We are very pleased to announce that, thanks to National Lottery players, we have been awarded a grant of £248,318 from the National Lottery Heritage Fund. This is for a project entitled “MV Balmoral for Bristol and Beyond” and is a tribute to all the hard work in put in by our volunteers, partners and trustees over the period since the ship last sailed in keeping the ship well-maintained, alive and a welcoming and visible well-used asset to Bristol and its harbour.

The grant covers funding for staff and events that will allow us to increase Balmoral’s use for inspiring education and in reaching less advantaged communities. We are pleased to have been nominated as headquarters vessel for the Bristol Harbour Festival from 19th to 21st July where many young people will take part in making and racing cardboard boats as well as enjoying all the other activities that are put on in the harbour.

A major part of the grant will be used to dry-dock the ship in order to check, repair and repaint the hull and the through-hull valves etc., ensuring the integrity of the ship for at least another 5 years. as we are in dry dock we would like to get some extra work done which will bring us that bit closer to sailing again. these extra works we need to raise some more funds for can you help?