THE New Alresford Town Trust (NATT) ended 2017 in a strong position and is “looking forward to an exciting 2018”.

So said NATT chairman Robin Atkins in his annual report in which he recorded the fact that on December 31 the Trust had a membership of 119, with seven trustees, who were responsible for Trust activities, supported by a team of volunteers on whom they relied.

The Trust is charged with “preserving ancient rights to fairs and markets, land and trees in The Avenue, Broad Street trees, the old fire station, historic documents, the community minibus, the Eel House and the Alresford Museum”.

* The Old Fire Station/Museum: Mr Atkins reported that the Trust had re-negotiated its lease with Artworthy Framing and now occupies the room behind the red doors, while Artworthy Framing continues to trade within the remainder of the building.

The Trust is refurbishing its room as a museum, which will house the original horse-driven fire engine together with the fire station artefacts and accessories. The refurbishment is to include a glass “see-through panel” which should be installed by the end of January.

Trustee Andrew Smith has organised and supervised this contract, while trustee Roy Gentry is to organise the re-housing of the fire engine and the opening of the museum.

* The Eel House: Attracted a record 1,192 visitors during 2017 making an overall running total of 7,429 since it was re-opened in 2009. The open days were efficiently organised by Paddy Walshe. Trustee Dorothy Hamilton will take over this responsibility in 2018 with the opening dates scheduled for April 1, May 20, July 15, August 27, and September 16.

In the meantime, discussions have begun with the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust with a view to strengthening the Eel House structure, and with the Heritage Lottery concerning openings in the autumn.

A board listing the names of 92 donors to the Eel House fund was unveiled by town councillor Jackie Porter in November 2017, and David Woods, who heads the Eel House committee, was presented with an engraved tankard.

* The Avenue: Trustee Keith Divall, working with CD Trees and WCC Arboriculturist, organised completion of the first phase of essential tree work by December 31, at a cost of £8,000. This involved the cutting down, for arboricultural reasons, of two poplar trees on the south side and one lime tree near Arlebury Park.

The Friends of the Avenue contributed £632 toward the cost of this work, while a New Alresford Town Council grant of £1,250 was received, together with £1,250 from sponsorship. The Trust has expressed grateful thanks for all these contributions.

Further work will continue in 2018.

* October Fair: Trustee John Cattle organised the October fair with John Searle, a member of the Walls family who have run this special event since early 1900s. It was a great success and many people enjoyed themselves in supporting this ancient tradition.

* NATT Minibus: Trustee Pam Stevens organised the buying of a new automatic minibus, which seats 14 people, in April 2017, as well as a complete refurbishment of the old minibus, which had clocked up 104,000 miles.

MP?Steve Brine unveiled the new minibus on April 29, in a ceremony that was followed by refreshments at The Swan Hotel for all attendees.

The intention is to run both minibuses in 2018, and Mrs Stevens already has six bookings, including two weddings and other special events. The new minibus continues to run weekly shopping excursions and, on December 8, Mrs Stevens arranged a special Christmas shopping trip to Hedge End M&S and Sainsbury’s, followed by tea and cake at Haskins Garden Centre in West End. Both minibuses were used for this event.

Grants and donations to support the minibuses amounted to nearly £5,000 last year and this has been of great help with funding some of the increased running costs.

* Markets: Trustee Pam Stevens organised a French market, which was so successful that it has been rebooked for March 31.

The Thursday market continues to prove popular with an average of 12 regular stallholders each week plus, in the last three months of 2017, there were some new stallholders, including a person selling logs (plus Christmas trees), a representative of Usborne Books, and an organic stall.

NATT is always keen to welcome and encourage new members to join the Trust for a one-off payment of £5 and/or to become a Friend of the Avenue for £25 per year. For more details on NATT activities, call Pam Stevens on 01962 734861 or e-mail [email protected].