As I stepped into Noir Bar through the back door on Thursday and looked around at the soaking floor and soot covered seats I didn't think it looked too bad.

I mean downstairs would take some cleaning but I even offered my services and thought that if there were enough of us mucking in we could clean up as new in no time.

Herbal Awareness Week ran from Saturday June 20 until Saturday June 27, which included the summer solstice Reporter Vicki Eltis stepped out with a group of walkers to learn all about the medicinal benefits of plants found in the Surrey countryside.

Dandelion leaf sandwiches to reduce high blood pressure, nettle tea good for combating hayfever and how a rose can attract a new lover were just some of the herb tales I found out about during a herbal walk I embarked on with a Weybridge herbalist.

Forgetting about the paracetamol I had taken to cure my slight hangover on the Sunday morning I ventured out to Newlands Corner, just off the A3 at Riple, to find out what kind of herbs could help with all sorts of common day problems.

Elmbridge Community Safety Partnership has launched its 2009 Partnership Plan to tackle community safety issues across the borough.

As part of its requirement to make the Crime and Disorder Partnership more accountable to the community its work of last year was reviewed at a annual public meeting on Wednesday (June 17) and its new plan set out.

Police are still investigating the robbery of £60,000 from a security van in Weybridge High Street, that took place on Monday June 1.

Three men dressed in black, forced two staff from Group 4 Security to the ground outside Abbey bank, just before 7.50pm, during a routine changeover for the bank's cash machine.

The suspects, took three cash boxes from the van, believed to contain £20,000 each.

Elmbridge council have produced a new leaflet aimed to give residents simple advice on shed and garage security.

Thefts from garages and sheds in the borough have risen over the last two months, resulting in an increase of 53% from the same period last year.

The majority of items stolen are mainly tools, garden equipment, pedal cycles and items that can be sold on with relative ease.

TOUCH Networking - to boost businesses in Elmbridge and Runnymede during the recession - was launched at Noir Bar in Weybridge on Tuesday.

Businessmen and women from nearby areas turned up for the launch at the Heath Road club for an evening of networking.

Staff and students from the engineering department at Brooklands College, in Heath Road, got all revved up as they tested their skills on their very own formula four car.

The car, which is owned by Brooklands college, was taking part in a competition at the Anglesey race circuit in Wales on Saturday June 6 and Sunday June 7.

Residents in the borough are encouraged to get on their bicycles for National Bike Week from Saturday June 13 to Sunday June 21.

Elmbridge Cycle Group is organising the first of many Explore Elmbridge cycle rides on Thursday June 18 at 6:30pm and will be no longer than two hours.

It's not everyday in Elmbridge that you get to watch some rib-tickling action in your local so when I was given the chance to take some friends to the Hand and Spear in Weybridge for some laughs we jumped at the chance.

Terry the Stand-up was set up last year by Terry Fromant to introduce comedy to the area. His shows take place at the pub in Heath Road on the first Wednesday of the month and every other Thursday at The Crown in London Road, Chertsey.

As part of Elmbridge Museum's centenary celebrations, a session is being held on Saturday June 13, for children of the borough to make time capsules.

The session is being held at the museum in Church Street, Weybridge between 11.00am to 1.00pm and 2.00pm to 4.00pm.

The idea is for children to create a legacy, either with a drawing, a few mementos or some favourite items, which are then to be taken home to be buried for future generations to discover.

Councillor Jan Fuller, portfolio holder for leisure and cultural services, said: "Making time capsules is a fantastic way to join in with Elmbridge Museum's centenary celebrations. This really gives children the chance to create their own slice of history for future generations to enjoy."

Any child under 10 should be accompanied by an adult.

For more information, visit www.elmbridge.gov.uk/leisure/museum or by phoning the museum on 01932 843573.