Lights of Historic Dockyard guide charity walkers on their way.

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.”