About Us
We’re a small, spirited charity restoring SS Freshspring, sharing steamship stories and hands‑on adventures with every visitor.
About the Steamship Freshspring Trust
The Steamship Freshspring Trust (CIO 1151907) is a North‑Devon charity dedicated to returning SS Freshspring—the last surviving steam‑powered Royal Fleet Auxiliary water‑tanker, launched in 1946—to full working order. By preserving this rare vessel, we keep Britain’s maritime story alive and use it to educate, inspire and engage people of all ages.
Our Vision
Preserve the past to inspire knowledge for the future: SS Freshspring steaming once more as a travelling ambassador for heritage, STEM learning and skills.
What We Do
- Conserve & Operate Maintain SS Freshspring as a living exhibit of 19th‑/20th‑century marine engineering.
- Inspire Young People Run hands‑on programmes that spark interest in maritime and engineering careers.
- Teach Practical Skills Offer training in historic‑ship care, steam machinery and vessel management.
Patrons & Trustees
Our mission is guided by three active patrons—The Rt Hon Earl Attlee, Rear Admiral Nigel Guild CB CEng FREng, and Captain Kevin Slade MNM CMMar FNI—and up to seven trustees whose expertise spans maritime operations, education, finance, fundraising and public engagement.
Learning & Community
From school visits and family activity days to engineering workshops, our educational programmes ignite curiosity and provide real‑world STEAM experience.
