What’s on News
Godalming Christmas Festival Market
Godalming’s Christmas Festival Market is on Saturday 29 November, 10am to 4.30pm. Local stalls selling gifts plus delicious food & drink.
Compton Village Club
Compton Club’s AGM takes place on Friday 5 December, 7.30pm. Please make sure you bring your membership card and make sure you have paid for your membership, otherwise you will not be able to vote. You can do this at https://compton-club-membership.square.site/ or you can pay at the bar in the club.
The agenda and the list for officer and committee nominations will be posted on the wall in the Club. Only items on the agenda will be discussed.
On Christmas Day Compton Club will be open from 12 noon, to members and non-members. The bar will be open with all bar profits donated to the Godalming & Villages Food Stores food bank charity. People are welcome to bring their own food. The Club’s kitchen and warming cabinets will be accessible, with a group meal planned for around 2pm. Though the bar will be open, feel free to bring your own wine or fizz. People are welcome throughout the afternoon/evening. Please confirm attendance by contacting Tim, the Chairman, via WhatsApp or email timcarter405@gmail.com.
Other key dates at the Club are Christmas Party & Karaoke on Saturday 6 December from 5pm and NYE Party & Disco on Wednesday 31 December from 7pm, with live band Amazing Charley Farley Sunday Four performing from 8pm. To stay up to date, check www.comptonclub.co.uk and join the members Whatsapp group: https://chat.whatsapp.com/JnU4sdkaxZRHy7RZz6eotm.
Godalming Pantomime
This year’s Godalming pantomime, Cinderella, runs from Saturday 13 to Sunday 28 December at Godalming Borough Hall. There will be a relaxed performance on Monday 15 December at 5:30pm. For this performance the house lights will remain on and the volume of the show will be turned down. To find out prices and how to buy tickets, visit https://godalmingpanto.com/.
Compton Little Theatre - Pantomime Jack and the Beanstalk
It’s nearly Panto Season, again (Oh no it isn’t … ) In the New Year Compton Little Theatre (CLT) will stage the classic tale of Jack & The Beanstalk but with added silliness and surprises, at Compton Village Hall. From Thursday 15 to Saturday 17 January 2026, 7.30pm and Saturday matinee 2pm, come and blow away the January cold and blues with lots of laughter. CLT’s performance follows the well-known story of Jack and the Beanstalk, but with a few twists and some surprise characters. Alongside the hapless Jack, you’ll meet a host of panto favourites including a dastardly villain, a panto dame and a scene-stealing panto cow. With cracking jokes, songs, and an awesome panto cast, there’s fun for all the family. Tickets are £12 and are available at www.ticketsource.co.uk/clt or email tickets@comptonlittletheatre.org.uk. We are always looking for people to help us bring our productions to the stage so if you would like to get involved back stage or front of house, please get in touch via committee@comptonlittletheatre.org.uk. It's great fun and no experience necessary.
Watts Chapel - Christmas Tree
To get into the Christmas spirit, why not check out the magnificent Christmas tree in the Watts Chapel. The 14ft-high spruce has been adorned by the garden volunteers with 3,000 lights and decorations, many of which have been made by hand and painted by the volunteers. The tree has been generously donated by Hans Christmas Andersen who sell their fine trees at Van Arnhem Nursery.
Mane Chance Sanctuary - Christmas Carol Event
Mane Chance’s Christmas Carols event takes place on Sunday 7 December at Godalming Minster (was St Peter and St Paul's Church), 5pm. Joining founder Jenny Seagrove and patron, animal campaigner, Wendy Turner-Webster, will be actor and animal ambassador Peter Egan, actors Simon Shepherd and Gary Webster and winner of Britain's Got Talent 2019, the Chelsea Pensioner Colin Thackery. St Hilary's School Choir will be performing. If that's not enough, you will meet some of our Shetland pony stars who will also be making an appearance at the church. Doors open at 4.15pm for mince pies and mulled wine in the Octagon room beforehand. Tickets: Adult £12.00. Child (5-15 years) and Senior (over 60) £6. Children under 5 years FREE. Visit www.manechancesanctuary.org/Carols_tickets.html.
Tickets for Mane Chance’s New Year's Day walk are also available. Enjoy a stroll around the tracks and fields of the Sanctu- ary, meeting rescued horses along the way. Walks start anytime between 10am and 2pm. Hot food, hot chocolate, mulled wine and hot drinks are available at the end. Tickets: Adult £3. Child £2. Children under 5 years FREE. Dogs are welcome, but they must be kept on leads. Visit www.manechancesanctuary.org/New_Years_Day_Walk_2026.html.
