Guildford YMCA - An Illustrated History

Following months of painstaking research by Helen Chapman Davies, local historian, we are delighted to announce that the definitive history of Guildford YMCA is now available in print.

Starting with just a box full of old documents and folders, Helen got to work using her wide knowledge of local history and sources of information to delve deeper into the Y's past, and her hard work has resulted in a very readable account of the YMCA's journey through many years around Guildford.

And indeed, it has travelled - though ironically, the Bridge Street hostel is just across the river from the building that housed YMCA offices early in the 20th century.

We are also indebted to many people for their help in tracking down details and photographs.

For example an item by David Rose in the Surrey Advertiser led Priscilla Jones of Farncombe to contact us and show us a diary kept by her great great grandfather, Mr Charles Candlin, in the 1870s. It is an illuminating record of his active involvement in the Guildford Young Mens' Christian Association - in existence several years earlier than previously realised.

The 72 page booklet (A5 format) has 24 black and white illustrations with full colour cover. It is available for £4.99. Please add £1 for post and packing.

You may apply online to admin@guildfordymca.org.uk and send a cheque, made payable to Guildford YMCA, to:

Mrs C McSween
Guildford YMCA
Bridge Street
Guildford, Surrey
GU1 4SB
Tel 01483 532555 ext 505

Alternatively, copies are available in Reception at Bridge Street or at Midwey House, Wharf Road.