Excelsior Trust, based in Lowestoft has received a grant of £80,000 from the Government’s £1.57 billion Culture Recovery Fund to help the organisation recover and reopen.
The vessel Excelsior, has reached its centenary this year and is a familiar and much loved sight off the east coast. Maintained as a charitable trust for the past thirty years it has taken more than 10,000 people for sea voyages offering them the experience of a lifetime. These are often young and socially disadvantaged individuals although Excelsior is also available to adult groups for private charter.
Chair of Excelsior Trust Jamie Campbell said: “This funding is most welcome and comes at a time when, along with so many other small charities, we are facing huge uncertainty of the future. We rely a great deal on charter income and obviously this has not been forthcoming. We lost a whole sailing season in 2020 and 2021 has been greatly curtailed. Nevertheless our loyal crew and volunteers have continued to maintain this remarkable centenarian. This vital support from the Culture Recovery Fund means that we are able to continue to offer voyages on this authentically maintained last remaining piece of local maritime heritage to one and all.”
The Trust is keen that the local community can get to know Excelsior better and will be participating in September’s Heritage Open Days by being open to the public on Saturday 11th September on Lowestoft’s Heritage Quay. Visitors will have the opportunity to climb the rigging (with a safety harness) and tour the boat.
The sailing season will now commence in June this year. For details of voyages visit www.theexcelsiortrust.co.uk or call 0845 308 2323
Call for Volunteers!
Although we’ve had a fantastic response from volunteers willing to help get Excelsior ready for the new season we always need more! There are a multitude of jobs that are needed to complete our maintenance programme, many of which don’t require any special skills. Whether you can only give a day or help out more regularly please email: info@excelsiortrust.co.uk with your contact details and we’ll be in touch!
Photo © Rob Haworth