News

Exciting news about Eastney Fort East

Earlier this week, a delegation from the Palmerston Forts Society met with the new owners of the site of the former Royal Marines Museum which includes the battery. The owners plan to develop the site into Portsmouth's first five star hotel. We were invited to discuss options for the future of the battery site.
 The owners were very open to a range of possibilities. Their ideas range from simply stabilising and securing the site to developing it as a museum. It could become a garden / function area for the hotel guests similar to the current status of the Eastney Battery West. Museum options could include developing it in a way that represents its original function or using the location for a thematic museum - perhaps related to its previous use as a radar establishment or its role in the "Cockleshell Heroes" raid. Nothing is decided.
 The new owners have strong connections to Portsmouth but have lived in Hong Kong for many years. They are very aware of the coastal defence history of the site and how similar installations in Hong Kong have been developed as heritage sites.
 The interaction with the owners was a refreshingly positive experience for PFS. We were asked "What would be best for the Fort?.... What would be best for Portsmouth? " and we were challenged to come up with more ideas.
 We have come away from the meeting with some actions, and we will get on with those, but this is a rare opportunity to make practical suggestions to developers whose minds are open. It is not often that someone with the resources and will to bring an old site back to life actually throws the question open to the public.
 The proximity of the battery to a five star hotel is great news for us - this will ensure its security - but how can the site be enhanced and given a sustainable future?

News

Weekend Visit to the Plymouth Forts

As part of our 40th Anniversary events programme we are holding a weekend visit this year, in place of our annual September day trip. This will be the weekend 7th & 8th September 2024.
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Visits to Fort Gilkicker and the Hilsea Lines

As part of our 40th Anniversary events programme we are holding two members visits this year. Traditionally the PFS has held an annual evening visit to a Portsmouth fortification, but this year we are holding two afternoon visits: Fort Gilkicker - Saturday 20th April 2024, Hilsea Lines - Saturday 13th July 2024.  
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Easy Fund Raising

Easyfundraising We have now registered with a new scheme called easyfundraising.   Over 7,000 brands will donate to us when you use easyfundraising to shop with them – at no extra cost to yourself.  
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40th Anniversary Photograph Competition

2024 will see the 40th anniversary of the founding of the Palmerston Forts Society. One activity to celebrate this event is to be a photographic competition.  This is intended to showcase the talent of our members and followers and capture the essence of British Victorian Fortifications across the globe. 
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40th Anniversary of the founding of the PFS

2024 marks the 40th year since the Palmerston Forts Society was formed. To commemorate this occasion a number of special events will be announced. Watch this space......