We are delighted to introduce one of our newer trustees, Maria Dawes, who joined the Hale Community & Youth Centre board at the start of the year - and who has already brought tremendous insight, energy and expertise to our work.
This month, Maria received national recognition for her outstanding contribution to education, having been awarded an OBE in the King’s Birthday Honours. It’s a remarkable achievement and one that reflects her long‑standing commitment to improving outcomes for children, schools and communities.
A leader in education
Maria is best known locally and nationally for founding and leading Schools Alliance for Excellence (SAfE), a Surrey‑based not‑for‑profit organisation dedicated to strengthening education through collaboration. Under her leadership, SAfE worked closely with Surrey County Council and partners across the sector to support school improvement, professional development and system‑wide innovation. Her work has helped shape a more connected, supportive and ambitious education landscape - one where teachers and leaders are empowered to deliver the very best for children.
Why we’re so proud to have her on our board
Maria brings deep experience in: strategic leadership; partnership working; governance and organisational development and supporting children, families and communities
Her values align closely with the Centre: collaboration, inclusion, and a belief that strong community spaces can transform lives. As we continue to grow the Centre’s programmes, strengthen our governance, and expand opportunities for local families and young people, Maria’s expertise will be invaluable.
A well-deserved honour
Maria’s OBE is a testament to years of dedication to education and public service. We are thrilled to see her contribution recognised at the highest level - and even more thrilled that she has chosen to share her skills and passion with our community.
Please join us in congratulating Maria on this exceptional achievement. We look forward to the impact we will make together in the months and years ahead.
To read the full article in this week's Farnham Herald - 25th June - click HERE.
Yesterday, on Sunday 21st June, three of our Magnificent Trustees - Catherine, Janice and Norma - and two of our Volunteers, Gill and Sylvie, took part in the National Beacon of Peace Charity Walk 2026. Joined by family and friends, they walked to raise vital funds for the Hale Community & Youth Centre.
Every penny donated goes straight into keeping our centre open, welcoming and thriving. Your support helps us run youth sessions, community groups, outreach, holiday activities, social events and practical support for people of all ages.
Hale Community and Youth Centre is a cornerstone of local life - a place where friendships form, confidence grows and the community comes together. With no guaranteed long‑term funding, your donation makes an immediate difference.
If you would like to contribute to the monies we raised, please go to our Just Giving Page HERE. Thank you for supporting our walkers - and for standing with our community!
FMD Summer Charity Concert 2026:
An Evening of Music in Support of Hale Community & Youth Centre
Farnham is set for a joyful summer celebration as the FMD Summer Charity Concert 2026 brings together local musicians, families and supporters for an uplifting evening of music - all in aid of the Hale Community & Youth Centre.
Every penny raised will go directly to supporting the Centre’s work in the community. Your attendance will help fund safe spaces, creative opportunities, youth support, wellbeing activities and the many programmes that bring people together.
Join FMD on Sunday 28 June 2026, from 6:00pm to 7:30pm, at The Spire Church, Farnham (GU9 7QU) for a vibrant showcase of talent and community spirit.
Tickets are available now from: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/fmdboxoffice/2244190 |
🌟 A Celebration of Local Talent
Audiences can look forward to an exciting and varied programme featuring:
- Talented FMD choirs, including the brand‑new children’s choir
- Orchestras and ensembles showcasing classical and contemporary pieces
- Both jazz bands bringing rhythm and energy
- The Centre Stage Company, performing favourites from musical theatre, folk and jazz.
With such a rich mix of styles, there truly is something for everyone — the perfect way to welcome the summe!
🌱 Can’t Join Us on the Night? You Can Still Make a Difference
If you’re unable to attend the concert but would still like to support the work of the Hale Community & Youth Centre, your generosity is always welcome. Every donation - big or small - helps us keep vital community programmes running, from youth activities to wellbeing groups and local support services.
Your kindness strengthens our community. Thank you for standing with us.
At Hale Community & Youth Centre, we believe in giving young people the space, confidence, and encouragement to discover what they’re capable of. This year’s Youth Centre Business Challenge has done exactly that - and we couldn’t be prouder of the incredible creativity, determination, and entrepreneurial spirit shown by every young person who took part.
Over the past few months, a group of our young people have stepped into the world of business, developing their own ideas from scratch. They’ve managed a start‑up budget, created products, and learned hands‑on skills in marketing, finance, customer service, problem solving, and enterprise. These are real‑world skills that will stay with them long after the challenge ends.
