Whilst Christine and I grew up living not far from one another, we didn’t meet until late into our secondary eduction when her surname was still, Meldrum. Christine sat behind me in fifth year Higher English. She was cheeky and a little noisy - well actually very noisy. I was a shy newcomer to Kirkcaldy High School and nervous about my new surroundings. Christine made me welcome and set me at ease, primarily by taunting me incessantly, but all in the ‘best possible taste’.

Going our separate ways after leaving Kirkcaldy High School, we didn’t meet very often but now and again we would find each other sitting together on the crowded evening Number 11 Bus. We would exchange our news, Christine always in such a loud voice that everyone else on the bus knew what was currently going on in our respective lives. One evening when we sat on the bus, Christine told me, and the rest of the passengers, that she was engaged and showed me her ring. I said she had done well. I don’t know why I chose those words but the truth of the matter is that she had done well because her life partner was Fred Laing.

Fast forward almost fifteen years and by some surprise to us both I moved into the house opposite Fred and Christine in Mellerstain Road. This resulted in resumed friendship and spawned new ones with Laura my late dear wife and of course the forming of the dynamic duo of Teri and my youngest, Erin, or ‘Ters’ and ‘Erse’ as I used to refer to the pair.

As the years went by Laura and Christine became closer and used to help each other in any way they could. I will always be grateful to Christine for looking after Nicky, Greg and Erin after school until either Laura or I got home from work.

We didn’t socialise all that much but when we did get together as families we had great fun. One night we were at a fund raiser at the Linton Lane Scout Hall. It was a ‘bring your own booze affair’, always a dangerous function when Christine was about - just where did she get these gigantic bottles of white wine? Anyway at the end of the evening the families decided to walk home through the woods to Rabbit Braes. Fred and I were ahead of the group and we decided to hide behind a bush to give the children a fright. When we jumped out it was Christine who squealed and yelled the loudest. Nesting birds were startled and I think even car alarms were set off.

On another occasion a huge crowd of parents attended a school fundraiser in the hall of Balwearie High School. I think this was another ‘bring your own booze’ night. Christine and I danced for a time giving a very good impression of the dancing in the film, ‘Dirty Dancing’. After we had sufficiently exhausted and embarrassed ourselves, I forever the gentleman escorted Christine back to her seat. She graciously thanked me and proceeded to miss her chair by quite a significant margin. Christine landed on her bottom with her legs in the air. Undaunted she staggered up, rearranged her dress, which was by then round her waist and promptly poured herself another glass of wine.

On summer evenings I always knew when Christine was at home. There was a time when she would sit on a tall chair in the kitchen making her telephone calls. My memory tells me there was always a glass of wine at hand but really it was the volume of Christine’s voice and her raucous laugh that abides in my memory.

Christine was such good fun and it was a joy to be in her company. Artistic talent was much in evidence with Christine’s work for the primary school and also for Pathhead Church where she and her sister Joan were Elders for many years. My dear Laura was always envious of Christine’s Christmas tree as the decoration theme tastefully changed each year. As I have recounted my memories and thoughts I am mindful of everything that Christine achieved, for the friendship she gave to me and to my family and for the wonderful wife and mother she undoubtedly was.

I was proud to be Christine’s friend.