Anyone who has visited the Youth Centre over the last couple of years will know that it is showing its age. Originally built as a telephone exchange, it is used virtually every day of the week by a variety of local organisations.

However it hasn't been decorated for a very long time. The walls and ceiling are dirty and paint is peeling off. Large cracks have appeared at regular intervals, particularly in the area near to the old dart board!! The kitchen area demonstrates an interesting taste in 1970's wallpaper. All in all it needs attention.

Decorating an area of this size and in this state of disrepair presents quite a challenge to the Finances of the Village Halls. The Committee has therefore employed a little lateral thinking, and engaged the services of Offenders doing unpaid work as part of a community sentence. For the last few Sundays, and for several Sundays to come a group of 6 - 8 men, under strict supervision, and following a risk assessment by the Probation Service, are giving the Youth Centre a complete make over, both inside and out. We pay only for the materials.

So far our experiences have been, (mostly) good. We need to remember that we are not working with professional decorators, but the team is young and keen, and are able to do far more work than we could ever afford to pay for.

Our next ask is to replace the Youth Centre toilets. We will then have a really clean, pleasant Hall which everyone can enjoy so much more

Guildford Samaritans are looking for an Honorary Treasurer to help manage the financial affairs of the Branch.  Could this be you?   It will involve:

• Management of Accounts
  
• Paying Volunteers expenses
  
• Paying bills
  
• Banking donations and legacies
  
• Monitoring covenants and gift aid
  
• At the end of 2008 preparing an Annual report - (current copy available for inspection)
  
• Preparing a report on the current financial status of the Branch Attendance at Committee meetings