What’s on

Regular Dates

Compton Fete - 9th May 2026

JSaturday 9 May, from 12 noon to 4.30pm

With just a few weeks more to go, Fete preparations are underway. If you’re a Facebook user, stay up to date with the latest news at www.facebook.com/ComptonVillageFete. Proceeds from this day of fun in the (fingers crossed) sun will support local amenities, including the Allotments, Compton Club, Compton Little Theatre, Compton NEWS, St Nicholas Church, Compton Village Hall, village projects as well as two charities: local foodbank Godalming and Villages Community Store and Action for Carers Surrey. Action for Carers Surrey supports carers aged from just 5 years old up to 99 across Surrey, providing one-to-one help, advice, advocacy, support groups, drop-in Carer Hubs (including Godalming and Guildford), training and free activities. A BIG thank you to Guildford Borough Council and the Aspire Community Grants Team who have awarded a grant towards the purchase of new gazebos for the Fete.

On the day, Paul, Marilyn, Alyssa and co will be opening the Fete at 12pm with a demonstration of their amazing roller skating skills. Don’t miss out, come and see MPSK8, who are big supporters of the Fete. Music and high energy are guaranteed. THE FETE IS RUN PURELY BY VOLUNTEERS AND YOUR VILLAGE NEEDS YOU! Set-up/take-down volunteers. A small but dedicated team works hard to prepare for the event and take everything down afterwards and they could always use more hands. Please contact James Saunders on jameswgsaunders5@hotmail.com or Nick Palmer on 01483 810663 / nicholas.palmer6@btinternet.com. Stall volunteers. Help is needed for the Bouncy Castles, BBQ, Tea Tent, Coconut Shy, Beer Tent, Parking, Pick-a-Card, the Loseley ice cream van and many other stalls. Even an hour of your time will make a big difference. To volunteer, please contact Elenid Coleman at elenidhafcoleman@gmail.com.

STALL CONTRIBUTIONS NEEDED

Tea Tent (in the Compton Club). This beloved spot provides a relaxing space for visitors to enjoy a cup of tea and homemade treats. Godalming and Villages Community Store will be providing a warm and welcoming space again this year. It’s fabulous to have them on board and for such a worthy cause too. We always need more cakes and sandwiches than you can imagine! Popular items include Victoria sponge, lemon drizzle, coffee and walnut cake, cheese straws, cheese scones, chocolate cake and sausage rolls (vegan/ veggie versions too). Bring your baked goods (with ingredients lists) to Compton Club from 10am on the morning of the Fete.

Grand Draw. Some incredible prizes have already been secured but more are always welcome. If you can contribute, please contact Sarah Metcalfe at sarah.metcalfe17@gmail.com / 07884 438974. Bric-a-Brac. Please hold on to your Bric-a-Brac donations. A time and place for drop offs will be provided in next month’s NEWS. No books, clothes, large furniture, or electrical items, please. Books/DVDs/CDs as well as tiny prizes for Pick-a-Card. Books: no dictionaries, compendiums, reference. We welcome fiction, non-fiction, children’s. Pick-a-Card prizes: We’re talking little items you find in hotel bathrooms, small toys, trinkets or anything for children that will fit on the face of a playing card. Jane Turner, 07763 146448. Plants & Produce. Have you got an abundance of plants or home-grown produce? Contact Richard Bennett (Ben), 07703 403133. Teddy Tombola. Do you have any unwanted cuddly toys needing new homes? Could you lend a hand to wash a bag of teddies? If you can oblige, contact Sarah Metcalfe at sarah.metcalfe17@gmail.com / 07884 438974. Bottle Tombola: From bottles you may have left over (sealed/unopened) from Christmas to those hotel luxuries (sealed/unopened) you have stored away for a rainy day, this stall needs to be well stocked as it is a firm favourite! Contact Danielle Rowe at daniellerowe@hotmail.com if you have any donations.

SILENT AUCTION

This year, the Fete Committee are delighted to be taking the Silent Auction online for the first time. Look out for details of the lots along with instructions on how to bid in the May NEWS.

Grand Draw prize list. Just £1 a ticket.

