Supporting the preservation and operation of paddle steamers Waverley and Kingswear Castle
Balmoral made a short visit to the south coast sailing from Swanage and Weymouth along the Dorset Coast on Monday 8th August 2011 MV Balmoral alongside Swanage Pier MV Balmoral departing Weymouth Photographs by C. Phillips Swanage Paddle Steamer Waverley South Coast Sailings from the 2nd until 22nd September 2011 for full details go…
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Paddle steamer Waverley, in her 65th year as a Clyde excursion steamer, was presented with the 65th IMechE Engineering Heritage Award.
There is now another way of making a donation to the appeal – by TEXT. Text WAVE11 followed by the donation amount to 70070
……..Having disembarked our passengers at Swansea, we took on fresh water then at 2345 set sail for Penarth and anchor. After a long day, I headed for my bed – Walter Snowdon (shopkeeper) had the cabin and the catering crew were set to party in the lower bar, so I stretched out in the shop…
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The Lake Lucerne paddle steamer Unterwalden returned to service in May this year after an overhaul lasting over 30 months and costing more than 10 million Swiss francs (£8 million).
Today, I’ve added some things to the web site: An icon “Where is Balmoral?” that when clicked on, opens a link to ‘live’ AIS showing Balmorals current/last known position. In the ‘Links’ section I’ve added a link to a Flickr page I’ve set up for the Bristol Channel Branch Members (faces) Gallery. There are only…
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Scottish Branch Hospitality Event – Waverley – Sunday 7th August I think it is fair to say that all parties are not joking when they say that this season is “Make or Break” for Waverley and Balmoral – but when looking from the outside in it is not immediately apparent how much volunteer work goes…
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I arrived at Penarth pier at 0745 for the 0800 departure, Balmoral was already alongside and most passengers on board. The skies were slightly overcast and there was a cool easterly breeze blowing. Departing on schedule, and with the following breeze and flat sea it was a pleasant trip to our first stop – Ilfracombe. …
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Waverley and Balmoral now have an official page on Facebook CLICK HERE to view – if you’re not a member of Facebook (that includes me!) you’ll have to join to view the page and read the messages. The new page includes a link to our new ‘Just Giving’ page as well. For non Facebook users…
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With the weather being so good on Wednesday 13th July many passengers took advantage of it and joined Waverley for her second visit this year to Tarbert (Loch Fyne). Those who did venture aboard were lucky enough to experience Waverley in all that she offers. The weather was perfect, the scenery stunning and the steamer provided the…
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On 6th July Waverley completed her first revised Wednesday run, the previous Wednesday was altered to a round Bute cruise after a delayed start. This was Waverley’s first call at Tarbert without the need for assistance from a small boat owing to the fact the pier has been in need of structural work for a…
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The following pictures were taken on Sunday 3rdJuly. Waverley arrived at Ayr shortly after 2.40pm before heading south to call at Girvan for the first time this season. With over 500 passengers she then made for Ailsa Craig, otherwise known as “paddy’s milestone”. As the steamer sailed round the island a large number of birds…
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I was working aboard Balmoral yesterday (Saturday). Arriving at 0900 the dry dock was being flooded to float the ship, the deck crew were painting the deck houses, funnel, ventilators etc. The catering crew were busy cleaning and painting, trying to get things ship shape – both crowds working until after 1900 before calling it…
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Due to a delay in Balmoral going to Sharpness for drydocking (caused by a problem with the dock gate not being able to be closed). Plus unforseen extra work having to be carried out, Balmorals Bristol Channel season start has been put back to Wednesday 6th July. The scheduled trips for the first 7 days…
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Todays South Wales Echo has the front page headline “SAILING INTO THE SUNSET? Future of historic Waverley and Balmoral cruise ships in doubt”There is a short piece on the front page about the appeal to raise £500,000 to secure the future of the ships (with pictures of Waverley and Balmoral) a longer article takes up…
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After an extended delay in dry dock due to an unforseen problem with the rudder, Waverley departed Greenock in the evening of Wednesday 8th June. Arriving at Swansea in the evening of the following day to take on bunkers and water and for an overnight stay. Friday 10th June. Waverley departed Swansea early bound for…
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Coming soon:-a report of Waverleys visit to the Bristol Channela short progress report on Balmorals winter refit
Welcome to the blog site of The Paddle Steamer Preservation Society – Bristol Channel Branch. Here you will find information on the activities of the branch. Articles and photographs on trips that have been undertaken by our members. Progress reports and photographs of the winter refits/refurbishments of our ships.It is intended to have a ‘who’s…
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Scottish Branch Evening Charter Tuesday 21st June The annual Evening Charter of Paddle Steamer Waverley by the Scottish Branch of the PSPS takes place on Tuesday 21st June. Waverley is scheduled to depart Greenock Custom House Quay at 7p.m., Helensburgh at 7.25p.m. and Blairmore at 8.10p.m. We are hoping for good weather to allow…
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Another short piece from Robin Copland. On the 23rd of August 1954, I had yet to reach my first birthday, so I am fairly certain that standing on my own two feet was not yet one of my major strengths. The power of speech still eluded me, though doubtless I exercised my vocal chords…
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A few photographs of Waveleys sailings in the Western Isles at the end of May 2010. On the whole, the weather was good, but cold – only one wet and miserable day. I must be a southern softy, on arrival at Oban, I went straight out and bought gloves, scarf and thermal hat! Unfortunately, I…
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Balmoral arriving at Bristol.
Writing an obituary for a friend and former workmate is never easy. Having to write obituaries for two is particularly sad, yet having scarcely finished John Lees’ obituary I learned that Ken Angell had also passed away. Ach…
Balmoral at Padstow July 2010
Sunday May 1st will go into the diary as one of the best days I have ever had on Waverley ever!The forecast strong winds did not appear to have materialised as we boarded Waverley amidst glorious sunshine at Oban’s North Pier. Today’s cruise would take us to the Isle of Coll passing the Treshnish Isles…
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On Friday evening (22nd April) the STV News reported the following: “The operators of the Waverley have warned that high fuel prices, combined with a drop in passenger numbers following a string of washout summers, could force the end of a decades-old tradition”. To read more and watch the report click the following link: http://news.stv.tv/scotland/west-central/244802-waverley-steamer-launches-appeal-as-costs-rise/ Paul Semple
Easter Saturday saw the world’s only sea going paddle steamer boarding passengers for a trip to the Isle of Rum via Tobermorey. After a night of strong winds and heavy rain showers the morning was grey and overcast as Waverley backed away from Oban North Pier but by the time she had tied up at…
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,Good Friday saw Waverley embark on her annual programme of sailings amidst the scenery of the Western Isles of Scotland.After a delayed start at Glasgow the ship made calls at Greenock & Campbeltown before heading round the Mull of Kintyre after which she altered course for Colonsay via The Sound of Islay. Shortly after a…
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With Waverley due to depart Glasgow in a matter of days for her annual visit to the Western Isles I feel it appropriate to be reminded of the magic of sailing such waters aboard a Paddle Steamer. Waverley may have made her first visit to the Western Isles in 1981 but for me my first…
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A personal obituary to “Big John” Lees by Jim Harrison.
