Heritage Open Days returns to Gosport over 8 – 17 September with a packed programme of free events for residents and visitors to enjoy. 

Highlights include family activities at the Submarine Museum, talks about boy sailors at St Vincent’s College and the extraordinary drop out rate and a guided tour around the very modern boat repair facility of Endeavour Quay to discover the story of Camper & Nicholson’s, the world’s oldest yacht builders.

Some of the 35 new events include talks exploring the naval connection between Gibraltar and Gosport; discovering the creativity of submariners who reuse, recycle and adapt everyday things they have around them to solve problems; a Morse Code Challenge to test decoding skills, meeting a former Royal Navy diver to hear the stories of the men who served on the tiny X-Craft during the Second World War.

Other activities include tours of HMS Medusa, the last of her class, Harbour Defence Motor Launch, still in seafaring condition, and hear of her tales at the D-Day landings, experiencing depictions of WW2 events created by radio-controlled models on the water at Walpole Park Boating Lake – with explosions! Plus visiting the National Coastwatch Institution look out station at Lee-on-the- Solent.

Historic Diving Museum

This year’s the theme is Creativity Unwrapped, so there will be demonstrations from a traditional stained glass craftsman and with the Morse code Mission at the Submarine Museum the chance to create a unique piece of art inspired by those famous dots and dashes!

12 events have been designed to appeal to children and families. These include a chance to see:  secrets of the deep and diving techniques through time at the award-winning Diving Museum; the unique Hovercraft Museum and a visit Busy Boats at the Submarine Museum and we are awaiting confirmation of an open air screening of “Bedknobs and Broomsticks” at Fort Brockhurst!

Meanwhile old favourites like the Institute of Naval Medicine; haunted Keep and Fort Rowner, its museums and  aircraft within the Royal Navy training establishment HMS Sultan, self led trail of Bastion no 1; a Powder Monkey Brewery tour in the old Gunpowder Store, a tour around Haslar Hospital, a film of its Closing Ceremony, a walk around Royal Clarence Naval Victualing Yard.

Terry Rhodes, Chair of Gosport Heritage Open Days said: “Once again, we have a terrific range of events, most of which are led by volunteers who have passion for their subject and enjoy sharing their knowledge. All events reflect the rich and diverse cultural heritage of Gosport and its communities.”

Information on events is on the website: www.gosportheritage.co.uk and the printed Programme will be circulated around 20 August. 

Events booking opens on Saturday 26 August www.gosportheritage.co.uk, or add non-bookable events toy our calendar.

For people who struggle with technology there is Assisted Booking on 07849 399823 or 023 92177392, or visit C2U in Gosport High Street (opposite the Travel Lodge) on Saturday 26 Aug from 09:30 to 14:00, or Tuesday 29 Aug from 09:30 to 12:00 and there will be people there to help with bookings.  

Heritage Open Days (HODs) is brought to you by the National Trust, supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery and run by thousands of local organisations and volunteers, HODs brings people together to celebrate their heritage, community and history.

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