Pioneer Sailing Trust has received initial support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund for the Growing Heritage Training and Restoration project, made possible by National Lottery players.
Over five years a partnership between Pioneer Sailing Trust and Vanguard Restoration Foundation will restore two iconic historic vessels, reach and attain maximum benefit for community audiences and deliver a sustainable business model for their long term operation.
The project aims to improve wellbeing, health and mental health within the community, equip trainees with new skills, increase capacity to restore and maintain heritage and other vessels, and build community engagement with national heritage.
Development funding of £61,300 has been awarded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund to help Pioneer Sailing Trust progress their plans to apply for a full National Lottery grant at a later date.
The Pioneer Sailing Trust is widely recognised for its leadership within the heritage sector including the restoration of historic vessels, and over 20 years delivering programmes that leverage maritime and heritage to engage and benefit communities. The programme portfolio includes skills training, apprenticeships, Sail Training, and community engagement that reach a wide and diverse audience.
Pioneer Sailing Trust has partnered with the Vanguard Restoration Foundation for this project to restore the historic vessel Vanguard for the benefit of the public.
The Growing Heritage and Restoration Project has initially been granted round one development funding of £61,000 allowing it to progress with its plans. Detailed proposals are then considered by The National Lottery Heritage Fund at second round, where a final decision is made on the full funding award of £1,872,100.
Felicity Lees from Pioneer Sailing Trust said, “We’re so excited to receive the support thanks to National Lottery Players. The grant will allow us to put our plans into action and create more opportunity for people to connect with their heritage, through training pathways and getting on the water. Not only will the physical history be preserved for generations, but the re- telling of the special maritime history that these boats were involved not be forgotten”.
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