I thought it would be a good idea to put the posts in response to last weeks (4th and 5th December) press coverage in one place ‘warts and all’. When people make an effort it would be a shame if they never get a viewing apart from the ‘hidden depths’ of the Herald or WMN websites.
Ian Stockdale.
Left in ruins, Sunday, December 14, 2008.
MY FORMER shipmate from HMS Cavalier, Jim Unwin, felt the report last Saturday ‘On course for the scrap-heap’ almost reads like a conspiracy because of the stance taken by the MoD and its underlings in trying to stop HMS Plymouth coming back home where she belongs.
I don’t think ‘conspiracy’ is too strong a word. Lord Owen was correct in questioning the reasons for dismantling the gate to No2 Dock, and should pursue the matter by asking the Government for a full explanation, and for it to be reinstalled.
This is all very reminiscent of the actions taken by the MoD in the 1980s when the decision was made to close Chatham Dockyard. It was made clear at the time that Chatham would never be used again as a dockyard, and to that end they systematically destroyed everything that was not an ancient monument or listed. Everything was bulldozed flat, dry docks destroyed, gates and caissons removed and cut up, pumping gear and auxiliary machinery scrapped, even down to wrecking the caisson housings to make sure they could never be used again. This was nothing short of sheer vandalism, and don’t think the same cannot happen to South Yard, because it could unless we do something about it - now! The only part that was spared was the part which has now become the Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust which houses the magnificent ropery, HMS Cavalier, Ocelot and Gannet, something Plymouth should be considering for the Mutton Cove end of South Yard, before it too is destroyed. The area already lends itself to a possible Plymouth Historic Dockyard and Maritime Museum by the fact that it also has a ropery, gallows, listed slips and docks, with its own gate which could be reopened if that part were sectioned off. The Dockyard Museum is already there; coupled with HMS Plymouth and the Falklands Museum and artefacts, it already has the makings of a good museum, so why not give it some thought and find HMS Plymouth a temporary home until the future of South Yard becomes clearer? The covered slip would make an excellent centre to teach youngsters many of the ancient and now defunct trades still required on many historic ships, and could be a source of revenue.
Chatham gets about 150,000 visitors a year, and Portsmouth probably twice that number, all pumping millions into the local economies. Plymouth suffers because it does not have anywhere where it can explain and capitalise upon its magnificent maritime history. But if a Plymouth maritime museum is to be anything more than a pipe dream it’s important the MoD is not allowed to dismantle South Yard, and our MPs and council would be wise to seek assurances that it will be left intact. The area I am talking about is relatively small, and would still leave many hundreds of acres available for other employment purposes. For once, Plymouth, open your eyes and use a bit of vision to put the city on the map, and to send a clear message to investors that this city is not stuck in the doldrums, and is quite capable of carving out a future.
SID ANNING, Crownhill
Find the room Friday, December 12, 2008.
HAVING read the reported words of Lord Owen and Mike Critchley regarding HMS Plymouth, I find it most disappointing that at least two stalwarts have to admit defeat in bringing the ship back to her native city.I also understand many other people have tried tirelessly to bring her back where she belongs, thereby losing a valuable asset.
Two of the ships I served on are already floating museums and no doubt a great asset to the public, and have been for many years. I refer to HMS Belfast and HMS Cavalier, which are great attractions to visitors from all parts of the world.
After all efforts from those I mentioned earlier, it almost reads like a conspiracy to degrade HMS Plymouth to the scrap-heap. No wonder such men are so disheartened as to admit defeat. You cannot bang your head against a brick wall for ever.
I never served on HMS Plymouth but I feel that if she could be preserved and found a berth here, she would prove to be a big attraction to visitors, just as famous as Belfast and Cavalier.
