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THE PLIGHT OF HMS ALLIANCE TODAY 

 

Since HMS Alliance was first displayed in 1982 and opened to visitors, parts of her infrastructure have deteriorated dramatically, a deterioration that has proved hard to arrest due to difficulties of access.

 

Lying supported over the sea on concrete cradles next to the Museum quayside, exposure to sea water is causing on-going corrosion to her bow, stern, faring plates and keel.

 

Gaping holes, caused by aggressive rust over the past 25 years, have opened up a habitat for birds, especially pigeons, whose corrosive excrement is rapidly exacerbating the problems of corrosion.

 

Without urgent action, HMS Alliance’s future will be one of ever-accelerating severe decay. Although the pressure hull itself is safe, immediate and essential work is required to halt the corrosion before it is too late.

The Star Attraction Needs Better Interpretation

 

HMS Alliance is one of the most accessible historic submarines in the world, but today’s visitors are not given the best opportunity to understand her fully.

Visitor surveys show that the guided tours led by ex-submariners are appreciated enormously. But exciting parts of the boat are inaccessible to visitors, such as the conning tower and casing, which can be remedied, and artefacts and replicas can create a sense of life on board, to help give visitors a truer experience of the submarine.

 

There’s little provision for children, people with learning difficulties, non-English speakers, and people who can’t go on board. Parts of the interior are worn and need repair. A poor sound system and lack of artefacts inhibits the feeling of a manned vessel, and inside, it’s too hot in summer and too cold in winter.

Alliance is listed in the UK’s historic ship’s register and is the First Sea Lord’s top priority for heritage fundraising. A two and a half year programme costing nearly £7m is planned to start in mid 2011 to restore her and bring her up to date for a 21st century visitor audience.

Prince William is the Royal Patron of the Alliance Appeal, chaired by Vice Admiral Sir Tim McClement.

So please dig deep and donate now.