Retiring Town Guides Clock Up A Total of 90 Years’ Service

Published on: 9 Feb, 2016
Updated on: 9 Feb, 2016

Four of Guildford’s town guides are retiring after leading walks uncovering Guildford’s heritage for a combined 90 years between them.

Daphne Padfield, Gill Williams, Tessa Johnson and Diana Cobbett have been volunteering as town guides for a total of 90 years.

Gill and Tessa have been taking thousands of visitors on walks exploring the town’s heritage since the mid-1980s, while Daphne has spent the last 20 years leading tours for the public uncovering some of Guildford’s best kept secrets.

For the past seven years Diana has been providing walking tours that show and explain the town’s history.

Some of the Guildford Town Guides pictured with the the mayor at the reception at the Guildhall.

The voluntary guides’ service was celebrated at the town guides reception on February 3 at the Guildhall.

The Mayor of Guildford, Nikki Nelson-Smith, said: “I would like to thank all of our town guides, particularly those retiring, for their dedicated service over the years bringing buildings and landmarks alive with their colourful tales and local knowledge.

“Guildford Town Guides have been uncovering Guildford’s rich and historic heritage for more than 30 years. The volunteers offer tours of the town to share their rich knowledge of history, architecture and local literary influences such as Lewis Carroll.”

Themed walks are available on ghosts and legends, kings, worthies and scoundrels and made in Guildford.

The guides also take part in special events throughout the year and offer tailored tours for the Guildford Summer Festival, Heritage Open Weekend and Alan Turing’s birthday.

The tours are free and can also be arranged to suit school groups. For a small donation, group bookings can be organised. The first public walk this year is on Sunday, May 1.

For more information go to www.guildfordwalks.org.uk.