JUST in time for their 75th anniversary, the congregation at Stoneleigh, near Epsom, in Guildford diocese, had reordered St John's Church to include a large dais that would be suitable for community events, besides providing a flexible worship-space. They wanted to share their anniversary celebrations with the community; so they decided to organise a free concert, open to all, to which local groups could come to make use of their talents.

It proved a very successful idea. On the night, there were eight acts, and more than 70 performers entertained a packed audience of about 200. The acts were interspersed with interviews with members of the congregation of St John's, past and present, and magic from the evening's compère.

"We were delighted to welcome so many people into St John's," the Vicar, the Revd Lynn Hellmuth, says. "Alongside offering free muffins to local commuters on the Friday, and a celebration of an all-age communion on the Sunday, the community concert made a splendid variety of events to mark our special birthday. Stoneleigh certainly does have talent."