Portsmouth Historic Dockyard bosses say supporting the museum is 'more important than ever'

WITHOUT the support of local visitors, one of Portsmouth’s greatest attractions simply would not exist.
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That is the stark message being issued by bosses at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, who celebrated the venue’s reopening yesterday.

The dockyard has been closed to visitors since the start of the coronavirus pandemic in March, but is now ready to welcome members of the public once again.

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For both yesterday and today, the venue is sold out – and hopes are high that this momentum can be maintained.

Dominic Jones, CEO of the Mary Rose Trust and Matthew Sheldon, Director of Museum Operations. Picture: Habibur RahmanDominic Jones, CEO of the Mary Rose Trust and Matthew Sheldon, Director of Museum Operations. Picture: Habibur Rahman
Dominic Jones, CEO of the Mary Rose Trust and Matthew Sheldon, Director of Museum Operations. Picture: Habibur Rahman
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Amid tough financial times for the attraction, it is more important than ever that Portsmouth people give their support to this city institution.

Dominic Jones, chief operating officer for the Mary Rose Museum, said: ‘Local people are the heartbeat of this place – from our most loyal visitors to the hard-working staff members.

‘Portsmouth Historic Dockyard without the people of Portsmouth would be a very hollow place indeed. They are part of our history, and now we need them to help secure our future.

Emma Lapping and Chris Bevan having their ticket scanned as they enter the Historic Dockyard. Picture: Habibur RahmanEmma Lapping and Chris Bevan having their ticket scanned as they enter the Historic Dockyard. Picture: Habibur Rahman
Emma Lapping and Chris Bevan having their ticket scanned as they enter the Historic Dockyard. Picture: Habibur Rahman
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In July, chancellor Rishi Sunak greenlit a £5.3m grant for the National Museum of the Royal Navy (NMRN), which operates the dockyard.

It came just days before the organisation would have declared itself insolvent – but that money is not a long-term solution.

Matthew Sheldon, director of operations for the NMRN, said: ‘Getting everyone back into the dockyard has been an incredible feeling; walking around here during lockdown has felt far too eerie.

‘Every museum in the country is facing challenging times at the moment, so local support is more important than ever.

Emma Lapping and Chris Bevan. Picture: Habibur RahmanEmma Lapping and Chris Bevan. Picture: Habibur Rahman
Emma Lapping and Chris Bevan. Picture: Habibur Rahman
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‘Seeing the first few people walking through the gates in the morning was a really lovely sight for us. People say they have missed coming here and that genuinely means a lot to us.’

With a brand new ‘ultimate explorer’ ticket that grants access to HMS Victory, HMS Warrior and the Mary Rose, the NMRN is looking to create the most comprehensive experience at the dockyard to date.

Visitors Emma Lapping and Chris Bevan were one of the first people through the gates when it reopened.

The pair, who were visiting the south coast from Wales, haven't been to Portsmouth Historic Dockyard since they were children.

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Emma, 43, said: ‘It was absolutely amazing, even with the coronavirus restrictions.

‘Everyone was super friendly and we were able to get round everything we wanted to see.

‘We’ve both come here years ago but it was nice to come back and see it – especially with it being the first day it had reopened.’

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