The Marsh Volunteer Awards recognise outstanding volunteers in the conservation or operation of historic vessels in the UK. Volunteers are the lifeblood of the sector with many vessels depending on them to keep going. These Awards, run in partnership with the Marsh Charitable Trust, celebrate the hard work and achievement of the many diverse individuals and groups who volunteer in support of maritime heritage.
The Marsh Charitable Trust was founded in 1981 by its current chairman, Mr Brian Marsh OBE, with the aim to create a sustainable way to give something back to society. The Trust supports around 400 charities every year through its Grants Programme and gives around 100 different Awards to individuals and groups from across the charity sector, who make a difference to a cause that they believe in.
There are three Award categories: Group, Individual, and Shipshape project - for projects listed on NHS-UK’s Shipshape Network.
WINNER: MARSH VOLUNTEER AWARD - GROUP
THE NORFOLK WHERRY TRUST (Ludham, Norfolk)
Norfolk Wherry Trust volunteers typically number fifteen and are actively involved in maintaining and sailing the 1898 Norfolk Trading Wherry Albion. Last year saw them install a gear box on the main winch, rebuild a hatch cover, raise the footpath level to the mooring, as well as undertake ongoing repairs and maintenance work to the vessel and its site, along with outreach and engagement work to local schools.
WINNER: MARSH VOLUNTEER AWARD - INDIVIDUAL (JOINT)
JOHN AITKEN, TALL SHIP GLENLEE (Glasgow)
In the three years John has spent with the Tall Ship Glenlee Trust, he has clearly become indispensable. His engineering skills are put to good use in the workshop during the winter, whilst he welcomes visitors to Glenlee in summer. At Christmas, he dons a Santa Claus outfit, making this period a highlight for all who engage with him. Endorsed by members of the wider ship's team, this application vividly demonstrated John's passion for volunteering and his love of maritime heritage.
WINNER: MARSH VOLUNTEER AWARD - INDIVIDUAL (JOINT)
RICHARD BROWN, BRITANNIA SAILING TRUST (Exeter)
Richard only joined the Britannia Sailing Trust as a volunteer one year ago but has quickly become an invaluable member of the team looking after the 1915 Boston Smack Britannia. Working for the Trust three days per week, he carries out essential maintenance checks, and took responsibility for the design, fabrication and installation of the new engine bed. He has also taken on the role of volunteer supervisor, and it was clear from the application that he has gone over and above the call of duty on many occasions.
WINNER: MARSH VOLUNTEER AWARD - SHIPSHAPE PROJECT
SHIRLEY COCHRANE, DONAGHADEE HERITAGE PRESERVATION COMPANY (Donaghadee, Co. Down)
Shirley Cochrane has been at the heart of the Donaghadee Heritage Preservation Company since it was founded in the early 1980s. She co-ordinates volunteer staffing, leads visitor tours, researches and writes promotional content, archives material, organises events and liaises with local schools. With her own personal connection to the Sir Samuel Kelly lifeboat, the judges saw Shirley as a wonderful example of volunteering at its best.
HIGHLY COMMENDED:
AMBLER'S FRIENDS (Rio Dulce, Guatemala)
The judges also wanted to recognise the volunteer group Ambler’s Friends. They are restoring the 1928 Watson Class lifeboat Ambler in the tropical heat of Guatemala, with the aim of returning the vessel to the UK for her 100th birthday. We were so impressed with this project that we are hoping to add a new category to the Marsh Volunteer Awards next year, especially for vessels on our Overseas Watch List.
Congratulations to all our Winners!
