The long campaign to keep the 503, Hambledon’s only bus service, looks to be over as Surrey County Council has confirmed it is to be scrapped at the start of September next year.

The route, which connects the village to shops, surgeries and rail and bus links further afield, is operated by Stagecoach under contract to Surrey County Council which heavily-subsidises the 503 and many other rural routes. The council needs to make savings.

The 503 starts at Lane End, Hambledon, and runs through the village to Hydestile, Milford, Godalming and Guildford.

It has been under threat since 2011, but Hambledon Parish Council campaigned to keep the service going and it survived three successive bus reviews.

On those occasions no alternative was proposed and the village would have been left with no bus. This time, however, it is different.

It’s that time of year when those of us who have horses and other livestock, would love your help to keep them safe around Guy Fawkes night. Last year with your support and everyone’s diligence in the village, we were extremely thankful that none of us had any accidents or vets visits (some will remember we had a horse that nearly died from being spooked by fireworks in 2021). So please, again this year, we ask for your help to publicise and perhaps educate those who are not aware of the inherent risk from fireworks being set off near horses and livestock. It really can cause terrible tragedy. There are several stables in the village, that due to the current mild weather, have horses, including foals out at night in the fields. We really appreciate your support again.

Thank you on behalf of all the horses and livestock owners Sarah Morris (Hydon Farm) and Julie Davis (Daremead)

Hambledon Village Christmas Party
Saturday 2nd December 2023
@TheVillageHall

The Hambledon Village Christmas Party will be held at the Village Hall from 8pm on Saturday 2nd December. Tickets are £20 each. There will be live music from The Likeness, grazing boards (included in the ticket price) and a licensed bar. Join us for a great party! All proceeds will be donated in memory of Charlie Cosser to support his dad‘s work in local schools. Tickets can be purchased at hambledonfestival.co.uk.

Hambledon Midsummer Festival
21st to 23rd June 2024
@TheCricketGreen

SAVE THE DATES!

Friday 21st June 6.00pm to 10.00pm – Jazz On The Green

(Tickets on sale from 10am 15th January 2024)

Saturday 22nd June 12.00pm to 4.30pm – Hambledon Village Traditional Summer Fete

Saturday 22nd June 7.00pm 12am – Hambledon Village Midsummer Ball

(Tables on sale from 10am 15th January 2024)

Sunday 23rd June AM – Church Service On The Green

Sunday 23rd June AM – Classic Transport Rally

Hambledon friends of Philip Underwood and The Rev John Postill will have been saddened to hear of their recent deaths. Their families have agreed to the village website posting details of funeral and thanksgiving service arrangements.

Both made a considerable contribution to community life in Hambledon and we include tributes further down in this article.

The life of John Postill will be celebrated at a thanksgiving service at Busbridge Church at 2pm on Saturday October 21^st.

Philip Underwood’s funeral will take place at St Peter’s, Hambledon, on Tuesday October 24^th at 11.30am. To help with numbers, it would be appreciated if you could respond to the following email address if you are planning on attending – pju2023@underwood.me.uk

We’re about to start setting up for the art fair and are very excited knowing what beautiful work is going to be displayed – paintings, lino cuts, photography, ceramics and jewellery. Come along for a feast for the eyes, some delicious homemade cake and the chance to buy an original artwork. Perhaps that very special Christmas present! We’re looking forward to welcoming everyone to what will be a beautifully transformed Village Hall.

Waverley hoppa Community Transport is offering free travel on the Godalming hoppa Shoppa service between 9.30am and 2pm from 1 October to 31 March 2024.

The service can be used by anybody of any age who lives in the Godalming area and who does not have access to any other transport.

All buses are fully wheelchair accessible.

This Sunday we are celebrating our pets at the first Hambledon outdoor pet service. We can’t wait to meet your Misty/Fido/Patch/Apollo… all creatures great and small are welcome! The Muddy Church team will be joining Simon Willetts to lead the service outside in the church yard (we thought it probably best to avoid congestion in the aisle!) and coffee, squash and croissants will the shared at the end.  Please keep dogs on a short lead, exotic pets in their cages and shy or tetchy ones at home. You could always bring a picture of them.  The “service” will last about 30 mins.