The Farnham Fix - Monday 27 April 2026

Happy Monday. Four stories in this week's Fix — and one of them involves a junction that's been claiming lives for decades and may finally be getting the attention it needs.

Let's get into it.

We asked: King Charles I slept in a Farnham building the night before his trial in 1649. Which building?

The answer was C — Vernon House, now Farnham Library. On the night of 19 January 1649, the King was escorted through Farnham under armed guard, spending the night at Vernon House on West Street before continuing to London and his trial — which ended, as history records, rather badly for him. The skull cap he wore during his imprisonment is still held at the Museum of Farnham, just a few minutes' walk away.

Farnham's most notorious junction has claimed one life and left a teenager with life-threatening injuries since January. Now, for the first time in decades, there are genuine signs that something is going to change.

James O'Mara, 21, died in the early hours of New Year's Day after a collision at Hickley's Corner on the A31 bypass. Less than two months later, 16-year-old Maxim Palmer was struck by a BMW at the same spot and suffered life-threatening injuries. This week, friends of Maxim's family confirmed he is expected to make a recovery — news that will be a relief to the whole town.

But the junction itself remains as dangerous as ever. More than 1,000 residents have signed a petition calling for three urgent changes: reduce the 50mph speed limit, install red-light cameras, and improve the pedestrian crossing. Local residents Alexia and Steve Warner are going further — planning to fund and install safety banners at the junction inspired by the 1980s Green Cross Code, to improve pedestrian awareness while the bigger fix is worked out.

That bigger fix is now moving. Surrey County Council is preparing a business case for a comprehensive overhaul of the A31 corridor between the Shepherd & Flock and Coxbridge roundabouts. In the short term, speed and red-light surveys are being carried out on both approaches to the bypass. Farnham and Bordon MP Greg Stafford visited Hickley's Corner this week and posted an update on progress — a visible sign that political pressure is being maintained.

The debate over this junction has been running since 1969. There have been promises before. But with a fatality, a serious injury, a 1,000-strong petition, community action and MP pressure all arriving at once — residents are cautiously hoping this time is different.

You can sign the petition at change.org — search 'Hickley's Corner safety'.

The 48th Farnham Beerex wrapped up at the Maltings on Saturday after three days of real ale, live music and street food. The festival lays claim to being the longest-running beer festival held at the same venue in the UK, drawing around 5,000 visitors and raising funds for local charities — every pour pulled by a volunteer.

This year brought the biggest drinks selection yet, with an expanded craft bar and a new Cans Bar offering international beers, wines and cocktails alongside 100-plus cask ales. Locally, Farnham Town Brewery returned with three offerings — a sign the town's own brewing scene is growing alongside the festival.

But behind the scenes, festival chairman Phil Williams described this year as the most challenging to organise yet, citing rising costs and a shortage of younger volunteers. Without new people stepping forward, events like this don't just struggle — they disappear.

If you've ever fancied getting involved, the team needs you. Details at farnhambeerex.org.uk.

On Thursday 7 May, Farnham goes to the polls for the most significant local vote in half a century. Surrey's entire council structure is changing — the county council is merging with its boroughs and districts to create two new unitary authorities. Farnham falls into the new West Surrey Council.

The number of councillors covering the West Surrey area drops from 287 to just 90 — a reduction of 67%. You'll be voting for two councillors to represent your ward. There are three Farnham wards: North, Central and South. The Farnham Residents Group is fielding candidates in all three alongside the other political parties.

The elected councillors won't take over immediately — they'll operate as a shadow authority until the new West Surrey Council formally launches on 1 April 2027.

You need photo ID to vote. No passport or driving licence? Apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate at gov.uk/apply-for-photo-id-voter-authority-certificate — the deadline is 5pm this Tuesday 29 April. Don't miss it.

A building that has served Farnham as a doctor's surgery for more than 200 years could be about to change purpose entirely. Plans submitted to Waverley Borough Council seek permission to convert the Grade II listed Georgian building at 4 Downing Street into seven flats, with extensions, landscaping and cycle storage.

Because of its listed status, a separate application for listed building consent has also been submitted alongside the planning application. Both are currently under consideration by Waverley planning officers. No decision has been made — but given the building's history at the heart of Farnham town centre, it's one residents will want to keep an eye on.

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.

Wed 29 Apr — Farnham Town FC Play-Off Semi-Final
The Memorial Ground · 7.45pm · Tickets at ftfconline.com
Farnham Town host Berkhamsted in a Southern League Premier South play-off semi-final.

Thu 30 Apr — UCA Summer Market
University for the Creative Arts · 12–4pm · Free entry
Over 100 stalls from local artists, students, staff and alumni. A great way to spend a Thursday afternoon and pick up something genuinely original..

Sat 2 May — Great Farnham Duck Race
Gostrey Meadow, South Street · 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.

Ongoing — New Ashgate Gallery: Spring Craft Collection
Waggon Yard · Tue–Sat 10am–5pm · Free entry
Over 50 artists and makers showing ceramics, jewellery, textiles and glass. Worth a browse any day this week.

Thu 7 May — West Surrey Council Elections
Polling stations across Farnham · Don't forget your photo ID
Check your ward and candidates at whocanivotefor.co.uk. Voter Authority Certificate deadline: 5pm Tuesday 29 April.

Queen Elizabeth I spent a whole summer at Farnham Castle in 1583 — hiding from what?

A) The Plague
B) An assassination plot
C) A political scandal
D) Bad weather in London

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 if you’re enjoying it, please 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