In late December 2016 the HMS Trincomalee Trust has taken a significant step forward in securing the ship’s long-term future, with the appointment of an experienced fundraising manager.
Helen Loynes is to co-ordinate the Trust’s appeal, which aims to raise £1million to preserve the world’s oldest warship still afloat at Jackson Dock, within the National Museum of the Royal Navy, in Hartlepool.
The Trust’s fundraising efforts will go towards large, essential maintenance works, including the re-rigging and re-decking of the ship that will allow it to remain an integral part of Hartlepool’s leisure and tourism economy for future generations.
Helen’s appointment coincides with the Trust’s bicentenary celebration of HMS Trincomalee in 2017.
Helen, 33, possesses a wealth of experience working with charities, including Help for Heroes, as well as leading projects within the BBC and Hartlepool Borough Council.
Helen said: “I know the people of Hartlepool and the National Museum of the Royal Navy are incredibly proud to have the HMS Trincomlaee docked within the museum, but we must raise funds to make sure the ship continues to thrive over the next 200 years and that we leave a lasting legacy.
“Part of my role will be to make sure that we work with the local community and businesses, as well as major donors, to raise money that will go towards maintaining the Ship, so that the region and its future generations can continue to enjoy HMS Trincomalee and its worldwide history.”
The HMS Trincomalee Trust forms part of the National Museum of the Royal Navy family. As an independent fundraising entity, the HMS Trincomalee Trust is responsible for the conservation and maintenance of the ship and depends entirely on income from grants and donations.
Commodore Paul Sutermeister, Chairman of the Bicentenary Committee, said: “Next year marks HMS Trincomalee’s bicentenary celebration and an anniversary of international importance, given her rich history as the world’s oldest British Warship still afloat. Ensuring that she is preserved for future generations is of the utmost importance and utilising Helen’s vast experience will help to support and drive forward the Trustees’ ambitions for HMS Trincomalee.
“It’s crucial that we are able to secure a sustainable funding pot, given HMS Trincomalee’s maintenance and conservation costs, and Helen is the best fit for the role and I am looking forward to working with her as we prepare to celebrate the Ship’s bicentenary.”
Launched in 1817, the HMS Trincomalee has sailed waters the world over and served as an active warship protecting British interests in the Pacific, Atlantic and Caribbean before going into semi-retirement as a training ship, renamed Foudroyant, finally ending up in Hartlepool where it was restored to its former glory.
