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Volunteering with The Excelsior Trust

Volunteers are at the heart of everything we do. Whether supporting work on Excelsior our historic vessel, helping in the yard, assisting with traditional or digital skills in our training centre or contributing professional skills, our volunteers play a vital role in preserving heritage and creating opportunities for others. You don’t need prior experience—just enthusiasm, reliability and a willingness to get involved. In return, you’ll gain hands-on experience, meet like-minded people and be part of something meaningful that makes a real difference.

The Excelsior Trust

Be Part of Something That Matters

Support heritage, develop skills and help create opportunities for others.

Work on a Historic Vessel

Help maintain and operate Excelsior, a unique 1921 authentic wooden sailing vessel. This is hands-on, practical work that directly contributes to keeping a nationally significant heritage asset alive and active.

Typical Activities

General maintenance and upkeep
Painting, varnishing and preservation
Assisting with rigging and deck work
Supporting sailing activities (where appropriate)

Who It Suits

Practical, hands-on individuals
Those interested in maritime heritage
Anyone keen to learn new skills in a real environment

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Build, Restore and Repair

Support work in our heritage yard, where traditional craft skills are used to restore and maintain vessels and equipment.

Typical Activities

Woodworking and joinery
Boat restoration projects
Ropework and rigging preparation
General workshop support

Who It Suits

People with practical or trade skills
Those wanting to learn craft techniques
Volunteers who enjoy making and building

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Share Your Skills and Experience

Not all volunteering is hands-on. We also rely on people who can contribute professional or organisational skills to help the Trust grow and operate effectively.

Areas of Support

Administration and coordination
Marketing, social media and communications
Fundraising and grant support
IT, digital and technical expertise
Training and mentoring

Who It Suits

Professionals looking to give back
Retired or semi-retired individuals
Anyone with skills to share

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Help Us Engage and Inspire

Volunteers play a key role in helping us run events, engage with the community and promote our work.

Typical Activities

Supporting open days and events
Welcoming visitors and groups
Assisting with outreach programmes
Helping with tours and presentations

Who It Suits

Friendly, people-oriented individuals
Those who enjoy working with the public
Volunteers looking for flexible involvement

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Whatever skills, talent, ambition or time you have, use some of it to help others. The Excelsior Trust provides a unique environment to make a substantial difference to the community.

Contact Us

Why Volunteer With Us?

Be part of preserving a historic vessel - Learn new skills and gain experience

Meet like-minded people - Contribute to meaningful community impact

Flexible opportunities to suit your time