Archives 2019

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    Mayor’s Christmas message

    The theme for my Mayoral year is working with the community for the community and at this time of year, for those who are on their own, struggling to make ends meet, suffering from loneliness or dealing with sickness or bereavement, the services and ...

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  2. Two females. One making a speech.

    Farnham in Bloom celebration

    A magnificent year for Farnham in Bloom has concluded with a reception to thank the many members of the community who contributed to Farnham’s success at this year’s South & South East in Bloom and Britain in Bloom. The Mayor of Farnham Co...

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  3. Interior of church, congregation and choir

    Hundreds join Mayor for carols

    The sound of hundreds of people singing traditional Christmas carols filled St Andrew’s Church, Farnham on 12 December at the Civic Christmas Carol Service which was hosted by the Mayor of Farnham, Councillor Pat Evans. Councillor Evans, says: ...

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  4. Aerial view of crowded street market and colourful marquees

    Christmas Market draws in crowds

    Farnham town centre was packed with shoppers on Sunday (8 December), much to the delight of the more than 180 stall holders and small traders who took part in the Christmas market and the many local shops who opened their doors for the day. “Sho...

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  5. Electric vehicles parked either side of a bandstand

    Town Council takes on parks

    New planting and improvements to paths are just some of the changes coming to local public parks as Farnham Town Council announces that it has taken over the management responsibilities for five new sites. The Town Council will manage the maintena...

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  6. Father Christmas, two females and pantomime characters

    It’s Christmas in Farnham

    Farnham families showed that they know how to have fun at Saturday’s Christmas lights’ switch on party, which featured new attractions for 2019. Undeterred by the cold weather, people spent the afternoon being entertained by a non-stop program...

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  7. Aerial view of a crowded market with people and marquees.

    Christmas market date announced

    Over 100 stalls with gifts, tableware, food and drink will be at this year’s Christmas Market in Farnham town centre on Sunday 8 December from 10am to 4pm. “We have hand-picked a fabulous selection of stallholders this year so if you have a re...

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    Farnham Remembers

    The public mood was reflective on Sunday (10 November) as people gathered in Farnham to commemorate those who lost their lives in conflict.  Hundreds of people lined the streets to watch the Mayor of Farnham, the Vice Lord Lieutenant Bill Bid...

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  9. Choir singing in church

    Carol Service ballot opens

    The ballot opens this week for tickets to attend the Civic Christmas Carol Service. The traditional Christmas service includes readings, seasonal music and singing from the internationally acclaimed Farnham Youth Choir who won double gold at the Euro...

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  10. Two adults showing children a craft activity.

    Bloomin’ Kids get planting

    Children got stuck into some serious gardening over half term at the Bloomin’ Kids gardening workshops. Around 50 children with their mums, dads, carers or grandparents took part in the workshops run by Farnham Town Council and the award-winning Fa...

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  11. Back of children on stage. Christmas tree.

    Christmas lights switch-on

    Farnham’s Christmas lights switch-on is on Saturday 16 November, bringing festive spirit and Christmas shoppers to the town centre. The switch-on at 4.30pm will complete the party atmosphere, complementing an afternoon of music, entertainment, fair...

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  12. Piper, chef holding venison on a platter and the Town Crier.

    Venison Dinner tickets

    Tickets are selling fast for November’s Venison Dinner at Farnham Castle. A tradition that goes back over 400 years, the Venison Dinner is thought to be unique to Farnham. It is a four-course meal which sees the Mayor of Farnham presented with the ...

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    Acts of remembrance in Farnham

    Farnham’s remembrance events will begin this year with a schools’ remembrance service on Friday 8 November followed by the community-wide act of remembrance on Sunday 10 November. On Remembrance Sunday, the Mayor of Farnham and Vice Lord Lieut...

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  14. Row of six people holding awards.

    Gold at Britain in Bloom

    Farnham has fought off high-profile competition to prove it has what it takes to win gold in Britain in Bloom and to be declared best town / city centre in the UK.  Farnham Town Council received news of the award on Friday (25 October) at an ...

