Funeral of Irene Thomas Irene's death on 13 July was an occasion of great sadness to everyone. She, with Edward, who died barely four months ago, had touched the lives of so many people. Their hospitality, warm friendship and practical good sense was well remembered by everyone present at the service.Irene was born in 1921 in Macduff, Banffshire, attended Aberdeen University, taught English at Stirling High School for some time before becoming matron of a children's home back in Aberdeen, where she met Edward, at that time the Junior Childcare Officer. After their marriage in 1956, Edward's career entailed a move to Yeovil, where their daughter Rachel was born, then to different parts of the country, before a final posting to Kirkcaldy in 1971. There, they joined St Peter's and Irene resumed her teaching career.Apart from supporting Edward in the annual plant sale, she baked regularly for church events, read in church, served frequently on the vestry and edited the church magazine for several years. She continued to contribute articles to the magazine, handing her latest one to Carol only a few days before her death.She also wrote letters in support of Amnesty International's campaigns for prisoners of conscience, and maintained her intellectual curiosity with the support of the Fife U3A She had a well stocked library and lent books freely to friends. It was one of these that launched the present prayer and study group.In spite of being so active, Irene had an air of great calm, always having time for anyone who approached her. It is fitting that her ashes (eirene is the Greek word for peace) will lie with those of Edward in St Peter's Peace Garden.At the service, Eleanor Porter read an extract from 'Middlemarch', one of Irene's favourite novels. Tributes were paid by a cousin, John Gordon, and by Carol Latimer. Another cousin, also John Gordon, read the Lord's Prayer in Doric. She is succeeded by Rachel and her granddaughter Kirsty.
Funeral of Irene Thomas Irene's death on 13 July was an occasion of great sadness to everyone. She, with Edward, who died barely four months ago, had touched the lives of so many people. Their hospitality, warm friendship and practical good sense was well remembered by everyone present at the service.Irene was born in 1921 in Macduff, Banffshire, attended Aberdeen University, taught English at Stirling High School for some time before becoming matron of a children's home back in Aberdeen, where she met Edward, at that time the Junior Childcare Officer. After their marriage in 1956, Edward's career entailed a move to Yeovil, where their daughter Rachel was born, then to different parts of the country, before a final posting to Kirkcaldy in 1971. There, they joined St Peter's and Irene resumed her teaching career.Apart from supporting Edward in the annual plant sale, she baked regularly for church events, read in church, served frequently on the vestry and edited the church magazine for several years. She continued to contribute articles to the magazine, handing her latest one to Carol only a few days before her death.She also wrote letters in support of Amnesty International's campaigns for prisoners of conscience, and maintained her intellectual curiosity with the support of the Fife U3A She had a well stocked library and lent books freely to friends. It was one of these that launched the present prayer and study group.In spite of being so active, Irene had an air of great calm, always having time for anyone who approached her. It is fitting that her ashes (eirene is the Greek word for peace) will lie with those of Edward in St Peter's Peace Garden.At the service, Eleanor Porter read an extract from 'Middlemarch', one of Irene's favourite novels. Tributes were paid by a cousin, John Gordon, and by Carol Latimer. Another cousin, also John Gordon, read the Lord's Prayer in Doric. She is succeeded by Rachel and her granddaughter Kirsty.
Funeral of Irene Thomas Irene's death on 13 July was an occasion of great sadness to everyone. She, with Edward, who died barely four months ago, had touched the lives of so many people. Their hospitality, warm friendship and practical good sense was well remembered by everyone present at the service.Irene was born in 1921 in Macduff, Banffshire, attended Aberdeen University, taught English at Stirling High School for some time before becoming matron of a children's home back in Aberdeen, where she met Edward, at that time the Junior Childcare Officer. After their marriage in 1956, Edward's career entailed a move to Yeovil, where their daughter Rachel was born, then to different parts of the country, before a final posting to Kirkcaldy in 1971. There, they joined St Peter's and Irene resumed her teaching career.Apart from supporting Edward in the annual plant sale, she baked regularly for church events, read in church, served frequently on the vestry and edited the church magazine for several years. She continued to contribute articles to the magazine, handing her latest one to Carol only a few days before her death.She also wrote letters in support of Amnesty International's campaigns for prisoners of conscience, and maintained her intellectual curiosity with the support of the Fife U3A She had a well stocked library and lent books freely to friends. It was one of these that launched the present prayer and study group.In spite of being so active, Irene had an air of great calm, always having time for anyone who approached her. It is fitting that her ashes (eirene is the Greek word for peace) will lie with those of Edward in St Peter's Peace Garden.At the service, Eleanor Porter read an extract from 'Middlemarch', one of Irene's favourite novels. Tributes were paid by a cousin, John Gordon, and by Carol Latimer. Another cousin, also John Gordon, read the Lord's Prayer in Doric. She is succeeded by Rachel and her granddaughter Kirsty.
