To my surprise, Thursley and Elstead's first Bring & Take event, held last month in Thursley Village Hall, turned out to be a great success.  Residents of Thursley and Elstead responded with enthusiasm and all the tables were full to overflowing with unwanted items, some things even being snapped up before being unpacked!  We estimated that over half of what was brought in quickly found new homes.  Waverley sent a truck to take away what was left behind and the driver kindly gave us time to pile up clothes and fabrics as well as some books and bric-a-brac to take to charity shops.  The remainder of items were taken to the sorting room at Slyfield where any electrical goods would be taken out so not too much would have gone to landfill.  A big thank you goes to Surrey County Council for paying for the hire of the hall and also to all those who gave their time to help out on the day.

A bonus for the morning was that the Village Hall Management Committee made enough from selling cups of tea or coffee to replace the leaking tea urn.

Many people have asked when we will hold the next Bring & Take morning.  Since the County Council is willing to pay for the hall hire again before the end of March 2008 I will see what I can do!

www.surreywaste.info/swapitsurrey is a good website for those who don't just want to throw things away.

Finally, I wish you a very 'Green' Christmas this year remembering to Reduce, Reuse and Recycle where ever possible.

We receive many donations under monthly bank standing order and, of course, we like to acknowledge their receipt and, in most cases, recover tax under the Gift Aid scheme. The names of the donors appear on our bank statements, but with one exception. Commencing last February we have been receiving £10.00 per month from Intelligent Finance Bank in Scotland, an off-shoot of the Halifax Building Society. For 6 months I have been trying to find out who this comes from, but without success; the bank is unable to disclose the name of the donor. It may be that he/she wishes to remain anonymous, in which case I would respect their anonymity, but I rather doubt it. Would this kind donor step forward, please. I can then say a proper 'Thank You', and in addition there is the possibility of recovering £33.85 in tax.

Our Christmas concert in Charterhouse Hall on Saturday 8^th December at 7.30 p.m. features Bach's Christmas Oratorio - parts I - III.   A great opportunity to hear this wonderful work.  Poulenc's Christmas motets, Finzi's In Terra Pax and the rousing Magnificat by Pergolesi make up the second half.   The choir's musical director Michael Veazey will conduct the choir, with the exception of the Finzi when John Bawden will conduct, making his final appearance with the choir after many years as their Associate Conductor. 

Tickets £12 Students £8 are available from Record Corner, choir members or telephone 01483 425257.