This year marks the 125th anniversary of Petersfield-based Britannia Reeves, and to celebrate the company sponsored the local South Downs Show on 13/14 August where it showcased its vehicles and hosted a series of fun activities.

As a thank you to the people of Petersfield and the surrounding areas, the company provided free activities to all the show’s attendees. Children were able to visit a ‘toddler village’, where they had fun packing up boxes and moving toys from house to house. After that they could have their faces painted and explore an adrenaline-filled caving experience.  Meanwhile, the adults were able to test their aim with laser clay pigeon shooting, followed by snacks and refreshments in the VIP tent. The event was an enormous success and a great opportunity to get the Britannia Reeves name even more widely known within the local community.

Reeves was founded in 1897 by John Arthur Reeves and originally started as Rag & Bone merchants and general hauliers. Through the years the business was passed down through the family and continued to expand and thrive. In the early 60s the company’s first warehouse was built at its original home on Sussex Road, Petersfield, with the first container store being added in the early 80s and a further facility in 1998. In 1996 Reeves joined Britannia Movers International and since then has greatly enlarged its fleet and facilities, including building its first self-store in 2014 and a second in 2020.

Over the years the company has been involved in a number of business activities, including removals, storage, tipper trucks, general haulage, sand and ballast delivery and even snow ploughing for the local council! However, the business is now sharply focussed on all types of removals and storage.

Over the last 125 years Britannia Reeves has had the privilege of carrying out many prestigious moves, including Windsor Castle, Beachy Head Lighthouse, the Bodleian Library Oxford, and moving the renowned composer and organist Sir William Harris to Petersfield.

Managing Director Andy Shotbolt said, “I’d like to thank all the team members in the company for their hard work, it was a pleasure to give something back to the local community.”

            

Photos (top to bottom):
(Left to right) Andy Shotbolt; Gemma Loader, Office Manager; Lee Walker, Foreman.
(Left to right) Cooper and Teddy Loader enjoyed having their faces painted.
Laser clay pigeon shooting was very popular.
The toddlers’ village before the fun started.
John Kitchener worked as a driver for over 30 years.