Godalming sings gospel

Karen Neville

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Godalming

Karen Neville

Christine Sargrove tells us how the inspiring voices of Godalming Community Gospel Choir can help you reconnect with yourself and your community

Life in the 21st century can be frenetic and stressful. We are human beings not doings, so thankfully there is opportunity to draw breath and relax!   

Studies suggest that singing can enhance your mood, immune system and lung function; reduce blood pressure and feelings of chronic pain. So, the benefits of singing are vast. Godalming Community Gospel Choir (GCGC) has been enhancing the lives of many for 14 years.  

2025 brings fresh challenges under the new leadership of Russell Blackman – the  inspirational and charismatic creative director bringing a Caribbean vibe and super energy with him as soon as he walks through the door. 

Vaughan Larmond our accompanist has commuted from London supporting our choir for over five years.  He is the most accomplished gospel musician, trained in six instruments, band leader of multiple choirs including the acclaimed Kingdom Choir.   We know how blessed we are to have such a high calibre pair of musicians in our midst with Vaughan and Russell.   

Community is not just in the name of the choir but a tangible element of it.  Fun and friendship in an inclusive community. Having achieved charity status in 2024, we aim to increase our presence in the community and subject to available funds, sing for the benefit of others with no fee.  We do factor in our two main ticketed events at Christmas and Easter, which are joyful celebrations – even reserved Surrey audiences have been known to move off their seats & partake! Gospel is not static – you can’t but move! 

GCGC is a non-audition choir, open to people of all faiths and those of none. The choir is run by a board of trustees from the choir membership.  We learn by call and response, learning multiple songs each rehearsal. The traditional cake and cuppa mid session are enjoyed by all. Recordings are taken to reinforce learning throughout the week .   ”Singing the music we’re learning through the week and regular WhatsApp chat are joys that carry me through the days until Monday comes around again!!” says choir member, Catherine.  

Our current June performances are Choir Blast, Godalming and Shere Arts Week at St James’s Church, Shere.  

So If you’re tired of singing in the shower, then in the words of Madonna, “Like a Prayer” joining a Gospel Choir will really take you there!   

We meet at Godalming Minster, Church Street GU7 1ER from 7.30-9.30 pm on Monday evenings term-time please contact us for a free taster session on gcgcinformation@gmail.com  View us on gcgc.org.uk 

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Channel challenge

Karen Neville

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Godalming

Karen Neville

Helen Jenkins from Godalming has always wanted to swim the Channel and now at the age of 53 she’s taking on the challenge in July 

I just have to keep swimming until I hit the sand in France” – put like that it sounds simple enough but Helen Jenkins who admits to being “nervous but excited to see if all the hard work and training will pay off” is under no illusion as to what lies ahead in her 33km challenge. 

Growing up Helen was a competitive club swimmer at Cranleigh ASC and told school friends that swimming the Channel was her dream. In 2021, with four other swimmers from Godalming Masters she completed an English Channel relay in 15 and a half hours but knew she wanted to give solo a go. 

“I never thought I’d have the opportunity but now that my children are older and more independent, I have a bit more time and headspace to devote to this challenge. It’s quite a ‘selfish’ thing to do given the amount of time devoted to training whilst juggling work as it means I’m out most evenings and weekends. Now seems the right time whilst I still have some energy. The average age of a Channel Swimmer is early 30s, I’m now 53 so have left it quite late to start marathon swimming,” she says. 

Helen has been training hard for the feat over the past two years, attending a swim camp in Dover in October last year and in Menorca over Easter. Over the past few months she has increased pool training to 30km a week and longer sea swims in Dover. She explains: “To be allowed to attempt a Channel swim, you need to complete a six-hour swim in water under 16 degrees and I’ve now done three times six-hour swims and also a 10-hour swim on the swim camp in April where I swam 27km. The Channel will likely take me about 15 and a half hours.” 

