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 Annual General Meeting of the Pitcairn Trust (Dairsie Park) will be held in the Memorial Hall on Monday, 4th December at 7pm. The Chairman, Mr. James Murray, is expected to give his report for the year, as will the Treasurer, Bill Sinclair. All villagers are welcome to come along, and it is, therefore, hoped that a number of villagers will show interest and attend.
Morning worship on the first Sunday in Advent, Sunday 3rd December at 10am, will include the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper.
After a hymn and readings, the President, Willa Ferguson, gave a warm welcome to Jim Anderson on a return visit to the Guild. Jim sang for the smiling group, entertained with some anecdotes, and accompanied members on keyboard or guitar in a sing-along and was warmly thanked by Helen Horsburgh. Refreshments and a business meeting concluded the evening.
The ladies of Dairsie 'Rural' welcomed some senior citizens to a musical evening last Friday. The guests had accepted an earlier invitation which was postponed, but it was worth the wait. Dairsie church organist, Lewis Thomson, had asked a music teacher, Mrs. Brown, from Buckhaven High School to bring along some pupils to entertain. In the event, there were five pupils and one teacher, who each sang delightfully, all accompanied by Lewis on keyboard. Then came a sing-along, with the audience enthusiastically singing many 'weel kent' golden oldies. Refreshments followed, and a gift for each guest. Andrew Stevenson expressed warmest thanks on behalf of the guests.
Due to the indisposition of the minister the Rev. Sheila Blount, her husband the Rev. Graham Blount, led the morning worship with the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper. The organ was played by Mrs. Joan Taylor, from Virginia USA, who has been with us on a sabbatical since October. It was also farewell, as this was her final service with us, and there was an opportunity to wish her well over refreshments after the service.
The next meeting will be in the Memorial Hall on Thursday, 14th December at 7.30pm. As matters discussed at these meetings are all of importance to the community, it is hoped for a good turn-out from local folk.
The interesting and welcome Church and Community Newsletters have been delivered in the village. The events in the Church over Christmas, to which all are warmly invited, are "Sparkle" a Christmas play presented by the school in the church on Tuesday 19th December at 6.30pm. On Sunday 24th December, there will be a Christmas family service and nativity at 10am, and at 11.30pm a Watchnight Service. Then on Christmas Day, a family service from 10-10:30am.
The AGM was held in the Memorial Hall on 4th December. After the Chairman welcomed everyone including some interested villagers, prizes for the recent Quiz were presented.
1st - David May - dinner for two courtesy of the Dairsie Inn.
2nd - Mrs Willa Ferguson - MOT courtesy of Dairsie Autopoint.
3rd - Rob Baker - Bottle of sherry courtesy of Dairsie Mini Mart.
4th - Alex Pine - box of chocolates courtesy of May Rae.
The quiz was very well supported and thanks go to all who took part and helped raise about £200 (not £2000 as in newsletter!) Thanks also to those who donated the prizes. The minutes of last year's December meeting were read and approved.
In his report the Chairman said that the quiz had achieved its objectives, to raise the profile of the Trust and to raise funds.
During the year, the installation of gates had been discussed, as encroached of vehicles continued. Fife Council will be erecting gates at the west entrance whilst their work on the Main Street progresses. The chairman said it would be good to have some more money in the bank and there will be discussions about a fund-raising event, a fete or barbeque.
The Treasurer's report showed that funds in hand had reduced by £250 due mainly to the cost of insurance. The possibility of obtaining grants will be pursued. Office bearers and Trustees for the coming year were elected as follows: Chairman - James Murray; Treasurer - Bill Sinclair; Secretary - Blair Littlejohn, Members: Mrs. Mary Campbell-Brown, Howard Chapman, Mrs. Norma Davis, James McGowan, Mrs May Rae - with the Rev. Sheila Blount and Mrs. Joanne Evans.
A card delivery service in the village is being offered by the Youth Club. Dairsie Mini Mart has kindly offered to be the collection point. For a donation, the cards will be delivered on Wednesday, 20th December, so all cards must be in the shop by Monday 18th December.
This year, the children have produced lovely calendars which can be purchased through the school priced £2. Contact the school to do so.
The theme of "Honouring the Body" was continued at the December meeting. Willa Ferguson and Jean Stevenson had compiled an exercise on the Five Senses - Sight, Hearing, Smell, Taste and Touch. It proved to be a challenge with pots of smells; concealed items in socks to identify by feel; excerpts of music to name; fruit juices to taste; and mystery photographs to identify. All great fun, but recognition and respect for the human body was the important message conveyed by the exercise. Thanks were expressed in recognition of the time given to its preparation. Refreshments were enjoyed and a business meeting followed.
Worship was led by Elspeth Smith, during which some children present lit the three advent candles, and the congregation were led by Mrs. Smith in singing a less familiar, but very lyrical advent hymn.
Because the celebrations for the birth of Jesus came at the weekend this year, there were three services, so the congregations had the opportunity to share in the carols and readings at 10am on the 24th, then were able to welcome in Christmas Day at the Watchnight Service, followed at 10am on Christmas Day itself by a short family service of rejoicing at the blessing of the coming of the Lord. The church was beautifully decorated, and there was the usual fine tree. Also, on Tuesday 19th December, the children of the Primary School had given a delightful presentation of their play "Sparkle", at which the large congregation were invited to join in the singing of the well-loved carols. A very happy time, at which the blessings of the season were wished to people of all faiths or of none.
As usual, there was an extra special draw in December, and the winners were: Roseanne Ferguson - £50; R. Paul - £20; S. Sewell - £10; L. Westcott - £10; and £5 each to J. McGowan, J. Baker, M. Jones, A.J Forbes and I. Taylor. The next draw will be in January, and it is hoped that everyone has now purchased their draw cards for 2007.
Anyone at all who would enjoy a short walk at New Year is invited to join the annual 2-3 mile country stroll. Meet outside Dairsie church at 2.00pm (suitable footwear) to return to the church hall by about three for a warming cuppa. All are promised a warm welcome.
With every good wish to all for peace and happiness in 2007.