Haslemere will honour the 80th anniversary of VE Day with a remembrance service and community celebration
featuring a Spitfire flypast and various performances
Haslemere will mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day with two events to honour the occasion – a remembrance service on Thursday
The May 8 service will take place at the town’s war memorial at 10am
to remember those who served and sacrificed during the Second World War
This date marks the exact anniversary of Victory in Europe Day in 1945
the town will host a free family event on Lion Green from 3pm to 9pm
The event is sponsored by Haslemere Town Council
the Shottermill Great War Memorial Trust and the Haslemere Festival
A highlight will be a full-size replica Spitfire on display
with a genuine WWII Spitfire flypast scheduled for the opening ceremony
a special raffle is being held – only 200 tickets are available at £20 each
The event will have music by Rhythm & Groove Big Band
Talks and wartime-themed exhibits will also take place in marquees
Schools are contributing handmade poppies for two large wreaths to be displayed at St Christopher’s Church
while shops across town will dress their windows with VE Day themes
the combined churches of Haslemere will host a special Pray for Peace interactive prayer space at Haslemere Methodist Church
and engage with activities centred on remembrance and peace
It will be open each morning and all day on Saturday
All proceeds will support the RBL. To volunteer or enter the raffle, contact [email protected] or [email protected]
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The final steam train signalled through Haslemere signalbox
Saturday (April 26) marked a moment of railway history as the final steam train was signalled through the railway by three signal boxes between Farncombe and Petersfield
The final steam train sent through by the retiring signal boxes was the Merchant Navy Class Clan Line No
hauling the first leg of the Great Britain XVII
It departed London Victoria in the morning and finished its first day in Bristol
These three existing signal boxes are nearing 50 years of service and are becoming less reliable and increasingly difficult to maintain
Haslemere signal box will become a small museum
a long-term programme of work to upgrade the signalling systems – the railway’s traffic lights – between Farncombe and Petersfield will be completed
with control of signalling being transferred from these three signal boxes to the Basingstoke Rail Operating Centre (ROC)
This new digital signalling technology is part of wider upgrades to the railway between London and Portsmouth and will make the railway more reliable and increase the future potential capacity of the line for more and faster train services
Once control of the signalling has been moved to the ROC
Petersfield and Haslemere signal boxes will be decommissioned
which will be run by the Haslemere Community Station and Signal Box Trust
signalled the final steam train through Haslemere
It really is an honour to be part of this fantastic piece of history and to get to take part and to cherish that in your memories going forward as I take that into my career
The points and signal lever frame inside the signal box
This type of mechanism has been in use on British railways for over 150 years
Network Rail’s Wessex route infrastructure director
said: “We have been working for many years to modernise the signalling on the Portsmouth Direct Line and the Farncombe to Petersfield scheme is just one of the areas we have been improving
we hope to have increased capacity to run more services connecting Hampshire
Surrey and London with reduced journey times
We know that signal boxes across the route are part of the romance of the railway and we are delighted that Haslemere’s signal box will be preserved for years to come.”
chairman of the Haslemere Community Station and Signal Box Trust
added: “We are determined to preserve the Haslemere Signal Box as an educational facility for future generations to enjoy and celebrate the railway’s heritage in this year of Railway 200
We… look forward to being able to open the signal box up to the public in the very near future.”
A Merchant Navy Locomotive Preservation Society spokesperson said: “To see Clan Line haul the final steam-hauled charter service to be signalled by Farncombe
and Petersfield signal boxes is a poignant and historic moment
These boxes have been an essential part of railway operations on the Portsmouth Direct line for generations
and their closure marks the end of a remarkable era
The MNLPS is especially delighted that Haslemere signal box will be preserved through the efforts of The Haslemere Community Station and Signal Box Trust
This ensures the history of the route and its signalling legacy will continue to inspire and educate future generations
We’re proud and honoured to contribute to this moment in railway history.”
2025 marks the 200th anniversary of the modern railway
inspired by the opening of the Stockton and Darlington Railway in 1825
nationwide celebrations are planned throughout the year
showcasing how the railway shaped Britain and the world and how its pioneering pedigree continues today and is shaping tomorrow
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See: Comment - We Need Change But Not the Kind Being Imposed By Labour’s ‘Devolution’
A Haslemere-based garden designer is bringing a deeply personal vision to the RHS Chelsea Flower Show – a vibrant
inclusive space inspired by her ADHD diagnosis and designed to celebrate the power of neurodiversity
A local garden designer is set to make her RHS Chelsea Flower Show debut this May with a garden inspired by her recent ADHD diagnosis – and designed in collaboration with the ADHD Foundation Neurodiversity Charity
of Good Grounding Garden Design near Haslemere
a space designed to celebrate neurodiversity and reflect the beauty of thinking differently
Katy began working with the Foundation to better understand her condition
Supported by sponsorship from Project Giving Back
she created a garden that offers a sense of pause and escapism for neurodivergent visitors through immersive
The garden includes biodiverse planting schemes sourced from Surrey-based nursery Form Plants
and features a striking reflection pool by Sasha Sykes and suspended wire-mesh umbrella sculptures by David Begbie – a nod to the Foundation’s umbrella project and symbol of inclusion
Umbellifer plants also echo the umbrella theme throughout the space
working for Bonhams and later in digital media in Australia
where she fell in love with southern hemisphere horticulture
she returned to Surrey and founded her design studio in 2003
she said: “After nearly 20 years of attending Chelsea
My own neurodiverse journey has just begun
but this garden celebrates the rich tapestry of both plant diversity and human individuality
it mirrors the splendid complexity of different human minds
which should be celebrated and marvelled at in the same way that every plant is unique.”
The ADHD Foundation is the UK’s leading neurodiversity charity
promoting understanding and inclusion for the one in five people who are neurodiverse
More details at: www.rhs.org.uk/shows-events/rhs-chelsea-flower-show/gardens/2025/adhd-foundation-garden
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Borderlands Artists are staging an exhibition entitled Borderlands at the Museum in Haslemere Educational Museum from May 13 to 24
The Borderlands Artists are a long-established group of professional contemporary artists who take their name from living on the borders of Surrey
Their exhibition will include vibrant abstracts
The exhibition is open Tuesday to Saturday from 10am until 5pm. For more information visit www.borderlandsartists.co.uk
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Cllr Phoebe Sullivan warns of disruptions in the UK independent education sector due to VAT on private schools.
Cllr Phoebe Sullivan has warned that the UK’s independent education sector is facing unprecedented disruption following the Labour government’s decision to impose 20 per cent VAT on private school fees.
She said the policy, which came into effect on January 1, has already triggered school closures and major cutbacks, with The Royal School in Haslemere among the latest casualties. But former parent at the school, James Woodgate dismissed this, saying he saw a “mass exodus of teachers” after UL took over the school and questioned whether investment was ever the priority. He had seen the school struggling for years, which was why he moved his children long before Labour came into power.
“Most pupils in my sons’ class moved to other private schools. This isn’t about VAT,” he said.
No matter the reason for the school’s closure, Cllr Sullivan pointed to figures from Rathbones wealth management, which estimate that educating a child at a private day school from age 5 to 18 now costs £461,430 – an increase of nearly £77,000 due to VAT.
She stressed that the impact of school closures is being felt far beyond the school gates. In many areas, she said, independent schools function as major local employers and community hubs. As more schools downsize or shut, Cllr Sullivan argued, local economies are starting to feel the strain.
According to the councillor, teachers, administrative staff, caterers, cleaners and maintenance workers are facing redundancy, while small businesses that rely on school-related footfall – such as cafés, uniform shops and local transport providers – also risk losing vital trade.
Cllr Sullivan noted that many private schools also share their facilities with the community, offering public access to theatres, swimming pools, and sports grounds. The loss of these amenities, she said, could be particularly damaging in rural areas with limited public infrastructure.
She also raised concerns about the knock-on effects on state schools, which are already under pressure. As more families are forced to move their children into the state sector, class sizes could grow rapidly without corresponding investment in staffing and resources. South West Surrey, with its relatively high concentration of independent schools, could be especially hard-hit.
While the government has projected that the VAT will raise £1.8 billion annually by 2029–30 to fund the hiring of 6,500 new state school teachers, Cllr Sullivan questioned whether the short-term damage was worth the long-term gain. She argued the policy unfairly penalises middle-income families who make financial sacrifices to pay for independent education, adding that it risks overwhelming an already stretched public education system.
Labour state the removal of the tax exemption for private schools will help to “rebalance the education system” and ensure all children have access to excellent teaching. The revenue generated, they said, would go directly towards improving standards in state schools and addressing longstanding inequalities in education provision.
Cllr Sullivan is now calling for a reassessment of the policy, warning that without a more balanced approach, local communities – like those in Waverley – will continue to bear the brunt.
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Waverley Borough Council has defended its decision to raise parking charges in Haslemere, after residents and councillors warned the latest hikes could harm the high street.
Last week, the Herald spoke with Haslemere residents who described the proposed increase—estimated at 82 percent over five years for some users—as excessive and likely to discourage them from shopping in the town.
Cllr Tony Fairclough, deputy leader of Waverley and portfolio holder for enforcement and regulatory services, said the new charges reflect the cost of maintaining and upgrading the borough’s car parks.
“Parking is an important issue for our residents, and we’re very aware of the strength of feeling in Haslemere,” he said.
“Historically, most people paid by coin – but now the majority pay by card or via the Ringo app. But using Ringo can incur extra charges, such as a 10p fee to pay and a further 10p for reminder alerts.”
He said the council had invested £250,000 in new machines, allowing contactless payments and helping residents avoid Ringo surcharges. These will be operational in all Waverley car parks from May 12, with at least one machine at each location still accepting cash.
