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.
It was dull and gloomy weather but the cheery faces of the children seen riding their new bicycles-well or not so well! or pushing new dolls in their new prams, brightened the day. Families gathered together from far and near to share in the warmth of the season’s goodwill and to take the traditional walk after the inevitable over-indulgence!
The congregation came together at 11.30pm for the Watchnight Service, and welcomed in the day on which we celebrate the birth of the infant Jesus with warm greetings to each other and best wishes to all for a Happy Christmas. The retiring collection raised a much needed £55 for Shelter, the charity which gives support to the homeless.
At the final service of the year, a presentation was made to Alex Lorimer, retiring Session Clerk, who had served Dairsie Parish Church for the past 18 years. The minister, the Rev. Sheila Blount, paid tribute to his dedication and supportive service during that time and thanked him warmly on behalf of all. In response, he paid tribute to all members of the Session and the committees for their courtesy and support. He has lived in the district for the past 40 years, and had always taken pleasure and pride at living in such a caring community. After the presentation to Alex, flowers were given to Mary Lorimer with thanks for the support she has given to her husband, and for her service to the church.
Dairsie Memorial Hall was full to welcome in the New Year. As usual, it was a real family occasion, from the very young to energetic seniors, with a mix of familiar faces and a number of welcome newcomers. A big thank you goes to the Hall Committee members for all their hard work in putting on the dance, and best wishes for a very Happy New Year go from the Committee to all Dairsie folk.
As from 1st January 2009, Dairsie Church moves from the linkage with St. John’s Church to a Union. There will be a single administrative structure, but services will continue each Sunday in both churches, presently Dairsie at 9.45am and St. John’s at 11.15am.
The traditional walk organised by Dairsie Church members on this the first day of the Union with St. John’s, has always been an event open to all local folk, and again it was shared by a few hardy souls, who braved the cold and then enjoyed tea and cakes in the church hall.
Garden enthusiasts may be tempted to join the members of the Guild at their meeting in the church hall on Monday 19th January at 2pm when the speaker will be John Dewar with the title "Gardens - they restore my soul" As usual all are welcome.
It was a lively, cheerful meeting to start 2009 with a demonstration of Antique Underwear. There were items of clothing to see, and an interesting, entertaining talk on the history of the garments, and the presenters were thanked warmly amid many smiles and reminiscences.
Competition winners were: Pair of fancy knickers - 1st Mary Booth, 2nd Nancy Beattie; Flower of the month - 1st Janette Armes, 2nd Doris Eccles.
Back to school after a delayed start due to problems with the heating system, and though probably reluctant at first, they are settled in now, content to be occupied indoors in these oh so cold, grey days.
Arranged for January to bring cheer in the quiet time after the rush of Christmas, the ladies of the Guild enjoyed their Christmas lunch at the Wormit Halt recently. As is usual there, there was a warm welcome from the hosts, and all enjoyed a very fine meal. Members were happy to be together, chatting about the festive season and of their thoughts and plans for the year to come. All are united in wishing you health and happiness in 2009.
Winners of the January draw of the Dairsie War Memorial 200 Club were all local Dairsie folk. They were: 1st J Murray £20; 2nd C Hewlett £10; 3rd K Miller £5.
The first meeting of the New Year, and the Guild is into the final year of following the three year theme of "Body, Mind and Spirit". The speaker was John Dewar, retired lecturer in Horticulture at Elmwood College, and using the theme "He restores my soul" members were reminded of the peace and tranquillity to be found when looking at the beauty of gardens. A most interesting talk was followed by some fine slides, starting with very strong orange and red blooms, stimulating rather than soothing, but in their way, uplifting. Softer images followed with varying effect, and he was warmly thanked for his thoughtful and much enjoyed talk.