The Hovercraft Museum, Lee-on-the-Solent, Hampshire, has been named “Volunteers of the Year” at the prestigious Museums + Heritage Awards 2026, recognising the extraordinary contribution of its volunteer team in sustaining one of the UK’s most unique and nationally significant collections.
The award, sponsored by HVG, was presented at a ceremony in London attended by over 500 leaders from across the museums, heritage, and cultural sectors.
The category was exceptionally competitive, with finalists including:
• Commonwealth War Graves Commission
• Wolverhampton Arts & Culture
• East Grinstead Museum
• Ullapool Museum Trust
• The Hovercraft Museum
In a rare decision reflecting the strength of the field, judges split the award to honour both an individual and an organisation. The individual award was presented to Nick Ezra for his remarkable work on the Punjab Registers, while The Hovercraft Museum received the award for its collective volunteer effort.
A National Recognition of Volunteer Excellence
With over 50 active volunteers, The Hovercraft Museum is entirely underpinned by the dedication, expertise, and passion of its team, many of whom have direct lived experience of the hovercraft industry itself.
Accepting the award, Louise Jenkins, Chair of Trustees, said:
“At The Hovercraft Museum we are so fortunate to have over 50 loyal, dedicated, and passionate volunteers whose aim aligns with the charity in preserving, educating, and celebrating the great British invention of the hovercraft.
Our volunteers are the heart of our charity, attending come rain or shine, bringing energy, empathy, and dedication whilst turning challenges into opportunities and ideas into action.
To receive this award on behalf of our volunteers was a true honour, but it wholeheartedly belongs to each and every one of them.”
A Museum Powered by People
The Hovercraft Museum holds the world’s largest collection of hovercraft, preserving an extraordinary chapter of British engineering innovation. Yet it is the volunteers, pilots, engineers, historians, and enthusiasts, who bring this story to life for visitors.
Their work spans:
• Conservation and restoration of historic craft
• Public engagement and interpretation
• Education and outreach
• Operational delivery of the museum
This recognition places the Museum among the UK’s leading heritage organisations, highlighting not only the significance of its collection, but the power of volunteer led cultural institutions.
Recognition at a Pivotal Moment
The award comes at a pivotal moment, as the Museum advances plans for a major redevelopment at Daedalus Waterfront, supported by partners including Daedalus Waterfront and Murray Twohig, alongside early stage support from the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
The recognition from Museums + Heritage reinforces the Museum’s national significance and strengthens its case for future investment.
The Museum also extends its thanks to Murray Twohig and the Mayor of Gosport Borough Council for their generous support in enabling attendance at the awards ceremony.
Image Caption
Pictured left to right: Louise Jenkins (Chair of Trustees), Paul Ackerley (Project Manager, NLHF funded “First Steps” project), and Ella Al Shamahi at the Museums + Heritage Awards 2026.
Image credit: Hayley Bray (MH_winners_00007)
Notes to Editors
• The Museums + Heritage Awards are among the most prestigious accolades in the UK cultural sector, celebrating excellence across museums, galleries, and heritage organisations.
• The “Volunteers of the Year” award recognises outstanding contribution, dedication, and impact within the sector.
• The Hovercraft Museum is a registered charity based in Lee-on-the-Solent, Hampshire, and holds the world’s largest collection of hovercraft.
• The Museum is supported by over 50 volunteers and operates as a volunteer led organisation.
For further information contact:
Paul Ackerley
Project Manager
07768 287207
paul.ackerley@hovercraft-museum.org