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Museum News Archive
14th February 2006 TAKE ONE MUSEUM By Annabel Tall Did you see us on BBC 4 on 14th February in the new series ‘Take One Museum’?. If you missed it and you have a broadband connection, you can watch a trial interactive version from the BBC website - click here, or download and audio tour here. For more information, see below. 9th February 2006 WE'RE IN BEST OF BRITISH TV SERIES By Brian Seeney Our Museum is set to receive major exposure thanks to what the BBC describe as an “innovative and interactive” new television series. The museum is the subject of a half hour programme on BBC 4 to be screened at 8.30pm next Tuesday (14th February) in the new series ‘Take One Museum’. Presented by explorer and expedition leader Paul Rose, the series features tours of six of the “best museums throughout the British Isles” which are “packed with hidden gems - treasures from around the world with tales of intrigue”. The series has been enhanced with innovative interactive support. MP3 audio versions of the tours can be downloaded from the BBC website. For viewers with broadband, there is an interactive first - a new way of using the programme as a springboard to extra specially-made TV content - aiming to enhance the viewing experience. The Royal Navy Submarine Museum is described as “one of the most fascinating and moving museums in the country, packed with surprises - from the lavatory that changed the course of submarine history, to the pigeon that solved a problem that baffles even the most advanced nuclear sub on the planet”. In the programme, Paul Rose meets World War Two veteran Ginger Coles from Petersfield, who tells an astonishing tale of adventure and survival against the odds in the miniature submarine X24, which is now fully restored and on show in the Museum’s new John Fieldhouse Building. The BBC describes ’Take One Museum’ as an “experimental and innovative new series for BBC4, taking viewers on a tour of some of the best museums throughout the British Isles”. The new format of ‘Take One Museum’ is filmed in real time. Each programme is one non-stop 30-minute tour. For first-time presenter Paul Rose it was a challenge that he relished. With no autocue, no stopping, and no fixed script, it is television filmed without the usual safety net. Paul Rose, who is an underwater expert himself (he used to train US Navy rescue divers), is a world class explorer. He is a former vice president of the Royal Geographical Society, has climbed Everest, run the British Antarctic Survey and regularly leads expeditions around the globe. His natural curiosity about the world makes him an energetic and informative guide. Commander Jeff Tall, director of The Royal Navy Submarine Museum said: “We were delighted to be approached to take part in this first series, especially as the programmes will be available far and wide through the BBC’s website. “It is a marvellous opportunity for us to get across what we are doing here in the Museum and is wonderful publicity for us and for Gosport as well.” Other museums featured in the series are the Oxford University Museum of Natural History; the Hunterian Museum in the Royal College of Surgeons in London; Bradford’s National Museum of Photography, Film and Television; The Museum of Science and Industry in Manchester; and the Stromness Museum dedicated to the natural life and seafaring traditions of the isle of Orkney. More information on the series can be found at www.bbc.co.uk/takeonemuseum 24th November 2005 IS THIS ONE A BIT OF A TURKEY? By Brian Seeney Well the answer is ‘Yes' because this model ship is made from a turkey bone! The three-masted ship is rigged with ratlines and blocks but no sails and is an example of how sailors would keep busy on the long hours they spent off duty when sailing around the world on their travels. The unusual model ship is part of a fascinating collection of items which form a new exhibition called Life at Sea, now showing at The Royal Navy Submarine Museum's new John Fieldhouse Building until 31 st December. A tin fiddle, decorated walrus tusks, a walking stick made from the spine of a sharks, a sperm whale tooth and the compass from the liner Canberra are just some of the objects on view in the exhibition which has been put together by 13 UK museums including The Royal Navy Submarine Museum in Gosport . Life at Sea , which is funded by a grant of £36,600 from the Heritage Lottery Fund, will give local people the opportunity to see important artefacts from museums across the country. “This exhibition celebrates the British people's lifelong association with the waters that surround them,” said Alexandra Geary, Keeper of Artefacts at The Royal Navy Submarine, who is pictured holding the turkey boat. “By co-operating on this project, we are enabling local people to see some fascinating exhibits which they probably would never experience as the museums involved are as far apart as the Orkneys and Cornwall .” Others involved in the project are Aberdeen Maritime Museum , Scottish Fisheries Museum , Orkney Museum , Hull Maritime Museum , Southampton Maritime Museum , National Maritime Museum in Cornwall , Fleetwood Maritime Museum , the National Maritime Museum , Imperial War Museum , Bristol Industrial Museum , National Museums and Galleries of Wales, and Merseyside Maritime Museum . Life at Sea is free to visitors who buy a full ticket to The Royal Navy Submarine Museum (£5.50 adults, £4 senior citizens and children) or £13.50 for a family ticket (2 adults and up to 4 children) A ‘museum only ticket' which excludes a guided tour of the submarine HMS Alliance costs £2.50 per adult (£2 senior citizens and children).
9th September 2005 PRINCESS ROYAL OPENS “VERY FINE MEMORIAL TO A GREAT MAN ” Words by Brian Seeney Photos by Roger Smith The Museum's new John Fieldhouse Building was formally opened by Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal yesterday.