First Prize: £300 CASH kindly donated by Cavender Estate Agents
Second Prize: Withies Inn, Compton — Dinner, Bed & Breakfast for 2
Third Prize: Exclusive woodland sauna experience at The Waggon Sauna for up to 10 people

OTHER FANTASTIC PRIZES KINDLY DONATED BY OUR GENEROUS FETE

BUYING GRAND DRAW TICKETS

1. Credit or debit card. Scan the QR code with your smartphone camera to buy securely online until midnight on 8May. Your confirmation and tickets will be emailed to you.
2. Bank Transfer to the CVA Lloyds Business Account, Sort Code 30-93-49, Account No. 00115047, quoting the reference GD. Email sarah.metcalfe17@gmail.com with your name and amount transferred.
3. Alternatively, readers who have the Compton NEWS delivered will receive 10 tickets and instructions on how to purchase enclosed with this month’s edition.

To keep up to date on all Fete news, check out www.facebook.com/ComptonVillageFete

CLT

CLT Quiz Night

CLT Quiz Night. Saturday 25 April, 6.30pm for 7pm, Village Hall. Jo Ayshford and Rhona Wilkie will once again be hosting one of their legendary quiz nights. Tickets are £14 each which includes a two-course supper and there’s also a pay bar. Teams of six max! To enter a team, book and provide any dietary requirements, email Rhona at info@comptonlittletheatre.org.uk.

CLT Human Fruit Machine at Compton Fete

Compton Fete. CLT will once again be running the Human Fruit Machine. Come along and see if you can win a prize. If you would like to take part in the Human Fruit Machine for a one-hour slot during the afternoon, please email info@comptonlittletheatre.org.uk.

CLT Summer Production

CLT Summer Production. A rehearsed reading of Labour of Love by James Graham, Saturday 6 June, 7.30pm (doors from 7pm), Village Hall. James Graham is the acclaimed author of TV's Sherwood and theatre productions such as Dear England and Punch. This rehearsed reading is for one night only. Tickets £5 from www.ticketsource.co.uk/clt. To be involved in any of the behind the scenes roles or to help with front of house, email info@comptonlittletheatre.org.uk.

Compton Village Club

Compton Club’s normal hours remain Thursday and Friday from 7pm. On Saturday 18 April the Club is hosting an Ibiza Night with loads of 90s club classics, 7pm til late.
Check out www.comptonclub.co.uk or https://chat.whatsapp.com/.JnU4sdkaxZRHy7RZz6eotm.

There is a growing turnout for Women Who W(h)ine, who all met up at the Club on Thursday 19 March. Great to see so many new Club members as a result. As a reminder, WWW meet-up dates for the rest of 2026 are:
Thursdays, 28 May, 16 July, 17 September, 19 November and 14 Janu- ary 2027, from 7pm. If you know of anyone else who might like to join, please do ask them and let Jane Turner know so they can be added to the list, at janewturner@mac.com.

For further information visit www.comptonclub.co.uk

Sew like a pro

SEW LIKE A PRO. A couple of places  remain on the evening course for creating beautiful soft furnishings for the home.Meet budding sewing bees and explore your  potential for creating cushions, blinds, curtains and lampshades. You only need basic sewing skills and a thirst to be creative. Classes take place at Compton Village Hall: sessions running through April/May. Evenings: Tuesday, 6pm to 9pm, 21 & 28 April, 5 & 12 May. Daytime: Wednesday, 10am to1pm, 22 & 29 April, 6 & 13 May. Each four session course: £120. Sewing machines provided for those who don’t have their own to bring along. Students will need to provide materials (fabric etc). To find out more and  reserve a place, contact Michelle at  michellecalvert58@gmail.com / 07966 471561. 

Compton Parish Council

- Compton Parish Council will hold its Annual Parish Meeting on Wednesday 15 April, 7pm, at Compton Club. There will be a report on the Parish Council's year and refreshments but most importantly of all this meeting will be your opportunity to discuss the proposed traffic calming measures for Compton, study the plans and ask questions.

- Enormous thanks to the enthusiastic and industrious team of litter pickers who scoured the village and collected a huge amount of all types of rubbish on Saturday 21 March. It’s a sad reflection on society today that there is even a need for this but without the team of keen enthusiasts who turn out annually, our village would be a mess. This year the Borough Council excelled themselves by collecting the mound of rubbish in record time but even in that short time, large items such as furniture and white goods had been added to the pile. At least we should be thankful that there isn’t a mountain on our doorstep!

Les Amities Francaises

Vincent Raymond-Barker will give an illustrated talk (in French) on the northern district of Paris, Montmartre on Thursday 16 April, 7pm to 9pm, for Les Amitiés Françaises. Lecture takes place at Wilfrid Noyce Community Centre, Oglethorpe Hall, Crown Court Car Park, Godalming, GU7 1DY. www.amitiesfrancaisesgodalming.com. Talks are in French. www.amitiesfrancaisesgodalming.com.

