Wanted! Volunteers to tell Hull’s maritime story
‘IT’S SATISFYING’: Hull Maritime volunteer Cliff Gledhill on the Arctic Corsair
By Simon Bristow, Co-Editor
People with a passion for Hull and its history are being invited to join a growing team of volunteers who will help bring the city’s rich maritime heritage to life.
Volunteers will become ambassadors for Hull Maritime, engaging visitors with fascinating tales of the city’s global connections, fishing traditions, and seafaring adventures, becoming part of Hull’s biggest tourism offer since its landmark year as UK City of Culture in 2017.
Spurn Lightship became the first of the multifaceted Hull Maritime attractions to open to the public earlier this month, with the remainder to follow this year.
A key highlight of the role will be sharing the significance of the Arctic Corsair, Hull’s last surviving sidewinder trawler and an enduring symbol of the city’s fishing industry. Volunteers will also help create an memorable experience for visitors on board the lightship and to the transformed Maritime Museum.
Project chiefs say volunteers will have the opportunity to:
Be part of a landmark project transforming Hull’s maritime treasures
Gain new skills and experiences in heritage interpretation and visitor engagement
Meet like-minded people and make a difference to the community
COMING SOON: Work on the restoration of the Court Room at the Maritime Museum in August 2023
Gillian Osgerby, programme director for Hull Maritime at Hull City Council, said: “This is an exciting time for Hull Maritime as we prepare to welcome visitors to our maritime sites. Volunteers will play an important role in promoting Hull and telling our rich story and this is a great way to get involved and be part of the journey.
“We’re looking for passionate people who love our city and enjoy sharing Hull’s maritime story, especially those with first-hand experience or family connections to its history to join us as volunteers and keep that heritage alive.”
People who are interested in being part of Hull’s maritime story will sign up to be a HEY! Volunteer, the programme launched for Hull’s City of Culture year.
Abi Bell, HEY volunteer programme manager, said: “Becoming a volunteer is more than giving your time – it’s joining a supportive community that’s shaping unforgettable cultural experiences across Hull and East Yorkshire.
“Alongside the fantastic maritime‑based opportunities available through the programme, our volunteers can enjoy free workshops, social events, exclusive activities and special offers. It’s a brilliant way to learn new skills, build confidence, make friends and play an important part in the wider HEY! programme. We’d love to have you with us.”
Helen Featherstone, director, England, North at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: “Volunteers are at the heart of many of the projects we support, thanks to money raised by National Lottery players. They will be key to bringing the rich maritime heritage of the city to life and it is a great opportunity to be involved in the ambitious and exciting Hull Maritime project.”
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC: Spurn Lightship
No prior experience is necessary and full training and support will be provided.
Volunteer Cliff Gledhill said: “The great thing about being a volunteer is the satisfaction of talking to different people, helping them, sharing views and knowledge.”
Hull Maritime volunteer David Elgey said: “I became a volunteer as I came from a barge family and grew up with that background. The maritime side of Hull is in my blood, this pride inspired me to share my city's maritime heritage with visitors.”
Since the end of 2017, HEY! Volunteers have given 16,000 hours to the Hull Maritime project.
The maritime project is expected to generate £5.5m for the city’s economy each year as well as delivering new employment, skills and training opportunities.
Anyone interested in becoming a volunteer can register their interest here.