Before unveiling a plaque to mark the official opening, The Princess Royal described the building as a “very fine memorial to a great man”
The John Fieldhouse Building is part of a £3.1m major expansion of the Museum. A Heritage Lottery Fund award of nearly £2 million helped to finance the project. Shaped like a submarine, the exciting modern-design multi-functional building houses the historic X-craft mini-submarine HMSX24 . The Ground Floor contains a combined information area and reception area plus a lecture/corporate entertainment area. The First Floor houses the new 'Submarine and Sciences' gallery, containing seven themed aspects of Submarine-related topics such as oceanography, with many inter-active displays. The building honours the late Admiral of the Fleet, Lord John Fieldhouse of Gosport - the most senior submariner in history. He was in overall charge of the victorious British Forces in the Falklands War of 1982 and enjoyed a highly distinguished naval career that culminated as First Sea Lord and then Chief of DefenceStaff, before his premature death in 1992 at the age of 64. To coincide with the opening, new and extended History Galleries offer visitors the opportunity to re-live a life under the sea through the personal belongings of the crew and an extensive collection of photographs, transcripts, artefacts and archive material.
The Princess Royal unveils a plaque to mark the official opening. SIR ROY TALKS OF “JEWEL IN NATION'S MARITIME HERITAGE” AS HE WELCOMES GUESTS TO OPENING CEREMONY
Welcoming The Princess Royal and 160 guests, the Chairman of the Museum's Trustees, Vice Admiral Sir Roy Newman, described the day as “something we have all been looking forward to for more than four years.”
Said Sir Roy: “We are particularly delighted that Lady Fieldhouse and John's three children, Mark, Sarah and Amanda can be with us today. “The building's primary heritage purpose is to provide for the long term care of HMS X24 , wonderfully preserved by Ian Clark.” Sir Roy described X24 as “a jewel in the nation's maritime heritage crown, and a permanent reminder of the extraordinary courage and sacrifice of earlier generations of submariners”. He continued: “I would like to thank all those who made the John Fieldhouse Building possible, our many benefactors including The Heritage Lottery Fund, our supporters and Society of Friends and our design and building team with particular acknowledgement to Robert Warren, the Architect and Project Manager. “I would also like to thank our Trustees for their dedication and attention given to this project for the past five years or more since its inception and to the Museum's own team who have lived with the project for the past five years.” Amongst those attending were Mrs Mary Fagan (Lord Lieutenant of Hampshire); Admiral Sir Alan West (First Sea Lord); Admiral Sir Jonathon Band (Commander-in-Chief Fleet); Vice Admiral Sir James Burnell-Nugent (Second Sea Lord); Vice Admiral Tim McClement (Deputy Commander In Chief Fleet), Rear Admiral Paul Lambert (Rear Admiral Submarines) and Lady Midge Fieldhouse, widow of Lord Fieldhouse of Gosport.
Vice Admiral Sir Roy Newman welcomes The Princess Royal to the Museum's John Fieldhouse Building . PRINCESS ROYAL TELLS OF HER “ADMIRATION” FOR SUBMARINERS AND PRAISES MUSEUM 'S REPUTATION The Princess Royal spoke of her “admiration” for submariners and praised the Museum's “very high standing” when she opened the new John Fieldhouse Building at the Museum. In her opening remarks, The Princess Royal said she was “delighted to be here” to help open the Building. She recalled her first meeting with John Fieldhouse when she accompanied The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh on a visit to see the nuclear submarine HMS Dreadnought during the Clyde Summer Review in 1960 Referring to the new John Fieldhouse Building , The Princess Royal described it as “a very important part in the history of ships, but particularly of submarines”. She said it helped ordinary mortals to try to understand why anybody would wish to serve in one. The Princess Royal added that she was sure everybody had different reasons for doing so but for the rest of us it starts with admiration and it goes up from there. It is a very extraordinary business. Her Royal Highness said that the Museum already had a very high standing in terms of reputation as she knew from her previous visits, and it has built on that. The building, in terms of its interactiveness and its effort to bring in young people would continue that reputation and respect.
The Princess Royal enjoying her tour of the John Fieldhouse Building . The day in photos...
The Princess Royal meets the Mayores of Gosport. Mrs. Marilyn Burgess in the welcoming party.
Her Royal Highness chatting with Museum director Commander Jeff Tall and X24 conservator Ian Clark (right).
Ian Clark explains a point to The Princess Royal with Commander Tall looking on.
The Princess Royal pauses alongside X24.
Her Royal Highness views X24.
The Princess Royal chats with architect and project manager Robert Warren (left) and Roger Miller of Kier Group, who built the John Fieldhouse Building.
The Princess Royal chats with Darius Wilson (interactives builder) who designed and made the displays.
Her Royal Highness is fascinated by this interactive display.
The Princess Royal, with Darius Wilson, shows a keen interest in this display
Commandner Tall and Darius Wilson chatting with The Princess Royal during her tour of the interactive displays.
Captain Chris Roddis (left) of Thales, who sponsored the Submarine Sensors Experience, discusses the project with The Princess Royal.
Commander Tall answers a question from The Princess Royal with Vice Admiral Sir Roy Newman looking on.
The Princess Royal shows great interest in the pirate flags in the Historic Galleries.
