Hartlepool attraction to celebrate major anniversary

A 200-year friendship forged between the Indian navy and Hartlepool's HMS Trincomalee has been celebrated - and there is much more to come.
By The Newsroom
Published 24th May 2017, 09:00 BST
Updated 4th Jun 2017, 20:05 BST
Chairman of The National Museum of the Royal Navy Admiral Sir Jonathon Band onboard INS Tarkash.Chairman of The National Museum of the Royal Navy Admiral Sir Jonathon Band onboard INS Tarkash.
Chairman of The National Museum of the Royal Navy Admiral Sir Jonathon Band onboard INS Tarkash.

Officials have marked the bicentenary of Hartlepool’s historic attraction with a launch of celebrations onboard modern-day frigate INS Tarkash during the ship’s stopover in London.

HMS Trincomalee was built in Bombay in 1817 and will mark its centenary in October. An appeal has also been launched to make sure the ship is around for generations to come.

INS Tarkash, venue for HMS Trincomalee bicentenary appeal event, alongside at Canary Wharf.INS Tarkash, venue for HMS Trincomalee bicentenary appeal event, alongside at Canary Wharf.
INS Tarkash, venue for HMS Trincomalee bicentenary appeal event, alongside at Canary Wharf.
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Tarkash was a fitting backdrop to kick off events for The National Museum of the Royal Navy Hartlepool’s HMS Trincomalee bicentenary appeal.

Britain’s Indian High Commissioner, His Excellency Mr Y.K. Sinha took advantage of Tarkash’s presence in London to highlight the links between the two.

The event was hosted by HMS Trincomalee President Colonel Euan Houstoun and attended by 120 people including the Secretary of State for Defence, the First Sea Lord, Admiral Sir Philip Jones and a range of other supporters.

The National Museum of the Royal Navy Chairman Admiral Sir Jonathon Band said: “HMS Trincomalee marks an important transition between HMS Victory and HMS Warrior 1860 – both of which are part of our fleet – and she’s also associated with Nelson, for many the greatest naval figure of all time.

HMS Trincomalee.HMS Trincomalee.
HMS Trincomalee.
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“She never saw combat and the period of peace in which she worked saw great advances in the Royal Navy.”

Sir Jonathon told of the importance that HMS Trincomalee played in British naval history. He said: “She travelled more than 100,000 miles all over the world, in extreme climates, and undertook duties that included policing, protection and exploration.

“The bicentenary will highlight her importance in today’s society and will allow the National Museum to reach a new generation of museum users in the North East of England.”

Helen Loynes, Fundraising Manager at The National Museum of the Royal Navy, Hartlepool said: “The 2017 Bicentenary Appeal aims to preserve the future of the ship for a further 200 years so that it can be enjoyed by future generations whilst ensuring that Hartlepool remains a flagship tourist attraction of the North East.

INS Tarkash, venue for HMS Trincomalee bicentenary appeal event, alongside at Canary Wharf.INS Tarkash, venue for HMS Trincomalee bicentenary appeal event, alongside at Canary Wharf.
INS Tarkash, venue for HMS Trincomalee bicentenary appeal event, alongside at Canary Wharf.
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“Part of the appeal hopes to develop a comprehensive programme for schools and community groups as well as plans to extend the community offer with an improved playground space.

“The National Museum of the Royal Navy Hartlepool is looking to build relationships with the local community, businesses and major donors to help conserve the ship so that future generations can enjoy first class naval heritage on their doorstep.”

To support the campaign, visit https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/NMRN-National-Museum-of-the-Royal-NavyTrincomalee or Text NMRN71 £5 to 70070

Related topics:HartlepoolHMS Trincomalee