History (2022 - 2023)
Sunday services were still suspended as we entered the new year as the Omicon variant of Covid caused a large increase in infections around the country. We were able to resume in-person worship, but with some extra restrictions, on Sunday 9th January.
An application for listed building consent for the Church building (submitted October 2019) has, in January 2022, resulted in a Historic Environment Scotland Report which contains a summary of the history of the building you may find interesting.
Robin restarted his regular Coffee, Book & Chat online meetings where he reads part of a book and chats to the all the attendees via Zoom.
Our Easter Sunday service (17th April) was the first to be held after all Covid restrictions were removed by the Government. It was still decided to use only every second pew and to encourage face masks to be used while not seated. This service included a live band and a choir for the first time since the start of the pandemic.
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Easter Sunday service with band and choir |
At this time only the Church Choir had still to restart as all other organisations were now running normally again - except for the Taekwondo Club which decided not to continue. However there are now more exercise activities with Tai Chi and Zumba Gold classes being added.
The Annual Stated Meeting was held, the first since 2018, after the 1st May Sunday service. At this meeting an update on the Presbytery planning process was also presented. This meeting can be viewed by visiting Recorded Meetings.
To celebrate the Queen's Platinum Jubilee (2nd June) we held a special Afternoon Tea with musical accompaniment from pupils of Balwearie High School. Everyone received a handmade gift and there was an exhibition of history blankets made by the pupils with covers that represent periods throughout history from memories of people living in Kirkcaldy.
After the tea there was a tree planting ceremony and a performance by the Bennochy Community Choir. |
Queen's Platinum Jubilee Afternoon Tea |
A special Celebration Booklet was created and presented to everyone who attended.
The event featured pupils from Balwearie High School in their first public musical performance which was wonderful. Pupils and staff appreciated the positive feedback and were keen to return in the future.
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Bennochy Community Choir |
And finally, the Bennochy Community Choir looked splendid in their new scarfs and ties whilst their singing enthralled the audience.
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View pictures from the Queen's Platinum Jubilee Afternoon Tea |
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View pictures from our other Jubilee Events |
We restarted our annual Bereavement Service (on 12th June), the first since the pandemic, which invited relatives of lost loved ones whose funeral service was conducted by Robin since 2018. A candle was lit as their names were read out.
Fife Presbytery, on direction from The Church of Scotland, has been progressing a Mission Plan process which has determined that the Kirkcaldy Town Centre Churches should amalgamate with only the Bennochy and St. Bryce buildings retained after 2027. You can watch the October meeting which approved these plans in our Recorded Meetings area.
At our October Harvest service we included a live link with Jenny from Zambia as part of the service.
Sunday 23rd October was Robin's final service at Bennochy Parish Church following his decision to retire. After the service a special lunch was enjoyed by all to celebrate his time with us. We all wish him well.
On 19th November we held a very successful Christmas Coffee Morning where toiletries were handed in for our dontaions to charity. We had also previously raised money for the Poppy Appeal at our annual Remembrance service.
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Toys collected for distribution by The Salvation Army |
As is traditional during Advent we ended the year with our Toy Service (collecting for local children via the Salvation Army, see picture above), and our Carols and Readings, Watchnight and Christmas Day services.
2023
In March we hosted a Spring Craft Fayre with stalls comprising Knitted/Crochet items, Cards, Body Shop, Pots and Canvas paintings, Cushions and Bits, Frames and Gifts, Baking/Crafts, Jewellery, Scentsy Candles, Sweet Bouquets, Macrame and Resin Art.
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Some of the crafts from the Spring Craft Fayre |
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View more pictures from the Spring Craft Fayre |
The Guides prepared 'Care Packs' for a ward at Victoria Hosiptal as part of a community project. The girls were treated to hot chocolate at the Costa at the Vic. which seems to have been a highlight! The hospital tweeted "A huge thanks to the 20th Kirkcaldy (Bennochy) Guides, who have kindly donated toiletry packs for our patients to use on ward 34".
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| The Guides delivering Care Packs |
The annual Bunny Drive, organised by the Women's Group, was again held in April where tables of participants enjoyed a fun night with a light supper and prizes.
At the end of July the Sequence Dance Club ended after many years of dancing.
In August, The Boys' Brigade decided to fully move to Pathhead Church Hall ending 98 years of the The BB at St. John's/Bennochy.
Our annual collection of filled shoe boxes were uplifted in early November. In total there were 72 boxes and they were despatched to Blythswood Care for delivery to needy children. In addition £142 was raised to support the delivery of the boxes.
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Christmas Shoe Boxes |
December's Toy Service donated many new toys for use by the Salvation Army in the Kirkcaldy area. It was also our Christmas Jumper Day!
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Rev Dr Janet Foggie with Major Jane Kemp from the Salvation Army |
The annual Olive Branch Café Christmas Lunch in December was again fully booked and a great success. Special thanks to all volunteers who helped make it a memorable event.
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Olive Branch Café Christmas Lunch |
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View more pictures from the Olive Branch Café Christmas Lunch |
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