Her Royal Highness studies this painting in the Historic Galleries.
Up periscope as The Princess Royal looks through the periscope from HMS Conqueror.
Commander Tall introduces Debbie Corrner (right) Keeper of Photos, and Keeper of Artefacts Alexandra Geary to The Princess Royal.
Commander Tall explains to the Princess Royal the story behind one of the badges that is part of the Historic Badges displays.
The Princess Royal looks at one of the exhibits in the Historic Galleries.
The Princess Royal prepares to leave after being presented with a copy of 'Commander in Chief', the biography of Lord John Fieldhouse, written by Basil Watson. She is chatting to Mrs. Bridget West, wife of Councillor John West (Chairman of Hampshire County Council). Pictured to the left are Peter Andreae (The High Sheriff of Hampshire) and Mrs. Rosemary Andreae. To the right are Councillor Graham Burgess (Mayor of Gosport ) and Mrs. Burgess.
Guests mingle before the official opening ceremony begins. Pictured is the First Sea Lord, Admiral Sir Alan West, (right) talking to Sir Michael Cobham.
Peter Andreae with Mrs. Mary Fagan (Lord-Lieutenant of Hampshire).
Curator Bob Mealings shows guests around the Historic Galleries. Pictured (from left) are Councillor John West (Chairman, Hampshire County Council) and Mrs. West, the Mayor of Gosport (Councillor Graham Burgess) and Mrs. Burgess.
Bob Mealings with Peter and Rosemary Andreae.
Sir Michael Cobham (left) talking to Commander-in-Chief Fleet, Admiral Sir Jonathon Band, with Museum Trustee Paul Hoddinott and Mrs. Rue Hoddinott.
Lady Midge Fieldhouse (centre) enjoys the day with her daughter Amanda Fieldhouse- Chalmers (left). They are talking to First Sea Lord, Admiral Sir Alan West.
Sculpture Jill Tweed with Michael Gaskin who donated the bust of Lord Fieldhouse to the Museum.
Lady Fieldhouse admires the sculpted bust of her late husband with Jill Tweed.
Lady Fieldhouse, family and friends. 24th July 2005 STAN CELEBRATES HIS FIRST 100 AT MUSEUM Words by Brian Seeney Photos by Roger Smith Ex-submariner Hugh ‘Stan' Smith celebrated his 100th birthday with a party at the Museum which included a tour of HMS Alliance yesterday. Stan, who joined the Royal Navy at 15, spent 10 years in submarines before he left the Navy in 1935 and worked as an electrician for a lifts and escalator company until his retirement. He now lives in Lancing, West Sussex with his wife Elizabeth. Surrounded by his family - including three sons and two daughters and their partners, plus grandchildren, great-grandchildren and many friends - a congratulatory telegram from Her Majesty the Queen was read out by Museum director Commander Jeff Tall. The director also presented Stan with a limited edition Spode plate celebrating the Centenary of the Submarine Service. Said Stan: “I don't really feel old. It is a marvellous and exciting day and I am enjoying it - now I need to start planning for the next 100!”
Commander Tall presents the Centenary plate to Stan.
It's a family affair as everyone helps Stan celebrate in front of HMS Alliance .
Stan and his wife Elizabeth cut his birthday cake.
Rear Admiral Nick Harris, Flag Officer Scotland and Northern Ireland - and a submariner himself - was on a private visit to the Museum but took an opportunity to congratulate Stan on reaching his 100th birthday.
24th June 2005 BOOK ON FIELDHOUSE - "AN INSPIRING LEADER" - LAUNCHED IN NEW MUSEUM BUILDING Words by Brian Seeney. Photos by Roger Smith A book described as “ a splendid memoir of a great man” was formally launched in the Museum's new John Fieldhouse Building today. ‘Commander-in-Chief' by Basil Watson, tells the story of John Fieldhouse, a quiet, kind and determined Yorkshireman who rose to the very top of the Royal Navy and British military establishment. The book launch was the first function to be held in the new building named after John Fieldhouse, which is due to open to the public on 1 st August. Admiral Sir Jock Slater, former First Sea Lord and chairman of The White Ensign Association, sponsors of the book, told the audience of over 250 that ‘Commander-in-Chief' was “an authoritative account of John Fieldhouse's life that has been long overdue” INSPIRING LEADER Fieldhouse was in overall charge of the victorious British Forces in the Falklands War of 1982 and in the foreword to this new book, former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher describes Fieldhouse as “an inspiring leader” who was “at the centre of all our preparations and all our planning”. Former US President Ronald Reagan wrote of Fieldhouse's “selfless dedication and significant contributions to world peace”. Fieldhouse was the only Commander-in-Chief since the Second World War to have directed British forces to victory against a well-equipped enemy. However, that military triumph in the Falklands was only one success in a catalogue of impressive achievements straddling the Cold War. He became one of the nation's greatest military leaders of recent times and enjoyed a highly distinguished naval career that culminated as First Sea Lord and then Chief of Defence Staff. He was ennobled as Lord Fieldhouse of Gosport before his premature death in 1992 at the age of 64. In closing her foreword, Baroness Thatcher, who attended the book launch ceremony, describes Fieldhouse's passing as “depriving us of his wisdom, his experience and his friendship” but says this “record of his life and career will remain as a glowing example of all that is best”.
