Waverleys consort, motor ship BALMORAL

[Walter Snowdon]

Hi folks, I am not on the Waveley this summer, but I am doing a stint as a volunteer on her consort the BALMORAL. For those who dont know her, she was built as an excursion ship/ferry in 1948 and is the same age as Waverley. she is owned by the Paddlesteamer Preservation Society and is the last motor ship of her type still "on active service" and earning good money to help preserve WAVERLEY, KINGSWEAR CASTLE and herself and is quite unique and in very good condition. I have sailed on her in an Irish Sea gale (not to be taken lightly) and she performed superbly.
 Iwill be working aboard her from Saturday 30th of June for nine days, sailing from London and in the Thames estuary and river Medway and around the Kent coast. If any Paddleducks fancy a trip on her, look me up on board, I am the loony with a perpetual smile of rapture to be found in the souvenir shop or the gangway! ( I LOVE working aboard our preserved ships).
On a more serious note PsPs are always looking for volunteers to work in the Waverley or Balmorals shop- there is no pay involved, but you do get your expenses paid and have your own cabin and are VERY well fed and watered. Out of season there is always a need for volunteers to help with the maintainance - painting, varnishing etc. Again you live on board and have the run of the galley usually. Think about it- where else can you have hands-on experience in keeping these grand old ships in sevice?
Remember, if you are aboard Balmoral in the coming week, PLEASE SAY HELLO. Regards, Walter.

[Channel]

Hi Walter,

Have a good time on the Balmoral. I use to do a fair bit on her winter refits but rarely make it across to Bristol now as I'm always busy with work!

I hope oneday she'll return to her Red Funnel colours . . . although a Bristol Channel guy I don;t think the white funnel fleets colours suit her well. She lacks a splash of colour !

Cheers
Chris