National Historic Ships UK held its 2016 photography competition and Marsh Volunteer Awards ceremonies on board HQS Wellington on London’s Victoria Embankment last week.
The awards aim to encourage people of all ages and backgrounds to engage with historic vessels through photography, volunteering and by operating them, and encouraging the public to go on board at festivals and events held around the UK coasts, lakes, and rivers.
The £1,000 prize overall winner prize for the 2016 photography competition chosen from hundreds of entries was winner Yasmin Steele for her image, 50 Degrees South. It was chosen from hundreds of entries awarded by National Historic Ships UK.
Judge Rob Peake, who edits Classic Boat magazine, said the shot was a breathtaking photo that puts the viewer on the aft deck as the boat rolls in a roaring Southern Ocean blow. ‘It’s an accomplished shot too, taken no doubt with freezing hands, on the most unstable of platforms,’ he added.
Now in its sixth year, the Marsh Volunteer Awards supported by the Marsh Christian Trust recognise outstanding volunteers in the conservation or operation of historic vessels in the UK. This year the individual award went to Fred Attwood, who volunteers at Portsmouth Naval Base Property Trust. He received a prize of £500.
The Marsh team volunteer award was presented to the Daniel Adamson Preservation Society engineering department for their efforts in operating and maintaining SS Daniel Adamson. The team received a prize of £1,000.
Jill Sim who volunteers at was presented with a special commendation and received a prize of £500.
The anual National Historic Ships flagship of the year award for operational vessels was awarded to Balmoral in recognition of her outstanding public programme. Regional flagship awards went to Kennet (Merseyside) and Excelsior (East Anglia).