ST Mark’s Church in Hale is holding a meeting this week to discuss how to help combat poverty.

Poverty is hidden in plain sight in the community and Farnham contains some of the most deprived areas in Waverley – namely Sandy Hill, The Chantrys and the Wrecclesham/Weydon Lane estates according to the English indices of deprivation 2015.

Across the UK as a whole, there has been an increase in the use of food banks, in homelessness and rough sleeping, in slavery and mental distress.

With poverty comes poverty of spirit – low self-esteem, isolation, depression.

Suzette Jones, from the Diocese of Guildford, will be leading a session at St Mark’s on February 4, from 7.30pm to 9pm, to discuss issues of poverty.

As well as looking at the issues facing society, the session will include practical suggestions to help people stand together against poverty.

To quote James 2:15-16 (NIV) 5: “Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them ‘Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,’ but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it?”

For more details, e-mail Lesely Shatwell at [email protected].

* An old-fashioned Celtic singalong will be held at St Mark’s Church, Alma Lane, Hale, on February 9, from 7.30pm.

The Celtic ‘Croodle’ will trace a journey in song through Scotland, the north-east of England, Ireland and Wales. There will be a light Celtic supper (oatcakes, cheese, Welsh cakes and shortbread) - bring your own drinks.

To croodle means to snuggle together, so everyone is invited to a cosy evening of singing, in aid of restoring the Kitty Milroy murals at St Mark’s Church. All donations gratefully received.