Guildford Nurses Roll Dice in Historic 300 Year Old Town Tradition
A Historic Ceremony at the Heart of Guildford
Guildford's rich heritage was brought to life once again inside the historic, wood-panelled walls of the town’s civic chambers. The annual Guildford Poyle Dicing Ceremony saw two of our dedicated local nurses go head-to-head in a unique ritual that dates back more than three centuries. Anne Hope and Jenny Watkins, both esteemed healthcare professionals at the Royal Surrey County Hospital, took up the dice under the watchful eye of the town's Mayor. This fascinating event preserves a legacy left by two historic local benefactors, John How, who passed away in 1676, and John Parsons, who died in 1703. Originally established to distribute charitable funds to a “maid of good report” working within the town, the ceremony has evolved beautifully over the years. Today, it serves as a prestigious platform to recognise and reward those who provide exceptional care to our community. The atmospheric setting, steeped in Surrey history, reminds local residents of the deep-rooted philanthropic spirit that has defined Guildford for generations, bridging the gap between our seventeenth-century origins and the tireless public service of today.
Honouring Our Hardworking Healthcare Heroes
The spotlight of this year's ceremony shone brightly on the Royal Surrey County Hospital, an institution that serves patients across Guildford, Woking, and East Horsley. Anne Hope, the lead nurse at the hospital’s busy cancer centre, and Jenny Watkins, the lead nurse for the safeguarding adult team, represented the thousands of local NHS staff who keep our families safe. In a charming and unusual twist of tradition, the participant who actually loses the dice throw is awarded a slightly higher sum from the charitable trust. For Jenny Watkins, celebrating her landmark fiftieth year of service in the NHS, the event was a deeply emotional milestone. Both nurses expressed immense pride in being officially named “Maids of Guildford,” a title that carries centuries of local respect. This recognition highlights the invaluable contribution of our healthcare workers, especially those operating in high-pressure roles like oncology and adult safeguarding. By celebrating these modern-day heroes through ancient customs, the town of Guildford ensures that the dedication of its essential workers is never forgotten, fostering a strong sense of pride and mutual support throughout the wider borough.
Preserving Our Heritage and Supporting the Community
Beyond the charm of rolling dice, this historic ceremony prompts us to think about how we preserve the character of Guildford today. Just as trustees carefully maintain the ancient Guildhall and its historic relics, local homeowners continue to invest heavily in preserving the beauty of our local housing stock. From the historic cottages in Shalford to modern developments, maintaining our properties is a key part of keeping Guildford vibrant. Many residents look to trusted local trade professionals, such as expert bathroom fitters, to undertake sensitive home improvements. Whether planning a complete bathroom refurbishment to modernise a family home or restoring period features, choosing local craftspeople ensures that our living spaces remain as durable and well-cared-for as our civic landmarks. To support our community further, residents can explore the work of the Royal Surrey Charity or visit Guildford’s museum to learn more about the Poyle bequest. Keeping an eye on these historic traditions reminds us of the power of local charity, inspiring us to support our healthcare systems and maintain our beautiful neighbourhoods for future generations to enjoy.
Source: Guildford nurses throw dice in 300-year-old ceremony
