Portsmouth Historic Dockyard celebrates Community Hero Award
Portsmouth Historic Dockyard has been awarded the Community Hero Award at the Central South Business Awards
The prestigious awards acknowledge those businesses and individuals that have gone above and beyond, achieving great results, inspiring others and demonstrating best practice.
recognises the exceptional contribution of the Dockyard, which offers a world-class visitor experience and the chance to view iconic ships such as HMS Victory, HMS Warrior and the Mary Rose.
Portsmouth Historic Dockyard is thrilled to have been named as the winner of the prestigious Community Hero Award at the 2024 Central South Business Awards.
The Central South Business Awards, in association with Business South, annually celebrate the exceptional achievements of businesses across the region. Finalists are acknowledged for their dedication to exceeding expectations, inspiring others, and upholding best practices.
"We are incredibly honoured for Portsmouth Historic Dockyard to receive the Community Hero Award," said Dominic Jones, CEO of the Mary Rose Trust. "This award is a testament to the dedication of our entire team at the PHD, who are passionate about making history accessible and engaging for everyone. Community is very much at the heart of who we are as an organisation."
Portsmouth Historic Dockyard's nomination focused on its impactful work with Pupil Premium students, a government initiative that allocates additional funding to schools with a high proportion of disadvantaged pupils. Through this initiative all children who receive Pupil Premium, and their families, are able to claim a free Ultimate Explorer ticket (valid for a year). This allows these families to have multiple visits throughout the year, to all 9 attractions, for free.
This initiative has provided access to the PHD for over 12,000 young people and underscores the united commitment to inspiring and enriching young lives.
"This award is so important to our Staff and Volunteers” said Matthew Sheldon, Interim Director General of the National Museum of the Royal Navy. “We are thrilled to be named the Community Hero by the Central South Business Awards. We want to support as many young people as possible to be able to access the amazing resources that the Portsmouth Historic Dockyard can offer.”
Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, is a joint venture between the National Museum of the Royal Navy and the Mary Rose Trust. In addition to the joint Pupil Premium initiative, the award also recognises the incredible community work undertaken by both organisations across the City, and beyond. Both organisations are currently running seven community projects, all tailored to support young people and their families.
Portsmouth Historic Dockyard faced stiff competition in the Community Hero category, with fellow finalists Lainston House Hotel, The Russell Martin Foundation, Tyler's Trust, and Winchester Go LD all nominated for the award. The Awards were presented at a ceremony held at the Leonardo Royal Grand Harbour Hotel in Southampton on Thursday 4 July 2024.
For more information about Portsmouth Historic Dockyard and its award-winning attractions, please visit historicdockyard.co.uk