Many Elsteadians probably don't realise the complications and machinations of choosing a play for you all twice a year.

There is so much to consider:

First we must find someone to direct the next production, a huge commitment for us part time thespians and a difficult task, organising and controlling your friends and telling them when they get it wrong.

Then PETS committee and the director and the reading committee go through the guides of plays, order from the library or buy scripts and read and read and read!

Usually if we can cast a play with those who've said they will be available next time round, we don't like the story, or it is dated, or a bit too blue for Elstead!  Sometimes everything fits until we notice that a seventeen year old call girl or an eleven year old boy is vital to the story! Then there are the plays that are funny enough or scary enough and with just the right cast but the set involves a four story building and a river flowing by...

We also try and give our audiences variety.

"We can't do another farce, some people hate farce. What about a whodunnit this time?"

"We really ought to do a period play, we haven't done one for ages."

"That's because we haven't found one we can cast."

"Oh not a murder mystery - how can we compete with the telly?"

"You can't give Elstead audiences that sort of language."

"They'll love it!"

"No they won't"

And so on and so on...

So, it is with no small feeling of triumph - not to mention relief that we can say

"PETS have a play for you next April which will go into rehearsal in January!"

It was a great event and we were delighted that Mrs Maggie Bridgett was able to open our fayre.  There was a happy and very busy atmosphere, which made the event a wonderful success.

We are pleased to say that the hard work realised £1030.  This of course came about with the support and help of so many friends in the village and round about, thank you all.

We would also like to thank the following businesses who were kind enough to support us:-
Prides Farm Shop, Shackleford Mushrooms, Flower Shop Elstead, Elstead Pharmacy, Secrett's Garden Centre, Badshot Lea Garden Centre, Forest Lodge Garden Centre, Tesco Stores Guildford, Waitrose Godalming, Sainsbury's Godalming, Homebase Godalming, AMANDA'S Christmas Plant Stall, Ron's Stall Aldershot Market and the Hair Shop Elstead.

Jean Wheatley (Church Secretary)