HMS Ganges recruits reunite in Shotley 60 years on

Bernard Harrison, Nigel Guilfoyle, Jeff Fox, David Carter, Mick Hudson, and Jim Creasy reunited at the famous coastal landmark to exchange stories on Saturday, August 24.

HMS Ganges on the Shotley Peninsula saw more than 160,000 recruits pass through until its closure in June 1976.

Bernard Harrison, Nigel Guilfoyle, Jeff Fox, David Carter, Mick Hudson, and Jim Creasy  (Image: Wavensmere Homes)

The group were taken through the redeveloped site, now known as Barrelman's Point, where they saw the famous 142ft mast which they were made to climb, the former Navy buildings and the Grade-II listed swimming pool. 

The recruits had varying degrees of love for climbing the mast. (Image: David Kindred Collection)

Mr Harrison, who has been organising the reunion for 12 months, said: "We were all 15 when we left home to commence our naval training.

"At Ganges, we learnt the basics of seamanship, a solid grounding in our different trades, while also cramming in school lessons in maths, English, navigation and naval history. 

Donna Smith (middle) and David Watson (far right) with the 6 Royal Navy veterans (Image: Wavensmere Homes)

"The swimming and sports training was intensive and being able to step back inside the now Grade II listed swimming pool brought memories flooding back."

In addition to the swimming and diving pool, the veterans also inspected the historic Nelson Hall – a former drill hall – which is set to be restored and redeveloped to create a potential public library facility, meeting hall, and large café space.

The X-country team of Drake Company at HMS Ganges. (Image: Wavensmere Homes)

Barrelman's Point is being developed by Wavensmere Homes and one of the conditions for approval of planning permission being the restoration of the historic mast.

The former Royal Navy servicemen were made to climb the 142ft mast (Image: Wavensmere Homes)

Mr Harrison, who enjoyed a 25 year long career in the Navy, said: “We are all so grateful to the team at Wavensmere Homes for making our dreams come true with this trip down memory lane.

"The six of us are all very motivated to stay fit and healthy, so that we can return in years to come when all the restoration work is complete."

The young recruits on parade. (Image: Wavensmere Homes)

Cleaning was a huge part of the recruits' day. (Image: Wavensmere Homes)

When finished the development at Barrellman's Point will be made up of 303 two-, three-, four-, and five-bedroom houses and will cost over £130m.