A Haunting Memory: One of My First Ghost Hunts; Don Styler’s Gymnasium
When I first moved to the Hampshire area, one of the very first ghost hunts I joined was at Don Styler’s Gymnasium in Gosport. While it wasn’t my most memorable investigation, it was certainly enjoyable, and it left a lasting impression as one of my first experiences as a paranormal investigator.
The building, with its rich and fascinating history, made it an incredible location for a ghost hunt, historic, isolated, in a copse and quiet. Recently, it’s been in the local media, and there’s talk of the site being sold. If that happens, it could be transformed forever, losing the unique character and energy it currently holds, not to mention the home of the Styler family since 1962.
The History of Don Styler’s Gymnasium
The gymnasium sits on a site covering approximately 1.82 acres of isolated woodland off Monks Walk, north of Heritage Way in Elson. Originally built as a military isolation hospital in 1898, it was extended in 1918 and later used as a mortuary during World War II. The site was then leased to the Styler family from 1962 until early 2024, becoming a gym and physical training centre.
Don Styler himself, described as a local legend, was a well-known figure in Gosport. A lifelong bodybuilder and budding artist, he also believed in the paranormal. Don passed away in November 2016 and left behind a legacy not only in the world of bodybuilding but also in psychic art, often sketching spirit guides. This connection to the spiritual world made his gymnasium a compelling place to investigate.
The Paranormal Activity
That night, I had no idea what to expect, being new to the world of paranormal investigations. The gymnasium’s eerie atmosphere was heightened by its isolation in the woodland and its history as a mortuary. As the investigation unfolded, it became clear that the location was brimming with unseen energy.
Pushed by the Unseen
For the first time in my ghost-hunting experiences, I was physically pushed by a spiritual energy. It was the most odd and unsettling sensation, a firm yet invisible nudge that left me momentarily stunned - it continued for what seemed like a long time but could have only have been seconds. There was no one around me who could have done it, and I’ll never forget that strange moment.
Other Activity
We also heard distinct scratching noises, but there was nothing in the area that could logically make those sounds. Later, a faint voice was captured on the EVP recorder, adding another layer of mystery to the evening. Cat balls, those simple but effective tools for detecting energy, lit up unexpectedly. At one point, we felt a cold swoosh of air sweep past us, chilling us to the bone despite the otherwise warm room.
Reflecting on the Experience
With so much history tied to this site, it’s no wonder the energy was so active. From its beginnings as a military isolation hospital to its time as a mortuary during World War II, the building has seen its fair share of intense emotions and events. Add to that Don Styler’s connection to the paranormal, it's location next to the water and human remains, it is then easy to understand why this gymnasium remains a hot spot for paranormal activity.
Thinking back to that night, I’m struck by how much it shaped my early days as a paranormal investigator. While I’ve gone on to complete so many more Ghosthunts, Don Styler’s Gymnasium stands out for its combination of historical intrigue and undeniable energy. It’s a place I’ll always remember, not just for the experiences I had, but for the significance it held as one of my first forays into the paranormal world with it's military connection.
A Future in Question
Sadly, with the site’s uncertain future, we may lose access to this incredible piece of history. If it’s sold and transformed, it’s hard, probably impossible, to say what will become of the energies tied to the building and the site. For now, it’s a stark reminder of why we investigate these places and strive to document the stories and spirits that linger within them.