Van Arnhem Nursery - Santa’s Grotto
Visit Santa in his Grotto at Van Arnhem Nursery, where you can choose your fresh, home grown, Christmas Tree. It costs just £6 to visit Santa, and every child will get a gift. Santa will be in his grotto from 10am to 3pm every Saturday and Sunday from 29 November to 14 December. The Christmas Tree Farm is open seven days a week, 9am to 4pm from Saturday 22 November until Sunday 21 December 2025.
Les Amities Francaises
On Thursday 11 December Les Amitiés Françaises talk is by Peter Prowse on French songs that became worldwide hits and English songs that took off the other way. The next talk, on Thursday 22 January, is by Constance Bantman who will be discussing the ever-changing political situation in France.
Talks are from 7.30pm to 9pm at the Wilfrid Noyce Community Centre, Oglethorpe Hall, Crown Court Car Park, GU7 1DY. Les Amitiés Françaises are part of a thriving French circle and always welcome new members. Talks are in French. www.amitiesfrancaisesgodalming.com.
Milford Probus
Milford Probus Club’s first post-lunch talk of the New Year is on Friday 16 January 2026. Members of the Club and visitors (always welcome) will hear a lively and fun talk
about the most illustrious and best loved double-act that Britain has ever produced. Tricia Thompson, with a background in music and performance, visits the huge TV success of Morecambe and Wise, whose ritually ridiculed guests included Penelope Keith, Laurence Olivier, Glenda Jackson, Harold Wilson, André Previn and Angela Rippon (who could forget those legs?). A decidedly fun start to the new year. Come and share it. Lunch and talk are just £32. Lunch is at 12.30pm (pre-lunch drinks from 12pm). Visit www.milfordprobus.com or book lunch (book the Monday before) with Miranda O’Brien: miranda.obrien@btinternet.com / 01483 423398.
The Club’s activities include organised outings ending at a pub. Established in 1999, it has welcomed women members since 2016 and now has a female president. Prospective members are invited to join lunches as paying guests while considering membership.
Blackheath & Bramley Choral Society
Blackheath & Bramley Choral Society will be performing Mendelssohn’s St Paul Oratorio on Saturday 29 November, 7.30pm, at Holy Trinity Church, Guildford, GU1 3RR conducted by David Condry. Tickets are available from choir members, by email from boxoffice.bbcs@gmail.com, Eventbrite.co.uk or on the door. The Society is always looking for new members to join its friendly group who perform to a high standard. Find out more at bandbcs.org.uk or contact the chairman Janet Crosthwaite at chairman@bbcs.gmail.com.
What’s on in December & January at St Nicholas Church?
May we wish you all a very Merry Christmas & God’s blessings over the festive season. All are welcome at our services and events so do join us for our Christmas celebrations! Our December services are in the Christmas card below and more details are available on our website www.stnicholascompton.org.
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 6 December and Saturday 3 January 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
JANUARY 2026
| Sunday 4th | 10.30am Muddy Church, The Three Wise men | Sunday 18th | 10.30am Holy Communion |
| 6.00pm Evensong, Epiphany | Sunday 25th | 10.30am Holy Communion | |
| Wednesday 5th | BCP Holy Communion | Sunday 1st February | 10.30am Muddy Church |
| Sunday 11th | 10.30am Holy Communion |
Visit our website for full details of upcoming services & events: stnicholascompton.org.
Godalming Choral Society
In memoriam: love is strong as death. Godalming Choral Society presents a moving musical tribute marking 80 years since VE Day, honouring the courage and sacrifice of WWII veterans — many now centenarians — and remembering those who have died. The concert features a blend of reflective, grateful, and uplifting music, including choruses from Duruflé’s Requiem and Brahms’ German Requiem. Don’t miss this heartfelt evening of remembrance and celebration. Saturday 29 November at 7.30pm, St John’s Church Farncombe GU7 3EJ. e-mail secretary@godalming.org.uk or visit www.godalmingchoral.org.uk.
Godalming Choral Society is holding an Open Evening on Tuesday 13 January 2026, at 7.20pm, at Wilfrid Noyce Centre, GU7 1DY. The friendly choir comprises keen and dedicated singers who enjoy a broad range of music and share a love of choral singing. New members can join in all singing parts. There is no need to audition. Rehearsals take place at Wilfrid Noyce Centre, on Tuesday evenings from 7.20pm to 9.30pm with a break to socialise in the middle. Contact our membership secretary, Pauline, at p.powlesland@btinternet.com, if you are interested in joining the choir, or come along on the Open Evening to sign up. Visit www.godalmingchoral.org.uk.
