What’s more, you can see the beautiful Kitty Milroy murals, painted in the early 20th century and restored in 2021. These have been recognised as nationally important in the development of mural art and an exceptional example of the Arts and Crafts Movement.
It’s free to enter and always a lovely atmosphere.
Every year on the second Saturday of September—this year September 14th—the Surrey Churches Preservation Trust runs ‘Ride and Stride’. People are encouraged to travel between churches in the area and be sponsored to do so. You can walk, cycle, use a mobility scooter, drive, ride a horse, roller-skate, dance, play the fiddle, whatever is your preferred mode of transport.
This is a great way to raise money for our churches because half the money goes to the churches which participate and the other half to the trust which exists to stimulate interest in Surrey churches and to make grants for their repair and conservation.
Why not have a go? You can download a C1 sponsorship form from the trust as well as a list of Surrey churches.
We’re holding a scarecrow drive on Saturday, September 21st at St George’s, beginning at 5.30pm.
A what? Well, you’ve probably heard of a beetle drive, or even a snowman drive as we’ve held a few of those over the years. If not, or you need a reminder, at a beetle drive players sit round a table and compete to draw a complete beetle by rolling dice. Roll six to draw a body (which must be drawn first), five to add the head, three or four to add legs, two for antennae and one for a nose. In this case we will be rolling the dice to create a scarecrow.
The first player to complete their beetle yells ‘Beetle!’ (or ‘Scarecrow!’) and wins the round, earning points. The game typically includes multiple rounds, with players moving to different tables after each round, and the player with the most points at the end of the evening is crowed the winner.
The scarecrow drive will take place from 5.30pm to 8pm to enable younger children to take part. Tickets are £5 adults, £2.50 children. Bring your own food and drinks, or pre-order and pay for fish £10; chicken £9; sausage £6, veggie burger £7; all with chips. Please pre-book so we know numbers. Let Kris Lawrence know (warden.stgeorges@badshotleaandhale.org) by September 18th. Â
For those of you keeping track of our recruitment activities, you will know that the closing date for second round of advertising for the post of Rector of Badshot Lea and Hale was in early August. I am disappointed to report that we had no applications, although I have to admit that I am not totally surprised as most parishes take a year to 18 months to fill a vacancy because of the shortage of available clergy.
We will embark on the third round of advertising soon with a view to interviewing in early January and having someone in post just after Easter 2025. Especially with this type of role, it is about finding the right person at the right time in their ministry and we continue to pray that God will send us the right person at the right time.
I am pleased to report that the team managing the parish during the vacancy has settled into a sound routine and are ready for a long vacancy should that be the case.Â
That is not to say that we have not had our challenges, including Rev’d John Evans being unwell for so long. He is now on the road to recovery and leading our services again. We have also realised that Rev’d David Camp needs the support of an incumbent to complete the remaining two years of his training. While we will be sad that we will not see as much of him from September, we are fully supportive of his move to Frensham as the right decision to help him along his ministry journey.Â
The news that the tower at St John’s is in a worse state than we thought adds another challenge to just doing the normal. Click here for details of fundraising.
My thanks to those across the parish who are pulling together to help us deliver business as usual to the best of our ability. If anyone feels that they can help contribute please contact either Stella or me.
We are holding a concert and cream tea in memory of our beloved organist Frances Whewell who died last year.
The event will be on Saturday, September 7th, at 2.30pm at St John’s, starting with the concert which will be performed by a mix of soloists—singers and instrumentalists—and the church choir.
After the concert, a cream tea will be served. There will also be a raffle.
Admission is free but there will be a retiring collection for parish funds.
Please bring any good-quality used clothes and shoes to St Mark’s on Thursday (29th) 9-11am, and/or Sunday, September 8th, 2-4pm. This is a new initiative between the church and Hale Community Centre .
We also need volunteers to help sort clothes and/or help at the clothes bank and cafe. Please let us know if you can help. Thank you.
Each year, the dance company, which is based in Farnham Maltings, brings Doorstep Duets to new audiences by dancing outside buildings where there are groups to come and watch. This year, the dancers are presenting Hum in the car park at St George’s while Connections, a group for over-50s is meeting.
Just as the actions of the hummingbird, the smallest bird in the world, are essential to life in the towering rainforest, in Hum one small gesture of kindness to a stranger ripples out to create a community for those who need it most.
Hum has been created by choreographer and movement director Anjali Mehra, with original music by Luke Brady.
Don’t miss this incredible group offering free, professional dance. World-class dance outside the church and all of it free!
Farnham Maltings is bringing its Maltings at… series of events for families to St Mark’s and St George’s this summer holidays.
Maltings at… is a series of free workshops and performances suitable for families and they are taking place at St Mark’s on Monday mornings and St George’s on Wednesdays throughout August.
All children must be accompanied by an adult.
The activities are:
St Mark’s
Drama Games with Maltings Youth Theatre Monday, August 5th, 10-11am Ages 5-11
Bring your adults and join in an hour of fun and games! Whether it’s your first go at some drama or you’re a budding thespian, there’s something for everyone! All children must be accompanied by an adult.
Get dramatic in a workshop with the Maltings Youth Theatre
The Giant Who Slept for Ten Thousand Years Monday, August 12th, 10-11am Ages 3+
Long before humans, in an icy fjord of the northernmost island, the last family of giants roam the land. Travelling inside and through the gorges and hills, they shape the landscape with their every step. Time passes, plants grow and fall – the mountains hide riches deep underneath the soil. People discover the fjord and cut the earth open for its wealth. Can they live together with giants and trolls peacefully? A heart-warming story about our relationship to nature, friendship and the places we call home.
Beatboxing Monday, August 19th, 10am-11am All ages welcome
Get ready to rock with UK championship Beatboxer Danny Ladwa from School Of Beatbox! Discover the thrill of beatboxing, turn your sounds into mesmerizing rhythms, and pick up mind-blowing techniques that will wow your crowd!
Danny Ladwa is there to teach you beatboxing!
Craft Workshop Monday, August 26th, 10am-11am Ages 3+
Get creative and have fun learning how to lino print your favourite creature from nature, cut them out and attach to sticks. Professional artist, Martyna Karch, will have loads of pre-cut templates for you to print and paint!
You can just turn up on the day but it is best to book. To do so, click here.
St George’s
Mrs Armitage on Wheels Wednesday, August 7th, 9.45-10.30am Ages 3+
Scoot Theatre presents Quentin Blake’s Mrs Armitage on Wheels, an interactive, energetic show, celebrating the joy of getting outdoors and being active. Featuring live music, puppetry and physical comedy.
Drama Games with Maltings Youth Theatre Wednesday, August 14th, 10-11am Ages 5-11
Bring your adults and join in an hour of fun and games! Whether it’s your first go at some drama or you’re a budding thespian, there’s something for everyone!
Beatboxing Wednesday, August 21st, 10-11am All ages welcome
Get ready to rock with UK championship Beatboxer Danny Ladwa from School Of Beatbox! Discover the thrill of beatboxing, turn your sounds into mesmerizing rhythms, and pick up mind-blowing techniques that will wow your crowd!
Learn to lino print with Martyna Karch
Craft Workshop Wednesday, August 28th, 10am-11am Ages 3+
Get creative and have fun learning how to lino print your favourite creature from nature, cut them out and attach to sticks. Professional artist, Martyna Karch, will have loads of pre-cut templates for you to print and paint!
Again, you can just turn up on the day but it is best to book. To do so, click here.
Serving the Villages North of Farnham: Badshot Lea, Hale, Heath End & Weybourne
The Parish of Badshot Lea and Hale 