The costs from May 12 at Haslemere High Street car park will rise from £1.20 to £1.30 for one hour and from £2.40 to £2.60 for two hours, while three-hour stays will fall slightly from £4 to £3.90. At Tanners Lane, Chestnut Avenue and Weydown Road, one-hour parking will go from 90p to £1, and two hours from £1.80 to £2. Three-hour rates will drop from £3.10 to £2.90.
Cllr Fairclough said longer-stay tariffs have been cut or frozen to support businesses, adding: “We’ve found one-hour parking doesn’t benefit local traders as much as longer visits.”
He added Waverley would be maintaining free parking on Sundays.
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Join historian Dr James Jinks at Haslemere Hall on Monday, May 12, as he delves into the Cold War patrols and strategies of the 'silent service'.
Haslemere U3A will welcome historian Dr James Jinks as its May speaker at Haslemere Hall on Monday, May 12 at 2pm.
Dr Jinks will give a fascinating talk on The Silent Deep, his acclaimed history of the Royal Navy Submarine Service since 1945, written in collaboration with Lord Hennessy. Drawing on privileged access to submariners, officials and classified material, the book offers an unprecedented glimpse into one of Britain’s most secretive military forces.
From Cold War patrols to life below the surface, Dr Jinks will explore the technology, strategy and human stories behind the silent service. A former Cabinet Office adviser, he is also the author of A Very British Bomb, a forthcoming history of the UK’s nuclear weapons programme.
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Mayor Oliver Leach officially opened Haslemere's sensory garden at the museum, marking the town's Earth Day festivities.
Haslemere’s new sensory garden was officially opened by Mayor Oliver Leach on Saturday, as part of the town’s Earth Day celebrations at Haslemere Museum.
The garden, designed and built free of charge by local firm Transform Landscapes, features wheelchair-accessible paths, scented plants, seating areas and decorative arches, all intended to stimulate the senses.
The opening was the highlight of an Earth Day event supported by Haslemere Town Council’s Green Grant, which drew more than 700 visitors and featured 19 environmental organisations.
Museum Chair Melanie Odell said the garden was “a testament to the dedication of staff, volunteers and local businesses”, transforming “this rough patch of land into a thing of beauty” that will offer a space for reflection and calm.
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A fresh planning appeal into a controversial proposal to build 110 homes on protected land in Haslemere started this week, reigniting a fierce local and national debate over the future of protected countryside.
Redwood (South West) Ltd’s plans to develop land off Midhurst Road were initially rejected in May 2024, citing “fundamental and serious harm” to the landscape’s character and beauty.
However, a High Court judge quashed the decision following an administrative error by the Planning Inspector.
The second planning inquiry for the Scotland Park development began on Tuesday (April 8) at Waverley Borough Council's headquarters in Godalming, drawing a packed public gallery.
Clive Smith, Planning Adviser to the Surrey Hills National Landscape Board, criticised the second inquiry, calling it “deeply troubling” and asserting that the original decision was “clear and compelling.”
He added: “I was surprised that a second public inquiry has been considered necessary following an administrative error by the Planning Inspectorate, which does not affect the planning merits of the previous decision.”
Mr Smith added: “This is the largest ever proposed development across the entire Surrey Hills National Landscape in my 16 years in this role.”
Smith also emphasised the importance of the new legal “active duty” under the Levelling-Up and Regeneration Act 2023, which requires decision-makers to “not only conserve but enhance” protected landscapes.
While the developer argues the scheme will provide essential housing, campaigners – including the Haslemere South Residents’ Association, Haslemere Town Council, and Surrey CPRE – maintain that the proposal threatens irreplaceable countryside.
Katherine Atkinson, Chair of the Surrey Hills Board, warned: “It would send shock waves through nationally protected landscape bodies.”
Waverley Borough Council has objected to the development, stating that no exceptional circumstances exist to justify the harm the project would cause.
She said the outcome of this appeal could set a dangerous precedent, eroding the protections for landscapes that have remained untouched for generations.
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Haslemere Community Hospital has reassured patients that services will continue after the provider of medical cover for two wards withdrew its services.
The Royal Surrey NHS Foundation Trust confirmed the development, stating: “The provider of medical cover for our two inpatient wards has given notice on that aspect of our service which has created a challenge in ensuring the ongoing provision of safe, high quality inpatient care for our patients.
“As a result, we are urgently working with partners to explore any alternative options. We will continue to engage with local partners as these conversations progress.”
The spokesperson said this would have no impact on the other services provided at Haslemere Hospital, including the minor injuries unit and therapies and outpatient services.
“We would like to assure patients, staff and local residents that Haslemere Hospital is a vital part of our trust and future clinical strategy and plays a critical role in meeting the health and care needs of the local community,” the spokesperson added.
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A travel agency that ditched brochure displays 20 years ago says it is reaping the benefits of increased client interaction
Haslemere Travel in Surrey replaced brochure racks with travel artefacts following a revamp of its high-street shop in 2005
Owner Gemma Antrobus said the 36-year-old business has not looked back since
with staff imparting more of their own knowledge as well as using YouTube videos from hoteliers to help sell tailormade itineraries
She said: "Removing brochures in 2005 was a bold decision
“It has transformed our approach to business
bringing us closer to a consultancy-driven model
we ensure clients engage with us during their office visits
The vast majority of what we sell is based on where we have been.”
She added: “We don’t say ‘take a brochure’ and ask them to research it themselves
The whole point was to get away from people coming in to do a sweep of brochures and take one away
You can talk to someone about what you did; the things behind the holiday
it doesn’t make any difference [not having a brochure].”
The agency keeps some brochure copies on file but most clients are used to the way the business works
“Even our customers who book cruises don’t want brochures
But agents need to feel confident to make the move away completely from stocking brochures
She said: “There are a lot more agents that could get rid of brochures but it’s not necessarily the [business] model for some
As a business owner you have to know your team will rise to it
The decision to remove brochures at Haslemere Travel was taken by former owners Andrew and Di Brownrigg to make the agency similar to a ‘consultancy’ in which clients have to speak to agents when they enter and “you can impart some of knowledge as an independent retailer”
Antrobus noted: “Twenty years ago it was not about being sustainable but it used to be awful throwing out brochures
We don’t want to waste brochures and most often operators will have an electronic version.”
The agency – which relocated to smaller premises post-Covid – is “full of travel artefacts” instead and still gives clients luggage labels and the choice of a printed ticket and itinerary
“We very much believe in having the choice of a printed ticket
Jacobs Media is a company registered in England and Wales
The Brighton marathon attracted more than 12,000 runners – representing HBAC were Jake Pillans-Payne, Lyndsay Wade, Laura Smith, Clodagh Burke and Gemma Reeder.
First home was Pillans-Payne in a personal best time of 2:56.41.
Three ladies finished in a sub four-hour time. Smith took an hour off her previous personal best, finishing in 3:53.28. Despite struggling in the last ten kilometres, Wade finished in a personal best 3:36.40. Burke completed the trio in 3:49.07.
Reeder showed the determination needed to complete a marathon. Struggling from the start in the conditions, and with a lack of energy, she dug in deep and never considered giving up.
The London Landmarks half marathon attracted 28,000 runners – among them were HBAC’s Maxine Lane-Badenhop, Jodi Bailey and Helen Crainey.
Crainey continued her strong form, completing her third half marathon in three months and her fastest yet, finishing in 2:40. Lane-Badenhop finished in 2:18 and Bailey in 2:57.
The Beast of the Brecons is a gruelling 20-mile trail run in Llangynidr village in the Brecon Beacons National Park.
The race features 4,000ft of elevation, river crossings and challenging terrain. Sarah Smith was up for the challenge and finished third lady in a superb time of 3:39.20.
The South Downs Way 50-mile race is an epic challenge, particularly on a hot day.
Starting in Worthing, runners are treated to 6,000ft of elevation and breathtaking views all the way to Eastbourne.
Steph Moss, no stranger to the Ultra, ran a fabulous race in 10:22.08.
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Bag a bargain at the NCT sale featuring quality-checked items for easy shopping
with early entry for NCT members and expectant mums
Bag a bargain at Haslemere and Midhurst’s NCT Nearly New Sale taking place on Sunday
from 10.30am to midday at Camelsdale Primary School
The bi-annual sale is a fantastic opportunity to shop for high quality
pre-loved baby and children's clothing and shoes (0-12yrs)
It's a ticketed sale (not table-top) meaning items are quality checked and laid out by type
gender etc for easy shopping by category with a single point of payment
The sale enables local parents to sell on items they no longer need with profits supporting the work of NCT charity locally and nationally
Early entry is available from 10.15am for NCT members and expectant mums
Entry is a suggested £1 donation per adult
Contactless payment for items is preferred and please remember to bring a bag for your bargains
For more information please visit https://fb.me/e/8tHmdUOFj or email [email protected]
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is set to reveal his latest work— a stainless steel memorial honouring railway workers who lost their lives in the World Wars
coinciding with the 80th anniversary of VE Day
The Haslemere Signal Box Trust, in collaboration with Network Rail, plans to preserve the signal box and establish a memorial garden commemorating the 636 London & South Western Railway staff who perished in the World Wars. This initiative coincides with the 80th anniversary of VE Day and aims to honour the sacrifices of railway workers.
Bates brings his signature style to this new tribute. The memorial features three laser-cut stainless steel sections, each 8mm thick and 64cm long, incorporating traditional British Rail totem shapes and lettering, with black enamel detailing for contrast. Phil said it was an honour to contribute to the project that is not just for those who served, but also for the many sacrifices they had to undertake.
