Events

Brief Encounters – Jeff Thomson explains Guildford’s literary link followed by tea

21st January 2025, 14:30 - 17:00

 

 

Brief Encounters

Tuesday 21 January 2025

2.30 pm – 5 pm

 

 

 

 

For over 40 years, the Village Institute in Pound Place was at the centre of Shalford Village life until it burnt down in 1961. After intense fund raising, the current Village Hall rose from the ashes and opened on the Christmas Hill site in November 1964.

The land on which the Halls stand was donated by the later Edgar C Wigan in 1962. Over the years, the Main Hall was enlarged to provide the Club rooms and the Small Hall which is now occupied by the Parish Council.

Brief Encounters is a fascinating illustrated talk and was extremely popular at the Guildford Book Festival last year. Jeff Thomson has kindly agreed to do this special talk for the Surrey Hills Society.

Many well-known authors have brushed up against the town at pivotal moments in their lives. P G Wodehouse was born here – George Bernard Shaw lived in Guildford (albeit briefly) – so too did Mark Twain.

Jeff explains how Agatha Christie, poet Wilfred Owen and TV cook Fanny Cradock – and others – have had key Brief Encounters with the town.

He doesn’t forget Lewis Carroll – and what happened to young Alice Liddell in later life? Jeff is a fount of knowledge about his subject, and we guarantee you will discover some fascinating lesser-known facts about Guildford’s literary past.

After Jeff’s talk there will be tea and cakes to enjoy.

The hall has wheelchair access and disabled toilets, so those with mobility issues are most welcome.

No dogs please.

The cost for the day will be £9 for members and £12 for non-members which includes tea and cakes.  Please note any dietary requirements in the comments box when booking.

Deadline for booking 14 January 2025

Any enquiries please contact us at info@surreyhillssociety.org.

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