IT was with a heavy heart that the decision was made to suspend the Auchterderran/Kinglassie Parish Church Tuesday Drop In until further notice during the coronavirus crisis.

This is the first time since it began in January 2018 that the Drop-in initiative has had to close on a Tuesday.

Since it started over two years ago the Drop-in, geared at tackling isolation throughout the ABCD conurbation of villages, has grown in popularity and as Bill Mitchell's photographs show, the church hall in Woodend Road, can be a very busy place.

The Drop-In, organised by a very enthusiastic group of volunteers, has become a popular visitation point for people on a Tuesday and it will be missed over the next few weeks as the virus crisis takes its course.

The Tuesday event runs from 11am to 1pm and it provides a chance for people to meet, have a blether and a spot of lunch through soup and sandwiches and home baking.

But during the break brought upon the initiative by the coronavirus emergency, the volunteers will certainly not be idle.

Said Auchterderran/Kinglassie church hall convener, Rosemary Wallace: "We will open on a Tuesday between 12 and 1pm to collect donations for Glenrothes Food Bank but won’t be serving any food or drinks at this time.

"We would like to suggest that people come in single numbers and take responsibility to keep themselves and volunteers safe by following Government advice, particularly safe distancing.

"We do have a selection of books and jigsaw puzzles, which may be borrowed to while away the time during the virus break".

And Rosemary added: "The volunteers are going to keep in telephone contact with regular attendees and are also keen to help people who are having to self-isolate in the village.

"Our Minister Donald Lawrie will co-ordinate our volunteers and can be contacted if you have any concerns on 01592 720508 or by email DLawrie@churchofscotland.org.uk"

The Drop-In continues to be very popular having had on average 60 people of all ages regularly attending.

Went on Rosemary: "We do not charge for the food and drinks we serve but we appreciate the generosity of all our attendees and volunteers which enabled us at the end of last year to make donations to the following charities- Fareshare, Scottish Air Ambulance, Haiti Help, Erskine and the Cardenden Community Fridge fund.

"We particularly appreciate the work of Fareshare and their partnership with Tesco which provides, when available, bakery and fruit and vegetables for our Drop-In.

The end of the coronavirus crisis cannot come quick enough for the Drop-In team but in the meantime they will be keeping touch with their regulars on a Tuesday to ensure that everyone can get assistance if needed.