Jacobs and hunt - Local information

General Location

Twinned with Barentin in France and Warendorf in Germany, Petersfield is a relatively new market town situated in East Hampshire, approximately 17 miles north of Portsmouth. The town has good commuter access by road, heading North and South on the A3 and East to West on the A272, while the main line railway station connects Portsmouth direct to London Waterloo in approximately one hour.

The town is situated on the northern slopes of the South Downs, an area of outstanding natural beauty and within the newly formed boundary of the South Downs National Park. Dating back to the 12th century, when it was founded by William Fitz Robert, the 2nd Earl of Gloucester and then chartered in 1198, the town has grown successfully. The towns’ location between the south coast, Winchester and London, encouraged trades such as sheep farming and cottage level manufacturing industry of leather and cloth. Weekly markets in the town square were well attended, where sheep, horse and cattle was traded. Today, the town has two weekly markets located in the town square, although sheep and cattle are not always available! A monthly farmers market is also held in the town square, with an additional French market being held monthly also.

The square itself proudly shows off a statue of King William III (of Orange) by Henry Cheere which is one of only four statues of William in the UK and because of the connection attracts bands of marching Orangemen in mid-July to commemorate the victory at the Battle of the Boyne. Tucked away, unseen by some day-to-day shoppers, is a small quiet 17th century herb garden called the Physic Garden. It is open for everyone to sit and ponder their day almost every day of the year and has free entry.

Local Sport

Located within the town is the main leisure centre, the Taro Centre, which offers a good variety of sports, such as swimming, squash courts and a gymnasium. Both public and private tennis courts can also be found in the town, with an open-air swimming pool, many playing fields and local golf courses also available. If you prefer to watch sport rather than play, the Petersfield Town Football Club is currently in the Wessex League.

Schools

There are many well known schools in the Petersfield area. The local state secondary school in the area is the Petersfield School, commonly known as TPS. Primary schools in the area include the Petersfield Infant School, Herne Junior School and the Sheet Primary School. Other schools in the area include the Langrish Primary School, East Meon Primary School, West Meon Primary School, Steep Primary School and Buriton Primary School. Although there seems to be a shortage of state sixth-form education locally, pupils can continue their education at the Alton College, Havant College or the South Downs College.

Other schools in the area include the Churcher’s College in Petersfield, Ditcham Park School on the outskirts of the town and the Bedales School in Steep.

School Telephone Numbers

• The Petersfield School (TPS) - 01730 263119

• Churchers College - 01730 263033

• Herne Junior School - 01730 263746

• Petersfield Infant School - 01730 263048

• Buriton Primary School - 01730 263526

• Steep Primary School - 01730 263988

• Langrish Primary School - 01730 263883

• East Meon Primary School - 01730 823218

• Rogate Primary School - 01730 821329

• Bedales School - 01730 300100

Below are some other telephone numbers that may be useful when considering a move to the local area:

General Enquiries

• DVLA Driver Enquiries - 0870 2400009

• Job Centre Plus - 0845 6060234

• Citizens Advice Bureau - 01730 264887

• East Hampshire Housing Advice - 01730 234378

• Trinity Counselling - 01428 722531

• Petersfield Social Services - 01730 265462

• Samaritans - 0845 790 9090

• Environment Agency - 08708 506 506

Utility Companies

• Southern Water - 0845 278 0845

• South East Water - 0845 602 1724

• British Gas - 0845 600 6113

• Southern Electric - 0845 744 4555

Other Local Numbers

• Petersfield Library - 01730 263451

• Petersfield Registration Office - 01730 265372

• Petersfield Post - 01730 232600

• Petersfield Youth Theatre - 01730 266730

• Petersfield Football Club - 01730 233416

• Petersfield Rugby Club - 01730 264588

• Petersfield Golf Club - 01730 895165

• Taro Leisure Centre - 01730 263996

• Tourist Information - 01730 268829

• British Red Cross - 01730 266355

Health Related

• Queen Alexandra Hospital Portsmouth - 02392 286000

• St Mary's Hospital Portsmouth - 02392 286000

• Petersfield Hospital - 01730 263221

• The Swan Street Surgery - 01730 264011

• The Grange Surgery - 01730 267722

• Hampshire Dental Helpline - 0845 0508345

Travel

• National Rail Enquiries - 0845 748 4950

• Stagecoach Bus timetable enquiries - 0871 200 2233

• Stagecoach Bus Helpline - 0845 121 0190

• Countryliner Coaches - 01483 506919

• South West Trains - 0207 278 5240

• Gatwick Airport - 0870 000 2468

• Heathrow Airport - 0870 000 0123

• Southampton Airport - 0870 040 0009

Some useful web links:

South West Trains

East Hants District Council

Hampshire County Council

Ofsted

Petersfield Town Council