'˜Call to arms' to relocate wartime Nissen hut to fort

The second world war hut will take pride of place at Shoreham Fort, being placed on the exact spot where one stood during the war.

Friends of Shoreham Fort have issued a ‘call to arms’, asking volunteers to help as they embark on the next exciting chapter in the Victorian building’s fascinating history.

Chairman Gary Baines said: “This should be a fantastic opportunity for people to get involved, as we are saving heritage from one area and creating it in another.

“Once in situ, the Nissen hut will be used as an indoor education space and will be a huge asset and a huge boost to what we can achieve.”

The hut, which is being donated by Tim and Sarah Bird, was used by Canadian soldiers manning anti-aircraft guns in Chidham, near Chichester.

The Friends hope to turn it into an all-weather education education centre at the fort, off Forthaven, subject to consents.

Work will begin on the weekend of March 15 and 16, when the hut will be moved to Shoreham Beach. The Friends will be lodging funding applications and hoping residents will help with both time and resources.

Mr Baines added: “This is a hugely exciting time for us all to share as a community and we’d love as many people as possible to come on board to help us secure the fort’s future as the jewel in Shoreham’s crown.

“We have already had a lot of help and need to say a huge thank you to a number of people, including Tim and Sarah Bird who donated the hut to us, Iron Designs for transporting the hut to Shoreham, and G.R. Ayling for providing a skip at cost.”

In particular, the Friends are appealing for building materials, including timber, Army green metal paint, breeze blocks, wooden cladding and UPVC double doors.

Mr Baines added: “The future use of the hut will be our education room, which will give us a huge boost. Previously, we had no indoor facilities and it has proved very difficult to book schools and groups in without getting cancellations due to poor weather.

“The Nissen hut will not only solve this but will also generate income, as we’ll able to rent it to other groups, for presentations, education and other purposes.”

Contact Gary Baines at [email protected] or call 07787 994815. Visit www.shorehamfort.co.uk for more information.