JAMES UNWIN, Plymouth
It is rather tragic for Britain that so many good folk are concerned about saving HMS Plymouth and other ships and are not finding the authorities in tune with their ideas, as can be seen by the multitude of comments. Similarly to Plymouth there seems to be a great lack of support in other maritime areas such as Merseyside and Liverpool. Not only did the Warships Trust fold because of “development” of the Birkenhead dock in which they were moored, but none of the other maritime schemes have been successful. The SS Manxman has not found a home on Mersyside where she was built, nor HMS Whimbrel brought back from Egypt as the “Battle of the Atlantic” memorial ship. She could have been displayed imaginatively similarly to HMS Plymouth’s plans. HMS Bronington, Prince Charles’s command, is now to be broken up as no support can be found for even a small minesweeper. Glasgow will not now have the liner Empress of Britain, nor Southampton the Windsor Castle. HMS Vengeance, the last WW II aircraft carrier did not sail back to Falmouth, but sailed to an Indian scrapping beach. Our European neighbours are preserving larger vessels than HMS Plymouth and HMS Whimbrel, the SS Rotterdam, a trans-Atlantic liner, is now moored in the Port of Rotterdam, and the Sagafjord, another liner, will be most likely moored in Stockholm. The Nation could not even keep the last traditional Atlantic Liner in the country, QE 2. Even in the air the restored-to-flight Vulcan bomber that took part in the Falklands War is now at risk of grounding after all the time, money and and work done by a fantastic team achieving, against the odds, an airworthy aircraft; and the only flying example. Let it not be forgotten that when these port cities need tourists after the ‘credit crunch’ has been sorted, and children require a tangible piece of history to explore, either for school work, or for interests sake, and survivors of battles and their families and friends can gain solace from what was achieved in giving the ultimate sacrifice, the preservation of such warships is much more than an accountancy exercise. The USA have preserved many of their warships in States that bear their name as memorials to the seamen lost, mostly, from WW II. Oh yes I forgot Merseyside will have a warship on view, U534, but that’s German, and it is cut up into 4 pieces! So they will have a memorial to the Vanquished, but not the Victor!
Andrew Rutter, Hagley Worcestershire
HMS Plymouth generated sufficient income to maintain itself in Birkenhead, along with a small museum gift shop. With the right organsiation and management there is no reason why it couldn’t become the centre piece of Plymouths very own heritage attraction. Think outside the box, Drake, the Pilgrim Fathers and the 1st Eddistone lighthouse all belong to Plymouth. Important parts of our and what have you to show the world? just a lighthouse! Never mind you can do guided tours of the disused dockyard once the navy pull out. And they will, there is neither budget or justification for three dockyards. They said that Chatham would never go, how wrong they were. Look to the future and plan now instead of belittling history. And to those who think that preservation of a heap of scrap metal is a waste and a whimsical idea should look at what they have around them, slowly but surely bit by bit our heritage is lost, developers allow listed buildings to fall down so that they can develope the land. The local authorities allow them to do so. Imagine the uproar and public outrage that would follow if the Victory was allowed to rot away or the Mary Rose was left to decay! after all they are only ships that have served their purpose and no longer have any significance in todays world. They are outdated lumps of wood. And yet millions of pounds are poured into their maintenance and up keep which could be better spent housing the homeless or used to bale out the multitude of failing businesses.
A radical solution no doubt one that will ellicit much response. In the era of the Victory it was precisely the same type of argument that ensured its preservation for later generations.
As for me, personally I don’t care what you do, I’m never coming to Plymouth again, why should I theres nothing to see, just a couple of big shops and a few old houses down by the Barbican. The rest of your history you have converted into low cost housing for the rich.
The Joss, Guzz, Portland & York
I feel that HMS Plymouth would be more beneficial and financially viable than Tinside. At least it could be a year round visitor attraction and educational resource. I have set up a Facebook group entitled ‘Save HMS Plymouth’ for people to post ideas about action we could take to save her and bring her back to Plymouth.
Sarah Greep, Plymouth
Another stab in the back for our Heritage. £58 million pounds has been pumped into the DRC/Plymouth City Council for the benefit of Devonport ,and most of the money,if not all has and will never have any impact on Devonport long-term.
Considering this i argued as a Councillor 2003/06 that South Yard could be used to build a themed heritage centre to match Portsmouth.
But no it appears houses for those that can least afford them (140k for affordable housing when the average wage is 15k) in other words migrants to a city that considers Holiday homes overlooking the sea are more important then the local population needs of access to jobs or at least attractions that could draw people to the city.
Tudor Evans made clear to a question in the Chamber Plymouth could not sustain the cost of keeping HMS Plymouth in her home city and would not even consider that such a venture could be supported or get of the ground using this regeneration monies.
