At the January meeting of Elstead Afternoon W.L, enthusiastic thanks were extended to all contributors to the Christmas lunch held on 13^th December 2005. The food was delectable and the Drama Group provided superb entertainment based on "A W.I. Celebration Through the Ages". The grand finale, directed by Peggy Tilly, was "Antonio" an Operatic Tragedy. This included the entire Company with Diana Terry giving the audience a robust and highly amusing performance as the Chief Bandit, Antonio. Doris Parker provided excellent backing as the resident pianist.
Presentations were made to Ben Tilly, Keith Pierce and Peter Moon for their help at the village hall throughout the year.

Two new members Veronica Vellum and Bea Ainsley were welcomed to the meeting as were two guests. Membership is now nearing capacity and a waiting list will soon be compiled.

The choice of local charity for support by the W.I. this year will be the Thursley Road Pavilion. All activities have now resumed, but the indoor bowls section is seeking additional participants on alternate Wednesday afternoons at 3pm in the Village Hall, commencing 11^th January; cost for members £1.50 and non members £3 per session.

Winner of the competition for a "Collage of the East" was Diana Terry.

Mr. Hillman gave his talk, with beautiful slides, on "Images of Sri Lanka". A party of six hired their own bus and driver for an adventurous and breathtakingly beautiful trek from the coast at Colombo to the ancient inland capital of Kandy, nestled in the central mountainous region. En route round the island, it proved to be a photographers' paradise, with many rare animals, including a leopard, colourful birds, bats and reptiles. One amusing but anxious moment occurred when an elephant turned and aggressively headed directly at the bus. The driver insisted on opening the doors, thus simulating another elephant. Fortunately this ploy worked and the advancing elephant gave up the chase. The coastal areas are still suffering from the aftermath of the Tsunami, but the message for potential visitors is an emphatic "Yes, please visit us, we need tourism to help speed our recovery."

Diana Terry proposed a vote of thanks to Mr. Hillman followed by a delicious tea provided by Sheila Clarks, Jean Yates, Ann Chandler and Margaret Welsted.

The next meeting will be on 2^nd February when Dr. M. Stockbridge will speak on "Chiropractic". The competition is "An old fashioned health remedy"

Christine Welland

The A.G.M. will take place on Thursday 23^rd Feb. 2006 at the U.R.C. Hall at 1.45pm.

Anyone interested in the work of this organisation  is welcome to attend.

Anne. Preston