Dear Friends,

By the time you get this the season of Advent will be almost, if not already, upon you.  I sometimes feel that Advent isn't given the importance that rightly belongs to it.  Advent, like Lent, is a season of preparation.  We should use it to prepare ourselves for the coming of Christ, not just the celebration of the 2,000-odd year old event of Christ's birth in Bethlehem, but the preparation of our hearts and minds for the coming of Christ again in his full glory.

With what some people call 'my miserable hat' on, there are times when I wish we didn't sing too many, if any carols before Christmas, as we could use the pre-Christmas period for some serious thinking and praying, and then have a real party with all the celebrating and carol singing afterwards.  Sadly, the twelve days of Christmas seem to have disappeared beneath the enticement of 'January sales' and Christmas seems to have emigrated into Advent… what a shame!  But that's just me, and we shall be singing carols before Dec 25^th - have no fear!

Best wishes to you all,

Tom with his 'jolly hat' on, had included a Quiz with the above item - unfortunately there was not space to include it in the magazine this month.
If you have internet access you will find it at http://www.elstead.org.uk/quiz 

Editor               

Several local photographers and artists are holding an exhibition and sale of photography and art work at Thursley Village hall on Saturday 8^th December from 10 am to 7.30 pm

There will be a small entrance fee and Mince pies and mulled wine available. A percentage of the sales will all go to the continuing fund raising for Thursley National Nature Reserve.