Gary Baines

Biography

Gary Baines has always been fascinated with local history and was spurred on by an early memory of his grandfather taking him to Shoreham Fort.  He has been researching Shoreham Fort and the local military heritage since he was 14 and set up the Friends of Shoreham Fort (Charity No 1147869) in 2009.

With his father setting up the Royal Sussex Living History Group and researching the Day Sussex Died, writing the book in 2012, this gave Gary a keen interest in being able to teach through experience rather than just through books and the capability to really bring history to life with a large collection of artifacts and original items ranging from the 1700’s to WWII.

In the 30 plus years that Gary has had an interest he is now regarded as a local historian and with this, has also accumulated a huge archive for local history and a great network of people that share his passion.

Tour the Fort through the Victorian age

Take an exciting tour of Shoreham Fort and find out what role this unique fort played in defending England. Being a prototype fortification Gary will discuss the lessons learned and how the fort was built, manned and its diverse history including connections to the Charge of the Light Brigade, Links with a famous British Actor and even the Edisson Wax cylinder recorder. This tour will also mention the forts at Littlehampton, Newhaven and Fort Nelson in Fareham near Portsmouth.

Activities include:

• How the cannon was used
• The role of the Powder Monkey (This can also include a game)
• Practice Rifle Drill
• Storm the fort
• Did the Victorians have Health and Safety?

A presentation at your location is also available about Shoreham Fort: Past, Present and Future.

WWI Training and Life in the Trenches

Find out through Sergeant Baines, what it was like in the First World War from recruitment to the training given and then to what the experience was like in France. 

Activities can include:

• A tour of the War Memorial Trench at Shoreham Fort (this includes sound effects and dressing with props)
• The men and their kit including the small arms
• How to put on Puttees and keep them on
• WWI Grenade Training
• Practice Rifle Drill
• The use of gas and the protection for our men from it
• Stripping the Vickers Machine Gun (team building experience)
• What happened locally in WWI including the effects of the Battle of the Boars head, the Day Sussex Died.
• Postcards home and why digital age could hinder tomorrow’s history.

WWII in Sussex

With so much happening in the local area in WWII there is a lot on offer using Gary’s knowledge and archive including:

• The Air raid Shelter experience (Sound/Visual experience with bass shakers to feel the bombs land)
• What was happening locally in WWII
• How was Shoreham Fort modified to protect the locals.
• Why was Shoreham a target
• Shoreham’s part in D-Day
• Local views then and now
• Postcards home and why digital age could hinder tomorrow’s history.

If you are interested in a more hands on approach to learning about local history and would like to discuss more then please contact us at enquiries@stepsbackintime.co.uk

Testimonials