Shotley Ganges Mast Restoration
- 26/11/2026
Details
Re-installed in 2003, the HMS Ganges mast at Shotley is a well-known landmark to anyone who sails or walks along the river Orwell.
Discover the colourful history and origins of the mast and learn about the Heritage Marine Foundation's restoration of this Grade II listed structure, including how many of its original components were retained and reused, and which had to be replaced.
The mast is on the site of the Royal Navy shore establishment HMS Ganges. It was formerly used for mast climbing practice when the site was a training centre for boy seamen. Every boy at the school had to climb part-way up the mast to qualify. On ceremonial occasions the mast would be manned by a team of boys standing on various parts with the one who stood at the very top known as a “button boy”. Ganges closed in 1976 and the mast fell into disuse. The mast was restored in 2022-2023 as part of the redevelopment of the Ganges for housing.
Date: Thursday 26 November 2026
Time: Doors open at 11:00, talk starts at 11:30, lunch at 13:00. Please note, the chef prepares a 50/50 of dishes, you will be offered a choice on arrival; if a dish is particularly popular, later arrivals may no longer have a choice.
Venue: Royal Harwich Yacht Club, Woolverstone, Ipswich, IP9 1AT; Lat and Long: N52⁰ 0.34’ E001⁰ 11.8’; National Grid Reference: TM 1952 3896; What.Three.Words: ///lion.jumpy.chuckling.
Free car parking at the Club.
Download directions to the Club here.
Open to: Members of the CA, CS and RHYC and to non-members.
Guests: Members are encouraged to bring one guest each at the members' rate, just book your guest as an additional member when booking your place.
Non-Members: Additional guests of members, and also non-members, are welcome to attend at the non-member's rate.
If you find any difficulty with booking online please call the RH Club Office on 01473 780319 to make a telephone booking. Office hours normally Monday to Friday 09:00 to 16:00.
Talk Organiser: Tim Daley
Contact: Catriona Essenhigh, Suffolk@theca.org.uk
