MEMORABLE EVENTS IN THE SOCIETY’S HISTORY

1911

Founding of the original Old Farnham Society by Bishop Talbot, C.E.Borelli, H. Falkner, W.H.Allen and G.Sturt.

1947

Revival and re-naming of the Farnham Society

1956-60

Saving The Ranger’s House in Farnham Park

1963

Harold Falkner dies. His house at 24 West Street was bequeathed to the Society who were unable to accept.

1967

Wrecclesham Coal Depot plans opposed

1968

Public meeting to save the Maltings

1969

Formation of the A31 Committee to oppose Surrey County Council flyover scheme for Hickley’s Corner, in favour of an underpass.

1973

“Tree Year” – The Society planted trees on the Shepherd and Flock roundabout and recorded 1000 trees in the Farnham Conservation Area.

1974

The Society’s first Newsletter produced. Demise of old Farnham Urban District Council, with the formation of Waverley Borough Council.

1977

Photographic record of the town prepared and presented to the Museum to mark the Queen’s Silver Jubilee.

1982

The Verney Prize Competition for local schoolchildren started.

1982-83

Lion and Lamb Yard and The Hart plans commented on. First Farnham Society Amenity Awards presented. Farnham Town Council formed. Six members of the Society elected.

1983

£1000 gift to the Maltings.

1986

Sponsored photographic record of buildings and shop fronts in the Conservation Area by WSCAD students. Preparation of Guidelines on the design of shop fronts in the Conservation Area. Schemes prepared for the enhancement of Castle Street and Long Garden Walk.

1987

Wrecclesham Aggregates depot plans opposed.

1998

The Society’s Traffic Management Group produced a report on the “Study of Through Traffic and the Farnham Town Centre” from which came the traffic lights at the Shepherd and Flock roundabout

2001

Donation of £4000 to the TRASH campaign (“Tipping Rubbish: A Serious Hazard”)

2001

The Society was represented at the Barratts Homes Appeal against the refusal of their application for permission to develop land at St James’s Avenue. The appeal was dismissed.

2002

The Farnham Society together with the Godalming Trust and the Haslemere Society jointly managed and part-funded the project to publish “West Surrey Architecture 1840-2000” by Christopher Budgen

The Farnham Society and the Farnham Buildings Preservation Trust jointly submitted a planning application for the restoration of Brightwell House. The application was granted thus at the same time protecting the Grade II building from being de-listed.

An album containing a photographic record of Farnham was prepared and presented to the Farnham Museum to mark the Queen’s Golden Jubilee.

2003

The Society assisted Waverley Borough Council in their Conservation Area Appraisal of Farnham's town centre by researching and producing the section "Character of Farnham". In addition, our proposal was accepted to extend the area along East Street up to No.13.

2004

The Society participated in the national "Clone Town Britain" campaign and carried out a survey of 50 shops in Farnham's "High Street" to establish the ratio of chain shops to independent retailers. With 72% chain dominance, Farnham was a middle-ranking "clone town" as borne out by a table published in "The Times".

(Click to read article in Newsletter)

2005

In view of the difficulties rail passengers were experiencing parking at Farnham Station, the Society carried out a factual survey of the take-up of parking spaces on two different weeks. It revealed that the car park was full on Wednesdays and Thursdays by 9.30 am and on Tuesdays by 10.00 am.

(Click to read article in Newsletter)

The Farnham Society hosted the one-day annual Southern Comfort event at the Maltings, Farnham. Thirteen Civic Societies from the South of England attended.

2008  A CELEBRATION OF 60 YEARS

The Society celebrated its sixtieth anniversary of its revival and re-naming in 1948, with a reception held at Farnham Castle on Sunday 6th April from 12.00 to 2.00 pm. Refreshments were served. At this event we launched the Commemorative booklet.

2011 A CELEBRATION OF 100 YEARS

The Society celebrated its centenary anniversary of its original founding as The Old Farnham Society in 1911, with a reception held at Farnham Castle on Sunday 6th October from 12.00 to 2.00 pm. Refreshments were served. Speakers were the Town  Mayor, Jill Hargreaves, the Society Chairman, Alan Gavaghan, and the Vice-President Ronnie Boughton. entertainment was provided by pianist Jez Clements and the young musicians of the Farnham Music and Drama  jazz group.