The doors are being opened for visitors to get the first glimpse of a new £4.5m remembrance exhibition during the HMS Community Day atthe National Museum of the Royal NavyPortsmouth situated in Portsmouth Historic Dockyard on Saturday 18 May between 1 – 4pm. During this event visitors will be able to see up close artefacts, archives and photographs that will go on display in the new exhibition HMS – Hear My Story, which is due to open Spring 2014.

Vicky Ingles, Collections Manager at the National Museum of the Royal Navy Portsmouth said,“It is an exciting time for the Museum. After working for months on the HMS project, it is really great to see the development taking shape. This is a fantastic opportunity for visitors to get close and handle some the artefacts before they go into their display cases for the HMS exhibition.”

Entrance to the HMS Community Day is free. Other activities on offer include the opportunity to find outhow to research family members who were in the Royal Navy and take part in family naval inspired activities such as knot making.

HMS – Hear My Story is a new exhibition that will tell the undiscovered stories from the ordinary men, women and ships which have made the Navy‘s amazing history over the last 100 years.  HMS is also an exhibition where local people are invited to take part by sharing precious personal memories about their experiences of the Royal Navy. 

The National Museum of the Royal Navy Portsmouth situated in Portsmouth Historic Dockyard remains open to visitors during the construction of HMS.  For more information about the HMS Community Day,  the HMS project and how to share a story contact 02392 727594 or visit www.nmrn.org.uk/hms.

Cry, “God for Harry, England, and Saint George!”

Portsmouth Historic Dockyard is thrilled to welcome back Collingwood RSC, part of the Royal Navy Theatre Association (RNTA), as they will once again perform open air Shakespeare in the exceptional surroundings of the world famous HMS Victory, with the epic Henry V on 17th – 20th July.

Imagine being part of the crew of HMS Victory before sailing to Cape Trafalgar in 1805, pulling into port, just for a while, to give the crew and the local inhabitants a taste of what it is to fight and feel pride for the British cause. In this time of war with the French and Spanish they mean to raise the blood and morale by putting on the famous Shakespearian Play “Henry V”, where the British facing incredible odds see victory against a superior force.  Audiences will see the character of “Chorus” take them on a journey, showing King Henry raising his banner on French soil, marshalling his troops and searching his soul before the battle that will either see him King of England and France, or, with all his men, dead on a battlefield.

Last year’s production of Much Ado About Nothing received critical acclaim at the Southern Daily Echo Awards for the roles of Best Supporting Actor, Best Supporting Actress and a nomination for Best Director.

This year’s production of Henry V, directed by Chris Blatch Gainey and produced by Stephen Johns, promises to be an amazing spectacle, as part of the Royal Shakespeare Company’s Open Stages programme.

Lincoln Clarke, Chief Executive ofPortsmouth Historic Dockyard, said“I’m delighted the RNTA are taking on such an ambitious project here at the Dockyard. As an open air production, the staging and backdrop of HMS Victory promises to bring something unique to Shakespeare’s historical play.”

Part of the Royal Navy Theatre Association, Collingwood RSC (Random Salad Company), of HMS Collingwood in Fareham, has existed since the establishment was built in 1939, and is one of the longest running companies in the country. The Company draws from all Armed Forces, MOD and local community. Each Spring they enter the Royal Navy Drama Festival and compete against clubs throughout the Royal Naval community. This ensures the company produces fresh ideas and new challenges; even a world premiere of a Sir Terry Pratchett play. Through the RSC Open Stages Project 2012 with the RNTA they performed Much Ado About Nothing at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard and The Dell in Stratford. For Christmas they present their PANTO!, which has become a favourite for the local community. The Company provides opportunities to experience professional theatre standard in a relaxed amateur environment, with many gaining experience to further careers on stage and screen.

Vice Admiral David Steel, Second Sea Lord and President of the Royal Navy Theatre Association, said “This will be a very exciting production. “Much Ado About Nothing” last year was excellent, and I very much look forward to what I am sure will be another marvellous evening’s entertainment alongside Victory.”

Visit www.historicdockyard.co.uk/henryv for full details.

Listings

Performance                     Henry V

Venue                                  Portsmouth Historic Dockyard (Victory Arena)

Victory Gate, HM Naval Base, Portsmouth PO1 3LJ

Dates & Times                  Wednesday 17th – Saturday 20th July at 7.30pm (Gates open at 6.30pm)

Running Time                    Approx 2.5 hours including interval

Tickets                                  £12 (Concs £10), parking available in Portsmouth Historic Dockyard Car Park (follow the brown tourist signs for Historic Dockyard) from 6pm – 11pm. Small charge applies.

Box Office                           0844 880 5406  (£1.50 booking fee over the phone)

Online: www.historicdockyard.co.uk/henryv

In person at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, Visitor Centre, Victory Gate, HM Naval Base, Portsmouth, PO1 3LJ

                                                Please visit the website for full Terms and Conditions.

Any tickets not sold in advance will be available on the night.

Additional Info                 Folding seats are provided, but are not allocated so are on a first come first served basis regarding position/location.

There will be a bar, but you can bring your own picnic.

Visitors to Portsmouth Historic Dockyard this half term are invited to take part in family activities from Saturday 25 May – Sunday 2 June, giving everyone the perfect opportunity to get involved during a week that also celebrates the opening of the Mary Rose Museum.

