Last Friday evening, 25th July, over forty people gathered in the Grayshott Village Small Hall to say farewell to the caretaker Jo Edser and her husband John. A buffet, supplied by the Committee and organised by Mrs. Pat Barrett and Ms Barbie McSean, and a bar welcomed the guests. Present were many representatives of Hall's User groups, Committee Members passed and present, Grayshott Parish Council, Grayshott Village Archive and Party in Grayshott.

In his farewell speech to Jo, Stephen Penny, Chairman of Grayshott Village Hall Management Committee welcomed everyone to the event. He said that whilst Jo was officially the caretaker, John had always been involved and they had, indeed, become a double act making it more a vocation, rather than just a job. After nearly eleven years in the post Jo and John had become an integral part of Village Hall life as well of the village as a whole.

Much had changed in that time, with the village now busier than ever and bookings at record levels. The enthusiasm with which they have both carried out the role has been one of the key factors in this success story. There was general agreement from everyone in the room that Jo, John and their family would be very much missed, but pleasure that they were not moving away.

Mr. Penny concluded by thanking Jo and John for their hard work, good humour, dedication and enthusiasm over the last eleven years and repeated that it had been a pleasure working with them.

Barbie McSean, Treasurer of the Grayshott Village Hall Management Committee, then presented Jo with a bouquet of flowers, a gift cheque and a card inscribed with the names of all those organisations and individuals who had contributed. Many other cards were also presented, including one, with their own gift, from the Grayshott W.I. presented by Mrs. Pat Archer.

In reply, John Edser on behalf of Jo and himself, thanked everyone for coming and for the gifts and good wishes. He said that they were overwhelmed by the occasion. They had both very much enjoyed their time at the Hall and would, in many ways, miss it. However, they intended to continue to be involved in Village life and take an interest in activities at the Village Hall. He assured everyone that, having met the new Caretaker and his family - Jim and Becky Hardy - who take over on 11th August, he was certain they were leaving their post in very good hands.

Article submitted by Peter Budd