Even the Tories and Lib Dems never supported this question although 44 million for a Life Centre can be found?
I am discusted at the way our Heritage, is slowly, but shorly disappearing, decisions made by people of doubtful intent……Its time & our duty to be proud of our past .
Councillors stop topping up your pensions and take a positive step to bring HMS Plymouth back home.
LeeF, Plymouth
There is no merit or justification whatever for keeping and preserving this ship. Even if substantial private funds could be raised to maintain it i would question the significance or purpose in alloting it space and a mooring locally. it is a middling like any other warship of the late twentieth century that happens to have taken its name from out city. yes. a lot of sailors served aboard her, and yes she got caught up in a conflict or two but she has no iconic or major significance in the great scheme of things except to those with a direct connection. the city does not have the space or resources for this has been millstone.
Harriet, OMQs
Peter Virgo ~ would be very interested in your photo for our archives. Please e-mail me sec126club@btinternet.com
I’m going to say very little on the subject of my old ship, as I’ve said it all before over the last 3 years of trying to get her ‘back home’ and it’s all fallen on deaf ears. All I will say here, is thanks to all those who support us and for all your comments.
Christa, we haven’t spoken for a while I know. Sorry.
Yours Aye
Martin Slater
Secretary H.M.S. Plymouth Association , Liverpool
If Plymouth only stepped back and looked at what Historic ships can do for them in a Historic Naval Dockyard and Base. Oggie Oggie Oggie.-it’s
known around the World.
HMS Cavalier has done wonders, along with Ocelot and the Victorian sloop HMS Gannet. in the Historic Dockyard, Chatham.
Daily visitors abound through most of the year, events are staged on them, They have become unique film stars,
excelent place for weddings.
as well as the Memorial factor
that they represent.
HMS Cavalier rescued from a Malyan Theme park because no one wanted her, has become a great attraction and is part of the Destroyer Memorial featured and unveiled by HRH The Duke of Edinburgh.
It can be home for volunteers, who do the maitainance and cleaning duties as some 40 plus older men and one woman do at Chatham.
Plymouth WAKE UP.
Our heritage is well worth looking after,
Men lived, served, and died defending our…. your freedom,
have respect for them, with HMS Plymouth to remind today and tomorrow’s youth.
IS Someone Banging Drakes Drum, put your hearing aid on
and listen.
Mike Fleet 10 years serving as a volunteer on HMS. Cavalier.
Michael, Medway Chatham
Good to see all the words of support for this ship.Good comment from the joss.Dont worry about the spelling and grammer mate in my day it was believed the regulating branch could either read or write not both:-)
ken price, Hereford
We don’t have public money to spend on ephemera and mediocrity like this. We could suggest tens of thousands of other greater priorities.
Jolyon, Millfields
HMS Plymouth docked in Bridgeport Connecticut in the late 70’s and was proud to take my American Born Wife aboard as was thousands of visitor’s at that time.
Being a former Apprentice at South Yard and working on the building of the first nuclear ship HMS Girdleness it brought back many fine memories to me PLEASE THINK THIS OVER and respect the BRAVE MEN who sailed and died for us !!
The name PLYMOUTH is the name of many Cities here in America and countries throughout the world.
Bring this fine Frigate back to South Yard where it belongs !!
If interested I do have a photo of my Wife posing with some of the crew on that ship
thank you and good luck to all the Citizens of Plmouth in bringing her home
Ex Plymothian
Peter Virgo
Peter Virgo, Derby Connecticut USA
The fact is, all military vessels have a shelf life.
Why don’t we do as the Bristolians did with the SS Great Britain and open her up to the public in a dry dock.
Bristol seems to be how Plymouth should…with good leadership.
Lets give visitors a good reason to come spend their money here.
Nicholas, Plymouth
repect to the joss,he has said it all, from one matlot to another!
swilly pafc, sea
Can we have the photo of HMS Plymouth back up please Herald, just to remind us what we are about to lose, after all we will not be able to see her again if this awful thing takes place.
I just can believe all this.
I am thousands of miles away but it still tugs at me the thought of this wonderful vessel being destroyed and not brought home where she belongs .
This is my third post on this subject and as helpless as I feel it’s all we can do to try and save her.
Please keep her.
