Good news for PS Medway Queen

[lenknight]

A snippet from the MQPS magazine ‘Full Ahead’ autumn 2009.


Since the 'Unveiling of the Keel' ceremony work has progressed on the first sections with more pieces being added daily. We are still waiting for the dock to become vacant before the section are lowered into place.
One good piece of news is that while work has been progressing we have been working on the installation of a webcam that will overlook the dock to allow everyone to watch the reconstruction of the Medway Queen from the comfort of their home. The webcam will be up and running very soon and will endeavour to give as much notice as to when the first piece will be lowered into the dock and viewable over the internet.


I hope that the dock will be accessible this year at least, it was September, but already in to October, and time marches on!!!

www.medwayqueen.co.uk           

Len Knight MQPS.

[lenknight]

I am very pleased to tell you all that the webcam, is now in place at Ables docks, Bristol, live ready for when the ‘Keel’ is laid very soon now, then able to watch the progress of the first riveted hull in many years being assembled, access to webcam is under ‘Contents List’ on website.
Also a ‘Members Area’ has now been installed on the website, to comment on the project. Go to Society - members area- then register (membership no is required) user name – password, then there.
Comments are invited, and enjoy the live progress of the Medway Queen.
www.medwayqueen.co.uk          

Len Knight. 

[Channel]

The yards latest build a rubbish barge was launched just over a week ago leaving the dry dock clear.

[Channel]

Called by the yard today and actually went aboard the MQ . . . . well on the keel plate thats waiting to go into the dry dock.

I get the feeling she will take shape quite quickly!

[lenknight]

Yes, the start of the rebuild of the Medway Queen in the dock has indeed started, check the webcam on the website: www.medayqueen.co.ukThe ‘Bow Section’ is already in place, I have patiently waited for twenty odd years for this day at 83, and lived to see it! Contrary to the ‘Dismal Charley’s’ of the past, and present! Can’t be done! Re our historic paddlers.
However, enough said, before I get myself in trouble, for expressing my opinion.
May I take this opportunity to tell the members that we now have an online donation set up for the restoration on the Medway Queen’s engines.
Thank you all for your support in the past, and present, for this day.
Kind regards, Len Knight.

[lenknight]

I am so sorry, a slip of the finger re the website, it being:
www.medwayqueen.co.uk
Take more water with it in future!
Regards, Len Knight.

[Channel]

I'll grab some pictures when I am in the area next. As an assistant harbour master for Bristol Port I expect I'll get involved when its time for her to head down the Avon!

[lenknight]

Thanks for that, will be appreciated
Regards Len.

[lenknight]

Albeit the progress of the Medway Queen hull is being recorded on a webcam at Bristol, which is history in itself, we must not forget the dedicated members at Damhead Creek, that are still working on the second stage, being the refit of the ship.
One step ahead of our requirements, some projects are already being ‘farmed ‘out to interested bodies, that are mainly charity based, or as a project for apprentices to learn the skills.
One project I refer to is, the rebuild of the ‘Captains Cabin’ one of the many possible projects that can be done by our own teams of experienced and professional members, which we fortunately have 
They have the use of a very well maintain site of workshops, which many professional firms would like to have. These have taken over twenty years to build up, some machinery donated, but also purchased as funds were available.
So well able to tackle most of the refitting of the hull when the time comes, but quite a lot can be done before the hull is ready, this mainly being the woodwork, that is quite extensive, ready to fit.
I include a few photos of the start of the rebuild of the ‘Captains Cabin’ that was located just under the ‘Bridge’

Len Knight   

[scotfriend]

I am impressed,

keep the good work going. I hope to find the time to meet you and the MQPS next year in May.

regards Hans

[MarkYoungIW]

An inspiration the everyone!!  Its great to see all the hard work paying off for the MQPS.  To see the site at Damhead Creek still remaining instrumental in the rebirth of MQ is fantastic, must be of great comfort to all the people who have spent so much time and effort on the site, to see it still in use right up to a fantastic conclusion.  Well done to all at the MQPS and many thanks Len for keeping us posted.  I think its fair to say that the MQPS have been a great inspiration to use all.

Regards

Mark.

[mjt60a]

Not easy to tell from the angle but it looks like almost half the hull has been built now 
http://medwayqueen.co.uk/shipyardblog/?cat=3

[Channel]

I' told by someone on the project its rather cold in the dry dock!

Will call by for some pictures someday soon.

Chris

[lenknight]

Dear Members,
Just to bring up to date, the progress on the hull of the Medway Queen, photos included. We are raising money to pay for the renovation of engine; this is not part of the lottery grant, so we are trying more than one way to do this. All can be seen on our site at:
http://www.medwayqueen.co.uk/One way is of course, to help contribute to this, as well as the project, is when buying for your self on line at:
http://www.medwayqueen.co.uk/buyat.htmlThere are many outlets to chose from, cost no more than normal shopping, at times less, and a percentage goes to the Society. At least have a browses, then if you like, buy.
Thanks for your possible support.
Len Knight.

[lenknight]

Medway Queen restoration project to receive EU Finance.

Medway Queen Preservation Society, are pleased to announce that their application to the European Union for funding, under the Interreg IVA 2 Seas initiative, has been approved by the Interreg  Joint Technical Secretariat in Lille.
The Interreg programme was set up to promote cross-border collaboration. Medway Queen Preservation Society have joined forces with Association Tourville, currently building 'Jean Bart', a replica 18th century man-of-war, in Gravelines, France and with De Steenschuit, a training shipyard at Boom, near Antwerp, who are building a replica 19th Century Antarctic exploration ship, the 'New Belgica'. The joint project is called 'Heroes 2C'.

Lets hope that this will spur the powers to be in our homeland to invest in our historic ships, and to inspire those that are dismal about the future of our historic ships!
Len Knight.