Today we say farewell to Fiona Harvey, our Appeal Fundraiser, who's heading off to pastures new. We'll let her explain...
Since the Mary Rose Trust launched the 500 Appeal in late 2009 to recruit the new crew of the Mary Rose it has been my privilege to work with an amazing group of fundraising volunteers. They have joined in this unique heritage project to raise money to build a new museum to house the Mary Rose and her many thousands of Tudor treasures, with total commitment and boundless enthusiasm. It has not been easy for fundraisers given the current economic situation. Yet this has not stopped the new crew from raising many thousands of pounds to help the Appeal. People from across the UK and from overseas, have got behind the Appeal with an incredible array of fundraising events and activities. From drenching wenches to Tudor torchlight tours, to archery contests, fundraisers have used their imaginations to get people involved and to give generously.
The Appeal is in its closing stages, but the fundraising continues as we are now looking at raising the final £700k. Bearing in mind the total started at £35m this is some achievement. I am in no doubt that the contributions from all the new crew have helped enormously.
I am now leaving to join the National Museum of the Royal Navy. I shall be sad to say “Goodbye” to the many people who have helped make the new Mary Rose Museum a reality. But I am sure that many of us will meet again with the opening later this year. So until then – a big thank you to everyone who has been involved in the 500 Appeal.
Warm wishes
Fiona Harvey
Appeals Fundraiser
Mary Rose 500
