This will be my farewell piece for the Elstead Village News. A new minister Tom Bayliss has arrived at Guildford and this means Elstead will be taken care of by that ministry now, as so my task (always a temporary one) is over. Thank you to those I have met for making me feel very welcome in the village.

However as promised a report on my trip to South Africa.

We flew into Jo'burg and went immediately to the Pilensburg Game Reserve where we spent almost 3 days there looking out for animals and birds and thoroughly enjoying the experience despite the rain!

We then set off for Durban a 6 hour drive but on the way we stopped at the Hillcrest Aids Centre Trust to deliver a cheque from Farnham URC. Julie who runs it took some time out to show us round and explain the work they are doing in the area to help those families living with HIV and full blown AIDS.

It was a very humbling visit. A group of Christians Black and White working together to give unconditional love to those whose lives have fallen apart by this terrible disease, 46% of the local population are affected in some way by this pandemic.

They have nursing staff who go out into the community to help those who need it in their own homes wherever possible. They have an education programme in place to inform and instruct on the disease and how to prevent infection.

They have food parcels to give to those who cannot work. They grow plants to sell for funds, they have a workshop where they train those who can work in pottery, beadwork, needlework etc, which they then sell in their small shop, so that families can begin again to support themselves.

The biggest project which they have just begun is in a small ward rented at a very low rate from the local hospital, where they can offer respite care to those who are too ill to be looked after at home.

It was a truly remarkable place making small steps into tackling this terrible destructive disease.
The rest of the holiday flew past, a restful 3 days by the sea, but the experience of the visit to Hillcrest has remained with us, the most remarkable part of our holiday.

Maggie Bridgett