[ Home Page ] [ News ] [ History ] [ Media ] [ Links ] [ Follow Ups ] [ Post Followup ] [ Paddle Steamer Ryde Message Board ] [ FAQ ]
Posted by Len knight (213.48.5.62) on 11:48:43 13/02/05
Now we have been presented with the long awaited Ships For The Nation report, what are we to take onboard?
Smaller group to be known as the National Historic Ships Unit (NHSU) to possible replace the larger group National Historic Ships Committee (NHSC), albeit this new group will eventually be answerable to the Department of Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) as opposed to National Maritime Museum (NMM). Otherwise replace one Quango with another, but smaller, but more control by the government of the day. Not necessarily a bad thing, but why now, after all this time?
I must assume this has nothing to do with the possible DCMS interference to the funding by diversion of the Heritage Funds that could have been available after 2009 into other purposes than Heritage, normally financed by the Tax Payer (Read Heritage Afloat Report)
I was of course of the opinion that the Lottery was set up with the idea to fund projects other than state projects, which were deemed to be of charitable status. It seems not only is the state not satifyed with the 12% that is taken from the fund tax wise before it is divided, it now also has its eye on the unclaimed prizes as well.
I think we must by now all realise that very few of the vessels on the Core Collection have any chance of funding, alone Restoration along with those on the Designated List . Hence we are now looking at a new brainwave called the Ships at Risk which possibly sums up all.
If projects dear to your heart are not in receipt of any funding by 2009, I fear it s a matter of the state saying Pull up the anchor, lads, we are inboard mate and our maritime history will just be that, buy a book, and read all about it.
Len Knight.
[ Home Page ] [ News ] [ History ] [ Media ] [ Links ] [ Follow Ups ] [ Post Followup ] [ Paddle Steamer Ryde Message Board ] [ FAQ ]