Dear Gosport Society Members,
Season’s Greetings.
The Executive Committee wish all our Members a Happy, Peaceful Christmas and sincere best wishes for the New Year 2026.
Our Speakers Meeting in (Music of Swinging 60’s) completed this year’s meetings in great form, it was a most enjoyable time looking back on our younger years, not only the great music, but jogging our memories of fashion and the way of life in those days. We thank Fiona for organising the event.
Gosport Society Planning Team.
Richard Harrison our Planning Secretary, has been very busy in renovating his new property in Cornwall this year, we have been aware of his plans to relocate to Cornwall where members of his family live. Therefore, at the end of this year, Richard will be stepping down from this post and the Executive Committee. We sincerely wish him well for the future, his contribution to Gosport Society cannot be under estimated, and we will miss his professional advice and opinions.
Gosport Society – Charitable Status.
At the Executive Committee Meeting 11th November 2025, the question of remaining as a Charitable Society was discussed. As reported in our News Update in October, we have not been conforming to our constitution and the combined lack of members on the Executive Committee, with expected extra administration in Charity reporting, the Executive Committee agreed to withdraw from Charitable status 31st March 2026.
GOSPORT SOCIETY – RESTORATION AWARD 2025
UK Docks Ltd – Victoria Quay Weevil Lane Gosport.
An unveiling of the award took place on Thursday 27th November 2025 by The Worshipful Mayor of Gosport Cllr. Kirstin Bradley.
Also, in attendance was our MP Dame Caroline Dineage, The Leader of Gosport Borough Council Cllr. Peter Chegwyn, Cllr. Kevin Casey, Cllr. Julie Westerby, Mr Ben Mason Project Manager UK Docks & Members of Gosport Society Executive Committee.
Two more Restoration Awards are being organised for The Powder Monkey and The Tap Rooms in Priddy’s Hard, both considered to be worthy by our Planning Team as excellent examples of Listed Building restoration in the Borough.
Borough of Gosport – Information Discs & Alleyway Signage
You will begin to notice ‘Blue Plaque’ information discs appearing in the Borough in windows of sites of former sites of Historic Interest, and Gosport High Street Alleyways identification.
So far, the following sites have been identified and information Discs fitted.
Carter Road. Bemisters Lane, Vigar’s Yard, Desalution, Ashley Place, Turk Alley.
Isle of Hoy PH, Market Hall, India Arms Hotel, The Bell PH, Sanderson Centre, Olympic skating ring, Forum Cinema, Sanderson Centre, Lee Tower Complex, Lee on the Solent Railway Station, Gregson Avenue.
GOSPORT BOROUGH HERITAGE TOUR MAP GUIDE.
The fact that our Charitable status will end 31st March, and that the offer of a grant from Hampshire Cultural Trust was declined, the Executive Committee discussed a proposal that Gosport Society finance the project.
It was agreed that the Tour Guide would be of great benefit to the local Community, especially children in local schools, together with visitors to Gosport, in turn also helping our local economy?
As the organisation of this project is well advanced and quotations already in place, a vote was taken to instruct Jones Creative Ltd to expediate the completion of design and production, this was agreed by the Executive Committee and all Trustees.
A list of proposed distribution outlets is starting to be assembled, please see attached list. If you have any further suggestions as an outlet for distribution, please forward the details with the contact details.
We are preparing to complete the project for distribution in March 2025, your help in delivering the ‘Tour Guide’ would be much appreciated, please contact Richard C. to join the delivery team. (secretary @gosportsociety.co.uk or 07542-515014)
Meeting Wednesday 11th FEBRUARY 2026 at Gosport Community Hub. Future of Gosport Society after ceasing Charitable Status.
In view of Gosport Society is ceasing as a Charitable status, the future of Gosport Society needs to be discussed. Therefore, a Special General Meeting in February will be an informal meeting to discuss the situation.
Our membership fees have generally financed our day-to-day expenditure during recent years, however, ceasing as a Charity means our remaining capital after current project expenses at 31st March 2025, needs to be donated to a similar Local cause. Expected remaining capital after anticipated expenses will be in the region of £3000.00, a proposal has been discussed by the Executive Committee, which will be for discussion on 11th February 2026.
Executive Committee Proposal – It was considered that the future of Gosport depends on the youth of Gosport. It is important that the younger generation is aware of Gosport’s heritage. Combined with issuing the ‘Historic Tour Map of the Borough Gosport. We should encourage children to explore and be aware of their heritage. There are several deprived areas within the Borough, some children it has been reported that they have never been to the beach or even been on the Gosport Ferry! It has been proposed that a donation be made to these schools, for arranging a tour around the Borough, visiting local museums.
We would appreciate further suggestions for general discussion, please forward details for an agenda to be circulated to all members. These can be openly discussed and voted on, 11th February 2026.
Kind regards,
Richard C. Acting Hon. Secretary.