This year’s Heritage Open Days features over 30 new, walks, talks and exhibitions coming to Gosport for residents and visitors to enjoy. Some feature this year’s architecture theme – such as a guided walks, a photography exhibition and visits to Gosport’s forts and Haslar Hospital.
Other new events focus on D-Day and local naval history with exhibitions and talks on James Lynd who discovered the cure for scurvy, the role of clandestine commandos from Combined Operations Pilotage Parties (COPP) and a talk on WW2 missions that were so outlandish they could never work… but did they? The exhibition of Nicknames & Narratives, explores why Gosport is known as ‘Turk Town’ and includes community artwork and comments.
Many events will appeal to children and families. These include a chance to see WW2 model military vehicles exploding into action and exploring the world’s only Hovercraft Museum. Again, HMS Sultan will be opening their gates especially for Heritage Open Days, for tours of their museums, Fort Rowner, and a guided tour around aircraft used for training. Families can also enjoy Fort Brockhurst with its history told through re-enactors and enthusiastic fort volunteers.
Guided walks include the area around Fort Gilkicker and looking for clues in the area where Fort Gomer used to be. Also, guided walks around The Wild Grounds, Stanley Park and Royal Clarence Yard will cover aspects of the history, architecture and heritage of Gosport.
Terry Rhodes, Chair of Gosport Heritage Open Days said:
“I am delighted we have such a wide range of events, led by enthusiastic volunteers who have a wonderful passion for their heritage subject and greatly enjoy sharing their knowledge with others.”
Terry continued:
“This year’s talks and walks all will reflect the rich and diverse cultural heritage of Gosport and its communities. With thanks to Gosport Borough Council Community Fund award, printed Programmes are due out early August, our volunteers are busy getting the information out into the Community. If you have a couple of hours spare and would like to help get our message out and about, or meet and greet the public at our 70+ events please contact volunteer@gosportheritage.co.uk.”