Conservatoire Concerts
Conservatoire Concerts. On Saturday 6 December Neruda String Quartet will perform works by Puccini, Beethoven and Dvořák. On Friday 19 December join them for a Christmas concert with local opera singers Fleur de Bray, Samuel Lom and Thea Callaghan, accompanied on piano by Francesca Lauri and violist Peter Fenech. January is the month for Baroque concerts, with short morning recitals on Saturday 10 January and a gala Baroque concert in the evening. Concerts start at 7pm and all are held at Godalming Baptist Church GU7 1BA. Booking on www.conservatoireconcerts.org.uk. Admission free with a retiring collection.
Watts Gallery - Dates for your diary
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from Watts Gallery. To get into the festive spirit visit Watts Gallery to see the festive decorations on site. Have a winter walk around the grounds, get cosy in the café and experience a range of historical and contemporary artworks.
Explore the extraordinary lives of the Pattle Sisters in Women of Influence: The Pattle Sisters. See their impactful artwork, learn about their lives and understand their lasting legacy. On until Sunday 3 May 2026.
Enjoy the merge of art and music at Watts Gallery’s special After hours: Sitar Concert and Curator’s Tour on Thursday 4 December. Hear about the remarkable lives of the Pattle sisters in a tour by Watts Gallery’s curators and experience an immersive live concert by the musician Sheema Mukherjee.
Head over to the Watts Contemporary Gallery to see Watts’ annual print exhibition In Print: Seven. Showcasing seven remarkable contemporary female printmakers, echoing the lives and interests of the Pattle sisters. Runs until Sunday 8 February 2026.
Why not get stuck in with a pottery workshop? Create festive ceramics during Watts Pottery: Festive Workshops in December. Develop your throwing skills in the five-week Pottery: Beginners and Improvers Throwing Course in January. Join sculptor Jethro Crabb to learn about the skilful process of portrait sculpture in his masterclass starting Saturday 24 January.
Make yourself something special this Christmas. Book onto one of Watts’ wreath-making courses and add a festive touch to your home. Or gift yourself or a loved one a pottery experience, a treat from the Watts Gallery shop or a Watts Gallery membership.
Families are welcome at Watts. With fun themes children can enjoy creating their own birds in Pottery: Clay Club (weekly on Sundays) or make a festive gingerbread village in The Make Space (Saturday 13 and 20 December).
Check the website for details of events and to book tickets: www.wattsgallery.org.uk
Progressive Pilates
Sue’s Progressive Pilates is taking bookings for the New Year. Sessions are held at Godalming Unitarian Chapel, GU7 3JB, Tuesdays, 9.45am to 10.45am. The classes are perfect for those who are 50+. For further information contact Sue on 07811 750654 or by email sue@progressivepilates.co.uk. For more information check out www.progressivepilates.co.uk or Facebook: Progressive Pilates with Sue. Pilates is a way of keeping the body strong, mobile and flexible, strengthening the body from the inside out. The class is fun and friendly and open to new members both men and women of all ages and abilities.
Godalming Museum
Godalming Museum’s Museum Christmas Shop is a good option for unusual and unique gifts. The shop sells Christmas cards as well as various items that make great stocking fillers, Christmas gifts, decorations and festive treats. Every purchase helps Godalming Museum to care for and preserve our local heritage. Visit “What’s On” on the Museum’s website for details of upcoming exhibitions and events.
Godalming Museum is open Tuesday to Saturday 10am to 4pm. It is located next to the Town Council offices, by the Pepperpot, 109A High St, GU7 1AQ. Visit www.godalmingmuseum.co.uk / 01483 426510.
Arts Society Woking
On Tuesday 9 December, ARTS SOCIETY WOKING’s talk is In the Frosty Season. How the Romantics Invented Winter.“But when first the ice fell on the lake, and the whole lake was frozen…O my God! What sublime scenery have I beheld.” — Samuel Taylor Coleridge, 1799 During the Romantic period, there was a surge of artistic interest in the season of winter. The coldest months of the year inspired a number of writers and artists; the poet William Cowper wrote pleasurably about the season from the warmth of his fireside; Samuel Taylor Coleridge and Caspar David Friedrich were both inspired by the sublimity of the winter landscape; while William Wordsworth and Henry Raeburn created iconic ice-skating scenes in verse and painting. This seasonal lecture will explore why Romantic writers and artists were so keen on ‘the frosty season’. The talk will be given by Annalie Talent. Following a career in teaching, she spent several years working on education programmes at museums and literary houses across the UK, including the Wordsworth Trust, Grasmere; Wordsworth House in Cockermouth; Jane Austen’s House in Hampshire and the Ashmolean Museum in Oxford. On Tuesday 13 January, the talk is David Hockney - "Blondes Have More Fun". David Hockney has become a ‘national treasure’. Although a fine draughtsman, he first came to fame in the early 1960s for his graffiti-like paintings. The late 1960s and early ’70s saw him painting in a number of different styles, from the precise naturalism of Mr and Mrs Clark and Percy to extremely unnaturalistic works paying homage to his great hero, Pablo Picasso. With all his media and style changes, Hockney continues to delight and enchant people from all walks of life. The talk will be given by Frank Woodgate. 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.
