Friends of Newport Ship: Newsletter Editor

The Newport ship is the most substantial late medieval vessel excavated and recovered in Britain in recent years. Revealed in 2002 during building operations for the Riverside Theatre, its nearly 3000 timbers were recovered and are nearing completion of their conservation. It is expected that they will be re-assembled in the next few years to make a spectacular display, a major attraction for Newport on the River Usk, in south Wales.  Meanwhile the Newport Ship Centre, in the care of the Friends of the Newport Ship, houses the timbers which are on display to visitors.

The Trustees are seeking a volunteer editor. The main purpose of the role is production of the charity’s annual members’ fully-illustrated newsletter, and a free news-sheet three times a year.

Recent editions have included a project report by the ship’s curator, Dr Toby Jones, an article on the planned computer-assisted re-building, an article on the use of guns at sea in the 15th Century, and another on recreating the appearance of ancient vessels. Earlier editions have covered shipbuilding and medieval engineering skills and dendro-chronological sleuthing to trace the origin of the ship’s timbers to a specific wood in Portugal. Examples of past editions can be seen on our website.

The position

This would suit someone with a good feel for words, an ability to meet tight deadlines and to work both independently without supervision and with the tact and diplomacy to engage with the wider team. Writing and editing experience is desirable. Support is available with formatting and layout. Knowledge of the ship and of nautical archaeology would be desirable but is not essential.

The Newsletter material is handled online, so proximity to Newport is not essential, so long as the editor is prepared to attend occasional meetings at the Ship Centre. The role could be shared. Time commitment is anticipated to be approximately 4 hours per week, perhaps more prior to copy deadlines.

If you are interested please contact Bob Evans, Chair of the Friends (07808 778449 or chair@newportship.org).