The Meeting on Thursday February 14^th was the first one of 2008 and the speaker was Doug Moore who gave a talk entitled   'My Life as a T.A. Soldier' covering the majority of his service in the T.A. starting a year before the outbreak of the War in 1939 until his demobilization in May, 1945,   It was an interesting and amusing talk about service in this country, N. Africa and Italy.

The Next Meeting will be on March 13^th when the talk, entitled 'Safari' will be given by Geoff Lunn.

The village of Elstead has been different these past weeks since the passing of John Way.  That familiar figure on his small-wheeled bike riding, even in his 91^st year, to the Post Office, surgery or Church.  Cycling was a lifelong passion that John was able to combine with his love of the countryside, writing books and stories and the editing of the Cycle Tourist clubs' magazine. All the while pursuing his music, playing piano and writing music and in earlier years producing musical shows.

John, with his wife Marjorie, moved to Elstead in the early 'Sixties'. Many villagers will have encountered either John or Marjorie as members of the many village clubs and organisations. John put his talents to work as 'press secretary' for the garden club for many years as well as promoting the Dickensian singers locally and in the wider press.  It is perhaps with the United Reform Church where John will be missed most.  A quiet and reserved Gentleman', he worked for many years behind the scenes becoming an Elder and helping the smooth functioning of Church affairs.  He was Treasurer from 1984 until his death.  John's music, organ and piano playing along with the choir that toured the Village for so many years at Christmas time, although missed will remain as cherished memories to so many of the Elstead Villagers both young and old.  John's wish would be that the community spirit that so enriched his and Marjorie's life in Elstead should continue for many generations to come. God bless Dad and God bless Elstead.