Phil is no stranger to memorials, having previously designed Grayshott's tribute to Queen Elizabeth II, unveiled in 2024. Commissioned by Grayshott Parish Council and funded by Grayshott Pottery, the stainless steel piece was crafted by artisans from Lindford and Bordon. The memorial stands in Grayshott Village Square, honouring the late Queen's legacy.
Spencer Marsh of Forbes Design assisted with CAD drawings and fabrication, ensuring the memorial's completion ahead of the VE Day unveiling on May 8, 2025.
The signal box will also house railway memorabilia, serving as an educational resource and visitor attraction. The Haslemere Signal Box Trust continues to spearhead heritage activities, preserving the town's rich railway history for future generations.
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Haslemere Museum is on the hunt for a new Chair of the Board of Trustees following the sad announcement that current Chair Melanie Odell will be retiring after more than a decade of dedicated service.
Melanie Odell’s leadership legacy will be hard to match but the search for her successor marks the beginning of a pivotal new chapter for the museum.
Odell, who has led the Board on a voluntary basis since 2013, has played an integral role in preserving the museum’s legacy and shaping its future. Under her stewardship, the museum has thrived, attracting 40,000 visitors and 200 school groups annually.
Kay Topping, Education Officer at the museum, said: "Melanie has worked tirelessly in her position as Chair and previously as a Museum Trustee. She will be sorely missed.”
The new Chair will take on a crucial leadership role, acting as both an ambassador for the museum and a motivator for trustees and staff. Responsibilities will include guiding board meetings and ensuring the museum stays aligned with its mission to serve the local community and beyond.
As the museum operates as an independent charity, the ideal candidate will possess experience in charity governance, finance, and ideally the independent museums sector.
Haslemere museum, with its impressive collections of natural history and cultural artefacts, has been a key part of the town for more than 100 years.
Odell said: “The work of Chairman has been extremely enjoyable and rewarding. I will be very sorry to leave. Haslemere Museum has been a much-loved feature of our town for more than 100 years and it has been an honour to play a small part in conserving its legacy and steering it into the future.”
Interested candidates can find out more about the vacancy and how to apply by visiting the museum’s website.
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Pupils from St Ives and Camelsdale primary schools handed out roses during Haslemere's St George's Day celebration, honouring England's patron saint and those who served the nation.
While no dragons were slain, many a damsel was saved from distress thanks to roses handed out by pupils from St Ives and Camelsdale primary schools during Haslemere’s St George’s Day celebration.
Members of the Royal Society of St George’s Haslemere branch gathered at the war memorial at 11am on April 23 for a remembrance service. They were joined by the town mayor, Councillor Oliver Leach, members of the town council, local residents, and pupils from the two primary schools. Prayers were led by Reverend Chris Bessant, and the oration was delivered by Hon Vice-Chairman Nicholas B Hinchliffe (Flt Lt Rtd).
The ceremony paid tribute to England’s patron saint and honoured those who have served the nation. The Royal Society of St George, established in 1894 and incorporated by Royal Charter, continues to promote English heritage and traditions through such commemorations. His Majesty the King agreed to become the new patron of the society on May 3, 2024, taking over the patronage from Queen Elizabeth.
Treasurer Mr Martin Coakley ensured that everyone in attendance received a rose, which were then laid on the war memorial. As part of the service, every person who has given their lives in military service in a time of war was remembered.
St George’s flag was raised, and more roses were then given to the schoolchildren, who distributed them to women throughout the town.
Every recipient was touched by the gesture, with one shopworker saying, “This has made my day,” and another noting they had never been bought roses before.
The event was part of a broader initiative to engage the community in celebrating English heritage and to instil a sense of national pride among the younger generation. The involvement of local schools is part of the Society’s aim to educate children about national traditions and the significance of civic participation.
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Fears over ward closures at Haslemere Community Hospital have been addressed by NHS bosses, who insist the site remains central to their long-term plans.
The concern was sparked after the GP practice currently providing medical cover for the 16 rehabilitation beds gave notice. The Royal Surrey NHS Foundation Trust has confirmed that while the current arrangement will end on May 21, it is working urgently to find a replacement.
A spokesperson for the Trust said: “The provider of medical cover for our two inpatient wards has given notice on that aspect of our service, which has created a challenge in ensuring the ongoing provision of safe, high-quality inpatient care for our patients.
“We are urgently exploring alternative options and will continue to engage with local partners.”
The GP-led service will cease next month, leading to a likely temporary closure of the wards while the Trust searches for a new GP consultant to take over.
In the meantime, four beds will be made available at Milford Hospital to help ease the impact – though this still leaves a shortfall of 12 beds. Rehabilitation wards like Haslemere’s play a key role in freeing up space in acute hospitals by supporting patients who no longer need urgent care but are not yet ready to return home.
The Trust has stressed that other services – including the minor injuries unit, outpatient clinics, and therapies – remain unaffected.
“Haslemere Hospital is a vital part of our Trust and future clinical strategy,” the spokesperson said.
Greg Stafford MP visited the hospital for an urgent meeting with NHS executives to seek answers.
He said: “Haslemere Hospital is a fantastic community hospital, and I am reassured by my visit that they want the service to continue, but I will be holding them to account on the promises they have made.”
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Affordable homes or a scar on the landscape? Haslemere residents are split over a new housing proposal. The proposed housing development on land west of Hedgehog Lane, Haslemere, outlines 14 residential dwellings including affordable housing and self-build plots, designed to meet local demand. Just a short walk from the town centre and railway station, developers highlight the site’s excellent amenities and energy-efficient homes, designed to blend with Haslemere’s character.
But critics, including the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) officer, have raised concerns.
“The development would fundamentally change the character of the site from a paddock to a developed site,” said the officer. “It hardly meets the national and local policy test for conserving and enhancing the natural beauty of an AONB. While the government seeks to boost housing, there is no indication it should be at the cost of protected landscapes, and the level of their protection has remained the same.”
The site lies partly within the Surrey Hills National Landscape and adjoins an Area of Great Landscape Value. While developers argue the scheme is screened by existing trees and hedgerows, opponents maintain the environmental impact would be significant.
One objector commented: “As a community, we spent a great deal of time and effort engaged in a formal, collaborative process to define and adopt our neighbourhood plan. This planning application apparently ignores it. Among other things, the plan defines our settlement boundary, meant to prevent urban sprawl and protect the open green spaces that surround and characterise our town. This proposal concerns building on green space outside that boundary and should be refused.”
Supporters point to the urgent need for affordable housing and sustainable design. Yet critics argue the latest application is no different from earlier proposals, all of which were refused by Waverley Borough Council and dismissed on appeal.
The River Wey is facing an “environmental catastrophe” following a contamination in the Haslemere area.
Dead fish and mounds of foam have been seen floating in the water afar as Liphook following an incident in the Shottermill and Camelsdale area on Saturday.
The source or nature of the contaminant has not yet been confirmed with the Environment Agency taking water samples and dead fish for testing.
Figures from The National Trust and River Wey Trust also attended with the EA reportedly classifying the leakage as a major incident.
Large mounds of foam were also sighted on the water around Hammer Vale with warnings also being made to dog owners who walk in the affected areas.
The Herald has approached the EA for a comment, more to follow.
Professional actress Rowan Suart captivated Haslemere WI members with a performance blending poetry, prose, and plays for World Poetry Day.
Haslemere Morning WI’s April meeting, held at the Museum, offered members an entertaining and thoughtful departure from the usual business agenda. The guest speaker, professional actress Rowan Suart, provided a session titled ‘Something for Everyone,’ featuring a selection of poetry, prose, and plays.
The performance, which coincided with World Poetry Day, centred on this year's theme: “Poetry as a Bridge for Peace and Inclusion.” Rowan delighted members with a rich variety of works, ranging from Lewis Carroll’s playful ‘Jabberwocky’ to pieces by Jane Austen, Shakespeare, and the beloved ‘Three Men in a Boat.’
The afternoon also included more serious works, such as Christina Rossetti’s poignant ‘Remember’ and Edward Thomas’s reflective ‘The Lane,’ alongside comedic gems like the Australian bush poet’s humorous ‘The Lost Drink.’ One of the highlights was a passage from Dylan Thomas’s ‘Under Milkwood,’ where Rowan skilfully switched between characters with great flair.
The performance was a refreshing change from the usual format, and Judith Thompson’s thanks at the close of the meeting were shared by all members.
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It’s curtains for Haslemere’s annual Christmas window competition – and this year’s displays were snow joke!
The fiercely contested competition saw hairdressers Hair Chair in Lower Street steal the show, winning the popular vote for Haslemere’s Best-Dressed Christmas Window 2024. Last year’s winner, Oliver’s coffee shop in Charter Walk, put up a good fight but had to settle for the runner-up spot in the annual Christmas window battle.
The judging panel awarded three special categories. Dylan’s Ice Cream scooped up the “Most Complementary to Business” prize with a huge ice sculpture outside its shop. Haslemere railway station steamed into second place with its impressive model train display in the booking hall.
The title of “Most Stylish Window” went to The Sewing Room at its new home in West Street, with estate agents Seymour’s taking the runner-up spot. Meanwhile, RT Mechanics on St. Christopher’s Green revved up the festive spirit to win “Most Festive Window,” with The Bakehouse in West Street as runner-up.
Competition organiser Rev. Justin Manley-Cooper praised the huge number of retailers who took part this year, as well as the efforts of 15 local schools, Cubs, Beavers, Brownies, Rainbows, and the church youth group, who together decorated 19 shop windows across the town centre and Weyhill.
Four of the five windows awarded special commendations were decorated by local schools: Collingwood Batchellor (St. Bartholomew’s School), Henry Adams (Camelsdale School), Lion’s Den (Shottermill Junior School), and Little Locks (Shottermill Infants). R Miles & Sons also earned a commendation for their festive display.
