Festival duo given top civic award at Petersfield Society AGM

A pair of festival organisers have their own reason to celebrate after winning one of Petersfield’s top civic awards.

The names of Steve Jacob and Ben Errey have been etched into history as they’re the 2026 winners of The Owl Award.

The carved wooden trophy is awarded annual by the Petersfield Society to a group, project or person that has made a significant contribution locally.

Messrs Jacob and Errey were awarded the accolade at the group’s AGM last Thursday for their contributions to the town’s social landscape through their regular festivals.

“Ben and Steve had been at it now for over 13 years, and have been responsible for bringing thousands of people into the town for special events,” said trustee, Clive Cook.

“People come in and eat, drink, spend money and enjoy themselves in the town.

“There’s been a few difficulties, as there was Covid and one particularly terrible storm meant they had to miss one event, which was unpopular with some online.

“But they are now looking at running events again. They have perhaps single-handedly brought more people into the centre of town on specific occasions than any other person or organisation.”

The pair, who were sadly unable to attend the event, follow the likes of the skate park, Kings Arms and 6a Vision Homes as recent winners of the trophy.

Steve and Ben weren’t the only winners as commendations were awarded for the sensitive redevelopment and restoration of three town landmarks.

Andrew Morris received the first for going “above and beyond with the sensitive restoration” of the Old Bell Inn, now Josie’s Café, on St Peter’s Road.

James Duffy collected the commendation on behalf of the owners of 4 High Street, with the sensitive redevelopment of the former NatWest bank into a retail space for The White Company impressing judges.

And the final winners were Alisdair and Annabel Felton with the couple being praised for their restoration of Oaklea at 86 Station Road. The latter wowed the crowd with her accounts on how the 18th century building was restored and produced finds from the work, which included a Victorian picture plate and penny from 1775.

The evening also saw the launch of the group’s latest publication as a guided walk booklet has been produced as a visual companion to their Building Trail.

The 36-page booklet features details of 38 town centre buildings with historic and architectural interest, ranging from St Peter’s church and houses around The Spain to more modern additions.

“The Petersfield Society is not about keeping the town as it was, as there will be inevitable development,” said Mr Cook in opening the meeting.

“It’s about working to retain a character and keeping Petersfield the lovely place it is.

“The overriding theme for this year has been collaboration as we’ve worked with PeCAN, we’ve collaborated with the town council, especially on green issues, and we’ve collaborated with all the local authorities.

“There’s a lot more to do but collaborating is getting a lot more done, and more easily.”