St John’s Church at Hale served as a beautiful venue for the Mayor of Farnham’s Civic Service on Sunday.

Before a congregation of dignitaries, family, friends and community representatives, Councillor Mike Hodge affirmed his intent to serve Farnham and its people to the best of his ability during his year in office.

The service was officiated by the Reverend Hannah Moore with prayers led by the Reverend Michael Hopkins from the Farnham United Reformed Church.

During the service, a collection was made for the Mayor’s charities, which are the Woodlarks Centre and Brightwells Gostrey Community Centre.

Speaking after the service, Councillor Hodge said: “I would like to thank everybody who came to the Civic Service including the Mayor of Waverley, Town Mayors, Mayors of other neighbouring boroughs, districts and parishes and our constituency MP, Jeremy Hunt. My thanks also go to the Reverends Hannah Moore and Michael Hopkins, the organist, choir and everybody else who contributed towards the success of the service. Finally, I would like to thank my guests for donating so generously to my charities – their support is greatly appreciated.”

At the end of the service, guests joined the Mayor of Farnham and his consort Councillor Julia Potts for refreshments in the Sumner Room, which was named after Bishop Charles Sumner, former Bishop of Winchester and founder of St John’s Church.