There is always the thought as a meeting is near on the horizon, when the telephone may ring, with the news that the Speaker cannot make the date for one reason or another, and October was the month when this situation became reality. We were so sorry to hear that John Cherriman had been taken ill, and that he would not be with us, so other arrangements had to be made poste haste.  The first approach was made to Paul Way who was here from Canada, but this was not possible, and a quick rethink, brought Rev. Norman Edsall on the scene.  He and his wife had only a few days before returned from the U.S.A. and hardly having time to catch his breath, he agreed to step in. (invite to Christmas Tea promised) 

Where were you.- Do you remember - Norman recalled memories of the following, and we were asked to associate happenings trying to remember where we were and what we were doing at such and such a time.  First on the list was 3^rd September 1939.  Yes we could all recall that, and what we did.  Not a happy memory for those of us who lived in London and outskirts. Evacuation and call up all over the country.  Then of course there was 9.11. and again this year and the news we heard from Underground and Bus bombings.  These of course were sad associations, but no doubt there are much happier memories with associations in everyone's life.

We enjoyed hearing of the travels and places visited by Norman, and brochures and cards he brought along to show us all at such short notice. He said of course, it was a must to visit Lake Louise , Louise being the name of his daughters who would miss something like that!  Several thousand miles were covered by car, he driving as Maureen did not want to know !!!

Thank you very much Norman, and a card was sent to John wishing him well.

Final arrangements were made for our last outing of the season, may be there would be signs of the autumn tints which are very late this year.  Our tea ladies were on cue with the teapot for a welcome cuppa and there were to be scones and cakes.

We have now had our outing, it turned out to be a glorious afternoon, sun shining all the while, previous day and that morning being horrible, and we were pleased to welcome john, Paul &.Donna with us, the latter now having returned to Canada.

This month we will be having our usual Christmas Tea when guests will be joining us.  Through this medium may you be wished a time of Peace, Joy & Hope, this Christmastide.

Freda Sheppard