SCARBOROUGH MARITIME HERITAGE CENTRE (SMHC) PROGRESS REPORT NOVEMBER 2007
BACKGROUND
SMHC was established in 2004 when a Steering Group met to investigate the possibility of setting up a maritime heritage centre. The work they did identified a number of 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, donate and give in legacies
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 countrywide in order to share experiences
A working base was established at the Sea Cadets HQ
Start up grants were gained to
- Equip the office base
- Carry out more research
- Design the logo and marketing material
- Purchase office equipment (including storage for donated material)
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 are being organised to gain feedback and support
SMHC is a rapidly maturing organisation that is building by stages and is working hard to acquire exhibition, storage and office space.
VISION
To establish and run a Scarborough Maritime Heritage Centre which will be fully accessible to the public and celebrate all aspects of Scarboroughs maritime history and will have local, regional and national significance.
MISSION
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 the West Pier which will house the activities of SMHC. The ultimate aim being 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
- To further develop community support
- To identify income generation opportunities
ORGANISATION AND GOVERNANCE
At present SMHC is an unincorporated association. The incorporation papers (the Memorandum and Articles) are going through final legal checks and it will soon become a Company limited by guarantee which will seek charitable status as soon as is practical. It is also exploring the possibility of becoming a Social Enterprise. Whatever its final legal structure it will be an organisation with considerable social benefit.
Incorporation will ensure that the SMHC will be working within a recognised regulatory framework and, in addition SMHC is establishing itself as an organisation that is fit for business by
Ensuring appropriate insurance is in place
CRB checks are made
A risk management approach is established
Financial regulations are in place
Appropriate licences are gained
Essential policies are introduced such as
- Health and Safety
- Employment
- Diversity
- Access
The present Steering Group of SMHC consists of eight people and this number will not grow significantly with incorporation but there will be formal accountability for the success of the organisation and to members, funders and regulating bodies.
BENIFICIARIES
There are three major categories of beneficiary
The public either resident in Scarborough or visiting
Donors and lenders of archives/artefacts
Researchers ranging from academics to people investigating family history (for example)
STAKEHOLDERS
Key stakeholders in the Centre are
SMHC partners
Scarborough Borough Council
North Yorkshire County Council
Museum Trust
Heritage organisations
Harbour Users Group
Tourism groups
SMHC members
Partners At the moment these include
Filey Archives
Scarborough Archaeology and Historical Society
Sea Cadets
Ripon and St John Womens Voice Team
Seafest
Links are established with
Local Tenants and Residents Group
Whitby heritage organisations
Urban Renaissance
Coast and Moors Voluntary Action
SBC Area Forums
SBC Regeneration
Harbour Users Group
Castle Community Partnership
Training is taking place with University of Hull and the Museums Trust and topics include
Facilities management
Fundraising
Marketing
Organisational Development
Curating skills
Archivist skills
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 (two are Committee members) and there is strong anecdotal evidence of support and this support is also shown by the offers of loaned or donated material from many people
Local organisations have indicated their support
Local schools also offer strong support
A website is nearing completion
Future plans include Open Days, exhibitions and other events and a Friends organisation will be launched soon.
FUNDING AND FINANCE
£2490 has been gained from the Community Champions Fund and the Mayoresses Fund and the Rotary, for start up of the organisation.
There are good systems in place to record and account for any monies in the account which at the moment are being used for
Rent
Office equipment and storage
Office consumables
Publicity and marketing
BUSINESS PLAN
A full Business Plan will be drawn up when
he accommodation costs have been clarified
Other costs (including, for example employment costs) are clear
Further planned research has taken place
An initial approach to Awards for All is being written and will cover the costs of the next stage of the development of SMHC