No Merseyside welcome for Manxman In view of recent decisions the Manxman Trust has concluded, obviously with great regret, that the envisaged project cannot be progressed.
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| 26th September 2007 - Manxman is the star of the BBC North West programme Inside Out. The programme is avaiable all of the following week at http://www.bbc.co.uk/insideout/northwest/ 8th August - THE Earl and Countess of Derby were presented with a steel rivet at Liverpool’s Athenaeum Club in honour of launching the Daily Post’s Adopt-A-Rivet for £1 campaign to save the last Isle of Man steamer, Manxman.Lord and Lady Derby have adopted 1,000 rivets at £1 each to inaugurate the scheme which hopes to raise £100,000 to preserve SS Manxman on Merseyside.They were presented with a ceremonial rivet display created by Nigel Hughes, of Friends of Manxman 30 June 2007 saw another important visit to Manxman. A BBC tv production team from the Manchester based current affairs programme “Inside Out” are making a piece about the ship and project. Joining them were Captain Peter Corrin, her last Master, and Bill Ogle from the Trust. The purpose of this visit was to capture Captain Corrin’s reactions to his first visit to his old ship since he took her to Preston in 1982 and also to record his recollections of life on board this now famous ship.The team were delighted by what they saw of the ship and her condition, and have now joined the long list of people who are asking “why is she not already at Merseyside”.We are confident that when broadcast the programme will demonstrate the importance of the ship and the strength of the case for her restoration on the Mersey 10 June 2007. By 5.30 pm last Wednesday, 6th June, more than 75 people were gathered in room 126 at India Buildings. Professor Peter Toyne enthusiastically described his vision that Manxman would act as a catalyst by drawing in additional support for maritime heritage and actually enhancing the opportunity for Merseyside’s other important preserved vessels, whilst also contributing to the necessary regeneration of the area. Bill Ogle’s presentation restated the objectives of the project, explained events surrounding Channel 4 tv, formation of the Steering Group and delivered the current picture in respect to the 3 main issues of political support, funding and berthing. This was followed by a robust question and answer session culminating with 88 year old Harry Mooney recalling his working life at Cammell Laird including working on building Manxman, and his pride at subsequently sailing on her. He has kindly and generously donated the impressive figure £1,000 to the project. This resulted in a resounding “Three Cheers for Harry”. In closing Professor Toyne asked for a show of hands indicating support for the project, less than 5 seemed to abstain. He reaffirmed that the Trust was very grateful for all the contributions made and an action plan was to be urgently put in place to deal with the issues raised. The success of the meeting and the level of commitment from audience members suggests that further meetings be held in Birkenhead and perhaps Preston in the immediate weeks, with hopefully a "return to India Buildings as the project develops. Meanwhile the web site will be regularly updated and maximum media coverage will be sought." AN IMPORTANT OPPORTUNITY At this important stage of the project we want to meet with as many people as possible and, together, do all we can to raise public awareness. The owners of India Building in Liverpool have kindly agreed for a meeting to be held in that prestigious location; and Professor Peter Toyne, the former Vice Chancellor of Liverpool John Moores university has agreed to Chair the event. I do hope as many as possible can join us and have your say. We can discuss the up to date position and share ideas on action for the immediate future. The meeting will be held in Room 126, 1st Floor, India Buildings, Water Street, Liverpool, L2 0XG on Wednesday 6th June, 2007. At 5.15 for 5.30 pm. On arrival will you please book into Reception at the Water Street entrance, where you will be directed to the room. | ||||
| 16th April 2007 Plans for restoration of the Manxman seem to be developing a momentum of their own. Hot on the heels of the report which confirmed the potential of her future sustainability as a maritime heritage business venture comes news that a hull condition survey was carried out last week at the Pallion dry dock at Sunderland. The survey was undertaken by the Liverpool based Taylor Marine T R Little company of Marine Surveyors and Consultant Naval Architects. Both of these surveys were funded by North West Development Agency and commissioned by the Steering Group. Initial feedback confirms that, whilst her condition has obviously deteriorated in recent years, the badly affected areas are already known and much of the damage is superficial.”
