A Castle Can't Choose Its Friends

At last, I have got around to doing something I have been meaning to do for ages, I applied for membership of the Friends of Hurst Castle.

 

My wife of course has lots of friends, I on the other hand, simply embarrass the ones I have, and whilst my wife spends time chatting to hers on Facebook, I have to force people to come to the pub.

 

Anyway, by becoming Friends, - we now have some new friends.

 

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Hurst Castle is always worth a visit anytime of year, and you always discover something new. The café also provides a welcome snack, and for me a well earned piece of cake. Naturally the walk along Hurst Spit is for the fit, energetic and some less sound of mind. Personally, in my view the ferry is a much more tranquil journey.

The Friends of Hurst Castle was formed in 1986 to act as a support group to our local historic site belonging to English Heritage. At that time, the Castle was managed by English Heritage, but since May 1996 there has been joint management; with English Heritage still in charge of the fabric of the building and general policies and the local everyday management provided by Hurst Castle Ferries, run by Sean, Mary & Jason Crane.

 

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The Friends’ are a willing bunch, and they aim to support the castle in any way they can. Some member fully throw themselves in with projects for the enhancement of the building, to assist educationally, and with research. I of course do none of these worthy things, but simply look forward to reading the regular 'Hurst Tiding' Newsletter and attending the social events.

 

So far this year the events have included a Winter 'Frost Bitters' BBQ, Fish & Chip Cruise, Summer BBQ and Tudor Enactment. (I will be good in a metal helmet with a flaying sword!)

On Saturday 14th September the Friends are organising: 'Concert at the Castle' in the historic WW2 Garrison Theatre. The evening has a Barber Shop quartet "Late Developers", who also sing with the choir "Royal Harmonics", who have entertained the Queen and David Cameron.

Tickets are £16 which includes ferry down from Keyhaven at 6.15pm, entrance to Castle and of course, a return ferry trip. (Tickets available from: Bette Keeping 01590 673985)


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When I applied for membership of the Friends of Hurst Castle I avoided the paper option, and simply made the payment online. Not only was this efficient, but it also makes it harder for them to reject our application now we have paid!

Should our membership sneak through without recognition, Hurst Castle Ferries offer a 10% discount to Members when buying season tickets and free passage to any Friends who are going to work at the Castle. The Friends’ Committee keeps the Ferry crew informed and there is always close liaison here.

 

The Friends have a workshop at the far end of the West Wing for leaving belongings, tools, artefacts, etc. and for holding meetings. There is also a BBQ facility for members' use on arrangement with the Committee.

 

Also each Monday there is a Volunteer Working Party. This is a regular group of Friends and Association of Lighthouse Keepers members who volunteer at the Castle every Monday, working on restoration projects & enjoy a social get together. (Free ferry and tea to all volunteers!).

 

If you fancy joining the Friends of Hurst Castle you can find more information by clicking here.

 

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About The Garrison Theatre

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The Garrison Theatre is believed to be the only surviving World War 2 ENSA theatre has been saved by a group of enthusiastic volunteers. Despite having fallen into disrepair, many of the theatre’s original features remain intact despite the Castle’s exposed position at the end of a two-mile shingle spit. Built in a converted Victorian gun emplacement, the hand painted proscenium arch still bears the badge and grenades of the Royal Artillery. The backdrop depicts a romantic restoration scene of Romeo and Juliet or possibly Charles II and Nell Gwyn.

The ravages of time and damp had left the theatre looking tired and unloved. This was until the Friends of Hurst Castle started restoration work in January 2008. The old platform stage, which was removed in the late 1980s, has now been reconstructed. New curtains have been fashioned from hessian, once used to camouflage the Castle’s guns and searchlights, and hang from the original galvanised gas pipe. The only concessions to the twenty first century are modern lights and sound systems. 

Visitors can listen to music from the period and learn the history of the theatre and the origins and role of ENSA, the Entertainments National Service Association. And now, after a break of more than 60 years, the Garrison Theatre again stages regular shows during the summer months.

 

Friends of Hurst Castle click here

Annual Membership: Single member £12 - Couples £19
Contact: Barry Fudge (Treasurer) - 01590 641154 - bpfudge@gmail.com