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.
Once again, the Hogmanay Dance was very well supported by all age groups, from children in buggies to senior citizens. Music was provided this time by 'Vital Spark' disco, and everyone was soon in party mood. There was a short break during which sandwiches, provided by committee members, were served, and the raffles drawn. The New Year came in with a bang thanks to party poppers and balloons, but alas no pipes, as our piper Andrew as abroad with his family. Many thanks to all who supported the function, and thanks also to the committee members for their help in organising the evening.
There are still several tickets available. A £5 ticket entitles the holder to participate in eleven monthly draws with prizes of £20, £10 and £5, and one annual draw in December with prizes of one £50, one £20, two £10 and five £5. Tickets can be obtained from Morag Jones.
The New Year's Day walk organised for the village was much enjoyed. It was a beautiful day, and proved to be a real energiser for the 17 folk who took the Pittormie stroll, and then returned to the church hall for a welcome cuppa.
It is still hoped to re-start the Sunday school, but with the Primary school children still on holiday, just one wee boy was there this time. The next date is the first Sunday in February, when any local children will be warmly welcomed at 10am.on the 5th.
Peter Ratnik, an applicant for the Ministry of the Church of Scotland, is appointed to the linked churches of St. John's and Dairsie for a period of six months, during which he will gain experience of the work of the ministry. He is a music student at present, an Australian, married and with a young daughter.
On Monday, next, the 16th January, the Guild resumes, with a talk from Mrs Mary Ray on "Volunteering in the Community". All are welcome.
The speaker at the January meeting was Mary Ray, Development Coordinator for the Volunteer Centre Fife. Her work covers East Fife with her office at Volunteer House, Crossgate, Cupar. She spoke with great enthusiasm of the volunteers of all ages who offer their services to the community. Some offer as young folk, perhaps just leaving school and wanting some work experience, or folk between jobs, perhaps made redundant and seeking work, or retired and anxious to help others whilst giving themselves a purposeful occupation. Many reasons and many skills, and all are asked to fill in a short questionnaire to determine their interests and abilities. Some are housebound themselves, but can chat to others who feel isolated for any reason; some have IT skills they are happy to share; some like to meet people and can help in charity shops or at historic properties, or with visiting or shopping and so on; the variety is endless, but the centre like to find a service which is useful and brings a sense of purpose and interest to the volunteer.
The members were also asked to contact the centre if they would feel they have a need - what can a volunteer do for you?
A number of questions followed, and then the speaker was thanked warmly by the President, before tea and a short business meeting.
The Rev. Sheila Blount conducted the funeral service in Dairsie Church on Tuesday, 17th January for Ian Macdonald, Osnaburgh Court, who died in Ninewells Hospital on January 10th aged 80. Ian was known to so many in the village, not least for his height of 6ft4ins. but also for the deerhounds which he kept for many years. He was born in Inverness; a twin to Mona and with an older brother Bill. The family belonged to the Plymouth Brethren, and throughout his life he was a deeply devout Christian. In 1944, he was called up, and served as a radio mechanic in the Royal Navy. After the war, he read classics at St. Andrews University, and then taught for a while in Fife. He moved to Glasgow to teach, and ultimately became head of classics. He married Martha in June 1951, and they were a happy and devoted couple until her death in 2003. Ian was a fine scholar, and helped with the revision of notes for the Bible in Latin and Greek. He and his wife loved the peace and tranquillity of life in this small, friendly and supportive community. He was a keen gardener, growing exotic and much admired plants in his greenhouse; he studied the skies from his telescope; and had a computer, becoming very skilled, also enjoying computer games. He was much loved and respected by the members of his extended family, and by his many friends, for whom he was always readily available. Latterly, he and his wife attended worship at Dairsie Church, and following the service, the Rev. Andrew Stevenson conducted the committal at Kemback. Now at peace.
There is great sadness in the community at the loss of two more well-known village folk. Stanley Taylor died on Thursday, 19th January in Ninewells Hospital. Just two days later, on Saturday, 21st January, Mrs. Jean Manzie passed away peacefully, also in Ninewells Hospital. Both had been actively involved in the life of the village, and will be sadly missed. It is hoped to pay tribute to them next week.
The next meeting of Dairsie 'Rural' is to be in the Memorial Hall on Thursday, 2nd February at 7.30pm. when a Countryside Ranger will give a talk on wildlife. The date has been changed to accommodate the Burns Supper to be hosted on the Friday by the Primary schoolchildren.