The eighth AGM of the Surrey Hills Society took place on 29th October in Godalming. More than 40 members listened carefully to Neil Maltby, the President of the Society, who opened the meeting. This was followed by a detailed report from the Chairman, Chris Howard, about the Society’s achievements and work over the past 12 months. A huge amount of things have happened and all the Committee members, Trustees, active volunteers and Society members were given a very big

“THANK YOU”!!!

The Meeting Minutes and Chairman’s report will be shortly available on the website under News/AGMs for you to read.

An interesting walk to hidden areas of Newdigate and a visit to the Mill Cottage Garden. The guides from Newdigate History Society were very knowledgeable and local historian John Calcutt created such a fascinating talk that it took us much longer than planned to get to the wonderful refreshments that crowned the evening.

Enthousiastic Society members commented:

“Having lived at Ewood for 32 years, I found this outing fascinating and learnt so much about the area. To finish the evening at the Surrey Oak was the icing on the cake.”

“Very interesting – could have done with torches! Fascinating hidden area of Surrey. Good historical/industrial information!”

“Wonderful homemade sausage rolls and Pimms (courtesy of the Richards, SHS members) at Ewood Stables!”

Enthousiastic SHS members thanked our specialist and praised her knowledge:

“Pamela has got the level of detail just right. I don’t need to know which sub-species of which latin name it is, I just like to know the common name.”

“I’ve lived in Surrey for many years but never visited the Sheepleas. I’ll certainly be coming back.”

“Two more of Surrey’s hidden gems. I didn’t know either of these existed!” exclaimed many of the participants to this fabulous afternoon. The weather was with the visitors and made the Patchworking gardens to look at their best.  We were privileged to be invited by Lady Wedgwood to her gardens and into Pixham Mill. He was very interesting and kind guide. Her gardens were destroyed by 2013 flooding and have fortunately recovered magnificently.

The Society members enjoyed an exclusive visit to Waverley Abbey House followed by an exploration of the stunning ruins of Waverley Abbey. Many enthousiastics commented the visit afterwards: “So interesting! I had not been to this area before.” “I had no idea about this fascinating place!”

SHS Chairman with Mayor and Mayoress of Farnham at Waverley Abbey House

“What treasures hidden so close to the metropolis! An excellent explanation of the church painting and the church itself. The house was absolutely fascinating and so generous of the owners to show us round. A huge thank you!”

“The group much enjoyed a tour of Winkworth Arboretum with and expert guide who kept all enthralled with the vast names and variety of wonderful trees. A spectacular afternoon and the rain held off! The sound of bird song was quite lovely in a peaceful environment. Thanks to all for organising the visit and to our wonderful National Trust guide Daniel. A return visit is a must.” Gilly Coombes

“I didn’t realise that Oak trees could look like Poplars! So many Champion trees in one garden.”

“A great day with lots of new faces! Banstead has beautiful open spaces and a lot of character. We were very fortunate to still have the bluebells out on the day and glorious weather as well. It was great to be walking and discovering an area which is new to the Surrey Hills Society.”

Our walk-leader Pete Lambert