This year has been an exciting and productive one for SS Freshspring, filled with special events, educational activities, and increased community engagement. As a historic steamship recognised as a vessel of National Importance, we have remained dedicated to preserving maritime heritage and inspiring future generations through our wide range of activities.
Opening the Ship to Visitors This season the ship has been open every Sunday between 11:00 and 16:00, offering free admission to celebrate Bideford’s award of Heritage Harbour status. This has not only provided the local community with the opportunity to explore the ship but also given visitors a unique glimpse into the rich maritime history of SS Freshspring. The ship’s accessibility, including wheelchair access to the main deck, has allowed us to welcome people of all abilities, ensuring their experience is as enjoyable as possible.
Our Virtual Reality (VR) experience has been particularly popular, enabling visitors, especially those with limited mobility, to explore areas of the ship that are otherwise inaccessible. This immersive experience has brought the ship’s history to life, providing insights into the engineering and operations of this remarkable vessel.
Special Activities and Events In addition to our regular Sunday openings, we’ve hosted various special activities that have made 2024 a year to remember. Everything from our family-friendly workshops, such as rope-making and Morse Code have been a hit with younger visitors.
Educational Outreach Our commitment to lifelong learning extends beyond the ship. Sam has continued to outreach to local schools, further enhancing our connection with the community. We have been delighted to see so many visit the ship this year. These workshops, designed for all age groups, have seen an integration of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) that has been particularly rewarding, offering hands-on learning experiences in maritime history and engineering.
Volunteer Engagement Volunteers have continued to be the backbone of SS Freshspring. Our weekly volunteer working days on Wednesdays have seen a strong turnout, with members of the local community contributing to the maintenance and operation of the ship. These dedicated individuals have played an essential role in keeping the ship in excellent condition, ensuring it remains a source of inspiration for future generations. You will see there have been big changes – and a recent appearance of a boat shed on the top deck is sign of a new project to come!
Steward Volunteer numbers have also grown this year and we have been able to call on them to help host events on the ships – and off. It has been a joy to watch many of them grow in confidence.
Looking Ahead As we approach the end of the 2024 season, we are already looking ahead to what 2025 has to offer. With ongoing support from the local community, partnerships with educational institutions, and our continued focus on lifelong learning, we are confident that SS Freshspring will remain a cornerstone of maritime heritage in Bideford. Our commitment to preserving the past while inspiring future generations through education, outreach, and hands-on activities will continue to guide our efforts into the next year and beyond.
We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who has visited the ship this year and to the volunteers, partners, and community members who have supported us. Together, we are keeping the legacy of SS Freshspring alive and ensuring it continues to inspire for years to come.