We Need Your Support

A single gift or a monthly pledge keeps Britain’s last Fresh-class steamship afloat, restores her machinery to working order and opens her decks to thousands of young minds every year.

Why your gift matters

• A unique survivor – Freshspring is the only ship left from the 14 Fresh-class water carriers built for the Royal Fleet Auxiliary in 1946.
• Rescued, not retired – after lying half-sunken in Severn mud, she was refloated and towed to Bideford in 2016 thanks to a £155k National Heritage Memorial Fund grant.
• A living classroom – more than 1,200 pupils stepped aboard in a single season once her wheelhouse was rebuilt.
• On track to steam again – recent Lottery and Pilgrim Trust grants fund the studies that will bring her boiler back to life by 2027.

Make it monthly

Regular givers are our engine room. A predictable income means we can plan long-term restoration phases and schedule school visits a year ahead. Tick “Make this a monthly donation” on the form, choose any amount, and you’ll receive quarterly progress photos direct from the deck.

Boost your gift by 25%

If you’re a UK taxpayer, please tick the Gift Aid box. It lets us claim an extra 25p for every £1 you give — at no cost to you.

Other ways to support

• Become a member – annual memberships start at £25.
• Corporate partnerships – sponsor a hatch, host a client day, or brand our VR headsets.
• Leave a legacy – a simple codicil can preserve maritime heritage for generations.
• Volunteer– from painting decks to guiding school groups, there’s a role for every skill level.

Thank you. 

Because you choose to give, Freshspring can continue to give back. 

Your support keeps SS Freshspring thriving: rivets renewed, heritage protected, and one of Britain’s last steamships safeguarded afloat in Bideford while we prepare her to steam again. Every donation or volunteer hour sparks hands-on STEAM sessions for thousands of pupils, inspires veterans and families, and builds a skilled, welcoming community aboard. 

Join a community that preserves maritime heritage and powers real-world STEAM learning for future generations.