28^th March 2008

For immediate release

A joint release on behalf of the Heritage Lottery Fund and Pilgrim Preservation Project Ltd

The Oldest Brixham Built Victorian Trawler to Sail Again Thanks to Lottery Award

The oldest surviving Brixham built sailing trawler is to be restored thanks to a grant of £950,000 from the Heritage Lottery Fund [HLF], preserving a vital link to the town’s heritage.

Brixham trawlers were a major feature of economic life of communities on the South Devon coast. The Pilgrim was built in 1895 as a sail powered wooden trawler and represents the pinnacle of the evolution of the sailing trawler. This grant will contribute towards the costs of restoring the Pilgrim as closely as possible to her 1895 condition, offering an unparalleled insight into the life of a working 19^th Century trawler.

Julie Cooper, Heritage Lottery Fund South West Manage, said:

“The Pilgrim perfectly illustrates the importance of Brixham’s fishing industry to our national maritime heritage. Its restoration will give visitors the chance to experience the town’s historic shipping fleet and preserve this rare vessel for future generations to enjoy.”

Once restored the Pilgrim will offer sail training opportunities for people of all ages, from   sailing in Torbay to longer cruises along the South Devon coast. Guided tours will be available to quayside visitors and the Pilgrim Preservation Project will offer work placements for students studying for shipwright qualifications.

In liaison with Brixham Heritage Museum the Pilgrim Preservation Project will create and exciting, hands on educational programme for school children to learn about a fisherman’s life and work in Brixham in Victorian times. 

Bill Wakeham, Director and Skipper of the Pilgrim Preservation Project, said:

“The Pilgrim Preservation Project Limited and the Charity, Pilgrim BM 45 Trust Limited are delighted with this tremendous boost towards our target of £1.38 million. The Pilgrim to the Sea campaign is now in full sail, and we have already obtained commitments for £203,000 towards the remaining £430,000 needed to complete the Project.  We are still in need of further financial support if we are to restore the Pilgrim to her former glory and preserve her for the enjoyment of future generations in Brixham.

Full details of how you can help are available on www.pilgrimofbrixham.co.uk.

ENDS

Notes to editors:

The Heritage Lottery Fund [HLF] enables communities to celebrate, look after and learn more about our diverse heritage. From our great museums and historic buildings to local parks and beauty spots or recording and celebrating traditions, customs and history, HLF grants open up our nation’s heritage for everyone to enjoy. We have supported more than 26,000 projects, allocating almost £4billion across the UK.  This includes over £411million in the South West alone.

For further information please contact Roland Smith at the Heritage Lottery Fund press office on 0207 5916047 or email rolands@hlf.org.uk

Website www.hlf.org.uk

For further information about the Pilgrim Preservation Project please contact Bill Wakeham on 01803 855586.