Weather Deck Reopening Party
The sun shone on the SS Great Britain's dazzling new weather deck as it reopened with a day of celebration on board.
Celebrations were in order on Saturday as the SS Great Britain’s dazzling new weather deck was completed after a monumental 39 week conservation project.
Since December, the incredible team from John Perkins Construction have been working hard to remove the old deck and lay 6,050 metres of new Accoya wood planks. With support from the SS Great Britain Trust’s technical team, the deck was finished in ship-shape and Bristol fashion just in time for an end of summer party.
It was a day filled with celebration and joy. Victorian costume characters paraded around the ship’s deck on what was a beautiful sunny day – perhaps special guest The Witch of Wookey Hole worked her magic on the weather! Other familiar faces spotted on board included Gloucester Cricket’s Alfred the Gorilla and Bristol Pitbull’s Spike.
The party – co-hosted by the Trust and John Perkins Construction – kicked off with an inspirational speech from the famous Mr Brunel himself. Then Jackie, who had won a competition to be the ‘Guest of Honour’ on the day, rang the ship’s bell to officially open the new weather deck! Walking band Brass Junkies led the first of several parades around the new deck filling the ship with music throughout the day.
Martin Evans from BBC Radio Bristol joined the party and even featured our amazing crew live on air
A deck like this only gets replaced once in a generation.
Visitors were encouraged to join in the celebrations with Victorian games, parades, music and free popcorn on offer throughout the day. The SS Great Britain Trust’s CEO Andrew Edwards said: “A deck like this only gets replaced once in a generation.” It was only right to mark such a rare occasion with a party to remember.
We look forward to welcoming you on board the new deck soon!
Sustainability has been at the heart of the weather deck replacement project. The new wood is sourced from Robbins Timber, a local supplier in Ashton Vale and the old wood has been transformed into keepsakes by artisans Ginger & Tweed and Simon Webb. Products made from the ship’s deck are available to purchase from Brunel’s SS Great Britain gift shop with proceeds used to support our charitable aims.
Step aboard
We are incredibly grateful to Arts Council England (through their Museum Estate and Development Fund) for their crucial support as this major conservation work helps to protect the SS Great Britain for many decades to come.
Share This
