The “Alumchine” project – The Pembrokeshire County Council are prepared to allow the Society to put the Alumchine on the grid outside the ferry yard. At present the Alumchine is sorely in need of scraping and the application of some read lead. Bringing the Alumchine to a berth on the South Coast is the major problem facing the Society at the moment, but it is confidently expected that it will be solved shortly.

White Funnel news – St. Trillo opened the season on Maunday Thursday, sailing between Cardiff and Weston. She was joined by Cardiff Queen on Saturday for the Easter period only. The arrival of the St. Trillo makes the future of Glen Usk which is laid up at Cardiff very uncertain.

Scottish notes – During the period January to March all the steam paddlers were given their underwater inspection and overhaul. Both Waverley and Jeanie Deans went to Harland and Wolff’s Govan yard, while Caledonia was at the Port Glasgow slipway of Messrs Lamont. As the report issued by Dr Beeching includes the closing of the station at Balloch Pier there is little hope of the Maid of the Loch staying in service after this year. As from April 1st, all meals on board went up by 1/- (5p). Lunch is now 3/6 and High Tea 7/- (42p and 35p).

Humber paddlers – In addition to the normal Ferry Service operated by Lincoln Castle and her partners the following cruise programme is to be run this summer; From Grimsby to Hull, depart 10am Saturdays; From Grimsby to Spurn, depart 2.30pm Sundays and weekdays.

Cosens & Co. – Embassy is being prepared for the start of her season at Bournemouth. She has been in the inner harbour at Weymouth, moored just forward of the berth which was occupied by Bristol Queen. Coastal steamers and Maritime Services Ltd. have been invited to operate Princess Elizabeth from Weymouth this year.