Haslemere Society

19 June 2022

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.

Haslemere Society Events 2022

Wednesday, 27 July 2022 : Watercress Line at Alton

Haslemere Society Members are invited to join t its first outing for many years, when we will take a coach to the Watercress Line at Alton, for a steam-hauled trip along the line to Alresford, and a light buffet lunch there, before returning to Alton.

As some of you will know, the Watercress Line from Alton to Winchester was closed by British Rail in February 1973 and the section of line east from Alresford was re-built over the next few years, with the 10-mile route to Alton finally re-opened in 1985. Today the line is one of Hampshire’s premier tourist attractions and is run by a dedicated team of volunteers (including the Society’s newsletter editor!) who were collectively awarded the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service earlier this month.

Our AMK coach will depart at 10.00am on Wednesday, 27 July, from the bus lay-by in Lower Street alongside the railway station car park (the one with the long shelter and colourful mural). We will then stop to pick up from the bus lay-by on St. Christopher’s Green at 10.15am before heading to Alton. We will have reserved seats on the 11.30am train from Alton, which arrives in Alresford at 12.08. Lunch will be at the nearby Swan Hotel (2 minutes’ walk), when a senior member of the Watercress Line team will give a short talk about the railway.

On the return train journey we will have a 45-minute stop at Ropley, where there will be a chance to have a guided tour of the railway’s workshops to see the skilled work that takes place there in restoring locomotives and carriages for use on the line. Our return train from Alresford departs at 1.30pm, and after its 45-minute stop at Ropley reaches Alton at 2.48pm, from where we will be picked up by the coach and will be back in Haslemere by 4.00pm, setting down at St. Christopher’s Green and terminating close to the station in Lower Street.
The fare for this trip is just £30.00 per member, inclusive of coach and rail travel along with the buffet lunch (but excluding drinks). 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.

AGM 11 November 2022 at Haslemere Hall 7.30pm
Details to Follow

Summer party – June 17 2022 at Museum 6:30pm ( See Events )