IT was great to see the item in the paper about the 60th anniversary of Lochore Old People's Welfare Council and some of the people mentioned.

It was great to see the likes of Joe Paterson and Willie Clarke in the picture, two real stalwarts of Benarty.

I noticed Douglas Johnston getting a mention and he was another who did did so much for the communities of the villages of Glencraig, Lochore, Crosshill and Ballingry.

Without question the Old People's Welfare Council has been an organisation that has done so much more than ensure the senior citizens get a summer drive or their Christmas Treat.

No, when there has been a matter which is important to old folks they have been there to ensure it happens positively for the area.

For Joe and Willie they have kind of been supporters as councillors then become active senior citizens and the former would be missed if he was not there to chair the council.

I can remember the time of the EEC food mountains and if I recall it right it was the Lochgelly community activist, Davie Kinnell, who really pioneered that and it became something that was welcomed too in the Benarty area.

Fortunately the Benarty community has been able to replace the generations of office-bearers with very active people who have kept the level of service at its best.

So 60 years gone but many more to come I would hope and hopefully with Joe at the helm.

WELFARE COUNCIL SUPPORTER,