Christa, Canada
PRIDE & RESPECT! This so-called modern society have neither. Bid farewell to Gordon Brown & his associates for failing us the past eleven years, as your time has come to step down.
Bill Parker William Parker, Clowne, Derbyshire
I cannot believe that the city of Plymouth with all it’s Naval background and the RoyalNavy/MOD can allow a vital part of their history and heritage to just disappear. Didn’t Plymouth lose enough in the past? Remember that what Germany didn’t bomb into oblivion during the World War II the Plymouth City Council demolished!! A lot of the Elizabethan era in the Barbican area gone in the name of modernisation!! Once it’s gone it can’t be brought back. Give this serious thought all you people in power, razor blades will never replace a ship that suffered for it’s country in time of war. It deserves a place in the history of Plymouth as Victory does in Portsmouth. Somebody has to act before it is too late.
Anthony, Philippines
How typical of the MOD…. Treating this ship like it does the serving and ex service personel. Once used and not needed anymore, cast aside. I’m and ex-service person who sustained an injury while serving and now fighting for help. The MOD don’t care about it’s forces, never have and never will.
Mark, Plym
Being an ex matelot Pat I have fond memories of plymouth and the ship named after her. Am I glad I emigrated n 1970, you bet. Because what I see and hear about the old country is hardly ever good. I’m lost for words, Pride is obviously no longer fashionable with today’s governments as they are too bloody busy looking after gays, lesbians and Afghan terrorists. I often ask myself why did I join up, for what? England isn’t England anymore, its enough to make an old sailor weep even more so if he’s a senior.
Peter, Australia
I remember my ship going alongside HMS Plymouth to help fight the fires after she was bombed in San Carlos Water in June 1982. I then served in HMS Plymouth in 1985/87. She was my last seagoing ship. It saddens me that PCC is willing to spend millions on a Life Centre but will not do anything to save this historic ship. Plymouth has always played second fiddle to Portsmouth, not because Pompey is better but because they know how to market themselves by preserving our heritage and drawing in tourists who spend a lot of money. Shame on you PCC and MOD.
William J, plymouth
It frustrates me to no end, Why cant the citizens of Plymouth be allowed to take pride in their herritage, we fund the council, and the mod via taxes, the mod have used and abused the city and now washes its hands of Plymouth. it is an utter outrage, and I wish there was some way of bringing those people responsible (irrisponsible people) to account. Its our city, our heritage, and could be our ship.
I for certain would be happy to make small annual donations, and time to keep her here.
I am so annoyed, think I should move to pompey.
Russ, Plymouth
And to the spelling and gramma police, who will no doubt be foaming at the bit! I don’t really care.
The Joss, Guzz, Portland & York
History and heritage have no place in todays bland and politically correct Britain,(I missed of the Great on purpose!). It is easier to get lottery funding for Guinea Pig farming in South America than to preserve a small portion of our nations proud history. I suppose in yeasr to come it would prove an embarrassment to the government as they apologise to Argentina for starting the war in the Falklands.
I recall the celebrations when the lads came home, everyone in Guzz was so proud of the achievements against such overwhelming odds. Now its OK to spit on servicmen in uniform, insult and harass the wounded and dying in an NHS hospital, have to sleep in your car before your comerades funeral because the only hotel doesn’t accommodate service personnel and be refused entry and a drink in the Walkabout Bar because you are in the uniform of OUR armed forces. Bearing all this in mind, this does not suprise me one iota. the men of this ship sailed the world ready to do the bidding of YOUR government, without question. They went to war and put themselves in harms way for you and for the Falkland Islanders. Afterwards when all the bands had stopped playing these men carried on with their careers. Those who suffered were tossed aside and left to fend for themselves abandoned by the service and by the government because just when they needed help the medical services were pared to near non existance. And now, the ship that served so many served so well and protected them from serious harm is abandoned just like them. One icon of Naval history from countless years of war, hardship, combat and pain, just one you had to save and your penny pinching council aided and abetted by a naval service that neither cares nor is bothered have consigned it to the scrap and to history. Unlike the beautiful classic american car of the same name it has earn’t its place in world history and in Plymouths heart. I never thought that the city I served in for so many years could be so shallow, must be because the good times are over and the Royal Navy has removed the golden goose. Enjoy the heritage of Yuppie apartments and exclusive marinas you derserve it.
