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Charles George Richard Albray, better known to everyone in gosport as George, joined St John Ambulance during the 1940s, and by the end of that decade had become a Cadet Officer, later taking 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 October 1981 it was decided his name should be remembered, and a plaque was placed on the wall in the Divisional Headquarters, which at that time was situated in Forton Road, Gosport. When the division moved to the current headquarters in Stoke Road, pictured above, it was considered fitting that it should be named Albray House.
Please Note: The following articles are copyright, and appear by kind permission of The News, portsmouth.
This article appeared in The News, in the issue dated October 12, 1995, and was written by MAGGIE BEDDOES.
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."
This article appeared in The News, in the issue dated October 27, 1995, and was written by Steve Bone.
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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