Sponsored by St. Bartholomew’s, St. Christopher’s, All Saints Grayswood, and St. Stephen’s Shottermill, the competition rewarded winners with hampers full of locally-sourced treats.
The window of opportunity may have closed for this year, but residents and visitors can look forward to another festive showdown across the High Street next Christmas.
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Forget late nights – Haslemere’s daytime scene is the new place to be
For anyone who fancies hitting the dance floor and partying till they drop – but doesn’t want the late night and a ruined Sunday – Boogie Days has the answer
Boogie Days founders Keith Connors and Mark Harris are bringing their wildly popular daytime disco to Haslemere Hall on Saturday
runs from 3pm to 8pm and offers a nostalgic trip back to the dancefloors of the 70s
Keith said he had a lightbulb moment in January 2023 while speaking to friends complaining that they only ever went out for dinner
“It just grew from there,” Keith explained
“Our first event was at G-Live in August last year
February’s event promises to be a day to remember
festival-like atmosphere at a more sensible time of day lets you dance
and enjoy classic tracks without sacrificing your Sunday plans
You can even be home for dinner – if the kids can pick you up
and this event lets you enjoy all the fun of a clubbing experience without the late-night chaos.”
Tickets are selling fast, so don’t miss out! Visit www.boogiedays.uk or call Haslemere Hall at 01428 642161. You can also catch Boogie Days at G-Live on May 3 and Haslemere Hall on October 4.
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By SARAH RAINEY
Published: 11:53 BST, 3 February 2025 | Updated: 11:56 BST, 3 February 2025
Family-run furnishings store Collingwood Batchellor is just the sort of upmarket retailer you’d expect to find in a leafy, middle-class Surrey town such as Haslemere.
It sells £20 scented candles, £400 hand-painted bedside cabinets and £35 cushions featuring watercolour portraits of hares, garden birds and wildflowers.
Customers here tend to fit a certain demographic: middle-aged, mostly female, polite, well-dressed and like to browse before they buy.
‘They target the linen section mostly,’ says Lucy Page, who’s been a senior sales assistant here for two years.
‘There are lots of higher-end items there – 1,000-threadcount sheets and duvets costing £250.
‘We had to stop stocking two designer labels because the items kept being stolen.
‘Around a year ago, after we lost a lot of stock in two days, we installed CCTV so we could see who was taking all the stuff.
The independent stores of leafy and peaceful Haslemere, in Surrey, have become a magnet for middle-class, female shoplifters
Reporter Sarah Rainey outside the family-run upmarket furnishings store Collingwood Batchellor, whose designer labels attract this new class of thieves
‘The problem is, you can never tell who it’s going to be.’
In the past few months, she recalls, a mother-and-daughter targeted the shop, with one distracting her while the other tried to make off with six memory-foam pillows.
Another female shopper came through the doors – clearly not pregnant – and left looking like she was carrying twins, with bed sheets, cushions and hot water bottles stuffed up her jumper.
Other incidents include dishonest shoppers swapping labels on high-priced items – ‘They’ll put a £19.99 clearance label on a £120 throw,’ says Lucy – or surreptitiously sneaking items into empty supermarket bags for life. ‘Those bags are the bane of my life,’ she adds.
In instances where thieves have made it out of the shop with stolen goods, there have been few – almost no, Lucy says – convictions.
And this shop on Haslemere’s bustling High Street is far from the only target.
This week, retailers have found themselves in the headlines as a wave of shoplifting blights the picturesque Surrey town. While shoplifting has become one of the scourges of modern British life, what stands out here is the unlikely demographic of the offenders.
Inge Dunbar – owner of the Sass & Spirit gift shop – agrees with Lucy Page.
Inge Dunbar, the owner of Sass & Spirit, says that most of the shoplifters in her gift shop are ‘well-off, middle-aged women’
middle-aged women’ who’ve made a habit of stealing clothes
jewellery and Jellycats – a pricey soft-toy brand that’s become highly collectable
at Haslemere’s Marks & Spencer Foodhall
witnesses recently watched a female shopper wheel a full trolley-load to her car without paying
‘loaded up and scarpered’ by the time staff came running out
which sells everything from cosmetics to footwear and electricals
another customer filled a basket with shopping and simply walked off with it
‘[The shoplifter] just apologised and went straight out the door,’ says shop worker Ryan Bristow
writing on the Haslemere Community Facebook group
claimed she witnessed ‘dozens of 60-ish ladies’ stealing when she worked in a shop on the High Street
‘I was there four years and during that time we never came across teens or young adults shoplifting,’ she recalls
‘It was all middle-aged or elderly women.’
According to the annual crime survey from the British Retail Consortium (BRC)
incidents of customer theft in the UK rose by 3.7million to 20.4million in the 12 months to last September
This equates to 55,000 thefts a day – a brazen trend that’s costing retailers £2billion a year
data shows an even more acute rise: figures released by the Office for National Statistics show a 53 per cent rise in shoplifting incidents across the county last year
the impact of middle-class thieves was very apparent
In the upmarket accessories shops and ladieswear boutiques
large yellow signs take pride of place on the walls
a stylish handbag shop just off the High Street
has installed two cameras in her tiny store
has now installed two CCTV cameras as well as a panic button
‘I also have a panic button,’ she told the Mail this week
‘It makes me feel safe – you never know who’s going to walk through the door.’
attacks on shop staff UK-wide have risen to 2,000 a day
with retail crime ‘spiralling out of control’
which Haslemere residents say has worsened in the past 18 months
that retailers have formed a so-called ‘vigilante’ WhatsApp group to combat it
as well as descriptions – and sometimes video footage from in-store cameras – of the criminals involved
One recent video posted on the group shows a woman in a pink bobble hat sliding a beauty product into her black handbag
a shopper can be seen shoving four luxury candles – worth £192 – into an open plastic bag
‘It’s blatant and brazen and it’s not the people you’d automatically suspect,’ says Lindsey Kleinlercher
who has shared videos of shoplifting from several of the gift shop’s 18 locations in the south of England
which beeps with updates several times an hour
the proprietor of Oliver’s Coffee and also Haslemere’s mayor
who was sitting at one of the tables in his café
after their picture was circulated in the chat group
Cafe owner and Haslemere mayor Oliver Leach confronted a shoplifter who had been identified on a WhatsApp group set up by retailers to share video footage of thefts
the process of reporting the shoplifting is so time-consuming and laborious that it’s not worth the effort
with many independent business owners struggling to stay afloat amid the cost-of-living crisis
This may explain why there were no further consequences for either the pillow thief or the woman who stuffed the items up her jumper at Collingwood Batchellor
after they were apprehended and made to return the goods
Shoplifters caught red-handed often get off with nothing but a police caution or maybe
if the stolen goods are worth less than £200
they will keep trying their luck,’ one shopkeeper
‘These shoplifters have an arrogance about them – they seem to think they’re above the law so they can do whatever they want.’
Experts are now profiling this new breed of criminal
professor of criminology at City University
even has a name for them: ‘SWIPERS’ – which stands for ‘seemingly well-intentioned patrons engaging in regular shoplifting’
has named the middle-aged thieves ‘SWIPERS’ – which stands for ‘seemingly well-intentioned patrons engaging in regular shoplifting’
‘Shop theft has reached epidemic proportions – I describe it as a tidal wave
that has hit the retail sector in recent years,’ she says
marking them out as different to prolific offenders or organised crime gangs who steal for profit
‘They might be motivated by a range of different factors
of the University of Salford’s Business School
says many are spurred on by the perceived lack of consequence
adding that the ‘prevalence of self-checkout lanes and maybe a reduction of in-store staff has led to the increase in opportunities for shoplifting’
he says some will be motivated by transgression: ‘The thrill or adrenaline rush associated with the act of stealing can be a significant factor
‘Societal attitudes towards consumption and materialism can play a role
where the desire to own certain goods outweighs the fear of getting caught.’
leading criminologist Professor Martin Gill
says there may be more serious issues at stake in this apparent middle-class female crimewave
‘[These women may] see theft as a way of coping with stress and anxiety in life
which can take different forms,’ he explains
‘It has been said that some women experience a loss of identity in middle-age that can result in theft as a form of escapism.’
Prof Taylor agrees: ‘Theft can sometimes represent a cry for help
the act of deliberate wrongdoing can be seen as a means of exerting control over a life that otherwise feels unmanageable
‘This goes some way to explain why high-profile celebrities – namely actress Winona Ryder in 2001 and chef Antony Worrall Thompson in 2012 – have been caught stealing.’
shoplifting is often seen as a victimless one
especially when the shop in question is a major retailer or nationwide chain
who admits to stealing grocery items at the supermarket self-checkout
told the Mail this week: ‘I think it’s a small act of rebellion against the faceless corporate giants that rule our lives.’
But that is not how the beleaguered shopkeepers of Haslemere feel
it has been extremely difficult,’ admits Nick Guy
had his antique shop burgled three times in a week before Christmas
burglars (age and gender unknown) targeted his business three times in one week
including a taxidermy bird worth almost £300
and every time it happened we put a bigger lock on the door – but they must have cut it off,’ he says
‘We did send the police a list of the items and some photographs
His isn’t the only business to be targeted by thieves with something more sinister in mind than low-level shoplifting
owner Ben Marks had all his shop windows smashed during a break-in last summer
‘We have an alarm that calls the police but these criminals know that there are never any officers in the area
so they have some time before anyone shows up,’ he explained
‘My partner and I managed to get here before the police did that night.’
Whether their business has been hit or not in this suburban crimewave
who had six bikes stolen last summer when thieves smashed through their front windows
Haslemere Police Station closed down in 2012 - the nearest one is in Guildford
there is a perceived lack of police presence in the town
‘There used to be lots of police around but you never see them any more,’ says Maya
a shop assistant at Simply Vintage Clothing
‘We could do with it – it’s not just the shoplifting
I know local people would welcome more police on the streets.’
