Introduction - Trust Annual Report 1979
1979 has been an important year for the Trust. Our comments on the Winchester Town Centre Plan have run to many pages, and a considerable amount of time has been given to this by all members of the Committee.
The Trust has now achieved its Silver Jubilee project of restoring the Porches to Nos. 33-39 Southgate Street, and the finishing touches are being made at the time of going to Press. The Owen Brown Carter design can once again be appreciated in all its grandeur.
The Trust has appeared as the main objector at the recent Easton Lane Link Road Inquiry, which after only six days was postponed for six months, owing to what would appear to be inadequate preparation by the Authority concerned. The role of the Trust is safeguarding the interests of Winchester, is one of paramount importance, and in this case more than justified the costs involved.
The present unhappy appearance of the Castle Yard and lower Assize Courtyard continues to be a matter of concern. The work, however, which is now being undertaken to plant trees, and to disguise the massive white retaining wall entirely foreign to Winchester, will do much to improve this area. The scheme to open up the Sally port and other important remains of the mediaeval castle, are to be commended, and it is hoped that in spite of financial difficulties this work can be proceeded with as planned in 1980.