Godalming Club Events

31/01/26 Rotary Leadership Summit

A great day was had at the Leadership Summit and it was an opportunity for some of the Environmental Leads from the District Environmental Online Chat Group to meet up in person. 
@Jennifer Mason @Suzan Walsh Cheam & Sutton Rotary @Diana Sheridan

Photo @Paul Raven-Hill

27/01/26 District Governor TJ Olatunji Olaleye visits Godalming Rotary

Godalming Rotary were thrilled for a visit by our District Governor: TJ Olatunji Olaleye today. He has 83 Clubs under his wing, so we were very honoured for him to share time with us. He was also able to join in the Birthday wishes for our Rotarian who celebrated his 92nd Birthday today.

Joy introduced TJ to fellow Rtn Mike Chastell (PP & PHF) who was celebrating his 92nd Birthday today

17/01/26 Breakfast Meeting with new Corporate Members as we celebrate 90 years of service! 

As President this year, I’m delighted to share that the Godalming Rotary Club is celebrating its 90th anniversary — a truly remarkable milestone in our history of service to the community.

We continue to thrive and grow, welcoming new, energetic, and enthusiastic members into our Rotary family. So far this year, we’ve already gained four new individual members, along with two new Corporate Members who joined us at our January meeting.

We’re are pleased to welcome Simon Collins from  Planning and Design and  Vicki Bradley from King Edward’s School, together with two of her colleagues join us as Associate Members.  We’re especially pleased to add we will be welcoming  Dan Isaaman from Dot Origin, along with colleagues Peter & Steve at our Breakfast meeting in February. 

These new members bring fresh ideas, energy, and opportunities for collaboration. We are excited to get involved with their outreach initiatives as we continue to serve our local community together. I’m confident that, united in purpose and fellowship, we will continue to make a positive difference.

Here’s to another inspiring year of Service Above Self!

- Jennifer Mason, President 2025/6



 

20/12/25 Christmas Collection

Collecting funds outside Waitrose, Godalming.
 

 

 

19/12/25 New Members Inducted 

At our Breakfast Meeting on 19th Dec 2025, Peter Craig (nearest) and Greville Corbett were inducted. Pictured here with our President Jennifer Mason.

15/12/25 Visit to Woking Club

On Monday 15th December we visited Woking Club and following a lovely lunch, our member provided an excellent presentation about the Purple Community Fund. Members showed lots of interest in the Charity and support with their purchases of PCF ring-pull items.   


 

December Litter Pick

03/12/25 Corporate Event

20/11/25 Visit to Royal Surrey Hospital 

09/11/25 Godalming Remembrance Sunday
 

12/11/25 Rotary Schools Concert

Anne Gray rarranged an amazing SOLD-OUT Rotary Schools Concert last which featured the musical talents of Godalming College, Broadwater and Rodborough Schools.

A huge well done to all the students who performed and thank you to everyone who came along and showed their support

28/06/25 Presidents Day - Garden Party

President Jennifer Mason welcomed everyone to a Garden Party to celebrate the start of her year as President. Guests were treated to delicious food from Joyfull Greens.

17/06/25 Light Up a Child's Life

One of Godalming Rotary's fund raising projects is 'Light Up a Child's Life' to purchase a solar light for children at a charity run school near Mombasa, Kenya. The children are living without electricity so may burn Kerosene lamps which has safety and environmental / health implications. The solar lights will enable them to study at home and get un/dressed with some light and provide safety to the whole family. 
Please see our just giving page  

24/02/19 Young Musician Competition

Our Club hosted the District Final of the Young Musician Competition

On 24th February 2019, in the afternoon, in the superb Hall at St Catherine's School in Bramley, 12 talented young instrumentalists played stunningly to an appreciative audience and two Adjudicators. The  standard of playng and presentation was outstanding and it was with great difficulty that the Adjudicators decided on a Runner-up, and awarded joint First place to a pianist and a flautist.  They go throuigh to the Regioal Final in early April.

A competition was held in the  morning for the Vocalists section, with the same stunning standard of performance.  The winner and the Runner-up will also compete at the Regional Final in early April.