Funeral of Irene Thomas Irene's death on 13 July was an occasion of great sadness to everyone. She, with Edward, who died barely four months ago, had touched the lives of so many people. Their hospitality, warm friendship and practical good sense was well remembered by everyone present at the service.Irene was born in 1921 in Macduff, Banffshire, attended Aberdeen University, taught English at Stirling High School for some time before becoming matron of a children's home back in Aberdeen, where she met Edward, at that time the Junior Childcare Officer. After their marriage in 1956, Edward's career entailed a move to Yeovil, where their daughter Rachel was born, then to different parts of the country, before a final posting to Kirkcaldy in 1971. There, they joined St Peter's and Irene resumed her teaching career.Apart from supporting Edward in the annual plant sale, she baked regularly for church events, read in church, served frequently on the vestry and edited the church magazine for several years. She continued to contribute articles to the magazine, handing her latest one to Carol only a few days before her death.She also wrote letters in support of Amnesty International's campaigns for prisoners of conscience, and maintained her intellectual curiosity with the support of the Fife U3A She had a well stocked library and lent books freely to friends. It was one of these that launched the present prayer and study group.In spite of being so active, Irene had an air of great calm, always having time for anyone who approached her. It is fitting that her ashes (eirene is the Greek word for peace) will lie with those of Edward in St Peter's Peace Garden.At the service, Eleanor Porter read an extract from 'Middlemarch', one of Irene's favourite novels. Tributes were paid by a cousin, John Gordon, and by Carol Latimer. Another cousin, also John Gordon, read the Lord's Prayer in Doric. She is succeeded by Rachel and her granddaughter Kirsty.
© St Peter’s Episcopal Church, Kirkcaldy 2023
Made with Xara
St Peter’s Scottish Episcopal Church With St Mary & St Leonard, Kinghorn Charity Nos: SCO10443
Townsend Place, Kirkcaldy, Fife KY1 1HB Tel: 01592 204208 Email: cnfraser@btinternet.com
News & Events - 2011
Visit to Karen people in Sheffield On a visit to Sheffield just before Christmas, George and Jane Legge took the opportunity to call on one or two of the Karen families who have settled there. Their numbers have grown in the last few years to 230 or so, and they have welcomed the safety and opportunity to prosper that they find here. For example, 8 Karen young people now attend university. It is not so easy for the older people, however, and in general the Karen community lack many of the amenities that we take for granted. See the account of Carol Latimer's visit to the camp in June, 2009 by clicking on Events 2009. For the last few years we have continued to support the refugees in the camp from donations given by the members of St Peter's. Now that there are some Karen people living here, we have the opportunity to get to know them and to offer them help when it is needed. On this occasion £50 of these donations were used to rent a local church hall for a Christmas party for all of the community in Sheffield. George and Jane also took with them Christmas gifts and some blankets knitted by the Prayer Group. They were much appreciated, since many of the older people suffer in our cold winters. (The temperature in Thailand at this time can be over 30 degrees). It is a great comfort to them to feel they have some friends in Britain. It is to be hoped that in the future further links will be forged by exchange visits between Karen people in Sheffield and members of St Peter's.
Funeral of Gladys Thomson Gladys died on 27 November, two weeks before her 92nd birthday, after a short stay in hospital. She was a faithful member of St Peter's, and had last attended church only a few weeks before, accompanied by her son David and daughter Pamela. Born in Dorset on 10 Dec 1919, Gladys Stephens married Hugh Thomson in 1943 and settled in Kirkcaldy. Both were stationed at Donibristle Airfield during the Second World War. David, born in 1944 and Pam, in 1946, were baptised and confirmed in St Peter's, where Gladys was at first a member of the choir. In 1948, she found her true role in joining the Mother's Union and helping with its organisation. In 1970 Hugh retired and the family moved to Melrose. There, they joined Holy Trinity church, where Gladys became the flower convenor and sang in the choir. Hugh's death in 1982 brought the family back to Kirkcaldy, where Gladys was received back into the Mother's Union with open arms. As she became older she had to reduce her commitments, but continued to do as much as she was able for the benefit of St Peter's. She will be remembered by the congregation with great affection. On 6 December, her body will be taken to Melrose, to be buried beside that of Hugh, in Holy Trinity churchyard. She is succeeded by David, Pam, two granddaughters and four great-grandchildren.
