| 
Present-day Alton is one of the most pleasant of Hampshire’s
small towns and has aptly been described as a “charming Georgian
market town”. The past has left a fair legacy of ancient buildings
behind it and these, together with more recent additions, make Alton
a  place
worthy of exploration. The main thoroughfare formed by Butts Road
- High Street - Normandy Street is an agreeable mixture of old and
new with graceful Georgian houses jostling with modern shops and
businesses. The general bustle of this highway, especially at its
central part near the old inn, the Swan Hotel, is typical of the
agricultural zest that is the mainspring of the town, for it is
the centre of a wide country area. The many side streets are equally
attractive with old houses and mellowed walls to give charm and
a sense of timeless age.
On the North side of Church Street, are the Geale’s Almshouses
given by Thomas Geale in 1653 to house eight poor people who were
born in Alton.
The hotels and restaurants however have not stayed in the past and
offer a wide range of accommodation, bar snacks and reasonably priced
lunches and dinners.
The Swan Hotel has a high standard of en-suite accommodation with
an excellent restaurant. Banqueting and wedding receptions are catered
for with seating for up to 110.
The Alton House Hotel is set in more than 2 acres of gardens. It
has en-suite facilities, and the restaurant and bars are very welcoming.
A Banqueting Hall seats up to 120. It is the “home”
of many local organisations including Rotary, Alton Lions and Rotaract.
The Grange Hotel is privately owned with 34 bedrooms set in 2.5
acres of beautiful gardens with a civil wedding licence, catering
for up to 120 sit-down on weddings, functions and conferences. It
has two restaurants - Truffles Restaurant serving fine-dine, World
Fusion cuisine and wines, or Muffins Brasserie offering a lighter
bite in bright contemporary surroundings.
Elsewhere in Alton there are other hotels and restaurants each making
a different, yet distinctive, contribution to the many hospitable
facilities of this small yet interesting town.
Alton has a thriving industrial estate centred on Mill Lane, and
the recently developed Omega Park in Wilsom Road. These include
engineering as well as computer and high technology firms that have
established themselves successfully and add to the diversity of
employment opportunities in the Alton area. In the Maltings, Windmill
Hill, is a variety of small specialist firms, whilst Alton’s
traditional industry of brewing continues with Coors, who also package
and distribute a variety of ales and lagers.
A pleasant “mix” of residential properties have been
developed over recent years with new estates providing for “first
time buyers”, through to executive style houses. The former
Workhouse, built in 1793 and renamed “Adams House” forms
part of a most attractive sheltered housing scheme for the elderly.
This is one of several such schemes within the town.
Your Worship
The Parish Church of St. Lawrence The Parish
Church of St. Lawrence stands away from the busy main highway. It
is overall a 15th century church, and is a good example of the Perpendicular
style. The Norman tower, which is the nucleus of the present church,
dates from about 1070. Due to the alterations and building that
took place, mainly in the 13th and 15th centuries, the church doubled
in size, so that it now has two naves, separated by a noble arcade
of seven arches. The tower possesses eight bells.
Other features of interest include the Saxon font; a double piscina
and aumbry for the Reservation of the Sacrament, dating from the
1200s; the 15th century screen between the sanctuaries; a candelabrum
under the tower of 1780 (one of the few candelabra in Hampshire
to be dated); the two croziers carved into the stonework of the
Lady Chapel at either end; a fifteenth century fresco; the Elizabethan
almsbox; the Jacobean pulpit; and the alter rail of approximately
1680 made from the balusters of the staircase in Bishop Ken’s
house at Winchester.
The list of incumbents goes back to 1161, the Church registers to
1615, and the Churchwardens’ accounts to 1625.
The Parish Church of All Saints The other parish
church in Alton stands on the main road, in an area that was called
New Town when the church was built in Butts Road in 1873-4. It is
a handsome structure and its graceful spire is a prominent landmark
of the town, especially when approached from the West. The Reredos
in the Lady Chapel is the work of Sir Ninian Comper, the same artist
who made the statue of St. Joan of Arc in Winchester Cathedral.
