The annual May Day celebration of the coming of summer was held again yesterday (Saurturday, May 2) in Guildford. Pilgrim Morris dancers hosted traditional friends for the Summerpole to be raised on the Castle Green. On a suitably sunny day, “sides” (as Morris dancing teams are called)…

Comment: Who Will You Vote For and Why?

By Martin Giles “The unitary authority scheme truly marks the end of local politics and representation. Central government has really taken control of every arm of politics now. Very sad.” So wrote a friend of mine who, like me, had attended the Onslow Village-organised hustings on Tuesday…

Candidate Profiles – Guildford Area – West Surrey Council Elections, 7 May 2026

By Hugh Coakley The Guildford Dragon NEWS has compiled profiles for all candidates for the West Surrey Council elections on May 7 based on questions we asked the candidates. How did the candidates in your area respond to the questions? We asked them to respond to the…

Councillors Disagree Over ‘Prison Block’ Premier Inn Planning Proposal

By Chris Caulfield local democracy reporter A “monolithic” four-storey block “akin to a prison block at Broadmoor” will tower over the gateway to Farnham, a councillor said, after plans for a hotel on the former Beefeater site were approved. In its place will stand a new 74-bed…

No Trifling Matter: Magpie Trapped in Godalming Sainsbury’s

By Daisy Edwards A magpie with a fondness for sausage rolls, ham and trifle has been trapped in the Sainsbury’s superstore in Godalming, it is said, since April 19. Magpies are protected in the UK under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, so it is illegal for…

Witness Appeal Following Effingham Robbery

Surrey Police are appealing for witnesses following a robbery in Effingham.  Officers have been made aware of a report of a robbery that took place around 5.40pm on Wednesday, April 22, on Lower Road, Effingham. Three men in a white van approached the victim while they were…

Freedom of Worplesdon Bestowed on Parish Stalwart Mary Broughton

Worplesdon Parish Council has bestowed Mary Broughton with the honour of Freeman of Worplesdon. It being the highest honour the parish can bestow. The parish council says Mary gives a strong and continuing commitment to Worplesdon – by being a major contributor to parish life with her…

Can You Create a Jekyll-inspired, Prize-winning Scarecrow?

By Martin Giles If you can design a scarecrow that beats off the competition you could be in with a chance to win £100 in two free-to-enter competitions, one for adults and one for children. To mark Guildford Museum’s exhibition, Gertrude Jekyll in Surrey, Guildford in Bloom…

Player Who Helped Flames’ ‘Physical Presence’ in Matches Retained

Flames have re-signed Canadian defenceman Jonathan Racine. The 6’2”, 200lb player joined the club back in December, bringing a physical presence…

Castle Green Bowlers Start Their New Season and You Can Join This Friendly Club

By Martin Giles (video editing Esme Campbell) Castle Green Bowling Club is starting a new season and is looking for new…

Dragon Interview: Claire Whitehouse, Green Party, West Surrey Council Election Candidate

Dragon editor Martin Giles invited leading representative candidates from all the political parties standing in the Guildford wards for the new…

Dragon Interview: George Potter, Liberal Democrat, West Surrey Council Election Candidate

Dragon editor Martin Giles invited leading representative candidates from all the political parties standing in the Guildford wards for the new…