John and Enid Syms have lived Ashtead for 43 years. John explains the variety of ways that they have enjoyed being involved in the community.

After I left the Royal Navy in 1956 we came to live in Ashtead. As newcomers we lived quietly and joined St George's Church and later a weekday House Group. We saw our two sons through university and eventually to marry and have families of their own.

Twenty years passed and I was asked to stand as a candidate for Mole Valley Council. Enid's comment was "Good idea - this will return something for the pleasant life that we have had in Ashtead."

Success at the poll opened up a whole new field of activities for us, particularly during the year that I was Chairman, with Enid at my side to help and give advice. On leaving the Council I found a new interest as President of the Leatherhead and District Scouts and with the Dorking Royal Naval Association.

Enid became ashamed of the litter in Woodfield Lane and armed with a plastic sack and 'pick-up' device she regularly cleaned up. These efforts were rewarded by an invitation to the Queen Mother's Annual Birthday Honours Lunch, where she was presented with a certificate of Commendation for helping to Keep Britain Tidy. That was quite a day!

We are a nonagenarian couple and content to let some of the world go by but with complete trust, confidence, our love for each other and a childlike and unbreakable faith in our God, we are happy to travel hand in hand towards God's eternal city.

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