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Hello and welcome to the June Newsletter!
What a busy May we've had!
We’ve enjoyed some incredible weather from scorching hot days to refreshing rain. Fingers crossed for more sunshine ahead! We’d love to see you at the centre, so why not pop down to our Community Wednesday for a cuppa and a sweet treat? Looking forward to catching up with you!
If you have skills to share, whether you’re a whizz with databases or simply keen to lend a hand, there are plenty of ways to get involved, drop us an email - office@halecommunitycentre.org.uk.
We’d be thrilled to hear from you! |
The newsletter can also we downloaded straight from the website. |
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Communities across the UK came together from 1–7 June 2026 to celebrate Volunteers' Week, a national campaign recognising the incredible contribution volunteers make to society.
Here at Hale Community Centre, we wouldn’t be able to do even half the things we do without our incredible team of volunteers. Their dedication, passion, and hard work make our community what it is.
On behalf of everyone at the Centre and the wider community, we want to say a huge thank you to all our volunteers. Your support truly makes such a difference.
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A big thank you to Agile HR Consulting who came and spruced up our garden boat. |
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This month, we invited our wonderful community to help us transform our centre into a burst of vibrant colour. We asked everyone to create a bunting flag, which when joined together will beautifully decorate our garden.
Additionally, during half-term, we hosted a fun and creative workshop, inviting everyone to pop in and get involved.
Stay tuned for the grand reveal we can't wait to showcase what is sure to be a wonderful work of art. |
Last week, the girls had an exciting outdoor experience with Surrey Wildlife Trust. They had a go at a campfire, learning valuable skills and enjoying something different. Afterward, everyone got to indulge in making delicious treats smores and bread cooked over the fire! What a fantastic experience learning with a tasty reward.
We can't wait for more fun with Surrey Wildlife Trust. |
The Rural Life Museum hosted their half-term community open day, made possible with the help of the Hoppa bus service. The weather was beautiful, and visitors enjoyed a variety of fun activities and sights.
Be sure to check out their next event, you won’t want to miss it! |
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The Community Centre manned the tea tent at the Farnham Farmers Market this May.
Thank you for everyone who came and showed their support.
We had a wonderful time attending the monthly event. Your generosity helps us raise funds for our Community and Youth Centre.
We look forward to seeing you at next one.
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An evening of song - with Hart Male Voice Choir Charity Concert |
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Saturday night was music night at the Spire Church in Farnham with the tunes provided by the Hart Male Voice Choir together with the centre's very own Sing for Joy group. The HMVC generously performed a varied repertoire from around the world, transporting the audience to sunnier climes on a rather rainy evening in June. Emily Hinchcliffe the choir's director also performed a beautiful violin solo masterfully accompanied by Charlotte Hobbs on the piano, kindly made available by the Tilford Bach Society. We provided a wonderful raffle and bar in the interval which all helped to boost the fundraising for the evening. We were grateful to receive additional raffle prizes donated by the choir members, congratulations to all the lucky winners! The finale of the evening was a joint performance with our very own Sing for Joy group of 'Amen - This Little Light' which was a beautiful end to a wonderful evening. Thanks to all the performers, Emily and Charlotte, Simon Porter, choir member and Centre Trustee that hosted the evening, The Spire Church and of course the fantastic audience. We are so pleased to announce that we have raised approximately £2000 from the event. These funds will help to sustain the singing group and support other vital projects that run in at the Centre. |
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Our Youth centre members showed some of their work at the FADEG art exhibition held at the Farnham Maltings.
