This book on Haslemere, using material prepared by a number of local people tasked with producing the town’s Design Statement, has been put together by Fay Foster. After extensive research she has written much additional content bringing the history up to date. The aim has been to paint a picture of Haslemere and Hindhead, emphasising the events and the people who have made the town as vibrant and friendly as it is today.
Having lived in Haslemere for 57 years, been a long-serving Town Councillor and worked as a reporter on the Haslemere Herald, her knowledge of the town and its neighbouring areas is considerable. Fay has added to the Design Statement’s chapters on buildings, architecture and planning matters and has included items of human interest such as notes about famous people who have lived in and around the town, plus snippets of history, customs, and stories that have come down over the centuries, as well as recent events. Some of these may be apocryphal but they all add to the rich tapestry that has made the town what it is.
Over 100 coloured photographs adorn the 200 pages together with potted histories of some of the town’s most illustrious forefathers. There are also chapters on villages and hamlets within eight miles of central Haslemere. Appendices provide information on the Sailor’s Legend and Gibbet Hill, Haslemere’s Mills and Streams, Haslemere during the Second World War, a list of houses with Blue Plaques and an explanation of the Town Crest.
Fay, who received the MBE for Services to Haslemere in 2010, was a long-serving councillor for Haslemere and served as Town Mayor from 2000-2001.
The book was published in early November with a retail price of £14.95. Any orders for books can be made by emailing thefosters@haslemere.com