Sir Ninian was the last of the great Gothic Revivalists. The statue
of the Virgin and Child is the work of the Sisters of St. Mary the
Virgin, Wantage, who for many years had a house in Turk Street,
caring for handicapped girls, and were closely linked with All Saints’
Church.
There are some very fine Renaissance-style Altar ornaments. The
wrought iron screen was made by a local craftsman, and the lectern
was also made by a local craftsman from a Victorian gas light that
formerly helped to light the church.
The organ is a particularly good “Hill” model and was
modernised and rebuilt for the centenary year. The spire was first
put together by local carpenters in meadows opposite the church,
before being erected on the tower.
This church is known in the Church of England as the church of the
Carpenter Priest, Fr. Charlie Bond, who served the parish of All
Saints all his life, first as a carpenter and Lay Reader, and later
as an Assistant Priest before in 1921 becoming its much loved Vicar.
His memorial plaque in the Lady Chapel reveals the secret to his
priestly excellence, “He preached Jesus”.
St. Mary’s Church The town of Alton has one
of the more modern Catholic churches in the county of Hampshire.
Opened in 1966, it has a seating capacity of 500. It was built through
the donations of local Catholics, friends throughout the British
Isles and, especially, through the inspiration of the late Canon
John F. Lane.
The church, which replaced a temporary building on the same site,
is six-sided. Its roof rises in steps to a central lantern, each
step separated by a ring of slender horizontal windows.
Internally, natural wood plays an important part and for the polished
wooden roof alone some 21,000 feet of timber was used. The Sanctuary,
which is in the centre of the church, is raised one step and rises
another three steps to the main alter. It is made of Sicilian marble
and Portland stone. The Ambo, a reading desk of Portland stone,
is the Sanctuary’s only other permanent furnishing.
The large crucifix in the Day Chapel at the rear of the church was
made by an Italian craftsman in Assisi and was given to the parish
in 1928 by Sir Hubert Miller of Froyle. A statue of the Virgin Mary
holding the Child Jesus, which is located in an apse behind the
Sanctuary on the right hand side, is of particular interest. The
figure is three feet in height and was carved in 1827 from a single
piece of alabaster.
The twenty-two coloured lancet windows behind the main alter were
the gifts of parishioners. The designs are acknowledged to be among
the finest examples of this style of stained glass in the country,
and are the work of Father Charles Norris, a Benedictine Monk at
Buckfast Abbey, in Devon.
Although modern in appearance, the design is in fact based on the
design of an ancient church in Verona.
Education
Alton Convent School Alton Convent School works
for “academic excellence” and to develop the whole person.
Extra curricular activities challenge and enthuse pupils and visits
both in England and abroad have been rewarding and exciting.
Classes remain small and academic standards remain high. The Sixth
Form is open to all girls with 5 GCSEs at Grade C. They offer a
full range of AS and A2 subjects. From Nursery to Sixth Form all
pupils are encouraged to take part in sporting, drama, musical and
artistic activities. Visitors are welcome by appointment.
Eggar’s School Eggar’s is a Specialist
Science College with Mathematics and is proud of its excellent academic
achievements and high standards. In April 2009, and in recognition
of the quality of leadership, management and whole school pupil
successes, it achieved its second consecutive “Outstanding”
judgement from Ofsted.
This is a small school with a well deserved reputation for its focus
on every individual child, excellent academic results and a truly
warm and caring ethos. It encourages students to take responsibility
for their learning and grow in confidence and independence. The
curriculum is rich and varied and aims to provide the knowledge,
skills and attributes necessary for a successful future in a rapidly
changing world. It has an outstanding record of academic success
and the majority of pupils move onto higher education.
To fully experience the enthusiasm and energy, please feel free
to contact the school to arrange a visit and see the school in action.
Amery Hill School The school, situated in the centre
of town, close to St. Lawrence’s Church, celebrated its 60th
birthday in 1999. It has changed considerably since its inception
and now caters for over 980 pupils aged 11-16.
Examination results are consistently excellent with around 70% of
students gaining higher grades and 90% of leavers staying in education,
post 16. Both these figures are well above local and national averages.
Musicians are particularly welcome at a school noted for the quality
of musical education and performances. Over one third of pupils
learn a musical instrument and the school now has Specialist Status
in Music.
