I’ve always had a fondness for Portland, and Castletown in particular, because, as a boy and a younger man, I spent a fair bit of my time travelling through it or visiting its pubs and eateries (the Greasy Spoon being a real favourite).
My father ‘Lucky’ worked in the Naval Base after the War, as did my 2 uncles (Tom Pike Junior and Hughie Frampton) and my grandfather old Tom Pike (a rigger and deep sea diver – just like my father). I spent many a day on ‘Naval Base Open Days’ wandering around the facilities, boats and ships with my dad.
My first proper job at the age of 18 was in the Admiralty Underwater Weapons Establishment at Southwell, Portland, but I spent a fair deal of time down at AUWE (North) in the Naval Base.
My first proper job at the age of 18 was in the Admiralty Underwater Weapons Establishment at Southwell, Portland, but I spent a fair deal of time down at AUWE (North) in the Naval Base.
And, as a young man, the row of 5 pubs from the Sailor’s Return to the Jolly Sailor was always an exciting attraction. Full of sailors on shore leave, with plenty of money, who attracted the local girls who in turn attracted the local boys which usually resulted in some form of confrontation for the Naval Shore Patrol to sort out.
So, having an affinity with the area, when the opportunity to buy an old Admiralty Building (the Old Naval Bakehouse) in Castletown presented itself, I decided to establish the head Office of my company there in July 2014.
It was then that I appreciated how run down Castletown had become since the Navy pulled out in the late 90s and I decided that, if I could, I would regenerate this lovely and historically significant part of Portland.
I embarked on my Castletown Regeneration Project and produced a ‘concept’ or ‘strategy’ study, largely for my benefit but also to act as a vehicle to illustrate to others what my mission was.
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