Chairman's Report 2026
Annual Report
It has been a bitter-sweet year for the Trust. On the positive side, the last renovation project, Bargain Farmhouse in Nursling, is expected to be sold at the beginning of May 2026 after having been on the market for two years. The renovation has produced an outstandingly beautiful home for modern living, whilst retaining the original features of the building – an inglenook fireplace, an attractive timber frame with exposed beams and a beautifully rethatched roof. The Trust is exceptionally pleased with the result of the restoration which has ensured that an important example of a timber framed and thatched building has been preserved for centuries to come – the raison d’être of the Trust. The loan of half a million pounds from the Architectural Heritage Foundation and a smaller loan from the Society are hoped to be repaid in full.
The restoration has taken its toll on the finances of the Trust, however. Delays in planning, the effects of Brexit in increasing the prices and availability of building materials, unforeseen additional costs with the repair of the timber frame and a depressed housing market meant that the sale price of the Farmhouse had to be substantially reduced to realise a sale. This has led to the erosion of the capital base of the Trust to a point where it is difficult to continue.
Trustees were sorry to have to receive the resignation of their fellow Trustee Peter Halliwell in the autumn. Peter had served on the Council of Management since 2007 during which time he had made a significant contribution to the running of the organisation.
I am also aware of the intention of several other members of the Trust to step down as Trustees during the upcoming financial year. With no new, younger and enthusiastic persons coming forward, the future of the Trust is now very uncertain. To continue, it would be necessary to seek donations or interest-free loans to generate a stronger capital base, in the same way that the Trust was originally set up over fifty years ago. At that time, the need for the Trust was unequivocal. Today, a preservation trust would seem to be less important as local councils appear to have learned from their mistakes, and it has become difficult to find a suitable threatened building.
On a bright note, the Romsey Signal Box which is owned by the Trust has been a remarkably successful and ongoing project. A busy open season in 2026 is anticipated. A much-needed renovation scheme for the Signal Box is planned for 2027. In the future, the focus of the Trust may well become centred on the Signal Box.
Click on the button below to read the Annual Report and Unaudited Accounts for the year ended 31st March 2026