The Haslemere Society held its 131st Annual General meeting at Haslemere Hall on Friday 20th November attended by around 120 members. The Chairman, Mrs Jane Stopford Russell, welcomed the Mayor, Melanie Odell and all the members.
She reported on the year’s activities, which included comment on proposals which would have an impact on the character of the town. Two committee members have also been part of a team reappraising the conservation area, and gathering a list of Buildings of Local Merit, which is a new initiative by Waverley.
Other highlights of the last year were, a summer party held at St Christopher’s Church last June, when members enjoyed talks on the history and refurbishment of the Church; also a summer outing which was arranged to visit the Canine Partners Headquarters followed by a guided tour of the Chichester City Walls. The Society was delighted to have organised another Blue Plaque in the town, placed on a house connected with the local Peasant Art Movement. The Society also enjoyed participating in the Haslemere Festival, by offering guided local history walks and a talk on the interesting 18th century political situation in the town.
The Chairman welcomed Haslemere’s Surrey County Councillor, Nikki Barton, who gave an informed update and explanation of the local issues, which was appreciated by the members.
This was followed by an excellent presentation by David Forbes Nixon, whose charity, DFN Foundation, has acquired Undershaw, Conan Doyle’s old home in Hindhead. The talk encompassed both the history of the house and family, and the plans for rescuing Undershaw from dereliction. A new home for Stepping Stones School, an outstanding school for children with special needs, is to be established in an imaginative refurbishment of the old house and gardens, with state of the art modern extensions. The talk was very warmly received by the audience. A video about the re-development is available on the DFN Foundation's website here.
The evening concluded with wine and canapes, providing the members with an opportunity for discussion. The next meeting of the Haslemere Society will be the Spring meeting on Friday 15th April 2016 at Haslemere Hall.
She reported on the year’s activities, which included comment on proposals which would have an impact on the character of the town. Two committee members have also been part of a team reappraising the conservation area, and gathering a list of Buildings of Local Merit, which is a new initiative by Waverley.
Other highlights of the last year were, a summer party held at St Christopher’s Church last June, when members enjoyed talks on the history and refurbishment of the Church; also a summer outing which was arranged to visit the Canine Partners Headquarters followed by a guided tour of the Chichester City Walls. The Society was delighted to have organised another Blue Plaque in the town, placed on a house connected with the local Peasant Art Movement. The Society also enjoyed participating in the Haslemere Festival, by offering guided local history walks and a talk on the interesting 18th century political situation in the town.
The Chairman welcomed Haslemere’s Surrey County Councillor, Nikki Barton, who gave an informed update and explanation of the local issues, which was appreciated by the members.
This was followed by an excellent presentation by David Forbes Nixon, whose charity, DFN Foundation, has acquired Undershaw, Conan Doyle’s old home in Hindhead. The talk encompassed both the history of the house and family, and the plans for rescuing Undershaw from dereliction. A new home for Stepping Stones School, an outstanding school for children with special needs, is to be established in an imaginative refurbishment of the old house and gardens, with state of the art modern extensions. The talk was very warmly received by the audience. A video about the re-development is available on the DFN Foundation's website here.
The evening concluded with wine and canapes, providing the members with an opportunity for discussion. The next meeting of the Haslemere Society will be the Spring meeting on Friday 15th April 2016 at Haslemere Hall.
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