Reunion invitation to staff and boys of HMS Ganges

MANY readers may not be aware that the HMS Ganges Association is now in its 27th year with nearly 4,000 members worldwide and is looking for all former trainees, staff and instructors to meet up with other like-minded individuals for the 2009 reunion.
By The Newsroom
Published 15th Oct 2008, 19:12 BST
Updated 8th Jun 2018, 01:04 BST

There has been an HMS Ganges in the Royal Navy for more than 225 years, starting as a wooden-walled ship of the line, based at Mylor, near Falmouth, and used for the training of boy seamen from the age of 14.

It was eventually moved ashore to Shotley, Suffolk, and closed in 1976 when the school leaving-age was raised to 17.

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It is estimated that 160,000 boys passed through the famous gates at Shotley and many will recall the famous mast, pictured, still in existence as a listed "building", which many had to climb.

There is a reunion every year in various parts of the country and the 2009 event will be at the Sinah Warren Hotel, Hayling Island, near Portsmouth, from Friday, May 8, to Monday, May 11.

Mini reunions are also held country-wide to give the widest choice to meet old shipmates.

The association also publishes a first-class Gazette three times a year.

Please make contact with:

Lee Fleming,

35 St Mary's Road,

Hayes,

Middlesex,

UB3 2JP,

telephone 0208 589 9662,

or e-mail [email protected]

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Related topics:Royal Navy