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  15. Group of litter pickers in high viz jackets and holding bags and litter picks

    Volunteers litter pick town centre

    A team of community minded volunteers collected over 25 sacks of rubbish from Farnham’s town centre on Saturday 12 October. The litter pickers covered hot spots such as Red Lion Lane, the station approach and Gostrey Meadow. “It’s shocking t...

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  16. Male and child planting seeds at gardening workshop.

    Time to book for Bloomin’ Kids

    Bookings are now being taken for the ever popular and free Bloomin’ Kids gardening workshops taking place over half term. The workshops are run by Farnham Town Council and the Farnham In Bloom Community Group and are suitable for children aged five...

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  17. Group of people with awards

    Celebrations at in Bloom awards 

    Farnham celebrated in style and looked back on a fantastic year for Farnham in Bloom at the Farnham in Bloom Community Awards. As part of the evening, winners of six of the most coveted local gardening awards were also announced. Farnham Town Coun...

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  18. Group of people in high viz jackets holding sacks and litter picks

    Be proud of Farnham

    Farnham Town Council is calling for people to show pride for where they live or work by taking part in an autumn litter pick between Saturday 12 and 19 October. There are several ways to get involved in the Big Pick including hosting or joining in...

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  19. People watching a demonstration at a food festival

    Festival draws in the crowds

    Strong wind and rain failed to deter foodies from enjoying the 2019 Farnham Food and Drink Festival.  Over 120 stalls lined Castle Street and The Borough, selling some of the very best local food and drink alongside produce from further afiel...

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  20. Work van decorated in flowery vinyl.

    Climate emergency declared

    Farnham Town Councillors have shown their commitment to reducing carbon emissions at a local level by declaring a climate emergency and pledging their aim to become a carbon neutral council by 2030.  At a meeting of the Full Council on 19 Septemb...

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  21. Aerial photo showing castle and green spaces and trees.

    Neighbourhood Plan hearing

    A public hearing will take place on 1 October (10am to 4pm) at Farnham Town Council so that an independent examiner can gather evidence from local representatives, developers and other interested parties about Farnham’s revised Neighbourhood Plan. ...

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  22. Mayor signs a book in a formal meeting room watched by a group of observers

    Mayor visits twin town

    Friendship ties with Andernach in Germany have been reaffirmed by the Mayor of Farnham during a recent visit to Farnham’s twin town.  The visit by the Mayor of Farnham Councillor Pat Evans and her consort David Evans coincided with the offi...

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  23. Four females sampling gin

    A gintastic time is had by all

    Gin mixed with a Michael Bublé tribute band proved to be the perfect ingredients for a good night out at this year’s Farnham Gin Festival.  Hundreds of people came along to the two-night annual celebration of Britain’s favourite tipple w...

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  24. Group of people holding certificates and trophies

    In Bloom nets gold awards

    The results of South and South East in Bloom have been announced and Farnham has come out top with a string of gold awards. Farnham in Bloom was awarded Gold and crowned regional category winner in both the town centre and large town categories. B...

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  25. Moth resting on a plant

    Volunteers needed for moth count

    Volunteers are invited to take part in a moth trapping session on Friday 27 September at West Street cemetery in Farnham. No experience or special knowledge is needed and by taking part volunteers will play an important part in measuring how healt...

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  26. Two men in a marquee. Man on right presents a certificate.

    Allotment Show winners

    Farnham Town Council’s new look allotment show gave allotment holders the chance to show off their best examples of fruit, veg and produce on 1 September. For the first time, the show took place alongside Music in the Meadow in Gostrey Meadow, e...

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  27. Elderly man standing next to container overflowing with red flowers and plants.

    Secret Gardens’ wow judges

    As judges declare the winners in this year’s Farnham in Bloom Secret Gardens competition, they have praised gardeners for producing displays that are “better than ever” despite a challenging summer of prolonged dry spells and heavy downpours. ...

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  28. Group of people standing in front of a sign.

