Churches, Curry and Chocolate

Phew - this heatwave shows no sign of abating. I hope you are all trying to keep as cool and hydrated as possible. I was a little cheeky with this title. 2 of the three words have a direct point in this post - the third a little more tenuous.

The first - churches. We had a really interesting talk about Chaldon Church, it's history and it's incredible medieval preserved wall painting from Liz Bonsall and Madeline Hutchins - we learnt about the long history of the church and about it's Jacobean pulpit. the grave stones and the adaptions over the years. The wall painting. of Jacobs Ladder done in egg and bacon wash is both amazing and slightly terrifying with it's devils, nails and fires on it. We later had a visit to see these in person. A beautiful evening. We even supplied our own cake. A first according to our informative guides.

Now for the curry. Our August meeting will be a change from meeting at Merstham Baptist Church - we'll be meeting at Merstham Tandoori for a curry at 7.30pm - please advise if you're coming and bring cash/cards to pay. A limited amount of English food available if curry isn't for you. the local buses stop right outside if you're coming from Redhill. The restaurant doesn't have an alcohol license, although soft drinks served. Bring your own wine/beer if you want something a little stronger. If you want to work up an appetite, join me at the Mill Lane bus stop on Nutfield road at 6.30pm and we'll walk their via Mercers Lake and Spynes Mere

And now the tenuous link - chocolate - yes I'm referring to Quality Street fair which actually does have a connection with Quality Street chocolates. Google it (it's to do with.a victorian play of the sane name and the lead actors lived in High Street Merstham which was renamed Quality Street after the play. And Rowntrees named the sweet treats after the play.)

Anyhow -we have booked a stall at Quality Street fair on 8th September and we need your help to run it if it's going ahead (our stall - not the fair! ) Unfortunately, neither Debbie or I are available to set up (I hope to be around to take down, but I many not be able to) so if we could have a few volunteers and to run the stall selling our crafts, jams and spreading the word about the group. Please do step forward if you can help, otherwise we won't be able to run the stall. We do hope we can see you at coming events