Apart from the temperature – the swim, scheduled for between July 19th and 23rd, is weather and tide dependent – Helen will also face changes in conditions while swimming, the tide, injury and jellyfish but despite all that she is hugely motivated by her aim to raise £20,000 to be split between five charities – RAF Benevolent Fund, Pleasant Valley Camp, Charlie’s Promise, Young Minds & Dementia UK – which all have personal connections for her. 

“Everyone is incredibly supportive of me and I have an amazing family and friends who are on this journey with me,” says Helen. “Some of them think I’m nuts to be taking on this swim. They’ve been following my ups and downs and keeping me going with words of encouragement. 

“Having a challenge in life is often what keeps us going, both physically and mentally. Being a woman of a certain age has added complications over the last few years but having always been a swimmer, I know being in water is my happy place where I can go to switch off or unwind so would encourage anyone to give endurance swimming a go!” 

For more about the swim & Helen’s chosen charities see https://gofund.me/135ae85d 

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Unearth gardening at Godalming Library

Karen Neville

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Godalming

Karen Neville

A new exhibition at Godalming Library is exploring the transformative power of gardening as Laura Bridger tells us with Unearthed

In May Godalming Library will be hosting an exhibition from the British Library Living Knowledge Network called Unearthed, which focuses on gardens, plants and community sustainability.  

Unearthed, which runs from May 1st to 31st before moving on for a tour around Surrey libraries, is an exhibition exploring the transformative power of gardening, tracing personal stories alongside global histories. It celebrates gardening as a force for creativity, resilience and connection. From the people who have fought for the right and space to garden to the stories of the plants we use for food and medicine, discover how gardening has shaped our lives, our communities, and our planet.  

Alongside the exhibition there will be several events happening at Godalming Library throughout the month of May, with a focus on plants and gardening starting with a launch event on the evening of Thursday, 1st May.  

Throughout the month we will be operating a seed swap at the library so please pop in and have a look. If you have seeds to donate, please make sure they are labelled clearly. 

Godalming Library will be hosting a series of gardening talks. These include the following: 

• A talk on Ecological Gardens by local charity What Next? on Wednesday, 7th May at 3pm 

• A talk by the co-founder of Green Hub project on the benefits of gardening for teenagers’ mental wellbeing on Tuesday, 13th May at 6pm 

• A talk on the Winkworth Arboretum on Wednesday, 14th May at 2.30pm 

• A talk on Munstead Wood and Gertrude Jekyll on Tuesday, 20th May at 4pm 

Local author/illustrator Susie Darnton will be running a botanical drawing workshop on two dates in May. These events are suitable for adults or children aged 9+ and will take place on Saturday 17th and Tuesday, 27th May at 10am. All materials will be provided in this beginner friendly, mixed age workshop, where you can learn how to draw various flowers. 

There will also be some activities for children running at the library. We will have green themed storytimes every Wednesday in May at 11am with a special storytime and craft session on Wednesday, 28th May for half term. There will be some craft sessions including making cress heads and paper flowers and a Create a miniature garden on a dinner plate competition. 

l For a full list of events and activities happening at Godalming Library, their details, and how to book, please visit our website: tinyurl.com/golibevents 

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Talent showcase: Godalming Performing Arts Festival

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Liz Allard tells us what to expect as this year’s extravaganza gets under way later this month celebrating the best of young local talent

The Godalming Performing Arts Festival is held each year in February and March and provides performance opportunities for students of all ages in dance, music and speech & drama.

As usual, this year the dance element will be the first event in the festival held between 17th and 22nd February at St Catherine’s School, Bramley, in their splendid auditorium. The dance classes will be a visual feast as they include solos, duets, trios/quartets and larger groups in various different genres such as ballet, contemporary, jazz, musical theatre and tap. There is something there for everybody. Music, which covers events for piano, organ, strings, and wind & brass, is scheduled at various dates and venues between 2nd and 23rd March in and around Godalming, with Speech & Drama classes held on 16th March at St Hilary’s School in Godalming.

