When HMS Ganges lowered the ensign for the last time on October 28 1976, it marked a sad day for the whole of the Shotley peninsula and beyond.
The world renowned training establishment made a lasting impression on thousands of young sailors who went from boys to men as they went on to serve in the Royal Navy.
Behind the tough discipline, unique training and well-drilled organisation lay an army of dedicated civilian staff that ensured the day to day running of this huge establishment ran smoothly.
As a way of marking the contribution made by the villagers of Shotley and further afield, HMS Ganges Museum, is holding a two day festival of memories to mark the 40th anniversary of ganges closing and the effect it had on the area.
If you have any memories you would like to share about working at HMS Ganges, we would love to hear from you. Photos, stories anything related to Ganges by civislians, either yourselves or relatives, will be dispalyed at Shotley Village Hall on Friday 28 and a 70s style bop will be held in the evening. The museum will be open and lots of other events are being planned and organised to mark the occasion.
All welcome.
Please contact either Roger Cushing 787238 or send your memories to rogercushing5202@btinternet.com or contact Derek Davis 787375 for more details