13th SEPTEMBER 2025.
Dear Gosport Society Members,
GOSPORT SOCIETY – HAMPSHIRE CULTURAL TRUST GRANT – GOSPORT SOCIETY’s HERITAGE TOUR MAP GUIDE.
As reported in our September ‘News Flash’, we have successfully been awarded a financial grant to design and publish a professional Historic Tour Map Guide of Gosport Borough.
A presentation of our aims was given by Julie Westerby and Dick Jones at our ‘Speakers Meeting’ 10th October, it is very important that all Gosport Society Members contribute to this project, as your opinion matters. A request was made to check our original Historic Tour Map Guide as displayed in our ‘Publication’ section on our Gosport Society web page. www.gosportsociety.co.uk
Our existing ‘Tour Map Guide’ is not conclusive, it was originally intended to be a circular route around the Borough, however, comments have been made that several important sites have been missed. Please therefore forward details of important sites you think should be included. Please also make any other suggestions you think may be appropriate.
We have also asked for volunteers to check Post Codes and ‘what3words’ codes etc.
The cut-off date for information is the end of SEPTEMBER 2025. Please forward your comments to secretary@gosportsociety.co.uk or C/O 40 Gomer Lane PO12 2SA.
The redesign, including a new Map is anticipated to be ready for publication in March 2026.
Our FREE distribution list is extensive and inclusive, within the Borough distribution will be to all education establishments, youth organisations, sports & cycling clubs, hotels, airB&B’s, quest houses, Museums & Libraries, area U3A organisations. Not only is our intention to educate and inform residents of our historical assets, the details will help visitors explore the Borough and help with our local economy. Our other aim is to promote Gosport Society.
We shall need all the support we can get in the distribution to the many outlets in the Borough. Please register your interest to help.
The DRAFT example indicates details of Museums within Gosport Borough, that will be included in our guide with QR codes for further reference.
Gosport High Street – ALLEYWAYS SIGNAGE.
At our Executive Meeting 9th October 2025, a discussion took place following a meeting that was organised last November 2024 with GBC Conservation Officer, unfortunately to unforeseen circumstances, this meeting only took place 31st July 2025, we wished to discuss the naming of The High Streets Alleyways. It now transpires that GBC had previously organised manufacture of four of the ‘Alleyways signage’these had been gathering dust in the Town Hall since 2014.
To complete the project, four other Alleyway signs are needed, plus the organisation of installing the signs, therefore, it was agreed that we raise money from our Michaelmas Fayre event as a step forward to financially completing this project.
Michaelmas Fayre 27th September 2025 – Just a reminder that Gosport Society will have a Gazebo on the corner of Green Road & The Avenue, Alverstoke. We thank Mike, Meg, Nancy and Diane who have kindly offered to represent us on the day.
Public Information Signage. – HEREBEFOREUS
Whilst visiting Kent during our summer recess, Sue and I were impressed by information displayed in the High Street areas of Folkestone.
Along the lines of the ‘Blue Plaque’ idea, inexpensive vinyl discs (compared with external metal plaques) were displayed on the inside of many properties, giving a brief history of the former use of the buildings. See adjacent photo.
What do you think??
We have lost many old properties in the Borough of Gosport, ranging from examples –
- Market House (now coffee1)
- Numerous Pubs!
- Ritz Cinema (Employment Exchange)
- The Original Thorngate Hall
- Lee Tower Complex
- Sanderson Centre
- Forton Prison
Your views would be appreciated, have you other suggestions?, the property needs to be very visible, large enough window to accommodate the disc, and agreement with current owner to display.
The Trustees of Gosport Society have expressed their concern that Gosport Society funds are not being used for good causes and promoting Gosport Society.
Therefore, please make your opinion known.
Speakers Meeting Wednesday 8th October at Gosport Community Hub.
Southern Water – Benjamin Murray – Tackling Storm Water Overflows.
Your chance to voice your opinions on Southern Water investment plans (£1.5Million) to improve water quality.
We thank Fiona for arranging such an excellent speaker earlier this week, we are sure next months speaker will not disappoint!
DONATIONS
We would like to thank Christine Chadwick for the supply of envelopes & stamps, which helps with the administrations costs of Gosport Society.
This has been very much appreciated.
Kind regards,
Richard C. Acting Hon. Secretary.