Tim and Pru relaxing in the Jeanie Deans Lounge with Jean McGowan (centre)

Douglas McGowan, Society President writes:

It was with great sadness that I learned this morning of the passing of our Patron, Timothy West CBE aged 90. His health had recently deteriorated and he passed away in hospital.

Along with his wife, Prunella Scales, Tim had been our joint PSPS Patron since 2016. He had grown up in the world of paddle steamers and was a particular fan of the Bristol Channel steamers and of course P&A Campbell.

His support for our steamers was passionately unwavering. Despite the years rolling on and Pru’s illness, they were always to be seen aboard Waverley every season, either on the Bristol Channel or south coast. Indeed, as recently as June of this year, they were aboard for an upriver cruise from Clevedon. What incredible dedication, travelling all the way from London and then negotiating all those stairs at Clevedon Pier, quite remarkable. I think they were grateful for the “wee refreshment” I offered them after boarding, utterly exhausted!

On a personal note, I first got to know Tim and Pru in the 1980’s and it became obvious to me that they were a couple utterly dedicated to each other, both at the very top of their acting careers and both very fond of paddle steamers, with a particular soft spot for the Waverley. One of the lovely things I really respected about them was their genuine interest in Waverley’s operation and challenges and they always made time to chat to Officers and crew and really get to know them.

Jean and I were privileged to be invited on both occasions when they chartered Waverley from London Tower Pier to celebrate their Ruby and then Golden wedding anniversaries. They were very special evenings and the creme de la creme of our film and TV stars were aboard our paddler on those unique cruises. More recently, we were also invited to their garden party in Wandsworth to mark Pru’s 90th birthday.

Tim has been a devoted and conscientious Patron to our Society over many years.

Thank you Tim!