A busy week of events in Hambledon, including the fete, mid-summer dance and Viewmap unveiling, has culminated with the opening of the refurbished Almshouse.

One of the pair of almshouses in Malthouse Lane has been extended and modernised. No 2 has a new kitchen, en-suite bathroom, a larger living room, under-floor heating, double-glazing, fire alarm and sprinkler system and insulation.

The opening ceremony was performed by Audrey Monk, clerk to The Trustees of the Almshouses, who has written a history of the buildings.  They were built in 1907 and, more than 100 years later,  both were considered to be in need of upgrading to bring them up to 21st Century standards.

No 2 became vacant when John Givens moved out two years ago and Andrew Falk, chairman of the Trustees, launched an ambitious fund-raising scheme to help finance the work, which has cost in the region of £100,000. The majority of the work has been undertaken by local builder Mike Coates.

Andrew said that he was worried that the money would not be forthcoming, but villagers rose to the challenge and donated one third of the costs. The remainder came from trusts and from the resources of Hambledon (Surrey) Almshouses, which is a registered charity.

Our pictures shows Andrew addressing a gathering of about 30 villagers who had helped with fundraising, with Audrey Monk, clerk, and Mike Parry and Peter Spall, trustees, looking on.

A guest of honour was Christine Gourley, who lives next door at No 1.  The Trustees plan to launch a second fund-raising drive to finance a similar extension and refurbishing of her property at a later date. In the meantime the Trustees will interview applicants to move into No 2. Priority is given to those in housing need who have lived in the village for two years, at any stage in their lives.

Further details about the Almshouses can be found under the Clubs and Organisations section of this website.

Last weekend the sun shone on a busy Hambledon Fete on the cricket green, which featured a variety of stalls, dog show, tug of war and many other activities. Refreshments included barbecue, beer, cakes and teas.

It was followed by a dinner/dance which, like the fete, raised money for village organisations. It was held in a large marquee and more than 20 tables for up to 12 guests per table were sold almost as soon as organiser Sue Blackman made them available. Live music was provided, once again, by local favourites Toxic Sausage. Hambledon danced into the night.

The following day, after a morning church service held in the marquee, several dozen villages climbed to the top of Hambledon Common to see the unveilng of the Viewmap by Stephen Dean.  The stainless steel map, mounted on a plinth of bargate stone beside the Greensand Way long-distance footpath, indicates what can be seen from the highpoint which affords views across the Weald to the South Downs.  There is also a QR (quick response) symbol which can be read by mobile phones and other devices which gives walkers a link to the village website and more information about the views.

George Pitt, who has been involved in the project which was inspired by the Hambledon Heritage Society, explained how the map was put together.