Surrey Police told the Mail there is a renewed ‘focus’ on shoplifting in Haslemere
after locals voiced their concerns at a community engagement event in December
‘It is a priority for us to robustly pursue any offenders and get them before the courts,’ the force said in a statement
‘In the last year Surrey Police has achieved a four-fold increase in the number of charges for shoplifting county-wide – amounting to more than 800 cases.’
It added that it plans to ‘increase proactive patrols’ in the area
a uniformed policeman was spotted and several retailers said he had popped in to check on them during his beat
professor of psychology and policing at the University of Huddersfield
says it’s important not to lay all the blame for the latest epidemic on the police
‘Increased police presence is often about public reassurance
Where would you rather police put their limited resources
‘We need to look at the underlying causes to stop these shoplifters before they commit their crime.’
‘It’s not a nice environment to work in,’ says Lucy Page
her eyes constantly darting around the shop as we speak
‘It’s getting to the point where I view every customer as a potential thief.’
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Is September too early to start thinking about Christmas
plans are already well underway for Haslemere’s Christmas Charities Fair
which is celebrating its 40th anniversary on Saturday
This event is the only multi-charity market in the town’s calendar
which took over organising the Fair from BLISS Baby Charity in 2021
has secured funding from Haslemere Town Council and a generous private supporter to celebrate this milestone
This means there will be NO CHARGE for stall tables
though donations to BLISS and Rotary Charities are still welcomed
With more than 30 stalls offering gifts, homemade cakes, handcrafted goods, a grotto, and more, the Fair has something for everyone. Entry is free to the public. For stall bookings, contact Dianne Bennett at [email protected]
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I have attended concerts by the choir and orchestra of the Haslemere Musical Society for a number of years and I believe this amateur ensemble is steadily improving.
So it proved on March 1 at Haslemere Hall. Gone is the lack of confidence that existed in both choir and orchestra just a few seasons ago. Now they are giving their public exceptional musical evenings deserving of a capacity audience. They provided us with an evening of wonderful entertainment.
The evening began with a motet by Josef Haydn (1732-1809) entitled Insanae et Vanae Curae (Vain and raging cares) published in Haydn’s final year.
The choir were in confident voice backed by the orchestra, as usual, conducted by James Ross. This lively, short choral piece was superbly sung and the orchestra played with pinpoint accuracy. The motet was reworked from an oratorio 25 years earlier and is a very fine work, although not often performed these days.
This was followed by Antonin Dvořák’s (1841-1904) Symphony No. 5 in F major, in four movements. Composed in the summer of 1875, it is the first of his mature symphonies, leading to the great and very popular Symphony No. 9: From the New World.
This work was played with great enthusiasm, with punchy interludes from brass and percussion. It is not an easy piece as few of the themes are particularly memorable and they are not fully developed, but it was well played with superb orchestral blending. The cellos in the second movement gave a rich sonority to the opening theme, and the third movement’s beguiling melody rose from the orchestra with woodwind and horns prominent.
After the interval we were treated to the highlight of the evening, with a superb rendition of Max Bruch’s (1838-1920) Adagio on two Hebrew Melodies entitled Kol Nidrei.
A popular work for solo cello and orchestra, this was brilliantly played by Anna Hunt, the lead cellist of the ensemble. I have never heard this played better, it was absolutely superb. Its mournful, soulful melodies brought out by the rich sonority of Anna’s beautiful instrument were ably accompanied by the orchestra. This was an astounding performance which will live in my memory for a long time.
The final item of the evening was a magnificent performance by the soloists, choir and orchestra of Franz Schubert’s (1797-1828) Mass No. 2 in G.
The soloists were the very impressive soprano Clare Loosley, tenor Richard Thesiger-Pratt and bass Thomas Lydon. You can always tell when the singers and players enjoy performing a work, and it was obvious during this presentation. They were really giving it their all as they really loved this work.
After a rousing and confident start in the Kyrie, Clare Loosley’s strong, pure soprano broke through to captivate the audience. The dramatic Gloria, the gentle Credo, devotional Sanctus leading to the Benedictus and final Agnus Dei completed another delightful performance.
There is not much in this work for the tenor and bass soloists to display their talents in this mass, but the soprano made the best of her parts. The choir and orchestra certainly made us proud to have such musical talent in Haslemere during this performance.
A truly memorable evening was given by the members of the Haslemere Musical Society which was thoroughly enjoyed by a full house at Haslemere Hall.
Roger Saunders, president of the Recorded Music Society
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"Just had my first fitness class at Green & Blue
I cried because it's the first time in ages that I felt like my old self
a local resident undergoing cancer treatment
she attended afree fitness class in Haslemere run by Green & Blue Studios
The initiative for these free wellness and fitness sessions came from Jill Steele
who was diagnosed with stage three breast cancer during the pandemic
Jill struggled to maintain her fitness routine during lockdown
finding it difficult to access the support she needed
After enduring 16 rounds of chemotherapy and an eight-hour operation at The Royal Marsden
She quickly realised the physical and emotional benefits of fitness
The fitness classes that helped Jill’s recovery took place at Green & Blue Studios in Haslemere
a former professional dancer and personal trainer
Anabel lost her husband Thomas to bowel cancer in 2023
Anabel said: “I wish there had been classes on offer designed to help Thomas stay active during his treatment
not only to keep him moving but also to help his confidence and mental health.”
Anabel and Jill partnered with Maria Mateo to set up free wellness and fitness classes for cancer patients and their caregivers in Haslemere and the surrounding area
these classes are open to cancer patients and their primary caregivers
offering a chance to heal and rebuild strength both physically and emotionally
Jill believes it’s essential to start rebuilding strength and confidence soon after treatment
She said:” If I can help anyone whose going through what I went through then that would be amazing.”
and Maria have been supported by local health organisations
including Haslemere Health Centre and The Fountain Centre
a cancer support charity at The Royal Surrey Hospital
emphasised the importance of exercise during and after cancer treatment
"Exercise is so important during and after cancer treatment
Every cancer patient should be encouraged to exercise for their physical and mental wellbeing."
The immediate impact of the classes is clear
another local resident undergoing treatment
attended the first session and said: “I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart
You’ve provided a very safe space to feel like a small piece of myself again
and it’s the most positive I’ve felt in ages."
All classes are free thanks to ongoing fundraising efforts. To contribute, visit: https://tinyurl.com/fitnessfightingcancer
For more information or to sign up, contact [email protected]. Classes are open to cancer patients and caregivers, with referrals from GPs or The Fountain Centre.
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Haslemere’s Volunteer Awards saw a group of extraordinary individuals recognised for their dedication and contribution to the community. The event, held alongside the annual town meeting, highlighted the remarkable impact of these volunteers, whose efforts often go unnoticed but are felt deeply across the town.
Christopher Ashton-Jones and Fay Foster hosted the ceremony and town mayor Jerome Davidson gave out the medals, donated by the late Herald owner Sir Ray Tindle.
See below for a full list of 2024 recipients and citations:
Despite the challenges of running a busy business and raising her family, Anabel continues to give back to our community and inspire others with her actions.
Debbie, works tirelessly for many organisations and charities in and around Haslemere, mainly by doing publicity, marketing and newsletters. These include Haslemere U3A, the Haslemere Players (where she also performs on stage), Haslemere Arts Society, the Haslemere Festival and Haslewey Community Centre where she also serves on the fund-raising committee. At Haslemere Fringe Festival she also works in other capacities including welcoming and looking after the sponsors.
Outside of marketing, one can find Debbie volunteering at Little Lumpy, a Haslemere Cycling Sportive which is probably the best in the South of England. Then there is volunteering on a regular basis at Haslemere Hall and during the run up to Armistice Day standing out in the cold selling poppies.
Matt, with a team of volunteers, has organised and managed the Haslemere Boxing Day Run since about 1997. The event attracts hundreds of runners from Haslemere and beyond and has become a fixture for many people in their Christmas celebrations. It brings together runners of all ages from seven to over seventy, hundreds of spectators and for many is a multi-generational family event, drawing the town together in a unique way.
She is a dedicated and passionate individual who thoroughly deserves to have her work recognised, and is an inspiration to others.
Chris has been President of Hindhead Cricket Club for 25 years and was heavily involved with Hindhead Playing Field Association where he led the project for the upgrading of the Pavilion which was completed in 2006. He was a Committee member for 20 years and was Chairman for 6 of those.
It was during his work on the Pavilion Project that he first was introduced to Sport Haslemere. He was soon a member of the Committee and has been involved ever since – his span of office exceeding 20 years.
He was instrumental with Nick Chilton in developing the very successful Create a
Star scheme and continues to lead both Sport Haslemere and Haslemere Sports Association with energy and good humour. He has more than doubled the membership of Sport Haslemere and raised its profile within the community. He has recently been a leader in the fight to keep the Edge open for community groups and his determination is example to us all.
DR MARK HURST (collected by Martin Coakley)
Mark became a GP partner at Haslemere in the late 1970s and has served the town for around 46 years. Mad on sport, he played for the local Hockey Team and later in life coached and refereed for the club.
Tom is the standard bearer for Haslemere Royal British Legion, a role which, together with Parade Marshal, he also undertook for the County. He also carries out the duties of Poppy Appeal Organiser for Rowledge during November. He regularly represents Haslemere at funerals if requested and at various other events. Tom sets the standard for everyone to try and match.
He is a true gentleman who has been quietly volunteering for the Haslemere Community for 35 years and it is good that he has recognition for his efforts on behalf of Haslemere.
