The Mayor of Guildford’s Charity Calendar Launch
It is always a pleasure to see the creative side of my home town of Guildford and this weekend has been a joy on that score. Following the launch of Guildford Festival of the Arts, co-founded by my Daughter Charlie, I was also invited to the launch of the Mayor of Guildford’s 2026 Charity Calendar, in which Charlie was also involved as a judge of the final selection, as was my Friend from BBC Surrey – Mark Carter DL and my PR and Media Advisor Andy. The thirteen images selected, (one for each month and one for the cover), were revealed dramatically at ‘Art & Grind’ a fabulous art themed Cafe situated opposite the Holy Trinity and St. Mary’s Church on Guildford High street.
The stunning images – all taken in the Guildford area and around 100 initially, were chosen from entries to the Mayor’s photography competition, organised by the Guildford Photographic Society. The Mayor of Guildford – Howard Smith, who came up with the idea to raise funds for his four chosen charities, Phyllis Tuckwell, The Cheryl King Trust, Guildford Shakespeare Company and The Mayor of Guildford’s Local Support Fund said at the event; “There were so many wonderful entries that the judges had an incredibly difficult task selecting the final collection. This calendar is a celebration of Guildford Borough’s natural beauty, captured through the lens of our talented local photographers. I hope others will be as captivated by these images as we were, and enjoy them day by day through this stylish and practical family calendar. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who helped bring this project to life.” the Mayor continued “I’m especially grateful to the Guildford Photographic Society for organising the competition and to the judges for their expertise and thoughtful choices. Thanks to our generous sponsors every penny raised will go directly to my chosen charities.”
As High Sheriff I was there to help with the reveal which I am pleased to say added a touch of theatre to the proceedings – appropriately so during the Festival of the Arts. The evening continued with a lovely reception hosted by Art and Grind and lots of calendars being sold! The calendar is available for £10 and can be purchased online, at the Guildford Tourist Information Centre, Art & Grind, and Paper Moon bookshop.
Photos by Andy Newbold
