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 Rev. Gareth Davies led the service of Holy Communion in Dairsie Parish Church on Sunday 2nd December. It was a celebration of the first Sunday of Advent and the joy of anticipation of the coming of Jesus. As there was only a baby in church- no child to light the first candle on the Advent wreath, Mrs. Helen Horsburgh was invited forward to fulfil that duty. There was an opportunity for fellowship over refreshments in the church hall after the service.
The December meeting was opened by the President, Willa Ferguson. After a hymn, she read an article on consumerism and it's impact on the celebration of Christmas, but continued on to the encouraging message of the joy of children and their family and friends as they performed in the Nativity story, or saw the magical decorations, or the gatherings of families as they shared in the warmth of the celebrations. The speaker, Jacqueline Thomson, was welcomed, and then she showed a most interesting slide presentation on a visit to Malawi. As a deacon of the church, which was achieved after seven years study, it was decided by members of St. Ninians Parish Church in West Fife and churches in the area, to fund her to go to see how the people of Malawi were benefiting from the assistance they have been giving to the needy folk there. A huge fund raising effort eventually sent her and two students out and the photography in the slide show gave an interesting and encouraging picture of the improvements in their lives; of their enthusiasm to learn; of the vital messages on health issues and so on, which it is hoped will see more hope for them all. On a lighter note, members then attempted to make candles and bell decorations under the speaker's direction, as refreshments were enjoyed.
President, Mary Booth welcomed members to the December meeting, and thanked them for electing her as President. Mary Booth, Marion Smith, Jeanette Armes and Margaret Roberts entertained fellow members with Call My Bluff, Pass the Parcel and a Christmas Carol Quiz. This was followed by a delicious Christmas supper served by the committee.
Competition winners were: Best wrapped Christmas present - 1st Jeanette Armes, 2nd Mary Booth; Flower of the month - 1st Willa Ferguson, 2nd Agnes Jeffs.
Members and friends enjoyed their Christmas lunch on 11th December at the “Wormit Halt”. Good service and an enticing menu, together with the relaxed fellowship, made for a happy time for all. The next meeting, to which all are welcome, is on 21st January 2008 at 2.00pm when the talk will be on the “Quaker Tapestry”.
The December issue has now been distributed in the village. Please check on forthcoming events and those who give so much time to the community look forward to your support, with an especial welcome to newcomers to the village. Note the Hogmanay Dance – book with Carol Owen.
There was great sadness in the village at the death of Barbara, aged 84, in Ninewells Hospital on Monday 10th December. She was a member of the church with a very deep faith, and her funeral service was a thanksgiving for her life. She had enjoyed a happy and fulfilling life with her active interest in village activities; her work as a cook, having been cook in Dairsie School at one time; and with her many hobbies. Most of all, Babs is remembered for her interest in people, always courteous, caring, and considerate. She had celebrated her Golden Wedding to Robert in 1989, and they were blessed with two children, Margaret and Robert, and was much loved by all her many family as mother-in-law, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great grandmother. Barbara will be missed by many and our thoughts are with all who knew her at this sad time.
Sandy died suddenly, but peacefully, at home on December 13th, and the Rev. Andrew Stevenson led the funeral service in Dairsie Parish Church on the 19th December. The service was a thanksgiving to God for his life. He had a happy working life, which began sadly, as when he was only 15 years of age, his father died, and to help support his family, he went to work on a farm. Whilst there his interest in the Aberdeen Angus breed of cattle grew. In 1957, some 18 months after his marriage to Mary, they came to live in Fife, and Sandy became a Cattleman at Murdoch Cairnie, specialising in breeding and caring for Aberdeen Angus. There he stayed as a respected and trusted worker for 42 years until his retirement and the move to Dairsie. Sandy loved the countryside, and wherever he lived, he took an active interest in village life and pursuits. He was a family man - married to Mary for 52 years, and their love and affection was shared with their six children, and by the younger generation. He will be sadly missed and the thoughts of all who knew him are with the family at this sad time.
For the ninth year there is to be a New Year's Day Family Walk. Meet by the church at 2pm; enjoy a gentle walk and a hot cup of tea afterwards. Stout footwear essential. Family and friends - all are welcome to share in an enjoyable and healthy start to 2008.
The big one - in which more and bigger prizes are won. Winners of the December draw of the Dairsie War Memorial Hall 200 Club were: R. Bagnall - £50; J. Stevenson - £20; J. Strickland - £10; M. Roberts - £10; S. Sewell, M. Smith, J. Evans, J. Anderson and A. Stevenson each won £5.