They frequently host public exhibitions showcasing local, unseen artists and community groups, often in collaboration with other regional art groups and actively work to make the arts accessible to everyone. |
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Because of increased demand, we'll invite you to one Fridge and Cupboard session each week to collect food. If there's any extra food, we'll put it in the external cupboard or display it in the foyer. Please feel free to stop by and see if there is anything you would like. Our core hours of opening are 9am to 3pm, Monday to Friday. On Wednesdays there will still be a pay-what-you-can-afford lunch, Fridays a cafe with hot drinks and pastries and Sundays it will remain as an opportunity to sit outside and enjoy the garden. You remain welcome to come along to any session for refreshments only. Please also remember we are a charity so any donations that you can give to us will help to sustain the work we do. |
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If you or your children are interested in getting fit or just moving a bit more, why not come along to the Build Your Own Fitness class on Tuesday evenings or for the younger ones to the Monday Kids Fitness class, Both classes are run by James who is a fully qualified fitness instructor, he can help you tailor the exercises to your needs and ability.
For more information feel free to get in contact. Bookings@halecommunitycentre.org.uk |
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Our youth provision is expanding to welcome Year 6 boys and girls to our single gender youth club sessions.
• Year 6 boys - Tuesdays
• Year 6 girls - Wednesdays
Sessions are age appropriate and offer a safe, friendly, and supportive space where young people can make friends, build confidence, and enjoy fun activities in a relaxed environment.
For more information or to sign up please email:
Youth@halecommunitycentre.org.uk |
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Our Youth team are now popping in weekly to Heath End school for a lunch time drop in session to give our young people a safe and friendly place to unwind and someone to chat to.
If your young people attend Heath End School and would like more information please contact student reception. |
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Do you know that we rely on our rental income to support the running of the centres, as we receive NO statutory funding. So if you need a space for anything, do get in touch and see if we can help. We have competitive rates for our warm and welcoming spaces.
We have the main hall that can come with or without the lounge area, a smaller training room and the consulting room suitable for 1-2-1s, therapies and beauty and medical appointments, all available to hire, and all have access to our lovely kitchen facilities. |
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RHS Chelsea Plant of the Year 2026 |
RHS Chelsea Plant of the Year 2026
Discover the RHS Chelsea Plant of the Year 2026, Hosta RED NINJA, the second and third place plants, and the full shortlist – celebrating exceptional new plants and highlighting the latest advances and emerging trends in garden plant breeding.
WINNER | Hosta RED NINJA (‘Nk2021’) Breeder: Ninja Kramer. Exhibitor: Sienna Hosta. Supplier: Fairweather’s Nursery. Buy this plant (from summer 2026) >
Unique red hosta with deep purple-red, green-edged foliage. Stunning purple flowers from late summer to early autumn. Low-maintenance, ideal for mixed borders, balconies and terraces. H x S: 35 x 50cm. Prefers partial sun and well-drained soil. Gentle morning sun gives best colour. Hardy to -23ºC. |
What’s special about Hosta RED NINJA?
Developed as a full-plant mutation of Hosta ‘First Blush’, this award-winning new cultivar takes red colouration to the next level. Its leaves emerge in the spring with rich, intense red tones, complemented by deep green margins, and they retain that colour deep into summer.
From late summer into early autumn, RED NINJA produces delicate purple flowers, rising above the leaves and adding a fresh seasonal layer of interest when many other shade plants are beginning to fade – keeping this striking groundcover plant colourful across the seasons.
This hosta’s versatility is another key strength. Low-maintenance and well-behaved, RED NINJA works beautifully in either sunny or shady borders, as well as containers on balconies and terraces.
Receiving the coveted award, the RED NINJA team said: “Most hostas struggle in sun and need a shady position to thrive. But this is a hosta that actually needs some direct sun, and colours up in sunshine. The more it receives, the better the colour.”
To read the full article and see the runners up check it out here
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See useful video on how to use the app below. |
Merlin Bird ID is a free, user-friendly app by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology that helps identify birds by sound, photo, or simple questions, and works offline for global birdwatching.
Key Features
Bird Identification: Merlin offers multiple ways to identify birds. You can answer a few simple questions about a bird, upload a photo, or record a bird’s song or call. The app then provides a list of possible matches using machine learning and expert-curated data from eBird and the Macaulay Library.
Sound ID: This feature listens to birds around you in real time and suggests species based on their calls. It works offline, making it effective in remote locations.
