MV Balmoral is a central part of Bristol’s historic harbourside & we hope that you have personally experienced the range of open days, community & education programmes and varied events we have on board.

We are writing to ask for your help with two urgent and important issues. The deck planking above the dining saloon has deteriorated over time and is allowing water to penetrate below. This leakage is causing damage not only to the vessel’s structural fabric and furnishings within the dining saloon but also to the original fittings of the Saloon further below. To prevent further deterioration, we must repair and renew this section of deck planking as soon as possible.

Additionally, before working in the historic Lower Saloon our volunteers found small areas of asbestos. It’s been professionally identified as the least hazardous form but we’ve still had to close the whole area to the public, preventing use of the saloon for exhibitions, events and education.

We are therefore appealing for donations to support these vital repairs.

We are seeking the initial cost of the asbestos removal which has been quoted by two local professional companies. One of these, Shield Services has very kindly offered a contribution due to their interest in our work and their commitment to heritage charitable causes, by discounting the total cost to us to close to £3,000.

For the deck planks and consumables we are quoted £3,500. Completion work to lay and seal the planks has been offered by our long standing and invaluable member Rob Skuse on a volunteer basis. I’m sure you’ll agree this is an extremely generous offer, typical of the dedication and commitment Rob’s given to our ship over many years. He will be assisted by and will help train some of our stalwart volunteers, who will take forward maintaining the restored deck for the future.

As a special recognition of generosity, for all donations of £200 or more the donor’s name will be inscribed within the Britannia Lounge —a lasting tribute that will become a permanent part of MV Balmoral’s fabric and story.

Every contribution, large or small, will make a real difference. This appeal for £6,500 is key to that journey.

Once the asbestos is removed proper restoration and use of the Lower saloon can begin. And once our deck area above the Dining saloon is watertight we can consider repair and recommission of the Dining Saloon and Galley, allowing use of these areas for community projects and events.

We have developed a comprehensive costed nineteen phase plan which will ultimately lead to our overall aim to restore the ship for regular sailing programmes and do even more with our many local community groups. The total cost of these programmes amounts to some £1.5m for which we are actively pursuing funding from a range of grant funded sources

These first essential repairs form the first steps which will kick start the remaining projects to bring us back to sailing condition: your part to play in this is greatly appreciated.

Thank you for consideration. We do hope that you are able to support us and we are deeply grateful to have you as part of the MV Balmoral community.