It was with great sadness that we heard earlier this week about the passing of our joint Patron, Prunella Scales at the age of 93. It was particularly poignant as it was less than a year ago since her husband Timothy West, our other joint Patron passed away.

Prunella was an outstanding English actress, best known for her portrayal of the acerbic Sybil Fawlty in the popular BBC sitcom Fawlty Towers. But it was her extensive and varied theatre work which she really loved the most, famously playing Queen Elizabeth II in 1992 and later a touring production of Queen Victoria. In 2014, along with Tim, they featured in Channel 4’s Great Canal Journeys. Their love of canals was obvious from the start and the series became an instant success with viewers and ran for a total of 10 series before her deteriorating health with dementia brought her TV career to an end. The series charted the challenging long slow goodbye that is living with dementia, cherishing every moment of precious normality. The series won plaudits for their transparency in facing the illness together.

Both Pru and Tim were dedicated and committed ambassadors to the Paddle Steamer Preservation Society and our paddlers Kingswear Castle and Waverley. They were to be seen regularly aboard Waverley in particular, despite their busy work schedules, on the Clyde, Bristol Channel and south coast and were always happy to chat to fellow passengers, sign autographs or have their photograph taken. They famously chartered Waverley on the Thames for both their Ruby and Diamond Wedding Anniversaries, surrounded by their family and friends from the world of show business. Their final voyage on Waverley was to be June 2025 on the Bristol Channel. Although neither Pru or Tim were in good health, they had made the journey from London to Clevedon one last time. It was so typical of their absolute perseverance, enthusiasm and commitment.

Farewell Pru, you will be much missed.

Douglas McGowan MBE
President, Paddle Steamer Preservation Society

Prunella Scales at a PSPS lunch in London with Douglas McGowan, PSPS President. February 2016.

Photo Jean McGowan

Timothy West and Prunella Scales aboard Waverley.

Photo Douglas McGowan