Elstead village, with its range of facilities is an attractive place for retirement.

Unfortunately there comes a time when even the most independent pensioner needs extra help  with transport to the hospital, or with that shopping not available within the village or even in coping with the complex of forms which we are expected to complete nowadays.

Pauline Insall is another pensioner who finds Help in Elstead invaluable.
Pauline was born in Wallington and after the War she moved to Devon where she brought up her family before moving to Elstead 25 years ago.

Before being restricted by her Zimmer frame, Pauline helped at the Cheshire Home, where her late husband lived for a while. Nowadays she appreciates help with the occasional trip which is not covered by public transport.

Pauline is typical of those who have contributed much during their life and she now appreciates occasional help. Pauline says "My family are too far away to help on a daily basis - my daughter lives in New Zealand and my son in Southampton"

Help in Elstead is a caring organisation which supports the elderly and the disadvantaged in the village in several ways.  The most frequent problems involve trips to the hospital or to buy items not available in the village.

More volunteers are urgently needed - There is no need to have a regular commitment but becoming involved is an excellent way of finding out more about village life and meeting new people.  Car expenses are paid.

63 members and 3 visitors attended Elstead Afternoon W.I's February Meeting. One visitor, Maud Butler, a past member, visiting Elstead from South Africa, was given a warm welcome.

President Betty Moxon reported that Elstead's entry for the W.I of the Year was now with Surrey Federation and all the Surrey entries will be judged by Hampshire Federation. She also mentioned that another Seniors' Meeting is to be held at the U.R.C. Hall in Elstead, provisionally on 18th March. 

Mr Eric Marsh was the speaker this month and gave an informative and illustrated talk of the history of Surrey. He mentioned many years ago a No. 38 bus travelled from Aldershot to Portsmouth, but that had long been discontinued, and showed an old photograph of a garage where Shell petrol was 3/2d a gallon!  Another interesting fact was that Delius, the composer, was buried with his wife in the churchyard at Limpsfield, on the Surrey/Kent border.

Mr Marsh then judged the well supported competition of Postcards of Surrey (old or otherwise) which was won by Mary Williams.

Betty thanked Mr Marsh for his talk and reminded members that the next meeting was on 6^th March when the speaker will be Mr Graham Cornick talking about "A Life Caring for Animals".