Christmas spirit was present in abundance in Farnham’s Gostrey Meadow on Sunday (18 December) when the town turned out for the Winter Celebration, marking the end of a highly successful year for Farnham in Bloom.
Local residents were in fine voice as they joined in the medley of much loved Christmas carols, led by Farnham Brass Band. Mince pies, donated by Lidl and Sainsbury’s, and mulled wine kept people warm and cheerful. Many took advantage of the opportunity for some impromptu Christmas shopping, purchasing pots of spring flowering bulbs planted by local children during the autumn Farnham in Bloom workshops.
“Coming together as a town to celebrate Christmas by keeping up such wonderful traditions as singing carols to a brass band and enjoying mince pies was really heart-warming,” says Councillor Stephen Hill, Lead Member for Community Enhancement. “The celebration brings to a close Farnham in Bloom 2016 and we start to think about the activities in 2017. It was the collective contribution of many members of our community that helped us win an excellent 12 awards this year, transforming the town into a stunning floral display. I hope we can build on the enthusiasm next year.”
The proceeds of the sale of the refreshments will be donated to The Friends of Ridgeway School, the Mayor of Farnham’s charity. The Ridgeway is a school for children aged two to 19 with severe and/or profound multiple learning difficulties and which also has expertise to help children who additionally have autism.
