On Queen Street in Godalming, there’s a brilliant little set-up where charity-shop browsing and record hunting overlap in the best possible way: Make A Difference with Records, found within A Novel Idea (the town’s charity book-and-record shop). It’s the sort of place you can drop into on a whim, have a quick flip, and still come away feeling like you’ve uncovered something worthwhile.
Background / History
Make A Difference with Records is a local, charity-focused vinyl venture that operates in partnership with Catalyst Support via A Novel Idea, with profits supporting the charity’s work across Surrey. The record side launched in Godalming in late 2021, bringing a dedicated stream of second-hand stock into the shop and giving music lovers a simple way to support a mental-health cause while building their collection.
A Novel Idea itself is largely volunteer-run, and that community-led feel carries through to the record racks: it’s practical, friendly and rooted in the town, rather than built around collector posturing.
What You’ll Find
This is predominantly about pre-loved music in good, usable condition: vinyl LPs and singles, a healthy CD selection, and even sheet music in the wider record section. The range is intentionally broad — rock and pop sit alongside jazz and blues, classical, musicals and more — which makes it a particularly satisfying stop if your tastes are wide (or you like to take a punt on something unfamiliar).
Stock moves regularly, and there’s depth behind what’s on display, with reports of a sizeable backlog waiting to be worked through and rotated onto the shelves. Prices are kept approachable in keeping with the charity-shop setting, so it’s a good spot for everyday listening copies as well as those “how is this still here?” surprises.
Experience / Atmosphere
Browsing here feels relaxed and unforced. You’re welcome to take your time, but it’s equally easy to pop in for ten minutes and leave with a handful of finds. Because the shop is run by volunteers, the vibe tends to be conversational and helpful — more “tell us what you’re into” than hard sell — and there’s an understated satisfaction in knowing your purchase supports local services.
It’s also a handy gift stop: the shop has offered record and book vouchers, which suit anyone whose tastes you’d rather not guess.
Why Visit
Charity-shop prices with properly browseable music sections
Broad genre spread across vinyl and CDs
Volunteer-run, welcoming, community-minded atmosphere
Stock rotation and depth beyond what’s immediately on the racks
Your spend supports Catalyst Support’s work in Surrey
Vouchers available for easy gifting
Summary
Make A Difference with Records is an easy recommendation for anyone who likes their crate-digging to have a bit of purpose behind it. The selection is varied, the prices are accessible, and the wider setting of A Novel Idea makes the whole visit feel like part record hunt, part community drop-in — a small shop with a genuinely meaningful footprint in Godalming.
