THE sadly desolate Brewers Arms continues to be the focus of news developments in the village. Following the packed meeting in the Village Hall a fortnight ago, there were hopes that the pub might reopen under a temporary relief manager. But apart from a resident caretaker installed by owners Admiral Taverns for security purposes, there have been no substantive developments to date. However, work on setting up the community buyout project agreed at that meeting is proceeding apace.

Arrangements are already in place for a second public meeting to be held at 8pm on Thursday May 19, when proposals for the way forward and the possible share offer should be announced. In view of the numbers who crowded out the April 14th meeting in the Village Hall, it will be held at the much larger Elim Theatre on Westminster Bank (next the shop) by courtesy of the Regents College community who have generously offered the venue free of charge. Incidentally, the theatre will also be the venue for the College students' annual production entitled The Gallows Song, which will be performed at 7.30pm on Thursday, Friday and Saturday May 12-14, with a matinee at 2.30pm on the 14th. Admission £5 (£3 concessions) on the door or to book ring 07734 490318.

In the meantime, to keep in touch with any up-to-date developments in the fast-moving Brewers saga, go to the specially created website www.brewerscommunitypub.co.uk. An update is also likely to feature at the Parish Council's Annual Parish Meeting at the Village Hall at 7.45pm on Monday May 9, which will include a demonstration of the new defibrillator now proudly positioned outside the Social Club – something we may need if the doctors' strikes continue!

COLIN JACKSON