GOSPORT SOCIETY NEWS UPDATE
18th April 2025.
Dear Gosport Society Members,
VE80 MAY 2025 – PROMOTION
As reported in our Spring newsletter, we have distributed information of our photographic archive to all to all senior and junior schools in the Borough, inviting them to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of war in Europe. We have also drawn their attention to our online publications which are now available online on our Gosport Society Website, www.gosportsociety.co.uk.
Likewise, we contacted over 25 Public Houses with flyers to draw the communities attention to this historic milestone, we selected photos from specific locations, such as the attached. (Leesland Road) Subsequently the landlady of the Junction Tavern, Leesland Road, made contact requesting permission to display the photograph in the Public House.
Gosport Society Speaker Meetings 14th May 2025
Speaker – Paul Chamberlain
Subject – The Napoleonic Prison of Porchester Castle.
&pm for 7-30pm commencement at The Community Hub, Military Road Gosport PO12 3BF.
Hon. Secretary Enquiries. Please find details of enquires received by Gosport Society since our last news update.
HASLAR HERITAGE GROUP INVITATION 5th May 2025
A talk at St Lukes Church by Eric Birbeck at 4pm. about Haslar during the WW2 years is taking place, which is followed by a Tea Party to mark VE 80 day. Weather permitting the tea party will be held outside, otherwise arrangement are being made to hold in the site office/ marketing suite. Haslar Heritage group will supply tea/coffee/soft drinks and a range of snacks (donations please). You may also wish to bring your own refreshments!! Chairs or nibbles.
Please contact 07542-515014 as Haslar Heritage Group wish to know how many wishes to attend.
Slaughterhouse Update.
Deniz Beck (Sustainable Conservation Trust) informed us that there first attempt to raise funds from The Lottery Heritage Fund had not been successful in the first round. This has not deterred efforts to raise the funds from this source, and a revised application will be made to transform the building into a vibrant community arts hub.
Love Stoke Road.
20 Volunteers met as a group on 5th April, and supported enterprises along Stokes Road and the community, the goal to make the area greener and more attractive.
The next meeting is on 10th May 2025 at 10am, meeting at Waitrose car park- contact Graham on 0741-5883342
Chat2Us.
We reported in our last newsletter that the group was to close, due to lack of support. However, a last-minute reprieve has resulted by two new trustees stepping forward to continue the group. Charlie Hylands and Stacie Buchan will now take the lead.
D-Day Mulberry Harbour Memorial.
Diane Furlong had been contacted by the group organising the collation of the war memorials on the Stokes Bay sea front, who are now a registered charity.
Gosport Society have been asked to repair/ refurbish the damaged marble memorial, quotations are being obtained, and a proposal for approval will be forwarded to the GS Executive Committee on 13th May meeting.
Gosport Records No11 – Alverstoke St. John Division.
Brian Janman made contact after speaking to Dot Bedenham, requesting permission to use the above article in a proposed book about the History of first aid and ambulance services in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. Permission was granted with Gosport Society being credited for its use.
Gosport Society have been informed by Ian Jefferies of the passing of two members of Gosport History Luncheon Club/ Friends Gosport Museum.
Margaret Ventham, you may recall Margaret contributed to the HAZ 18 Project – Conservation and Heritage in Gosport, an article of the history of Gosport Museum.
Joy Prideaux, who suddenly passed away 26th March at QA hospital.
Thinking about the future. (repeated from earlier Updates)
Although our AGM is not until June 2025, all Executive Posts will be up for election. Cont,
Thank you to all members who have returned our AGM questionnaire of attendance, and for all the comments regarding Gosport Society organisation for the future. (Deadline for remaining questionnaire not yet returned 30th April please.)
These comments will be discussed at the Executive Committees meeting of 13th May 2025.
Situations which will be up for election at the AGM.
Chairman, Vice Chairman, Hon. Treasurer, Hon. Secretary, Membership Secretary, Social Secretary and members for our Planning Team. Also, Trustees are required. We are actively seeking new active members to assist with the administration of our Society. Please give the matter serious consideration, any member of the current Executive Committee would be only too pleased to have an informal chat with you or you may possibly know of a member to introduce.
Wishing you all a ‘Peaceful Easter’,
Richard Cook
Acting Hon. Secretary.