Under the direction of Headteacher Stephen Crabtree, the school
has invested heavily to meet the needs of the new century, with
nearly £3 million spent in 2004 to improve facilities. Amery
Hill strives to maintain and improve its high standards in all aspects
of the Curriculum. Visitors always note the welcoming atmosphere
at the school and find it lives up to its high local reputation.
Bushey Leaze Early Years Centre Situated in Eastbrooke
Road, the centre caters for 2-5’s from the Alton/Bordon area
who have special needs, or require some degree of support or assessment.
Children without special needs also attend the centre. Enquiries
should be addressed to the Headteacher.
Treloar School & College Treloar School and
Treloar College are centres of excellence, providing a unique blend
of education, therapy and care for over 300 young people (aged 7
- 20+). Students are some of the most severely disabled in Britain
today; they come to Treloar’s from all over the UK and occasionally
from overseas. Treloar Trust supports the School and College, enabling
dedicated staff to support disabled young people in making choices
and grasping opportunities on their individual journeys towards
greater independence. It is approaching its centenary - and planning
to take its vision forward for the next 100 years. For further information
about its Centenary Appeal see our website: www.treloar.org.uk,
to discuss how a specific donation might help or to arrange a visit,
or for information about jobs or voluntary involvement please contact
01420 526 526.
ALTON COLLEGE Alton College was one of the few
purpose-built sixth form colleges in the country, and opened in
1978. Alton College is now a tertiary college and offers a wide
range of sixth form courses as well as courses for adult education
and training.
Professional drama companies and musicians perform regularly in
the College Studio supplementing the College’s own productions,
all of which are open to the public. A prospectus is available from
the Principal.
Parks and Open Spaces
Alton is fortunate in having in the very centre of the town two
acres known as the Public Gardens. Here lawns, sheltering trees,
shrubs and carefully tended flower beds form a delightfully pleasant
oasis away from the main street bustle. A bandstand, built in 1935,
children’s playground, shelter and an excellent bowling green
are also to be found in the gardens. The gardens host an impressive
event programme in the spring and summer, plus children’s
activities during the summer holidays.
At the western end of the town, forming a triangle by the Winchester
Road and the railway is The Butts. In former times this pleasant
stretch of grass was used for archery practise. Today it is an open
space for informal pursuits and visits of travelling fairs and circuses.
Edged with shading chestnuts and bench seats beneath, it brings
to this end of the town something of the atmosphere of the traditional
village green.
The Butts was for 99 years leased to Alton by the Lord of the Manor
of Westbrook but in 1981, he gave The Butts to the Town Council.
This generous gesture was very much appreciated and is commemorated
by a stone plinth, sponsored by The Alton Herald.
Anstey Park lies to the north of Alton and is used regularly for
rugby, football, cricket, tennis and netball. Floodlights have been
provided for the tennis/netball courts. Other events such as fun
runs, fetes, vehicle rallies and dog shows are regularly held. The
Finnimore Pavilion due to be rebuilt, provides changing and shower
facilities for all sportsmen and women. Other facilities include
a children’s playground and skate park. Alton Rugby Club,
Alton United Youth Football Club, Energique Fitness Club, the Royal
British Legion, the Scouts, St. John Ambulance Brigade and the Army
& Air Cadets all have their own premises within the Park.
The Jubilee Playing Fields are situated at the western end of the
town where there are two sports pavilions with changing and shower
facilities. This area is used extensively for football, cricket
and stoolball. An extensive layout of skateboard ramps and other
skate equipment attracts users from not only Alton but from a wide
area. The Harry Baker Pavilion, which has a clubroom and licensed
bar is home to Alton Cricket Club in the summer months. Extensive
new cricket practice nets have recently been added to the sites’
facilities. A more informal open space is Flood Meadows, which includes
former watercress beds, amounting to some 15 acres of natural grassland
and semi-wild areas of trees and grass, which includes a riverside
walk and is situated just beyond Cut Pound.
Kings Pond is another pleasant area close to the town centre. The
pond has been allowed to remain in its natural state with simply
the provision of a small car park and wooden  seats
around the pond. Wildlife is encouraged and there are many species
of birds and water fowl. A nature trail has been published for this
area. Fishing is not permitted.
