1980s

“Petersfield: The Future” is published.

A review which includes the words ‘Our town is at a critical point having moved beyond being merely a self-contained market town serving an agricultural area into a more urban stage’.

Presidents Owl Award is first given.

Designed and made by George Taylor of The Edward Barnsley Workshop, the Owl is awarded annually for significant contributions to the character of Petersfield and/or surrounding villages.

1970s

Petersfields central Conservation Area is formally designated.

Includes the Square, High Street, Sheep Street, Spain, and parts of Dragon Street and Sussex Road. Preservation of trees identified as a major issue. Initiate street scene photographic survey.

Petersfield Society argues for the new Herne Farm development to be phased.

1960s

Petersfield Society supports the County Council in the purchase of 185 acres of Ashford Hangers.

1960s

Major redevelopments in Petersfield and Sheet threaten historic character of town and highlight weakness of Listed Building status.

1950’s

Campaign for original features of East Meon bridges to be retained during rebuilding.

Successful agreement with HCC – local flint, brick dressings but with wider arches

1950s

Campaign for the removal of overhead power cables in the Spain receives a Civic Trust Award in 1959.

Having successfully campaigned to have this historic area of Petersfield returned to a visibly wire-free area in 1959, in 2022 the rush to roll out faster broadband sees telecoms companies abusing their powers and installing new poles in our community regardless of the effect on the visible amenity of the street scene.

1949

Official Guide for Petersfield published by The Petersfield Society

The original official guide to Petersfield was prepared and published by The Petersfield Society in 1949

1940’s

Regular talks for the membership of  The Petersfield Society

Talks were regularly held on topics such as the proposed South Downs National Park.

Interesting the ticket shown here identifies The Petersfield Society as incorporating The Petersfield Area Commiittee of the Hampshire Branch of the Council for the Preservation of Rural England.

21 July 1945

1st General meeting of Group for the Preservation and Improvement of Petersfield

Formally the name was adopted as The Petersfield Society, and it’s Objects were defined as:

“To increase public interest in and appreciation of natural and architectural beauty and in general to preserve and safeguard what is good in the character of Petersfield and its neighbourhood”

14 September 1944

Edward Barnsley put idea of a ‘Petersfield Society’ to the Arts and Crafts Society

A meeting held at No1 The Square with Flora Twort and others; the Photographic Society was invited to attend.

The outcome of this meeting was that a committee was formed. Mary Ward was appointed Secretary and aims and a constitution for Petersfield Society prepared.

In a subsequent letter, dated December 1944, Chairman, Edward Barnsley and Hon. Secretary, Mary Ward, wrote:

“The town of Petersfield and its neighbourhood is one of the most beautiful in the South of England. ..it is a matter of the greatest importance that its character be preserved in future development. The post-war period will bring rapid changes and difficult problems, and if these are not carefully organised and controlled there will be grave danger that irretrievable damage will be done. Realisation of this danger and of the importance of the problems has led to the formation of this Group.”