Godalming Probus

Retired or retiring soon? Why not join Probus Club of Godalming, a friendly group of retired professional men who meet monthly in Godalming for lunch followed by a speaker. We also meet every month in a local pub for coffee and a chat. We have walking, petanque and 10-pin bowling groups, organise outings and an annual Christmas lunch. For more information visit our website www.godalmingprobus.com or e-mail our Secretary at pcgcommittee@gmail.com. Our next lunch will be on Friday 10 April. Ian Worley will speak on 'Racing Through The Southern Ocean', telling us about his experiences whilst racing around the world on 'Great Britain II' in the 1977-78 Whitbread round the World Race. 

Milford Probus

Sir Jeremy Hunt MP takes part in a Q&A session with Milford Probus Club on Friday 17 April. Before the monthly lunch, members of Milford Probus club and visitors (always welcome) will have a Q&A session starting at midday with our local MP for Godalming and Ash. Our distinguished guest served as Chancellor of the Exchequer from 2022 to 2024, Foreign Secretary from 2018 to 2019, Secretary of State for Health from 2012 to 2018, and Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport from 2010 to 2012. He has been our Conservative Party MP since 2005. Discussion and lunch cost £34. You must come for both, arrive by noon and book by Thursday 9 April. Godalming Masonic Hall, GU7 1RQ. Visit www.milfordprobus.com or book with Miranda O’Brien: miranda.obrien@btinternet.com / 01483 423398.

St Nicholas Church

You are very welcome to join us as we celebrate Christ’s resurrection this Easter!

• Muddy Church A space for wandering & wondering with God for all the family on the first Sunday of each month at 10.30am (term-time only).

• Toddler group Fledglings, every Monday (term-time only) at 9am at Puck’s Oak Barn. fledglingscompton@gmail.com.

• Inside Out meets Saturday 4 April 10am to 12 noon to keep the church & churchyard looking good. Just turn up or contact stnicholascompton.wardens@gmail.com.

• Bell ringing Sunday service ringing is 9.50am to 10.30am (first Sunday of every month it is 5.30pm to 6pm instead). Bell ringing practice alternate Tuesdays 10am to 12pm. Practice sessions can be arranged at other times to suit those who cannot manage a weekday morning. Contact phil.gorton@btinternet.com.

• Baptisms, Weddings & Funerals. Please contact our Rector, Sally, if you would like to mark a family milestone at St Nicholas.

• If you would like someone to pray for you or with you, contact our Rector: stnicholascompton.rector@gmail.com. Confidentiality will be respected.

Thanks & blessings, Revd Sally Buddle

Visit our website for full details of upcoming services & events: stnicholascompton.org.

Godalming Choral Society

♫  Godalming Choral Society will perform King Arthur, by Henry Purcell at St John’s Church Farncombe, GU7 3EJ, on Saturday 18 April, from 7.30pm. Tickets, £20 (free for under 18s,) from Record Corner, Pound Lane, Godalming, from www.godalmingchoral.org.uk or at the door.

Conservatoire Concerts

♫ Conservatoire Concerts is hosting a Violin and Piano Concert, La Belle Epoque, on Saturday 25 April, 7pm, at Godalming Baptist Church GU7 1BA. Violinist Joel Munday and pianist Julian Trevelyan will present a programme based on French composers, such as Faure, Ravel, Lily Boulanger and Poulenc. Booking on www.conservatoireconcerts.org.uk. Admission free with a retiring collection. Your generous donations are much appreciated.

Watts Gallery - Dates for your diary

Spring is here, and Watts Gallery is looking much brighter with all the flowers beginning to bloom.

• Women of Influence: The Pattle Sisters enters its final weeks in the Historic Galleries. Don’t miss the chance to discover the lives of seven remarkable Anglo-Indian sisters and their impact on Victorian society before the exhibition closes on Monday 4 May.

• Over in Watts Contemporary Gallery, there is still time to see the works of three wood engravers in Lines & Lineage, closing on Sunday 12 April. Opening on Thursday 16 April, Channel 4’s The Great Pottery Throwdown judge Rich Miller will be taking the stage in his first major solo exhibition, Fired Legacies.

• Round up the whole family for an exciting Easter holiday at Watts Gallery, with plenty of free-with-admission activities to enjoy and creative workshops on select days. See website for more information.