You can enjoy all the free activities at the Historic Dockyard for a whole year when you purchase an all attraction site ticket including entry to The Mary Rose Museum, HMS Warrior 1860, HMS Victory, National Museum of the Royal Navy, Action Stations and Harbour Tours. You can also choose a single ticket for the attraction of your choice.

Activities will have them testing their paddle power, enjoying spooky stories and letting their imagination run wild, discovering witches and pirates along the way.

The Mary Rose Museum will be opening on the 31 May, offering visitors of all ages the chance to step back in time and discover the secrets of the ship. You must book a time slot to gain entry to the museum. This can be booked when you purchase your tickets online, or at the Visitor Centre. Timeslots are available on a first come first served basis and cannot be guaranteed.

Visitors to HMS Warrior 1860 can test their paddle power by making their very own paddlewheel boat and race from England to America with prizes to be won. A dedicated family area can also be found where visitors can bring their young sailors for costumed role play, toys, games and colouring sheets and a family trail that will help them to find out about the men who lived and worked on board the ship.

Tales of superstitious sailors will provide inspiration at the National Museum of the Royal Navy. Stories of flying ships, pirates and sea monsters will be the theme where visitors can use their imagination to create weird and wonderful creatures to take home.

This year''s programme coincides with National Family Week, an annual celebration of family life aiming to highlight the importance of quality time together and promote the benefits of a healthy, active lifestyle. The initiative runs from Monday 27 May – Sunday 2 June and the Historic Dockyard’s attractions are in full support.

For further ticketing information visit www.historicdockyard.co.uk/tickets

Listings

Daily: (25 May – 2 June)

10am – 4.30pm

Family Activity Area

on board HMS Warrior 1860

Once the lower deck mess and schoolroom for Warrior’s officers, Warrior’s Gun Room is now somewhere you can bring your young ‘sailors’ for R&R, including costumed role play, games, colouring and quiz sheets.

FREE with a valid ticket to Portsmouth Historic Dockyard

Tuesday 28 May

11am – 4.30pm

on board HMS Warrior 1860

Learn how to create decorative objects using nothing more than the art of knotting.  

FREE with a valid ticket to Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, all ages welcome

Tuesday 28 & Wednesday 29 May

11am, 12noon, 2pm & 3pm

Victorian Storytelling

on board HMS Warrior 1860

Come and enjoy the interactive and spooky storytelling of the story of “Dan & the Ship of Bones”: a timber shivering adventure!

FREE with a valid ticket to Portsmouth Historic Dockyard

Tuesday 28 May – Thursday 30 May

11am, 11:45am, 12:30pm, 2pm, 2.45pm, 3.30pm

on board HMS Warrior 1860

Make and test your own paddlewheel boat and race from England to America.  The fastest crossing of the Atlantic wins a prize! Each session is 30 minutes.

FREE with a valid ticket to Portsmouth Historic Dockyard.  Limited places workshop for children aged 7 11 years

Wednesday 29 May

11am 1pm& 2pm 4pm

at the National Museum of the Royal Navy

Meet Tiggy the Jack Russell our Family mascot and find out about her role on board a ship. Then make your own animal mask to take home.

Free, drop in, no ticket required, all ages welcome.

Thursday 30 May

11am – 1pm & 2pm 4pm

on board HMS Victory

Find out more about the superstitious sailors who sailed the seas with tales of flying ships, mermaids, witches and sea monsters. Create your very own sea monster or mermaid to take home with you.

FREE with a valid ticket to Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, all ages welcome

Saturday 1 & Sunday 2 June

10am 4pm

'Come Aboard’ on HMS Edinburgh

berthed at South Railway Jetty

The public will have a final chance to step on board a Type 42 destroyer as HMS Edinburgh opens to visitors.

Free, drop in, no ticket required, all ages welcome.

Please note: All bags may be liable to a search on entry and access for wheelchairs and pushchairs may be limited. Ships opening are subject to operational requirements and may be withdrawn at any time. Entry is on a first come, first served queue system.

The bell of a First World War German battleship that has been housed in a Portsmouth museum for 80 years was returned to the German Navy in a ceremony onboard a German Naval ship in Portsmouth Naval Base – on the 91st anniversary of the Battle of Jutland.

The bell is from SMS Oldenburg, a Helgoland battleship that was launched in 1910.  She had twelve 12 inch guns, a displacement of 25,000 tons and a crew of 1,069.  She fought at the Battle of Jutland in 1916, where she took one hit which killed 8 men.  She was scrapped after the war and in 1927 the bell was presented to the Royal Naval Museum, now part of Portsmouth Historic Dockyard.

The return of the bell also coincides with the launch of a new Oldenburg, a German Navy corvette, in June 2007.  The bell will be displayed at the German Naval Museum in Wilhelmshaven.

A special ceremony took place on the flight deck of the 20,000 ton German auxiliary vessel Berlin.  The Berlinis visiting the UK to take part in operational training with the Royal Navy.

Taking part in the ceremony, watched by sailors from both Navies, were

Commander Hans Gunter Struck, Commanding Officer of the Berlin

Captain Iain Greenlees, Captain of the Base, Portsmouth Naval Base

Dr Colin White, Director, Royal Naval Museum

Captain Uwe Horvorka, German Naval Attaché

Commander Eddie Grenfell RN (retd)

Dr Colin White, who presented the bell on behalf of the Museum, said, ‘When the request came for the bell to be returned to Germany, the Museum staff and Trustees were happy that it should return home as a symbol of reconciliation and of the friendship that now exists between our two nations – and above all, between our two navies’.

