Thank You Canon Collie
On Sunday 2^nd April we gathered for lunch in the hall after the service to say "Thank You" to Revd Canon Dr Bertie Collie for his many years of faithful service to St Oswald’s. Bertie has retired from taking services regularly, although he will still take part from time to time – e.g. holiday cover.

Over the last 37 years or so, Bertie has been an ever present face at St Oswald’s, and he has done so much in so many different ways. He moved to Maybole in 1963, and recalled the first time he worshipped in St Oswald’s. The service was matins and there was a congregation of six. After the service everyone nodded politely and went home – he was pleased to say we have come a long way since then!

Bertie became a Lay Reader in 1964. He was first voted on to the Vestry in 1965 and became Honorary Secretary in 1967 – a post he held until his ordination in 1977. During this time he was a driving force in the building of the hall which was dedicated in 1973, helping with the fund-raising and many practical arrangements.

While he lived at "Hillside" Bertie did so many "behind the scenes" practical jobs for us. He put the heating on and set up the church every week, gave tradesmen access when required, opened the hall for groups – to mention but a few. He willingly offered his home as a comfortable and hospitable venue for meetings – members of the Vestry, past and present, have happy memories of meetings there followed by tea and delicious cakes.

It would be impossible to mention everything Bertie has done at St Oswald’s over the years, but we all wanted to say "thank you". As a token of our appreciation Molly Brown presented Bertie with a book, which had been signed by members of the congregation.

A Team United Service to mark Bertie’s retirement will be held on Sunday 11th June – Pentecost – at 10.30am in Holy Trinity, Ayr. This will be followed by either a barbecue or lunch in the hall, depending on the weather.