Midge with author Basil Watson. Fieldhouse “would approve of what we have done” in his building In his welcoming speech at the book launch, Vice Admiral Sir Roy Newman, Chairman of Trustees of the Museum said that John Fieldhouse would have approved of the building named after him and what it is designed to do. “This is the very first public event to be held in our wonderful John Fieldhouse Building and I am sure that you will agree that its scale and ambience is truly worthy of Admiral of the Fleet Lord John Fieldhouse of Gosport, and that it will serve as an appropriate legacy for many years to come to the memory of the most senior submariner in our Service's history. “I am particularly delighted to see Lady Midge Fieldhouse and many members of her family gathered here today, and of course we are especially honoured by the presence of Baroness Thatcher and Sir Don Gosling, both of whom featured so significantly in John's later life. “Against the backdrop of the magnificently restored mini-submarine HMS X24, herself a veteran of a major conflict, the exhibitions that we are introducing in our revamped historical galleries and the Submarine and Science Gallery above us, will provide an exciting balance between the great achievements and sacrifice of the past combined with inspiration and enjoyment for the youngsters of today. John Fieldhouse was a great inspirer of youth, so I know that he would approve of what we have done. “With respect to the book we are here to launch, the Museum is extremely grateful to both The White Ensign Association, the sponsors of ‘Commander-in-Chief', and to Basil Watson, the author, for allowing all the proceeds of the sale of the book to come to the Museum. “Now that we have completed the John Fieldhouse Building, our next project is the challenge to work on the conservation and preservation of HMS Alliance for which fundraising will soon be underway. ”
Vice Admiral Sir Roy Newman speaks to guests. Falklands was Fieldhouse's “finest hour” says Sir Jock Basil Watson's book ‘Commander-in-Chief' “ is a story that needed to be told” said Admiral Sir Jock Slater, former First Sea Lord and Chairman of The White Ensign Association at the book launch. Sir Jock said:”There can be no better place than the new John Fieldhouse Building to launch a book about one of the Royal Navy's most distinguished post war sailors. “The White Ensign Association is honoured and proud to be the sponsor of this book published by the Royal Navy Submarine Museum . “This sponsorship has been made possible by the inimitable generosity of Commodore Sir Donald Gosling, Royal Naval Reserve. “Donald, who has done so much for the Royal Navy and the Royal Marines over the years, has long been a great admirer of John Fieldhouse and I know he is thrilled to see this worthy tribute to his old friend brought to fruition. SKILL AND SENSITIVITY “I know I speak for us all when I say how grateful we are to Basil Watson for undertaking this work. “Basil, three years his junior and three years younger than John Fieldhouse, and having served under him for two appointments, already knew many of the players in the Fieldhouse story. “It is a story that needed to be told and Basil has accomplished it with considerable skill and sensitivity. “Most of us in this room have our own personal memories of John Fieldhouse and this book, I can assure you, will bring those memories flooding back. “The title ‘Commander-in-Chief' could not be more apt as no one would deny that the operation to retake the Falkland Islands in 1982 under his overall command was his finest hour. We are greatly honoured and delighted that the Prime Minister of the day, Lady Thatcher, is with us today. “We are also delighted that the First Sea Lord of the time, Sir Henry Leech, is here along with so many others who were involved in ‘Operation Corporate' (the invasion and recapture of the Falkland Islands ). MARVELLOUS INSIGHT “This book is not just a catalogue of inspiring leadership and the highest military achievement in peace and war. It is a marvellous insight into the character we all knew so well, the man who inspired great loyalty and affection by his calm authority, warm humanity and disarming good humour; the man held in the highest regard with a remarkable knack of getting the best out of his people, but resolute, tough and determined when the chips were down; the man whose benign, undemonstrative, avuncular style disguised a firmness of purpose, an incisive analytical mind and an inner steel - in sum a most illustrious leader. “Of course at the very heart of this success - his success - lay what Lady Thatcher termed an ‘indestructible partnership' and it is so good to see Lady Midge Fieldhouse here today surrounded by members of her family (including her grandchildren). “Furthermore, it is a measure of John and Midge's charisma that members of their personal staff who became part of the extended family are all here today and indeed, to this day, they continue to hold reunions with the family. “John Fieldhouse chose for his motto ‘Perficio quad insipio' – ‘I shall finish that which I start'. “The man who rose from a humble, unexceptional cadet to become a most distinguished Chief of Defence staff and statesman did just that. It is just very sad that his illness and untimely death in 1992 prevented him from doing so much more. This is a splendid memoir of a great man and I commend it to you.”
