THE PANDEMIC has hit Farnham Maltings hard. The building has been closed for much of the past year, the riverside cafe shut, the car park unused, its programme of events cancelled and all community users’ activities on hold.

The Maltings’ staff team have taken voluntary pay cuts, it has undertaken a redundancy programme, made use of the government’s furlough scheme, and secured Cultural Recovery funds of £165,000.

This hasn’t stopped the arts venue taking a leading role in Farnham’s response to the pandemic, working alongside Farnham and Waverley councils to set up a neighbour buddy scheme, support more than 500 people with shopping, prescription pick-ups and social calls through a dedicated helpline, operate a community swap store Share Farnham and encourage acts of kindness.

But without another cash injection, there are fears the Maltings will no longer be able to play such a central role in the community.

So to secure the Maltings’ long-term future, it has through the pages of this week’s Herald launched a Spring Forward appeal calling for the public’s help to raise £100,000.

Being closed for most of the past year has had a “devastating impact” on the Maltings’ ability to generate income, director Gavin Stride has said as the community hub launched its £100,000 Spring Forward appeal.

The Maltings owns its buildings, and has positive relationships with its local authorities and with the Arts Council.

But after a year of lost revenue, Mr Stride adds it needs the public’s support if it is to continue to build on its pivotal role in the community.

He said: “We have built an entrepreneurial model for the business that has served us well over the past 20 years and we are certain we have a future role as the creative and community heart of the town.

“We have worked at becoming a public space in our town that welcomes everyone with opportunities for people to connect, imagine and express themselves.

“By supporting the Maltings, you will ensure we can continue to contribute to the health and specialness of the town.

“We have always been the creative heart of the local community – people have worked here, met here, performed here, learnt here and even got christened, married and said their last farewells here.

“We have re-committed over the past year to do everything we can to improve the quality of life of all the people of the town.

“That is why we have worked closely with Farnham Town Council and Waverley Borough Council on the town’s response to the pandemic, and forged alliances with others who share our ambitions.

“We are excited about the future, but we need our community’s help so we can become the best version of ourselves that we can be.

“Every donation, large or small, makes a difference. Thank you for your support.”

Donations can be made online www.farnhammaltings.com/donate or by telephone 01252 745444 (9am to 3pm, Monday to Friday, excluding bank holidays).

Alternatively, a cheque can be sent by post, made payable to ‘Farnham Maltings Association Ltd’, Farnham Maltings, Bridge Square, GU9 7QR.

It is anticipated that once government restrictions are lifted, the Maltings’ buildings will be open from Monday, April 14. The box office will be open and one of the team will be happy to process your donation in person.