a BIG LUNCH!
Click on image below to play a video of the day
Our annual BIG LUNCH has become a highlight of the year, celebrating our work with the children, families, volunteers and groups we support. We invited the organisations that support us and have helped us along the way and we were incredibly honoured to have the newly appointed High Sheriff, Mrs Joosje Hamilton DL join us for the day. There is a lovely account of the visit on the official High Sheriff website which you can read HERE.
The Lunch also coincided with Farnham celebrating 35 years since the signing of the deed of friendship with the German town of Andernach in 1991. The Mayor and Mayoress of Farnham, Councillor Graham White and Mrs Judy White, attended alongside the Lord Mayor of Andernach and his wife. It was a pleasure to show them a special slice of Farnham.
Thank you to all the guests who joined us including Homestart, the children from Potters Gate School and St Andrews School, Farnham Maltings, Farnham Museum, Hale Community Centre, Farnham & Weyside Rotary Clubs and Farnham Lions. A big thank you to the Hedgehogs for their help with the set up and thank you to the Eden Project for starting this annual tradition. Always a JOY!
still time to sign up!
If you didn't manage to make it to the BIG LUNCH or are unable to come on Thursdays during our adult volunteer session come along to our SUMMER WORKING PARTY! A day where all the space2grow community work together. A wonderful opportunity to connect with nature, learn new skills and get a peek behind that gate! All helpers are welcome, young & old (including children!)
And if it's been a while since you enjoyed the space, we would love to see you!
Date: Sat 11th July
Time: 10-12.30pm & 1.30-4pm
(come to a session that works for you - or both!)
What to wear/bring: Comfortable clothes / hat / sun cream / water bottle.
Gloves if you have them but we have lots spare!
Email info@space2grow.space and we will add your name to the list.
It will be a fun day and many hands make light work!
new projects
The children at the BIG LUNCH got to enjoy the addition of a natural climbing structure to the acre. We were delighted to be supported by the Your Fund Surrey Small Community Projects Fund. Thank you! This new structure has already been enjoyed by all the children coming to the acre, glimpsed as soon as they come through the gate, creating a fun, exciting child-centric dynamic to the space.
The children groups have been creative with their play, covering the structure with tarps creating dens as well as enjoying the different views it offers over the acre.
Also a HUGE thanks to the Dempster Trust, Farnham Weyside and Farnham Rotary Clubs as we now have a new, larger, more accessible toilet on site. We are so appreciative of the support from local organisations that allows us to improve the experience of those who visit the space. The toilet features a supporting hand rail, a fold away baby change table as well as much more room to manoeuvre, all decorated in bright florals. We also gave our existing facilities a colourful upgrade.
outdoor play
The new equipment of pond nets and hammocks have all been put to good use through the summer term. Purchased by the Farnham Waitrose community matters green token scheme, the equipment has been used and enjoyed by all; from the 2-4 year olds who visit during their regular space2play sessions right up to the teens who come as a part their weekly wellbeing visits.
community space
As well as being a regular meeting place for Homestart and FADEG, we recently hosted the neighbourhood area committee meeting and the acre was an inspiring venue for the lovely local Draw Farnham group.
We were also delighted to receive a visit from the Lord-Lieutenant Michael More-Molyneux who, despite the rain, got to see the children running around getting dirty and cooking, the volunteers working in the garden and the Men in Sheds carry out some carpentry.
reflections
We end with a lovely word of thanks from one of the teenagers who has been visiting from Weydon School. As he moves onto college, a farewell celebration was held and the student gave a homemade card filled with images of activities they had done on the acre and words of thanks for the time they had. Good Luck with the next stage of the journey!