The Godalming Cyclathon was promoted, organised and supported by the two Godalming Rotary Clubs on 18th November 2018.

It was a challenging event, with teams competing amongst themselves as well as against other teams in their category. Much fun, and also some hard work.  Funds were raised for our two local major Charities, the Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice   and the Kent Surrey and Sussex Ambullance Service, with other small local chairites also able to raise funds for themselves under the umbrella of Rotary.  

For full details  please visit  www.cyclathon-rotarygodalming.co.uk

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100 years after the end of WW1 Our President Clive, and the President of Woolsack Club, laid wreaths at the Godalming Memorial.

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Both Godalming Clubs again helped to Steward the Godalming Fireworks and the torchlit parade through the town. The weather was very kind and it was a very enjoyable event for the community.

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Our Fifth Tuesday Lunch  on 30th October was a great success with 52 Members and guests enjoying a good lunch and then a fascinating spin on the history of World War 1 delivered by Col (Rtd Tony Ward)

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On the 20th October a superb evening Quiz was held with 76 participants, raising funds for Child of Hope in Uganda. Rotarians from around the area were joined by local Church Members and £1,050 was raised through the ticket price, the raffle and the drinks profit. And it was fun !

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A great sing-along was organised by Joy at Hydon Hill where the residents thoroughly enjoyed some "good ole' songs" and joined in lustily.

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September and October have been busy with Speakers from The Clock House, a talk on Beekeeping, a good clarification of what climate change is and how it can be monitored through tree growth (Alice Holt staff member explaining), and an inspirational talk by Lizzie from RNIB, while Breakfast Members heard from the Chair of Governors and the Head at Rodborough School and from a National Trust specialist on Dapdune Wharf.

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In early September we had Dickson Ntigwa as a Speaker and his devotion and passionate support of the oppressed and abused in Kenya was impressive.  Much can be done with micro-funding so the women can support themselves and their families.

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We are always grateful to have a pitch at the local National Trust Open Day and we had a stand to raise awareness of Rotary and promote the pending Charity Cyclathon.

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In July we received the District Governor, David Easton who briefed us on his vision for the Rotary Year.... and into the future

Our President and President Elect, listen carefully

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 On 30th June we handed over to our new President, Clive Graham

         The retiring President, Heather Pollard kindly hosted an afternoon tea party in her garden, enjoyed by                 Members, their spouses and some friends.  Thank you Heather and Derek for your hospitality.

                     Heather also inducted a new Member, Graham Kimber.  Welcome Graham.

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Throught the year, we have helped with many activities at Hydon Hill

This is our biggest Service Commitment to the local ciommunity although there are several other local projects too.  We now help in two different shops, have a regualr gardening session, help ar fetes and fundraisers, iformall befriend the residents, take music of various kinds to them, and generally help to raise the profile.

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Helping at the Godalming Duck Race

We joined with Godalming Woolsack Club to steward this now annual event in the heart of Godalming. Fun for all and a great way to promote what Rotary does.

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A JAIPUR LIMB FUNDRAISING EVENING

A very succesful event and an excellent Speaker, Roger White.  More details to follow when we have information about  our application for a Global Grant

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We promoted, stewarded and made a Charity Collection at the "Music in the Park"

on Sunday 27th May when "Cryin' Out Loud" entertained one and all.  The weather was very suny and dry !

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We stewarded the St George's Day Parade in Godalming

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We hosted and stewarded a showing of the Film "Breathe"

                                which is very pertinent to the End Poilio Now Campaign.  Have YOU seen it?

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A Wood Chipper for Hydon Hill

Our Club collected funds before Christmas for Hydon Hill Cheshire Home and the Dan Eley Foundation, thanks to the generosity of Waitrose for donating the space on their forecourt. The Hydon Hill element has been put towards the purchase of a Wood Chipper for their use in the wooded gardens, kindly assisted by some funds from Godalming Woolsack. Thak you Com/Voc committee for organising it.

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Burns Night

Guildford Chantries Rotary Club hosted a Burns Night at the Wilfrid Noyce Centre in Godalming and nine of our Club Members attended, together with their spouses.  The food was delicious, the Piper excellent, the address to the haggis was incomprehensible for most of us !  and the poetry of Robert Burns similarly so !  However, we thoroughly enoyed ourselves, all wearing  our at least token nod towards the tartan, and some happy ceilidh dancing to the music of an excellent band completed the  evening.

