Progress report (updated December 2011)

Visitor comments

Selection of comments from SMHC visitor book Nov 2009 – June 2011

Absolutely outstanding, well done to the group – I. Webster
Very welcoming and full of history – E. Davies
Excellent – M. Hall
Super, we’ll be back – M. Cappleman
Fantastic, great work – O. Alexander
Very interesting – M. Kerrison
Fantastic archive – L. Cooke
A credit to all concerned – R. Thompson
Wonderful new addition to Scarborough – S. Silvester
Very friendly & interesting - T. Jenkinson
A Treasure trove – P. Slessor
Very useful and much needed – M. Watson
Fantastic, learnt a lot – K. Robinson
Brill, top class – S. Davy
Unique – G. Holmes
Excellent, such a lot of information in a small place – J. Bull
Staff very helpful, many thanks – J. Craig
Great collection, glad someone’s preserving all this – T. Pascoe
I hope this blossoms into a major tourist attraction – M. Pratt
Some excellent artifacts – A. Gill
Fascinating, needs a bigger space – H. Brant
I could spend a lifetime here – D. Symons
Very knowledgeable staff – S. McGovern
Lovely place – R. Barnes
Brings the past to life – Crossley
An essential resource for Scarborough, MUST be supported – P. Bradbury
I learnt how to tie knots! Fab – A. Cross
Loved it, thank you – Ibbertson
Well done, very accessible – S. Larner
First class – B. Bailey
Lovely to see the traditional way of the town carried on for our families – S. Pugh
A very professionally run museum, deserves expanding with council funding – F. Wade
Excellent, you must save Scarborough’s heritage – H. Sargent
So grateful for your work and website – J. Johnson

BACKGROUND

The SMHC was established in 2004 when a steering group met to investigate the possibility of setting up a maritime heritage centre. They identified the following issues:-
-There was clear support from residents and visitors for such a centre
-There was support from members of the fishing community and those with an interest in the history of Scarborough
-There was a great need for a reputable organisation to receive and hold archives and artefacts that many people wished to loan or donate
-A number of other groups/organisations wished to work with SMHC as their interests coincided with the group
-The most suitable site for a Centre is on the West Pier / Harbour area.
-Contact was made with a number of similar organisations both locally and nationally to learn from their experiences
-A working base was established in the Sea Cadet Hall
-Start up grants were gained to
-A logo and marketing material was designed
-Office equipment including archive storage cupboards were obtained
-Agreement was reached to incorporate SMHC as a Company limited by guarantee and seek charitable status when appropriate
-A number of Open Days and other events were organised to gain feedback and support

The SMHC is a maturing organisation that is building in stages and is working hard to acquire more exhibition, storage and office space.

VISION

To establish and run a maritime heritage centre that educates the public about Scarborough's maritime past.

MISSION GOALS

-To retain as far as possible the skills and knowledge of fishing, boat building and sea faring which are in grave danger of being lost
-To acquire a building on or near the West Pier which will house the activities of SMHC. The ultimate aim is to have a purpose built building.
-To hold archives and artefacts relevant to the maritime heritage and ensure that they are accessible to all those interested in the subject
-To stage exhibitions and events for all members of the community from 5 years old to 90 years old
-To continue to deepen community support
-To identify income generation opportunities

ORGANISATION AND GOVERNANCE

SMHC is a registered company limited by guarentee and a registered charity.

We will ensure our organisation is fit for purpose by:-
-Ensuring appropriate insurance is in place
-CRB checks are made where appropiate
-Risk management is undertaken
-Financial regulations are in place
-Appropriate licences are gained
-Essential policies are introduced such as Health and Safety, Employment, Diversity, Disabilty access etc.
The current committee consists of ten people who work closely with all local groups and authorities to adhere to voluntary organisation practices.

BENIFICIARIES

-The public either resident in Scarborough or visiting
-Donors and lenders of archives/artefacts
-Researchers ranging from academics to people investigating family or maritime history.

STAKEHOLDERS

Stakeholders who are involved in the Centre are:-
-Scarborough Borough Council
-North Yorkshire County Council
-Scarborough Tourism Forum
-SMHC members
-Filey Archives
-Scarborough Archaeology and Historical Society
-Ripon and St John Womens' Voices Team
-Seafest organisation
-Local Tenants and Residents Group
-Whitby heritage organisations
-Urban Renaissance
-Seachange
-SBC Area Forums
-SBC Regeneration
-Harbour Users Group
-Castle Community Partnership
-University of Hull
-Scarborough Museums Trust
-Scarborough Library

MARKET RESEARCH

This is a continuing activity and has already included a survey carried out near to the Harbour that consisted of asking members of the public whether they would support a Centre. This was carried out in 2006 and the results were:-
- 77% in favour of a Centre
- 1% against
- 12% undecided
There is very close contact with the local fishing community (several are Committee members and others are volunteers in the Centre). Local organisations have indicated their support and local schools have shown an interest in linking up with the SMHC. Future plans include changing exhibitions and securing permanent premises.

FUNDING AND FINANCE

Many small grants have been obtained and there are good accounting systems in place. Current expenditure includes:-
-Rent and utility costs on 36 Eastborough, our small start-up premises
-Office and archive preservation equipment
-Publicity and marketing

BUSINESS PLAN

A full Business Plan has been drawn up including possible future employment costs.