Volunteer guides wanted!
The Matthew of Bristol is largely maintained and run by a dedicated crew of volunteers and we’re always on the lookout for physically fit guides and crew to join us on board!
Sailing experience is not necessary – we’re looking for people who can spare us a day (or more!) of their time each week, have a willingness to ‘learn the ropes’, and who also enjoy talking to the general public.
About The Matthew
The Matthew of Bristol is a fully working reconstruction medieval ship based in Bristol’s historic Harbourside. Built between 1994-1996 to mark the 500th anniversary of John Cabot’s famous 1497 voyage from Bristol to Newfoundland, in 1997 the ship and its crew re-enacted this epic voyage.
Today, The Matthew is a much-loved part of Bristol’s maritime heritage, owned by registered charity The Matthew of Bristol Trust. With a busy schedule of public boat trips, film and festival work, corporate and celebratory events, all profits made from our public and private trips are used to maintain the ship and its legacy.
Volunteer duties
As part of the crew, you will be greeting our visitors on arrival at The Matthew, providing information and inviting them to explore all areas of the ship open to them.
We also train our volunteer crew members in all aspects of personal and passenger safety, ropework, mooring and unmooring, and using emergency equipment.
No experience is necessary as full training will be given.
The Matthew celebrating 25 years in May 2022. Would you like to be a part of our next 25 years? We’re looking for volunteers – come and join us!
Photo credit - Izabela Probert
Location and hours
The Matthew of Bristol is based mainly in Bristol Harbour. We take passengers out on public and private trips around Floating Harbour, and also down the Avon to Pill. When not out on a trip, the ship is open to visitors from Tuesday–Sunday between 10am and 4pm during the summer and on weekends from 10am to 4pm in the winter.
Days on duty will be arranged by mutual agreement.
About you
You are available for one day (or more) per week, especially during our busy summer season between April and October. We’re also looking for people who have some weekend and/or early evening availability.
You are physically fit – you will need to be able to get around the ship and be on your feet for periods of time.
You enjoy talking to people and have a willingness to learn about and share Bristol’s maritime history with visitors to The Matthew.
Experience – you do not need any sailing experience to be a volunteer on The Matthew! Full training will be given.
How to apply
If you'd like to get involved with our award-winning team and are available to volunteer on a regular basis, please complete a Volunteer Application Form and send it to The Matthew of Bristol office at info@matthew.co.uk.
We look forward to hearing from you!