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We welcome another new Member

Early in January  we welcomed Ian Kent as a new Member.  Ian had been attending several lunch and breakfast meetings i late 2017, and could no longer resist the urge to become a Rotarian !  Ian joins our Community and Vocational team and will be a valued Member.

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We enjoy a sociable Christmas lunch

West Surrey Golf Club prepared and served a delicious Christmas lunch on a Saturday in December.  Many Members attended with their spouses, and we were delighted to welcome some widows of past Members. A raffle raised some funds, and table quizzes stimulated some excitable conversations !

and a similarly festive Christmas breakfast

Breakfast Members joined together early on a chilly December Friday at a warm and welcoming Hectors on the Wey for Peter Hectors great british breakfast.  Cheers !

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Our President lays a wreath for Remembrance

Heather Pollard particpated in the Godalming Remembrance Sunday Parade, alongside the Woolsack President Joani Custance. They laid wreaths at the Godalming War Memorial to signify our remembrance and gratitude for thos who have died in wars, and to protect us from harm.

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Rotary in Godalming helps again at the Town Fireworks spectacular

On 3rd November many Rotarians helped with the Stewarding and torch lighting and parade duties, to make a really enjoyable evening, safer, happier and cost effective for ticket purchasers.

Our two Presidents helped lead the parade, together with the Deputy Town Mayor.

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Godalming Rotary and Godalming Woolsack Rotary Clubs work together, launching a new local event - the Godalming Cyclathon.

Led very ably by Rtn Clive Graham and a good team, each with their own element to organise, this joint Club venture was launched and successfully executed on 30th September 2017.  To be repeated in 2018 and thereafter....

Substantial funds were raised for the Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice,  and the Kent Surrey and Sussex Air Ambulance.  Participating riders and the teams they represented had a fun time, and were driven by a competitive spirit and some good prizes.  Our huge thanks to our sponsors, and to the Godalming Fitness Club in the High Street, who hosted the event.

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We welcome a New Member

at a lunchtime meeting held at Godalming and Farncombe Bowls Club

On 12th September Godalming Club Members gathered at the Bowls Club where we enjoyed a delicious spread of sandowches and cakes before receiving friendly and supportive guidance from Roger Humphrey and Peter Brown, Club Presiednt and Coach, in the art of bowling.  The sun came out and all enjoyed their visit.  We also welcomed our newest Member, Liz Leah, who looked quite professional when she "had a go".

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Live Local Love Winkworth  3rd September

Club Members were out in force at Winkworth for the National Trust (free) event to promote the forthcoming Cyclathon Event  on 30th September in Godalming High Street.  They gacve out lots of flyers, and information on Rotary from their new branded Gazebo, purchased with the help pf a District Grant.

They collected donations despite heavy rain, and also provided a food oputlet near to the lake near the former lower car park.

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18th August. Our monthly Breakfast Meeting

We met as usual at Hectors on the Wey for a delicious Breakfast with excellent, lively company.  Even though it is a "holiday month" for many we still had 18 people including Rotarians from Godalming,  Godalming Woolsack, and Haslemere Clubs,  plus some prospective Rotary Members. Plus naturally - wonderful Peter Hector, currently President of Guildford Chantries.  Thank you Peter for always looking after us so well.

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4th August 2017  Visit from DG James Onions

A very informative and stimulating talk from James Onions when he visited our Club. As the Golf Club were unable to host us on that day, we were also holding the meeting at Hydon Hill Cheshire Home which we support with various volunteering roles, as part of our Community Service.

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11th July 2017  Visit from Oostburg Rotary

It is with much pleasure that our Cub received four Members from the Oostburg Club, Zealand, Netherlands :- Will Hoefnagels, Bert Timmermans, Alexander Geyssens  and Guus Jasper.  In friendship, we enjoyed conversations over a good lunch.

