GHODs announce over seventy free events for 2025
By Gaye Spencer
GOSPORT HERITAGE OPEN DAYS (GHODs) have announced that over seventy ‘free’ events have been organised as part of this year’s celebration of local heritage; which will take place across the borough for nine days from September 12-21 as organisers prepare to make the 2025 edition their most successful yet.
This year’s calendar is due to feature over thirty new walks, talks and exhibitions coming to Gosport for everybody to enjoy. Some will incorporate a theme of architecture including a range of guided walks, a photography exhibition and visits to Gosport’s forts alongside a tour of 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) will be explored alongside a talk on World War Two 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’, which will include both community artwork and comments from across the generations.
Many events will appeal to children / families covering a chance to see WW2 model military vehicles exploding into action, visits to a radio station and exploring the world’s only Hovercraft Museum. HMS Sultan will again be opening their gates especially for the week with 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. Further 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. This year’s talks and walks all will reflect the rich and diverse cultural heritage of Gosport and its communities.”
She continued: “With thanks to the 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.”
PICTURED BY GOSPORT HERITAGE OPEN DAYS (GHODS): Over seventy events will be held across Gosport to mark the 2025 Heritage Open Days in September.