Former First Sea Lord Admiral Sir Jock Slater speaks to the audience which includes Lady Thatcher, flanked by Commodore Sir Donald Gosling and the the Lord Lieutenant of Hampshire Mary Fagan. Author delighted to prove Midge wrong! Author Basil Watson said he was “delighted” to prove Lady Midge Fieldhouse wrong when he spoke at the official launch of his book ‘Commander-in-Chief'. “From the outset Midge you have given my every possible degree of support and encouragement and in our many meetings,” said Basil. “In one instance only am I delighted to prove you wrong. When we first discussed this matter you told me it was too late and that the opportunity had passed. Today a distant dream has become reality and it is my great pleasure to present you formally with a copy of this book about John.” Continued Basil: “This book has been a team effort from beginning to end and I feel humbled that so many of those who helped me produce it are sitting here in this room today. “I am deeply grateful to Lady Thatcher for writing the foreword - your words have given the book a degree of authority which it could have never otherwise possible have enjoyed,” he told the guests including Baroness Thatcher, the Prime Minister at the time of the Falklands conflict. GENEROSITY “I am equally grateful to Sir Donald Gosling,” continued Basil. “I have respected your wishes that the credit for the sponsorship should go to the White Ensign Association, but of course everybody knows that it was your single act of generosity which has enabled all this to happen in such a painless and ordered way.” Basil also thanked Peter Kim, who was at the Britannia Royal Naval College in Dartmouth with Fieldhouse, who “read my script chapter by chapter, directing me to the centre of the channel when I threatened to veer off course”. In closing, Basil thanked Commander Jeff Tall, director of the Museum: “Despite the many pressures of running a rapidly expanding museum, you have devoted much time and shown endless patience,” he said. “I have nothing but praise for you and your splendid team and we submariners can rest assured that our priceless heritage is in excellent hands” he said.
“A great day for us “ says Lady Fieldhouse Lady Midge Fieldhouse, widow of Lord John Fieldhouse attended the book launch with many members of her family and described the event as a great day for us”. Said Midge: “This is absolutely marvellous and I feel very honoured and so do the family. “It really is a great day for us. This is something that we thought was never going to happen. I said to Basil (before he started work on the book that) it won't happen because it's too long, it's too late and people won't remember and if they do, so? “But it has happened and I want to thank Basil very much for the sheer hard work he has done on this book. “I doubt very much whether anybody realised just exactly what it takes to write a book like this. He (Basil) has been everywhere and has interviewed so many people and the result is fabulous. I know you are all going to enjoy it as we, the family, are. We are all absolutely delighted.” Lady Fieldhouse then presented a special pen to Basil saying: “As a scribe we thought you had better have a pen!”
Midge presents the pen to 'Scribe' Basil. “Buy books… lots of them” says Commander in Chief
Sir Jonathan Band, Commander in Chief Fleet turned bookseller as he urged the audience to “buy lots of copies” of the book ‘Commander-in-Chief”! Said Sir Jonathan: As Flag Lieutenant to John Fieldhouse, I like many others here today have helped Basil in small way with his project and we would all like to applaud Basil's endeavours - the product is tremendous.” He said Basil was “a brave man to admit that he once disobeyed Midge - or disagreed with her!” He continued: “I remember John saying one day 'you may cross me but never cross her'. I think you (Midge) only asked for my head twice.” Sir Jonathan went on: “I must say that everyone here who knew the man (would say) you've caught him, you've caught his style, you've caught his character, and you've caught his strengths and his beliefs to a tee. IMPRESSIONABLE “Serving him as I did at a very impressionable age and time of my career - and he often called me lad - he changed my life and I like to think that on my better days in command, a little of what he taught me rubbed off. “So how can we help to advertise this great naval officer's record and memory. It's quit simple - buy the book! And in this world of stretched targets buy lots of copies. Encourage others to do the same, give them as presents, and talk about him in the book. “He would like that, not for the glory but because the proceeds are going to this great museum which he held in such high esteem, which you can see is going from strength to strength. “I know he will be looking over his glasses with that wry smile in deep appreciation of your visit here today and more importantly, Basil's work.” .
Give books as presents, Sir Jonathan Band, Commander in Chief Fleet, tells his audience. Other photos from the day...
Sir Jock Slater welcomes Lady Thatcher, watched by Vice Admiral Sir Roy Newman (right) and the Commander in Chief Fleet. Looking on is Museum Director Commander Jeff Tall, with the Second Sea Lord (behind Sir Jock).
Vice Admiral Sir Roy Newman introduces Lady Thatcher to the Commander in Chief Fleet and the Second Sea Lord (extreme left).
Commodore Sir Donald Gosling, Royal Naval Reserve, is welcomed by Commander Tall.
Commander Tall meets the Second Sea Lord (left) and the Commander in Chief Fleet (second from left) at the Museum jetty.
The Second Sea Lord and Lady Burnell-Nugent make their way from the Museum jetty to the John Fieldhouse Building.
Master of Ceremonies Commander Tall with Midge and Sir Roy Newman.
Midge is presented with a bouquet.
Midge cuts rthe special celebratory cake watched by some of her grandchildren.
Midge with her family around her.
The many guests chat after the launch.
Midge with cadets from HMS Hornet.
Commodore Sir Donald Gosling (left) and Sir Jock Slater bid farewell to Lady Thatcher.
16th June 2005 MUSEUM 'S £3m EXTENSION COMES A STEP CLOSER by Brian Seeney The Museum 's futuristic new John Fieldhouse Building came a step nearer to opening when a ‘Topping Out' ceremony was staged today.
The Building is named after the late Admiral of the Fleet, Lord John Fieldhouse of Gosport , the most senior submariner in history. His widow, Lady Midge Fieldhouse, performed the ‘Topping Out'.
