Guess the Place

[John Walker]

Thank you Shoot999.  A very interesting GTP.  There must be some great memories for you having been part of it before it moved to the on-land establishment.  I found the following YouTube film about the HMS Worcester.







Next one up soon.

[shoot999]

Well, I think the place might be Ingress Abbey, Greenhithe .  I looked at it early on in this GTP but couldn't find a fit so I ignored it.  Revisited this evening with further searches.

Possibly the HMS Worcester, Thames Nautical Training College or Merchant Navy College?

You have it John. The Merchant Navy College, and before that the Thames Nautical Training College. Greenhithe. Or as known by most 'HMS Worcester.' 
I was there during the change from the ship to the site ashore. Did night classes on the ship in the mess hall, and then for a term at the college ashore.  I was in the first intake to use the accommodation block which was state of the art at the time. I was studying at the time for Home Trade Mate. The college catered for all those studying for the Officer grades across Deck, Eng, Elec and Comms.
Even at that time, and before it was even completed, the writing was on the wall that time had moved on. The ships bridge was never completed and the planetarium remained  an empty room.
 

[John Walker]

Well, I think the place might be Ingress Abbey, Greenhithe .  I looked at it early on in this GTP but couldn't find a fit so I ignored it.  Revisited this evening with further searches.

Possibly the HMS Worcester, Thames Nautical Training College or Merchant Navy College?

[shoot999]

The Royal Navy College Greenwich?

Much to far west, but oh so close to naming it.

[Beachbum]

The Royal Navy College Greenwich?

[shoot999]

A little bit further west John.


So a maritime educational establishment that was active from 68 to 99, although it was in existence at the same location for over 100 years before that under a different name. An Abbey in the grounds that is now a private dwelling surrounded by a housing estate.
One of the older facilities, no longer needed, was moved on and is now considered a 'National Monument.'
The new build was officially opened by Prince Philip in 1976.


 

[John Walker]

HMS Gordon, Gravesend ?

[shoot999]

Coastguard?

Not Coastguard. JohnWalker has been the closest with National Sea Training College. Both in the subject matter taught and location.

[johnfilmer]

Coastguard?

[shoot999]

Anything to do with Thames Lightermen Training ?

No John. Most who went to this establishment ended up with a little more gold braid.

[John Walker]

Anything to do with Thames Lightermen Training ?

[shoot999]

Very close John.



Whilst this establishment  was formed in 1968, it had operated under a different name for a 100 years before that in the same location.

Part of the pre 1968 set up is now a National Monument.

The new complex was officially opened in 1976 by HRH The Prince Philip.


Now part of a wider housing estate.

[John Walker]

The former NSTC and Sea School, Gravesend ?

[shoot999]

Two ideas:

• Some sort of Merchant Marine training establishment.
• fire service.

but I've no idea where.

Your first idea is right MartinR.


Given the above that should narrow down the search areas. Although all that remains today is a plaque, a mosaic and the Abbey, which is now a private house.


The site was opened for business in 1968, with the complex not built to mid 70s.

[MartinR]

Two ideas:

• Some sort of Merchant Marine training establishment.
• fire service.

but I've no idea where.