A LEADING light of the Haslemere Society and ‘born campaigner’ has stepped down as president.

Robert Serman joined the town’s ‘watchdog’ in 1996 and was chairman for six years before becoming president in 2005.

Chairman Jane Stopford-Russell said: “Our wonderful president feels that the time has come to step down and take a break having given 21 years to the society.

“In 1997, The Georgian Hotel closed and the prevailing view was nothing could be done. Robert was by now vice-chairman and with the support of the society and The Herald and a great deal of time and effort the hotel was saved.

“Robert represented the society with a considerable contribution to ‘West Surrey Architecture 1840 – 2000’ by Christopher Budgen,a definitive book.

“He was also instrumental in researching the heritage of this civic society, founded in 1884.

It was then called the Haslemere Commons and Footpath Preservation Society, which later morphed into the Haslemere Society.

“During the last 12 years as president, Robert has continued to be very involved with commenting on planning applications with the planning team.

“Being a born campaigner, he took a leading role in the process of getting the College Hill footpath re-opened last year. Thank you for all you have contributed, not only to this society but to the town. We are glad you will continue to support the society.”

Looking back on some of the biggest challenges the society faced in its role to “protect and enhance” the town, Mr Serman recalled his election as chairman in 1997 coincided with the A3 tunnel campaign, the possible closure of the town’s fire station and the building of a supermarket on the site of the town’s swimming pool, on top of the sudden closure of The Georgian Hotel.

As well as campaigning for the route of the A3 Hindhead tunnel, creating Haslemere’s Charter Walk following the sale of the former Royal Mail sorting office, the Gibbs Trust and its neglected buildings, the society was involved in the development of the Tesco junction and traffic lights in Wey Hill, the extension of the town centre conservation area, the designation of the South Downs as a National Park and the town’s ‘Healthcheck - A Vision for the Future’.

Mr Serman and his committee members were also also actively involved in the successful campaigns to save Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s former home, Undershaw, and its restoration as a flagship site for Stepping Stones School.

The society’s Blue Plaque scheme has now evolved to 12 locations around the town.

A notable inclusion was the plaque in memory of architect John Wornham Penfold, who gave Haslemere its first hospital and designed the the green hexagonal pillar box, one of which is in the High Street.

The society successfully lobbied Royal Mail to restore it last year to mark its 150th anniversary.

“These matters required total dedication and focus on Haslemere’s best interests,” Mr Serman said. “As ever, the steadfast support of the many Haslemere Society members sustained me through the difficult times.

“As I step down from such immense personal involvement in the society, the abiding feeling is one of pleasure at the many friends my wife Diana and I have made and the enjoyment of being greeted around Haslemere with large numbers of cheery smiles.

“I am also grateful that, under the umbrella of the Haslemere Society, I have been able to contribute to the vibrancy of this much-loved town.”