Compton Little Theatre - box office now open

With rehearsals well and truly underway, CLT is excited to bring you Bunkered by Lynn Brittney, a wonderful evening of comedy at Compton Village Hall. Performance dates are Thursday 9 to Saturday 11 October. We are not able to offer a meal this year but you are invited to make an evening of it and bring your own food (including any cutlery and plates) to enjoy before the performance in our relaxed cabaret seating arrangement.

Doors open at 6.45pm and the performance will start at 7.45pm. There will be a pay bar offering a wide range of beers, wine and soft drinks. Please DO NOT bring your own drinks as this will invalidate our alcohol licence. Tickets are £12 via www.ticketsource.co.uk/clt or email tickets@comptonlittletheatre.org.uk. We look forward to seeing you there. Please get in touch if you are interested in helping backstage on this production. Email info@comptonlittletheatre.org.uk.

Farncombe Community Garden

So near, so Farncombe Community Garden. Sited on the edge of Farncombe on Summers Road, this project was the dream of a group of doctors at Binscombe Medical Centre around six years ago. From a forgotten, weed covered, tussocky field surrounded by thick brambles, it has now become a useful and productive place.

The garden officially opened its gates in 2023 and since then has been going from strength to strength with local volunteers, public visitors and groups. Our pavilion is perfect for indoor events and during the colder months we offer craft activities for our volunteers in a warm space. It is also the hub for serving drinks and cakes!

In the 2.5 acres, we have a varied vegetable garden and a natural pond. Our woodland area is wonderfully lush all year round. A central grassy area is mown to allow for activities while there is also a sensory garden, an exciting “hill” to climb, a woodland walk, beehives and a fire pit.

As we gain more volunteers, we hope to extend opening hours. Do drop along for a visit; you never know, you might like to joi n us in this very special project. Wednesday 1pm–3pm. Friday 10am–12pm. Saturday 10am–12pm Summers Road, Farncombe, GU7 3BF. For more information please visit www.farncombecommunitygarden.org.

Surrey Police Band

Surrey Police Band presents A Night at the Proms on Saturday 27 September, 7pm at Normandy Village Hall, Normandy, Surrey, GU3 2DD. The annual concert — in aid of the Chief Constable’s chosen charity — promises to be an entertaining evening of music with a traditional flag waving finale. Doors & licensed bar open 30 minutes prior to the performance. Free Parking. Tickets: £10 adults,£5 under 16s, FREE for under 5s. Book tickets by calling the Box Office on 0333 666 3366 or visiting www.surreypoliceband.org.uk.

Sandra Billinge Yoga Classes

Sandra’s Yoga Classes have resumed at the Village Hall on Thursday & Friday mornings,10.30am‑12 noon. Suitable for all ages and abilities and drop-in is available.

Les Amities Francaises

On Thursday 18 September, 7.30pm until 9pm, Les Amitiés Françaises’ guest speaker Clare St Lawrence will give a talk on her time in the

town of Vienne located in the Isère region. Les Amitiés Françaises is part of a thriving French circle. To book, visit www.amitiesfrancaisesgodalming.com. Talks take place at the Wilfrid Noyce Community Centre, Oglethorpe Hall, Crown Court Car Park, Godalming, GU7 1DY.

Milford Probus

On Friday 19 September the Milford Probus Club post-lunch talk will discuss how the Cold War of the 1960s has uncomfortable resonances with today. While much of Britain embraced the “swinging sixties”, the threat from an aggressive Soviet Union was deadly serious. The Royal Air Force’s role in countering that threat included a formidable nuclear deterrent provided by Britain’s V Bomber Force, capable of being airborne in two minutes. One of the crew members is speaker Andy Richardson. Come and hear what he has to say.

Lunch and talk just £32. Lunch is at 12.30pm (pre-lunch drinks from 12pm). Visit www.milfordprobus.com or book lunch (book the Monday before please) with Miranda O’Brien: miranda.obrien@btinternet.com / 01483 423398. Prospective members are invited to join lunches as paying guests while considering membership. We have a friendly bar and plenty of parking.

Godalming Museum

Godalming Museum is hosting The Great Godalming Quiz-off on Friday 19 September, 7pm at Wilfred Noyce Community Centre, Crown Court, High Street, Godalming GU7 1DY. Join us for a lively evening of trivia, historic knowledge, laughter and community spirit. Spaces are limited, so gather your team and book your spot today. Every ticket sold helps support and preserve our treasured Museum. Visit Godalming Museum where tickets can be purchased at the front desk. 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.

What’s on in September at St Nicholas Church?

Special Event — TEA AT THREE. Join us on Sunday 28 September for coffee, cakes & crafts from 3-5pm in the Church. All welcome, free entry.

• Muddy Church recommences on Sunday 7 September. Our time for wandering and wondering with God is held on the first Sunday of every month at 10.30am (term-time only).

• Toodler group Fledglings, which runs during term-time, resumes on Monday 8 September, at 9am at Puck’s Oak Barn. Contact fledglingscompton@gmail.com.

