Following the rejection of the Trustees’ initial major bid to the Lottery Heritage Commission for a grant in order to finance the redevelopment of the Museum in line with the plans of Gosport Borough Council for their part of the Millennium project for the Renaissance of Portsmouth Harbour, the year has been one in which the Trustees have pursued three main objectives.

These have been firstly, to revise the plans for the museum’s future development, taking into account the advice given by the Heritage Lottery Commission; secondly, to strengthen the administrative and curatorial structure of the museum so as be able competently to manage the planned development and, thirdly, to make limited but important improvements to the museum in order to enhance the displays and broaden its appeal to visitors.

I am happy to report that these objectives have been broadly met. Details of what has been achieved are contained in the body of the report.

While visitor numbers did not increase as had been hoped, the improved financial results enabled the cash reserves to be increased by some £21,000 excluding £25,000 received in advance for the Submarine Centennial Appeal.

The Trustees wish to acknowledge the continuing support and advice given by our sponsor department in the Ministry of Defence, Hampshire County Council Museums Service and the South East Museums Service.

The Trustees are still confident that the Museum will continue to realise its current objectives and that its development plans will ensure that the achievements and heritage of the Royal Navy’s Submarine Branch will be preserved for posterity in a fitting manner.

The Trustees wish to acknowledge their debt to the Director and Staff for their continued hard work and loyalty during the year and their appreciation of the contribution to the Museum by the many volunteers who gave freely of their time and expertise in the Archive Working Party and other ways. In particular they would like to thank the Society of friends of the Museum for their generous support and to the Submarine Old Comrades Association for their donations to the Submarine Memorial Fund.

Rear Admiral AJ Whetstone, CB

Rear Admiral AJ Whetstone CB (Chairman)
Rear Admiral J F Perowne OBE (Vice Chairman)
Captain D Conley OBE Royal Navy (until July 1997)
Dr R Bud (The Science Museum )
Captain R Channon Royal Navy (Rtd)
Captain G G W Hayhoe CBE Royal Navy (Rtd) (until January 1998)
Mrs L Lee (Principal St. Vincent College)
Captain T J Meadows CBE Royal Navy (Rtd)
Mr D Patch (Nominated by the Submarine Old Comrades Association)
Mr R Webb (from October 1997)
Mr R Wilson (Nominated by Gosport Borough Council)

Captain T J Meadows CBE Royal Navy (Rtd) (Chairman)
Mrs L Lee
Commander J J Tall OBE Royal Navy (Rtd)

Commander J J Tall OBE Royal Navy (Rtd)

Mr Graham Dobbin

Mr Colin White, MA, AMA.

Mr David Higham, Blake Lapthorn, 1 Barnes Wallis Road, Segensworth, Fareham, Hampshire

Walton and Co. East Street, Titchfield, Fareham, Hampshire

Lloyds Bank Plc, High Street, Gosport, Hampshire.

National Westminster Bank Plc, High Street, Gosport, Hampshire [For Grant-in-Aid Account]

The Royal Navy Submarine Museum was formed as a modest Submarine Branch Collection under a Deed of Trust dated 11 September 1963. It was registered as a charity on 12 February 1970. Three small rooms were made available for the collection in the submarine base at HMS Dolphin.

In 1977, with the collection growing rapidly, the Museum, as by then it had become, moved to larger and more attractive premises. But, as these were still within HMS Dolphin, public access was greatly restricted by security considerations. Therefore, in 1978 the Trustees decided that the time had come to move out of HMS Dolphin, to construct a purpose built Museum and to place HMS Alliance which was loaned by the Ministry of Defence for a period of sixty years, ashore so that visitors could enter and leave by doors cut in the hull rather than through the awkward hatches used for access when the submarine was afloat. This decision also enabled maintenance costs to be reduced by removing the need for periodic docking.

A public appeal was launched in 1978 and a new Deed of Trust for a charity registered as the Submariners Memorial was drawn up in April 1979. The aims of the new Trust covered the preservation and accessibility to visitors of the Alliance, the preservation of the collection, held in a new Museum Building adjacent to but outside HMS Dolphin, and to relieve distress among past and present submariners and their dependants.

Sufficient funds, totalling about £410,000, were raised to enable these aims to be met by 1982. In May 1983, Admiral Sir John Fieldhouse formally opened the new Museum. In 1982, the Royal Navy’s first submarine, HM Submarine Boat No. 1, of the United States Holland design, which had foundered in the western channel whilst being towed to the breakers’ yard, was salvaged and after some preservation put on display in the Museum.

In 1985, the Museum was given an altered status as one of the six Designated Museums sponsored by the Ministry of Defence. Part of the running costs of the Museum were from this time met by an annual award of Grant-in-Aid. The Museum became an Executive Non-Departmental Public Body.