Shaped like a submarine, the exciting modern-design multi-functional building will open to the public this summer (1st August). It will house the museum's growing educational collection and the historic X-craft mini-submarine HMSX24 , which was threatened by being open to all weathers.
A Heritage Lottery Fund award of nearly £2 million is helping to finance the building, which covers 600 sq. metres in total (400sq. metres on the ground floor and 200 sq. metres on the first floor. Speaking at the ceremony, Commander Jeff Tall (Museum Director) said: “Today we mark a traditional builder's celebration which is the ‘Topping Out' ceremony. “It represents the day when the building is complete from the outside and our next task is to complete the inside of the building in readiness for our opening to the general public on 1 st August. DELIGHTED “I am delighted that Lady Midge Fieldhouse is here with us to perform the ‘Topping Out'. Although we still have lots to do to complete the John Fieldhouse Building , there is no doubt that that the scale of this building, the ambiance and the brilliance of the design can be seen even at this early stage.
“I would like to pay tribute now to the architect (Robert Warren) and to the builders (Henry Jones) who have done such a marvellous job. We have had our problems but the whole team has pulled together and their efforts are here to see. When completed, I believe this will be a marvellous tribute to the man this building is named after.”
The Ground Floor will contain a combined information area and reception area plus a lecture/corporate entertainment area - facilities designed to improve and enhance the Museum's future sustainability. The First Floor area will house the new 'Submarine and Science' gallery containing seven themed aspects of Submarine-related topics such as oceanography and 60 sq. metres of other exhibitions.
Commander Jeff Tall added: “The thematic submarine shape of our new building will make it a major Harbour landmark alongside the Spinnaker Tower at Gunwharf and will be a major boost not only to Gosport and its waterfront tourism attractions, but also to the overall attraction of the Portsmouth Historic Harbour .
“The Fieldhouse building will enable us to properly look after our precious wartime X-craft which tells the story of the outstanding courage of the crews. We will also be adding an essential educational resource for everyone to enjoy through our new ‘Submarine and Science' gallery.” To coincide with the opening of the Fieldhouse building, new and extended History Galleries will offer visitors the opportunity to re-live a life under the sea through the personal belongings of the crew and an even bigger collection of photographs, transcripts, artefacts and archive material.
Pictured performing the ceremony are Lady Fieldhouse and Museum Director Commander Jeff Tall. Photo by Roger Smith.
Members of the Museum's staff and representatives from builders Henry Jones at the Topping Out.Photo by Roger Smith.
16th December 2004 HATS THE WAY TO DO IT... by Brian Seeney
When the Emperor of China and the Mayor of Gosport met the captain of HMS Alliance, everyone donned their best hats for the occasion. The Emperor (aka Syd Little) had told the Mayor (Councillor Keith Edwards) that he would like to visit the Museum when they met to switch on Gosport's Christmas Lights last month. So the Mayor picked up Syd, who is starring in the pantomime Aladdin at the Kings Theatre, and together they were chauffeur-driven to the Museum, to be met by Commander Jeff Tall, the Museum's director and given a tour of HMS Alliance, the UK 's only walk-through submarine. “ I've always been fascinated by ships and the sea, especially submarines, “ said Syd, who also enjoyed looking at Holland 1, the Navy's first submarine which sailed in 1901. “I love anything nautical - Nelson is my hero. When I was in summer shows on the Isle of Wight I often used to get the ferry over to Portsmouth . I visited Victory and the Mary Rose but I never managed to get to the Submarine Museum , so when the Mayor offered to arrange a visit I jumped at the chance. “Going on board Alliance was fantastic, “ said Syd, who the night before prepared for his visit by listening to a tape of the Jules Verne classic book “Twenty Thousand Leagues Under The Sea“ which is one of Syd's favourite stories. “The book certainly got me in the mood for the visit. I didn't feel at all claustrophobic but I think I would have been a worried if I was on a submarine like Alliance at sea with water leaking in, which I'm sure it did! “
Commander Jeff Tall , the Mayor and Syd all in their best hats! Photo by Roger Smith.
Up periscope! The Emperor of China (aka Syd Little) on board HMS Alliance. Photo by Roger Smith.
Taking a break during their tour of Alliance are the Mayor, a submariner, Syd and J.J. Molloy (Technical Services) who showed the party around. Photo by Roger Smith.
The Emperor and the Mayor in front of HMS Alliance after their guided tour. Photo by Roger Smith.
