Many will remember the showing in the Village Hall last June of the film 'The Constant Gardener' when John Preston, and Ed Jowett from Thursley, introduced us to their planned trip to Kibera, the depressed area of Nairobi served by our Link CMS missionaries, Colin and Anita Smith. They returned home in August after 5 weeks in Kenya and those who have already met them will be aware that their visit has made a big impression on them.

They took many films and have now agreed to share their experiences with those who supported their trip and others at a meeting in Elstead Village Hall on Sunday, 17^th December at 3.00 p.m. a slightly later time than originally announced. This will be followed by tea and biscuits, with discussion and questions. Entry will be free, but to assist planning for numbers please apply to me for tickets at Apple Tree Cottage, Thursley Road, Tel. Elstead 702 315.

It is hoped that at this meeting we shall learn more of the work of C.M.S. in Kenya, which has been supported by our joint parishes for many years, and perhaps strengthen our links with the Smiths.

The Autumn term has been fun, starting with stories and pictures from our summer holidays, and will soon end with the excitement of Christmas.

We have enjoyed the dry weather with walks out, and our Bear Hunt along Westbrook Hill needed a lot of problem solving to find the bears.  Fortunately they were all found hiding in the woods, and after a picnic on the grass, the children and bears returned safely to the Village Hall.

The children have enjoyed re-creating their experiences of bonfires and fireworks with a bright collage on the wall.  Late November we start planning for Christmas, with decorations and edible treats to be made, songs to be learnt to entertain our parents and friends at the Nativity play and most importantly the children's party to be arranged.  We always hope Father Christmas will find time to visit Elstead before Christmas to meet our children, and fortunately he never lets us down!

We are also getting ready to welcome several new children to Rainbows who will be joining us in January.