Later Guus explained to the Club that formal large Cluib visits were becoming impractical and that a 'lighter touch' was more achievable. Indivisual relationships would always continue, as would the exchange of Newslettersd, greetings and best wishes

We sent our very cordial greetings to all Members of their Club and thanked pur visitors for coming.

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5th July 2017  Club Young Musician Competition. 

See Youth Activities page

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New Year, New President

Every Rotary Club across the world welcomes in on 1st July a new Club President for the year. The role is not about personalities but continuity and forward planning, delivering 'Service to Others' through community projects and up-holding Rotary values.

Thanks to past Presidents, Godalming Rotary Club is in good shape with growing membership. The incoming President Heather Pollard, promised that with care and diligence the Club would be passed on to Clive Graham, President Elect for 2018/19, in an equally positive position.

Vivien Gillman, outgoing President, recognised the outstanding and substantial contribution that Daniel Eley makes through his Foundation, to young people in Colombia and in Waverley.  Godalming Rotary Club expressed their appreciation by recognising  Dan as a Paul Harris Fellow.

Godalming Rotary Bandstand Concert - 28th May 2017

The audience at the beginning of this concert were asked to show their solidarity with Manchester, after the terror attack at the Ariana Grande Concert, as one community to another. 

They responded with rousing applause, signifying that 'love makes us better people.' !

In Manchester the music plays on as it did for Godalming's Music in the Park, even if it did pour with rain!

The Salts were brilliant as was the audience, and we sold lots of cups of tea.  HP.

Godalming Musical Fireworks Evening with Torchlight Procession 

4th November 2016

Local community involvement helps make this sparkling event go with a bang!

Volunteers from many local Organizations including both Godalming Rotary Clubs and the Godalming District Scouts all donned Hi Vis jackets to supervise the safety of the Public as they enjoyed this extravaganza.  

Music from the Movies matched a dazzling firework display. The sky was a backdrop for vivid explosive shapes that burst into millions of colours.

A comment from a young nine-year-old discerning customer - ‘That was amazing, the best firework display, ever!’  

Praise indeed.   Well done Rotary in Godalming. 

Charter Celebration of the Club’s 80th year.

The newly opened Wilfrid Noyce Centre proved to be an excellent venue for the evening celebration  of  the Anniversary of the Club’s 80th Charter (7th September 1936).

Members and spouses were joined by Members of five other local Rotary Clubs as well as the representatives of our two twin Clubs, Aire-sur-la-Lys  and Oostburg.  The  1930s themed evening celebrated this major milestone by presenting 1930s themed food, preceded by cider and sherry rather than the usual reception drinks.  The food was cooked and served by staff who had enthusiastically thrown themselves into the spirit of the evening by dressing as Land Girls, and many of the guests attending had embraced the fun and adopted a dress code with a nod towards the decade. One Member’s spouse even came as Al Capone, complete with (toy) gun, ready to usher guests into the Hall. The ambience was complemented  by a  brilliant display of photographs projected onto one wall.

District Governor Frank West was an honoured guest and assisted President Vivien in cutting the birthday cake and Godalming Town Mayor Councillor David Hunter was also a very welcome guest.

The evening was completed  by two inspiring people:  firstly by thrilling and brilliant performances from singer Eyra Norman, who at just 16 years old stunned the audience with her clarity, power, and virtuosity.  Several folk were heard to say – “you heard her here first........”   

The other was a heart-rending but hugely motivational talk by Dan Eley, who has turned the tragedy of breaking his neck and being confined to a wheel chair, into an example of what you can do, if you are determined enough and if you think of others instead of yourself. 

A perfect example of “Service Above Self”.

New President Handover

On 2nd July 2016 the Manor House Hotel in Godalming was the venue for an afternoon tea, in true “Ritz” style, complete with music brilliantly performed by a string quartet from The Royal Grammar School. 

Guests included the President of the Inner Wheel, spouses of Members, the family of the outgoing President, John Reid,  and a representative of The Prostate Project who received a cheque for the charity, raised by some of the Club Members undertaking a sponsored walk. 

The Club’s thanks were expressed to John Reid for the excellent Rotary year just finishing, and his promotion of various activities in which the Club had participated.

John handed over the badge of office to new President, Vivien Gillman, and offered his best wishes for her forthcoming year.