IN PERSON
Illustrated Talk
First Light Café, 68 High Street, Gosport, Hampshire, PO12 1DR
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.
Email: bookings@gosportheritage.co.uk
Booking opens: 26 August 2023 09:30
Booking closes: 12 September 2023 17:00
Access
The High St is pedestrianised, but there are car parks nearby. Some Blue Badge parking may be possible in Ferry area.
Additional Information
Please arrive 10 mins before the start time.
Organised by
Phil Allen
Directions
Coming from the Gosport Ferry area, First Light Café is nearby on the right-hand side of High St.