Guildford Jazz - The Christmas Project and Clare Wheeler
Friday 12 December 2025, 8.00pm
St John’s Church St John's St Godalming GU7 3EJ (map)
The Christmas Project is an exciting international band led by recording artist and an internationally touring Dutch jazz vocalist, Henk Kraaijeveld , and pianist Jan Willem van Delft, recording artist and well established in the gospel and jazz scene in the Netherlands.
Featuring many well known Christmas tunes , the arrangements also combine musical styles from all over the world, and brings together Henk and Jan’s love for jazz, gospel, vocal polyphony and Christmas music!
The band also features UK vocalist Clare Wheeler, a renowned composer, arranger, singer, and educator who has toured with the five-time Grammy-winning vocal group The Swingles and whose impressive performing career includes collaborations with artists like Jamie Cullum, Labrinth, and Jacob Collier, and appearances on TV and radio programs such as Pitch Battle and The Choir.
Following the success of Comfort & Joy, The Christmas Project’s debut album, Henk Kraaijeveld and Jan Willem van Delft joined forces with Clare Wheeler to present a moving new arrangement of the 16th-century English song The Coventry Carol. Telling the story of the Massacre of the Innocents from Matthew’s gospel, it reflects the mothers’ grief at King Herod’s decree to kill all boys under two – a tragedy that still resonates today. This haunting yet bittersweet reimagining blends English and Arabic lyrics in a tender lullaby, featuring the intricate vocals of London-based Egyptian singer Amena Elabd and a global virtual choir whose participants donated to Save the Children, raising over £2000 in just a few weeks. The track will be released in early November 2025 and their performance at our Christmas Concert will be the premiere of this release!
Also featuring one of the UK’s most in-demand jazz drummers, Steve Brown, with local jazz anchor Marianne Windham completing the line-up on double bass.
Art Themen Organ Trio + 1: “Thane & The Villeins”
Thursday 15 January 2026, 8.00pm
Guildford PavilionThe Sports Ground, Woodbridge RoadGuildfordGU1 4RP
Art Themen Organ Trio with special guest Marianne Windham :'Thane & The Villeins'
An exciting and inventive saxophonist, Art Themen has been an appealing presence on the British jazz circuit for over 60 years. A previous winner of the tenor sax category in the British Jazz Awards, recipient of a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Worshipful Company of Musicians and shortlisted for the Jazz Instrumentalist of the year in the recent Parliamentary Jazz Awards, this living legend has famously combined his role as a Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon with saxophone duties in the bands of Alexis Korner and Stan Tracey as well as recordings with Joe Cocker, Jack Bruce and even Bing Crosby. Described by THE OBSERVER as "One of the tiny handful of undeniably perfect jazz musicians”, he remains as brilliant and inimitable as ever.
Themen’s organ trio features organist Pete Whittaker, formerly of The Nigel Price Organ Trio, and drummer George Double who has worked as sideman to Shirley Bassey and Jack Jones. The band’s groove-led re-imaginings of quirky curiosities from the jazz canon act as a perfect vehicle for the twinkly mischief of this genuine grandee of British jazz and have delighted crowds at over 100 gigs at Ronnie Scott’s, The Royal Albert Hall’s Elgar Room, the 606 club in Chelsea and across the UK.
New Year Lunchtime Jazz: Leon Greening Trio
Monday 12 January 2026, 2.00pm
The Guildford InstituteWard StreetGuildford, England, GU1 4LHUnited Kingdom
For this first performance of the Guildford Jazz New Year programme , we are delighted to welcome pianist Leon Greening, a hugely popular performer at jazz clubs around the UK .
Born in Southampton to a jazz-loving father, Leon studied piano at Leeds College of Music and The Guildhall School of Music and Drama, London. With his hard swinging style, inspired by the likes of Bud Powell, Wynton Kelly and Bobby Timmons, Leon epitomises the very best on the UK Jazz scene today. Joining Leon will be the UK’s premier jazz drummer Steve Brown, and Guildford Jazz anchor Marianne Windham on bass.
For further information visit www.guildfordjazz.org.uk