In 1987, the Trustees resolved that one of their future objectives should be the support of the Submarine Service by promoting a greater public understanding of its past and present activities. The layouts of the two galleries were revised in 1991/92 with the help of a grant from the Museums and Galleries Commission. This enabled the periscopes and Captain’s cabin of the Nuclear Submarine HMS Conqueror to be installed in the Museum. In late 1993, it was found that the initial preservation of the Holland Class Submarine had failed to prevent the onset of metal corrosion. After a thorough survey, a major conservation programme was started with considerable financial and technical support from the Hampshire County Council and a grant from the Science Museum. This meant that the submarine had to be withdrawn from display whilst the conservation programme took place.

In 1995, the Trustees decided that the two Trust Deeds covering the Submarine Collection and the Submariners Memorial were confusing, in some matters out of date and in others either repetitive or contradictory. It was decided, therefore, to combine the two Trust Deeds into one document. At the same time the Museum was converted into a Company Limited by Guarantee with Charitable Status. This was to enable the Trustees to be insured against liabilities incurred as a result of decisions taken honestly, reasonably and in good faith and to enable the Museum to act as an incorporated body.

The Royal Navy Submarine Museum is an Executive Non-Departmental Public Body operating under the sponsorship of the Ministry of Defence. Day to day aspects of this sponsorship are handled by the Office of the Second Sea Lord and Chief of Naval Personnel.

During the year covered by this report, the Museum operated as a Company Limited By Guarantee with charitable status. To enable the National Audit Office to met their legal requirements to audit the Museum’s consolidated accounts under the Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting for Charities, the Trustees, at the AGM of the Company, held on 24 July 1997, resolved that the Museum should revert to the status of a Charitable Trust with the same objectives on 31 March 1998. All the Museum’s assets and liabilities were to be transferred to the new Charitable Trust on that date. The new Charitable Trust has the status of an incorporated charity.

Mission of the Museum

The Mission of the Museum which is in accordance with that agreed for the four Naval museums sponsored by the Ministry of Defence, and is given formal basis in a Defence Council Instruction, is:

In pursuit of their aims the Trustees act in accordance with a Code of Conduct based on guidance given by the Committee on Standards in Public Life and the seven principles endorsed by HM Government.

Appointment of Trustees

Trustees are appointed by resolution of the Board of Trustees following the completion of a procedure which follows the guidance given by the Office of the Commissioner for Public Appointments. This includes obtaining nominations from a variety of sources, including advertising, the vetting of nominations by a panel including an independent member and the interviewing of selected candidates. The sponsoring department of the Ministry of Defence is closely involved in the selection process.

Meetings of Trustees

Board Meetings were held in June 1997, July 1997, October 1997, December 1997, January 1998 and March 1998. The AGM was held on 24 July 1997.

Major matters discussed were, Management Plan and Budget, Conservation of Holland One, Future Plans for Museum Development, Appointment of Trustees and Committee on Standards in Public Life, Staff Matters, Reversion to a Charitable Trust, Submarine Giftshop Ltd and Approval of Annual Accounts.

Objectives of the Museum

The Memorandum and Articles of Association of the Royal Navy Submarine Museum Limited establish that the company exists for the benefit of the public and for the purpose of educating the public in naval and social history and other matters relating to the defence of the realm and in particular:

Visitors

It is a cause of some concern that visitor numbers declined over the year. This was very largely accounted for by very small attendance figures during the two weeks following the tragic death of Diana Princess of Wales, but must also reflect the increased competition in the field of leisure activities. The Trustees believe that this makes it even more important that the Museum should carry out its development programme to improve the quality of the galleries and enhance the manner in which the Museum collection is displayed. Nonetheless, feedback from visitors shows a high degree of satisfaction. The amount of subsidy in the form of Grant-in-Aid from the Ministry of Defence was in the order of £5 per visitor. This is well below the average figure for museums which receive Government assistance.

Finance

Despite the fall in visitor income, and the need for earlier than planned expenditure on the conservation of the Holland One submarine, the end of year accounts showed a small but valuable operating surplus and a welcome increase in the Museum’s reserves. The Finance and Audit Committee, established in early 1997, has assisted the Director to exercise a firmer control of expenditure and has given Trustees a clearer picture and better understanding of the Museum’s financial affairs at their meetings.

Staff Matters

The staff changes, noted in last year’s Annual Report have continued to show their worth, but sadly, during the year, the Museum lost a valued former member of staff, Mr Gus Britton, who since his retirement had continued to be the source of valuable assistance in archive matters. The Daily Telegraph published an obituary of this unique character.

Miss Julie Nesbitt, the Information Officer, left in September 1997 to join the RAF College at Cranwell. The Trustees congratulate her on being commissioned in April 1998. She has been relieved by Mr George Malcolmson.

Following recommendations by the Ministry of Defence Staff Review, the post of a professional curator has been approved. Mr Bob Mealings, formerly of the Cheshire Museum Service, took up his duties in May 1998. Mrs Margaret Bidmead has become the Keeper of Archives with the added responsibility of dealing with the increasing number of enquiries from researchers, students and the general public.

