Good morning, Farnham. ☀️
Welcome back to Edition two. Plenty happening this week: a safety row brewing around the roadworks, Beerex returning to the Maltings, and some big news on the duck front. Let's go.
Last week’s Fix Fact- the answer
We asked: Farnham once had the largest market of its kind in England, beaten only by London. What was it?
The answer was B — the corn market. Wheat from across Surrey and North Hampshire passed through Farnham on its way to the capital for centuries. The town's position at the crossroads of two major routes made it a natural trading hub — and for a long time, the most important grain market outside London.
The roadworks is hurting people. Someone is speaking out.
If you've been navigating the town centre with the patience of a saint, this week's news won't come as a surprise — but it does deserve to be said out loud.
Resident David Tooth, 79, has gone public after his wife Elizabeth tripped on a kerb near Elphicks on West Street back in February, fell heavily, and spent six hours in A&E. She's recovering at home. A passer-by who witnessed the fall described her hitting her head on the kerb and being left bruised and bleeding.
Mr Tooth says he's since been contacted by several other residents — particularly elderly pedestrians — reporting similar experiences near the works. He's gathering information and raising concerns about contractor housekeeping, signage, and the lack of clearly marked safe routes through the work zones. Surrey Highways says it's investigating.
This isn't about stopping the works. The finished result — wider pavements, better crossings, new planting — will genuinely improve the town. But a £14 million project being delivered without adequate pedestrian safety signage isn't good enough, and it's right that someone is saying so.
If you or someone you know has had a fall or near-miss near the works, hit reply and tell us — we'll keep an eye on how this develops.
The ducks are coming, mark your calendars
One of Farnham's most joyful annual events is back. The Great Farnham Duck Race returns to Gostrey Meadow on Saturday 2 May, organised by Farnham Weyside Rotary Club. Stalls and activities from 10am, with 300 rubber ducks released into the River Wey in a series of heats raising money for The Woodlarks Centre and other Rotary charities.
Duck tickets are £2 and available at the Farmers' Market on 26 April, and at town centre locations on 18 and 25 April. The winning duck takes home £300. Entry to the meadow is free.
It's one of those events that makes you glad to live here.
Beerex is back — and this year there's wine in cans.
Farnham's biggest beer festival returns to the Maltings from Wednesday 23 to Friday 25 April. This is the 48th year of Beerex — the longest-running beer festival at the same venue in the UK — and it's keeping the tradition alive while adding a few surprises.
Over 100 real ales from breweries across the country, plus craft beers, ciders, and new for 2026: wine in cans and ready-to-drink cocktails. Farnham Town Brewery is back with three offerings after a strong debut last year. Live bands play at every session except Friday lunchtime.
It's run by the Lions Club of Farnham and has raised over £1.1 million for local causes since 1977. Around 4,500 people come through across the three days. Saturday lunchtime session is sold out, but tickets are still available for the rest. Details at farnhambeerex.org.uk.
Your local election candidates have been named.
For the first time in over 50 years, Farnham's local government structure is changing. On Thursday 7 May, residents will vote in elections to the new West Surrey Council — merging Waverley, Guildford, Runnymede, Spelthorne, Surrey Heath, and Woking into a single authority.
Farnham will send 18 councillors from nine wards to the new council. The full candidate list for Waverley wards was published by Surrey Live this week. Once elected, they'll serve as "shadow councillors" until the new authority officially takes over on 1 April 2027.
This is a big constitutional shake-up. If you want to know who's standing in your ward, the full list is on Surrey Live's website (getsurrey.co.uk).
Could your community project get a grant?
Farnham Town Council's community grants scheme is open for a second round, with up to £2,500 available for local not-for-profit organisations. Priority goes to groups that haven't already received funding this year and to genuinely new projects. The deadline is Friday 1 May — decisions made at the June council meeting. Details and application forms at farnham.gov.uk.
Quick Bites
Suicide prevention bench — Warm Remedy charity is fundraising to install a self-illuminating suicide help bench at Gostrey Meadow, following a successful model in Godalming.
New Ashgate Gallery — three exhibitions running until 25 April: Shorelines and Horizons, Makila Nsika's Pattern, Texture, Ornament, and Christina Taylor-Smith's Zen Garden. Free, West Street. Last chance this week.
Farmers' Market — Sunday 26 April, Central Car Park, 10am–1.30pm. 40+ local producers. One of the best in Surrey.
Hungry Boys — still doing Wing Wednesdays outside the Albion Tavern, Hale Road. From midday. Queue early.
Community Police drop-in — Surrey Police at Nationwide, Town Hall Buildings, Wednesday 22 April, 1.30–2.30pm. Good chance to raise local concerns directly.
Gigspanner Big Band — live folk music at Farnham Maltings, Monday 14 April, 8pm. Tickets still available.
What’s on this week
Wed 22 Apr — Community Police Drop-In
Nationwide, Town Hall Buildings · 1.30–2.30pm · Free
Chat directly with Surrey Police about local concerns, crime prevention, or anything on your mind. No appointment needed.
Wed 23–Fri 25 Apr — Farnham Beerex
Farnham Maltings · Sessions vary · Tickets at farnhambeerex.org.uk
The 48th annual beer festival. Over 100 real ales, craft beers, ciders, live music, and street food. One of the longest-running festivals in the UK.
Sun 26 Apr — Farnham Farmers' Market
Central Car Park · 10am–1.30pm · Free entry
40+ local producers selling fresh fruit, veg, meat, bread, cheese, and artisan goods. One of the best markets in Surrey.
Sat 2 May — Great Farnham Duck Race
Gostrey Meadow · From 10am · Free entry · Duck tickets £2
300 rubber ducks racing down the River Wey in heats. Stalls, activities, and family fun raising money for The Woodlarks Centre and local charities.
This week’s fix fact
King Charles I slept in a Farnham building the night before heading to London for his trial in 1649. The building still stands today and most Farnham residents walk past it regularly. Which building was it?
A) Farnham Castle
B) The Maltings
C) Vernon House
D) Willmer House
Hit reply with your answer — we'll reveal it next Monday. 👇
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That's your Monday Fix. We're brand new, so the best thing you can do right now is forward this to one person in Farnham who'd enjoy it.
Got a tip, a story, or something the town should know about? Just hit reply. We read everything.
See you next Monday. — The Fix