Tickets available

Audiences are always welcome, with admission charges from £3 for adults (children free), with full details of the festival timetable and venues on our website: Godalming Performing Arts Festival

Competitive music festivals like this have an important role in education allowing performances in front of an audience and to obtain feedback from an expert adjudicator, a valuable experience which can build confidence. Early practice at performing in public is especially important for students considering a career in the performing arts , and many past participants at Godalming have entered the profession. For example, the 2025 organ adjudicator, Jonathan Hope, was a teenage competitor and is now Assistant Director of Music at Gloucester Cathedral. Some competitors in previous festivals now teach and send their own pupils to participate. Adult amateurs are also catered for, with classes for all levels of attainment.  

Minimum pressure, maximum encouragement

Not everyone enjoys a competitive setting, and with that in mind the current syllabuses for the music sections now include non-competitive classes designed to give minimum pressure and maximum encouragement to all students. There are non-competitive classes aimed at those taking the Associated Board grade exams, and also classes for small ensemble performances (2-9 players) which can be treated as practice for GCSE music syllabus.   

The Godalming Festival is run by a committee of volunteers who take on various portfolios. Chairman Mike Goodridge explains: “Our festival relies on the good services of numerous volunteers, without whom this festival could not take place.  I hope that the volunteers get enjoyment in knowing that they are supporting budding artistic young people and can listen to their music, watch their dance and listen to their speech. The young participants get so much out of it, which gives great satisfaction to our volunteers who don’t necessarily have to be musicians themselves.” 

Get involved

As the scope of the festival continues to grow, we are always looking for people to join in the organisation and stewards are always required to successfully run the events. If you are interested in getting involved in any way with the festival, contact details are on our website: Godalming Performing Arts Festival

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Godalming Operatic Society celebrates 100 years

Karen Neville

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Godalming

Karen Neville

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Enjoy the splendour of Gilbert and Sullivan with Godalming Operatic Society’s production of The Yeoman of The Guard, February 19th to 23rd at Godalming Borough Hall

Godalming Operatic Society is going back to where it started to celebrate its centenary with its upcoming show The Yeoman of The Guard.

Widely regarded as one of the country’s leading Gilbert and Sullivan societies, GOS was founded in 1924 and had its first production, The Yeoman of the Guard, on February 19th, 1925. Now exactly 100 years later, February 19th, 2025, the curtain will rise again.

Set in the Tower of London, The Yeoman of The Guard tells of the arrival of a travelling troupe of performers sparking forbidden romances, fantastical plots and unrequited love. It’s full of delightful tunes including When a Wooer goes-a-Wooing, and Free from his fetters grim.

Yeoman is considered by many to be Gilbert & Sullivan’s finest work, a view also expressed by both of them. Darker than many of the other G&S operas, the pathos is well balanced by much joyous and colourful music which ‘bubbles with wit and good humour’.

This special production will be accompanied by a professional orchestra, this year expanded to 24 players, under the direction of Musical Director, David Wright. The production will be fully staged with spectacular costumes and scenery.

With the exception of the war and Covid, Godalming Operatic Society has put on a major Gilbert and Sullivan production every year, including the more rarely performed works such as The Grand Duke and Utopia Ltd.

In addition to a fully-staged opera each February, in June or July they put on a smaller scale work, often at a smaller local venue such as the Wilfrid Noyce Centre in Godalming. Previous summer productions range from a concert version of Aida to The Zoo by Arthur Sullivan and most recently the 2019 Summer concert A Night at the Opera featuring a wonderful selection of grand opera arias, ensembles and chorus pieces.

Over the years the Society has won many awards and accolades from NODA for its productions, costumes and more.

New members are always very welcome. Previous experience is not necessary – it is enthusiasm that counts! The Society has a very active social side too with regular events and trips to see other shows, supporting other amateur operatic and musical theatre groups in the local area and further afield. The first point of contact is Chairman, Lee Power, at: chairman@godalmingoperatic.org

To book tickets for Godalming Borough Hall, February 19th to 23rd, please go to Godalming Operatic Society event tickets from TicketSource. or call 0333 6663366.

