He was, quite literally, the spy who came in from the cold.

Not the fictional one created by John le Carré in his novel of the same name, later turned in to an award-winning film starring Richard Burton and Claire Bloom.

The one sitting huddled by the inglenook fireplace at the Merry Harriers on a chilly winter’s day was a genuine Cold War spy whose escape to the West was as daring as any espionage book plot – a Russian KGB colonel turned double agent.

Village residents joined with many others from across the Godalming, Busbridge and Hambledon Minster to say farewell to its rector, Rev Simon Taylor, as he and his family leave after almost 15 years.

At a packed service at Godalming Minster on Sunday (Jan 5^th), Simon spoke with great fondness of his time serving the local church community, while others spoke of his achievements and challenges. He was given a big round of applause, and cakes, coffees and sparkling wine were served. Among other pieces of music, the Minster Choir gave a rendition of Handel’s Zadok the Priest.

As the Hambledon Festival Committee announces a record amount raised for good causes over this year’s fete and ball weekend, it is timely to remember a very special village resident who helped start it all.

Many will have been deeply saddened to hear of the death of Sue Blackman who, along with husband Arthur (Ginge), has done so much for the benefit our village and its many activities. Her funeral service will be at St Peter’s Church next Tuesday (Sept 10^th) at 2pm.

It was Sue and Ginge who, in 2006, came up with the idea of making greater use of the fete marquee by organising the first-ever Hambledon Gala Ball, to take place in the evening once the biennial fete had been packed away.

Hambledon’s scheduled bus service comes to an end this Friday, with the final departure leaving Lane End at 9.15am. It will then take its route through the village – with stops at the hall, Woodlands Road, the Merry Harriers and Hydestile Crossroads – for the very last time.

It brings to end a service which, in various forms, has been in operation since before the Second World War. It will be replaced by an on-demand service beginning next Monday (Sept 2).

Up until the late 1970s the service was a mainstay for workers, shoppers and schoolchildren, an often-crowded bus travelling through the village eight times a day in each direction.

The axing of the 503 also brings to end a long campaign by Hambledon Parish Council to keep the route going. In recent years the service, operated by Stagecoach but heavily subsidised by Surrey County Council, was much reduced in frequency, just three times a week, twice in each direction. However, it was still used by villagers who didn’t drive or who had given up driving.

A good friend to Hambledon Shop and its customers has completed his final stint behind the Post Office counter and is preparing to leave for pastures new.

Alan Brien, a qualified post master, helped out at the shop in its earlier days, assisting Jane Woolley who had trained to become its first Post Mistress along with John Tidmarsh, who trained as a volunteer.

Then, eleven years ago, Alan was appointed to be a part of a new management team. They were known as the “Three As” – Alan, along with Amanda Wright and Alison Wilson.

He stayed in this role for two years followed by a gradual hand-over of his duties to a new manager. However, he has always remained “on-call”, driving up from his Storrington, West Sussex, home when needed and has been a highly valued member of the shop staff.

He was part of the Post Office team, headed by Alison Wilson, who jointly received the Post Office Community Service Award in 2015.

Last Saturday was his last shift. A friendly and much-liked man, his good nature and efficiency will be missed.

He is moving with his wife to the small market town of Malton in North Yorkshire, where her family come from.

“I have really enjoyed working in the shop and will miss the many people I have got to know”, said Alan. “It is a job I have loved, but the time is right for us to consider where we need to be in retirement. We are regular visitors to Malton because of our family connections and we are looking forward to it”.

Alan departs with the thanks and best wishes from the people of Hambledon.

Hambledon will go to the polls next month and residents have an opportunity to vote for their parish councillors.

This vital role for our village and its administration requires seven members. Two current councillors are standing down and five are standing again.

Two more candidates are needed for the parish council to be at full strength, and at least three if there is to be a contested election.

Nominations close at 4pm on Tuesday (April 4th) when signed and witnessed forms must be submitted by appointment at Waverley council officers.

This is the final call for people to come forward. All details and assistance can be provided by Hambledon Parish Clerk Catherine Russell at parishclerk@hambledonsurrey.co.uk

Hambledon admirably demonstrated its community spirit with a range of seasonal events in the build-up to Christmas 2022.

It also bade a sad but fond farewell to Martin Thompson, who completed his final day at the village shop on Christmas Eve. His knowledge, experience, commitment and friendship has been invaluable and he and Karen Barbato will be greatly missed.

Festivities began with Carols at The Merry Harriers on December 15th, where regular customers, families and friends were joined by members of the congregation of St Peter’s Church for rousing renditions of festive favourites. Associate vicar Simon Willetts featured on keyboard with Lisa Olsworth-Peter leading the singing.