Last week, the This is Haslemere team visited the Fernhurst Hub to find out more about what the Hub is all about and what they offer the local community.

We went in on a Monday morning at 10 o’clock, receiving a super warm welcome from the volunteers on duty. Local residents were enjoying the space, making the most of the delicious cakes, teas and coffees that the café serves up, whilst Claudia was just starting her weekly Spanish lessons in the training room there.

It didn’t take us long to realise how special this place is. The space is friendly, cosy, warm, welcoming, professional and calm. Surprisingly calm perhaps when you consider the sheer volume of activities that take place here.

The Hub definitely has its regulars – so regular in fact that you can pretty much set your clock by them! Whilst we were there one of the daily regulars – Brian - came in for his morning cuppa and to enjoy his newspaper. There are probably half a dozen other customers that visit the hub on a daily basis. And certainly, for some retired local residents the café here is a real lifeline.

Whilst we were there, another lady popped in to browse the retail area selecting a couple of cards for upcoming birthdays. The retail area has some lovely gifts too. And there is an adjacent ‘library’ where books can be borrowed free of charge.

However, their customer base is much broader than this. There are so many different groups who come to enjoy the atmosphere and warm welcome that the Hub offers. On a Monday, you’ll find the HAGs (Housewife Avoidance Group) meeting for a chat. And on Tuesday the pilates group come straight from the village hall to the hub for their post exercise catch up. On a Tuesday and Wednesday, the Hub welcomes some of their youngest visitors thanks to the pre-school music groups which are also run entirely by volunteers.

There are also regular children’s craft groups in the school holidays co-ordinated by another one of the Fernhurst Hub’s special volunteers, Sarah Brown. Along with these groups, there are two monthly book groups and a monthly walk which uses the Hub as its meeting point. And let’s not forget the board games afternoons, language lessons (you can learn Italian, French or Spanish here), antiques valuation days, bi-annual repair café and one-off classes such as jewellery making and embroidery. And this isn’t doesn’t even begin to cover everything… the list of groups here is eclectic and extensive. It definitely offers something for all interests and age groups.

We had a lovely chat to one of the Hub’s newest volunteers, Jane. Jane started volunteering at the Hub just before Christmas. For the past few months, she has held the fort behind the counter every Monday morning between 10 and 12 along with Barbara, an experienced volunteer. Together they help customers, serve drinks and generally provide a warm welcome to those coming in.

We were curious as to why Jane had decided to help out at the Hub. Jane told us that she felt lucky to have the time to be able to volunteer. In the past, she was a volunteer at Homestart but fancied a new challenge this time, hence she chose the Hub. ‘I wanted to give back, even in a small way.’ But Jane was quick to point out that she gets just as much out of helping out as she puts in. ‘Volunteering here makes me happy and I have met so many different and wonderful people already. It really has exceeded my expectations. I love my Monday mornings.’ Jane has also seen the impact that the Hub can have on others. ‘I persuaded my father-in-law to come along with me one Monday and being here definitely gave him a new lease of life and a realisation of what was available to enjoy within the community.’

Most of the volunteers tend to be women but the hub also has its male volunteers too – Bob, Ian and Paul are some of the hub’s longest serving volunteers.

We were lucky enough to also speak to the Hub manager, Liz. She has been the manager of this incredible community resource since 2021 after a chance discussion on a dog walk with the Chair of Trustees, Antonia Plant. A lengthy application process later and she was delighted to be offered the role. Ever since, she has certainly brought her own unique flair and enthusiasm to the Hub. She has introduced so many new events too. These include regular art exhibitions – watch out for the upcoming exhibition by the Fernhurst Art group which meets at the hub every Wednesday afternoon. And she also started evening talks and events to expand the role of the hub within the community. 

Liz describes the Hub as ‘a most extraordinary place – a happy place’ and told us that ‘Volunteers are definitely getting as much out of helping as they are putting in…. if not more so. You don’t mind going the extra mile when you’re doing something so worthwhile.’

We have to agree. The Fernhurst Hub truly is a special place. It epitomises what makes a community special. The Fernhurst Hub and its many volunteers are such an asset to the local community. Thank you to each and every one of them that gives up their time to make this such a wonderful space.

Find out more about the Hub and what they offer at their website https://www.fernhursthub.org.uk/.