2001 saw efforts to launch a credit union in Surrey. The project is alive and kicking, thanks to some intrepid volunteers. We have raised £120,000 start-up funding and gained the support of Guildford, Mole Valley, Waverley and Woking borough councils, some housing associations and many voluntary groups. Professional consultants have helped us produce a prospectus, a pledge form and a business plan and we are on track to register with the Financial Services Authority next year.

What is a credit union? It is an ethical financial co-operative in the mutual banking tradition of the old building societies. It is owned and controlled by its members who save and borrow from it and elect its volunteer board. Credit unions are worldwide, with 177 million members of 49,000 credit unions in 96 countries (550 in the UK) collectively owning assets of £1.8 trillion.

Why does Surrey need one? Credit agency data shows 250,000 Surrey people in potential financial distress. Of UK towns with the highest credit card debt, one in three are in Surrey. 30,000 Surrey households have no savings, no insurance and no access to affordable credit. Child poverty affects one in 10 Surrey households. We may appear affluent, but our lovely county has many pockets of deprivation, and under the surface the credit crunch is hurting.

How can SurreySave help? We will help all income groups. At the bottom end, we will help families get away from the clutches of the doorstep lender, the pawnbroker and the cheque casher. For the struggling young professional, we will offer consolidation loans. For the retired saver, we will offer a safe and ethical investment with a competitive interest rate, 100% covered by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme.  SurreySave is a local solution to a local problem.

Can you help? Most definitely!  Why not find out more by looking at our website at surreysave.co.uk, read our prospectus and our frequently asked questions. If you are interested, you can fill out a pledge form on line. This is not a commitment, but an expression of interest in our services when we open for business in 2010. Please spread the word among your family and friends. We have 250 pledges so far, halfway to our FSA target.

Thank you for your interest

Rainbows have been very busy and excited improving and making the most of the beautiful autumn weather in their new outdoor play area, thanks to a grant from Surrey Early Years.  We are thrilled with our large outdoor canopy where the children can appreciate all their activities despite the rain, also smooth tarmac to play on.  We have been out and about enjoying the mild weather, exploring Elstead and picnicking at the top of West Hill recently. With the abundance of late autumn leaves, and the dry weather, we have used them to make collages, leaf rubbings and generally to have fun.

Each year we try to contribute to the shoe-box appeal, and thanks to the generosity of all our parents and children we have completed six boxes for families in Romania.

We are all looking forward to Christmas activities, which includes lots of sparkles and glitter, surprises for parents and a party with a visit from a  certain gentleman dressed in red!  This term we have been invited to join with the reception class at school and Peter pan Pre-School to celebrate the Nativity Story on Thursday, 10^th December at 10 a.m.

It is lovely to hear that all the children who went off to school in September are happy and settled, and in January we look forward to welcoming several new children to Rainbows.