The oldest Royal Navy veteran and member of the WW1 Royal Naval Air Service(RNAS) Mr Henry Allingham is to celebrate his 111th birthday on board HMS Victory at Portsmouth on Wednesday, June 6.

Mr Allingham was present at the Battle of Jutland in 1916 and became a founder member of the Royal Air Force when it was formed from the RNAS and the Army’s Royal Flying Corps in 1918.

It is planned that at HMS Victory Mr Allingham will be serenaded by a Royal Marines Band before witnessing a flypast by aircraft of the Royal Navy’s Historic Flight as well as by current aircraft of the RAF.

HMS Victory is the flagship of Vice Admiral Adrian Johns, Commander in Chief Naval Home Command and Second Sea Lord, and Mr Allingham will join the admiral and a small number of friends and guests – including MOD Veterans’ Minister Mr Derek Twigg for lunch in the ship’s Great Cabin.

Mr Allingham was born in 1896, seven years before the Wright Brothers flew their flimsy aircraft at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. And another historical quirk is that Mr Allingham’s lifetime so far is twenty years longer than the time span between his date of birth and Vice Admiral Nelson’s last meal in the Great Cabin of HMS Victory before the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805.

The Mary Rose Trust will be celebrating the 25th anniversary of the raising of the Mary Rose in July and the day will include a memorial service, tour on foot and a tour on water, commemorating the story of the Mary Rose’s final moments before sinking off Portsmouth in 1545.

The commemorations will begin with a poignant memorial service taking place at St Thomas's Cathedral, Old Portsmouth on 15th July 2007from 11.00am 12.15pm.  The Purbrook Archers will be holding a vigil in costume over the grave stone of one of the sailors from the Mary Rose during the service. No ticket is required.

Following the service there will be a walking tour departing from St Thomas's Cathedral. Battlefield Tour by Foot will be a themed walk around Henry VIII’s Portsea to see scenes of the sinking of the Mary Rose, including a tour of Southsea Castle where there will be an archery display by the Purbrook Archers. Tickets cost £10.00 person.

A rare opportunity to view the wreck site up close is also available in a Battlefield Tour by Sea on Tuesday 19th July from 5.00pm – 7.15pm. This boat cruise will be leaving from a jetty at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, visiting the sights of the Battle of the Solent.  There will be a commentary about the 1545 battle as the boat sails out to the wreck site.  A wreath will then be laid on the site to commemorate the sinking, followed by the Purbrook Archers firing arrows. In addition, a new book, ‘The Warship Mary Rose’ will be launched and the author David Childs will be signing copies.

Cost of the ticket for the boat cruise includes a glass of wine to toast the site, there is also a bar available on board to purchase drinks. Tickets cost £15.00 per person and all proceeds to this and the Battlefield Tour by Foot go to The Mary Rose Trust. 

Participants to these events will have the opportunity to enter a draw for a full size colour tinted reproduction of the panoramic Cowdray engraving depicting the scene of the sinking in 1545.

Tickets for both tours are available from The Mary Rose Trust direct. To book telephone 023 9275 0521.

In the year of the 200th anniversary of the Abolition of the Transatlantic Slave Trade,  African Legacy Weekend highlights the cultural legacy of Africa.

The event takes place on Saturday 14 Sunday 15 July 10.00am 4.30pm. The rich and diverse cultural legacy of Africa will be represented with music, food, art and dance outside HMS Victory. The event will include free entry to a special exhibition at the Royal Naval Museum. "Chasing Freedom: The Royal Navy and the Suppression of the Atlantic Slave Trade (1807 2007) highlights thekey role played by the Royal Navy’s West Africa Squadron in helping to combat slavery free with a valid museum ticket or event ticket.

The weekend will include lively and authentic traditional African and Caribbean dance, drum and song performances from Nzinga Dance who will bring the history, culture and legends of Africa to life with a mass dance workshop to finish.  

There will be a street performance of HMS Black Joke. The production will be rumbustious, energetic and fun with giant puppets, a replica slave ship and lots of water. The African Women’s Forum singers will begin the performance with songs relating to the slave trade and freedom. 

Other highlights include:

• Colourful African farm animals made from recycled materials.
• African activity area includes dressing up. 

Tickets to the event are priced at adult £4, senior/child £3, family, £14 (up to 5 members of the same family, maximum 2 adults/seniors) and include entry to the Royal Naval Museum. However, the event is free with a single attraction or all inclusive ticket. All inclusive tickets give entry to HMS Victory, HMS Warrior 1860, Mary Rose Museum and Ship Hall, Royal Naval Museum, Action Stations and Harbour Tours. All inclusive tickets are priced at adult £16.50, senior £14, child £12 and family £48.

Staff from the Mary Rose Trust have completed their detailed work on a bid to the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) for a major grant of £21 million to complete the conservation of the ship and her contents, and to build a new museum to house them.  The application was delivered to the HLF at the end of June.

The bid is the result of a huge amount of work which went back to the basics of why the Mary Rose is so significant and what it is the Trust must do to display the ship and its collection to the full advantage of the public.

Since the disappointing news a year ago that their earlier bid did not fully satisfy the HLF Trustees, the Mary Rose team have heeded all the constructive advice they have received from the HLF and have considerably improved the planned exhibition and enlarged the learning facilities that will be at the heart of the Trust’s activities. The vision has been refined and is now: ‘To create a sensational and sustainable museum in which the Mary Rose and her artefacts tell their unique stories’.  The Trust firmly believes that the resulting plans are exceptionally exciting.

The design of the museum building, to be built over the dry dock in which the ship sits, remains largely the same as before, but the concept for interpretation of the exhibition has changed considerably. 

The display will be based on the moment in time just before the ship sank in 1545.  This unique time capsule will show some 14,000 stunning objects close to the position where they were found in the ship.  They will be displayed to tell the stories of the individuals who owned them; the admiral, the sailor, the cook, the pilot, the barber surgeon, the archer, the carpenter.  Their personal and professional belongings will be brought together for the first time for us to understand how they lived and worked onboard.  As the eminent Tudor historian, Dr David Starkey recently said: “The Mary Rose is the English Pompeii, preserved by water not fire.  All Tudor life is there; it is like stepping inside a Holbein painting”.

The new museum is at the forefront of the plans to improve Portsmouth Historic Dockyard (PHD) as a large visitor attraction. The Historic Dockyard already attracts around half a million visitors a year to its celebrated collection of historic ships and museums including HMS Victory, HMS Warrior 1860 and the Royal Naval Museum. It is expected that not only will this number increase but new audiences will come for the first time.  Much work has been done to research how this can be achieved and the new museum will engage with members of the local community far more closely.

Learning and education is at the heart of the Mary Rose Trust’s activities and all ages will be catered for.  The space for accommodating schools and groups will be quadrupled to meet the ever growing demand to join the highly popular programmes that cover both heritage and science.  At long last the Trust will have the necessary facilities to look after their visitors.

The overall project covers the completion of the conservation, the building and fitting out of the museum, the repair of the dry dock and the landscaping of the arena between HMS Victory and the museum.  It will cost £35 million and building work is expected to commence in 2009.  The aim is to open the new museum by the end of 2011, which is the 500th anniversary of the ship’s maiden voyage.

John Lippiett, the Chief Executive of the Trust said: “We have been working very closely with the Heritage Lottery Fund over the last year to address all the issues they raised last time.  We are confident we have a first class bid that will provide a museum of national and international importance. Furthermore, the end of the conservation programme will at last be reached.” 

The HLF is currently assisting the funding of the second phase of conservation and has contributed to both research and the costs of the preparation of this new bid.  John Lippiett added: “Without HLF support in the past, there would be no Mary Rose today.  We receive no core government funding so we are very dependent on this fund.  The new museum will make the Trust fully self sustaining, so it is vital that we complete our project in this timescale”.

The Mary Rose Trust will hear in mid January 2008 whether or not the first stage pass has been approved by HLF Trustees.  They will then have a year to develop the plans still further before final approval is forthcoming.  Meanwhile the Trust is pressing ahead  with its plans to raise £14 million as its expected share of the costs.

The Mary Rose Museum has been nationally recognised as a ‘Family Friendly Museum’, which acknowledges those museums offering a combination of culture, education and something for the children.

The museum, which attracts thousands of families each year, was commended by the Museums, Libraries and Archives Council, South East for its warm welcome and safe environment as well as activities, events and customer service with family groups in mind. These include their range of hands on activities such as dressing up and artefact handling, their contribution to national initiatives, such as Family Learning Week and for the staff and volunteers, who are on hand to answer any questions.

The Mary Rose Shop was also recognised for a having a good range of items including ‘pocket money’ items relevant to the museum and the Tudor period.

The Mary Rose Museum will be hosting a free and informal talk on the role of their volunteers on Thursday 19 June at 12 noon at the Mary Rose Museum theatre.

The talk will show the varied and interesting roles that a volunteer plays at the museum and is the perfect opportunity for all those thinking of becoming a volunteer to get an insight into what is involved and how to become part of the team.

The talk is one of many taking place every third Thursday of the month at 12 noon until October 2008. Information on further talks taking place can be found at www.historicdockyard.co.uk/events.

Booking is not necessary and the talk is free. For more information telephone 023 9283 9766.

The Historic Dockyard is lighting up especially for a charity walk this weekend as The Rowan’s Hospice holds its inaugural 12 mile Moonlit Memories walk through the city starting at midnight on June 21st.

Those walking the route and their supporters will have the rare opportunity of seeing HMS Victory, the Porter’s Garden, the Georgian Storehouses No. 9, 10 and 11 and the Victorian boathouses 6 and 7 illuminated as hundreds of lights are switched on to guide the walkers on their way. There is no charge to enter the Historic Dockyard on the night.

Amongst the 2000 signed up to support the walk are three members of staff from the Historic Dockyard who are looking forward to seeing their workplace in a completely different way.

Visitor Services Manager Adele Brocklebank is joined by Visitor Centre Supervisors Mandy Hull and Beverley Rumsey on the walk.  Adele comments: “We are used to welcoming visitors during daylight so it will be very strange for us not to be working and it being the middle of the night.  We are really looking forward to it and can’t think of a better cause to walk for.”

Peter Goodship, Chief Executive of Portsmouth Naval Base Property Trust will also be joining the walkers.

The Historic Dockyard’s family restaurant in Boathouse 7 run by Convex Leisure has agreed to open for the walk’s supporters, friends and families who will be on hand to cheer their loved ones on.  Walkers will also be entertained by Denmead Brass Band who will be performing in Boathouse 7 to entertain the crowds. The Historic Dockyard car park on Queens Street will also be open for supporters.

The Rowan’s Hospice aim to raise £100,000 from the walk and all places are now filled.  They are, however, urging as many people to come and support the walkers at the Historic Dockyard, once they have travelled from Southea’s seafront, through Old Portsmouth, via the Spinnaker Tower.

Director of Finance and Operations Anne Yendell at Waterlooville based Rowan’s Hospice said: “We have been overwhelmed by people’s generosity.  There will be a great atmosphere on the walk. It will be a wonderful opportunity to appreciate the night time magic of Portsmouth and to make a significant contribution to the essential work of the hospice.”

Last year's 25th anniversary of the Falklands War has inspired an international radio broadcast win for Kim Michaels, formerly of the south’s radio station Wave 105.

Kim has picked up the Silver World award in the ‘Best documentary’ category at the prestigious New York Festivals Radio Broadcasting Awards. Hundreds turned up from across the globe to a glittering ceremony at the Tribeca Rooftop, Downtown Manhattan earlier this month.

43 year old Kim, who lives in Copnor, Portsmouth and now works for the BBC in London, won the award for her compelling news documentary ‘In Their Own Words’, dedicated to the war veterans who fought in the Falklands. Wave 105 gave an hour’s worth of air time to the programme to show its support and to honour the 25th anniversary of the conflict last year. Kim had special access to many of the veterans featured in the RoyalNavalMuseum's Falklands 25 exhibition which ran during the year. 

On winning the award, Kim says; “This is such an honour for me.  I spent many long hours on the programme to get it right, and that was after I’d completed my news reading duties!  So it’s fantastic it’s been recognised by such a prestigious worldwide broadcasting award. In 1982 I clearly remember watching the taskforce leave Portsmouth when I was a teenager. So for me to have been able to give the Veterans a chance to tell their stories 25 years on is fantastic. I guess sometimes we forget, or at least we don't often think about, their side of the story and the sacrifices they make even now with our forces in Afghanistan and Iraq. I think one of the most disturbing things I found during the research was how it’s thought more sailors and soldiers have taken their own lives since the conflict, as died during it. The Falklands Veterans Foundation’s in the process of raising funds to build and maintain a house on the islands. This aims to allow them to try and lay their demons to rest.  I hope my programme honours what they did, and that this award acts as a tribute to our Falklands heroes.”

A Viking longship is to make a special appearance at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard from Saturday 12 – Sunday 13 July as it makes its only mainland UK stopover on its voyage around the south of England, from Denmark.

The Sea Stallion Glenadlough, which is a reconstruction of the 30 metre long warship, Skuldelev 2 wreck, found on the bottom of Roskilde Fjord in 1962, wasbuilt using replica Viking Age tools and the same materials and techniques as found in the original ship. It will be on display for visitors to the Historic Dockyard throughout the weekend. For those wishing to step on board, there will be a small charge.

The world’s biggest Viking ship, the Sea Stallion is manned by a 62 strong crew who have rowed across the Irish Sea under extreme conditions in an open boat with little or no privacy or comfort. The aim of the whole voyage is to test the reconstruction itself and to provide new knowledge on Viking longships and society.  

Drusilla Moody, Tourism and Visitor Services Manager for Portsmouth City Council, who have helped to make the stopover possible, said:" We are very pleased to support the Viking ship's visit to the city as part of Archaelogy Week. This is another great attraction to pull in the crowds and make visiting the city a must for tourists."

A special free exhibition will also be provided by the VikingShipMuseum,

(where the boat was built between 2000 and 2004). It will be on display in Boathouse 4, at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard from Saturday 29 June until Sunday 20 July, giving visitors an insight into the history of the Vikings.

The Sea Stallion’s visit is perfectly timed with Archaeology Week and Portsmouth Historic Dockyard will be hosting a number of activities to mark this national initiative. The MaryRoseMuseum will be running Archaeology in Action on 12 and 13 July and 19 and 20 July at 12noon and 2pm – 4pm, where visitors will meet the original divers that worked on the Mary Rose. In addition on 19 July at 12noon, there will also be a free talk on the Mary Rose Galley, covering its excavation and the latest research surrounding it. There will also be commemorations for the anniversary of the sinking of the Mary Rose with 'A survivor's story' where Geoff Pye from the Royal Armouries will interpret the sinking of the ship on 19 and 20 July 11am, 1.30pm, 3pm & 4pm, free with a valid attraction ticket.

HMS Victory will be providing special talks on How archaeology has helped to Restore HMS Victory, on14 – 18 July at 2pm. Peter Goodwin the Keeper and Curator of HMS Victory, will explain how he has used archaeological techniques and research to restore Victory to her 1805 glory and this will be a free with valid attraction ticket.

There will also be a chance for children to explore archaeology on board the ship as part of Young Victory Archaeologists on 19 July between 10.30am 12.30pm, where they can try their hand at archaeological drawing, have a go at solving some maritime mysteries and learn all about what can be discovered by using archaeology. This activity costs £5 per child (includes all materials and refreshments an all children must be accompanied by an adult). Places for both activities at HMS Victory must be booked in advance. Ring 023 9272 3137 for booking.

As all Great Britons prepare to get their figures ship shape for the summer, the nation’s stately dame, HMS Warrior 1860, is no exception as her figurehead is undergoing refurbishment.

Work is taking place to ensure this fine figurehead is looked after but it is no easy task due to the very unusual nature of the job it has even taken a whole week to erect the scaffolding.

This was followed by the washing, rubbing down and painting of the figurehead, undertaken by Dave Bishop and Peter (Shiner) Wright (both Warrior employees) who were assisted by John Coughtrie (Warrior volunteer). This work has taken 8 days to complete.

Since then Fez Parker has been re gilding the figurehead – it is a very skilled and painstaking task which is now approaching completion. Depending on the weather, gilding work should finish next week and then all that remains is the removal of the scaffolding. 

Fez has been involved in previous refurbishment of HMS Warrior 1860 and it was always an ambition of his to re gild the figurehead and now he has achieved his magnificent mission he feels his work is done and he will now look at the ship with pride into his retirement.

Those who have viewed the figurehead from the platform are most impressed with the detailed carving – even, for example, behind the Warrior’s shield which is not seen (see attached image).

The figurehead we see today is the third one, all to the same design, that Warrior has had during her lifetime. The powerful Warrior was one of the last battleships to carry a figurehead; the original one was made in Portsmouth at a cost of £60 but was sadly lost in 1868 when Warrior accidentally collided with HMS Royal Oak. The collision was with such a force that the figurehead’s head fell off to be claimed as a prize by the midshipmen on Royal Oak’s quarterdeck.

Using original sketches and photographs the present version was carved by Jack Whitehead and Norman Gaches in Cowes in the early 1980s. It was put on display at the 1983 International Boat Show in London and appeared on Blue Peter then, in August, Warrior’s figurehead was brought to Portsmouth Dockyard and positioned outside No.5 Boathouse only a few yards from the site vacated by its predecessor 65 years previously. From that moment Warrior’s presence in Portsmouth was re established.

Images:

Warrior Figurehead refurbished

Warrior Figurehead with Fez Parker

Warrior Figurehead before refurbishment

Warrior Figurehead behind shield

There is plenty for dads to do at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard this Father’s Day. Steeped in history with 6 must see attractions for 1 great price, visitors can cover 800 years of naval history with 3 world famous vessels HMS Victory, Mary Rose and HMS Warrior 1860, Action Stations, the Royal Naval Museum and Harbour Tours, not to mention a variety of retail and catering outlets to treat your dad to something special.

As well as looking around the top attractions, there are over 27 interactive exhibits in Action Stations. Kids can challenge dad to escape from pirates in the simulator ride; race him up the climbing tower; take shelter as he tries to shoot down a gunship helicopter; or watch as he tries his hand at flying a replica Merlin helicopter, just like the one on the navy’s newest and most advanced warship HMS Daring, equipped with realistic controls and buttons.

Events on Father’s Day:

Father's Day at the Mary Rose Museum

Sunday June 21 2009

2pm 3pm 

Learn about knots and rigging on the Mary Rose. Dads are invited to pop into the shop to sample Tudor beer and cider.

FREE with valid ticket.

Porter's Garden Midsummer Party

Sunday June 21 2009

2pm – 4pm

Set in the lovely garden of the eighteenth century Porter’s Lodge near Victory Gate. Enjoy a strawberry cream tea with delicious Porter’s Garden fruit cup plus live entertainment from Con Brio Singers and the St Ann’s Hand Bell Ringers. 

Tickets £5.00 (cheques only please, payable to The Friends of the Porter''s Garden) available from mid May onwards from: Dr Ann Coats, Co ordinator, Friends of the Porterl''s Garden, 44 Lindley Avenue, Southsea PO4 9NU

See HMS Victory in a new light as July 23^rd marks the 250th anniversary of the laying of HMS Victory’s keel and celebrates the beginning of the world’s oldest commissioned warship. This significant date will be marked with a series of special evening guided tours and daytime talks, allowing visitors to find out more about HMS Victory and her unique place in maritime history.

It is hoped that the tours will venture into the dock bottom to view the keel at close range and give people a completely different perspective of the ship as she sits with her 3500 tons overhead!

On selected dates surrounding the anniversary, a personal guide will recreate life onboard an 18th Century 'Man of War' and include visits to areas of the ship not normally accessible to the public, making it a special night to remember.

There will also be special daytime anniversary talks in the Princess Royal Gallery of the RoyalNavalMuseum to mark the event. Peter Goodwin (Keeper and Curator of HMS Victory) will give a fascinating insight into the building of HMS Victory and will include information on Chatham Dockyard, the supply of timber, the design and designer, the workforce and the techniques employed.

Having served in the Royal Navy and with a degree in Marine Engineering and a degree form the Institute of Maritime Studies, Peter Goodwin has had a particular interest in square rigged warships for over 35 years, making him a specialist in 18th century ship construction, guns and related industrial materials. His main role is to act as historical and technical advisor for the development and interpretation of HMS Victory including her rigging, internal and external hull reconstruction. As well as working on other ship restoration and replication projects and being a regular contributor to maritime history journals and TV work, Peter has also worked as historical advisor for the film Master and Commander starring Russell Crowe and the celebrated Hornblower series. Over the years he has written 8 books about HMS Victory and Georgian ships. 

HMS Victory remains the most famous warship in the world and had an illustrious career, culminating in leading the fleet to victory at Trafalgar. Her keel was laid in 1759, the year commonly dubbed Annus Mirabilis or ‘wonderful year’ because Britain won a remarkable series of victories, the greatest of which was Wolfe’s capture of Quebec. It is likely this is why she is named Victory.

In July 1759, Mr Edward Allen, Master Shipwright of Chatham Dockyard received a letter from the Principle Officers and Commissioners of the Admiralty directing him:

"To make preparation and to prepare costing for a First Rate Ship of 100 guns, to be built and fitted for sea at Chatham".

Upon receipt of this warrant, work began on the ship that was to become HMS Victory.

The Victory was designed by Thomas Slade, the Senior Surveyor of the Navy and the keel was laid down in the old single dock at Chatham Dockyard on 23 July 1759. According to a report it was a "bright and sunny day". Timber for constructing a first rate ship had been placed in store to season some 14 years before. It is very probable that the long seasoning time greatly contributed to the ship's eventual longevity.

ENDS

Listings Information:

Portsmouth Historic Dockyard

HMS Victory Evening Anniversary Tours and Daytime Talks

Evening Anniversary Tour Dates:Sat 18 July, Sun 19 July, Mon 20 July, Wed 22 July and Sat 25 July

Tour Times: Two tours per evening at 6pm and 6.15pm (1 hour 30mins)

Tour Tickets: Adult/Senior £15, Children (5 15 years) £10, Family (up to 5 people, max 2 adults/seniors) £50

Numbers are limited (max 20 per tour) and all tours must be booked in advance.

Daytime Anniversary Talk Dates and Times: Tue 21 and Wed 22 July at 2pm (1 hour)

Numbers are limited (max 30 per talk) and all talks must be booked in advance.

Talk Tickets: Adult £7, Concessions £5

Booking: 023 9283 9766 – press option 2, followed by option 1 to book a place

Portsmouth Historic Dockyard is getting ready for the summer holidays with a new interactive exhibit at Action Stations, featuring the Royal Navy Aircraft Carriers of the future. First Sea Lord (Commander in Chief of the Royal Navy), Admiral Sir Jonathon Band, ceremonially opened the Queen Elizabeth Class Carrier Experience – ‘Carrier Strike’ on Monday 15th June.

‘Carrier Strike’ includes a range of simulator games, giving members of the public the opportunity to get to grips with the new Queen Elizabeth Class Aircraft Carriers more than six years before they arrive at their home port of Portsmouth.

Located on the ground floor of Action Stations, ‘Carrier Strike’ includes a range of activities and fun for all ages. Visitors have already started to enjoy the 3 PC based challenges where they can take turns to try and land a virtual F 35 aircraft and helicopter on the deck of carriers and a mastermind quiz; tactile puzzles such as the 2 sided, 2D jigsaw and the 3D foam model challenging visitors to build the carrier against the clock; touch panel information displays and ‘knowledge walls’ with videos and static displays.

’Carrier Strike’ has been created to bring to life and provide a memorable and informative experience of the largest Capital Ships to be put into service with the Royal Navy, and the technologies that make them possible.

There are over 27 large scale interactive exhibits in Action Stations with endless opportunities to escape from pirates in the simulator ride; race up the tallest indoor climbing tower in the UK; shoot down a gunship helicopter; fly a replica Merlin helicopter, just like the one on the navy’s newest and most advanced warship HMS Daring, equipped with realistic controls and buttons, or simply enjoy the vast array of displays and interactive science and technology gallery.

For those wannabe James Bonds there is also ‘Command Approved’, a 25 minute film providing a window on the navy in action. It packs the punch of a James Bond film, but is the real world, not spy fiction. This is the navy facing real threats and dealing with them as they would on the high seas.

And what’s more, the interactive exhibits, facilities and games can be enjoyed all year at no extra cost by purchasing an all inclusive gift aid ticket!

Photo Credit:  First Sea Lord, Admiral Sir Jonathon Band credit to Sean Hounsell

From the world of Henry VIII to a world not normally seen under the sea young scientists and engineers of the future could soon be discovering the excitement behind science, as The Mary Rose Trust announces support from the Lloyd’s Register Educational Trust in a ground breaking education programme.

The three year £600k grant will support an innovative range of science activities for children and young people aged 7 18 and take science and education way beyond the reach of other museums. Sessions for children with special needs will also be an important part of the project.

The project links science in the world of work to the National Curriculum. It allows students to use high tech equipment both at the museum teaching laboratory and remotely in school, something rarely available even to undergraduates. The learning doesn’t stop there though as there will also be a range of web based activities through the creation of a virtual science laboratory. This facility will be available to both a national and world wide audience.

Furthermore they will be offered challenging opportunities to use the Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and CyberMARINE seabed data loggers through an internet connection. This is an exciting development in the field of distance learning, taking museum education beyond the traditional walls and locating to a learning space on the web with the use of remote instruments.

The microscopy and underwater data loggers are test cases and tools that will transport children and young people into a world that cannot be seen with the naked eye or without SCUBA equipment. Schools will be able to book sessions to use the SEM and CyberMARINE equipment but these sessions will be free of charge.

Michael Franklin, Director of the LRET, said:

"The LRET looks for outstanding organisations that work with young people to show them how exciting, worthwhile and rewarding science and engineering are. The Mary Rose and its many unique artefacts open up valuable scientific insights and that is why we have decided to fund the Mary Rose Trust''s science teaching programme for schoolchildren. With a focus on the hull itself and also by making innovative use of the internet, this programme will motivate youngsters in the UK and elsewhere to study science through school and university and, eventually, to make it their career."

The project seeks to extend the National Curriculum by promoting out of the box science teaching to young learners. A key criterion of the curriculum is to help young people trace the development of science worldwide and recognise its cultural significance and this should not be restricted to activities taking place solely within the laboratory or classroom. The Mary Rose Trust will encourage the excitement of not just learning but experiencing science.

The Mary Rose collection (hull and artefacts) also lends itself extremely well to cross curricular teaching from a science and engineering core. Maths, IT, design technology, history and geography are all closely linked to the project.

John Lippiett, Chief Executive of the Mary Rose Trust, said:

“Learning is at the very heart of this Trust’s activities and we have recently been putting more and more emphasis on the scientific aspects of our work. Providing support and encouragement for teachers is integral to the work of the Trust and we will be working with external partners to provide a service to schools and colleges which will reach pupils of all abilities. Thanks to the Lloyd’s Register Educational Trust, we can make a great leap forward in what we can offer.”

Photos courtesy of Sean Hounsell

Dates: 29th June 5th July, 2009 – Boathouse 7

Visitors to Portsmouth Historic Dockyard will be able to see how the Naval Base was at the forefront of the Industrial Revolution, when a temporary poster exhibition on the Block Mills, the world’s first mass production factory, will be on display in Boathouse 7 from 29th June – 5th July 2009. The exhibition is financially sponsored by Portsmouth Naval Base Property Trust, owner of Boathouse 7.

The Portsmouth Panopticon uses the Block Mills as an example of a school of thought emerging at the start of the 19th century.

The Block Mills (1803) became the world’s first complete steam powered factory with block making machinery that was essential to supply the fleet. At the time the country was at war with France against a backdrop of emerging industrialisation.

PhD student Katariina Mauranen considers the impact this had on the dockyard workforce.

The exhibition will look at the reforms introduced into Portsmouth Dockyard by Sir Samuel Bentham, brother of Jeremy Bentham, who originated the Panopticon theory. Famous for its application to a prison design, the principle was that an observer could monitor workers unseen. In essence, the workers became part of the machine.

The exhibition will also complement the Dockyard Apprentice exhibition, also on display in Boathouse 7, where some of the Block Mills machines are currently displayed.

It is aimed at an audience of adults and age 14+ students with an interest in maritime, naval and social history.

Katariina Mauranen, a former student of Portsmouth University, commented: "Before starting my PhD I worked at the Royal Naval Museum for a short time, so it''s great to come back here with my own exhibition. I''m especially glad to be displaying Block Mills history so near the original setting."

Showcasing the Block Mills as the start of the Navy’s industrial revolution and as a feature unique to Portsmouth will be a good introduction to the tours around the Block Mills on Heritage Open Days. These tours will take place on the 12th & 13th September and must be pre booked. Please contact Portsmouth Historic Dockyard for further details (023 9289 4550).

Additional Notes:

Katariina Mauranen’s PhD thesis is for Imperial College London, in collaboration with the University of Portsmouth and curators from Portsmouth City Museum and the Science Museum, exploring the possibilities of making academic history more accessible to the public through museum exhibitions. She is a former student of the University of Portsmouth, graduating with an MSc Heritage and Museum Studies in 2004. She is grateful to Portsmouth Naval Base Property Trust for supporting the exhibition financially and for the valuable advice received from Brian Patterson(Portsmouth Naval Base Property Trust Historian & Boatkeeper).

Cups of tea will be flowing at the Royal Naval Museum next weekend, in celebration of the first ever Armed Forces Day[1] (formerly known as Veteran’s Day). A traditional wartime tea time will be held on the 27th June 2009 from 2 4pm.

From mock crab to powdered egg and Spam sandwiches, visitors will be able to sample rationing recipes, have a cup of tea, swap wartime stories and talk to veterans of all ages including those who have seen service in World War Two, the Falklands War and the present day.

The volunteers of The Royal Naval Museum have been busy in their kitchens preparing the traditional tea time recipes and carrot fudge and eggless Victoria sponge are amongst the ''treats'' on offer!

“We thought serving up afternoon tea from a Second World War ration book would be a bit of fun,” says Curator, Matthew Sheldon, “but there is a serious point to it. We’re very keen to encourage veterans of all ages to share their experiences with us. Our exhibitions are always based on the personal experiences of those ‘who were there’ visitors find this human touch easiest to relate to.  We are always looking to increase our stock of reminiscences.”

There will also be a chance to meet the curators of the Royal Naval Museum and see some fascinating and familiar wartime artefacts in the ‘Sea Your History’ gallery. This includes ‘Albert RN’ – a copy of the life sized dummy used in escape from the Marlag Prisoner of War camp during WWII and in the 1953 film of the same name. He was made by John Worsley an ex POW from Marlag who also made the original and the film dummies.

The event is free to veterans and their families or with a valid attraction ticket.

[1] Armed Forces Day is a celebration of the contribution made by all those who have served in the Armed Forces as well as those in Merchant Navy and Fishing Fleets who have served in support of operations – and a means of raising public awareness of Veterans issues.  It is always held on 27th June.