Our Mission
Our Mission is to put on great events to benefit worthy causes and the community
The first Festival of Transport was initially organised by Dave Stallard and took place in 1999. Sir Ray Tindle met Dave when they both had operations for throat cancer performed by Andrew McCombe, Consultant ENT surgeon at Frimley Park Hospital at the time. This operation resulted in their voice boxes being removed.
To thank Andrew McCombe and the hospital for saving their lives the two men joined forces to raise funds for the ENT department and the Laryngectomy Club, which was formed for the benefit of Andrew’s patients shortly after.
The Farnham Herald became the sponsor and members of the Herald staff and the Club helped in the organisation of the event. We have received invaluable help from Farnham Weyside Rotary Club and they continue to support the Festival every year.
Many thousands of pounds have been raised for charity thanks to the generosity of the drivers of the cars taking part and to the spectators. We are grateful to them all and love making the festival better every year.
This year we are delighted to be working and donating to Challengers!
Challengers is dedicated to breaking down the barriers of play and make it possible for every disabled child or young people to play and have fun, without limits.
To achieve this, we provide inclusive play and leisure opportunities for over 750 disabled children and young people a year, aged 2-18 at our pre-schools, playschemes and youth schemes all based across the Southeast. We are proud to have a centre in the heart of Farnham which is located at St James’s Avenue. At our Farnham Centre, we have a fully inclusive Preschool, Play Scheme, Youth Scheme and our 555 service.
Challengers is a place where all disabled young people can have fun, make friends and try activities they have never had the opportunity to before.
Young people can attend our services and experience the same fun and friendship as their non-disabled peers, with activities adapted to suit their unique individual needs. We have been passionate champions of inclusion since the charity was established in 1979, and more than 40 years on, Challengers has grown to provide smiles and laughter to thousands of disabled children and young people.
Parents can use our Play and Youth schemes to gain respite from the demands of their care responsibilities. They can relax and enjoy time away from their child, knowing that they are safely cared for by trained staff and having a great time with their friends.
Having regular access to short breaks services, like Challengers, helps to keep families strong and together. It’s vitally important for the whole family, not just the young person who attends.
disability-challengers.org
Farnham Weyside Rotary Club
Farnham Weyside is one of 33,000 Rotary Clubs in the world and is part of an influential international organisation. In Farnham there are two Rotary Clubs – Farnham Weyside meets on Tuesday evenings.
The focus of the club is on developing friendships and helping the local community as well as supporting projects overseas. A full list of all the charities supported can be found on the club website www.farnhamweyside.org.uk. The club organises many enjoyable events, of which these three are the main fundraisers.
Farnham Duck Race
Hundreds of people flock to the banks of the River Wey in Farnham’s Gostrey Meadow every Spring to enjoy the sight of ducks racing down the river, and also to make the most of the other entertainments in the park. The money raised is split between a local charity and an international one.
Farnham Festival of Transport
Organised in conjunction with the Farnham Herald, this event every June attracts around 100 historic and classic cars, and a variety of other vehicles to take part in a display of motoring history as well as a parade through the town. Funds raised support a local charity.
Farnham Pilgrim Marathon
A major event every September, the Marathon is rated one of the best in the country. Attracting runners from all over the world, the course goes through some of the most beautiful local countryside. The substantial sums raised are distributed to a wide range of local charities.