Christmas Newsletter from National Historic Ships UK
A Message from Director National Historic Ships UK
2020 has been a challenging year with the effects of lockdown and ongoing restrictions having a severe impact on our sector. I have been enormously impressed by the resilience and adaptability shown by so many of the organisations and individuals caring for our maritime heritage, who have found new ways to raise the profile of their vessels, engage with the public, secure funding, or carry out essential works during this difficult time.
At NHS-UK, we have responded to the pandemic by offering support wherever we can: through the Covid-19 response page on our website; our small grants scheme; our Awards Programme and virtual Ceremony; via online promotion of vessels and projects (including fundraising appeals); through the giving of individual advice; and by collating a sector-wide response to the DCMS Select Committee hearing on the impact of Covid-19.
This final Newsletter of the year reflects our collective efforts to survive and thrive, despite adversity, and is chock full. It celebrates achievement at many levels, whether with the re-opening of heritage sites as lockdown eases or continued online activity in those areas where tighter restrictions remain.
Our offices will be closed from 21st December so the team can take a much-needed break, but we will back at our desks on 4th January ready to continue delivering advice and support for all your historic vessel related queries. Until then, I wish you a safe and happy (albeit quiet) Christmas and look forward to better times in 2021.
Best wishes,
Hannah Cunliffe
Director
