Milky Cup marks 15 years of friendship in Godalming

Six friends in Godalming have kept an annual programme of pub games and sport running for 15 years, creating a calendar that supports local causes and gives neighbours regular reasons to meet. The Milky Cup returned in 2026 with darts, rounders, pub quizzes, Sunday Funday, a raffle and a football finale at Godalming Town Football Club.

The Cup began after local milkman Andrew “Milky” Everestt died by suicide in 2011. His friends and local publicans wanted a practical way to remember him and spend time with one another. That first response grew into an annual series of events held under his nickname.

Six friends at the centre of the Cup

Matthew Clay, Tracy Bishop, Michael Bott, Glenn Lye, Rachael Sloan and John Neylon organise the Milky Cup. They have different jobs and family lives, and they might never have become friends without Godalming's pubs.

Matthew is a father and grandfather, as well as a life vice-president of Godalming Town Football Club. Tracy is the landlady of The Sun Inn. Michael is a sports-loving father of two, while Glenn is vice-chairman and commercial manager at Godalming Town. Rachael is a mum and local childminder.

John stayed involved in organising the 2026 events while recovering from a significant foot injury. The six share the work needed to keep several events moving across the year, supported by local venues, businesses and the people who take part.

Pub games lead to a football finale

The programme gives people several ways to join in. Darts and quiz nights sit alongside rounders and Sunday Funday, before the annual football match closes the calendar. A raffle, with prizes supplied by businesses in and around Godalming, adds another route for residents and traders to support the chosen causes.

The 2026 football finale took place on 9 August at the Bill Kyte Stadium, Wey Court. Godalming Town Council's listing advertised free entry, with donations encouraged. Gates opened at noon and kick-off followed at 2pm, alongside a barbecue, bar, raffle, games and family entertainment.

This year's match supported Oakleaf Enterprise, a Guildford-based mental health charity serving people across Surrey. Oakleaf provides wellbeing activities, work-related training, employment support, counselling and outreach.

A reason to check in

Fundraising is one part of the Milky Cup's purpose. The organisers also want the events to make checking in on friends a normal part of local life and to create space for honest conversations about mental health.

Pubs have remained central to that work. They are where the organising friendships formed and where several parts of the programme take place. The football club gives the final event a larger home, while the raffle brings local businesses into the effort.

The format has lasted because it uses activities people already know. A quiz, a darts match or an afternoon of football can put friends in the same place without requiring anyone to begin with a difficult conversation. The organisers' message is direct: keep in touch with your mates, ask how they are and make time to listen.

Mental health support in Surrey

Oakleaf accepts self-referrals from people aged 16 and over who want support with their mental wellbeing, confidence, isolation or work-related skills. Details are available on its support page, or by calling 01483 303 649.

If you or someone you know is struggling, Samaritans are available free, day or night, on 116 123. You can also visit samaritans.org to find support.

Story details and photograph supplied by Jenny Hill. The photograph is available under a CC BY 4.0 licence.