Steamship Shieldhall struggles for survival
One of the country's most important historic steam ships is 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.
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.
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 the website http://www.ss-shieldhall.co.uk gives details. It also shows progress towards the target.
Appeal Details:
Donations may be made as follows:
Credit / debit card: visit http://www.justgiving.com/shieldhall or link from the website http://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.
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