The Yeomen of the Guard will also run February 27th to March 1st at The Leatherhead Theatre. Visit Events from January 3, 2025 – December 10, 2025 – The Leatherhead Theatre or phone 01372 365141.

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Godalming Operatic Society celebrates 100 years

Karen Neville

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Godalming

Karen Neville

, , , , , , , , , , ,

Enjoy the splendour of Gilbert and Sullivan with Godalming Operatic Society’s production of The Yeoman of The Guard, February 19th to 23rd at Godalming Borough Hall

Godalming Operatic Society is going back to where it started to celebrate its centenary with its upcoming show The Yeoman of The Guard. 

Widely regarded as one of the country’s leading Gilbert and Sullivan societies, GOS was founded in 1924 and had its first production, The Yeomen of the Guard, on February 19th, 1925. Now exactly 100 years later, February 19th, 2025, the curtain will rise again. 

Set in the Tower of London, The Yeoman of The Guard tells of the arrival of a travelling troupe of performers sparking forbidden romances, fantastical plots and unrequited love. It’s full of delightful tunes including When a Wooer goes a-Wooing, and Free from his fetters grim. 

Yeomen is considered by many to be Gilbert & Sullivan’s finest work, a view also expressed by both of them. Darker than many of the other G&S operas, the pathos is well balanced by much joyous and colourful music which ‘bubbles with wit and good humour’. 

This special production will be accompanied by a professional orchestra, this year expanded to 24 players, under the direction of Musical Director, David Wright. The production will be fully staged with spectacular costumes and scenery. 

With the exception of the war and Covid, Godalming Operatic Society has put on a major Gilbert and Sullivan production every year, including the more rarely performed works such as The Grand Duke and Utopia Ltd. 

In addition to a fully-staged opera each February, in June or July they put on a smaller scale work, often at a smaller local venue such as the Wilfrid Noyce Centre in Godalming. Previous summer productions range from a concert version of Aida to The Zoo by Arthur Sullivan and most recently the 2019 Summer concert A Night at the Opera featuring a wonderful selection of grand opera arias, ensembles and chorus pieces. 

Over the years the Society has won many awards and accolades from NODA for its productions, costumes and more. 

New members are always very welcome. Previous experience is not necessary – it is enthusiasm that counts! The Society has a very active social side too with regular events and trips to see other shows, supporting other amateur operatic and musical theatre groups in the local area and further afield. The first point of contact is Chairman, Lee Power, at: chairman@godalmingoperatic.org 

To book tickets for Godalming Borough Hall, February 19th to 23rd, please go to Godalming Operatic Society event tickets or call 0333 6663366. 

The Yeomen of the Guard will also run February 27th to March 1st at The Leatherhead Theatre. Visit The Leatherhead Theatre or phone 01372 365141. 

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Shooting Star shop glitters

Karen Neville

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Karen Neville

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Shooting Star Children’s Hospices shop in Godalming is the most-loved charity shop in the South East underlining its warm and welcoming atmosphere and fundraising achievements

Shooting Star Children’s Hospices Godalming shop has taken the title of South East winner in The UK’s Favourite Charity Shop Awards.

The title was awarded in the inaugural search for the UK’s favourite charity shop. The shop was one of 6,500 nominated across the UK and claimed the winning spot in a public vote involving almost 13,000 people.

Joe Tooze, Retail Manager at Shooting Star said: “We are thrilled to be named the South East winner in the UK’s Favourite Charity Shop Award! Our amazing shop manager, Julie, and her dedicated team of staff and volunteers have worked hard to create a store that the local community enjoys visiting. The shop is beautifully arranged with a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Located near our hospice, Christopher’s in Guildford, our Godalming shop enjoys tremendous support from customers, volunteers and donors – all of whom we are deeply grateful for, as the funds raised in our shops makes a significant difference to the families we support.”