Judy Rix plays a very effective and committed role in and for the Community. Judy has been Chairman of U3A and President of the Bowling Club within which she leads many of its activities such as the “Bowls for Beginners' programme” in conjunction with U3A and regularly deputises for the President. Judy’s former “no nonsense” school Teacher and organisational skills have been used to good effect. She is also an active leader in carriage driving with RDA (Riding for the Disabled).
For the past nine years, Vanessa and Mike have been dedicated volunteers at Haslewey, giving their time and energy to support the centre and its community. Their hard work, loyalty, and unwavering commitment have made a lasting impact.
Fay Foster was surprised to receive her own volunteer award for everything she has contributed to the town over many years. It was an unanimous decision by the selection committee. Fay is a former mayor, member of the Haslemere Players, U3A, WI, Haslemere society, to name just a very few. Her contributions span decades, she has fought for Haslemere Hospital, led charitable efforts, and chronicled the town’s history.
“Hardly anything taken place in the town that Fay hasn’t been involved in,” said co-host Christopher Ashton-Jones.
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Emergency services attended the scene of a house fire between Haslemere and Grayswood last night after about 9pm.
Surrey Fire and Rescue Service attended with 10 fire engines, two water carriers and an aerial ladder platform at the property on Highercombe Road, Haslemere.
One source told the Haslemere Herald: “The fire was spotted from Grayswood village by a Ukrainian family living here, who asked villagers to call 999.”
Another neighbour said: “It was saddest thing to see, such a beautiful building dying so quickly .
“Buildings like that are like people, a soul was passing away in front of me, very sad .”
A Surrey Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: “We arrived on scene at the house fire on Highercombe Road, Haslemere at 21:28 yesterday evening (Thursday, April 3).
“Our crews tackled the fire through the night. We currently have five fire engines, one aerial ladder platform and two water carries on scene.
“We’re dampening down hot spots and will remain on site throughout the day.”
Unconfirmed reports state that it took place at the Grade-listed property Grayswood Hill house, which was in the process of being renovated, with building works. It is believed that nobody was on site when the fire started.
The house featured in a September, 1936 issue of Country Life magazine, where is was said to be the residence of Mrs C M Whittall.
On social media, a Haslemere resident said ash from the fire was falling into town - demonstrating the scale of the blaze.
The cause is still unknown, but the Haslemere Herald has reached out to Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Authority, and Surrey Fire and Rescue Service for comment.
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The Haslemere Players deliver a clever, funny, high-energy show, turning the classic into a playful, comedic experience.
The Haslemere Players’ production of Kiss Me, Kate is a lively, sharp, and thoroughly entertaining take on Cole Porter’s classic. Under Sally Waghorn’s confident direction, the production delivers big laughs, fabulous musical numbers, and cleverly invites the audience to laugh along at the play’s more outdated themes.
Dawn Stephens absolutely owns the stage as Lilli, bringing both steel and vulnerability to a role that could easily slip into cliché. Her rendition of “I Hate Men” is a standout — biting, funny, and delivered with just enough wink to make you root for her even more. Peter Coxon is charismatic as Fred, but the production wisely doesn’t let him get away with being too domineering.
The choreography is crisp, the costumes and set are gorgeous, and the supporting cast brings real energy to the ensemble numbers. Waghorn leans into the comedy rather than the romance, making the show feel more like a playful send-up than a straight endorsement of its Shakespearean roots.
As Waghorn put it: “This play pokes fun at the ridiculous nature of misogyny” — and in doing so, brings the audience in on the joke.
The Haslemere Players deliver a stylish, high-energy show that knows exactly what it’s doing. Running from March 25 to 29 at Haslemere Hall, it’s clever, funny, and packed with catchy tunes — book your tickets now!
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As a reporter, I’ve had the privilege of speaking with incredible women who quietly shape Haslemere with their dedication and drive. From community leaders to tireless volunteers, they are the backbone of countless initiatives, often without recognition.
This International Women’s Day, I wanted to shine a light on these women – some I have met, many I have not. I put out a call on the Haslemere Community Board on Facebook, asking for nominations and the response was overwhelming. I wasn’t surprised by how many women were deserving of recognition, but what stood out was how often women advocate for each other – and even for themselves.
So often, women are told not to speak up, not to champion their achievements—it’s seen as boastful, unladylike, or vain. But if we can’t celebrate women on a day dedicated to them, then when can we?
One of the first women who inspired me to write this article – and who received many nominations – was Jo Mackay. I initially spoke with her in her role at the food bank, ensuring those at their most vulnerable still receive the basic right of food. But her contributions go far beyond that – she has co-launched This is Haslemere, the Haslemere Clothing Bank, and Haslemere for Ukraine – all while running her award-winning travel business full-time and raising a family.
She said: “It is so touching to know that it’s appreciated, but it is so rewarding—I get more out of it than I put in. I also think that because I am quite active on social media, I get more recognition, but it’s never just about one person. There is always a whole team of people who often don’t want the recognition but are just helping because they want to help.”
Every single woman I interviewed spoke about the others who make their work possible, often nominating someone else I should reach out to. Claire Matthes – wearer of many hats, including town councillor and a real advocate for green initiatives – put it best:
“I felt almost embarrassed that people mentioned me on the post, but if you always hide your light under a bushel then how can we inspire anyone else?
“Like all of the other women who have been put forward, we are people who just do it. We are not looking for the accolades or recognition but it was very touching. It is lovely to know that what you’re doing is having an impact, it means a lot. As women we are used to just doing things, getting it done.”
The all-woman team running the hub have created a space where everyone is welcome. Co-manager Nadeana Simpson said: “We are not just a business – we want to be impactful. I think we all feel like people have always asked why we want to do this, but if we don’t do this, then who will? I think if you see people doing things it will be inspiring for other people to do things and help others.”
Deeza Harris, who manages activities at the Youth Hub, said: “I was empowered by women all my life, and it’s important to pass that on.”
MBE Fay Foster’s contributions span decades. A former mayor and councillor, she has fought for Haslemere Hospital, led charitable efforts, and chronicled the town’s history.
Community support is a recurring theme. Jenny Denny speaks of her mother, Annie, a retired Chiddingfold Surgery dispenser and dedicated volunteer.
“She’s an unstoppable force of nature,” Jenny said. “To me, my mum Annie embodies everything that’s celebrated on International Women’s Day.”
Pippa Lanchbury, co-captain of Team GB Junior Roller Derby, said: “Roller derby showcases the strength, skill, and determination of women athletes, breaking stereotypes and inspiring generations to pursue their passions fearlessly."
Countless women are making a difference. Anne Downing fundraises for The Hunter Centre and RNLI; Victoria Page founded Love Haslemere Hate Waste; Anabel Dorman supports cancer patients through exercise; and Justine Charman brings the town together with events like the Food Festival and Christmas Market.
At Haslemere Station, Georgia Brown and her team lift commuters’ spirits with festive decorations. Women like Jan Blackburn, Melanie Odell, Narn McHugh, Aine Hall, and Penny Bradley dedicate themselves to local causes, while Ailsa Guidi leads Grayswood WI, balancing her role with family life and MS advocacy.
So many women deserve recognition that I’d need a whole paper to do them justice. But we should also remember the silent army – those caring for elderly parents, advocating for disabled children, working long hours to put food on the table, supporting a struggling adult child with mental illness, or simply looking out for a neighbour.
The world thrives because of these women – the ones in the spotlight and those working quietly in the background. We should celebrate them not just on International Women’s Day, but always.
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Residents of Haslemere are set to face an 82 per cent increase in parking charges over five years, sparking concerns among locals and calls for a cap on increases.
Haslemere residents face the steepest parking charge increases in Waverley, with town centre car park fees set to rise by up to 82 per cent over five years.
Cllr Zoe Barker-Lomax has condemned the borough council’s latest round of hikes, warning they will drive shoppers away and hurt already struggling high street businesses.
“I do not see how we can in all conscience foist this upon our constituents,” she said.
The steepest rise this year hits short-stay drivers. From May 12, Haslemere’s High Street car park behind Waitrose will increase one-hour parking from £1.20 to £1.30, and two hours from £2.40 to £2.60. Three-hour parking will drop slightly from £4 to £3.90.
At Tanners Lane car park, charges will rise from 90p to £1 for one hour and £1.80 to £2 for two hours. Three-hour stays will fall from £3.10 to £2.90. Identical changes apply at Chestnut Avenue and Weydown Road car parks.
This follows an 18 per cent increase last year. Parking revenue across Waverley is expected to jump from £5.9 million to £6.5 million.
Haslemere resident Hannah Sutton said: “I don’t know how they can justify it. There’s no real free parking in Haslemere. I know it’s an affluent area but not everyone is affluent.”
“The evening charge at the High Street car park is a massive hit,” said Ben Dibble, another local. “If I go five minutes past 6.30pm I have to pay basically the same again. Where is this money going?”
Julie MacArthur added: “It’s a real shame. This will force people to shop further afield and we’ll end up with no shops, which was one of the main attractions of moving here.”
Haslemere Conservatives are calling for a cap on increases in line with inflation and two free Saturdays a month to support shops.
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Anyone treated at Haslemere Health Centre has Dr Alfred Thomas to thank. The revered GP, who served Haslemere for 45 years, passed away on October 18 at age 93, after a fall at his Hindhead home.
Originally from Manchester, Dr Thomas was born to a GP father and discovered Haslemere during medical school, instantly falling in love with the town. After National Service with the RAF during the Cold War, he returned in 1960, settling in Haslemere with his wife, Barbara.
When Dr Thomas joined the local practice, it operated in an old-school way, with doctors focused on home visits and occasional surgeries held in their own homes. He took on leadership roles at Liphook, Holy Cross, Shottermill, Haslemere Hospital, and St George’s Wood Maternity Hospital, where his third child was born.
