14 Nov 2008 | Ref. 282
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Glasgow Riverside Museum
£500, 000 Sponsorship by BAE Systems
Glasgow, United Kingdom - BAE Systems has today announced a £500,000 sponsorship of the Riverside Museum in Glasgow, providing a huge boost to the appeal to raise £5m for the project to create an iconic transport museum on the banks of the River Clyde. As part of the five year deal, BAE Systems will work closely with the Riverside team to deliver exhibits and educational activities for schools and young people. The museum is due to open in 2011.
Apprentices Sarah Park, Scott Ballingall and Ryan Hay from BAE Systems businesses across Scotland today presented the half-million pound cheque to Chairman of the Riverside Museum Appeal, Lord Smith of Kelvin, and Leader of Glasgow City Council, Steven Purcell. The ceremony took place at the site of the new museum, almost directly across from BAE Systems largest site in Scotland, the historic Govan Shipyard that is part of the company's Joint Venture with VT Group, BVT Surface Fleet.
Commenting on the company's support for the museum, Nigel Whitehead, BAE Systems Group MD, Programmes and Support and Chairman of the company's Heritage Committee, said "BAE Systems has a long and proud heritage in Scotland and today is delivering the world's most advanced warships from the Clyde.
"The Riverside Museum shares our vision of being proud of our heritage whilst looking to the future, and we are delighted to be able to provide this sponsorship that will help to inspire Scotland's engineers of tomorrow".
The Chairman of the Riverside Museum Appeal, Lord Smith of Kelvin, said: "This is an outstanding contribution from a company which has long been at the forefront of engineering and manufacturing in Scotland. The construction of the museum is an engineering marvel itself and this partnership with BAE Systems will ensure that we can continue to celebrate the finest in design and construction.
"From the museum site, you can see the work being done just downstream by the skilled Clyde workforce and apprentices. The donation from our near neighbours will go a long way to helping us to achieve our £5 million target."
Steven Purcell, the Leader of Glasgow City Council, said: "BAE Systems has helped to keep alive our proud tradition of Clyde-built ships in Govan. It is investing in our young people, through its innovative apprenticeship scheme, and now providing a massive contribution to what promises to be one of the world's most breathtaking museums dedicated to engineering, transport and industry."
BAE Systems is the largest defence company in Scotland and is one of the largest employers in central Scotland. It has three different businesses in the country which range from prime contracting, advanced communications and electronics, through aircraft support and warship design and manufacture. These businesses are BVT Surface Fleet in Glasgow, the warship Joint Venture with VT Group, BAE Systems Integrated System Technologies at Hillend in Fife and BAE Systems Regional Aircraft in Prestwick.
Employing almost 5,000 people in Scotland, BAE Systems is a hugely significant contributor to the Scottish industrial, financial and political landscape.
About BAE Systems:
BAE Systems is the premier global defence and aerospace company delivering a full range of products and services for air, land and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, information technology solutions and customer support services. With approximately 100,000 employees worldwide, BAE Systems' sales exceeded £15.7 billion (US $31.4 billion) in 2007.
About the Riverside Museum Appeal
The Riverside Museum Appeal (RMA) is a charitable trust established to raise £5,000,000 in sponsorship and donations from companies, trusts and individuals for the development of the new Riverside Museum.
The Riverside Museum Appeal is the second major capital appeal undertaken with Glasgow Museums. It follows the hugely successful refurbishment of Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum. The £5 million fundraising target is a fundamental element of the partnership-funding package. It represents the private and voluntary sector's contribution towards this exciting and innovative project. Of the £74million needed for the development of the Riverside Museum, Glasgow City Council and the Heritage Lottery Fund have committed £69million.
The Riverside Museum Appeal Trust is recognised as a Scottish Charity SC 033286. For more information go to www.glasgowmuseums.com
For further information please contact:
Charles Thompson, BVT Surface Fleet
Tel: + 44 (0) 141 957 4449 Mob: +44 (0) 7736 810933
charles.thompson2@bvtsurfacefleet.com
Stephen Bethel, BAE Systems
Tel: + 44 (0) 1252 384029 Mob: + 44 (0) 7793 426328
Stephen.bethel@baesystems.com
James Doherty, Culture and Sport Glasgow on
Tel: 0141 287 5970
james.doherty@csglasgow.orr
Issued by:
BAE Systems, Farnborough, Hampshire GU14 6YU, UK
Tel: +44 (0) 1252 384719 Fax: +44 (0) 1252 383947
24hr media hotline: + 44 (0) 7801 717739
www.baesystems.com
