Around 100 volunteers rounded off the Coronation weekend by coming together to make a difference. 

Farnham’s Big Help Out was organised by Farnham Town Council and included a variety of activities for people to try. 

The town centre litter pick proved to be very popular as it was something families could do together. Volunteers filled several black sacks with litter from the weekend. The most unusual find was a mini keyboard and many people commented on the high number of cigarette butts.  

In Gostrey Meadow, a team of scouts and sea cadets made fantastic progress on clearing stones from the base of a commemorative bench. Elsewhere in the Meadow, people rolled up their sleeves to help with weeding two flower beds and planting a commemorative carpet bed. 

A large group of volunteers created a dead hedge which was an activity led by Farnham Biodiversity Group. The hedge was made by weaving garden waste which had been cleared from the site, between a row of wooden stakes. Dead hedges make wonderful habitats for wildlife and are perfect for hedgehogs. 

The Mayor of Farnham, Councillor Alan Earwaker helped out at the event and said: “Many hands make light work, and this was evidenced by the outcome of The Big Help Out. In just two hours, 100 people completed tasks that it would have taken a much smaller team several days to achieve. We are very grateful to everyone who came out to lend a hand.”

Such was the success of The Big Help Out and the enthusiasm of those taking part that Farnham Town Council has pledged to organise another similar event in the not too distant future. Anybody who wants to get involved sooner, can email bloom@farnham.gov.uk to find out about current volunteering opportunities.