IN PERSON
Illustrated Talk
Gosport Museum & Art Gallery (The Snape Room), Walpole Road, Gosport, Hampshire, PO12 1NS
Enjoy this light-hearted, musically entuned, presentation of professional photographs including the history of the site of Forton Barracks, latterly HMS St Vincent (now St Vincent College), and
particularly the training the Boy Sailors endured.
From 1928 to 1968, 700 Boy Sailors aged 15 trained every year, for a year, to become the crème de la crème of the Royal Navy. Most failed!
The HMS St Vincent Association was bequeathed the entire photographic collection of the Admiralty contracted, Gosport-based photographers, J. Lawrence & Sons, and these are used to good effect in this light-hearted presentation by a former Boy who suffered there in 1959/60 yet lives to tell the tale.
Your speaker, affectionately known as ‘Darby Allen’, will also touch on the history of the site from its early 18th Century beginnings, including its 75-year occupation by the Royal Marine Light Infantry.
He will attempt to retain your attention for 60 minutes with his recollections, singing, dancing, wit, and armed sentries. Whether he succeeds will be up to you but it’ll be fun trying!
Duration 60 minutes.
Event Times
Friday 15 September: 1800
Booking Details
Pre-booking: Required
Please self book, but if you experience any difficulties please contact us.
Assisted Booking Telephone: 023 9217 7392 or 07849 399 823
Email: bookings@gosportheritage.co.uk
Booking opens: 26 August 2023 09:30
Booking closes: 12 September 2023 17:00
Access
The venue has level or ramped access. Blue Badge parking on-road to the sides of the venue. Large car park nearby off South Street (charges apply), or in Morrisons for visitors who are also shopping. The venue has a lovely Cafe for refreshments.
Additional Information
Please arrive 10 mins before the start time. Identify yourself to staff on arrival and you will be guided to the talk room.
Organised by
Phil Allen
Directions
Enter through the green doors at the front of the building.