🌟 A Record Year of Creativity
This year, 12 young people took part — and the range of ideas has been nothing short of inspiring. Their projects include:
- Handmade keychains
- Sweet bags and treat packs
- False nails and beauty products
- Hair scrunchies and accessories
- Gardening services
- A car wash business
- And many more imaginative ventures
Each young person has worked independently to bring their idea to life, making decisions, overcoming challenges, and learning what it really takes to run a small business. Their pride in their work has been a joy to witness.
🛍️ Where to Buy Their Products
The young entrepreneurs will be showcasing and selling their products at:
St George’s Church Summer Fair (Bagshot Lea)
📅 Saturday 13th June
⏰ 11am - 3pm
If you can join us, you’ll be able to meet the young business owners, hear about their ideas, and support them directly. Can’t make it? You can still place an order:
📧 Email: youth@halecommunitycentre.org.uk
🏢 In person: Pop into the Community Centre office (Upper Hale Road) between 9am - 3pm, weekdays.
💛 Why Your Support Matters
For many of these young people, this is their first experience of running a business — their first pitch, their first sale, their first moment of seeing an idea become something real. Your support helps build confidence, resilience, and a sense of achievement that can shape their future choices.
By buying a product, sharing their work, or simply cheering them on, you’re helping them take their first steps into the world of enterprise.
We are incredibly proud of every young person involved. Their hard work, imagination, and enthusiasm have made this year’s challenge something truly special.
Thank you for supporting our young entrepreneurs and for championing the future of our community.
At Hale Community Centre and Hale Youth Centre, we know that volunteers are the heartbeat of everything we do. They bring energy, skills, kindness, and a willingness to roll up their sleeves to make our spaces welcoming for everyone who walks through our doors.
This month we were delighted to welcome a brilliant team from Agile HR Consulting, who spent the day transforming our much‑loved garden boat. What was once looking a little tired has now been completely refreshed - cleaned, repaired, brightened, and brought back to life with real care and attention.
The team worked with enthusiasm from start to finish, and the results speak for themselves. Our garden boat is now ready for summer activities and community events - it’s already bringing smiles to over visitors.
We are incredibly grateful for the time, effort, and generosity shown by the Agile HR Consulting volunteers. Community partnerships like this make such a difference, and we couldn’t do what we do without people who are willing to get involved and help us keep our spaces vibrant and welcoming.
Interested in Volunteering?
If you’d like to join our wonderful community of volunteers - whether you have a specific skill to offer, want to help with events, or simply enjoy being part of something positive - we’d love to hear from you.
Volunteering with us is flexible, rewarding, and a great way to support local families and young people.
📩 Get in touch:
Email us at info@halecommunitycentre.org.uk or pop into the Centre for a chat.
A huge thank you once again to the Agile HR Consulting team. Your support means more than you know.
Reflections on a Truly Wonderful Evening
'An Evening of Song' with the Hart Male Voice Choir'
It was, in the words of many who attended, “a truly wonderful evening.” We were taken on a wandering journey with music from around the world. Wonderful and entertaining soloists, together with a violin piece performed beautifully by Emily Hinchcliffe who is also the choir's musical director filled a glorious programme.
Several people also shared just how enjoyable the whole event felt - “immensely enjoyable” was a phrase that came up more than once.
It was a night full of joy, community spirit and shared purpose - thank you to the choir chairman Eamonn and his team for all the logistics and organisation to ensure we had a wonderful musical evening!
At Farnham’s Annual Town Meeting of Electors, civic pride and community spirit were on full display. Former mayor and current Farnham Town Council leader George Murray reflected warmly on his year in office - a year marked by connection, collaboration, and heartfelt local support.
Among his reflections was a standout moment: raising £3,000 for Hale Community Centre. The donation, achieved through a series of community events and fundraisers, underscored Farnham’s commitment to nurturing spaces that bring people together. Hale Community Centre continues to serve as a hub for friendship, learning, and wellbeing, and this contribution helps sustain its vital work for residents of all ages.
Murray described his mayoral year as “an enjoyable experience,” praising Farnham’s strong sense of unity and the enthusiasm of local people who make such achievements possible. His words captured the essence of what makes Farnham special - a town where civic leadership and community action go hand in hand.
This generous donation is more than a number; it’s a reminder of how local engagement fuels lasting impact. Hale Community Centre’s ongoing projects - from youth activities to wellbeing groups - thrive because of the dedication of people who believe in community first.
Farnham Herald - 28th May 2026 - Article regarding 'Civic officers quizzed on infrustructure changes'... to read the article in full, click here.