Nomadic Trust says thanks - 6 September 2007
A reception was held on board the SS Nomadic this evening to thank the many individuals and organisations who have helped with the project to date.
Chairman of the Nomadic Charitable Trust, Denis Rooney, expressed the Trust’s debt of gratitude to the many people who have contributed generously to date: “We have received real help from many individuals and businesses who have given free or discounted goods and services to help develop this wonderful project to this stage of development. Whilst the contributors have given unconditionally the Board thought that it was important to acknowledge their generosity in a fitting manner.”
The overall success of the Nomadic restoration will depend on continued generosity from the whole community and a major fundraising drive will soon begin so that progress can be made towards the goal of full restoration in time for the 100th anniversary in 2011.
Notes to Editors:
- The tender ship, SS Nomadic was built by Harland and Wolff (yard number 422). She was launched on 25 April 1911 and delivered to the White Star Line on 27 May.
- On 10 April 1912 Nomadic sailed out from port with 142 first class and 30 second class passengers to meet Titanic on her maiden voyage. This was Nomadic’s last delivery to Titanic before her maiden voyage sinking, five days later, which was to shock the world.
- Nomadic has a gross tonnage of 1,273, and is 233 feet long. On 26 January 2006 the Department for Social Development purchased the vessel at auction for 250,001 euros (£171,320).
- The Nomadic returned to Belfast in the summer of 2006 and her restoration is being supervised by a Charitable Trust set up by the Department to fundraise and oversee the restoration project. Nomadic was partially opened to the public at Queen's Quay at Easter 2007 and has had initial success as a visitor attraction.
- With the first anniversary of the Nomadic’s return now past the Charitable Trust is gearing up for intensive fundraising activity. The Trust is in the process of appointing a Fundraising Consultant to oversee this work. The Nomadic has just merited inclusion in the National Register of Historic Vessels of the United Kingdom after a successful visit from the UK National Historic Ships Committee.
- The Trust has just appointed Deloitte’s to complete an Economic Appraisal / Business Case to address the extent of the refurbishment and the potential for the funding provision in relation to statutory and philanthropic organisations.
- Media enquiries only to DSD Information Office on 028 9082 9078. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.
|
