The month of July was certainly eventful in Elstead. The dreadful fire on the heathlands devastated a large part of Thursley Common and part of Ockley Common causing a great deal of damage to this beautiful area of our local countryside. Our neighbours in the village of Thursley took the main effect of the smoke and disruption and we were fortunate that the fire services managed to control the spread of the fires in spite of the strong wind.

The closure of Thursley Rd for several days had the most significant impact on the road system round Elstead. Also several of our local residents were at risk at one stage from the fire. Fortunately there were no casualties but some of the fire officers were affected by the heat and smoke.

On the same weekend as the Commons fire we experienced some extraordinary scenes at the Village Green and the Woolpack as large numbers of police took action to deal with disruptive behaviour by a number of people from outside the village  driving horse-and-traps. At the Parish Council Meeting on Monday 17^th July Inspector Weaver from Godalming police attended to explain what had happened and how they dealt with the offenders.

The big event of the month was the official opening of the Thursley Road Pavilion by David Inman the Mayor of Waverley. Crowds of people came to enjoy looking around the wonderful new building and enjoying the party on a  beautiful summer's evening. It was a really good opportunity for so many people who had contributed in so many ways over the past years to see such a fine result to their endeavours. The story of the project covers about nine years of struggle by the Trust to find the funds and then to design and get the pavilion erected. The Parish Council is sure that the pavilion will be a real asset in many ways for the village in the years to come.