Plastic Bags: When I read last year of the two Binscombe mothers who had started a campaign to rid Godalming of plastic bags I thought what a fantastic idea but wondered if it would be possible. Plastic bags are used at the rate of one million per minute across the world and each bag takes up to 1,000 years to decompose.  Millions of animals are killed each year by ingesting or getting caught up in plastic bags. The average person uses 290 plastic bags a year! I have since spoken to several shops in Godalming and they are keen to reduce their use of plastic bags or find an alternative. Now there is the Ban the Bag Campaign to make Guildford plastic bag free. And if you would like to join the campaign to make Surrey the first bag-free county call Gina Redpath on 01483 598420.

If you would like to make your own cloth shopping bag from old curtains or clothes (teenagers can use worn-out jeans) email Ban the Bagger Theresa Wood for a template on teresa_d_wood@hotmail.com

Bring and Take Day: Don't forget to keep sorting out for the next Bring and Take Day in Thursley on Saturday 15^th March.  In the meantime, if you can't wait, there is an event at Onslow Village Hall on 2^nd February from 10 to 12 am.

Fixed Day Collections: I gather most people have worked out their fixed day for refuse and recycling collections from Waverley's very complicated calendar. If you are still unsure of your day I hear the Environmental Services Team is very helpful. They can be contacted on: 01483 523524 or waste@waverley.gov.uk or go to www.waverley.gov.uk/waste.

To everyone who sent me cards and their good wishes following my accident just before Christmas.