Preserving the past to inspire knowledge for the future
Covid: Please note we are still safely volunteering on the ship and observe distancing regulations
Steamship Freshspring Trust
SS Freshspring Trust is an historic steamship berthed in Bideford, North Devon. The aim of the Steamship Freshspring Trust is to return the ship to operation, preserving the past and inspiring knowledge for the future.
SS Freshspring will be sympathetically converted to carry cruise passengers in comfortable well appointed cabins along with seafaring cadets or volunteers accommodated in dedicated cabins.
Learning
A primary aim of the Trust is to educate and inspire future generations of maritime enthusiasts. We have produced a dedicated school website called Freshspring Junior and regularly welcome schools onto the ship.
In addition, we promote careers within the maritime and engineering industry through our partnerships with the Merchant Navy Training Board (MNTB) and Jobs in Maritime and by attending talks, shows and fairs to raise awareness of such careers.
Get Involved
Read about the ways to get involved below, make a donation or get in contact
Become a Member
The commitment of members and volunteers is vital to achieving the Trust's aim to stimulate interest in maritime heritage, inspiring educational objectives and securing a long term sustainable future for SS Freshspring.
Help Fundraise
Adequate funding is the key to the survival of any organisation. Apart from our membership, Freshspring has no regular income and relies entirely on donations, grants and the sale of ‘memorabilia’ for its income.
Volunteer on a heritage steamship
Our volunteers support us in many ways including administration, fundraising, attending events, public relations, maritime skills, educational experience, finance, legal and procurement plus general work on board the heritage steamship.
A few interesting facts you may not know
Years old
Years in Bideford
Tons
SS Freshspring Clothing
Support and promote the Steamship Freshspring Trust with our new range of branded clothing.
Sweatshirts, T-shirts, Polo Shirts and more are available in a range of sizes and with the Trust logo embroidered on the left breast.
SS Freshspring Steam Beer
Orders for Freshspring Steam Beer can be placed either by email or phone on 01237 420 492.
Payment will need to be made in advance either by BACS (call for details) or by sending a cheque made payable to Clearwater Brewery Ltd, and send to Unit 1, Little Court, Manteo Way, Bideford EX39 4FG
Brilliant Brunel
Maryann Soper has written this 32-page book about Brunel for children. It is illustrated by Ryan Isaac and covers the great man’s achievements.
Copies may be purchased from Maryann Soper, 2 Exmouth Cottages, Lower Ashton, Exeter, EX6 7QJ.
Payment by cheque made to ‘Maryann Soper’, price £10 including postage and packing. Please quote ‘Brilliant Freshspring 2018’ when ordering as Maryann will donate £1 from each sale to the Trust.
Get in Touch
To find out more, get involved with the Steamship Freshspring Trust, tell us your story or about your visit to SS Freshspring, get in contact. We would love to hear from you.