Merry Maids of Guildford | News

Two Royal Surrey nurses have had their dedication to the profession and Guildford recognised in a centuries-old ceremony. Anne Hope and Jenny Watkins took part in the ‘Guildford Poyle Dicing Ceremony’ which recognises and rewards the valuable work of people giving care in the local community. The event, overseen by Guildford’s Mayor and held in the Guildhall, involved Anne and Jenny going head-to-head in a dice throwing competition.  

The ceremony, previously known as ‘Dicing for the Maid’s Money’, is run annually and marks a tradition dating back to 1676 when local resident, John How, stipulated that the interest earned from monies left in his will should be awarded to a ‘maid of good report working in Guildford.’ The ‘maid’ was to be chosen from two candidates on the throw of dice. His donation was added to in 1703 by John Parsons, who gave slightly more and tradition dictates that the greater amount is given to the loser in the dice throwing!  

In 2026, the custom continues ensuring neither Anne nor Jenny came away empty handed. Jenny is the Lead Nurse in the Safeguarding Adult Team at Royal Surrey and is celebrating 50 years in nursing.  She said:

“What a lovely experience, being part of Guildford history with my amazing colleague Anne and representing all of the caring staff at Royal Surrey. We are both now officially ‘Maids’ of Guildford.”

Anne is Lead Cancer Nurse at Royal Surrey’s Cancer Centre. She said:

“It felt a real privilege to be part of something that has such history and I couldn’t think of a more deserving person to do it with in Jenny’s 50th year of being in the NHS which is truly inspiring.”

Vicki Mumford, Chief Nurse at Royal Surrey NHS Foundation Trust, commented:

“We are so proud of Anne and Jenny - they exemplify all that is good about the nursing profession. We are honoured to call them colleagues and congratulate them on this well-deserved recognition.”  

So, who won? Anne threw the highest score on the dice, but Jenny came away with more, and that’s the conundrum of this age-old event!