As most of you are probably aware quite a bit has been has happened in the village in the past month or so. Firstly, I was involved in the search for the driver who decamped from a vehicle that had crashed between the Fleece and the bridge late one Saturday evening, I called for the assistance of our helicopter and a dog unit to find the driver, and with their assistance we eventually managed to find him, hiding locally. Unfortunately, a couple of hours after we left the village the Spar shop was burgled. This is still an ongoing enquiry and if you have any information that can help, please contact us. As I write this article, I have been informed of a a collision involving a child and a vehicle in Milford Rd. Again this is subject to a police enquiry and if you have any information that can help please contact us. Here's wishing a speedy recovery to anyone involved.

Sad to say, there has been recent reports of anti-social behaviour again at the Burford Lea Rec. You may remember that this occurred earlier this year and after numerous police patrols we did not have any more reports; that was until recently. I have already been to see one young person who I believe was part responsible. Strong words of advice were given to him in the presence of his father. Incidentally the youth was not from the village, but he did indicate that local youths have been gathering at the rec, so please, if you have teenagers and they are out and about at night, make it your business to find out where they are going and who with, as it's not pleasant being woken up during the night because of anti-social behaviour from a minority of inconsiderate people.

A date for your diary is Monday, 7^th December which is my next surgery at the warden's office in Springfield, from 5 to 6 pm.

Members gathered for the Annual General Meeting on 7^th November when President Betty Moxon celebrated another busy month in the WI. She reported on the Farnham Group meeting, which included a very entertaining talk behind the scenes talk from Andy Hughes, a radio  newsreader. But it was also the biennial group competition, which was won by Elstead for the first time ever. We even had a cup to admire. Betty also reported on her day in London with a delegation of WI members who were lobbying all political parties about the importance of reaching a climate change agreement in Copenhagen and of ensuring that women's needs, especially in the developing world, are properly represented.

Betty presented gifts to retiring committee members and WI members who had contributed through the year. Joan Dalton read the annual report of activities, which showed just what a busy year it had been. Betty then summed up a busy year as President, reminding members that support, opportunities, friendship and fun was what made the WI so special.

Kate  Preston and Rosemary Brown came from Bourne WI to act as tellers, and they supervised the election of the committee and re-election of Betty Moxon as President.

After the business members were able to enjoy tea, and a wonderful exhibition of paintings done by the talented members of the WI.

The next meeting will be held on 3^rd December. We will be entertained by the Millionheirs, and the competition will be a homemade Christmas decoration. This will also be members' last chance to buy tickets for the Christmas lunch on 15^th December.