On Friday 12 September the Friends were delighted to host the first of a five open days being held as part of the Gosport Heritage Open Days 2025 programme. Between occasional rain showers, we were blessed with a bright autumnal day. The event attracted a steady stream of visitors from across the region, including one from Newbury in Berkshire. The visitors were able to explore the Bastion’s beautiful grounds and meet members of the team who are passionate about its conservation. The Friends hope the success of the day will inspire more volunteers to join us and help safeguard the monument for future generations.

The Friends’ historian, Alan Petrie, sharing his knowledge about the Bastion with two visitors on the open day. Alan is pointing to an interpretive painting of the Bastion in the early 19th century by local artist Neil Marshall.