The Daniel Adamson...saved from scrapping 7 years ago and it all hinges on this week!

As some of you will be aware, Tuesday 27th September will see the National Trustees of the Heritage Lottery Fund meet in London for a monthly trustees meeting where several grants are due to have their stage two applications decided. One of those applications is the final, stage two application from the Daniel Adamson Preservation Society submitted in June. The grant application is for £2.87 Million which is approximately 69% of the total project cost which includes all volunteer contribution and capital and delivery costs up to and including the first ten years of the project.
Unfortunately, due to restrictions imposed by the Press office at the Heritage Lottery Fund, I will not be able to make public, any decision, positive or not, until Wed 5th October due to the requirements of HLF to ensure all grants awarded or rejected on the day can be announced at the same time. While this will be disappointing, I have to abide by their wishes. I will naturally post the news as soon as I am able to on the 5th.
The main area to be funded by this grant will of course be major re-build works to be carried out at a shipyard including a new section of hull in the boiler room, removal, refurbishment and re-installation of the 1953 coal fired, scotch boiler, new decks, complete re-wire and bringing the vessel up to MCA Class V standards for 100 passengers as the vessel traded up to 1984. Fresh Water tanks, waste tanks (sewerage and bilge holding), new super-silenced generator, new crew accommodation, complete refurbishment of her magnificent, 1950’s Art-Deco saloon’s include some of the other works.
The Daniel Adamson it is hoped, pending grant award, will re-enter service in 2013 following a thirty to forty week programme (Approx) in a shipyard. With an initial target of operating, underway in steam of approximately forty days per year with large amounts of time being also spent as a static exhibit all around the North West.
Public access and participation is key to the Daniel Adamson’s future and an extensive programme of Education and outreach engagement is being developed with many other Museum’s, visitor attractions, health and social inclusion groups, schools, colleges and other groups. Part of our grant covers the costs of this use and also the employment of an Education and Outreach officer for three years to help us develop an excellent activity programme.
Our quest to raise £100,000 in crucial cash, match funding is moving forwards at a steady pace, our “Full Steam Ahead” campaign has now raised a superb £57,000 and donations and pledges continue to be received.
Thanks to everyone for their continued support.

Dan Cross. Chairman - Daniel Adamson Preservation Society