almost full church, including quite a few children, so the joyous carols rang out loud and clear. The minister bravely and successfully invited all to assist in an unrehearsed Nativity Play. Children were invited and coaxed to come forward to enact the traditional Christmas story, and played their parts beautifully. Apart from the lack of costumes this was great, with extra merriment supplied by the adult participation!
Now we all look forward to the Watchnight service at 11.30.pm and the short family service at 10am on Christmas Day. And may the blessings of Christmas be shared by all.
The BIG draw - a xmas present for the lucky winners. They were - A. Paul - £50; I. Barclay - £20; V. Murray - £10; M. Roberts - £10; and £5 each for K. Tomlinson, H. Wallace, A. Barclay, C. Paton,and R. Paul.
The rush of Christmas is past - hopefully it was a happy time for all, and now greetings to all for a peaceful and fulfilled 2006.