Bringing back Methil'ssummer spectacular

The seasonal spectacular is being revived by Wellesley Parish Church, in association with a host of local groups and organisations, and is happening on Saturday, June 18.

The aim is to give the area back a community event of its own – and also build a framework for future profile-boosting occasions in the town.

Levenmouth actor Clive Russell, well known frommany stage, film and television appearances, such as ‘Game Of Thrones’ and ‘Outlander’ – and who has supported many events in his native area in recent months – is due to perform the official opening at midday.

Central to the proceedings – which run at the church from noon to 4pm – will be the crowning of ‘Lord and Lady Wellesley’, who should arrive just before 2pm from Aberhill Primary School.

P7 pupils Sophie Robb and Matthew Stenhouse, and their attendants, will arrive in style to be crowned by the Lord Lieutenant for Fife, Robert Balfour.

A Town Crier will herald the crowning before short speeches take place.

Then the Royal Party will be touring the grounds before a talent competition for anyone under the age of 18 – ‘Wellesley’s Got Talent’, which starts at 2.30pm.

There will be a showcase marquee with a large number of local groups, agencies and organisations coming to share the work they do, with many opportunities to hear about how to become involved.

There will also be lots of fun-filled stalls and activities, and the renowned catering by the ladies of Wellesley Church, who’ll be serving afternoon teas.

“It is going to be a really big event for the area,” said minister the Rev Gillian Paterson.

“The event is growing all the time at the moment – we think the grounds will be filled!”

It’s around seven years since a gala day was last held in Methil – this one evolved from the success of several summer fetes held by the church in May or June.

Mrs Paterson had heard many comments from local people saddened by the fact there was no community event any more for the Methil area.

Gillian said the organisers essentially wanted to give local people an event to come along to and enjoy, bringing some fun back to the community.

The day would hopefully provide a useful guide about what Methil needed in future.

Danny Ogierman, a community development worker with Faith in Community Dundee, has been working with Gillian and has organised one of the biggest parts of the event – the showcase of all the agencies, groups and organisations available in the Methil area.