This got me thinking recently, people are so quick to down a place, 'there's nothing exciting to do, people are rude, there's nothing magical, the streets are a mess'.
I wonder how many of those people go out of their way to a. be somewhere else or b. make a positive change to the place they live.
If you live in a place than of course from time to time you're going to need to escape the walls and see a change of scenery.
I moved to Gosport ten years ago. I haven't remained in Gosport for all of that decade. In fact for probably only half that time.
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| Photographs by KG |
What I have found here the few times I've moved back, is not a prison in which I can't escape, but a home that has welcomed me back.
Gosport's a smallish harbour town on the south coast of England, it sits between Portsmouth and Southampton and it certainly has it's own character and charm.
Gosport's biggest let down is the people who slate it, the people who make no attempt to preserve it and who use twenty year old statements to back up their opinions.
Well perhaps Gosport isn't your cup of tea, but no ones forcing you to keep buying the same brand of tea are they? What those that can appreciate the town for it's beauty realise, is that Gosport is a place of interest to many historians interested in the military, in the many marinas and old architecture.
Life goes on much the way it has for many years, fairly uninterrupted by the wider world.
It's not just the history, it's the scenery; head to either of Gosport's pebble beaches and you'll find scenic views of the Solent and Isle of Wight. On sunny days there's more than enough places to treat yourself to a tasty ice cream or take a walk along the coast.
Cycle routes and footpaths that take you right from the beach through town and all the way to neighboring towns mean that Gosport is accessible and has provided it's citizens with a free way to keep healthy.
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| Photographs by KG |
What I've found mostly in Gosport is that the people are all friendly, willing to give their time and have a chat.
People have the power to make change happen, people have the ability to change their own perceptions of a place.
With local music festivals, festival theatre shows, arts, crafts fairs and town markets there is quite often something interesting happening in town.
With Portsmouth just a 15 minute ferry trip from the Gosport marina, you can be in the city soaking up the energy in no time at all.
Within an hour you can be in the heart of the new forest, Meon Valley, Sussex downs or well on your way to Brighton and Bournemouth, all offering their own charm and beauty.
If I've learnt anything, it's people that make a place feel like home. You can be in the most spectacular place on the planet but if you haven't got anyone to share it with, it's only going to be half as special.
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| Photographs by KG |
Gosport has some incredible people with such tales to tell. So by all means go out and explore the world, but a wise man once said to me, 'everyone needs somewhere to come back to', that's so true.
I've got to say that for me Gosport is pretty special, the sights are nice but it's my friends, colleagues and characters that make it feel like home.
Maybe I won't live in Gosport forever, but while I do, I'll continue to make the effort to make the town a great place to be. Show a smile, help someone out, throw your litter in a bin, all small actions that if everyone did would have a lasting effect on the town.
If you're visiting Gosport, be sure to check out Fort Brockhurst (complete with moat), check out Stokes Bay, Gosport Marina, the many cafe's and restaurants.
Check out the towns old taverns and live music nights. Alverstoke Village church is beautiful and you can walk the old train track route too.
Come down, make friends and soak up the community spirit of Gosport.
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