ANDY Hibberd of 101 Collectors Records in Farnham is retiring, with his last day in the shop being Saturday, April 2.

I wish you well, Andy, and thanks for your support of local live music. He has literally been a shop window for local gigs, festivals and venues.

Andy is a walking musical encyclopaedia, a vinyl champion and has been a face around the town for the past 20 years – enjoy your retirement.

The shop will continue under the ownership of Richard Stone, who some may have met on record store days and the occasional Saturday.

Best wishes to him and his assistant Kenny. There will be drinks at The Plough, Farnham, on Tuesday, March 22 at 8pm for Andy if you wish to attend.

There is much good live folk music across the area and worthy of support. This Sunday, Windmill Acoustic Sessions meet at Crookham Street Social Club from 7.30pm, hosted by Gary and Sherryl Payne.

A nice club with affordable drinks, good acoustics and parking. While they have a raffle to help support the club, it’s free entry. Floor spots are usually decided on the night so don’t be late if you want to perform!

Meanwhile, Hambledon Folk Club have been in touch about future events. The club offer a friendly and intimate setting in the Youth Hut and is enjoyed by artists and audiences alike.

The club feature local, national and even international guest performers while invariably there is the traditional floor-spot sessions before the main act for visiting performers.

On Wednesday, April 13, Midlands-born guitarist and songwriter Sam Carter is playing. He has earned a  reputation for vivid, narrative-driven songwriting and captivating live performances.

Over the past 15 years, Sam has toured the world, won a BBC folk award and made appearances on national TV, including a spellbinding performance on Later… with Jools Holland.

The club is held in a small venue which, while part of its charm, means space is limited, so booking is strongly advised. Telephone 023 9263 2719 or visit www.hambledonfolkclub.com

Tonight (Thursday) at Farnham Maltings it’s UK Blues Award nominated singer-songwriter Alice Armstrong with her five-piece band.

She is well known for her soulful vocal range and has received great views from the likes of Craig Charles of BBC Radio 2 and Blues In Britain magazine. Tickets are £14 and available from 01252 793430 (www.boogaloopromotions.com)

On Saturday, Grayshott Folk Club are at Grayshott Village Hall with the Trials of Cato. Tickets from Des O’Byrne on 01428 607096.

It’s the Capel Blues Festival Spring Weekend on Saturday and Sunday, which features acts such as Papa George Band, Val Cowell and the British Bluescasting Corporation. The festival takes place at Capel Memorial Hall with a real-ale bar. Music from 8pm. Tickets are £15 for each day (www.capelboxoffice.co.uk)

Next Thursday (March 24) Lunchtime Jazz returns to Farnham Maltings with two special guests. Tenor saxophonist John Wright is something of a local favourite.

Also being welcomed is Michael Doran on drums. As well as his freelance orchestral and film career, Michael is professor of percussion at Trinity Laban Conservatoire and principal percussionist for the English National Opera.

It starts at 1pm and entry is £8 on the door.

Gig Guide (free entry and 8pm unless stated):

Tonight (Thursday, March 17)

Tomorrow (Friday)

Saturday

Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday