Pioneer Sailing Trust has received initial support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund for the Growing Heritage Training and Restoration project.
Over five years a partnership between Pioneer Sailing Trust and Vanguard Restoration Foundation will restore two iconic historic vessels, attain maximum benefit for community audiences and deliver a sustainable business model for their long-term operation. The Vanguard Restoration Foundation was established in 2019 to restore the historic vessel Vanguard for the benefit of the public. It was founded by community members and has widely engaged with the community, developing strong partnerships and ambition for the vessel.
Over 20 years, the Trust has successfully delivered multiple heritage boat restorations, together with successful sustainable operational models. Their programme portfolio includes skills training, apprenticeships, sail training and community engagement that reach a wide and diverse audience. Through further partnerships, they aim to reach and connect with more people in the community, from the disadvantaged to the elderly, to make a lasting positive difference to their lives.
The National Lottery Heritage Fund grant applications over £250,000 are assessed in two rounds. The Growing Heritage and Restoration Project has initially been granted round one development funding of £61,000 by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, allowing it to progress with its plans. Detailed proposals are then considered by The National Lottery Heritage Fund at a second round, where a final decision is made on the full funding award of £1,872,100.
Felicity Lees said: “We are 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”.
