WAVENSMERE HOMES HOST DE-RIGGING CEREMONY AT BARRELMANS POINT, HMS GANGES
Wavensmere Homes, in partnership with Galliard Homes, held a special ceremony to mark the removal of the ceremonial mast on the former HMS Ganges development, Barrelmans Point.
The ceremony was held on Monday 6th June marking 46 years to the day since the closure of the royal naval training establishment.
In attendance, were key stakeholders of the area including members from Babergh District Council, Shotley Parish Council, trustees of the HMS Ganges Museum and ex-Ganges recruits who trained at the establishment. Members of the Royal Hospital School marching band also played in tribute to the mast along with a bugler.
The Grade II listed ceremonial mast was the heart of the former training establishment where recruits would train and climb the mast on special parade celebrations. The boy who stood at the top of the 143-foot structure was named ‘The Button Boy’ and rewarded with a cake and a coin for his triumph.
James Dickens, Managing Director of Wavensmere Homes, says: “I would like to thank all our guests who attended the mast ceremony at Barrelmans Point. It was a significant event marking 46 years to the day since the last parade took place on 6th June 1976 and the closure of HMS Ganges Training Establishment. The last piece of the grade II listed mast was removed for restoration to return as the heart of Barrelmans Point for generations to enjoy. We appreciate the importance of this asset to ex-Ganges men who trained at this facility and look forward to next steps of the restoration process.”
Babergh District Council leader Cllr John Ward said: “This is a great example of how we can work with a responsible developer to create a new community for the future, whilst still preserving our proud heritage from the past.”
Babergh ward councillor Cllr Derek Davis – who is ex-Royal Navy and a former Ganges boy adds, “While there was a definite tinge of sadness to see the iconic mast come down, it was joyous in its own way as we appreciate this is a tremendous step forward for the future of our mast.
“The progress being made by Wavensmere Homes and Galliard Homes on Barrelmans Point, the former Ganges site, is exciting for us on the stunning Shotley Peninsula as the jewel in Babergh’s crown. I know my residents in Ganges ward can’t wait to see the mast restored and once again taking pride of place in our village.”
The development has broken ground to begin the transformation of Barrelmans Point. A stunning coastal development of nearly 300 homes that sits at the southern end of the Suffolk Coast & Heaths Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
The first phase will offer a total of 81 high specification homes, with options of two, three, four or five bedroom properties.
To express interest visit www.bmpoint.co.uk or call Connells Ipswich on 01473 233966
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