As CO of TS Gloucester, I put in a bid for her. The bid was one golden guinea supported by a massive dossier of proposals for operation and maintenance. Manchester's bid was £40,000. As I had a fair few contacts in MOD and RN circles, I succeeded in re-opening the bid and matched the Manchester offer. Unfortunately, we did not succeed. There was at least one precedent for a Sea Cadet disposal success.
I wonder if it was a good idea or if we had a lucky escape.

Just stumbled across this photo. What a sad state of affairs. I was a POMEM(M) on Bronington during her last two years, and my son was christened on her. Interestingly enough, his is the only name on the bell. Previous bells had been damaged during plating and inscribing. I never did get round to taking my family to see her when she was parked up in Manchester.
It is a real pity that no more has been done to preserve her. Especially, as has already been suggested, by asking volunteers from the Prince's Trust to develop skills whilst keeping Bronington afloat.
I understand that the bell and the ship's wheel were presented to HRH on the occasion of his 40th birthday. I have no idea where they would be now. I would like to at least get a photo of my son together with the bell.
Does anyone have any info on this?
Many thanks.

In her prime and with Charlie in charge

http://www.shipspotting.com/gallery/photo.php?lid=517318

Allan

Thanks for your comments. It's sad how she's been allowed to decline from a well-kept museum ship to a complete wreck. People say that after the Historic Warships collection was disbanded she was deliberately placed in a disused part of Birkenhead's West Float so that her inevitable sinking wouldn't cause any inconvenience to traffic.

That's a good but sad record of history Barry. I am surprised nothing has been done since 17/03/16 when she sank
Well captured!

Thanks very much for this photo Barry.
That's the bitter end of her then. Another loss to the nation.
The Prince's Trust might have seen fit to use the vessel as a training 'vehicle' to teach suitable young people some basic skills. One of their aims being to offer short courses in training and experience in a specific sector to help young people get a job. Plenty of skills required to maintain Bronington.
I also note, wryly, that the buddleia tree is unlikely to survive salt water root immersion!
Rick

I THINK THE ANCHOR CHAIN COULD BE MADE OF BRONZE!!!!