Mary Reid

St Peter's Church in Norbiton has had a complete facelift.  The former rather dingy interior is now light and welcoming.

The pews have been replaced by comfortable seating, and the choir area has been transformed into an open flexible space. A baptism pool has been installed near the font, which has been moved to a prominent place.

I was very struck by the use of colour, inspired by the splendid Victorian east window. The designer had picked out a purpley blue that is used for painted details along the balcony and balanced it with warm magenta upholstery and carpet.

Today's dedication service was a cheerful celebratory occasion - it's not often that the whole congregation lets off party poppers in a church!

Yesterday evening I represented the Borough at a reception at Headley Court to mark the Queen's 80th birthday.  It included Beating the Retreat by the band of the Army Air Corps.

They played traditional marches, show tunes and jazz band favourites, but the high spot was solos on two hunting horns. Then into Sunset and the National Anthem, with the salute taken by the Lord Lieutenant of Surrey, Mrs Sarah Boad.