THE Hedgehogs, Farnham’s local charity, celebrated its 60th birthday on Saturday, March 9, at The Elvetham Hotel in Hartley Wintney with a gala dinner dance for more than 70 members, partners and guests.

The venue speaks volumes as to how far the Hedgehogs have come in 60 years from those days of smoke-filled rooms of The Marlborough Head pub where it all began with 10 young men, mostly former school friends, fresh from their membership of the Farnham Youth Club.

They met over their normal post-club pint to discuss a way forward that would enable them to continue their shared friendship while helping those in the community less fortunate than themselves.

Today, membership of the Hedgehogs is currently running at around 55 and growing. Most were at the celebration together with their wives and partners, who while not members (by choice) play a major part in most events or even run them.

Peter Greenyer acted as toastmaster and first to speak was Maurice Hewins, a founding member and vice-president.

Maurice reminisced as to how the organisation started and how things have changed over the past 60 years. He remembered when beer was 16d (old pence) a pint and a suit could be bought for £20 and would last a life-time, as the one he was wearing could testify.

On a more serious note, he asked that Peter Watts be remembered; Peter was the founding father and mentor of the original ‘Ancient and Honourable Order of Hedgehogs’, who along with others provided guidance during its establishment and early years.

“Without these individuals,” he said, “we would not be here tonight”.

Finally, he proposed a toast “to absent friends and to Hedgehogs past and present”, adding “may the organisation go on after we are gone”.

He was followed by David Margand, vice-president, who said: “After today’s International Women’s Day, tonight it is my pleasant task to propose a toast to the Hedgehogs ladies and looking around the room here tonight I can see the Hedgehogs’ men are very fortunate.

“The ladies are hard working behind the scenes and often not appreciated. To quote a military comparison, those of us who get pictures in the paper or are quoted with reference to the good works of our charity are the front line troops; but all troops in the front line must have support and this is what our ladies whole heartedly provide and without them we would not be as successful as are we are today.”

Salvatore Mezzullo, chairman of The Hedgehogs in replying to the toasts acknowledged the members who have served, past and present.

Jack Stacey, Hedgehogs’ president from 1987 to 2013, sadly passed away last month but was remembered for his long service to the Hedgehogs.

Salvatore also acknowledged the Hedgehog members fundraising for the financial year ending March 2019 of more than £120,000 – a record, of which more than £100,000 has been distributed to local people, organisations and causes all in need of some financial assistance.

Finally, Farnham town mayor David Attfield, representing the Farnham Town Council and people of Farnham, thanked the Hedgehogs for all that they have done for the town over the past 60 years.

He said: “Your immense contribution to our town is well recognised by the council and without your assistance it would be difficult to deliver the number and quality of events that we do for the benefit of Farnham at large.

“The services that The Hedgehogs themselves provide to the local community should not be understated – you are recognised as being extremely active in raising funds to be distributed to ‘those in need’ in and around Farnham and truly being a very active and wholly local charity.

“Your large contribution towards the Farnham ‘Hoppa’ bus is now being enjoyed by many and The Hedgehogs marquee hire facility is also a service widely used by local charities and individuals, as is the annual Love Farnham Calendar and your support of Farnham in Bloom.

“All your other activities to raise funds and your involvement with the Lions in planning and organising of probably Farnham’s largest and most prestigious event, Farnham Carnival indicates the extent of your contribution to the Farnham community.

“On behalf of Farnham Town Council, I thank you all for your past, present and future contribution to our community and long may The Hedgehogs continue to flourish.”

What is so unique and special about The Hedgehogs is that it was started in and is rooted in Farnham often with long family histories, democratic in what they do, truly local without any ties to national organisations or otherwise.

The Hedgehogs became a registered charity in 2001 and the welfare of Farnham and its people is their prime concern, hence their motto ‘Helping Local People and Organisations in Need’.

Anyone interested in giving some time to the community should visit www.the-hedgehogs.org.uk . The group is always seeking members from all walks of life with practical and business skills to keep The Hedgehogs moving forward to its 70th year.