Three initiatives supported by Haslemere Chamber in partnership with other local organisations come together in the next few weeks to give the town and its businesses a major promotional boost.

The projects are:

Easter in Haslemere – which involves an Easter Bunny hunt for children across 50 mostly retail businesses in the town centre, Wey Hill, Hindhead and Beacon Hill, followed by a Spend and Win competition for their parents. The project will also highlight the religious aspects of Easter and the annual St George’s Day activities arranged by the Royal Society of St George.

Haslemere Hogs – 60 artist-painted hogs go on display at the Museum on 1 April – there’s free entry from 10:00 to 15:00, followed by a hog roast session from 19:00 to 22:00 at £15 a head. It’s the first and only time the painted hogs will be on show in one place – after this one-day showing they will be placed to form a trail around the town. Ultimately, they will be auctioned in support of the Mayor’s charities.

Haslemere Information Hub – This new facility, spearheaded by the Haslemere Community Rail Partnership, will open on the station forecourt and will be staffed by volunteers ready to advise visitors (and others) about the town and its area and its activities. Initially it will have limited opening hours, but these could extend if enough volunteers are found.

Chamber President David Goddin says: “These three projects strive to promote Haslemere as a destination in itself and as a gateway to the South Downs. They encourage people to visit Haslemere – and support local businesses.

“The Chamber is happy to work alongside the Town Council and the many other groups involved in this promotional activity because of the potential benefits for local business – and employment.

“My hope is that the business community – and our members in particular – will seize every opportunity to promote these projects via their own publicity and advertising activities.”