Invitation to the Paddle Steamer Preservation Society Wessex Branch Grand Christmas Social Weekend

Saturday 7th and Sunday 8th December 2013

At the Suncliff Hotel, East Overcliff Drive, Bournemouth BH1 3AG

All PSPS and associated societies and group members, families and friends, are invited to attend the Wessex Branch Saturday Christmas Lunch and Sunday river cruise. bargain overnight accommodation is offered at the fashionable Bournemouth Suncliff Hotel with stunning views from its clifftop location.

The Suncliff is a fifteen-minute stroll from Bournemouth station/travel interchange.

Programme – Saturday

Lunch followed by “The Medway Queen Story” plus evening entertainment

Rendezvous in the hotel lounge from midday. lunch is served at 1pm a choice of four starters, four mains and four desserts plus coffee and mints £19.50 (see booking form for menu). We are delighted to announce that Laurence Cade has agreed to give an after-lunch presentation entitled “The Medway Queen Story” plotting the remarkable history of this Dunkirk heroine in times of war and peace. Evening entertainment will be courtesy of Sandie Armstrong presenting “The story of the Western Ladies” (Torquay’s famous pleasure boats) followed by show of rare steamer films courtesy of Andrew Gladwell concluding around 8.30pm.

Wheelchair-bound guests please notify when booking. Access to the restaurant is by a flight of four steps.

Note: Bookings close for Christmas Lunch on Friday 22nd November.

Overnight Accommodation

We are pleased to offer a bargain overnight rate of £28.50 with full English breakfast (for Friday, Saturday and Sunday). Those wishing to take advantage of this offer should contact the hotel directly on 01202 291711 quoting the event or e-mail via www.suncliffbournemouth.co.uk. Rooms are en-suite and many have sea views. Guests can enjoy the evening entertainment and fitness suite/pool and games room. The hotel bar is open throughout offering tasty snacks and a range of beverages. The Suncliff has a large car park. adjacent street parking is available at a nominal fee.

Programme – Sunday

Two hour Poole Harbour Lunch Cruise, departing at 11am

Sheltered Poole Harbour and Islands. Cruise departing Poole Quay aboard Messrs. Greenslade’s “Purbeck Gem”; 170 passengers, heated saloon, toilets, refreshment bar and commentary. Taking advantage of the prevailing tidal conditions the cruise will visit areas of this remarkable harbour not usually included aboard scheduled cruises. Hot lunches (see booking form) will be loaded at Lake Pier for consumption during the course of the cruise.

“Purbeck Gem” has wide-open decks. however, numbers for the cruise will be limited to the capacity of the heated observation saloon. Seasonal mulled wine will be available.

Departure point; Opposite the “Poole Arms” at the junction of “Old Orchard” and the Town Quay.

Remember, wear suitable seasonal clothing!

Various car parking options are available within five minutes stroll of the departure berth.

For a booking form for both events, please contact Peter Lamb here or call him on 01202 757332 / 07718 934425.

Advance booking is essential. Bookings close for the boat cruise (only) on 3rd December. Note: Those wishing to attend may book for either or both of the events.

Excursion promoted by the Wessex Branch of the Paddle Steamer Preservation Society. Passengers are conveyed subject to the conditions of carriage of Greenslade’s Pleasure Boats. Maps for both venues are available when booking, upon request.