11th September 2004 MIDGET SUBMARINE IS "UP, UP AND AWAY" INTO NEW MUSEUM HOME by Brian Seeney A major phase of the £3.1m extension to the Museum was completed when the World War 2 midget submarine X24 was lowered by a giant crane into her final resting place. The X24 will take pride of place in the new Fieldhouse Building which is being constructed alongside the Museum's walk on submarine HMS Alliance and is set to open in July next year. The 27 ton midget submarine underwent major restoration in the Museum's car park before being gently lifted on to the back of a lorry and taken by road through Fort Blockhouse on the journey to her final home. At 51ft. 9in. long, the X24 was one of several submarines that went on daring wartime missions including reconnaissance for the D-Day landings, with some of the four-man crews receiving the Victoria Cross for their bravery. Work has now started on constructing the “Meccano-like” metal framework of the futuristic Fieldhouse uilding which will be shaped like a submarine and will encase the X24. Commander Jeff Tall, director of the Museum said: “This was a critical day for the overall project to put X24 into place so that we can build the steel structure around her to protect her from the elements for the first time since the end of the Second World War. “This secures her future for evermore and means we will be able to interpret her appropriately because when she was stood out in the open in all weathers, we could not do justice to the X-craft and the men who performed such amazing and brave exploits in WW2. “The positioning of X24 was laid out by laser and it was quite a tricky lifting operation because she is now split into two parts and we had to get her in exactly the right place and line. It looks and sounds a lot easier to do than it actually was. “This is a real milestone and the whole lift went well, in fact better than I had hoped. X-24 is the purpose for which this £3m extension is being built and will be the centrepiece. It was a poignant and historic moment seeing her get underway again albeit on the back of a lorry, especially when you think of all the amazing journeys she has had in the past.” To follow the big lift, see the photos below taken by Roger Smith.
23rd August 2004 MUSEUM CONTRIBUTES TO MAYOR'S TIME CAPSULE by Brian Seeney The Mayor of Gosport (Councillor Keith Edwards) visited the Museum today and with the help of four pupils from the Newtown Primary School, selected some items to be placed in the Gosport 800 Time Capsule.
They chose a replica model of HMS Alliance and models of a Victoria Cross (VC) and a Distinguished Service Cross (DSC) for the capsule which will be sealed and buried for 100 years beside the Gosport Millennium Timepiece on Gosport harbourside.
Alliance is the only walk-on submarine in the UK and as the centrepiece of the Museum, was chosen by the youngsters to represent the link between the Museum and the Borough, whilst the medals acknowledge the bravery of submariners in the Second World War.
Pictured with the Museum's director Commander Jeff Tall (left) and the Mayor are (from left) Toby Chilton, Ben Noble, David Chilton and Oliver Noble.
The Chilton and Noble brothers were asked to help the Mayor chose the items because Newtown is the oldest school in the Borough.
‘‘We are delighted to be placed in the Time Capsule because of the special links that exist between the Museum, which represents the whole of the submarine service, and the Borough itself,' said Commander Tall.
Photo by Roger Smith.
1st July 2004 LADY THATCHER MAKES PRIVATE VISIT TO MUSEUM by Brian Seeney Baroness Thatcher made a private visit to the Museum today. Lady Thatcher spent nearly two hours at the museum and was given a guided tour by the museum's director, Commander Jeff Tall , and the chairman of the trustees Vice Admiral Sir Roy Newman. “Lady Thatcher has been a patron of our museum for five years and has never able to find the time to visit before,” explained Commander Tall. “We were delighted to welcome her and show her all the displays and exhibits that we have. She took a very keen interest in everything and thoroughly enjoyed her time with us.” Lady Thatcher toured HMS Alliance, the UK 's only walk-through submarine and was particularly interested in Holland 1, the Navy's first ever submarine launched in 1901. Tomorrow, Lady Thatcher will be guest of the Second Sea Lord for lunch on HMS Victory after which she will be given a tour of the ship. Lady Thatcher is pictured on board HMS Alliance with Commander Jeff Tall .
Photo by Roger Smith.
15th March 2004 THE LADY AND THE PICKAXE! by Brian Seeney
Work has started on the £3.1 million major expansion of the Museum . The central part of the scheme is the futuristic new John Fieldhouse Building , honouring the late Admiral of the Fleet, Lord John Fieldhouse of Gosport , the most senior submariner in history. Pictured is Lady Midge Fieldhouse, who officially got work underway with pickaxe in hand and some help from the Museum's director Commander Jeff Tall . Shaped like a submarine, the thematic Fieldhouse building will house the museum's educational collection, the historic X-craft mini-submarine HMSX24, a science gallery, additional space for exhibitions, and a lecture/corporate entertainment area. Said Lady Fieldhouse: “The family were absolutely delighted when we first heard about the proposals and I am thrilled that the project is going ahead. “My husband was a dedicated submariner and would have been extremely proud that this new building, which is to be a major part of the submarine museum, will be named after him. “We shall keep a close eye on the project and I'm very much looking forward to seeing the work when it is completed.” The Heritage Lottery Fund gave a £2m grant towards the Fieldhouse Building , which will open in early 2005.
Photo by Roger Smith.
1st March 2004 OUR GERMAN SUBMARINE HAS A STARRING TV ROLE by Brian Seeney A Second World War German midget submarine belonging to the Museum has a starring role in an hour-long Channel 4 TV next Monday night. Salvage Squad, which can be seen at 8pm, dives deep into the history of the Second World War by restoring a midget submarine used on D-Day. The Biber one-man submarine, which has been on display at the Submarine Museum for over 20 years, was designed in just eight weeks specifically to harass the Allied invasion fleet. Presenters Claire Barrett and Suggs join submarine expert Ian Clark and Portsmouth Naval Dockyard apprentices as they undertake the restoration. Suggs explores the history of the Biber. What he finds is not reassuring - a fatal flaw in her exhaust system meant that most Biber pilots suffocated before diving - which doesn't encourage Claire, who is keen to pilot her inaugural dive. Suggs also meets a survivor of the Biber campaign, 82-year-old Heinz Hubler, who watches as the restored craft, the only fully functioning World War Two submarine in the world, dives beneath the waves. Biber is now back on show at the Museum where it takes pride of place in the Weapons Gallery.