Shooting Star supports more than 700 children and their families throughout Surrey and across 14 boroughs of London year round who have a baby, child or young person with a life-limiting condition or who have been bereaved. Their bespoke support for families includes a comprehensive range of therapies and support groups, specialist nursing care and respite, symptom management, end-of-life care and bereavement support.

Charity shops are an institution in the UK and have seen a rise in popularity in recent years as the public look for more ways to shop sustainably, support good causes and give back to their communities. The awards are the first of their kind and were launched in June to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Charity Retail Association, the membership organisation for charity shops in the UK.

Robin Osterley, Chief Executive of the Charity Retail Association, said: “Huge congratulations to Shotting Star Children’s Hospices. This award is a testament to the dedication of the shop’s staff and volunteers, and highlights what this wonderful store means to the local community. We have been overwhelmed by the public’s response to our search for the UK’s Favourite Charity Shop, which celebrates the contribution the sector makes to communities and good causes across the UK”

The overall winner of the UK’s Favourite Charity Shop 2024 will be announced at a special event this month.

The shops are always in need of quality pre-loved items, visit Retail wish list – Shooting Star Children’s Hospices to find out what they’re after

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A real quacker in Godalming

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The great Godalming duck race and fair takes place along the river Wey on Saturday, 7th September, one of the traditional ways the Rotary clubs in Godalming raise funds for Rotary causes

Don’t worry, your eyes aren’t deceiving you if you see 300 yellow plastic ducks floating along the Wey, it’s just the annual Rotary duck race down the river.

Each ticket sold buys a duck for one race, provides entertainment for the ticket folder, money for charity and may even win you some money!

Rotary members are selling tickets in local pubs now and they will also be available at the Richmond Arms and the Sun Inn in Godalming town centre and at Daisy Sandwiches at Godalming Station.

There will be a fun fair, a bar and stalls and food outlets from 11am until 3.30pm and the first duck race will start at noon, with heats every 20 minutes from then until the Grand Final for all the heat winners. Heat winners will win £20 with prizes of £250, £100 and £50 for the first three places in the Grand Final.

Following the Duck Races, there is a musical evening of Proms In The Park between 5pm and 7pm. The fun fair together with the bar and many of the stalls and food outlets will remain onsite until the end of the Proms In The Park.

We are very grateful to the directors of Seymours estate agents for their continued support of Rotary’s events this year.

Rotary has flourished in Godalming for more than 80 years and the community work of the Rotary Clubs is an integral part of life in the town. Rotary in Godalming welcome men and women who share the same common desire to do something worthwhile in the community, with a priority being community service and the support of local charities.

During the past few years Rotary in Godalming have raised and donated over £125,000 / £150,000 most notable locally to Godalming foodbank; the Godalming Community store; Phyllis Tuckwell; Skillway; ShelterBox and Broadwater Youth Centre’s wellbeing garden project.

More recently, Rotary clubs across Surrey and Sussex have partnered with Royal Surrey hospital to transform cancer care across Surrey, Sussex and beyond. The Cut Out Cancer campaign aims to raise funds for crucial high-tech equipment to allow more accurate surgeries to take place and improve recovery times for patients.

Rotary in Godalming also supports vital humanitarian work including Rotary’s End Polio Now campaign. Thanks to Rotary’s eradication work there are only 34 new cases of Polio reported this year, and we are ‘this close’ to total eradication.

For more information on the above and other Rotary activities, please visit their website Rotary Club of Godalming – welcome. (rotary-ribi.org)

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Godalming Photographic Club exhibition

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Featured image by: Mark Rolfe

Godalming Photographic Club are holding their annual summer exhibition at Godalming Museum, July 9th to 27th, showcasing members’ printed and digital images. Mark Rolfe tells us more

Photography has changed dramatically since Godalming Photographic Club was founded in March 1980, but what hasn’t changed over the decades is the friendly, supportive atmosphere aimed at inspiring, informing and involving members.

