Invitations for Dedication Ceremony
Invitations, pamphlets and guidance notes have now been despatched for the Dedication of the Vernon Mine Warfare & Diving Monument at Gunwharf Quays on 15 July 2022. This was achieved by the ESU (Envelope Stuffing Unit) at Project Manager David Sandiford’s house on 30 May. Thanks go to Geoff Goodwin, Colin Welborn, Martyn and Anne Holloway, George Turnbull, John Ling, Ralph Mavin, Scouse Kidman, Rob Hoole, and Jess Owen. Thanks also to Anne Holloway and Linda Hoole for the baking, Colin Welborn for the doughnuts, and Pauline Sandiford for the drinks and butties. Thank heaven they were all low calorie. Many of the envelopes were hand-delivered in the Portsmouth area by volunteers. The rest were posted via Royal Mail.
For those still to plan journeys and book accommodation you should be aware that Gunwharf Quays will be open from 0800. Some of the coffee houses open at 0800 but we understand that some of the others that don't normally open till later are likely to open earlier on the day of our event just for YOU. We suggest you aim for 0900 -0930 arrival which will give you time to get parked, validate your discounted parking, find your bearings, have tea, coffee or even breakfast and then find your area for the ceremony. The invitations will say 1000 arrival but that is when you should be in place meeting up with lots of old friends.
Please note there will be a maximum of two people on each invitation so couples will just have the one invitation. If you are a larger party you will get more than one.
Lighting
The pool where the monument resides was emptied at the end of May and this provided the opportunity to touch up the monument’s supporting plinth with camouflage anti-fouling paint and install the initial lighting system. It is necessarily ‘subdued’ in deference to the residents of the overlooking apartments and complies with stringent health & safety requirements. It is not yet perfect but will be tweaked when the pool is next emptied for maintenance in six months time. Photo courtesy of Gareth Hoole.
Visitors Book
A Visitors' Book will be placed into the safe-keeping of the Old Customs House and be available for people to sign after seeing the Vernon Minewarfare & Diving Monument.
