Our Purpose
The Wartime Maritime Memorial Trust honours, preserves, and shares the legacy of Britain’s wartime maritime service—not only through the vessels and archives we protect, but through the people who continue that story today.
By joining you become part of a living community of remembrance and restoration. Membership is free and comes with voting rights in the Small Craft Plank Grant Scheme, reflecting the different ways people contribute to the Trust’s charitable aims.
Who Can Join
Membership is open to anyone who:
- Supports the Trust’s aims of remembrance, preservation, and education.
- Is a custodian, owner, or volunteer involved with a wartime vessel.
- Wishes to take part in Britain’s wider maritime heritage and remembrance community.
We especially welcome vessel custodians, veterans and their families, maritime historians and researchers, and volunteers or enthusiasts seeking to contribute to the Trust’s activities.
What Membership Means
Joining the Trust means being part of a shared effort to keep history afloat. Members are invited to:
- Share details of their vessel or personal connection for inclusion in the Trust’s digital registry and archive.
- Receive news, event invitations, and opportunities to contribute to heritage projects.
- Submit stories, photographs, or oral histories for preservation on our website.
- Volunteer at remembrance or restoration events across the United Kingdom.
With consent, all members are recognised as part of the Living Custodian Network—a record of those continuing the story of wartime maritime heritage.
Membership Types
Every membership category is free—simply choose the path that reflects how you support Britain’s wartime maritime story.
| Category | Connection to the Trust | Votes in the Plank Grant round | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trustee | Members of the governing body responsible for the Trust’s oversight and decision-making. | 20 | Provide strategic leadership, verify voting results, and ensure the grant programme remains transparent. |
| Heritage Member | Individuals with deep involvement in maritime heritage—such as vessel custodians, researchers, and historians. | 10 | Shape the Plank Grant priorities, collaborate on outreach programmes, and contribute specialist knowledge. |
| Custodian | Owners or primary carers of eligible historic small craft within the Trust’s network. | 5 | Nominate vessels, share maintenance learning, and help decide which repairs receive quarterly support. |
| Friend of the Charity | Supporters of the Trust and champions of Britain’s wartime maritime story. | 1 (or 2 with £15+ donation in the last 12 months) | Receive news, share stories, and stay connected to restoration and remembrance activity nationwide. |
Voting in the Small Craft Plank Grant Scheme
Membership of the Trust links directly to the Small Craft Plank Grant Scheme, our quarterly programme of £300 “Plank Grants” that support urgent voluntary repairs. Each quarter, eligible applications are published for one week of voting. Members use the votes associated with their category to distribute support across the shortlisted vessels.
Trustees count the votes and a second Trustee verifies the totals before grants are awarded in order of support, subject to the funds available that quarter. Results are shared openly so everyone can see how their votes kept historic craft afloat.
Successful applicants report back with a short update and photographs once their plank is replaced, helping the Trust share practical learning and celebrate the volunteers behind every repair.
Membership Status
- Members hold voting rights only within the Small Craft Plank Grant Scheme.
- Members are not legally part of the CIO for the purposes of the Charities Act 2011 and have no voting rights at general meetings.
- Membership is free and renews automatically unless withdrawn by the member or trustees.
This structure allows the Trust to remain governed by its appointed trustees while welcoming all who wish to support its charitable aims.
How to Join
- Complete the online membership form or request a printed copy.
- Confirm your agreement with the Trust’s aims and code of conduct.
- Optionally upload photographs or details of your vessel or connection to wartime service.
- Receive your welcome pack and digital membership certificate.
There are no fees, obligations, or renewals—only your goodwill and participation.
Recognition
With permission, members may be featured in the Custodian Stories section of the Trust’s website—celebrating the people who care for the vessels, memories, and values of Britain’s wartime maritime heritage.
Ready to Join?
Be recognised as part of the Living Custodian Network and help us honour Britain’s wartime maritime legacy.
Start Your Membership