HMS GANGES: Preserving the buildings and mast

With the Phase one redevelopment of the historical HMS Ganges Training Establishment well under way by Wavensmere and Galliards Homes.

We are looking at the buildings that will remain. These will be Nelson Drill Hall, Vincent Block (Petty Officer’s Mess), the Swimming Pool Building (but not the pool), the Fort, Martello towers, Main Entrance Gates and the Iconic mast!

Prior to works commencing, the mast was in a pretty poor state, the years of neglect resulting in the spars rotting and some even breaking free.

On June 6th last year the final sections of the mast were removed during a de-masting ceremony leaving only the steel section which is set in concrete with 16 feet embedded below ground.

T.S. Rigging in Maldon, who have been tasked with the refurbishment, have been working diligently within Nelson Hall, crafting and shaping the wooden sections using traditional methods with most of the work being completed by hand. Their aim is to replace the mast, which was first erected in 1907, with an exact replacement, crafted to the original dimensions, that will stand in pride of place for many future years. The shaping of the mast uprights and spars has now been completed and works will now move on to the next stage of installing the rigging fittings, guys and stays, most of which have been retained from the old mast. However where necessary, new ones will be manufactured. The final task will be to preserve the steel stump, which was originally the foremast from the sloop HMS Cordelia.

Once the mast rebuild has been completed it is the intention to hold a ceremonial event to commemorate the stepping of the mast back in its original location, to once again regain its iconic position as a landmark on the Shotley Peninsular.

The proposed plans for Nelson Hall will see its restoration with the building being sub divided internally to create commercial, recreational and site facilities including a library, gym, screening room and a café. Vincent House, a three-story building will be restored and sub divided to provide a hotel and care home facilities. The swimming pool structure will be restored and converted into a sports centre. There are no plans for the pool to remain, it will be filled in and become tennis courts and a gym.

The fort and Martello Towers will be preserved and the surrounding areas, together with the Parade Ground will be landscaped allowing for the abundant spaces and parkland overlooking the coast.

Easter adventures at the National Trust

Bring the whole family together this Easter and treat your loved ones to a spring adventure with the National Trust.

From getting active in the great outdoors, to spotting the signs of spring, and experiencing nature bursting into life at the places the National Trust cares for there are over 190 Easter trails to choose from across England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Every single National Trust Easter trail is different and celebrates nature, history and beauty.

Follow winding garden paths, crash along muddy woodland trails or time travel with adventures to castles, towers, and mansions. And of course, each National Trust Easter trail ends with a chocolate egg, or vegan and free from egg, made here in the UK using cocoa that’s responsibly sourced from Rainforest Alliance Certified farms. National Trust Easter egg trails cost £3 per child, plus normal National Trust admission/free entry for National Trust members

• To discover your nearest National Trust Easter trail, visit: nationaltrust.org.uk/easter