Photo ID: Snap a photo or upload one from your camera roll, and Merlin will suggest likely species matches. This also works offline.
Guided Identification: Merlin can ask questions about the bird’s size, colour, and location to narrow down possibilities, making it accessible for beginners.
Life Lists and Scrapbook: Users can save identified birds to a personal life list and build a digital scrapbook of sightings. The app integrates with eBird to track and explore birds in different regions and seasons.
For more information pop to their website
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There are also regular courses available through TalkPlus
Knowing Me Knowing You Course:
A six-week virtual course that explores thoughts and feelings around anxiety, low mood, and wellbeing in a safe environment, allowing space to have special time with your baby. This course is for new mothers with babies under the age of 12 months, Living with a postcode within Hart and Rushmoor, struggling with mild to moderate levels of low mood/anxiety. The next course starts 13th April 2026.
Baby and Me Course: (Farnham Patients only) Patients outside of Farnham can refer and ask for information about our Knowing Me Knowing you Course.
It is an 8-week course that explores thoughts and feelings around anxiety, low mood and wellbeing and feeling alone in a safe environment, allowing space to have special time with your baby.
Currently running in February, next course starts: TBC
CBT Strategies for Menopause Webinar: Gain valuable insights into navigating the peri-menopause and menopause journey, Learn how CBT can empower you and manage symptoms, reduce stress and foster a positive mindset during this time of change.
This is being run on Tuesday 12th May 6pm - 7:30pm online.
For further information about all the courses we run and how to self-refer, please visit: www.talkplus.org.uk
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Hale Community and Youth Centre values your connection with us, whether you are a regular newsletter reader or someone who enjoys our activities.
Can you give us feedback?
Can you make a small donation as a one off or monthly?
Can you volunteer?
We understand that not everyone will be able to participate, and that's perfectly fine. If you do NOT want to hear further from us on how you can make a difference please email us at fundraising@halecommunitycentre.org.uk.
THANK YOU. |
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Interested in volunteering?
We are currently looking for new volunteers for a variety of roles to support our new projects. Interested? Please contact Sue |
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At Hale Community Centre we have many great services on offer for free, one of these is Citizens Advice. Most Wednesdays you can find Sharon at our Community Pop-in 11:00-1:30 who is on hand to advise you on all sorts of different concerns.
A major concern at present is the rise in the cost of heating our homes and paying for other utilities, this is where advisers like Sharon are a real gem. You can pop in to speak to Sharon about where you may be able to get extra help. If you are struggling with any kind of financial issues you can also speak to a member of the Community Centre team as we can signpost you to local funding and support that may be available.
Citizens Advice - They give people the knowledge and confidence they need to find their way forward - whoever they are, and whatever their problem. They are here to help everyone who needs it with practical advice you can really trust. They are a national charity and network of local charities that offer confidential advice online, over the phone, and in person, for free. |
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If you would like to donate! You can support us by donating via our JUST GIVING page: |
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Did you know that Hale Community Centre is a Not for Profit, independent organisation?
Can you help Hale Community Centre do more?
Hale Community Centre has worked hard to provide a safe and welcoming space that supports the community as it navigates its way through the changes we have all gone through to our normal lives and routines. We do not receive regular funding from the local councils and have to raise income from renting our rooms and from donations and project work in order to keep the Centre open to all. The operational costs to be covered by the Charity are over £1,000 per week.
Are you interested in becoming a friend of Hale Community Centre?
This would involve either providing a one-off donation or providing a regular donation, the charity could also claim gift aid if appropriate.
Are you able to support the activities at Hale Community Centre as a volunteer?
Or are you already involved in an organisation that could offer free sessions?
For more information or to donate or volunteer please contact Melissa Salisbury on 07471 180958 or by email at manager@halecommunitycentre.org.uk
Bank details: Sort code: 08 92 99 Account No: 65375602
You can support us by donating via our JUST GIVING page: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/hccjustgiving |
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