“Albray House”
of St John Ambulance, Gosport
Charles George Richard Albray, better known to everyone in gosport as George, was born on 4th February 1918. He was the son of Charles Richard Albray and Ellen Agnes née Davis, who had been married on 29th January 1916 at St Mary’s, Alverstoke, in the presence of Harold Thomas Decation Baker and Joseph Henry Davis. He was baptised at the same church on 24th February 1918. At the time of his baptism, the family were living at 35 Lavinia Road, Gosport.
By the time the 1921 Census was taken on the night of 19th June, the family had moved to 13 Reed’s Place, Forton (RG15 Piece 05336 Schedule 121). George is said to be three years and four months old, and his father is recorded as an “Ironmongers Labourer,” with F. Vaux Ltd at Forton Road.
When the 1939 Register was taken on 29th September, George was still living at home with his parents, this time at 37 Vernon Road in Gosport (RG101 Piece 2344/003). His occupation is recorded as a “Carpenter & Joiner,” while his father is now an “Ironmongery Manager.”
George joined St John Ambulance during the 1940’s, and by the end of that decade had become a Cadet Officer. He later took on the responsibility of organising the annual county Cadet Sports, and was in attendance at the Queen’s coronation. He was a very active and highly respected St John Ambulance member, and upon his death in late 1981, it was decided he should be remembered, and a plaque was placed on the wall in the Divisional Headquarters, which at that time was located in Forton Road, Gosport.
Some years later when the Division moved to a former doctor’s surgery at 149 Stoke Road (seen above), it was considered fitting for it to be named “Albray House” in his memory. The following article appeared in the 12th October 1995 issue of The News, and was written by Maggie Beddoes:
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Soccer star to open new HQ
St John Ambulance plays host to Darren Anderton.
Football fans can get a close-up of England and Tottenham winger Darren Anderton when he visits Gosport this month.
The former Pompey player has agreed to officially open Gosport’s new St John Ambulance headquarters. The 100,000 Albray Centre in Stoke Road has replaced the charity’s building in Forton Road.
Branch president Malcolm Dent said he was delighted the winger had agreed to do the honours at 4pm on October 26.
Mr Dent said: “I know him through my video-making company. He seemed appropriate because he’s virtually grown up seeing St John Ambulance volunteers at every game. “We’re combining his visit with an open house for visitors from 4pm to 5.30pm. People will be able to buy Darren’s autograph to help raise funds for the centre. “We are still 8,000 short of our cost so everything helps. We felt that by opening the centre we could show people our smart new hall and rooms available for hiring. “And of course we can show what we do and what opportunities exist for new members.”
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The following article appeared in the 27th October 1995 issue of The News, and was written by Steve Bone:
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Darren Anderton signs autographs in the new St John ambulance HQ, Gosport
FOOTBALL First aid complex launched by soccer star
Player opens new St John base
Injured footballer Darren Anderton was an appropriate choice to open a new first aid complex at Gosport. The Spurs, England and ex-Pompey star was guest of honour at the opening of the new St John Ambulance headquarters in Stoke Road.
He was surrounded by autograph hunters, including many Spurs and Pompey-supporting youngsters, from the moment he arrived to cut the ribbon at the converted former doctor’s surgery.
Anderton - currently out of the Spurs team with a groin injury - said he was impressed with the new St John base, which has cost the group 100,000.
“I’m pleased to support such a good cause, particularly in this area as I’ve such strong links here,” he said.
He was recruited for the function, for which he was joined by Gosport Mayor Councillor Marjorie Bailey, by Gosport St John president Malcolm Dent, who is a friend.
Mr Dent said members were delighted with their new home, which they moved to because their former base in Forton Road was becoming dilapidated.
He said another 10,000 had to be raised but everyone – including their new neighbours, Co-operative Funeral Directors and Gamblin’s Chemist – had given generous donations. “We’re extremely grateful for all the financial support we have received from local people,” he said.
Cllr Bailey, who is raising money for the branch through her mayoral appeal, said: “It’s nice to see them attracting young members who are learning vital first aid.”
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References
The news items are Copyright, and appear by kind permission of The News, portsmouth.
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