Britain's largest sea-going heritage steamship
7 Febuary 2011
One of the country's most important historic steam ships is still struggling for survival. Maritime historians highlighted the plight of the SS Shieldhall last month, amid ongoing concerns that Britain's maritime heritage is in decline.
Budget cuts mean that grants are no longer routinely available to pay for maintenance work on heritage ships and historians say our seafaring nation now risks losing many of its most significant vessels.
Last month, the historic SS Shieldhall, launched an emergency appeal to save her from the scrap yard. Without her essential 'MOT' in May, at an estimated cost of £80,000, the steam ship will be refused a licence to sail, and could be broken up. £20,000 has been raised so far, but the additional £60,000 is now urgently required.
Captain Peter Roberts, Master of the SS Shieldhall, said: “In the current economic climate, there are no longer grants available to help us keep the Shieldhall afloat. Our financial reserves have already been hit by the huge rise in fuel costs and if we lose our licence to sail, then we've already carried our last fare-paying passenger.”
The SS Shieldhall, based at the Port of Southampton, is the largest remaining sea-going steamship in the UK and the last fully operational coastal passenger/cargo steamer in Europe. She's one of a small number of vessels recognised by the UK's ship 'listing' body, known as the National Historic Ships Unit, and was named their 'Flagship' in 2009. As such, she's recognised as being of significant national importance and operates as a heritage attraction. All vessels 'listed' are considered a high priority for preservation, but unlike historic buildings, the UK's heritage ships aren't guaranteed financial support.
By way of comparison, English Heritage is planning to spend over £11million on property maintenance this year and The National Trust recently spent over £166million on routine property running costs, according to the last available figures.
Maritime historians fear that if the money can't be found to get the SS Shieldhall through her May inspection, she will suffer the same fate as the Mersey-based MV Wincham, which was scrapped in April 2009 for want of £60,000 dry-dock costs. In October 2010, the Grimsby paddle steamer, Lincoln Castle, was also broken up after a failed rescue attempt by enthusiasts. A last-minute
appeal has now been launched by the charitable body which runs the ship, The Solent Steam Packet Ltd.
Various fundraising activities are planned and our website www.ss-shieldhall.co.uk gives details. It also shows our progress towards our target. The next event is a Book Sale on board, on the 16th February.
Managing Director of the operations, Graham Mackenzie, said: “We rely solely on revenue from fares and donations for survival. Without emergency funding, the historic SS Shieldhall will lose her passenger certificate and therefore her main source of income. The future prospects could be bleak if the funding is not forthcoming.”
For further information, photographs or to arrange a visit or interview,
Contact:
Managing Director
Graham Mackenzie (Telephone: 07751 603190. E-mail: graham@ss-shieldhall.co.uk)
or
Master Captain Peter Roberts (Telephone: 07879 848594. E-mail: psroberts8@tiscali.co.uk)
Please apply to: Membership Secretary, The Solent Steam Packet Ltd, 15 Foxhayes Lane, Blackfield, Hampshire SO45 1XX or via website www.ss-shieldhall.co.uk
Appeal Details
Donations may be made as follows:
Credit / debit card: visit www.justgiving.com/shieldhall or link from our website www.ss-shieldhall.co.uk or telephone 07751 603 190
Cheques (payable to The Solent Steam Packet Ltd): Shieldhall Dry-dock Appeal, The Solent Steam Packet Ltd, 15 Foxhayes Lane, Blackfield, Hampshire SO45 1XX
Gift Aid: UK Taxpayers please complete a Gift Aid Declaration to enable us to reclaim tax from HMRC. Forms are available from the Appeal address or via the website.
Membership Details
Membership benefits include a quarterly magazine and discounted excursion fares.
Current subscription rates:
Adult (age 18 and over) £15.00 pa
Joint/Family £22.50 pa
Joint OAP £17.50 pa
Spouse/OAP/Student/Junior. £10.00 pa
Life Member (up to age 65) £250.00 single payment
Life Member (age 65 and over) £150.00 single payment
