Visits from strangers at Christmas began with shepherds turning up at a Bethlehem stable, and continued with the arrival of wise men from a foreign land. You could carry on this tradition, by inviting an international student to spend Christmas in your home. HOST is a well-established charity, backed by the Foreign Office and many universities, which links adults studying in the UK with hospitable volunteers throughout Britain. Guests come from all over the world, including many from China. They speak English, are keen to share their own culture, while longing to know more about our way of life.

Welcoming a student who might otherwise spend Christmas on a deserted campus, fosters international understanding, and will make Christmas special. See www.hostuk.org or call 0207 254 3039, for more information.

HOST arranges visits throughout the year, so if your 'inn' is full this Christmas, you can still offer an invitation at another time.

The Meeting on 9^th October saw 20 Members enjoying a Bingo game hosted by Pam Chandler and Brienne Skewes, with prizes donated by Pam and Brienne and cards supplied by the URC. It was an amusing and lively afternoon and raised £20 from the Bingo and £21 from the Raffle.

The Meeting on 13^th November will be held in the Lounge of the Club to save heating the Barn and this will be the AGM followed by entertainment by Brienne. The post of Treasurer will be vacant for the coming year, as Betty is regrettably standing down and anyone willing to take on this job, should contact Sandra on 702050

Those members who have not already done so, are asked to renew their membership for 2009, remembering that the fee has been increased from £4.50 to £4.70 for the year

Our September meeting began with apologies from sick members. We wish them well. Also Maureen was welcomed as a new member.

I thanked Joan and her helpers for the members meeting in July, Our outing to Worthing was very pleasant (numbers very few).

Matthew Groome entertained us with a talk and slides of parks and gardens in and around Guildford. The plants and blooms were very colourful, he said most of the bulbs were planted by machine. The entrance to the Spectrum was hand planted - a mass of Crocuses. Tulips were Red, Yellow and Dark Purple, plenty of bluebells some wild and other s cultivated - we could see the difference. There were views of the Castle grounds and one the ruins has been renovated and is used for meetings and special occasions - quite costly. Students help to clear parts of unused ground. The upkeep relies on Companies and Estate agents contributions which provide hanging baskets and other decorations. One feature was a miniature Lock Gate with a Boat and other items which won a Silver Award.

Thank you ladies for a very nice tea and also a good raffle.

The October meeting will be an item you value of something sentimental- Just tell us about it !