Snowman Drive This event, fun for adults and children alike, took place on Friday evening, 18 November. There were two prizes, one for guessing the name of a model snowman, the other for scoring the highest number of points in the competition. Although everyone tried their best (helped by snacks and wine or juice) the prizes went to two children, Kiana Mackie and Amber Pollock. It was a very enjoyable evening, just the right thing to put everyone in the mood for Christmas.
The Labyrinth A labyrinth is an ancient concept common to many faiths. It is a quiet space set aside for reflection, for prayer or for meditation. On Saturday, 3 September, a labyrinth for St Peter's was set up in pebbles, mostly by the younger members of our church family. It will be replaced later by a more permanent construction, but it was built in time to be a special feature of interest for the 'Open Day' which took place on the following afternoon.
Bicentennial Service At 4pm on Sunday 18 September, Bishop David, representatives from other churches and guests joined the congregation in this service of thanksgiving and dedication. During the service, accounts of the church were given from four different viewpoints; its history, the present life of its congregation and Sunday school and its vision for the future. The stained glass window designed by local artist Carole Robinson was unveiled by the bishop and the congregation took part in a litany of dedication to God's mission. Later, wine and a finger buffet were served in the hall.
The Sounds of St Peter's This concert on Saturday evening, 3 September, was part of St Peter's bicentennial celebrations. It was given almost entirely by members of the church. The only exception was the group 'Pink Champagne', of which Eleanor Hubbard is a member. They sang extracts, which ranged from classical opera to George Gershwin, while Eleanor's solo items were similarly varied. We are very fortunate in St Peter's in having so much musical talent, so that performances by Rob Maguire on the violin, Phil Kear on the piano and songs by Len Coles were also much appreciated. The audience also enjoyed two lighthearted recitations by Jim Rogerson. Most impressive of all were the performances of two of our youngest members, sisters Megan and Shona Briers. Megan (age 10) played two pieces, one on the organ and one on the cello, while Shona (age 7) rounded off the concert by accompanying on the violin the audience singing 'Happy Birthday' to St Peter's.
Funeral of Irene Thomas Irene's death on 13 July was an occasion of great sadness to everyone. She, with Edward, who died barely four months ago, had touched the lives of so many people. Their hospitality, warm friendship and practical good sense was well remembered by everyone present at the service.Irene was born in 1921 in Macduff, Banffshire, attended Aberdeen University, taught English at Stirling High School for some time before becoming matron of a children's home back in Aberdeen, where she met Edward, at that time the Junior Childcare Officer. After their marriage in 1956, Edward's career entailed a move to Yeovil, where their daughter Rachel was born, then to different parts of the country, before a final posting to Kirkcaldy in 1971. There, they joined St Peter's and Irene resumed her teaching career.Apart from supporting Edward in the annual plant sale, she baked regularly for church events, read in church, served frequently on the vestry and edited the church magazine for several years. She continued to contribute articles to the magazine, handing her latest one to Carol only a few days before her death.She also wrote letters in support of Amnesty International's campaigns for prisoners of conscience, and maintained her intellectual curiosity with the support of the Fife U3A She had a well stocked library and lent books freely to friends. It was one of these that launched the present prayer and study group.In spite of being so active, Irene had an air of great calm, always having time for anyone who approached her. It is fitting that her ashes (eirene is the Greek word for peace) will lie with those of Edward in St Peter's Peace Garden.At the service, Eleanor Porter read an extract from 'Middlemarch', one of Irene's favourite novels. Tributes were paid by a cousin, John Gordon, and by Carol Latimer. Another cousin, also John Gordon, read the Lord's Prayer in Doric. She is succeeded by Rachel and her granddaughter Kirsty.
Visit of Bishop On Sunday, 24 July, we welcomed Bishop David to the 10.30 service. Along with the facilitators Margaret Dineley and Richard Evans, he came to launch St Peter's "Mission Action Plan", a statement of the aims and objectives of the church for the years ahead and part of the "Casting the Net" program of the diocese. During the service, he also commissioned members of the vestry who have undertaken pastoral care of members of St Peter's who live in their vicinity.The pictures show Margaret, Richard and the bishop chatting with members of the congregation and enjoying the cake specially baked for the occasion.
St Peter's Day Celebrations This year there were two celebrations, one on the actual date, Wednesday, 29 June and one on the following Sunday, 3 July. On Wednesday afternoon a Sung Eucharist was held, followed by afternoon tea. An invitation was extended to everyone who normally had difficulties in getting to St Peter's. A bus, specially adapted for wheelchairs, was hired for the purpose. During the service, there was also a presentation to Harry Wall for all of his services to the church, too many to mention, but ranging from serving on the Vestry to maintaining the electrical systems, often involving dangerously high ladders. On Sunday, the normal St Peter's Day service was held at 10.30, followed by a buffet lunch served in the hall.