December, 2006. One of the key outcomes of the review meeting held in Liverpool during November was the statement from NW Regional Development Agency that, before embarking on any major funding proposal, it would be necessary to carry out an independent Sustainability Study into the long term financial viability of the project; which would confirm our existing projections. The Trust made application to NWDA for financial backing of this study and we are delighted that the bid was accepted. Tenders have been invited from suitable consultancy organisations and the timetable requires submissions to be received by 12 January, an interim report by 16 February and a final report by 23 February. The project is “coming back to life”, but we also recognise that time is not on our side and continue in the hope that we can pre-empt any dramatic action by the present owners of Manxman
21 November, 2006. Manxman was today moved from her river berth to the adjacent undercover dry dock of Pallion Engineering. We understand that the prime purpose is to carry out urgent hull repair work. There are, once again, rumours that she has been sold; this time to Italian or Egyptian interests. This is not yet confirmed. We are not complacent and are pushing forward as quickly as possible with the anticipated bid and are maintaining contacts with MCA and Department for the Environment November 9th, 2006. The long anticipated Steering Group meeting was hosted by Sara Wilde (MD of Liverpool Daily Post & Echo) and attended by Bernice Law (Chief Operating Officer of NW Development Agency), Cllr Mike Storey (Liverpool City Council), David Ball (Head of Regeneration, Wirral MBC), Professor Phil Redmond (formally of Mersey TV), Gary McClarnan (restorer of the former Mersey Bar light vessel “Planet”, Steve Fowler (Tourism Development, The Mersey Partnership), Bill Ogle and Peter Elson (the Manxman Trust). Following a formal presentation detailing the immediate requirements of the project there was a full debate. A number of specific action points were agreed, so this really could be the turning point. August 2006 - Liverpool Echo published a major 28 page commemorative supplement devoted solely to Manxman and the project. July 17th, 2006. We recently visited the ship to inspect the damage which had been reported; the main condenser discharge pipes from both turbine units have been cut away and removed, however there is no sign of any new water damage in the engine room and so any flooding was minimal. We were also told that the ship had been sold to Tyneside ship brokers, and her departure was imminent. We resolved to keep going!! May 31 2006. In a major article the Liverpool Daily Post reported that a last minute attempt is being made to halt Manxman's imminent sale to the breakers and instead turn her into one of the premier legacies of European Capital of Culture 2008, becoming "Liverpool's present to itself." Cllr Mike Storey, Liverpool City Council's executive member for special initiatives, believes a financial partnership can be rapidly assembled to raise the £500,000 needed to out-bid the scrap merchants. The project is backed by the Liverpool Daily Post & Echo and Prof Phil Redmond, founder of Mersey Television, has also pledged support. Cllr Storey said: "Manxman will become a floating ambassador for Merseyside. No other European city will have anything like her. She is the last of her kind and a tribute to the shipbuilding skills and seamanship that gave Merseyside a worldwide reputation for excellence.” "It is very important for 2008 that we leave a lasting legacy and this special Liverpool ship will be a very popular choice, Liverpool's present to itself." 27th April, 2006. We were advised by Pallion Engineering that Manxman had suffered another attack by thieves. The ship had taken a list and the engine room was found to be flooded. Emergency pumps were used to remove the water and the situation stabilized. Pipework and valves had been removed. However this latest event forced Pallion to the decision that they can no longer wait for funds to be sourced by the Trust and, regretfully, have offered Manxman for sale on the scrap market. December 2005 - Channel 4 decides to cease further development for he planned TV series due to uncertainties about timescales. On 29th May 2005, the Manxman Steamship Company chartered the m.v. Lady of Mann from the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company for the third successive round the Island cruise. It being 65 years to the day since the Steam Packet lost two of its ships at Dunkirk, Mona's