Local News
Letter: Local Government Reorganisation Secures Central Government Control
From Jim Allen In response to: Some Councillors Will Have a Bonanza Year The reorganisation of our local government is going to be a very expensive exercise and extra councillor allowances will play only a small part. There will need to be new offices, new logos, new contracts, and perhaps most sign...
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Man Jailed Following Vehicle Thefts Totalling £300,000
A man has been jailed for four years and six months following an investigation into the handling of stolen vehicles across Surrey, Sussex and Kent, as well as the supply of Class A drugs. A police investigation began in January 2023 after a vehicle registered to Peter Tullett, 24, from Godstone, was...
Letter: Proportional Representation Is Essential To Restore Democratic Legitimacy
From Andy Berriman In response to: First Past the Post Still Has Its Merits Patrick Bray writes that we live in a “time where a huge swath of votes are cast not as a choice for an option but as a protest”. I would ask: where does this discontent come from? This trend is a […] The post Letter: ...
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Volunteer and Make a Difference: Roles Available Now
Here are a selection of latest volunteer roles being promoted by Voluntary Action South West Surrey. Home-Start Guildford is looking for a speaker to deliver a session on tech safety for families Home-Start Guildford is looking to invite a knowledgeable and engaging guest speaker or trainer to deliv...
Guildford’s MP Welcomes Expected New Leader
By Martin Giles The Liberal Democrat MP for Guildford has welcomed her party colleague Paul Follows as the elected leader of West Surrey Shadow Council. He is expected to be elected leader at the inaugural meeting of the new council on Thursday (May 21) in Millmead. See also: Waverley’s Lib Dem Co...
Birdwatcher’s Diary No.349
By Malcolm Fincham The weather remained largely settled in south-eastern regions of the UK during the first weeks of May. And when the sun shone temperatures rose to suit. However, a northerly breeze kept temperatures mostly below average during my local walks about the Surrey countryside. A trip ou...
Highways Bulletin: Let’s Walk to School!
The information for this bulletin comes from Surrey County Council and is written by them. See interactive map here. Report potholes and highway issues here. It’s Walk to School Week! May marks the beginning of Walk to School Week, and there’s no better way to celebrate walking than by taking pa...
The history of Guildford Cathedral as it marks its 65th birthday
From accidentally helping the Germans during World War Two to being the setting of a horror film, Guildford Cathedral has a long and interesting history
Letter: First Past the Post Still Has Its Merits
From Patrick Bray In response to: How the Political Map Has Changed and How ‘First Past the Post’ Favoured the Lib Dems In some ways the first past the post system does function well. We should not forget that the whole point of FPTP is that we vote for the person not the party. If […] The pos...
Waverley’s Lib Dem Council Leader In Line to Lead New West Surrey Council
By Martin Giles Paul Follows has been elected as the leader of the West Surrey Shadow Council and is expected to be confirmed as council leader at the council’s inaugural meeting on May 21. He defeated Anne Marie-Barker, leader of Woking Borough Council. This article has been updated with comments...
Trans Activists Launch High Street Protest Against Sale of Harry Potter Merchandise
By David Reading Trans rights activists launched a peaceful protest outside Waterstones in Guildford this afternoon (May 16), chalking messages on the pavement to draw people’s attention to the company’s marketing of Harry Potter merchandise. Protest group Defund Transphobes says Harry Potter au...
Discover Ripley’s Shops – Past and Present
Ripley Museum’s latest exhibition is titled Shops Past and Present. And it isn’t confined to the museum, as there are 10 QR codes around the village showing pictures of the shops as they were in former times. Maps showing the shops (as seen on the poster below) will be available at the museum. R...
Guildford pub closes for refurb and will reopen with new beer garden ready for pints in the sun
The local is expected to reopen with an exciting range of carefully considered updates
Letter: Some Councillors Will Have a Bonanza Year
From Dave Middleton In response to: West Surrey Councillors To Get £19k Basic Allowance Once New Council Takes Over Given that a number of existing Surrey County Councillors who have won positions on the new shadow West Surrey Council already receive almost £15,000 basic allowance for their SCC po...
Roll Up for the Guildford Poyle Dicing Ceremony
The traditional Guildford Poyle Dicing Ceremony, previously known as Dicing for the Maid’s Money, takes place at the Guildhall at 10am on Thursday, May 21. This ceremony has been taking place in Guildford for over 300 years and was set up by the will of John How who bequeathed £400 upon his death...
I visited Guildford's Spectrum and love its new spot that's perfect for parties
There is mini-golf with a twist and some sparkly new technology
Effingham Residents’ Chair Criticises MP in Letter Feud
By Isabelle Trubshaw The chair of Effingham Residents Association (EFFRA) has publicly criticised MP Zöe Franklin (Lib Dem) over what they describe as an “unbalanced” response to Berkeley Homes’ recent withdrawal of its long-standing plans to deliver a new Howard school. The dispute arose aft...
Letter: Sir Jeremy Is Right, Voters Do Use Local Elections To Send a Message
From Angela Richardson former Conservative MP for Guildford In response to: Dragon Interview – MP Jeremy Hunt says Local Democracy Is Broken This a good interview to watch. Well done Isabelle Trubshaw on the international, national and local mix of questions. It will be interesting to see how The ...
Royal Surrey receives £2m boost to ease 'significant pressure' on cancer care services
The Royal Surrey's chemotherapy unit is 'at full capacity'
Notice: Burpham Village Fair – July 11
The 2026 Burpham Village Fair takes place on July 11 between noon and 3pm at Sutherland Memorial Park, Burpham. All the activities will be either no cost or low cost. The post Notice: Burpham Village Fair – July 11 appeared first on Guildford Dragon....