THE OLD School Village Hall held its AGM on a very cold wet night, so attendance was somewhat meagre.

In his report the chairman, Bill Crumbleholme, remarked upon the good support from the local community.

Phil Cooke will continue to manage the bookings and caretaking , contact him on 01305 812665. Bill thanked the trustees – that’s all the committee members – for all their efforts. Under a village hall scheme, Upwey Old school has been able to acquire a laptop computer.

Diane Crumbleholme and Pat March are leading a session for young people on Saturday afternoons and Rod Wakefield is there for advice and information on Thursday afternoons for the rest of us; there is no charge, but donations are appreciated. Treasurer Phil Price then gave his report and was pleased to be able to say that day to day running costs were covered by regular income and that an essential balance was being maintained for incidental repairs. Di Pattinson reported that the 100+ Club had raised £800 last year and invited new investment this year at a rate of just £12 for the year.

On Saturday, March 21st there’s to be a spring-cleaning day and everyone is welcome to come and help from 10am onwards.

  • AT THE Annual Parochial meeting of St.Laurence Church, it was good to hear that there are 84 people on the electoral roll and that most of these are regular attenders at the church. The Rector opened proceedings with his remark that there was a happy buzz in the church before the service. He welcomed the new organist, Sue Bruce-Payne, following the death of Sheila Bellamy in the autumn. The PCC was reelected with Pru Bollam and Paul Sutcliffe as churchwardens. Treasurer Terry Landsbert reported that all running expenses were paid out of regular income, with thanks to Chris Carter for his excellent work describing the church to visitors which must have contributed to donations of some £1,500.

He also thanked Frances Christopher for her careful counting and recording of the collection money. Pru Bollam gave the report on the fabric of the church, there had been no need for general repairs this year, except for the windows where the special appeal fund now stood at £45k, and work on these is well under way. There is a donor book recording the names of everyone who has contributed to the windows fund. She also thanked all the people who gave time and effort to the church in various ways. The meeting ended with the deanery report from our representative, Betty Sutcliffe, who also gave an account of the activities of the Junior Church.

  • THERE’S to be a curry supper at the Old School Village Hall on Saturday,March 21, 7pm for 7.30, cooked and served by Ist Radipole Rangers, to raise funds for one of their number travelling soon to Nepal with the Wey Valley student team . Soft drinks will be provided, but bring your own wine, tickets are £8.00 from Diane Crumbleholme on 01305 812030 – should be a good do.