As I reported last week our lovely Dinah Ashton has now retired from the village shop. Dinah has been the custodian there for five years and has done a remarkable job in lifting the profile of the shop, and just generally running it well, and introducing many new lines. She also installed new signs on the by-pass which proved to be an excellent way of attracting new customers to the premises. The Parish Council, in recognition for all Dinah’s good work, organised a surprise presentation on her last day. Several members of the council came to the shop and presented Dinah with a beautiful bouquet and a pretty camellia for her garden. Dinah has certainly been a wonderful member of our community for a long time and the P.C thought it was right to mark her contribution as a valued entrepreneur, friend and valued neighbour. Thank you Dinah for all that you have done for our community and enjoy your retirement!
 In the meantime, our shop will continue with Miriam and Jackie doing extra hours. There will be some changes to opening hours so please keep an eye on the village website and Facebook pages or call at the shop for more details. Additional part time staff are required, so if working in a friendly environment and helping your community is for you, please call at the shop for more details.
This years A.G film festival will be held on May 12th at 7.30pm in the village hall and tickets for this popular family event will be available from the village shop from April 9th. Tickets prices are £4 for adults and £1 for children with film makers going free.The deadline for entering the films is the end of April and the address to send them to surfhamsfc@gmail.com. Films are not to be more than 5mins long and fit for family viewing. You can also pass your films to either Jim, Stephen or Gregg.Its bring your own popcorn and wine and see you all there in May!
Grove Park Stories, a memoir of the late Jocelyn Ponting, will be available soon. Jo first published her stories in mAGpie and proved very entertaining and very popular. This collection of her stories will be sold to raise funds for our community shop, and this little book will provide a fitting memorial to our lovely Jo who was involved with so many of our village’s organisations.
The Project Group will have a display at the church fete this year and will hold a special exhibition to mark the end of WW1 later in the year.The group is also hoping to publish a book of recipes from the parish so if you have any that you wish to share please contact Delia Elliot on deliaelliot@doctors.org.uk. The Project Groups web address is www.ag-project.co.uk to view some of the past photos etc.
On Easter Sunday our lovely St Andrews church was filled to overflowing with worshipers, both local and visiting folk. Our new Vicar, Rev Matt Rowland held the congregation with his address which was illustrated with pictures held on a washing line gamely held up by Peter and Johnathon Fish! After the service the youngsters looked for Easter Eggs hidden in the church and churchyard, while the adults in the congregation shared coffee and refreshments. This week St Andrews has an Extended Communion service with Reader Joyce Howitt leading. Starting at 11am.