This month's stories:

Our membership has yet again been busy on the collecting front, with tin shaking taking place at Waitrose, West Byfleet and in Guildford high street. Many thanks to all those who helped out.

The West Byfleet collection enabled us to showcase our latest collecting aid – yellow fluorescent tabards stamped with the TALK logo and a short statement of our work. The tabards will replace the sashes that have served us well but were beginning to show signs of wear. In addition, many of us found that they did not always remain in place and sometimes found their way to our ankles!

The public reaction to the tabards was very good. Many of those who donated said that they had been attracted by the tabards. “I saw you as I was parking the car and was able to get my money ready,” said one lady. Others were able to read clearly what TALK’s mission was, rather than having to come up close and scrutinise the collecting tin or the sash. Certainly the donations at West Byfleet were very regular.

Some of you with experience of similar tabards might like to know that, despite fine, sunny weather, thanks to the material used, we all maintained our cool. Of course, the sashes will be available if you do not fancy wearing the tabards.

The Waitrose collection raised £479 and the Guildford street collection raised £504.