Dear Friends,

I really need to start by saying a big `Thank You` to all of you who have sent cards, offered (and given) help, and generally been very understanding whilst I have been out of action.  As I write [OK, type, but at least I am back to speed on that] I have pretty good movement back in the arm but still lack any real strength.  No driving yet.

It has been good to be able to do odd things whilst I have been off sick - one of the benefits of a job which is not simply `on` or `off` - but I have been continually frustrated at how little I could do, how little (with pain, pain-killers, and lack of sleep) I could even think seriously.  However...

With August as a holiday month (and hopefully one of real recuperation), a certain amount of planning has gone on.  Come September, with Peter Muir now ordained and beginning to shadow me in various roles, we plan to have two groups starting: one for children of 7+, to introduce them to `Communion before Confirmation`; one for adults interested in Confirmation.  We already think we have a number of candidates for both.  If either is of interest to you, please let Peter or me know.

We would also like to plan for a course for those interested in `Christian Basics` - either an Alpha Course or something similar - starting in October.  Again, if the idea interests you, please let us know.  Likewise, if you would consider being a volunteer to help someone housebound with the dreaded `Flu`, let us know.  We are taking precautions against being the agents of its spread (as far as we can), but we would also like to actively help if at all possible.

It will be interesting to have a clerical colleague (Peter Muir) for the first time.  We have always been blessed here with help from retired clergy, but this will be the first time (since I came) that there has been a licensed Curate.  I even have to go on a three day course in October to learn how to cope with him !  I am looking forward to Peter being supportive, stimulating, even challenging - both personally and to both our parishes; and in turn I am sure that we shall all support him (and Angela), especially in this first year.

Now that Thursley has completed its interior alterations and additions we are putting the etched glass doors up for one or two awards - which they would richly deserve - so `watch this space` !  In the meantime, Elstead should be having its new door fitted in two stages over August and September/October - another space to watch.

This is not a competition.  Curiously, Elstead first had the idea long before Thursley did, they just had more pressing things to do - church wall and churchyard wall, then the refurbishment of the chancel which, for the same reason, had also `hung fire`.  Now both churches just need redecorating (and better insulation)…