ALTON Community Centre’s chairman of trustees and JD Wetherspoon’s Ivy House both received awards for excellence during the Alton Society’s annual meeting.

Held at the Swan Hotel on the High Street on November 14 and attracting a record turnout despite horrendous weather, the meeting began with the presentation of the Individual Award to Pat Lerew for outstanding services to the town.

The 70 members and guests present heard how Mrs Lerew, a resident of Alton and Holybourne for 47 years, had made “an enormous contribution to many aspects of life in Alton over the years”, working tirelessly as a trustee of Alton Community Centre, including 27 years as chairman, and president of national teachers’ union the NASUWT while teaching at Amery Hill.

The guests heard that she is also an active member of Alton Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Alton Town Twinning Association, Jane Austen Regency Week, and the Holybourne Village Association.

Alton mayor Pam Jones then presented the annual John Ambrose Award – given to acknowledge excellence in building, conservation or landscaping projects – to Mr Barwick on behalf of JD Wetherspoon, for the renovation and conversion of Ivy House and Oceanic House, on the junction of Drayman’s Way and Butts Road, to provide a public house with restaurant facilities.

In selecting Ivy House as this year’s winner, the Society statement read: “The facility has brought new life to this corner of the town, as well as achieving an environmental improvement, and has thereby met all of the criteria against which the award is judged.”

In what was a striking selection of projects considered, the Society also awarded commendations to Petersfield Housing Association for Silcox Court on Mill Lane, a small development of flats, and to Wey Valley Homes (assisted by the Alton Building Preservation Trust) for the renovation and conversion of Westbrooke House, on High Street, into nine flats, viewed as “a very sensitive adaptation to an important Listed building”.

Bob Booker presented his annual report, which summarised another busy and successful year for the Society, including playing a significant part in the development of the town’s neighbourhood plan.

Treasurer Peter Holden reported that following an increase in the number of members the Society’s finances were in a healthy state.

Mr Booker was re-elected for a second year as chairman and, for the first time in several years, all formal committee posts were filled.

Although Mike Biddiss and Brian Alexander stood down from the Society’s committee after many years of outstanding contributions, there was significant “new blood” joining it, the meeting heard.

The Society presented honorary life membership to Jim Dickinson for his long and valued service as the Society’s tree warden.

The meeting concluded with an open forum which featured a presentation entitled ‘In Pursuit of Sustainability’ given by former Alton woman Melissa Maynard, who from 2011-15 was the councillor responsible for the East Hampshire District Council’s energy and environment portfolio.

Her presentation, which ranged widely across sustainability, energy and climate change, drew heavily on her experience as a civil servant, councillor and member of Energy Alton. It was followed by questions and a lively discussion.

Mr Booker said: “I was delighted to welcome so many members and guests to our annual meeting. The reports and discussions demonstrate the importance of the issues facing the town and that people want to be involved in shaping its future.”