Avon & Somerset Probation and the ss Great Britain Trust have agreed the latest stage in their successful partnership. A workshop is due to be built within the Great Western Dockyard next to the ss Great Britain, paid for on a 50:50 basis.

The scheme will serve as a major boost for Avon & Somerset Probation and the ss Great Britain Trust, with Probation’s Community Payback groups using the workshop for carpentry and other jobs on site. It will also be used for projects off site including schools.

Work undertaken by Community Payback in the past has focussed on projects such as cleaning the ship’s stunning glass ‘sea’ and repairing cobbled paths and walls. This new initiative will enable the teams to work on functional and decorative woodwork on board the historic ship.

Director of the ss Great Britain Trust, Matthew Tanner MBE, commented: “The ss Great Britain Trust is delighted to continue working in partnership with the Avon and Somerset Probation Service.
The Community Payback scheme plays an important role in the ongoing maintenance and conservation of the ss Great Britain.
As an independent museum and registered charity, which receives no local or central government funding, the Trust has to generate income through visitors, venue hire, weddings and civil partnerships. It would be difficult to meet the full costs associated with caring for this historic ship, and to meet high standards for our visitors, without the support of Community Payback.”

Martin Davies, Assistant Chief Officer from Avon and Somerset Probation said:
“Avon and Somerset Probation is overjoyed to continue working in partnership with the ss Great Britain Trust. The new workshop will allow Community Payback to help participate in the valuable work done by the Trust on this famous landmark, while providing offenders with an opportunity to learn and develop new skills which could aid their present and future employment.”

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