Concert by Fife Opera On Saturday, 25 June, starting at 7pm, a concert was given in the church by members of Fife opera. It consisted of a variety of extracts from different operas. Some of its younger members had been given the opportunity to take part and the audience was greatly impressed by the exceptional standard of their individual performances. It was also visually appealing, all of the performers appearing in full evening dress. Proceeds from the concert were shared between Fife Opera and St Peter's. The Gathering On Saturday, 21 May, over 130 members of churches from all over the diocese took part in this annual event at St Ninian's Cathedral in Perth. The day consisted of workshops on many different topics, including art, music, yoga, methods of meditation and prayer, Benedictine practices - even bread-making. There were also discussion groups led by Bishop David. Everyone who took part found it stimulating and thought provoking. Lunch at the Ramada Jarvis Hotel provided an opportunity to socialise. The day ended about 3.30pm with a moving celebration of the Eucharist. If you were unable to attend, keep a lookout for the date of next year's event. For more information and photographs, click on the Diocesan website.
Easter 2011 On Sunday, 24 April, Easter was celebrated at the 9.15am and 10.30am services. They were well attended, the sun shone, and everyone appreciated the joyous music, especially the solo sung by Eleanor Hubbard. Hot cross buns and coffee were served after the 10.30 service, with Easter eggs for the children. Proceeds from the cake and candy stall and the tombola stalls held on the previous Sundays will go towards our bicentenary celebrations.
Funeral of David Frew David died on 16 March, aged 52, after suffering for some time from an incurable illness. Although not unexpected, his death was a source of great sadness to the congregation, because David was a quiet, gentle person, liked and respected by everyone. In the eulogy read by his sister Lesley, we learn how he was valued as a son, a brother and an uncle. To his nieces, David was ‘great fun'. As children, he would take them to explore the beach and later show them magic tricks. As recreation from his work in catering, his interests included music and art, especially pottery. With his mother Mary, he was a faithful attender at Sunday services as well as special services in Lent and Advent. For several years he was in charge of the 100 club.
Visit of former priest On 13 March, the first Sunday in Lent we welcomed Reverend Malcolm Freeman to the All Age Eucharist at St Peter's. Now Rector of St James, Ludgershall and Holy Trinity, Tidworth, Malcolm had lived in Fife in the 1980s. He was ordained in 1986 and served with Reverend Canon Ron Leigh for three years as a non-stipendiary priest. His daughter Kirsty, now Kirsty Mackie, remained in Fife and had invited her father on this occasion to perform the baptism of her fourth daughter Emma. Malcolm took the opportunity to catch up with old friends at St Peter's. The pictures show him and some of the baptism party.
Funeral of Edward Thomas The sudden death of Edward Thomas on 1 March 2011 came as a great shock to the congregation. He was always so active and contributed so much to the life of the church. In particular, the annual plant sales he organised formed a large part of our fundraising efforts. But he meant much more than that to us all. He was always at hand with a ready smile and an offer of help. Apart from the church, he supported many other organisations and charities, including Amnesty International and the Aberlour Trust. Although born in 1923 into a Quaker family, from the time of his marriage to Irene, Edward attended services in the Scottish Episcopal Church, which for many years meant St Peter's. He is succeeded by Irene, his daughter Rachel and granddaughter Kirsty. The following quotation from the Japanese Quaker, Inazo Nitobe, was read by Rachel at the sevice. "I ask for daily bread, but not for wealth, lest I forget the poor. I ask for strength, but not for power, lest I despise the meek. I ask for wisdom, but not for learning, lest I scorn the simple. I ask for a clean name, but not for fame, lest I condemn the lowly. I ask for peace of mind, but not for idle hours, lest I fail to hearken to the call of duty".
Congregational Workshop This workshop took place between 10.30am and 3.30pm on Sunday, 6 February. Almost forty members of St Peter's attended. Its purpose was to identify the strengths and weaknesses in various parts of our church life. Group discussions followed introductory talks by representatives from the Diocese. After lunch the groups came together to hear and discuss a summary of their findings. The workshop ended with an informal Eucharistic service.Everyone agreed that the day had been very worthwhile.
Parent & Child Group These pictures show some of the parents and children who meet in St Peter's hall on a Wednesday from 10.30 - 12.00.
Children's party The first event of 2011 was suitably a party, intended for children of the congregation and their friends, but enjoyed also by the adults who attended. It was held on Tuesday, 4 January, from 3pm to 5pm. Nearly twenty children took part. It included games, painting, stories and singing, as well as goodies to eat. Each child took a present home and had obviously enjoyed the afternoon.