Farnham WI
It was that time of year again when Bake Natter and Roll (BNR) Farnham WI had its annual general meeting. Taking place on November 22, the meeting was back in the Small Hall at the Spire Church.
President Jenny introduced the 2024 committee: Debbie the treasurer, Gail the secretary, and Jeanie the programme secretary. After discussions and voting, the members decided the BNR Committee would be remain the same in 2025.
During the meeting, the 2023-2024 finances and annual report and minutes of the 2022-2023 AGM were presented and adopted. Also, it was agreed by members that the charitable donations made by BNR in 2025 would be increased and the members were encouraged now to nominate a local charity.
After the meeting, business was concluded and the day-to-day items of BNR were discussed. These included the recent Farnham Lantern Festival and the fundraising evening ‘Murder at the Eiffel Tower’, when £112 was raised for prostate cancer. The Book Club, Walking Club and the Alternative Curry Club were also discussed.
The assembled members, once topped up with tea and splendid cakes created by Jules and Gillian, progressed to the fun part of the evening, the creation of felt Christmas decorations. A great deal of chatting and laughing accompanied the crafting.
The evening closed with a reminder that the next meeting is on Thursday, December 19 at 7.45pm for 8pm start in the Large Hall at the Spire Church, when it will be Christmas party time with a Bollywood theme – so members were encouraged to wear something sparkly. For more information, email [email protected]
Right at Home Guildford and Farnham
It began as a social activity for caregivers but a mention on social media has seen Right at Home’s Crochet Club expand beyond the workplace into the community.
The Crochet Club was initially launched to give Right at Home Guildford and Farnham’s caregivers a relaxing and creative outlet for unwinding and switching off at the end of a busy day.
Adriana Mendonca, Registered Manager at Right at Home Guildford and Farnham came up with the idea along with her colleagues Vicky Parker and Claire Skilton.
Adriana said as the caregivers work really hard looking after clients, it was important to make sure they also get the opportunity to look after their own wellbeing with some ‘me time’. Past events include pamper days and other social events but the crochet club introduced caregivers to a hobby that they can pick up and do at any time of the day.
The club aims to meet once a week at Right at Home’s headquarters in Runfold. About 20 beginners and more experienced crocheters come together to socialise and learn from each other. Adriana has set the Crochet Club members with a goal to crochet enough ‘granny squares’ to make a blanket for a local homelessness shelter.
Adriana has been crocheting since she was 15 and believes it’s been a hobby that offers so many mental health benefits and skill-sharing opportunities.
After sharing details on the Facebook page, she was thrilled to be contacted by a couple of people from the community who wanted to know if they could join the club.
Frensham and Dockenfield Village Lunch
Frensham and Dockenfield held their annual Christmas lunch on Wednesday, November 27, when 80 villagers tucked in to roast turkey with all the trimmings followed by Christmas pudding, all cooked and served by local volunteers.
The occasion was made extra special by a generous donation of £500 from Farnham Waitrose, from the supermarket’s ‘Making Connections at Christmas’ charity initiative.
The fund focusses on supporting charities that bring people together for social connections at Christmas time.
Lunches are held on the fourth Wedneday of each month, except in December, at Frensham’s Royal British Legion. For £5, diners are treated to a two-course meal served by local volunteers. Left to right in the photo are David Munro lunch Treasurer, Rosemary Faun volunteer, Pam Whatmore co-organiser, Alice Butcher from Waitrose, and local vicar Rev Jane Walker co-organiser.
St Mary’s Frensham and The Church of the Good Shepherd, Dockenfield
St Mary’s Frensham and The Church of the Good Shepherd in Dockenfield are welcoming everyone to join them in celebrating Christmas with a series of special services.
These start on Sunday, December 22 at 6pm with a traditional Christmas Carol Service at St Mary’s, featuring beloved carols and festive readings.