The Joss, Guzz, Portland & York
This ship used up all its luck in 1982 taking care of the sailors who crewed it. I remember seeing it battered and burnt when it arrived in Gibraltar on its way home.
Obviously the MOD are not interested despite there being a 3 mile long dockyard with virtually nothing in it. Plymouth City council, well we all know how useless they are, can`t even look after their own building let alone a City.
Its funny how in Devonport we always have room for one more redundant Submarine that no one wants yet no room for an ICON of our past glory days when we could actually build decent warships locally.
I am not surprised at this news.
If Commander Mike Critchley can`t get the ship home then doubtful anyone can.
To Plymouth it would be like scrapping the SS Great Britian would be to Bristol, a tragedy.
Rhetorician, Plymouth
Iwas part of the freedom of the city of plymouth gaurd in the 60s, what went wrong with plymouth have they lost the pride they once had, there heritige was naval and a ship bearing there name says it all. Stand up and be , base hms plymouth where she belongs, in plymouth
robert alfie wells, yorkshire
If eyesores like the civic centre can be protected by having listed building status why cant old warships that along with their ships companies have served their country above and beyond have a preservation order on them. ken price, hereford
My father had an imported American car that happened to be made by a company called Plymouth. is that enough of a connection for us to have asked for a permanent free parking place and eternal security and maintenance paid for by plymouth city Council? We feel just as attached to and nostalgic for the old car.
Carl, Manadon
its a shame the wont use no2 dock i was a cadet next to the dock and it was just there with nothing in it so make good use of it and put HMS plymouth in the space if the navy do it in chatam and portsmouth WHY not good old plymouth wat a shame of history for plymouth.!!!!!!!!!!!
popeye, plymouth
I saw her keel laid down, and watched her launching when I was a spotty-faced apprentice.
Now, it seems…………….
Vic., Bodmin.
If they let this happen it’s a sad day for all who sailed, fought and loved this ship.
But mostly it’s a sad day that the powers to be could let her go and not give her her home back for the people of Plymouth.
Something like this is important and matters to Plymouth’s history and heritage.
This is really bothering me, what was the use of that long petition that had so many names added to it?
It’s a sin to let this happen.
Christa, Canada
“HMS Belfast is in London, ss Great Britain in Bristol….HMS Plymouth in Plymouth…now thats an idea….Come on council pull your finger out!! Q, Plymouth”
Don’t forget Cavalier in Chatham …. Victory (and the rest) in Pompey. But at least Plymouth have got the anchor off the old Ark Royal …. naval heritage at its finest!!
Martin, Liverpool
It is a great shame that the ship that was built in Plymouth and also bears the city’s name can not be allowed to return to its home. This ship of all Devonport ships should be protected and looked after, it is after all part of this great city’s heritage.
I’m afaid asking for berths from the Dockyard commander is not a lot of good, after all he only does and says what his seniors (quite often civvies these days) tell him to say.
The dollar is king these days & the PFI’s that run once RN Dockyards - make the decisions with the dollar in mind - lets face it they don’t and won’t need the armed forces until the bombs start to fall on em… and then its tommy this and tommy that etc etc - A sad day for the Ship and the City and and sad sad days for those who have to apply lies to a situation where money means more than hard fought memories .
Shep Woolley Pompey rating
oggie oggie oggie
Shep Woolley, Portsmouth
I was born in Plymouth and have taken great pride of being a shipwright who worked on HMS Plymouth….I think this ship should be saved. Give it a berth in South Yard !!
Barry G Rafferty (Jock), Windsor Canada
Not very helpful of the Naval Base Commander to say there is no room in the yard. All those miles of waterfront and he can’t find even a temporary berth until a permanent one can made ready. I mean, we’ve got 3ugger all of a fleet left anyway, so who else is going to fill all the jetties? He must be a Pompey rating because he obviously doesn’t give a toss about Plymouth.
RobRoy is right, that bit of sea wall south of the barbican adjacent to the council car park is ideal.
Steve, you’re talking rubbish, literally, as usual.
Dinger Bell, ex-HMS Plymouth
If ’tis to be done t’would best be done quickly.
