Beko gets on board with submarine restoration project

Posted By Laura in Family Days Out | 0 comments

In a couple of weeks time we’re whisking the children down to Gosport to see a real live proper actual submarine, courtesy of Beko, who have become the largest consumer brand to contribute to the Royal Navy Submarine Museum’s ‘Saving HMS Alliance Appeal’. Excited? Much? Erm… just a le-e-e-tle bit. *nods*

I mean, come on. It’s a submarine! (cue radar pyee-e-e-w noises, please)

The Alliance Appeal is a fundraising drive to raise the £6.75m needed to save HMS Alliance, the only surviving World War II era submarine that is the memorial to 5,300 British submariners who have lost their lives in service. Beko’s donation will help maintain and conserve this historic submarine, as well as enabling her to remain open as a tourist attraction for years to come.

Ragip Balcioglu, Managing Director of Beko plc, comments: “Ecology and conservation are both very important to Beko and we’re delighted to support the Alliance Appeal.

“The Royal Navy Submarine Museum is a great destination for family fun and as a brand that set out to make life easier for families we felt the appeal had great synergy.”

Vice Admiral Sir Tim McClement KCB OBE, Chairman of the Royal Navy Submarine Museum, comments: “As the memorial to all the submariners who have fought and died in the submarine service, it is important that HMS Alliance is conserved and brought to life for future generations to have the opportunity to understand and learn about ‘the silent service’ that has been in operation for over 100 years protecting our nation.

“We could not preserve the living history that is embodied in Alliance without the financial support and backing of charitable donors such as Beko, so we are extremely grateful for the company’s donation.”

As well as guided tours conducted by real submariners, young visitors to the museum are entertained by the gruesome Horrible Sciences of Submarines exhibition which brings the great character and history of submariners to life. HMS Alliance will remain open to visitors throughout the renovation project, and will be officially opened in 2014 by Prince William, who has been a Royal Patron of the appeal for the past four years.