Founded almost 50 years ago The Gosport Society is the local, civic and amenity society for the Borough of Gosport.
The Society conducts research into the history of Gosport. Findings are reported in journals and books. Since 1971 the Society has published more than 25 titles all of which have proved to be local and regional bestsellers. These include such iconic and collectible works as Wings Over Gosport and Haslar – the Royal Hospital. The current series of Trails Guides – The Gosport Town Trail; Curious Encounters in Gosport Parks and Gardens; Putting People in Their Places in Gosport; Naval Gazing in Gosport – Nautical Nooks worth Prying For. All are sold commercially in bookshops and via the Tourist Information Centre in Gosport.
The society holds an archive, mainly of printed material, which can be consulted by appointment.
The Society is also active in promoting the historic and cultural heritage of Gosport. Similarly, the Society prepares reports on the future planning of the borough and is able to comment critically on all development plans submitted to the planning division of Gosport Borough Council for building work in designated conservation areas. Indeed, the Society has been instrumental in helping to preserve many historic buildings and green spaces and plays a leading consultancy role in efforts to improve the townscape.
Members of the Society enjoy varied social events, including excursions to places such as Wells in Somerset, the Thames Barrier, and the Whitchurch Silk Mill. Monthly talks are held on a variety of social and historical topics. Recent talks have included : the Lost Pubs of Gosport; Trafalgar and the Nelson Touch; Village Pumps in South East England. A newsletter is published twice a year and the Society works closely with like-minded bodies such as Historic England, the Hampshire Archives Trust, the Hampshire Cultural Trust, the Hampshire Records Office, and the Friends of Gosport Museum.
Membership is £12.00 per annum and full details can be found at:
Chairman: Dr Louis Murray: lms62@ymailcom