    Thank you to 2019 sponsors

    Farnham Town Council has thanked the sponsors of Farnham in Bloom 2019 for helping to make this year’s campaign even more spectacular. Led by new Principal sponsor, The Farnham Institute Charity, the main sponsors recently gathered at the sponso...

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  29. Two fresh green artichokes on a white plate

    Home-grown music and gardening

    The last Music in the Meadow of the summer takes place on Sunday 1 September (3-5pm) at Gostrey Meadow and is set to be not just a celebration of local music talent but home-grown fruit and veg’ too. The annual allotment show has been refreshed ...

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  30. Mix of vegetables growing in two large containers in paved area of town centre.

    Grown in Farnham

    A project to get more people enjoying home grown food is ripe for picking in Farnham town centre.  Members and volunteers at the Farnham Community Farm have planted four edible tubs in South Street for residents and visitors of Farnham to har...

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  31. Group of people standing behind a hop cart filled with flowers.

    Farnham at its best

    Farnham positively blossomed on Wednesday when the RHS Britain in Bloom judges came to town.  Facing tough competition in the new BIDS, town centres and city centres category, members of the Farnham in Bloom community were determined to show ...

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  32. Two females and man stand in front of a painting of poppies.

    Unveiling of poppy painting

    A painting which served as the inspiration for an interactive community remembrance project marking the end of the First World War has been unveiled at Farnham Town Council. Artist Eleanor McLean visited the office to unveil the poppy field painti...

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  33. School children with the Mayor of Farnham in front of a hanging basket.

    Schools in bloom winners

    The school year ended on a celebratory note when Farnham Town Council revealed the results of the Farnham in Bloom schools’ competitions.  The first result to be announced was for the schools’ hanging basket competition. This year, 13 loc...

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  34. Mayor with group of people in smart clothes standing outside church.

    Mayor makes promises of office

    Over 100 people representing a cross-section of the Farnham community and beyond attended the Mayor of Farnham’s Civic Service on Sunday. Guests witnessed Councillor Pat Evans make her promises of office and commit to serve the town during her year...

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  35. A4 poster drawn by a child saying Please help to water the plants.

    Judges due to visit Farnham

    Farnham Town Council and the team of volunteers who are behind the year-round effort to transform communities through gardening, will proudly share their hard work with the judges of Britain in Bloom on 31 July.  The visit will begin with a 1...

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  36. Aerial photo showing castle and green spaces and trees.

    Neighbourhood Plan referendum

    Preparations are underway for a further examination and second referendum on Farnham’s reviewed Neighbourhood Plan following a ruling by an Independent Examiner.  At a procedural exploratory hearing in June, the Independent Examiner determi...

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  37. Group of adults and children in a green space.

    Judges see Farnham in Bloom

    Judges received a warm welcome on Tuesday when they arrived for the judging of Farnham’s entry into the Large Town category of South and South East in Bloom. The judges were taken on a tour of Farnham which included many projects that demonstrat...

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  38. Mayor and female remove a drape to unveil a plaque on a wall.

    Mayor unveils plaque

    Former Olympic athlete Christina Boxer joined the Mayor of Farnham and invited guests at the unveiling of a plaque commemorating local athlete and coach Ron Stonehouse last week (26 June). Mr Stonehouse trained Olympic runner Christina Boxer at A...

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  39. Group of people standing in front of a small marquee.

    Crowds chill in Gostrey Meadow

    Farnham’s Gostrey Meadow drew hundreds of picnickers and music fans on Sunday (30 June) when the annual Picnic in the Park took place. “This year’s event was jam-packed with excellent local bands and music artists. The crowds loved the show ...

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  40. Four young people in a garden.

    Students get a taste of working life

    Farnham Town Council has given four year ten students from Farnham Heath End School an insight into working life during a week-long work experience placement.  The four received the opportunity to discover more about the role of the Town Coun...

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    New Mayor of Farnham

    Councillor Pat Evans has been elected as the new Mayor of Farnham and has spoken of her “immense honour and privilege” at taking on the role as she looks forward to serving her community for the coming year. Her husband David was appointed as the...

