The Electoral Reform Society was in Petersfield this week, advocating for a proportional representation voting system.

Speaking at the Current Affairs group at One Tree Books on Wednesday 12 March, Ian Simpson, from the Electoral Reform Society (founded in1884). spoke about the need for a voting system that reflects more fairly people's views.

He is optimistic that the experience of Scotland, Northern Ireland, Wales, and the London Assembly, with proportional voting systems will bring change, but admits it's a tough nut to crack!

He spoke to Mike Waddington.

 

The Electoral Reform Society was in Petersfield this week, advocating for a proportional representation voting system.
Speaking at the Current Affairs group at One Tree Books on Wednesday 12 March, Ian Simpson, from the Electoral Reform Society (founded in1884). spoke about the need for a voting system that reflects more fairly people's views.
He is optimistic that the experience of Scotland, Northern Ireland, Wales, and the London Assembly, with proportional voting systems will bring change, but admits it's a tough nut to crack!
He spoke to Mike Waddington.
&nbsp;

Local stories, local voices and local information from Petersfield.

We cover community news, culture, nature, history, events and entertainment in the South Downs market town of Petersfield in Hampshire, UK.

This feed includes all our on-demand audio. Find our more specific feeds by searching "Petersfield" on your  favourite podcast app.

Shine Radio is the radio station made by you. Share your stories or join our volunteer team. Find out more at https://shineradio.uk, email team@shineradio.uk or call Petersfield 01730 555 500.

You make it shine.

Local stories, local voices and local information from Petersfield.
We cover community news, culture, nature, history, events and entertainment in the South Downs market town of Petersfield in Hampshire, UK.
This feed includes all our on-demand audio. Find our more specific feeds by searching "Petersfield" on your  favourite podcast app.
Shine Radio is the radio station made by you. Share your stories or join our volunteer team. Find out more at <a href="https://shineradio.uk">https://shineradio.uk</a>, email <a href="mailto:team@shineradio.uk">team@shineradio.uk</a> or call Petersfield 01730 555 500.
You make it shine.

Voices and stories from Petersfield in Hampshire, UK

Petersfield's Shine Radio

Is Electoral Reform back on the agenda?

Sarah Walsh and Geoff Wootton support Revival School in Westmoreland, Jamaica.

Inspired by a BBC Clive Myrie documentary about his mother working at the school, they contacted the headteacher and took over supplies including pens and laptops.

They also had great fun flattening footballs donated by Petersfield Town Football Club to take to the school and reflating them in Jamaica.

The devastation of hurricane Melissa meant the school became a hub for people to live in when homes were destroyed.

Geoff and Sarah are now raising money - a quiz night at Annie Jones on 3 March - to pay for the transport of musical instruments donated by Rocksteady (where Geoff works) in Liphook. Rocksteady support over 100,000 children in the UK too.

Freight charges could be around £2,000.

Sarah and Geoff told Mike Waddington about what they are doing and why.

The Quiz Night is on Tuesday 3 March at Annie Jones (venue provided free) from 7:30pm. Tickets cost £15 and places (and teams of six) can be booked by email to wintonplayerssecretary@gmail.com 

Sarah Walsh and Geoff Wootton support Revival School in Westmoreland, Jamaica.
Inspired by a BBC Clive Myrie documentary about his mother working at the school, they contacted the headteacher and took over supplies including pens and laptops.
They also had great fun flattening footballs donated by Petersfield Town Football Club to take to the school and reflating them in Jamaica.
The devastation of hurricane Melissa meant the school became a hub for people to live in when homes were destroyed.
Geoff and Sarah are now raising money - a quiz night at Annie Jones on 3 March - to pay for the transport of musical instruments donated by Rocksteady (where Geoff works) in Liphook. Rocksteady support over 100,000 children in the UK too.
Freight charges could be around &pound;2,000.
Sarah and Geoff told Mike Waddington about what they are doing and why.
The Quiz Night is on Tuesday 3 March at Annie Jones (venue provided free) from 7:30pm. Tickets cost &pound;15 and places (and teams of six) can be booked by email to <a href="mailto:wintonplayerssecretary@gmail.com">wintonplayerssecretary@gmail.com</a>&nbsp;

Freight fundraiser for musical instruments for Revival school in Jamaica

Today's local news and information update from Petersfield's Shine Radio.
Protect your tools, get them marked
Petersfield Lads v Cancer push up to £2,000 for cancer research
Appeal for Foster carers from an expert
And let’s see what is on the foodbank list this week

To share your news stories email team@shineradio.uk or call, text or WhatsApp 01730 555 500.

You make it shine.

Published at 4:58am on 28 January, 2026

Today's local news and information update from Petersfield's Shine Radio.
<ul>
<li>Protect your tools, get them marked</li>
<li>Petersfield Lads v Cancer push up to &pound;2,000 for cancer research</li>
<li>Appeal for Foster carers from an expert</li>
<li>And let&rsquo;s see what is on the foodbank list this week</li>
</ul>
To share your news stories email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:team@shineradio.uk">team@shineradio.uk</a> or call, text or WhatsApp 01730 555 500.
You make it shine.
Published at 4:58am on 28 January, 2026

Local news for Wednesday 28th January

Sovereign Housing have taken responsibility for the major lime-based repair of the wall at the left-rear of the Physic Garden.

The walls are not listed but some go back to the 14th century.

The Chairman of the Friends of the Petersfield Physic Garden, Joan Shepley, is very pleased about the work and the approach taken by Sovereign and their contractor Quadribuild.

Instead of demolition and rebuild, they now intend to use steel butresses to preserve it.

Joan talks to Mike Waddington about the project and the cost of running the garden.

More at Petersfield Physic Garden 

Sovereign Housing have taken responsibility for the major lime-based repair of the wall at the left-rear of the Physic Garden.
The walls are not listed but some go back to the 14th century.
The Chairman of the Friends of the Petersfield Physic Garden, Joan Shepley, is very pleased about the work and the approach taken by Sovereign and their contractor Quadribuild.
Instead of demolition and rebuild, they now intend to use steel butresses to preserve it.
Joan talks to Mike Waddington about the project and the cost of running the garden.
More at <a href="https://petersfieldphysicgarden.org.uk/">Petersfield Physic Garden</a>&nbsp;

Is Electoral Reform back on the agenda?

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