As principal partner, Dr Thomas spearheaded the modernisation of health care in Haslemere, leading the development of the health centre. He prioritised wider corridors, larger consulting rooms, and a design that put patient comfort first. The new health centre soon gained a reputation as a national centre of excellence and earned him a civic medal for his contributions to health and the Haslemere community.
Beyond medicine, Dr Thomas was a nature advocate, restoring local woodlands and planting hundreds of trees. He was also a passionate painter, chairing the Haslemere Art Society, and a lifelong sportsman who played for Haslemere Hockey Club. Dr Thomas is survived by three children and two grandchildren, leaving an enduring legacy of service, conservation, and creativity.
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Haslemere is hosting a free community event on Lion Green to commemorate the 80th anniversary of VE Day this May
Highlights include a replica Spitfire and WWII vehicles
Haslemere will mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day with a free community event on Lion Green from 3pm to 9pm on Saturday
The highlight of the day will be a full-sized replica Spitfire
alongside a range of World War II military vehicles
A series of stages and marquees will host entertainment throughout the afternoon and evening
including performances by the Rhythm & Groove Big Band
visitors can enjoy talks at a dedicated marquee
The event will be officially opened by the Mayor of Haslemere and His Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant of Surrey at 3pm
lampposts across the town will be decorated with Commonwealth flags
and local businesses will showcase VE Day-inspired window displays
Schools in Haslemere are contributing by creating poppies for two giant wreaths
which will be displayed at St Christopher’s Church
Haslemere has deep wartime connections: around 2,000 children were evacuated from London to the area in September 1939
with the majority finding accommodation within 10 km of the town
a British Restaurant opened in Wey Hill for those bombed out of their homes
including a V-1 flying bomb near Three Gates Lane in 1944
All proceeds from the event will go to the Royal British Legion. For those interested in volunteering on the day, please contact event organiser Ken Griffiths at [email protected].
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One of Haslemere’s most iconic, protected trees was felled this week amidst a storm of local opposition and unresolved questions.
The “ancient” common beech, estimated to be 150 years old, was at the heart of a fierce debate between Surrey Highways, who deemed it a safety risk, and the Haslemere South Residents Association (HSRA), who fought tirelessly to save it.
After repeated requests HSRA finally secured a hard-won site visit with Surrey Highways on Friday 15 – but it was too late for any stay of execution for the tree as SCC Highways had already posted their road closure and tree felling signs.
An independent arborist funded by HSRA confirmed meripilus fungus but said a full root investigation was needed to determine if felling was necessary. HSRA offered to help fund this test, but Surrey Highways refused, confirming the tree would be removed on Monday 16.
"We fully understand concerns raised as these are extremely impressive trees, but unfortunately, following an inspection, our experienced arboriculturists have concluded that they present a danger to the highway and are likely to collapse. Therefore, it is our legal duty to do what we reasonably can to ensure the safety of the public," said a spokesperson for Surrey Highways.
Local campaigners have expressed heartbreak and frustration over the outcome.
The HSRA fears the decision was tied more to the ease of constructing an access road for the Scotland Park Phase 2 housing development than safety concerns. This tree stood directly in its proposed path.
The removal of this strategic ancient tree has revealed the high stakes at play in the forthcoming Planning Inquiry for the Scotland Park development, set to be re-run in April 2025. HSRA fears the precedent set by this decision could embolden future challenges to protected landscapes.
A HSRA spokesperson said: “We believe this is a total travesty. An opportunist developer, hoping for planning permission now that housing targets have been increased, will be expecting the community to have run out of energy to protect this beautiful Haslemere countryside that sits entirely within Surrey Hills AONB.”
Surrey Highways has stated its commitment to ecological considerations, pledging to leave parts of the tree trunks as habitat features and explore the possibility of planting new trees in the same area. However, for many, this offers little consolation. The absence of the towering giant is already being felt in the community, and questions linger over whether all avenues were truly exhausted before its final fall.
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An updated crime map seems to have reinforced Haslemere’s reputation as a hotspot for “posh middle-aged shoplifters”
The latest www.police.uk figures show the M&S Foodhall was the most “crime-ridden” area of the town in January with 11 shoplifting offences being reported in or around the Lion Green store.
The incidents accounted for nearly a quarter of all crimes across the patch with 49 being altogether reported.
Violent and sexual offences (VSOs) are usually the most commonly reported but this wasn’t the case in the Shottermill, Critchmere, Hindhead, Beacon Hill, Churt and Weyhill patch.
Shoplifting and VSOs accounted for 13 and 11 of all the crimes reported, respectively, with eight reports of anti-social behaviour also being made during the month.
Three vehicle crimes were also reported around Beacon Hill and Hindhead during the month, with the police also investigating separate burglaries on Cherry Tree Avenue and Hill Road.
Crime levels remain steady in the patch as the total figure has hovered around the 49 mark since November.
It’s better news in the Haslemere, Grayswood and Chiddingfold patch with crime dropping to its second lowest level for a year in January.
Some 30 crimes were reported with VSOs accounting for a third of all incidents.
Perhaps unsurprisingly, shoplifting (5) was the next frequently reported crime with the West Street shopping area being a hotspot.
Police also investigated five reports of criminal damage, and three incidents involving anti-social behaviour.
More worryingly, a robbery was reported on Chiltern Close while burglaries took place on Killingshurst Lane and Parsons Green during the month.
Data for the Fernhurst patch has either not yet been correlated, or there’s been an incredible drop in crime with the map reporting zero incidents compared to 26 in December. That would be a terrific late Christmas present for Sussex Police if true.
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Hark, the herald angels sing... and so should you! Churches in and around Haslemere will be ringing in the season with some truly festive services.
At Our Lady of Lourdes, carols kick off at 9.45pm on Christmas Eve, followed by the 10pm Mass, promising a holy night of celebration. On Christmas Day Mass will be held at 11am.
St Anselm’s in Hindhead will hold its Vigil Mass at 6pm on Christmas Eve. St Teresa’s in Chiddingfold offers a 9am Mass on Christmas Day for those who want to start their day with the first noel.
Holy Cross Chapel in Haslemere will be hosting a 4.30pm Vigil Mass on Christmas Eve and a 9.30am Mass on Christmas morning – God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen.
Haslemere’s Community Fridge needs a larger venue and more volunteers as it pauses operations due to overwhelming demand
Haslemere’s Community Fridge has been forced to pause operations after overwhelming local demand outgrew its current home
Run by environmental charity Love Haslemere Hate Waste (LHHW)
the fridge has redistributed hundreds of kilos of surplus food since its soft launch last November – but now urgently needs a larger venue and more volunteers to keep up
said the initiative had exceeded all expectations: “We started small
we served more than 90 families and redistributed more than 300kg of rescued food
The appetite for this in the community is huge.”
factories and retailers with excess stock – perfectly edible produce that would otherwise be sent to landfill
The initiative aims to combat the staggering four million tonnes of good-to-eat food wasted by the UK food industry each year
National charity FareShare says this discarded food is enough to provide 10 billion meals
“This isn’t scraps or leftovers,” she said
We’re offering a solution to the staggering issue of food waste in the UK
based at Green and Blue Studios on the Unicorn Trading Estate
has quickly become a lifeline for many amid the cost-of-living crisis
“Green and Blue Studios has been an amazing home and has shown us that this is a really needed resource within the community
But the current site can no longer accommodate the scale of demand.”
LHHW is now appealing for a new location and more hands to help
We need a bigger home – and more volunteers – so we can keep serving the community and prevent food from going to waste.”
To support or volunteer, email: [email protected]
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Following a surge in shoplifting in Haslemere, local traders have formed a crime-prevention group. Imogen Hawse explores how they are working together to combat theft
Fed up business owners in a market town have launched a vigilante WhatsApp group - after a rise in "well-off middle-aged" shoplifters.
Traders in Haslemere say shoplifting has gotten so bad in recent months that messages are sent in the crime-busting group "every single day".
Shop owners let each other know if they have been stolen from and share CCTV footage of criminals to look out for - with members aware of a few repeat perpetrators.
They say the problem has been exacerbated by a "lack of police presence" in the town and insist that it is not linked to the cost of living crisis.
And one business owner claimed the shoplifters she sees the most often are "well-off middle-aged women".
Inge Dunbar, 55, who owns gift shop Sass and Spirit, say she has had to fork out for CCTV and hire extra staff to combat shoplifting.
She said: "Because of the layout of my shop, I can't see what's going on everywhere.
"So when it started happening, I knew I had to get CCTV. And I had to hire another staff member so there are two of us covering the shop.
"From me, people steal clothes and jewellery mainly - and also Jellycats.
"So that's the thing. If someone's stealing bread you of course feel sympathy because they're struggling.
"But when they're stealing in a shop like this? That's not to do with the cost of living crisis.
"What we get most often is actually well-off middle-aged women. So that's another issue entirely."
Ms Dunbar said all business owners in Haslemere are aware of particular shoplifters who frequent the town centre - but there is still a lack of action from police.
She said: "You can tell immediately when some of them walk in. Because they're holding their big, empty bags.
"And there are also particular people who we know to be repeat offenders.
"People send pictures on our WhatsApp group warning each other that they're in town today. I've shared CCTV screenshots before.
"However, police still aren't acting enough.
"I know they're overstretched. I know there are issues. But all it takes is a bit of a presence - and that could deter people."
Ben Marks, 37, owner of MB Cyclery, had thieves smash all of his shop windows during a break-in over the summer.
He said: "They broke all the windows overnight and nicked six bikes.
"We have an alarm that calls the police but these criminals know that there are never any officers in the area - so they have some time before anyone shows up.
"My partner and I managed to get here before the police did that night."