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  42. Group of adults and children standing in front of war memorial

    Flag-raising for Armed Forces Day

    Farnham’s outgoing Mayor, Councillor David Attfield, led the town in uniting with others across the UK to pay tribute to the men and women, both past and present, of the armed forces on Armed Forces Day (24 June). At this year’s ceremony, the May...

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  43. Five people standing behind a flower bed

    Floral tribute for moon landing

    Fifty years ago on 20 July 1969 the first humans landed on the moon. In recognition of this great accomplishment, Farnham Town Council has created a carpet bed of flowers to commemorate the moon landing.  The 3m by 3m floral tribute is locate...

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  44. Lots of people siting on grass enjoying a music festival and picnic

    Free day out at Picnic in the Park

    Picnic in the Park is expected to draw over a thousand music fans to Gostrey Meadow when the event takes place on Sunday 30 June. The Mayor of Farnham will officially open the show at 12pm. A packed programme of live music will follow, with acts perf...

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  45. Group of people holding glasses of gin

    Countdown to Gin Festival

    Sponsors of the 2019 Gin Festival have sampled some of the 150 types of gin that it is estimated will be available at this year’s festival on 13 and 14 September.  The launch of the Gin Festival was held at The Castle Inn which is partnerin...

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  46. Band playing music in a bandstand

    Stay local this Sunday

    Shoppers will find the very best of local produce at the June Farmers’ Market taking place on Sunday 23 June from 10am to 1.30pm in Central car park, off Victoria Road. The market regularly attracts a loyal following of shoppers who appreciate t...

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  47. Group of walkers outside a timber framed house

    Walkers cover 3,350 miles

    Farnham walkers covered an astounding 3,350 miles during the town’s walking festival last month, according to the organisers Farnham Town Council.  Together, 420 women, men and children (plus a few dogs) took part in nearly 40 walks over th...

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  48. Taiko drummers watched by a crowd of people

    Farnham springs into summer

    Farnham’s summer programme of events sponsored by Kidd Rapinet got off to a cracking start with the Spring Festival on 26 May.  The Spring Festival is the first event in the town’s summer calendar and paves the way for over three months o...

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  49. Group of children standing behind a table full of hanging baskets.

    Children get planting for in Bloom

    Children from Potters Gate Primary School recently took time out of their school day to contribute towards Farnham’s entry into South and South East and Britain in Bloom.  The school was one of 13 Farnham schools and nurseries to visit Farnham ...

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  50. Mayor and a group of people standing inside a large poly tunnel

    Greenhouse open day

    Farnham Town Council’s greenhouse open day showed how one of the nation’s favourite pastimes really can be enjoyed by people of all ages.  Throughout the day, residents from nearby Bourne Wood Manor Care, a silver sponsor of Farnham in Bloom,...

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  51. Mayor and group of people standing outside Town Council office.

    Councillors take up new positions

    Farnham Town Council has met to agree the appointment of councillors to key positions following the recent local election.  At the Annual Town Council meeting in May, Mayor of Farnham Councillor David Attfield and Deputy Mayor of Farnham Coun...

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  52. Aerial view of crowd of people at Gin Festival

    Gin Festival tickets go on sale

    Tickets are now on sale for the 2019 Farnham Gin Festival on Friday 13 and Saturday 14 September. This popular event sold out in record time in 2018 and this year is expected to be no exception. Gin connoisseurs will be able to sample new and i...

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  53. Large group of people holding a Farnham in Bloom banner

    Launch of In Bloom 2019

    Organisers of Farnham in Bloom discussed fresh ideas and new challenges at the recent launch of the 2019 campaign at Forest Lodge Garden Centre. Former councillor Stephen Hill, the outgoing lead member for Community Enhancement at Farnham Town Cou...

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  54. Children in inflatable costumes.

    Free family fun at Spring Festival

    Make the most of your bank holiday weekend by joining in the fun at the annual Spring Festival, say organisers Farnham Town Council. The festival, which is free to attend and held at Gostrey Meadow, kicks off at 12 noon on Sunday 26 May and runs unti...

