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Guildford Guildhall

What's on at the Guildhall

Coffee Time Talks

Coffee time talks

Coffee Time Talk this Thursday 6 February is now fully booked.

Join us, on the first Thursday of most months for an informative but relaxed talk on topics of local interest. This is a chance to meet with other people for coffee and chat followed by the talk. All talks are free but voluntary donations are welcome.

Pre-book your place by emailing heritageservices@guildford.gov.uk or call 01483 444751.

Times: Doors open at 10.30am. Talks start at 11am and last for 50 minutes


Gertrude Jekyll and Munstead Wood: the home of the 'artist-gardener'

This event is now fully booked

Date: Thursday 6 February 

National Trust Curator Dr Caroline Ikin will explore Jekyll's contribution to art, craft, and gardening through the home she created at Munstead Wood. Dr Ikin will share research undertaken as the house and garden are restored and Jekyll's legacy reappraised. 

This event is now fully booked.

Hugh_Mothersole_house_Munstead_Wood

Image: ©National Trust/Hugh Mothersole 


Sixty Years On 

Date: Thursday 6 March 

The 1960s were a decade of change in Britain and Guildford, and our Royal Grammar School epitomised the battle between old and new. This true, and often amusing, story is told by ex-pupil Keith Browning, an eyewitness to the turmoil. 

 RGS Guildford Old School

Image: © Keith Browning 


Exploring My Local Railways 

Date: Thursday 10 April 

To mark 200 years of the modern railway local historian Alan Norris will be tracing the development of railways in west Surrey where there is a multiplicity of lines. The talk will include objects from the early railways which can still be seen in situ. 

local railways


William Harvey, Ladies Wear Specialist 

Date: Thursday 1 May 

Nick Bale, Chairman of the Friends of Guildford Museum, will talk about William Harvey a key public figure locally in the first half of the 20th century. He founded Harvey's of Guildford department store and was an active mayor of Guildford leaving an enduring legacy in the form of Guildford Lido. 


The Red Rover Stagecoach 

Date: Thursday 5 June 

In the heyday of horse-drawn coaches in the 1800s, the Red Rover Stagecoach travelled daily from London to Southampton, changing horses at a network of coaching inns. When residents in Normandy told John Squier they remembered seeing the coach in the 1950s, he had to find out more.