Mr Marks is also part of the local WhatsApp group that is dedicated to shoplifting.
He said: "There's a message on there every single day, I'd say. It was especially bad in the run-up to Christmas.
"I think people assume around here is a quiet and safe area. But thieves know that too."
Tom Gunner, 23, who works in MB Cyclery, said the team have become very good at spotting potential shoplifters.
He said: "There are warning signs. People who come in and avoid eye contact - and then you see them looking at where the cameras are.
"Or people come in and just ask for the prices of different bikes.
"We have as well when some people want to take a bike for a test out front.
"We ask to see their ID and take some details first - and then they promptly leave the shop."
Stuart Warren, 59, who owns antique shop The Ark Stores, suffered three break-ins in a fortnight.
He said: "Three times in two weeks thieves came along and broke our padlock and stole our stuff.
"What was interesting though was that they didn't take things I'd consider particularly easy to sell on - so it seemed like a bunch of chancers who just grabbed what they could and hope they can resell.
"Shoplifting has definitely become a big problem in Haslemere."
Imogen Cox, 39, who works at Scope Haslemere, says the problem is even happening in charity shops.
She said: "I started volunteering here a year ago and I'm surprised at how much stuff has been stolen.
"Things get taken every week probably.
"And we also see people who come in intending to steal and then bottle it before they leave.
"They walk out and you notice a bag by the door - stuffed with a couple coats."
Pat Smith, 70, who is a manager at Scope, said lots of people steal clothing to resell on platforms such as Vinted.
She said: "We had this one beautiful hat on display in the window and it was taken in less than half an hour.
"People take things to resell them - particularly on platforms like Vinted.
"They're turning stealing into a business."
Oliver Leach, 43, who runs local café Oliver's Coffee and is also the town's mayor, has confronted shoplifters after seeing their picture on the WhatsApp group.
He said: "There was an occasion where someone sent their CCTV footage into the WhatsApp group and I looked up and saw the shoplifters at one of our tables.
"I went over, took their bag of items off them, and asked them to leave.
"I then returned the things to the shop."
Mr Leach agreed that there is not a sufficient police presence in Haslemere - and said that one of the issues independent business owners face is that the crime reporting process is simply not viable.
He said: "The chains do get targeted the most here - Waitrose, Boots, Space NK.
"But Haslemere has a lot of independent shops and they fall victim as well.
"The thing is though, independent businesses are really struggling at the moment. We're all working really hard.
"So owners simply don't have the time to go through the nightmare reporting process.
"By the time you've got your CCTV as evidence and gone through the police's portal, it's at least an hour and a half.
"We can't afford to be doing that."
Mr Leach added that since reports have emerged of the increase in shoplifting in Haslemere - he has noticed more police officers.
He said: "In the last few days, since we've been speaking about it, we have seen a couple police patrols.
"So we have seen more of a presence."
Surrey Police said shoplifting is a "priority" for the force and encouraged business owners to report all incidents.
Chief Inspector Andy Hill said: "Targeting shoplifting continues to be a priority for us and in the last year Surrey Police has achieved a four-fold increase in the number of charges for shoplifting county-wide - amounting to more than 800 cases.
"We know that incidents often go unreported - especially for lower value goods - but we would encourage any businesses to report because it helps us to build an information and intelligence picture.
"Whilst we cannot be everywhere, we do carry out regular patrols as well as dedicated days of action to target offenders and we work with local businesses to look at security measures.
"When something is reported to us we follow all those reasonable lines of enquiry, including circulating CCTV images with success to identify offenders.
"We also work closely with neighbouring forces to catch those who carry out offences across borders to try and avoid detection."
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Haslemere Museum’s half term events were a real sell-out success
Fifty-five children packed the hall for a creative mask-making session
transforming themselves into colourful characters and animals
There was also a visit from local children’s author Claire Nicholas
which follows a Haslemere family on Backdown
The week ended with more than 40 children and 18 adults creating vibrant marble patterns with paint
said: “It was great to see so many people enjoying the Museum and supporting us
For upcoming events, visit haslemeremuseum.co.uk/whatson
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Two of Haslemere’s oldest and most protected trees face the axe but for public safety or to clear the way for a controversial development? Local tree wardens and organisations opposed to the development have raised concerns over the proposed removal, questioning the true motives behind the felling of these iconic trees.
The trees, designated T1 and T2, are classified as “veteran” and “ancient”, with T1 estimated to be more than 100 years old and T2 around 150 years old. Both are protected by Tree Protection Orders and stand within the proposed route for an access road to the Scotland Park Phase 2 housing development.
Surrey Highways has flagged both trees as a danger, citing the presence of meripilus fungal disease, which they claim compromises the trees’ stability and presents a risk to road users.
"We fully understand concerns raised as these are extremely impressive trees, but unfortunately, following an inspection, our experienced arboriculturists have concluded that they present a danger to the highway and are likely to collapse. Therefore, it is our legal duty to do what we reasonably can to ensure the safety of the public," said a spokesperson for Surrey Highways.
But critics, including the Haslemere South Residents Association (HSRA) and local tree wardens, have questioned these claims, pointing to conflicting findings.
Earlier this year, when the trees were granted protected status, no disease was identified during an inspection by tree officers. Local tree wardens who recently inspected the trees reported no signs of instability or disease and highlighted that the trees had withstood recent storms unscathed.
The HSRA has offered to fund an independent assessment using sonar technology to provide a definitive evaluation of the trees’ condition, but Surrey Highways has declined this offer.
"We wrote to the Haslemere South Residents Association on October 30 to explain why the trees need to be felled. A site meeting is also taking place on Friday this week. We have also liaised with Waverley Borough Council, and they have accepted our findings," the department stated.
The felling is scheduled for December 16, prompting accusations that the safety concerns might be a pretext to facilitate the development. Both trees stand directly in the proposed path of the access road, and their removal would simplify the construction process.
The HSRA argues that this timeline is suspiciously aligned with development priorities, especially as the Planning Inquiry for the Scotland Park development is due to be re-run in April 2025. Local residents have called for a halt to the felling until verifiable evidence is presented.
"The community would support the trees' removal if they are genuinely diseased and pose a safety risk," said Nikki Barton, a former Independent Councillor and HSRA member. "But without clear proof, it seems the felling is being driven by the needs of the development rather than genuine safety concerns."
Surrey Highways added: "We intend to leave the lower sections of the trunk in situ in an effort to retain habitat features. We will also review options to plant new trees at the same location.”
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The Haslemere Players will perform a secret musical in just 24 hours to raise funds for Project Studio 25
Get ready for a theatre experience like no other
as the Haslemere Players prepare to create and perform a musical in only 24 hours
The Haslemere Players are preparing for an unforgettable fundraiser – a West End-style musical that will be planned
The curtain will rise on this production at Haslemere Hall on Saturday
But there’s a twist: the musical remains a closely guarded secret
The identity of the show won’t be revealed until just 24 hours before the performance
keeping both the cast and the audience on their toes
and lively musical that guarantees a night to remember
There’s only one way to find out – get your tickets and see the results for yourself
The players are determined to make it work
and the results will be a testament to their dedication
This event serves as a fundraiser for the Haslemere Players’ Project Studio 25
which aims to raise £25,000 in 2025 for vital building work at their studio
home to both scenery and costumes for the group’s productions
Tickets for this extraordinary musical event are available now from Haslemere Hall. Visit www.haslemerehall.com or call 01428 642161 to secure your place. Don’t miss your chance to witness theatre magic unfold in just one day!
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part of the charity Friends of the Elderly
is excited to announce the launch of its monthly Community Knit and Natter Group
said: “Knitting is an enjoyable and therapeutic activity that has numerous benefits for older people
It’s a fantastic way to keep the mind active
It’s also been shown to improve overall wellbeing
as it can lower blood pressure and help manage chronic pain
Jenny has designed a variety of engaging activities for the residents
and the Knit and Natter Group is the latest addition
"This group will allow residents and members of the local community to interact
Knitting is a skill that crosses generations
and we hope it’ll bring people of all ages together."
"Whether you’re an expert knitter or a beginner
and enjoy some knitting," said Staci Abernethy
attendees will be treated to a selection of delicious homemade cakes
“Knitting is an activity that can bring so much joy
and it’s wonderful to have the community come together to support our residents,” said Staci
For more details about the Knit and Natter Group or other activities at Redcot, visit www.fote.org.uk or contact the Friends of the Elderly Press Office.
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The Haslemere Thespians will be performing the traditional family pantomime Sleeping Beauty at Haslemere Hall between January 10 and 19
A spokesperson said: “This is a fairytale story with a prince and princess
glamour and spectacle which have come to be expected from one of the greatest pantomimes will be present
There will be bursts of strobe lighting during the performance
The show has been written by Alan P Frayn and by arrangement with Stage Right Creative
For tickets visit https://www.haslemerehall.co.uk/sales/genres/theatre/sleeping-beauty
Since its formation in 1937, The Haslemere Thespians has presented more than 150 major plays, more than 50 pantomimes and around 60 one-act play evenings.
There is a regular programme of events including the highly popular and acclaimed pantomime in January, a full-length play in the spring, and a further full-length play or ‘supper evening’ of one-act plays in the autumn.
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Get involved in Haslemere’s future – and celebrate the town’s heroes this March
March 5 at 7pm at Haslemere Educational Museum
Everyone is welcome to attend and share their views
the Haslemere Volunteer Awards will recognise individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the community
these awards have honoured local people who go above and beyond
with medals originally donated by the late Sir Ray Tindle
Nominations are open for those who have given outstanding service in Haslemere and Hindhead. To nominate someone, request a form from Haslemere Town Council ([email protected]) or Fay Foster ([email protected]).
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