News archives July 2001 Explosion! is a bang-on success With a client whose name is the Explosion! Museum of Naval Firepower, Hallmark PR has had plenty of potential impact to work with recently. The new museum at Gosport in Hampshire is the latest attraction for visitors to the Portsmouth Harbour area, which already features the Tudor "Mary Rose", Nelson's HMS Victory and Britain's first ironclad, HMS Warrior. Explosion!, which has been developed by Gosport Borough Council, is based at the former naval armaments depot at Priddy's Hard overlooking Portsmouth Harbour. Earlier this year, Hallmark PR was appointed to handle the PR for the launch of Explosion! and its official opening by the Duke of York. Director Steve Osborne-Brown and senior account executive (now account manager) Fiona Peters led the team to launch the £3.5 million museum that features exhibits ranging from 18th century cannons to Exocet missiles. Fiona said: "It's been great fun working on the account seeing the museum take shape and we were delighted when we negotiated an explosive week-long feature on BBC South's Southern Ways news programme. This was filmed at the museum and aired in the week running up to the opening." The results were excellent with high visitor numbers on the opening day and widespread print and broadcast media coverage. Bill Sainsbury, marketing executive for Explosion! said: "Hallmark PR did an excellent job. Particularly for the opening weekend when we were let down at the last minute by the stars of the show. Steve and Fiona saved the day by finding a murder mystery company that provided actors in period costume who entertained the crowds. It really made the weekend." You can find out more about Explosion! on www.explosion.org.uk For further information contact Steve Wilson