Farnham recently hosted a grand reopening of a post-war church and community centre.

Brambleton Hall Church and Community Centre invited local guests and organisations to celebrate efforts to fundraise for renovations on September 14.

The mayors of both Farnham and Waverley attended along with representatives of the congregation and users of the Hall. Mayor Brodie Mauluka gave a short speech before the Mayoress cut a cake specially baked in the likeness of the building.

In the 1950s and 60s, the Bourne parish launched “Operation Mustardseed” to build a new church for the housing that was being built in the hillsides of South Farnham. It helped raise funding and then build the church.

Over time, members of the community came together to set up a boxing club, community fridge, and furniture warehouse and extra clubs.The Hall was built by labour from the local community and Brambleton members continue to foster a community spirit. Both in the church congregation and those who enjoy the social events.

The existing congregation decided to revamp the existing facilities, develop the grounds and make a purpose-built area for the boxing club. The ring has now moved into a separate purpose-built ring.

There are play and grassed recreational areas in the garden and the hall itself has been refurbished for easy adaptation between Community Fridge, Church and children’s groups.

The new boxing ring facility will make the venue more accessible to different societies and clubs whilst also allowing the boxing cub to continue.