Message from the Chairman, Chris Brasher

I thank the Ham & Petersham Association for this chance to update you on the Petersham Trust. The Petersham Trust concept grew from the famous public meeting in the Petersham Village Hall in January 1997 deciding to take action to ensure that the priceless asset of Petersham Meadows was kept for future generations to enjoy. The Meadows, with its sense of rural tranquillity, is the essential cornerstone of the matchless view from Richmond Hill valued by us all. The Trust's long struggle to negotiate a lease with Richmond Council was finally successful on 30 October 2001.

Since then, the Trust has made an agreement to maintain a good quality herd on the Meadows for eight months a year. The considerable task of preparing the first stage of the Heritage Lottery bid has been completed.
I want to see the herd back flourishing in the well maintained Meadows all year round but winter quartering is very expensive and is presently beyond our means but that remains my goal. I hope that people of Ham & Petersham and beyond share my vision and will help the Trust to carry out its present plans and then achieve an all year herd arrangement by making a donation at the above address.

Work Programme

The Trust plans to demolish the dilapidated outbuildings and barn that detract from the view while restoring the 1880 Milking Parlour that retains most of its original features. We are very fortunate to have inherited one of last remaining links to London's agricultural past. The Trust believes it has a duty to pass this inheritance to succeeding generations. A request to have Grade II listed status for the Milking Parlour has been made to help secure this aim. The fencing and gates are presently being renewed. The Trust is preparing a long-term land and tree management plan to ensure that the Meadows will be improved. Guidance from the National Trust has been of great benefit to the Trust's work.
The Trust wants to create a small scale heritage and education facility based upon the restored Milking Parlour and the agricultural environment that grazing herd gives. Care will be taken to ensure that this project will be handled in a very sensitive manner with only small groups visiting after first having made an appointment.

Heritage Lottery Bid

The initial bid has been made to the Heritage Lottery Fund to assist in the financing of the immediate and medium term projects.

Data Protection

As a matter of policy, the Trust does not share its address list with anyone nor would it divulge any data without first asking permission. Should anyone like to be removed from the mailing list, please advise us at:-

The Petersham Trust, 18 Breamwater Gardens, Ham, TW10 7SQ
Telephone/Fax: 0208 255 6628
E-mail address:- info@petershammeadows.org

We will be writing to you on a regular basis to keep you fully informed of our progress. Should you know of others who would be interested in supporting Petersham Meadows, please give us the names and addresses so that we can forward full information.