THE support for the venture by the Crossgates Gala Committee to ensure that children in the village received a special gala goodie bag, despite the big day having to be cancelled because of the coronavirus crisis, was very strong in the village.

Catering for 300 children, the committee was fortunate to have a trailer and tractor supplied and driven by local businessman, Duncan Collier, and it meant that the kids all got their goodie bag.

Duncan was dressed as a brown bear and he got the vintage tractor to respond well to his guiding hands to get into the various streets, and the team ensured that no one was missed out and it was a fine evening's work.

But something happened which incurred the wrath of community activists all over the Cowdenbeath-Lochgelly area and saw them head for Crossgates last weekend and stoke up support for the venture and Duncan.

Benarty Fundraiser committeeman, James Fotheringham, and Lochgelly Gala Committee's, Derek Johnstone, were part of the group who toured the village and got backing for their move by people of all ages.

Said James: "We noticed an article in a regional newspaper about Duncan being criticised for putting some brown paint on his face to fully look the part while driving the tractor in his bear costume, and this incensed us.

"Here was Crossgates man out playing his part in a community event and he gets criticised for trying to look perfect for the role. Certainly we found that the villagers felt it was a great event and there was nothing but praise for Duncan."

He added: "This has been a truly ridiculous thing to have been flagged up in a newspaper and we were delighted to show our support for Duncan."

One of James's colleagues, Heather Michie, wrote a poem about the circumstances and it is published below.

A BEAR-FACED LIE

What a lot of nonsense.

What else could be done?

Having went out dressed up as a brown bear,

To then offend some-one.

Duncan Collier's disguise was A BROWN bear,

A necessity then, don't you think?

To have painted his face Brown,

And has now caused quite a stink.

He wasn't just your average bear,

He was super- human too.

Have you ever seen a bear drive a tractor,

Except for Yogi- bear and Boo-Boo.

He doesn't have a cross to bear,

Nor does he bear a grudge,

But he was just bearing his fruit,

As he shared his milky-ways and fudge.

He didn't poo in the woods,

Nor did he dress as Frosty.

He merely matched his face to his suit,

But it seems that was far too costly.

So now it bears heavily on his heart,

To have to bear witness to this shame.

So off he's tractored to his den

And might never be seen again.

As his friends, we do defend,

Please bear this in mind,

When someone puts a spanner in the works,

The bear market does decline.

So if we do not protect the bear,

And stand together, side by side.

Then what becomes of all our traditions,

That have awarded us so much pride.

How many more people have to raise a hand,

And say they take offence,

When everything we say or do,

Is to be recompensed.

So if you are easily offended,

And cannot see the wood for the poo,

Next time, please do not rain on our parade,

Just stay in the hoose fir noo.

Written by Heather Michie.