Louise Hurrell volunteers on board HMS Unicorn in Dundee

I STARTED as digital engagement volunteer on HMS Unicorn in November last year. I have helped to edit the guidebook, as well as write social media posts for both Facebook and the ship’s blog. I also occasionally do photography for events on board the ship.

I really enjoy writing about the collections on board HMS Unicorn. I get to have a snoop around the collections currently not on display and discover new objects to write about. It’s fun as you never know what you will find, and no day is the same. The blog posts are also interesting as I’ve had the opportunity to write about widely different subjects such as the Wrens (Women’s Royal Naval Service) and Jack the Ripper.

I have always been interested in history, and HMS Unicorn is such a fascinating ship. She was launched in 1824 in Chatham Dockyard, was loaned as a powder hulk at Woolwich and has been headquarters to both the East Scottish Division RNVR (Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve) and Wrens. The museum collection is also incredibly varied; from German naval dirks from the Second World War to images of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth on board.

HMS Unicorn is also more than 90% original, making her one of the best preserved Georgian warships in the world, and a truly unique place to visit and volunteer. There is also a wide variety of events on board, such as literary events, quizzes, and Shakespeare theatre productions. There is something for everyone.

Volunteering has helped me improve my writing skills and made me more confident in trying new ideas. I find it satisfying seeing my work online and people engaging with it – it helps me know I’m doing my work well. It is also interesting see what subjects audiences particularly like and engage with, so I can expand upon them in future.

As well as improving current skills, I have also developed new ones. I have given tours and talks on board the ship – something I never thought I would do! They were very nerve-wracking, but I really enjoyed them, and they also helped boost my confidence. I got positive feedback from them too, which was surreal but great. The staff and fellow volunteers are also incredibly supportive which continues to help me greatly.

Overall, volunteering at HMS Unicorn has been a great experience – I get to meet amazing people, gain new skills, and indulge my interest in history. Before I started, I didn’t know what to expect – I don’t have a degree in Museum Studies so wasn’t sure how museums worked behind the scenes. But everyone was so welcoming and friendly, and I quickly learned that having a degree wasn’t necessary. I was able to bring my own skills but also learn new ones, which has better prepared me for the future. I hope my work encourages people to come visit HMS Unicorn and see the amazing displays on board.

For more information visit www.frigateunicorn.org