"In 2010, Elmbridge Choir will be performing a new piece inspired by the borough of Elmbridge, its people and its history. All we need to do between now and then... is write it.

I have been commissioned to put together an event which will reflect the borough through song, poem, monologue, dialogue, reminiscence. I'm particularly keen to hear about people’s reflections on the rivers of the district. Almost anything will be grist to our mill; old diary entries, letters or news cuttings. Droughts, floods, carefree memories or poignant moments. I have a hunch that the final piece will be something like a patchwork; a mosaic which will have input from many people. The invitation to submit something to this process is open to anyone who lives, or has lived in the borough. Indeed if you have a view, a memory, an image, a poem then we’ll be keen to hear from you.

I’ll be spending the week of 10th – 14th August based at the offices of Elmbridge Borough Council to begin the process of amassing the material which will one day be a piece for the Elmbridge Choir to perform. Please feel free to send me your submission, meet me for a chat, or point me in the direction of some interesting morsel, book, website. I’ll be happy to hear from you. The more local people join in this process, the more of an accurate, rich and diverse reflection of the district this piece will finally be."