Miss Bell’s Fountain, a sister to the one that originally
stood on Crown Hill now in the Public Gardens, was donated to the
town in the late 19th Century by local philanthropist Miss Eliza
Bell and is located at the entrance to the town near The Butts.
Restoration works were completed during HM The Queen’s Jubilee
Year and designated as Alton Town Council’s Golden Jubilee
project.
A Caring Community
The Alton Community Centre has been in operation for over 30 years
and is the largest Community Centre in East Hampshire. It is a registered
charity run by voluntary trustees who employ trained staff for the
many services it operates.
The centre, which is open to all, offers an active Community Club
for older persons, an excellent Playgroup, a Shopmobility scheme
and provides accommodation for, amongst others, Testway Housing
Ltd, Hampshire County Council Youth Project, Enham’s E2E project
and the Alton University of the Third Age. Here you can also hire
3 halls and 8 rooms of varying sizes to suit any occasion large
or small. An exciting Adult Education Programme offers over 60 day
and evening classes and dozens of local clubs and societies have
their ‘home’ in the building. There are regular live
music events for the young people of Alton.
Those attending meetings, classes, functions or just visiting can
all access the in-house catering available from the busy coffee
shop ‘The River Wey Café’ and enjoy the tranquillity
of the courtyard garden. There is also a licensed bar available
for functions.
Alton Day Service, the service for people with a learning difficulty
in East Hampshire is based in a brand new purpose built facility,
Park View, adjacent to the Public Gardens. The aim of the service
is to provide people with the support and opportunities that will
enable them to lead valued lives within the community. This is achieved
by providing people with experiences in the community in social,
educational, leisure and work situations.
Home-Start is a national voluntary organisation that offers informal,
friendly support for parents with at least one child under five.
It is completely independent and confidential, and offers free support,
friendship and practical help to parents who are going through difficult
times including: loneliness and isolation; relationship difficulties;
ill health, disability or special needs; first time parents; post-natal
illness; any other circumstances that may cause stress. Home-Start
WeyWater covers the areas of Alton, Bordon, Liphook and surrounding
villages. Families are visited by trained volunteers from the local
community, who have all had experience of parenting, and know how
hard it can be. Volunteers are always welcome. For more information,
please telephone 01420 473555.
Other Attractions
The Mid Hants Railway, known as “The Watercress Line”,
is a former British Railway cross-country line now operated by volunteers
dedicated to preserving part of our rail transport heritage. The
ten mile-long line runs to the delightful Hampshire town of Alresford.
At Ropley passengers may alight to look at the locomotives “on
shed” and also those undergoing restoration. The line operates
throughout the year (except in November) and details of operating
days and train times may be obtained either from Alton Station or
by ringing Alresford (01962) 733810. Talking timetable on 01962
734866.
The Watercress Line provides an enjoyable journey back into a more
leisurely age of bygone transport, as well as running a series of
Special Events such as Morris Day, Teddy Bears Day, Friends of Thomas
the Tank Engine, the Country Show and the Santa Specials when thousands
of children and their families flock to the railway to meet Father
Christmas.
Catering is available on all trains as well as the Countryman for
Sunday lunch and afternoon cream tea and the Watercress Belle -
the luxury wine and dine train.
Events
Alton’s reputation as a town where there is always something
happening is spreading fast. The Alton Agricultural Show takes place
each Mid-July in the grounds of Treloar School at Froyle, an event
that attracts animals and farmers from far and wide. The Alton Round
Table organise an Annual Firework Display at Anstey Park on the
Saturday nearest the 5th November.
There are many other events all year round, including a Bus Rally,
Victorian Cricket Match, Craft and Farmers’ Markets, Last
Night of the Proms and even a Pancake Race! Christmas is a very
special time in Alton, with some of the best lights around, switched-on
on the last Friday in November, and a huge Yuletide Festival on
the first Sunday in December, all complimented by wonderful shop
window displays. Please visit or ring the Visitor Information Point
for more information. Most events are listed on a dedicated Alton
Events Website www.altonevents.co.uk
|
