2025 has been another busy and exciting year for MAT. As we head towards the close of the year we have some words from our outgoing Chairman Michael Woodhall and a review of the highlights of this year’s activities.
Our Outgoing Chairman’s Words
It has been a privilege to serve as Chairman of MAT over the last decade – I have witnessed some remarkable work being undertaken by our experienced and talented team led by Garry Momber, our Director.
We are respected as an organisation both nationally and internationally. I have had the pleasure of welcoming visiting scientists worldwide to Southampton who are also experts in their own field to observe our work.
Our diving expeditions on historic ship wrecks and ancient landscapes using the latest technology has transformed our understanding of the mysteries of the ocean.
Finally our acquisition of the former primary school in Yarmouth will indeed provide a unique opportunity to consolidate our magnificent collection of artefacts currently housed in Arreton on the Isle of Wight.
My regards
Michael J Woodhall
Incoming Chairman Philip Shears (left) and outgoing Chairman Michael Woodhall (right).
A Review of 2025
2025 has been a momentous year for the Maritime Archaeology Trust as we secured a long term lease with the Yarmouth Community Foundation for the old Primary School at Yarmouth. We will now transform it into an outstanding international centre of excellence for maritime archaeology and heritage. The building is being refreshed to make it ready for temporary displays prior to major structural enhancement in coming years. The new Museum will bring together Martin Woodward’s collection of shipwreck artefacts from Arreton Barns alongside material from prehistoric drowned landscapes, diver donations and museum loans to present the fascinating maritime sites and stories of the Solent and their global links. State-of-the-art exhibition spaces, educational facilities, workshops, a library and a café overlooking landscaped gardens will provide a showcase for the MAT while being a magnificent asset for Yarmouth, the Isle of Wight and the Nation.
Being on the shores of the Solent, we have access to a rich archaeological resource of shipwrecks and submerged landscapes that provides research material and fieldwork opportunities for divers, universities and international scholars. As an accredited UNESCO NGO and a member of the International Congress of Maritime Museums, we work with colleagues from around the globe to learn more about the underwater cultural heritage and particularly, how it can help us to understand the changing oceans and contribute to the understanding of our own history.
The new Yarmouth Centre will provide exciting opportunities to present these projects as we continue to research our cultural heritage regionally, nationally and overseas. This includes the investigation of wrecks off the Needles, deep dives into the prehistoric landscapes of the Solent, archaeological research into the development of metal hulled sailing ships and environmental impacts of human activities on coastlines and coral reefs, while also investigating social and gender issues across the discipline. These results are shared in person and online to an audience that measures almost half a million. Generating additional support, our trading company MA Limited is expanding, conducting a growing number of archaeological assessments ahead of renewable energy projects in and beyond Great Britain’s waters. This increases our profile on the global stage where we are involved in transnational projects while also leading NGO initiatives through UNESCO – all of which are outlined in this report.
The delivery of MAT’s extensive range projects has been possible thanks to the support of organisations that provided funding and logistical help, all of whom are listed on the back pages. I would like to thank the many individuals for their donations and for volunteering thousands of hours of their time. I wish to thank members of the Management Committee, our Trustees for their guidance and support; I would also like to mark the Trust’s thanks to Garry Momber, our Director, and to all our members of staff for their vital work on research, income generation and dissemination.
A final note must go to Valerie Fenwick who sadly passed away at the beginning of the year. As one of our founding members she worked persistently to ensure we delivered our objectives with panache. While this was a devastating loss, Valerie would insist we celebrate her legacy by pushing forward to make the world a better place. This is something we will continue to do.
You can find out more about our latest activities in our annual report, ‘A Year in Depth’.