Romsey & District Society

The Romsey & District Society is a large and active society respected for its positive work in and around the town. New members are always welcome - either to play an active role or simply to enjoy the walks, talks and social events.

The method of joining the Society:

Subscriptions are £7 per person per annum by Standing Order payable on 1 st November.  Please complete the attached forms and return to the Membership Secretary:

Mrs Romy Halliwell
Tel: 02380 735866
[email protected]

A downloadable copy of the Application Form is attached.  
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About the Society                                                                            Reg.Charity no: 269308 

The Society was founded in 1974 following a huge public protest about the destruction of fine old houses in Romsey to make way for new. It focuses on local planning, environment and countryside issues. The aim of the Society is to promote high standards of planning and architecture in the area, and to secure the preservation, protection, development and improvement of features of historical or public interest in the area. 

An Executive Committee is responsible for strategy, finance and administration of the Society. Reporting to it are the following committees and working groups:

Natural Environment Committee: works for positive conservation of environmentally important sites, including public access to them where appropriate and compatible with this aim. The committee organises environmental enhancement projects. It promotes the understanding of, and access to, the natural environment, the provision of accessible natural urban green spaces, and local environmental sustainability. It also provides input on environmental matters to the Society’s planning work.

Public Services Committee: is concerned with transport, roads, traffic and minerals and waste. It monitors the drainage and waste water systems and has succeeded in persuading the local water company to improve the town drainage. It organizes regular stream cleaning in the town, which is carried out by our members. It is also concerned with car parking in the town, street clutter and townscape improvements and the state of footpaths and cycleways in the local area.

Planning Committee: reviews planning applications and expresses its views to the local authority on those of importance to the community. The committee also studies and comments on the Local Development Framework and other planning documents from local and central government.

Projects: include publishing a Town Design Statement, commissioning the Charter Stone in Church Place ( unveiled by HM The Queen ), and a blue plaques scheme in the town. Shop-front audits are carried out every 3 years in conjunction with the Council to help maintain the appearance of the town.

The Social Committee organises a wide-ranging programme of talks, walks, visits, social events and poetry readings every year ( for the current programme see the Full Calendar ) together with an annual lecture, a dinner, a lunch and a summer party. It supports the Romsey Arts Festival which is held every 3 years, most notably by organising the highly successful “La Ronde” – an afternoon spent visiting the hidden gardens of Romsey.

A Magazine is produced three times a year and is one of the Society’s ways of keeping in touch with its members. Approximately 1000 copies are distributed reporting on the Society’s activities and local issues. Members’ views are canvassed through the Magazine on the more important matters. Past copies of the Magazine can be found in the Publications folder.

A Buildings Preservation Trust was formed by the Society in 1975 to finance and manage the restoration of local buildings at risk of demolition. The Trust has restored over 30 buildings and is the holder of the coveted Europa Nostra award. It has close links with the Society and shares its logo.