FOLLOWING the success of last year's Enormous Crocodile, Downley School is to organise another mass walk to school on Thursday starting from The Downley Donkey at 8.15am. The message from Lynne Thompson, one of the organisers, is that the general public are not invited to join but might be interested to avoid Plomer Green Lane between 8am and 8.45am and they would be very welcome to watch. Last year's march was great fun, I should think everyone involved will be hoping for slightly warmer weather.

SEVERAL members of the Theatre Group travelled by Westways Coach to Syon Park on Thursday where we were met by an accredited Blue Badge Guide for an excellent tour of the house. After lunch, we travelled along the tidal Thames to Richmond Park to view the spectacular display of azaleas and rhododendrons in the Isabella Plantation - amazing colours and wonderful perfume.

The day finished at Holly Lodge, where we met the inspirational Dr Pat Ealey who gave up a career in scientific research to found the centre which offers educational programmes to those with learning difficulties.

NEWS from the Coffee Stop: Message in a Bottle canisters will be available free of charge at the Coffee Stop from 10am to midday. These are intended for folk who live alone or suffer from an illness such as diabetes, so that a neighbour or the emergency services can readily access essential information in case of accident or illness. Customers may like to take one for a neighbour or relative living nearby.

Could you also note that the Coffee Stop will be closed on Bank Holiday Monday. They look forward to seeing everyone again the following week when help will be enlisted for the Coffee Stop Stall on Downley Day.