Farnham has become the first community in Surrey to receive Plastic Free Community status from Surfers Against Sewage (8 October 2024) in recognition of the townโs efforts to reduce plastic use.
Farnham and Bordon MP Greg Stafford praised the achievement and hard work of local people which included volunteers, businesses, organisations, schools and residents. He highlighted the support of Tice’s Meadow Nature Reserve which signed the Plastic Free Pledge.
Local business, The Goode Company, was awarded the Gold Champion business award for its efforts to reduce plastic at events including Rowledge Fayre, where they provided reusable cups. Their Director Jenna Goode expressed optimism, saying, โFarnhamโs achievement fills me with hope and excitement for the future.โ
At a celebration held at Farnham Town Hall, Deputy Mayor George Murray accepted the award on behalf of the town. The event featured guest speaker Emma Coates, a 15-year-old Farnham resident who stressed the need to address climate change, noting that 2023 was the hottest year on record. She emphasised that younger generations should not be left to fix the environmental problems created by previous generations. โTodayโs adult generations, including all of you, will be remembered for what you have or have not done. If we all do something little, this will lead to big change!โ
Plastic Free Farnham, in collaboration with Rotary Clubs of Farnham and Farnham Town Council, engaged 30 organisations, awarded 21 businesses and participated in local events to raise awareness, such as Farnham Sustainability Festival.
Get Involved
Plastic Free Farnham is a volunteer-led initiative dedicated to reducing plastic in Farnham. Businesses can apply for the Plastic Free Champion award, and organisations can sign the Plastic Free Pledge. To join in or learn more, visit the Plastic Free Farnham website.
With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, there’s still time toย show your love for local by shopping within the Surrey Hills, choosing locally-made gifts or booking a Surrey Hills’ experience. With a wide range of both traditional and more unusual treats for yourself or a loved one, look to local this Valentine’s for a more sustainable choice and to truly show you care.
Pick the perfect Valentine’s present from a choice of curated gift boxes for Valentine’s Day from Sensiful.ย Show your special someone how much you care while also spreading the love to lots of local Surrey businesses who make the gifts in the boxes. How about aย Hot Fox Box (ยฃ29.50) with an array of chilli-themed gifts?ย Or theย Surrey Sweetness Box (ยฃ33) for your sweet toothed sweetheart?ย Last orders for free guaranteed Valentine’s delivery isย Friday 10th February.
The Valentine’s Rose Expression and Chocolate Gift Set (ยฃ50) brings together two Surrey Hills Enterprises members in the perfect partnership. Silent Pool Distillers and Sweet Cโs Handcrafted Chocolates have created this heavenly gift set to set hearts racing this Valentineโs. Featuring Silent Poolโs delicate Rose Expression Gin, combined with Sweet Cโs handcrafted chocolates made with exquisite Fino De Aroma cocoa, specifically created to enhance individual botanical notes in the gin, including orange, spice and red fruits.
Vegan, cruelty free and plastic free local candle company, Winterfold Candle Company, suggest their Eventide Essential Oil Candle (ยฃ24.95) makes for the perfect Valentineโs gift. Reminiscent of sultry summer evenings, this candle pairs the deep, complex scent of bergamot – providing a comforting warmth – with the rich florals of neroli for a beautifully uplifting scent.
Enjoy complimentary Sweet Cโs chocolates when you buy sparkling wine from Chilworth Manor Vineyard before Valentineโs Day. Try the Chilworth Manor Brut Rosรฉ (ยฃ36.50), aย classic method sparkling wine, vibrant pastel pink in colour with youthful purple hues and a delicate mousse,blended from Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier grapes. The last order date for guaranteed delivery is 9th February but order and collect from the vineyard up to 1pm on 13th February.
Give yourself the gift of self-love this Valentineโs with natural skincare from Puremess and buy a bestseller to receive 23% off another product. The bestselling Rejuvenating Face Cream (ยฃ18) is one such product that lifts the spirits with its Neroli, Sweet Orange and Palmarosa essential oils, whilst rehydrating, softening and rejuvenating the skin with its Hyaluronic Acid.
Available in Classic, Orange, Mint, Salted Caramel, Raspberry or Peanut Butter, the 8-inch Brownie Heart (ยฃ20) from Delightfully Decadent is the ideal way the share the love with the whole family this Valentineโs. Handcrafted and suitable for 8-10 people, this delicious brownie makes the perfect indulgent gift. Order online or telephone via the website.
Valentine’s Experiences
Barnett Hill Hotel provides the perfect elegant setting for romance this Valentineโs season, with sumptuous Afternoon Tea for Two, sure to impress any amore! Served in the Library, Bar, Oak Room and Drawing Room, expect roaring fires, frosty views accompanied by dainty sandwiches, light-as-air scones and a divine selection of cakes.
The beautiful Denbies Wine Estate in Dorking is hosting a Valentines Sparkling Celebration Ball on Saturday 11th February. Enjoy a sparkling wine reception followed by a delicious three-course meal with wine, then dance the night away to live music provided by the fabulous 15-piece band, Perfidia. Tickets are priced at ยฃ68.50 per person.
Book the beer lover in your life a Brewery Tour (ยฃ15 per person) with Dorking Brewery for the chance to learn more about their seriously good beer and the processes they employ. With a duration of 45 minutes, this tour takes place every Saturday at 12.30pm and makes the perfect Surrey Hills experience gift for that hard to buy for person.
For those that want to give their loved one something memorable, why not purchase an Experience Day Gift Voucher (from ยฃ65) for Joy Farms? Let them choose a date and experience that suits them best from a wide range of activities including green wood spoon carving, basket weaving, woodturning, floristry and more. These beginner-friendly art and craft experiences provide the chance to get outside in the fresh air and learn a new craft or explore a new hobby.
Celebrate Valentineโs Day with a romantic getaway to Wotton House, escaping into a relaxing and indulgent break with the one you love. The Valentineโs Package includes an overnight stay in a Garden View Room, Dinner, Bed and Breakfast, Petals on the bed, Chocolate Strawberries and a Bottle of Prosecco on Ice in the room. Available on Saturday 11th and Tuesday 14th February from ยฃ249 per room.
