5th AUGUST 2025.
Dear Gosport Society Members,
HENRY CORT
In our June 2025 News article by Mike Williams, we highlighted the ‘Blue Plaque’ behind The Gosport High Street which was not looking its best.
No sooner said than done! Whoever was listening, obviously went into action.
Gosport Heritage Open Days have also appreciated the transformation.
KEEP YOUR FINGERS CROSSED
GOSPORT SOCIETY – HERITAGE TOUR MAP GUIDE
At our Gosport Society Executive Meetings over the last twelve months, discussions have taken place to reproduce a more professional Gosport Borough Heritage Tour Map Guide.
Due to the expense involved our GBC representative who sits on the Executive Committee, Cllr. Julie Westerby suggested Gosport Society apply for a Hampshire Cultural Trust Grant to finance the project. The Committee agreed to this approach and investigations took place to expand our initial concept of the Heritage Tour Guide produced in 2024.
A professional consultant designer was approached and quotations were obtained and has been approved by the Executive Committee. This has taken a considerable amount of time by those involved and we especially thank Cllr. Julie Westerby who has led this project.
The intension is to fulfil our constitution, to educate and inform the community of our heritage. Other benefits being, helping our local economy as a result of visitors to our heritage sites and museums.
So, please keep your fingers crossed, our application is applied for on the 14th August 2025. If we fail in the attempt it will not be due to the lack of hard work.
We shall need all the support we can get in the distribution to the many outlets in the Borough. Please register your interest in helping.
The following example indicates details of Museums within Gosport Borough, that will be included in our guide with QR codes for further reference.
Heritage Open Days 12th to 21st September 2025 – Although Gosport Society has not been involved for several years, unfortunately due to lack of volunteers. There is however, an opportunity for members to visit the many of our heritage sites in Gosport. Visit www.gosportheritage.co.uk to book your interest.
Michaelmas Fayre 27th September 2025 – Just a reminder that Gosport Society will have s a Gazebo on the corner of Green Road & The Avenue Alverstoke. We welcome your support to staff the stand in promoting the Gosport Society.
Mike Williams – article
Sail loft Ratsey and Lapthorn Sail making was one of the many trades supporting the Royal Navy. Ratsey & Lapthorn made and still make sails and this is their story: “Founded in 1790, the history of Ratsey & Lapthorn is synonymous with that of yachting. Our first sail loft preceded the establishment of yachting and for over two hundred years, the world’s leading yachts have been suited with our sails. From our origins in Cowes and early involvement with the Royal Yacht Squadron, we grew to establish lofts on the British mainland, in New York and Florida. For over a hundred years Ratsey & Lapthorn were the sailmakers of choice for yachts from both sides of the Atlantic competing for The America’s Cup. Members of Ratsey & Lapthorn families have sailed on the greatest yachts and liaised with a client base that included Kings, Emperors, and tycoons. Today, we still operate from our spiritual home in Cowes, as well as Barcelona in the Mediterranean, and continue to provide sails for some of the most beautiful yachts in the world”.
The picture on the right was their old sail loft near Gosport Ferry (now redeveloped and new apartments built) and on the left is me working on the huge sail now hanging in Boathouse 4 in the Dockyard.
Additional comments – The sail loft was the largest sail loft in the world in its day, subsequently the building was owned by Crewsaver Marine Equipment Ltd, the top floor was sub-let to North Sails during the late 1970;s, where the sails of the famous yacht ‘Condor’ were repaired. The sail being laid out diagonally to fit the large size of the sail. The company moved to new premises along the Fareham Rd. in recent years.
Architecture: King Charles in his book ‘Vision of Britain’ suggests ten basic ideas, principles he calls them, for architects to follow to create a better environment. His first in his list of ten points is “The Place”. To paraphrase, “buildings can be designed so they fit into the landscape and their surroundings. Buildings should not dominate but carefully blend in”. I leave you to draw your own conclusion about how many buildings is Gosport do, or do not, follow that idea.
Sea words: “To Wipe the Slate Clean” Few of us will remember using a slate for taking notes in school but their use in the Royal Navy comes the phrase – “to wipe the slate clean”. It has the obvious meaning to wipe off your notes and start writing fresh notes. In the navy a slate was used to record direction, speed, distance travelled. These notes would be added to the ship’s log then slate wiped clean for the next Watch.
Mike Williams
GOSPORT GUN BOAT YARD. HASLAR ROAD GOSPORT.
Planning Permission has been granted, and construction works has commenced.
Alteration are being made to improve access to the site, the site being redeveloped into a storage boat yard.
The photograph shows the retaining walls being constructed to retain a new road access to the lower level of the Gun Boat Store areas, which will allow vehicle access into the site.
We look forward to meeting once again after the summer recess, our next speakers meeting 10th September 2025. Please see details on www.gosportsocierty.co.uk
Kind regards,
Richard C. Acting Hon. Secretary.
NB – Don’t forget the Forgotten 14th Army, especially 2nd Battalion The Royal Norfolk Regiment, on 17th August, VJ DAY. The end of WW2. Luckily my father survived, or I would not be writing this!
STOP PRESS – Sue Courtney has just altered us to the following enquiry Sue noticed on Facebook Page – Gosport A Great Place to Be.
The descendant of G West & Sons, Photographers (1800’s) in Gosport & Southsea is visiting Portsmouth in the next 14 days.
Has anyone knowledge of this family?
The business operated from Eagle House Gosport?
If anyone has any information, please contact Dave Allen on www.://facebook.com/sharp/p/1CQVKfFEfEzf/?