FAMILY and friends of the late Mike Probert gathered at The Kiln village hall earlier this month to celebrate his 44 years of service to the Badshot Lea community.

Mike, a life-long Farnham resident, staunch supporter of Badshot Lea and beloved grandfather of eight, passed away aged 84 in January - leaving behind a far-reaching legacy that includes The Kiln which he helped establish as a community centre in the 1970s.

More than 60 people, including Mike’s wife Jean and three generations of his family, hirers of the hall, friends and colleagues, gathered at the St George’s Road venue on the evening of Friday, October 13, to celebrate his life.

A plaque was unveiled honouring Mike’s “dedication and service as the chairman and founder of the Badshot Lea Kiln Project from January 1973 to January 2017” and a tree was planted in his memory.

The occasion also saw the unveiling of The Kiln’s newly restored Hop Room museum, displaying artefacts from the area’s proud hop growing heritage.

The Hop Room was recently given a new lease of life thanks to a donation by The Kiln’s original owners the Tice Family, and the venue is appealing for further donations of hop picking paraphernalia to add to its growing collection.

Paying tribute to his friend and former colleague at the gathering, Badshot Lea councillor David Attfield said: “Mike’s role within our community of Badshot Lea extended into every area of the village - this wonderfully restored building, our infamous first school, at which some of us were fortunate to have been educated, and his support at our local church are just a few examples of where he excelled.

“Mike undertook so many roles that no one person has been able to replace him.

“I am sure Mike would have welcomed the community members that have stepped in to help fill his shoes to maintain the legacy of his much valued contribution to life in Badshot Lea.

“I’d like to thank Jean and her family for lending us Mike over a period of many years and please accept our very best wishes. Thank you Mike, your memory lives on.”

Anyone interesting in donating hop-related artefacts to The Kiln, or in hiring the venue, can call 01252 782832.