A group of friends got together more than 40 years ago in the Borough Hall explaining their hopes and intentions. By the end of the evening 30 people had joined. Meetings were held once a month, but this was soon increased to three a month before becoming weekly.

Image by: Brian Houghton

Image by: David Hughes

The new club joined the Surrey Photographic Federation (later to become the Surrey Photographic Association or SPA) and entered its inter-club competitions.

Competitions were seen as a way to increase skills and several trophies were soon provided as awards for the best work. The founding group paid for the Founders’ Plate, awarded to the winner of the series of internal print competitions, and the Woolwich Building Society donated a trophy for the best print at the annual exhibition.

Since its foundation, the club has more than held its own among its peers in the SPA and has won both Open and Nature sections of the annual inter-club competition. The club has also represented the SPA at national inter-club championships organised by The Photographic Alliance of Great Britain (PAGB).

With a subscription income, the club continues to have outside judges for its competitions and expert speakers on a broad range of subjects. Practical workshops, technical sessions and discussion of different aspects of photography are featured. Other events include photographic trips, a Christmas dinner and a summer party.

Members primarily use digital cameras and smartphones and competitions are divided into Print and Projected images, covering themes from Open (any content) to Nature, Landscape, Monochrome, Street and fun topics, such as ‘Match the style of a famous photographer’. Competitions are split into three groups, so everyone can compete at their own level.

GPC meets each Wednesday evening from September to May at Shackleford Village Hall. Come along and experience a meeting with no obligation or contact us for more details via our website. New members are always welcome. For enquiries, see Godalming Photographic Club, Facebook, or Godalming Photographic Club (@gofocal). The exhibition runs Tuesday-Saturday, 10am-4pm at Godalming Museum. Entry free. Some of the photographs will be on sale at modest prices. You can vote for your favourite image.

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Having a blast in Godalming

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June 8th is set to be a super singing Saturday when vocalists of all ages come together for a mass charity event in Godlaming

Let the music you when ChoirBlast explodes into Godalming on June 8th for an exciting day-to-evening event for music lovers, featuring 50 nationwide choirs in a fusion of singing and community.

The family-friendly event features seven simultaneous stages at The Burys Field, the Bandstand and Cloisters and is a not-for-profit festival, with craft stalls, children’s activities, food and lots of fabulous singing from 11am.

ChoirBlast is a celebration of contemporary choirs from around the country and the festival presents a unique opportunity to experience the joy and power of harmony music. Among the local choirs taking part this year are Music by Motivation Contemporary Gospel Choirs comprising members from Guildford Rock Choir; Farncombe Jazz Choir know for their acapella arrangements; the Halow Project who are one of the charities to benefit from this year’s event as are The Meath Backstage Choir; Guildford Jazz Choir bring together the old and new with jazz classics and contemporary hits; Godalming Jazz Choir is a friendly place for people to sing together that has been running for 10 years; born out of friendship and love Little Town Choir from Petersfield provide a ‘musical sanctuary’; Godalming-based Music Kids for five to teens; Guildford Vox Community Choir have a repertoire consisting of contemporary and traditional songs from the British Isles; Godalming Community Gospel Choir; ladies a capella group In Accord from Guildford; Wholenotes Community Choirs for those with social anxiety and / or learning disabilities based in Guildford and Camberley and many more from around the country.

ChoirBlast supports the local halow project and Meath charities, for adults with epilepsy and complex needs. In the spirit of the festival, admission is free, but donations are appreciated.

Make a day of it enjoying the sweet sounds on offer alongside the food and drink from the Serious Rum Bar, street food from Cara Gorda Cantina, seasonal flavours from Dylan’s Ice Cream, South African flame grilled steaks and burgers from Bring & Braai, wood fired pizza from Belle Buono, Sri Lankan street food from Kothu Truck, Daisy’s Sandwiches, ice coffee and cake from The Journalist and serving up much-needed coffee will be Bean & Gone.

Visit choirblast.com for details of all the choirs taking part. 

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