Bridge Ambassadors

We are seeking new volunteers to help with the running of the Bridging the Tamar Visitor and Learning Centre. We have a small core of valued and dedicated volunteers who are central to the day to day running of the Visitor and Learning Centre.

The Bridging the Tamar Visitor and Learning Centre opened in 2019 following a grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund and supported by the Tamar Crossings Joint Committee. Since then we have welcomed many schools, families, locals and holiday-makers since then. Visitors have enjoyed guided bridge tours, walks and talks, and the chance to find out more about Brunel’s iconic Royal Albert Bridge as well as its companion the Tamar Bridge. Schools have enjoyed bridge building activities and curriculum linked workshops from Key Stage 1 to Key Stage 4. School groups have arrived by train, coach, foot (and one year group even arrived by boat at Saltash before coming to see us!). A visit to the centre can really inspire children in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Maths).

In addition, we welcome adult groups with an interest in the Tamar Crossings story which includes the Torpoint ferry and before that the Saltash chain ferry. We also  link with scouting and guiding groups with various pioneering skills in the bridge grounds. We have the equipment to build a monkey bridge which could also be used for team building groups.

Entry to the Centre is free of charge and the Centre is open from 10am to 4pm every day. Volunteer Bridge Ambassadors are on hand to welcome visitors, deliver tours of the Centre and local area, and support school visits. The events programme which volunteers support includes the Plymouth History Festival, Heritage Open Days, special anchorage tours, and local regattas, amongst other things. In addition, we host some online events throughout the year which require assistance from volunteers.

Guided tours are led by volunteers on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday mornings during the winter months. During the summer months we also host pre booked tours on a Tuesday and Thursday afternoon. We have a steady flow of visitors booking onto the tours which incorporates a walk onto the bridge.

The Bridge Ambassador role is varied and provides people with the chance to increase their confidence by giving guided tours or speak to a variety of people, gain an insight into the work of the STEAM sectors, develop their skills, and have the satisfaction of giving people an enjoyable experience or day out.

The Ambassador position has various roles within it - Bridge Guides give guided tours, Welcome Hosts welcome groups for tours and school workshops, and Research and Archive Volunteers find out more about the histories of the bridges and the surrounding areas.

Prospective volunteers can can fill in an application form on our website https://www.bridgingthetamar.org.uk/volunteering/