14th January 20043 ALLIANCE IS A GERMAN U-BOAT! by Brian Seeney HMS Alliance, the star walk-through attraction at the Nuseum will feature in a BBC TV documentary later this week - “disguised” as a German World War 1 submarine! Dramatic reconstructions were filmed inside Alliance, which was originally commissioned in 1947, as part of the BBC 2 'Timewatch' documentary series. The one-hour long programme, titled ‘ U-Boat 38 and the Empire's Gold' will be screened on Friday 16th January from 9pm. The documentary tells the story of the sinking of the P&O passenger liner Persia which was carrying millions of pounds worth of gold and jewels from London to Bombay when it was torpedoed and sunk on at 11.50am on 30 th December 1915, without warning, by rogue U-boat ace Max Valentiner. Valentiner fired a single torpedo, killing 350 innocent people and sending the Persia to the bottom of the ocean. The location of the wreck and her precious cargo has remained a mystery for 80 - until now. ‘Timewatch' journeys with salvage experts Moya and Alec Crawford as they set out on a personal quest that has been a lifelong obsession. They hope to solve the mystery of where the Persia is and to attempt to recover her bullion. But it will be the deepest ever salvage operation of its kind and a world record if they succeed. The odds are stacked against them. Three different official positions, covering 200 square miles, were recorded when Persia sank. To make things even more difficult she went down in water over two miles deep. In an attempt to shed new light on how and why the Persia was torpedoed, Military Historian, Professor Eric Grove sets off to Germany on the trail of the most reviled U-Boat captain of WW1 – Max Valentiner of U-38. Grove hopes that an examination of Valentiner's military record, his war diaries and memoirs, will shed new light on one of the mysteries of World War One.
The documentary combines underwater archaeology with personal and historical context. Actuality from the salvage operation from 10,000 feet down on the ocean bed; dramatic reconstructions of Valentiner's war diary on board U-38; the personal stories of those who travelled on the Persia are combined to tell a fascinating tale of one of the mysteries of WW1 from a defining moment in 20 th century warfare. This is the second TV appearance in a week for the museum - last night a film story about the museum was shown on BBC TV South Today.
Scenes filmed on board HMS Allisance for the docu-drama.
17th December 2003 £2m LOTTERY BOOST FOR MUSEUM EXPANSION by Brian Seeney The Royal Navy Submarine Museum - one of Gosport's most successful tourist attractions - has won a Heritage Lottery Fund award of nearly £2 million to finance a major expansion costing a total of £3.1 million. The money will be spent on the futuristic new John Fieldhouse Building , honouring the late Admiral of the Fleet, Lord John Fieldhouse of Gosport , the most senior submariner in history. Shaped like a submarine, the exciting modern-design multi-functional building will house the museum's growing educational collection and significantly improve the environmental conditions of the museum's displays. It will bring under cover the historic X-craft mini-submarine HMSX24, currently threatened by being open to the elements. The Ground Floor will contain a combined information area and reception area plus a lecture/corporate entertainment area - facilities designed to improve and enhance the Museum's future sustainability. The First Floor area will house the 'Submarine and Science' gallery containing seven themed aspects of Submarine-related topics such as oceanography. The extension will allow the creation of a 60m square space for temporary exhibitions. Commander Jeff Tall , the Museum's Director said: “The Heritage Lottery Fund award is marvellous news for our museum and we are very grateful to the Fund for their support. “The thematic submarine shape of our new building will make it a major Harbour landmark alongside the Spinnaker Tower at Gunwharf and will be a major boost not only to Gosport and its waterfront tourism attractions but also to the overall attraction of the Portsmouth Historic Harbour . PRECIOUS “The Fieldhouse building will enable us to properly look after our precious wartime X-craft which tells the story of the outstanding courage of the crews. We will also be adding an essential educational resource for all ages to enjoy through our new Submarine and Science gallery. “The modern submarine is the most complex machine ever built by man and has to face the challenges and the joys of the deep oceans every time it goes to sea. We want our visitors, of all ages, to share the experience and to understand the importance of the sea to Great Britain in particular, and the world's population in general.” Building work will begin in March and The John Fieldhouse Building will open in early 2005 - the national ‘ Sea Britain ' year. The designer of the building is Robert Warren of RWCA, based in Haslemere, Surrey . Robert is a graduate of the University of Portsmouth . Commenting on the award of £1,949,000, Michael Houghton, Heritage Lottery Fund Acting Manager for South East England, said: “The museum's collections are of considerable importance, both nationally and internationally, and we were supportive of the bid because the new building will ensure that a greater proportion of these collections can go on display in a way which will appeal to as broad an audience as possible. "As well as creating a more enjoyable visitor experience, this stunning new building will contribute to the ongoing revitalisation of the Gosport and Portsmouth harbour areas.”
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