HRH The Princess Royal to attend National Historic Ships UK’s Awards Ceremony

National Historic Ships UK, the official voice for historic vessels in the United Kingdom has recently announced that HRH The Princess Royal will be a guest of honour at its prestigious annual awards ceremony, taking place onboard HMS Belfast on 24^th October 2012.

NHS UK’s annual awards ceremony is a celebration of the UK’s maritime heritage and recognises excellence and outstanding achievements in the conservation of historic vessels. Awards presented at the ceremony include the ‘Flagship of the Year’, which acknowledges a vessel for its seasonal programme of public events and the Marsh Volunteer Award, recognising an outstanding volunteer in the conservation or operation of historic vessels in the UK.  Keen to encourage new generations in the conservation and operation of historic vessels, this year’s ceremony will also see the award for ‘Young Volunteer of the Year’, for individuals under the age of 25.

In addition, the winners of NHS UK’s 2012 photography competition will be revealed. Five categories of marine inspired photography that capture the spirit of the UK’s maritime heritage will be awarded together with an overall winner and the new award for ‘Young Photographer of the Year’.

Martyn Heighton, director of National Historic Ships UK said, “We are honoured that HRH The Princess Royal will be attending our Awards Ceremony in celebration of the UK’s inspirational maritime heritage. This ceremony is a great opportunity to share and reward the remarkable achievements of those working so hard in the conservation of the UK’s historic vessels and to announce the winners of our annual national photographic competition, which attracts entries from people of all ages and backgrounds. I am delighted that HRH The Princess Royal will be joining us to celebrate their outstanding contributions, efforts, dedication and creativity.”

National Historic Ships UK advises the Department of Culture, Media & Sport and a range of grant giving organisations on priorities for ship conservation and is the official voice for historic vessels in the UK.  It maintains the National Register of Historic Vessels, which lists over a thousand significant craft and promotes the cause of historic vessels in the UK and worldwide. For further information visit, www.nationalhistoricships.org.uk.