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Godalming was granted its first charter of incorporation by Elizabeth I in 1575, this being confirmed by Charles II in 1666. It remained a Royal Borough until 1974 when most of its powers and functions were transferred by the Local Government Act 1972 to the Surrey County Council (responsible for Education, Highways, Libraries, Police and Fire Services, and Social Services) and Waverley Borough Council (responsible for Environmental and Leisure Services, Housing and Planning). Waverley was a newly formed Authority in 1972 with its headquarters in the town. Godalming lies within the parliamentary constituency of South West Surrey.

Godalming Town Council now has the legal status of a Parish Council but has retained its full complement of 20 councillors and the style of “Town” on civic occasions. The 20 elected Members represent five wards within the Godalming area and following the elections in May 2003, the political composition of the Council is as follows:-

Liberal Democrats - 16 Conservative - 4

The Town Mayor is elected annually and represents the Town Council at many functions as the principal citizen of the town.

The Town Council has its offices in the Municipal Buildings in Bridge Street, adjacent to the Borough Hall and has user rights in the Waverley Council Chamber at Godalming. The ownership of the Old Town Hall (Pepperpot) lies with the Town Council.

The Town Council’s functions include the management of some 12 acres of allotment land at various sites throughout the town in addition to two cemeteries – the old cemetery at Nightingale Road (now closed) and the Eashing Cemetery in Franklyn Road, which also contains a Garden of Rest. To oversee the administration of the cemeteries the Town Council established a Joint Burial Committee that meets approximately every 13 weeks.

In 1991 the Council built the Broadwater Park Community Centre adjacent to the John Stanley Jeffries Swimming Pool and other recreational facilities at that location. The Community Centre is used by a varied cross section of organisations and individuals and is proving to be a major asset to the community. The Town Council has a number of other roles, one of the most important of which is to foster and encourage a sense of community in the Town and commenting on planning applications submitted to Waverley Borough Council (the planning authority). In addition to the Planning & Environment Committee (which meets approximately every 3 weeks) the Town Council has established other committees viz: Council Management & External Relations (which meets approximately every 6 weeks) and Policy & Resources (which meets approximately every 6 weeks). The Full Council meets every 13 weeks and still upholds the old tradition by wearing ceremonial dress.

All Council and Committee meetings commence at 6.30 pm and members of the public are welcome to attend and permitted to submit statements and/or ask questions.

The Town Council has been instrumental in the pedestrianisation of the High Street, which is now closed to traffic from 10.00 am to 4.00 pm on Saturdays and the Council is always seeking new ways in which it can help to foster and encourage the town’s community spirit.

Town Clerk: Louise P. Goodfellow MA CPFA
Address: Municipal Buildings, Bridge Street, Godalming, Surrey GU7 1HR.
Telephone: 01483 523575 Facsimile: 01483 523077
Website: www.godalming-tc.gov.uk

Whilst every care has been taken in compiling this publication and the statements contained herein are believed to be correct, the publishers and promoters cannot accept responsibility for any inaccuracies. Reproduction of any part of this publication in any format, without permission, is strictly forbidden. Photographs by: Mr Roger Browne, Mr Ron Head, Mr K R Powell & Mr John Young.