Janice, keyham
Let’s hope that the Plymouth City Council Refuse Collectors don’t have to pick up the rubbish, They only work four days a week and they would leave half of the ship behind.
Steve, Plymouth
This is absolutely shameful on the part of Plymouth Council and the people of Plymouth. I can remember going out on the tugs to bring her back into dock when she came home, all the proud patrioic Plymothians standing on the Hoe ,Devils Point and around the foreshore at Devonport. How can all of us forget so quickly. Dont you remember the tarpaulins covering the holes in the superstructure,how the brave men and women that were involved in the conflict fought and died for what they thought was right? This ship should be brought home to rest in peace, not torn to pieces! Why not put it in Tinside Lido makes more sense than spending millions on a pool thats too cold to use for most of the year.
peter cooper, spain
Seen the above, well, I am sorry to read this, Chatham has a collection of historic ships, including Cavalier and Gannet, and are a great draw for the towns, and HMS Plymouth could be the same I am sure, what a shame the authority can not help or even the MOD, removing the dock gates, what were they thinking of. A great shame I think,
John Kempton, Medway Towns in Kent
Providing the the cost is less than the benefit keep it as tourist attraction, if the cost is more then we can’t afford another white elephant, Tinside swimming pool is already draining our resources, much to do with mismanagement though.
Sean, Plynouth
lets bring it back to plymouth and use it as a tourist attraction. what a waste to scrap it.
albert trotter, peckham
It is obvious the Plymouth Council don’t give a toss about Plymouths Naval Heritage. Maybe if they went and had a look at Portsmouth to see what they have done it may open their eyes a bit. Portsmouth Heritage centre brings in hundreds of thousands of visitors in every year, this brings in much needed revenue through tourism. What they have done in Portsmouth puts Plymouth to shame. All they need to do is provide a berth for the ship and I’m sure there will be enough unpaid volunteers to keep her shipshape and enough visitors to keep her afloat.
Admiral Nelson, Portsmouth
It’s outrageous that WML are not getting the support and assistance they need. Obviously the Naval Base isn’t an option yet, until South Yard is opened up, because visitors would have to be limited to organised tours which would mean very few visitors.
Steve is absolutely right, there is room at Millbay in the basin to the east of the ferry terminal until a suitable berth can be prepared.
The best option is at the Barbican, just south of the new pontoons, it is the perfect place - the land is just a council car park. And let’s face it the council will get a slice of the proceeds. Because of this location visitor numbers will be the maximum possible. A mini breakwater, or coffer dam, could be built to protect the ship from southerly gales.
Councillors, it’s not difficult, just pull your fingers out and get on with it!
RobRoy, The Delta Quadrant
Give the people of Plymouth thier ship back!!!!! It seems to me that the people who decide over the fate of HMS Plymouth, are probably not Plymouth born! And if they are ,they should hang thier heads in shame!!!! It is also a slap in the face for the brave servicemen who lost thier lives in the Falkland war!!!! This ship is a piece of Plymouth’s history! So spend some money, make some space and save her!!!
Kevin, GERMANY
As a citizen of Plymouth, I am consistantly appalled at the appathy that surrounds this City, particularly when you look at Portsmouth and Chatham who are proud of their heritage, and are prepared to display it at every opportunity.
I have always advocated, that the Royal William Yard would have been better served as Plymouth’s own Maritime Museum rather than flats for the better off which have had tens of millions of tax payers money wasted on it, with is really of no benefit to this city.
If HMS Plymouth could have joined forces with the Dockyard Museum, and still could, the Royal William Yard would have become a great visitor attraction to this City by fortelling its magnificent maritime history.
As an Historic Ship campaigner, who was involved with stopping HMS Cavalier - my old ship, from being exported to a Malaysian Theme Park, and through necessity, bringing the matter to the attention of the Culture Select Committee before she could be saved. This was achieved against a background of apathy, ignorance, and a simply could not care less attitude by Government, DCMS, HLF, and more in particular, English Heritage who shame facedly washed its hands of any involvement with Historic Ships many years ago.
Recently we lost the fight to save the last steam driven LST in the UK (HMS Stalker), and know exactly how the HMS Plymouth campaigners feel.
Frankly I am appalled, as the vast majority of those who in Government and HLF who have Historic Ships in the palm of their hands, and more in particular - their future, have simply no idea of the needs of Historic Ships.
There has always been doubts about the NRHV and its Governing Body, the National Historic Ships Unit having the powers to save an Historic Ship. Giving the loss of these magnificent ships to the scrap man possibly in the future, then I think those doubts are confirmed.
HMS Stalker has been lost for piddling amounts of money, and it would appear that HMS Plymouth is being lost simply because she could not find a berth. Does anyone care about our Maritime Heritage - not a bit, least of all PCC.
This is one of the reasons why HMS Stalker failed, but as I have told HLF and DCMS continually for over a decade, that much of the requirements for funding simply cannot be met until such time as funding as been given, and that, many of the requirements needed for funding are simply not possible to achieve. To me Historic Ships cannot be treated on a similar level to a building or a work of art, and its time the Government and Councils accepted this.
What most people fail to comprehend about Historic Ships is the amount of revenue that they bring in. To Portsmouth and its Historic Ships it must be to the order of £100m to their local economy.
I can fully understand Mike Critchley’s dissapointment and frustration, (ably abetted by the MOD), at Plymouth City Council. It would appear the Life Centre of which they are prepared to spend tens of millions of pounds on, and to put this City into hock for, but at the same time are not prepared to give a ship which bears its name a home.
Sometimes I am ashamed of this City and its politicians. I do hope that there is a change of stance.
I believe the City Council should tell the MOD that unless they give HMS Plymouth a berth at South Yard, then we should not accept anymore of their nukes which in my view is a small price to pay for that priviledge.
SID ANNING, Crownhill - Plymouth
THIS IS ABSOLUTELY DISGUSTING.. THIS SHIP HAS A HISTORY AND A HERITAGE IN OUR AREA AND SHOULD BE SAVED FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS. I WORKED ON HER BRIEFLY WHEN SHE WAS IN MILBAY ON DISPLAY INTHE 80′S SHE SHOULD CERTAINLY NOT BE SOLD FOR SCRAP, THIS WOULD BE AN INSULT TO ALL THE SERVICE PEOPLE THAT SERVED (AND DIED) ON HER. SURELY SOME ROOM COULD BE MADE FOR HER IN THE OLD SOUTH YARD WHERE THE NEW HOUSING IS BEING BUILT PREHAPS AS PART OF THE NAVAL BASE MUSEUM THATS DOWN THERE? (BUT I DOUBT IT AS HOUSING MAKES MONEY AND SHE PROBABLY WONT)
John, plymouth
I can recall waving HMS Plymouth off on one of her sailings. A magnificent vessell.
Mavis Rook, Manadon
I have great memories of many RN ships, but am realistic enough to know that they cannot all be preserved.
If people want to contribute to save a ship - good luck to them, but before they part with their cash, they need to be certain that there is some port that is prepared to provide a home, and also how much the cost of that home will be. Once that figure has been reached, then you can start collecting the millions of pounds needed to restore the ship, and continue collecting to maintain it.
When reality sets in, then perhaps people will realise that sentimentality can cost a bomb!
Oggy, Plymouth
Where is my coment? im a proud janner and a serviceman, i think i have a right to put my point across to D from plymouth,evening herald police you are a disgrace
swilly pafc, sea
for heavens sake plymouth city council sort it out!! buy it and place it at millbay for the time being until the docks are developed and an alternative location in the city can be found. there is hardly any recognition of plymouth’s maritime history as it is. This is the LAST frigate to be built in Devonport and it bears the name Plymouth. you go to portsmouth and they are proud of their history and rightly show it off. plymouth has the mayflower steps and thats it. also, whatever happened to the replica of the mayflower discussed a few years back? they’d rather spend their money on a stupid life centre on greenfields or invest in some dodgy icelandic bank. with the very real prospect that both the naval base and airport will shut plymouth will increasingly rely upon tourism for its wealth, but its clearly not preparing itself wisely. it really saddens me looking at images of pre-war plymouth to see what not only hitler, but what this council has done to sell this city down the river.
steve, devon
I signed a petition to save her, this is very upsetting and sad news.
The worse part is losing the chapel that means so much to the crew that fought on her.
Christa, Canada
The metal will be a lot more useful made in to cars and tin cans
D, Plymouth