Heritage organisers announce new charitable trust

By Mike Bennett

A GROUP OF history minded people from Gosport have announced that they come together to launch a new charitable organisation and pay thanks for those who make the borough’s Heritage Open Days festival a massive success for three decades.

The group are now calling for likeminded individuals and organisations to get involved as members, volunteers and event organisers; who will help Gosport to continue pioneering heritage events since first starting in 1992. This led into the launch of Heritage Open Days in 1994 and Gosport have been running a week of events each year; which combined with other groups has become part of the most active / largest celebrations of culture and history in England.

Over recent months the ‘GHODs: Transforming for Future Fitness’ project has been running following huge concerns that the festival was at risk due to key people moving to enjoy their retirements. This project was possible due to a grant from Gosport Heritage Generator that is run by Hampshire Cultural Trust, whilst also being supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund and Gosport Borough Council.

The exciting outcome is that the Gosport Heritage Trust was formally established on July 28, 2026 and is now awaiting acceptance as a Registered Charity. But readers can be assured the GHODs festival will remain as the new organisation’s primary focus and the Gosport Heritage Trust will also be able to create or support other heritage projects in the area all year-round.

Readers have been invited to get involved in making the free heritage festival even better in 2027 and are urged to chat with representatives at the Heritage Open Days week from September 11 to 20 to find out more. A call is also out for those passionate about the history, heritage and Gosport to get involved in this new exciting and dynamic organisation.

New trustee, Heather Whitewood, said: “Gosport Heritage Open Days wouldn’t exist without the hard work, leadership and dedication of my friend Terry Rhodes. I feel very strongly that we owe it to her and everyone else who has supported this festival over the past 30 years, to make sure it is here for years to come. “

Lucy Groudie, Project Consultant, added: “A big thank you to everyone who has supported making sure that the impact of Gosport Heritage Open Days continues for a long time to come. Let’s also not forget the people of Gosport and players of the National Lottery without which this project could not have happened.”

Readers can contact the project team by emailing transform@gosportheritage.co.uk, whilst the general queries or information about Gosport Heritage can be sought via info@gosportheritage.co.uk.

PICTURED: The Gosport Heritage Trust team celebrates application to become a charity and are now looking forward to the future, including the upcoming week of Heritage Open Days events in the borough in September.