Category Archives: music

All Souls’ services – to remember those we have lost

If you have lost a close friend or family member and would like an opportunity to remember them and light a candle for them, we are holding ‘All Souls’ services’ this weekend. These simple services of music, prayer and reflection will take place as follows:

St John’s, Hale (near the Six Bells roundabout) on Saturday, November 2 at 4pm; St Mark’s, Upper Hale (next to Tesco Express) on Sunday, November 3 at 11am; and St George’s, Badshot Lea (opposite the school) on Sunday, November 3 at 5.30pm.

During the services you will have the opportunity to light a candle in memory of the person or people you have lost.

If you would like any support following the death of a loved one, please contact Rev’d Stella Wiseman, 07842761919.

Come to our Autumn Craft Market

Sat, September 21st, 10am-2pm, St Mark’s Church

St Mark’s will be buzzing next Saturday (21st) when we hold our Autumn Craft Market, starting at 10am and running until 2pm.

Come and browse the stalls for pottery, toys, handknits, cards, jewellery, candles, needlecraft and all manner of gifts. There is live music and a café to meet you friends and eat homemade rolls and cakes.

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.

Figures from the murals

Your September magazine is here

We are heading for autumn which means it is Creationtide and time for our September magazine.

It’s a bumper month with lots going on: Creationtide, Harvest, a Scarecrow Drive, the Autumn Craft Market, a concert and cream tea in memory of Frances Whewell, a brand new clothing bank and café, an interfaith prayer event and the first of our Pet Services, as well as all the normal groups, events and services.

Inside you will also find news and reflections on what has been going on recently.

So sit down, relax and happy reading.

A Fantasia for Frances

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 book your seats by contacting June Jasper on 07807 881311 or email junemargaretjasper@gmail.com.

Frances Whewell

Farnham Maltings at… church

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.

A Fantasia for Frances

Saturday, September 7th, 2.30pm, St John’s

A year ago we lost Frances Whewell, a dearly loved member of our parish who organised the music for us and played the organ, with an especial love for Emily, the Edwardian organ at St Mark’s. She was not just a musician, but a poet, a thinker, a member of Amnesty International, a devoted wife and mother, and a dear friend to many.

Frances died in July 2023 after being diagnosed with cancer in the spring and, a year on, we are planning a musical tribute to her on the afternoon of September 7th at St John’s. The parish choir will be joined by soloist Olivia Jasper and other musicians for a concert which will begin at 2.30pm. The concert will be followed by a cream tea.

Admission will be free but there will be the opportunity to make donations to help with parish funds.

To book your tickets, email June Jasper, or call her on 07807 881311.

Pictured top is Frances playing the organ at home.

Frances reading a poem at the 2023 Literary Festival

Frances (far left), her husband Paul, and Dave and Helena Walter, taking part in the 2018 Hale Carnival with their model of Emily the organ.

Let’s Dance

Come to our free Barn Dance this Friday (19th July) at St Mark’s Church, with doors opening at 6pm and dancing beginning at 6.30pm.

Two-thirds of the popular band Cajun Boogaloo will be playing, Kris Lawrence will be calling the dances, and it is suitable for all ages and for both beginners and experts at dancing.

Even if you just want to watch, it’s a great evening out. Bring your own refreshments though there will be tea, coffee and cake for sale. There will also be a raffle.

Come and enjoy an evening of fun, and while you are there, take a look at the Kitty Milroy murals.

Music Extravaganza for Christian Aid at St Mark’s | 21st June

On Friday, June 21st we are holding a Music Extravaganza at St Mark’s in Upper Hale —an evening of music, dance and singing, all in support of Christian Aid, a charity which works with some of the most marginalized communities across the world.

Doors open at 6.30pm and the concert starts at 7pm.

Among the performers are:
John Bush

A multi-talented musician who performs both contemporary and classical music along with fellow musicians. A fun performance can be expected, with lots of audience participation.

Church Choir

The resident choir of St George’s, St Mark’s and St John’s combines to sing a mixture of popular hymns and songs.

In Accord

A Guildford-based ladies a cappella group performing a mixture of songs from sea shanties to Beatles and more.

Kerala Girls

A group of young ladies with traditional dress performing dances from the Kerala area of India. They rehearse at St George’s Church on Fridays.

Olivia Jasper

A young soloist who was brought up in Farnham and is a member of the church. She is returning to support the concert with some beautiful solo singing.

Paris School of Dance
Tap dancers from a well established dance school which rehearses at St George’s every Thursday.

Tickets (£10) are available on the door or from Sue Lampard on 07596953138. Under 12s free. There will be drinks and nibbles available and a raffle on the evening.

Come to the Parish Fete!

Come to our fete on Saturday, June 8th, 12-3pm, at St George’s Church, Badshot Lea, for an afternoon of games, stalls, tea, cake, prosecco, tombolas, a raffle and entertainment.

Farnham’s Town Crier will open the fete at noon, and visitors can browse the craft stalls, try their luck at the three tombolas (chocolate, bottle and household goods), play Splat the Rat, search for the hidden treasure, have a game of table football, guess the weight of the cake, raise a glass at the bar, and enjoy a barbecue lunch followed by a cream tea. There’s lots more on too, including a lucky dip for children, a craft area for little ones, a grand raffle with a first prize of £100, live music and displays by Farnham and Aldershot Karate Club, Badshot Lea Village Infant School and the Paris School of Dancing.

Come and join the fun!