“Excellent experience. Lovely staff. Very informative” (Ship visitor)
“I appreciate the hard work we (you) are doing and keeping the heritage alive and looking after the public and trying on the jackets. Customer interaction great” (Ship visitor)
It’s been an extremely busy and action-packed Season so far and we can’t stop smiling! The Ship is open to the public on Sundays from 11-4. We have also hosted group visits, Ship events and attended and promoted ourselves at off-site events.
Since April 7th we have welcomed over 1,800 visitors – locals and International – who have enjoyed exploring the Ship, trying our VR headsets, talking to volunteers and asking lots of questions. They have also been willing to complete visitor forms and give us invaluable feedback.
We have received new donations of photographs, uniform (from Bideford’s Mayor) and a hand crocheted Teddy from a visitor from Plymouth.
Some groups have visited us, including U3A’s, Sunrise Diversity’s LGBQT+ group and the Amber Foundation. We also hosted a Torridge Business Networking Breakfast.
Over the May Bank Holiday weekend we had a great time at Northam May Fair, Merton Rally Around and Kingsley School Fun Day offering steam engine rides and VR. There was a mix of sunshine and rain but all in all it was an enjoyable 3 days. Later in May Bideford Bike Show was popular, and volunteers ran childrens’ games.
We were very excited about the arrival of the PS Waverley- she visited Bideford on May 31st and was the first time she had been to Bideford for 40 years. Freshspring was open as a viewing deck for the public to watch and wave flags. John Puddy also took passengers on his steamboat to accompany the PS Waverley in.
In June we were part of the Arts, Culture Heritage group who collectively offered activities to experience Bideford’s heritage at Bideford Fair. This was a first for us and opened up new possibilities, working collaboratively with other groups and individuals.
We also offered steamboat rides at the Bideford Water Festival.
Rosemoor Vintage weekend ran on July 27th and 28th. We were very excited to be there as this was the first time for Freshspring. It was a resounding success thanks to all the hardworking and dedicated team of Trustees, volunteers and staff. Visitors enjoyed steam engine rides, VR, rope-making, Morse code and finding out about us – we hope to be there again next year!
August and September will still be busy. We are looking forward to our next set of events on and off ship and continuing to recruit much needed volunteers to support us and help in any way they can.
Come and see us at the North Devon Festival of Transport August 11th, Ride the Waves Raft Race August 24th; Shanty Day on board September 8th, Appledore Book Festival September 14th and 18th and Lynton and Lynmouth Autumn Gala September 28th.