• Bell ringing practice is held once or twice a month on Tuesdays at 10am, with bell ringing on Sundays from 10am to 10.30am. 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

SEPTEMBER

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

The Surrey Churches Preservation Trust - Ride & Stride

Step, Cycle, Sip — Save Surrey’s Churches! The Surrey Churches Preservation Trust (SCPT) invites everyone to join the annual Ride & Stride on Saturday 13 September. This much-loved event is open to all, whether you’re a keen cyclist, a casual walker, or simply someone who enjoys a good coffee morning with friends. The aim is simple: to raise money to protect Surrey’s historic churches. Half of what you raise goes straight to your chosen church and the rest helps fund repair and conservation grants across the county. Since it began, Ride & Stride has raised over £500,000, directly supporting church buildings at the heart of our communities. This year, SCPT has more grant funding available than ever before—up to £3,000 per church—but to benefit, each church's supporters must take part. Even the smallest event can unlock vital funding. So step out, cycle on, or put the kettle on—every effort counts. Find out more at: www.surreychurchespreservationtrust.org/ride-stride/.

Conservatoire Concerts

Conservatoire Concerts opens its 2025-26 concert season with the annual Rising Stars Concert on Saturday 13 September, 7pm at Godalming Baptist Church. The concert will feature some of the talented students studying at the specialist Purcell School. Julia Majewska (violin), Ostap Hrudovyi (bassoon) and Trevor Tong (French horn) will be accompanied by staff pianist Debbie Shah. This concert always promises to be a stunning showcase of these brilliant musicians studying at Purcell School. Book your seats at www.conservatoireconcerts.org.uk. Admission FREE with a retiring collection towards musicians’ fees and expenses.

Watts Gallery - Dates for your diary

On Thursday 31 July Alistair Burtenshaw, Brice Director and Chief Executive of Watts Gallery Trust, stepped down after eight years leading Watts Gallery. A new Director will be appointed in due course. Henry Anaele and Madeleine Henderson are acting as interim Co-CEOs. Full announcement: www.wattsgallery.org.uk/press/alistair-burtenshaw-steps-down-as-brice-director-and-chiefexecutive.

The whole Watts Gallery site, including Café and Shop, is now closed on Mondays & Tuesdays (except for Bank Holidays). WattsCemetery Chapel will continue to remain open for visitors daily. The whole site, including Chapel, will be closed Christmas Eve,Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Years Day.

There isn’t long left to discover artworks by members of the Society of Graphic Fine Art at Watts Contemporary Gallery, on display until Sunday 7 September.

• Opening on Thursday 11 September, Watts Contemporary Gallery presents an exhibition of satirical cartoons by The Times newspaper’s very own Peter Brookes. Peter Brookes: Political Cartoonist of The Times will be on display until Sunday 23 November. To celebrate the opening of the exhibition, join Peter Brookes for a special evening in conversation with journalist and broadcaster, Martha Kearney on Wednesday 10 September.

• Unleash your inner potter with an exciting array of ceramic workshops and courses for all skill levels. Enjoy one-off workshops focusing on different techniques on Friday mornings, and try your hand at the potter’s wheel with throwing taster sessions on Thursdays. Or, develop your skills with our five-week pottery courses. Our hand-building course begins on Friday 5 September and the beginners’ throwing course starts on Wednesday 10 September.

• There are other ways to get creative at Watts Gallery this month too. Join our inspired “At Watts” session on Saturday 20 September and take part in an artist-led workshop, or take part in a sculpted caricature masterclass with Jethro Crabb on Saturday 27 September.

• Watts Gallery is taking part in the Guildford Festival of the Arts! Join us on Thursday 25 and Sunday 28 September in Guildford for a ceramic workshop. See website for details and locations.

DON’T FORGET, COMPTON RESIDENTS GET 50% OFF ADMISSION! VALID WITH A PROOF OF ADDRESS.

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

Godalming Choral Society

Godalming Choral Society invites Compton residents to participate in an Open Evening of Joyful Singing on Tuesday 9 September at 7.20pm at the Wilfrid Noyce Centre, GU7 1DY. Rehearsals will be starting for the In Memoriam concert on Saturday 29 November. This will feature work by Faure, Elgar, Durufle, Ireland and John Williams. All comers are welcome, including beginners, enthusiasts and professionals. As a choir, we are friendly, keen and dedicated; we enjoy a broad range of music and share a love of choral singing. New members are always welcome. There is no audition and you will be well supported in becoming familiar with the choir and its practice. We look forward to seeing you there. Pauline, who is our contact membership secretary, will be happy to answer any questions at p.powlesland@btinternet.com.

Arts Society Woking

On Tuesday 9 September, ARTS SOCIETY WOKING’s talk is Puccini. From Opera to Popular. The music of Puccini is instantly recognisable, even to those who don’t know his name or anything about opera. How has this happened? John Snelson’s lecture traces how Puccini’s music has spread from the opera house into global culture. Music and film will be included. John has been fascinated by musicals all his life and is a leading expert in British musical theatre (the subject of his PhD). His publications include Reviewing the Situation: The British Musical from Noël Coward to Lionel Bart (Bloomsbury), How to Enjoy Opera (Oberon/Bloomsbury), Andrew Lloyd Webber (Yale University Press) and chapters in many authoritative reference works. John has given talks for, among others, the Royal Opera House, English National Opera, the Garsington and Glyndebourne festivals and for BBC radio.

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

Guildford Jazz

Big Swing Showcase
Saturday 13 September
Big Band music showcasing two local bands. ‘Junction 4’ are a dynamic 18-piece ensemble performing everything from 1930s swing to modern chart hits. ‘Rhythm and Groove’ are an 18-piece outfit with a wide repertoire ranging from the swing of Benny Goodman to more modern composers.

Free entry, all welcome.
2pm Guildford Castle grounds Castle St, GU1 3SX.