Queen (1934) and King Orry (1913), to mark the event Lady of Mann stopped in mid-cruise, lowered her ensign to half mast and his His Excellency Air Marshal Macfadyen CB OBE and Captain Peter Corrin committed a wreath to the sea in recognition of those lost on that day. May 20th and 21st. The 50th anniversary of Manxman’s maiden voyage was celebrated on Merseyside by three prestigious and highly successful events. · On Friday 20th May the Mayor of Wirral (Cllr Meaden) hosted a civic reception at Wallasey Town Hall. Amongst those attending were 10 former Cammell Laird staff who actually worked on the building of Manxman. Quite a few tales were told! · The following morning saw the Commemorative Service at St Nicholas Parish Church at Liverpool’s Pier Head; this was conducted by The Revd Steven Brookes, Rector of Liverpool and Revd John Williams MBE. Magnificent music was provided by Organist Mr Harry Moore and the choir of All Hallows, Allerton. · More than 50 invited guests then enjoyed a reception on board SY Nahlin berthed at West Sandon Dock hosted by Dr William Collier and supported by Zarqa Marine Ltd. Nahlin’s partly refurbished yet splendid accommodation was enjoyed to the full as well as the superb river views." May 2005. It was decided to recognise the significant maritime events taking place this year, namely "SeaBritain 2005", Liverpool "Year of the Sea", the 175th anniversary of the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company and the 50th anniversary of Manxman's maiden voyage by holding a competition for Liverpool and Wirral schools. The winner was Rachel Hine, Year 8, Archbishop Blanch School, Liverpool who, with her parents will enjoy the first prize of a weekend break in the Isle of Man with travel kindly sponsored by the Isle of Man Steam Packet and accommodation by Manxman Steamship Company March 2005 - Steamship Enterprises Ltd formed as our trading company February 8th 2005 The 50th anniversary of Manxman’s launch was celebrated in style. As in 1955 the day was a Tuesday and visitors to the famous Pier Head waterfront at 11.45 am were treated to the sound of the bells of the Cathedral ringing out once again for the Manxman and the sight of the in-service Mersey ferry flying, for just one hour, the Manxman’s original name pennant and the house flag of the Manxman Steamship Company. December 2004 - Heritage Lottery Fund defines requirements for additional information December 2004 - formal declaration of support issued by the three Party Leaders of the Metropolitan Borough of Wirral November 2004 - Following acceptance of the synopsis, Government Office NW invited a full application for Objective One funding July 2004 - Heritage Lottery Fund officers and their expert panel members visit and inspect Manxman in dry dock at Pallion Engineering Yard. April 2004 - Stansfield & Company appointed as accountants and advisors March 2004 - Manxman Steamship Company became a member of Mersey Maritime and of the World Ship Trust March 2004 - Agreement reached with Action 4 Employment regarding provision of managed “in-kind” volunteer labour December 2003 - The video “Manxman & Company”, specially commissioned from Duke Video, goes on sale. Royalties will be refunded to the Trust. October 2003 - Manxman Steamship Company became a Registered Charity January 2003 - Launch of the ‘Friends of Manxman’ association to welcome those with the shared interest of saving the ship January 2003 - Heritage Lottery Fund awarded a Planning Grant of £18,000 which supported the commissioning of a number of key studies and surveys. The positive data from this informed the compilation of a full lottery application in April 2004 October 2002 - Agreement reached with DLA for pro-bono legal support September 2002 - Professor the Lord Alton of Liverpool and the Rt Hon Frank Field M.P. (Birkenhead) agreed to become Patrons; and His Excellency the Lieutenant Governor of the Isle of Man, Air Marshal Ian Macfadyen CB. OBE, became Patron in January 2004 July 2002 - The National Historic Ships Committee agreed that Manxman “merited inclusion in the National Register” and in December 2002 the Committee decided that “Manxman be added to the Designated Vessels List. This List recognises vessels that are of substantial heritage merit, have regional or local significance and merit support ahead of any other non-Core Collection vessels.” May 2002 - The Manxman Steamship Company Limited was formed and incorporated as a limited liability company in July 2002. |
Manxman Steamship Company
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