Another prize jewel to add to our crown of culture?

PORTSMOUTH has much to be proud of when it comes to its heritage offering. The Mary Rose Museum, the historic dockyard and the D-Day Story are all incredible attractions, with a natural focus on our city’s military past.

Cast the net further and visitors can enjoy Charles Dickens’ birthplace, Cumberland House and the Portsmouth Museum and Art Gallery, with its tantalising glimpse of what could be a much bigger Sherlock Holmes collection.

But there’s a new kid in the playground wanting a slice of the action in the shape of a National Education Museum.

Campaigner and education leader Hank Roberts can tell a tale or two about his time growing up in Portsmouth but he has also longheld a dream that our nation should have a dedicated space to celebrate its education achievements and to salute those who were committed to the cause of teaching and learning for all.

It is not just Hank’s city roots that has led thinking towards finding a home in Portsmouth – trustees tasked with turning this dream into a reality agree that the city’s rich museum pedigree, warm welcome to thousands of visitors and top-class university makes it an ideal location. And don’t forget Portsmouth altruist John Pounds gave rise to the ragged schools for poor children.

Funds have been raised, the search is on for premises and word is beginning to spread with Portsmouth South MP Stephen Morgan hosting a Parliamentary reception to cast the net for supporters wider. There is much to be done but, as Hank says ‘our ambitions are high but our strategy is planned and measured’.

It is fantastic Portsmouth is seen as a city which can deliver up an even richer and varied experience to visitors and the opportunity to add to that as the home of a national education museum is one to be supported.