Haslemere’s “Community Ken” Receives Well-Deserved MBE

Everyone at Haslewey would like to offer our heartfelt congratulations to trustee, friend and community champion Ken Griffiths MBE on receiving a Member of the Order of the British Empire for services to the community in Haslemere.

Affectionately known throughout the town as “Community Ken”, Ken has spent more than 45 years helping organisations, supporting charities, organising events, fundraising and bringing people together across Haslemere.

Ken has been a trustee at Haslewey for nearly 12 years and has also served as Chair of Trustees. During that time, he has played an important role in helping Haslewey continue to grow as a thriving community hub supporting people of all ages.

At Haslewey, we see first-hand the time, care and enthusiasm Ken gives to the community. Whether supporting local charities, helping community groups or organising fundraising projects, Ken always approaches everything with kindness and positivity.

His contribution to Haslewey itself has left a lasting mark on the building and its future. Ken helped secure funding for the beautiful clock tower and decorative weather vane that now sit proudly on the roof of Haslewey. He also helped raise funds for the installation of solar panels, helping reduce energy costs so more money can be reinvested back into supporting the community.

Beyond Haslewey, Ken is perhaps best known as one of the driving forces behind the hugely successful Haslemere Fringe Festival, which has grown into one of Surrey’s best-loved community festivals whilst still remaining volunteer-led and community focused.

Many residents will also know Ken through Weyhill in Bloom, helping brighten Wey Hill and Junction Place with flowers, hanging baskets and planting schemes that have helped create pride in the local community.

Ken has also been involved in numerous other initiatives over the years including Little Lumpy cycling events, fundraising projects and preserving Haslemere’s historic railway signal box as Chair of the Haslemere Signal Box Trust.

Alongside this, Ken has played a major role within Haslemere Rotary Club, supporting counselling services, dementia charities, cancer support organisations and many local community projects.

Over the years, Ken has also taken part in many charity fundraising events. When the Great South Run was cancelled due to extreme weather, Ken and friends organised their own “Great Haslemere Run” after raising sponsorship money for charity — perfectly reflecting Ken’s determination and community spirit.

Despite everything he has achieved, Ken never seeks praise or recognition for himself. After receiving his MBE from Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal at St James’s Palace, Ken said:

“Behind me in receiving it were the many volunteers who work on the various projects around Haslemere that I am involved in.”

That humility is one of the many reasons he is so respected and admired throughout the town.

Whether it is a festival on Lion Green, flowers brightening Wey Hill, preserving the town’s heritage, supporting charities or simply bringing people together, Ken’s fingerprints can be found throughout community life in Haslemere.

At Haslewey, we are incredibly fortunate to have Ken as one of our trustees and part of our community.

Congratulations Ken — this honour could not be more deserved and we thank you for everything you continue to do for Haslemere.