Thank you Jeremy - our accountant - who has been busy this weekend taking new photos of the Centre!     

Residents of Sandy Hill first used a bungalow for community activities in 1998. Originally a caretaker’s residence, the building was converted and became a well-used community facility, contributing significantly to major improvements in the opportunities available to local residents and their quality of life. As usage of the building greatly increased a stage was reached where the old facilities were no longer adequate to meet growing needs.

As a result, First Wessex (now Vivid) worked with Surrey County Council and other partners to develop a brand-new facility, which in 2009 became a registered charity and company limited by guarantee with the name Sandy Hill Community Bungalow. In 2018 the name was changed to Hale Community Centre in recognition of the Centre working with and for all those living in Upper Hale.

Since its beginnings in 1998 the Centre has been a crucial component of, and hub for, many activities and improvements which have been developed by the involvement of residents and partners, and its wish to remain at the forefront of providing opportunities for all within Upper Hale and surrounding areas.

In June 2020, when the Centre initially reached its 10-year milestone, the Pandemic restrictions prevented any celebration. Today, thanks to award winning artist and long-term supporter of Hale Community Centre, Denise Jacques and members of the community, a new mosaic commemorative plaque in the shape of the Centre’s logo was unveiled by Norma Corkish, Chair of the Board of Trustees, and outgoing Centre Manager – Cathy Burroughs.

 June 2023

Completed by award winning artist and long-term supporter of Hale Community Centre, Denise Jacques and members of the Hale Community.

Norma Corkish, Chair of the Board of Trustees at Hale Community Centre, in Upper Hale is pleased to announce the appointment of a new Centre Manager – Melissa Salisbury. 

Melissa lived in Hale as a child and young adult and continues to live in the Farnham area. She has been involved with the local parish indirectly all her life and has a real understanding and love for the area.

The majority of Melissa’s experience has been in not-for-profit organisations ranging from Government Departments to Local Authority and Education. Whilst not sustained by activities with a commercial focus, the need to be accountable has always been there with such things as league tables and Ofsted reports or being held accountable by the local population.

Her experience working for the Youth Service and within Hampshire Scouting has given her a wide range of knowledge in safeguarding and safety issues within youth centred provision and she has also had first-hand experience of supporting young people in crisis.

In her new position as Centre Manager at Hale Community Centre, Melissa is hoping to be able to give back to the amazing community of North Farnham. The variety of projects that Hale Community Centre currently supports are all very much needed at this time, and she relishes the challenge of continuing these initiatives whilst responding to the needs of the local community.

June 2023

A Huge Thank You to all of our wonderful volunteers from the Staff and Trustees of Hale Community Centre

"We are so fortunate to have an amazing team of volunteers without whom we couldn't offer so many fantastic activities and support to our community. Thank you all so very much for your wonderful contributions." Cathy.