Museum Improvements

As a sign of the increasingly close and valued relationship with the Royal Navy, the Director of Public Relations (Navy) sponsored the installation of the Globe Display in the modern gallery. This impressive presentation of the Navy of today is designed especially to appeal to the younger visitor. It was officially opened on 19 January 1998 by the Second Sea Lord, Admiral Sir John Brigstocke. Opportunity was taken of using the alterations to the gallery layout necessitated by the Globe Display to re-site and improve the Submarine Escape display.

A major addition to the modern gallery was the installation of the Manoeuvring Room Operating Panel of a nuclear powered submarine which compliments the Rolls Royce and Associates display of the principles of using nuclear fission in submarine propulsion systems. A temporary exhibition displaying the achievements of the late Commander ‘Buster’ Crabb, OBE, GM, incorporating items on loan from the Royal Naval Museum Portsmouth, was opened in March 1998.

Also in March work commenced on the approach to the Museum on Haslar Jetty Road. It is being restored to its state when the Royal Hospital was built and the road was used to transport patients from the pierhead in Haslar Creek to the hospital. The Trustees are most grateful to Hampshire County Council and the Gosport Borough Council for this work which, with the construction of the first stage of the Millennium Promenade from the Museum to Gosport, will greatly enhance the appearance of the entrance to the Museum site.

Arrangements have also been made to obtain the use of a building to provide a gallery in which to display the Polaris Missile and other large artefacts until the new galleries envisaged in the Museum development plan are complete.

Holland One

The conservation programme on the Royal Navy’s first submarine has progressed more quickly than expected. Tests indicate that the corrosion of the steelwork has been arrested and that the submarine is now in a fit state to be transferred from its bath of sodium carbonate to a controlled atmospheric environment in which the necessary restoration work can be carried out in preparation for the submarine being made available for viewing by visitors to the Museum.

Discussions are in progress with the Hampshire County Council Museum Service and the Science Museum to establish the best way to continue with this major task of conservation.

Publishing

The book HM Submarines in Camera, published by Sutton Publishing Ltd, now to be re-issued in paperback and book-club editions, following the success of the hard back. The authors, Commander Jeff Tall and Mr P Kemp donate their royalties to the Museum.

Commander Tall has also co-operated with Tick-Tock Publishing Ltd to produce a book on The History of Submarines in the Snapping Turtle series which is aimed at the 14 year old. The Museum, which gave the publishers considerable access to its archives and photographs, will receive a percentage of the royalties.

Finally, the Museum has assisted the Submarine School in the production of a CD-ROM entitled The Royal Navy Submarine Service - Past, Present and Future. This is designed to be issued to all Submarine Trainees on successful completion of their course at the school. Agreement has been reached that the CD may be sold to the general public through Submarine Giftshop Ltd.

Submarine Giftshop Ltd

The Museum’s trading subsidiary has continued to make a welcome contribution to the Museum’s income. Some £3,500 was convenated during the year, in addition to payments for administrative services and repayment of part of the outstanding debenture. The Gift Shop Manageress is now Mrs Lynda Lycett.

Following studies which indicated that the cafeteria was not realising its potential to improve the quality of visitor services, the catering activities were take over by Submarine Giftshop Ltd in January 1998 and Mrs Julie Roli appointed as Catering Manager. In addition to the refurbishment of the Jolly Roger Café, an encouraging start has been made in providing limited facilities for corporate entertainment.

Donations to Charity

One of the objectives of the Trustees is the relief of distress or need among past and present submariners and their families. During the year a total of £6,970, including donations of £1,300 from the Submarine Old Comrades Association and its individual members, was disbursed from this fund either as payments to individuals or to the Royal Naval Benevolent Trust which administers grants from the fund on the Trustees’ behalf.

Friends of the Submarine Museum

The Museum is fortunate in having an active and enthusiastic Society of Friends under the Chairmanship of Rear Admiral J B Hervey CB OBE.

During the year the following grants were made by the Society of Friends to the Museum.

Conservation work on the Holland £5,000
Cataloguing of the Collection £3,500

The Collection

The Collection has been considerably enhanced during the year. The Trustees wish to acknowledge with gratitude the generosity of those who have donated artefacts, documents and photographs to the Museum or who have made financial donations.

A grant of £5,000 was received from the British Library to encapsulate the Museum’s unique collection of Service Record Cards. This is acknowledged with great gratitude.

Submarine Centennial Appeal

The Centennial of the Royal Navy’s Submarine Service is being celebrated in 2001, one hundred years after the launch of the Navy’s first submarine the Holland One, now in the Submarine Museum. Flag Officer Submarines intends that this should be marked in a number of ways, including the development of the Submarine Museum so as to make it a fitting tribute to those officers and ratings who have given so much, including their lives, through their service in submarines. A Submarine Centennial Fund has been set up, under the control of the Trustees and the Centennial Appeal is being formally launched in August 1998 . The Trustees would wish to thank Sir Donald Gosling for generously providing the initial funding for the setting up of the Centennial Fund and the preparation for the launch of the Appeal.

Planning For The Future

A number of measures have been taken during the year in preparation for the implementation of the Museum’s Future Development Plans:

The Trustees are now refining the programme of work involved in the Development Plan, which is proposed to be carried out in a number of phases spread over the next eight years.

These are: