Villagers could get a royal reminder as a display marking 50 years of East Hampshire’s most visited attraction will feature at a forthcoming exhibition.

A special display marking 50 years of Queen Elizabeth Country Park will be part of the Discovering Local History event that returns to Buriton Village Hall next Saturday (September 26).

The annual exhibition will include information about the park’s history and its official opening by Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in August 1976.

Residents who gathered around the park and Butser Hill may spot their younger selves as a wealth of images from the day will also be on display.

The showpiece is the work of the Buriton Local History project, a village group which has amassed a huge treasure trove of parish artefacts, photos, stories and memorabilia which spans centuries.

“This exhibition is a chance to see some of what has been discovered – and perhaps help add another piece to the story,” said Doug Jones of the BLH group.

St Mary's Buriton 1900
St Mary's Buriton around the beginning of the 20th century. (Buriton Local History Group)

“We would love people to come along, explore the displays, share memories and see what they recognise.”

The free exhibition from 1pm to 4pm will include an “intriguing collection of finds” uncovered by local historians with ancient coins, brooches, thimbles and other small but ancient artefacts on display.

There will also be displays dedicated to hop growing and picking, the Buriton and Butser quarries, the railway, and local leisure and entertainment.

A fascinating collection of nearly 100 historic village postcards will be another highlight, while copies of all Buriton’s Local History books will be available.

The organisers are always keen to hear from anyone with old photographs, newspaper cuttings or information relating to Buriton, Weston, Nursted or Ditcham.

If you can help with the research in any way, contact Mr Jones on 01730 231326 or visit www.buriton.org.uk.