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  55. Pretty back garden

    Secret Gardens competition opens

    The call is out to local gardening enthusiasts to enter the Secret Gardens of Farnham competition run by Farnham Town Council as part of the Farnham in Bloom initiative. Entries to all categories in the competition are now open. Iain Lynch, Town C...

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  56. Family walking through woods.

    Walks for nature lovers of all ages

    Nature lovers wanting to know more about woodland wildlife are encouraged to book on one or more of the free woodland walks taking place as part of the Farnham Walking Festival. Limited spaces are available on three guided walks specifically takin...

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  57. Group of people in greenhouse in front of hundreds of plants.

    Friends plant 6,000 plants

    A magnificent floral display awaits Farnham’s plant lovers thanks to the tremendous achievement of a new Farnham in Bloom volunteer group that planted 6,000 plug plants in just two days over Easter.  New for 2019, the Bloomin’ Friends gro...

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  58. Man presents gift wrapped items to man on his right.

    Farewell to former Gurkha

    A well-deserved retirement awaits a Farnham Town Council employee who will be a familiar face to many local people. Thapa Jhupa is a former Gurkha who had over 20 years’ service for the British Army. Thapa joined the more peaceful surroundings of F...

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  59. Pretty back garden

    Residents urged to get gardening

    It’s Gardening Week and Farnham Town Council is urging residents to take advantage of the many opportunities it offers to get involved in one of the UK’s favourite pastimes.  From big ideas on a small budget to bold and inspiring large garden...

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  60. Older people watching a band perform inside a church hall

    Free music show

    The Choir Company is the latest and last local act to perform at this year’s Music in the Vineyard, the programme of free indoor music events taking place at the Vineyard Church, Union Road, Farnham. The Choir Company will treat its audience to ...

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  61. Adults and children gardening

    Children connect with nature

    Children have been finding out where their fruit and vegetables come from at this Easter’s Bloomin’ Kids Gardening Workshops.  Around 100 children from Farnham, Fleet, Aldershot, Bentley and Alton got hands on experience of sowing broad beans...

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  62. Group of people walking in the woods.

    Free Walking Festival

    A programme of free walks led by expert guides is set to get Farnham active while helping people discover more about their surroundings. The 2019 Farnham Walking Festival, which has been organised by Farnham Town Council and is run by volunteers, inc...

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  63. Group of people in high viz jackets holding sacks and litter picks

    Record numbers join litter pick

    Farnham is a tidier place thanks to a record number of volunteers who gave up their time to pick up litter during the 2019 Spring Big Pick Week.  Throughout the week, 200 volunteers from the Bourne 5th Farnham Cubs, Farnham Ramblers, Badshot L...

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    The Mother’s Day gift that lasts

    Families all over Farnham will be thanking their mums with dedicated Farnham in Bloom hanging baskets and flower troughs this Mother’s Day. Unlike the traditional bouquet of flowers, the hanging baskets and troughs will continue to look beautiful i...

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  65. Male and child planting seeds at gardening workshop.

    Free gardening workshops

    There will be an edible theme to this Easter’s Bloomin’ Kids gardening workshops. Whatever the weather, children as young as five can get gardening at the free workshops on 9 and 11 April.  Taking place in Farnham Town Council’s greenho...

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  66. Older people watching a band perform inside a church hall

    Young musician set to impress

    A music student from Farnborough College will perform at Music in the Vineyard on Sunday 24 March.  Matt Lloyd Mostyn first came to the attention of Farnham Town Council when he played at the Farnham Christmas Market. He so impressed the even...

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  67. Group of adults and schoolchildren in front of red brick building

    Town marks Commonwealth Day

    A ceremony took place in Farnham on Monday (11 March) to mark Commonwealth Day and the 70thanniversary of the London Declaration, when nations of the Commonwealth agreed to move forward together as free and equal members.  Observed by around ...

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  68. Children holding paintings of leaves.

