Haslemere Society

updated 2 September 2024

The Haslemere Society exists to protect and enhance Haslemere, nearby villages and the surrounding countryside, by encouraging the interest and support of residents and members.

The Society has a distinguished pedigree with its origins going back to 1884 when Sir Robert Hunter (one of the three co-founders of the National Trust) set up the Haslemere Branch of the Commons Preservation Society, which eventually became the Haslemere Society. The re-introduced Blue Plaque scheme goes from strength to strength. Haslemere is a historic town of great charm. Its setting in wonderful countryside in the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and its good transport links make it a much sought after place in which to live. The town is vibrant and cherished and the Society does not resist change, but seeks high standards of appropriate development and the careful planning of amenities and facilities, which are as much a concern for the Society as is conservation.

The Haslemere Society has a substantial membership whose influence is widely respected. The committee appreciates its active involvement and support.
New members are very welcome. You can help to shape Haslemere's future by joining the Society.

Summary of 2024 Diary Dates

Wednesday 25th September -Visit to Waverley Abbey.

A visit to the ruins of Waverley Abbey on 25th September.
There will be no charge for this event for members (guests £10) with attendees asked to make their own way or lift share. An excellent lunch at the café in the adjacent Palladian Mansion can be ordered before the tour at members' own expense.

The tour will start at 11am.
After a short introduction to The Cistercian Order and the history of the Order, we will tour the Abbey grounds before returning for lunch for those who wish to eat.
If you would like to join us, please fill out the simple form which can be accessed here, and which includes information on how to pay for any non member guests.
Please note that The Society can take no responsibility for any injury suffered by participants and that suitable footwear and clothing for the weather conditions should be worn.

15th November AGM @ Haslemere Hall

details to follow

Recent Events held by the Society:

Summer Visit to Blackdown Ridge
Nestled under the Blackdown Ridge is a young winery which hosted members of Haslemere Society for one of two wine tasting sessions in July. Members were treated to 5 varieties of wine.

How to grow, harvest & drink wine delivered by Lucinda.

Jane receiving a historic photo of Haslemere

21st June saw the 2024 Summer Party at the Haslemere Museum with the Brass Band providing the background.
This was also the retirement of Jane Stopford as a Committee member of the Society - details in the Newsletter.

WEY HILL FAIRGROUND SITE PROPOSALS
Details on proposals for development of the Fairground Site on Wey Hill. WBC have now formally agreed to press ahead with investigating proposals for a shopping precinct with 32 affordable council flats above it on the site.
The importance of consultation and the Society’s role
In principle, the Society supports development of the site, and we are keeping an open mind about the current proposals. The Society’s Planning Group will form a view once there is sufficient information to do so and may at that point object to or raise concerns about specific planning applications. However, we recognise that members are unlikely to all have the same view about whatever detailed final proposals are made. Our key concern is therefore to ensure that there is meaningful consultation with the community. We will be pressing WBC to provide full information in accessible ways and to offer appropriate channels for people to give their views and raise concerns well ahead of any planning application. We know that our local town councillors are also keen to ensure the local community is properly consulted so we will be working with them where appropriate to try to deliver this.
See Haslemere Society Comments here

Now Closed

Related Events   (External)
Talk at Haslemere Museum
Editor-in-Chief Mark Hedges from Country Life magazine has kindly agreed to give a talk at the Haslemere Museum next month. The talk is one of a series of important events being organised by the Museum as part of its fund raising programme.
His talk will discuss Country Life and the British love affair with the countryside.
Country Life was founded in 1897, not long after Haslemere Museum. Over the last 127 years, the magazine has provided coverage of country house architecture, fine art, gardens, gardening, food and drink and dogs, as well as celebrating the people who are integral to our landscape.
The talk takes place at Haslemere Museum on 11th April, 7 for 7.30pm. Tickets are £18, including a welcome drink, and can be booked via  haslemeremuseum.co.uk/whatson.