• Join us on Wednesday 29 April for a talk with author Sarah King, in the Old Kiln, 1.30pm to 2.30pm, as she discusses her latest book, A Reluctant Memsahib: At the Court of the Viceroy. The book explores the journey of a woman living in Imperial India, revealing the realities faced by British women and the expectations placed upon them. A copy of the book is included in the ticket price. See our website for more information.

• To celebrate the final weeks of the Women of Influence exhibition, we invite our visitors to a special salon evening on Wednesday 29 April, in the Historic Galleries, 6pm to 8pm. Enjoy inspiring talks from the exhibition curators, followed by an exquisite performance by the Turner Quartet. Light refreshments will be available.

For more information and to book tickets, visit wattsgallery.org.uk/whats-on

• Check the website for details of events and to book tickets: www.wattsgallery.org.uk

Godalming Museum

Godalming Museum exhibitions & events in April Resonance — Exploring the abstract harmonies of Nature, Universe & Soul, continuing to Saturday 18 April. The exhibition presents fluid acrylic paintings on canvas that blur the boundaries between land, sea and sky, inspired by the rhythms of nature and the vastness of the universe. Operation Morse! Saturday 11 April. Help us celebrate Jack Phillips’ birthday with an amateur special event demonstrating worldwide communications and Titanic’s callsign. Learn morse code to send a message, and try a Morse code computer game. Surrey Artists – A lecture by Hilary Underwood. Did you know that the great British landscape artists Turner and Constable both painted in Surrey? It was the Victorians, however, who fully explored the county’s artistic potential. The Pre -Raphaelites, Redgrave. Cole, Foster, Allingham, Hook Lawson and Watts are just some of the painters who depicted our varied landscapes and picturesque cottages. Contact the Museum for further details and to book tickets. The lecture is on Friday 17 April, starting at 7.30pm at the Wilfrid Noyce Community Centre, GU7 1DY.

What Next? A collection of paintings, photographs and collages from local community art groups, local artists and schools curated by David and Shirley Faraday. Tuesday 21 April to Saturday 13 June. Face Value. A vibrant collection of paintings from Jeanne Paxton reveals personalities behind faces. From Tuesday 21 April to Saturday 16 May.

Godalming Museum is open Tuesday to Saturday 10am to 4pm. Visit www.godalmingmuseum.co.uk / 01483 426510.

Arts Society Woking

On Tuesday 17 April, ARTS SOCIETY WOKING’s talk is Seasonality & Decoration in Japan: Spring/Summer, by Pauline Chakmakjian. The Japanese are highly sensitive to the changes of the seasons and decorate their homes and themselves according to the time of the year. From clothes to food to art objects, we will see and understand the motifs used for spring and summer, as well as explore the almost obsessive Japanese fascination with cherry blossoms. Pauline is the author of The Sphinxing Rabbit Trilogy - Beatrix Potter for Freethinkers. They may look like children's books but they really aren't. They tell the story of a charming bunny rabbit taking delight in capitalism, classical liberalism, blockchain technology and the finer things in life like travel, brandy and culture, as well as all things Japanese. Talks start at 10.30am but doors open 9.45am for tea, coffee & biscuits. Normandy Village Hall, GU3 2DT. Members may bring a visitor, who may want to make a donation to the Society of £10.

www.wokingdfas.org.uk/talks-arts-society-woking-2025.htm

Chuck Israels
Wednesday 8 April,8pm
Guildford Pavilion, Woodbridge Road GU1 4RP

A rare European performance from the great American bassist Chuck Israels. Chuck has worked with such jazz luminaries as Billie Holiday, Coleman Hawkins, Stan Getz and John Coltrane. Chuck will be joined by tenor saxophonist Fraser Smith, guitarist Jonas Metsäkylä and drummer Steve Brown

Organik Trio
Friday 24 April, 8pm
Stoke Hotel, Stoke Road GU1 4JN

An evening of swing, grooves and inventive improvisation with the brilliant Deirdre Cartwright, voted ‘Best Guitarist’ at the 2019 British Jazz Awards and presenter of the BBC’s ground-breaking series Rockschool. Her new organ trio, Organik, features Pete Whittaker on Hammond Organ and Gary Hammond on percussion. You'll be treated to the sounds of the classic jazz organ/guitar trios of the 1960s plus some original takes on the music of The Beatles, Doors, Curtis Mayfield and Kate Bush.

For further information visit www.guildfordjazz.org.uk