On Christmas Eve, there are two Crib Services: 2om at St Mary’s and 4pm at The Church of the Good Shepherd, both offering an interactive way to experience the Christmas story, especially for families. Later, at 11.30pm, St Mary’s will host Midnight Mass, a reflective and joyous service marking the arrival of Christmas.
On Christmas Day, the celebrations continue with Holy Communion at 9am at The Church of the Good Shepherd, followed by a Christmas Family Communion with Carols at 10.30am at St Mary’s.
These services offer an opportunity for the community to come together and reflect on the true meaning of Christmas. Everyone is welcome to join in the festivities at St Mary’s and The Church of the Good Shepherd this Christmas.
St Matthew’s Church, Blackmoor and Whitehill
St Matthew’s Church has announced its schedule of Christmas services and activities for 2024. The events, which are open to all members of the community, aim to offer a variety of opportunities for celebration, reflection, and fellowship throughout the festive season.
A Children’s Christmas Workshop will take place on Saturday, December 14, from 10am to midday in the church hall. This drop-in event will offer craft activities, refreshments, and a story about the Christmas season. It is designed to engage children in the spirit of Christmas and provide a fun, creative environment for them to enjoy.
The Children’s Crib Service is on Saturday, December 21 at 4pm. Children are encouraged to attend dressed as their favourite character from the Christmas story. The service will involve a retelling of the nativity and provide children with an opportunity to actively participate in the celebration of Christ’s birth.
A traditional Service of Nine Lessons and Carols by Candlelight will be held on Sunday, December 22 at 6pm. This service will feature nine Bible readings, interspersed with carols sung by the congregation and choir, set in the atmosphere of candlelight. Following the service, mince pies and mulled wine will be served for attendees to enjoy.
The Christmas Eve Midnight Mass will be held on Tuesday, December 24 at 11pm. This service marks the beginning of Christmas Day and includes Holy Communion. It provides a reflective and peaceful setting to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.
Finally, the Christmas Day Communion service will take place on Wednesday, December 25 at 10am. This service will offer the congregation an opportunity to celebrate Christmas morning with Holy Communion and a time of reflection on the meaning of the season.
All of these events are open to the public, and St Matthew’s Church welcomes everyone to join in the celebrations. Further details can be found on the church’s website at www.st-matthews.org.
St Joan of Arc Catholic Church
Mayor of Farnham Cllr Brodie Mauluka opened the popular Christmas bazaar at St Joan of Arc Catholic Church on Saturday, November 30. Here, he chatted to shoppers and helpers, while the parish centre filled up with eager crowds looking for bargain presents. Guests of all ages queued to buy tickets at the gift tombola and the bottle stall, both of which offered a prize for every ticket drawn.
At the second-hand toy stall, young mothers picked up last-minute treats for their kids, and at the silent auction, bidders tried to guess how little they could pay for a case of wine, or gifts generously donated by parishioners. The grand raffle had many prizes given by local retailers.
To the accompaniment of merry seasonal music, people quickly picked up good value homemade cakes and browsed through attractive decorations and nearly new jewellery, cosmetics and household items. Freshly brewed Irish coffee lifted the spirits, while those in need of a quick snack feasted on delicious bacon butties.
Newly arrived parish priest at St Joan’s, Father Simon Dray, congratulated the bazaar-organising team and thanked them for their splendid efforts. When the last visitors had left, team leader Anne Connolly said: “It’s been a great day – exhausting but exhilarating!” She thanked volunteers, parishioners, sponsors and guests, who had raised more than £3,000 towards much-needed church maintenance funds.
Lasham Gilding Society
The society will be hosting its 15th Annual Charity Run/Walk on New Year’s Day 2025 at 11am. The recommended donation is £7, to be paid on the day, with money raised going towards the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Air Ambulance.
The run/walk is one lap around the airfield perimeter track (approximately three miles). The clubhouse will be open for refreshments and facilities. There will be a cash tombola with fabulous prizes. Free car parking is available at The Avenue entrance to the airfield.
Dogs are welcome but must always be kept on a lead. Please be aware this is a cash-only event.