The Heritage Lottery Fund first round pass* includes development funding of £55,800 so that the Trust can apply for a full grant of just over £440,000 at a later date.  This exciting news is the first step towards winning the funding required to restore Boleh and establish an apprentice training programme.

With this funding, local apprentices will be able to learn heritage skills and make Boleh fit to sail again, while gaining credits towards their professional shipwright qualifications. The funding will also provide significant community involvement in this unusual heritage project.

Once restored, Boleh will be used to help young people who are down on their luck by giving them the chance to experience sailing this unique vessel and so build confidence, leadership and team working skills.

Boleh, a remarkable 40ft wooden junk yacht, was built after WWII in Singapore by a Naval Officer, Commander Robin Kilroy, DSC, who then sailed her back to England. She is constructed from traditional materials to a mixed junk/Bermudan rig design with many novel features – such as portholes made from the windscreens of Japanese fighter aircraft.

George Middleton, Chairman of the Boleh Trust, said, “We’re absolutely delighted that the Heritage Lottery Fund has agreed to support the Boleh Trust in giving young people in the area the chance to find skilled employment. This immediate HLF grant means we can now complete our case for over half a million pounds to set up this heritage training operation and restore Boleh.”

Staurt Mcleod, Head of the Heritage Lottery Fund South East, added his support: “This unusual vessel brings together European and Far East traditions and represents an important evolution in sailing ship design. We are delighted that Boleh is on the first step to being fully restored with apprentices trained in shipbuilding during the process. This is a vessel of historical significance and will rightfully serve as a sail training boat far beyond the restoration. The trust has worked hard to realise the vision of this project, and HLF is pleased to give the project initial support.”

Brian Taylor, Project Shipwright said, “Boleh is a real one-off with such a history. Technically the restoration really gives our apprentice shipwrights the experience to develop a whole range of traditional skills”.

Notice to editors

About the Boleh Trust
The Boleh Trust is a Portsmouth-based registered charity (No. 1135117) formed with the twin aims of preserving the unique historic junk yacht ‘Boleh’ (National Historic Vessel No. 2281) and giving young people the opportunities to develop practical and life skills. More details of the Boleh Trust can be found at www.bolehproject.com.

About the Heritage Lottery Fund
Using money raised through the National Lottery, the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) sustains and transforms a wide range of heritage for present and future generations to take part in, learn from and enjoy. From museums, parks and historic places to archaeology, natural environment and cultural traditions, the Fund invests in every part of our diverse heritage. HLF has supported 30,000 projects, allocating £4.7billion across the UK.

Further information
Boleh Trust:  George Middleton, on: 07545 769 421
Patrick Middleton, on 07765 254 953, email: patrick.middleton@gmail.com

Vicky Wilford, HLF press office, on; 020 7591 6046 / 07973 401 937, email vickyw@hlf.org.uk