A New Roof for The Old Ship

Aim

To replace the leaky worn out temporary roof, alongside improvements to insulation and electrics which will keep The Old Ship running.

When the Ship was first purchased, the aim was to undertake a complete rebuild in two phases.   The initial phase, which was completed in 2020, aimed to benefit the community while plans were formulated for the full re-build.  Unfortunately, events including Covid, loss of grant funding and interest rate rises  meant a full rebuild could not be achieved. This remains the long-term plan and in 2025 we engaged with the Architectural Heritage Fund to assess our options.  The cost of the full rebuild was reduced but this would need £1 million to achieve this.  Having reviewed all funding options we have discovered, once again, that the grant funding is not available to support a project of this scale. 

However, over the last 6 years we have run The Ship in its charming temporary state. And during this time we have delivered the following:

• An amazing volunteer led affordable community cafe that is now open three times a week, with over 2500 visits in 2025 alone.
• Supported and delivered around 300 plus community events, including educational workshops, creative, music and heritage events, plus private community events such as birthdays, weddings and Christmas get together, since 2020.
• Created volunteer opportunities for around 40 volunteers.
• Supported 448 young people through various initiatives, such as after school clubs and cooking classes.
• Supported various local business with pop ups and catering for events.
• Delivered employment for three local people.
• Empowered community led initiatives by providing a local affordable space.

We want to carry on delivering these projects for our amazing community and also expand what we can offer, such as increasing the cafe opening hours, developing heritage installations and information, running workshops and events based on increased community consultation. However, this is under threat, as the temporary roof on the current structure has badly deteriorated over the years and we have a very leaky roof that is letting water in numerous places that desperately needs to be replaced. The Ship is also very cold and the electrics are in desperate need of an upgrade. The money raised through this crowdfunder will allow us to:

• Remove and replace the roof
• Insulate inside the roof and install a false ceiling
• Install new down lighting
• Connect the three phase electric system
• Install wall mounted radiators
• Refurbish the windows and back door
• Install improved ventilations in the kitchen

 The total cost of all the work is around £20,000, and we need your help to make this happen! Unfortunately, the sad truth is that if we can’t raise the funds we may get to a point where the roof fails and we won’t be able to open. This would mean that we would not be able to pay our overheads and the future of The Old Ship would become very uncertain. So please, anything you can give will help us to not only keep The Ship going but help it thrive and develop the long term future of The Old Ship.

Any additional funds raised through our fundraising and grant efforts will go to new tables, chairs, shed and garden improvements for The Ship, alongside supporting the long term sustainability of The Peninsula Trust's community projects.

Funding method

Keep what you raise – this project will receive all pledges made by 26th July 2026 at 12:57pm