    Vote for Bloomin' Kids

    Easter Bloomin’ Kids Gardening workshops run by Farnham Town Council will be given a spring boost by the Waitrose community funding scheme ‘Community Matters’ at its Farnham store. Throughout March, shoppers will be able to place their green...

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  69. Aerial photo showing castle and green spaces and trees.

    Residents urged to shape Farnham

    Residents of Farnham have until 21 March to give their opinions on the minor changes to the Farnham Neighbourhood Plan. The Plan was adopted by Waverley Borough Council in July 2017 and plays a full part in the borough’s decision-making. However...

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  70. Town scene showing roof tops, trees and Castle in the background.

    Ask questions and share views

    A key part of local democracy, the Annual Town Meeting, takes place on Thursday 14 March at 7pm. Farnham Town Council is encouraging residents to come along and take part. Councillor David Attfield, Mayor of Farnham says: “Town councillors will ...

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  71. Group of students and adults outside a red brick building.

    Commonwealth Day

    Farnham’s Mayor, Councillor David Attfield, will lead the town in Commonwealth Day commemorations on Monday 11 March. The Mayor will raise the Commonwealth Flag outside the Town Council offices on South Street, Farnham in a ceremony that will be re...

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  72. Mayor centre with group of people wearing medals

    Services to Farnham Awards

    The Mayor of Farnham, Councillor David Attfield presented Services to Farnham Awards to 12 community heroes at a reception on Monday 25 February. The annual awards are made to individuals in recognition of their outstanding service to the communit...

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  73. People in high viz jackets holding black sacks and litter pickers.

     Get picking in town clear-up

    Volunteer litter pickers are being recruited now to take part in Farnham’s Big Pick Week and the Great British Spring Clean, both taking place in March. Groups of neighbours, families, youth groups and anyone with an hour or two to spare is being e...

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  74. Three men - one holding a bird box and a second holding a drill.

    100 new homes for birds

    One hundred new homes for birds are being provided thanks to a grant from Farnham Town Council to children at Badshot Lea Infant School. The council awarded a grant of £250 to the school to help pupils encourage more wildlife to the area. “T...

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    Mayor’s concert is a success

     The audience went bananas at the Mayor of Farnham’s charity concert last week held at the Medici Theatre at Weydon School. The proms-style evening - complete with flag waving, a traditional brass band and a choir - raised in excess of £2,500 for...

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  76. Female on microphone. Band behind her on a stage.

    Swing band puts on free show

    Music from Surrey favourites, Vic Cracknell’s Swing Band will fill Farnham Vineyard Church on Sunday 24 February when the band performs as part of Music in the Vineyard, the series of free concerts put on by Farnham Town Council. Vic and his ban...

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  77. Aerial photo showing buildings and trees.

    Neighbourhood Plan consultation

    A consultation is underway to seek people’s views on Farnham Town Council’s modified Neighbourhood Plan. The partial review of the made Farnham Neighbourhood Plan was driven by a requirement to provide an additional 450 dwellings in Farnham by...

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  78. Britain in Bloom spelled out with plants. © Farnham Town Council

    Farnham in Britain in Bloom final

    Farnham has fought off competition from towns and cities from the whole of England’s south east to represent the region in the 2019 RHS Britain in Bloom UK finals. The town has been invited to enter the category for town centres, city centres and b...

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  79. Placeholder

    Proms-style charity concert

    A proms-style charity concert featuring traditional music alongside contemporary songs and high energy drumming is coming to Farnham on Saturday 9 February. Tickets are available now. The Mayor of Farnham will host the concert, complete with flag ...

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    Free guide to living in Farnham

    Householders and businesses throughout Farnham and surrounding villages have received their copy of the latest Residents’ Guide. The 36-page booklet is the official guide to living in Farnham and includes a six-page events section, featuring detail...

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  81. Band singing and playing on a stage.

    Free music concert

    Farnham Town Council is set to get its 2019 events programme off to a lively start on Sunday 27 January with the return of Music in the Vineyard. Out of the Shadows will kick-start the series of four free concerts with an energetic playlist of six...

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