Good news for PS Medway Queen

[Eddy Matthews]

Thanks for the update Len, it's good to know things are moving along in the background....

Regards
Eddy

[scotfriend]

Hi Len,

thank you for keep us updated with the progress on PS MQ.

regards Hans

[lenknight]

May I take this opportunity to wish all the supporters of the
” Medway Queen” a Happy Christmas and New Year,
 with the wish to see the “Old Girl” possibly afloat in late 2011 at last!

Seasons Greeting, Len Knight.

[Eddy Matthews]

Cheers Len, all the very best to you too.....

Lets hope we can all raise a glass to the Medway Queen this time next year when she's refloated.

Regards
Eddy

[andy]

Few months ago I´ve tried to suppoert the MQ, but was not possible because if missing banking numbers.

I am German, and the supporters only should be british!???

Andreas

[lenknight]

I am so sorry that our overseas enthusiasts have problems to support the Medway Queen project.
 I have contacted Andy privately, if others have this problem please contact me, I will keep it offline if need be, I will do my upmost to sort this ongoing problem.
Regards
Len Knight.

[lenknight]

Just to keep members informed on progress re the Medway Queen, I Include a few photos of views not seen by the webcams.
It is hoped that the hull will be complete by the end of the year, at latest or in the first part of the New Year 2012.
Then return to Medway, to a berth at Gillingham Pier, courtesy of Medway Council, not ideal but better than Damhead, being more in the eye of the public.
Albeit, Damhead was our salvation, thanks to the owner of the land, David, that allowed us to stay and work, rent free all those years, without this kindness the project could have well failed.

Aft starboard sheer strake riveted
Detail of butt being drilled ready for riveting.
Riveting aft prom deck stair well.
Recent shot from stern
www.medwayqueen.co.uk     

[Eddy Matthews]

Well it's actually starting to look like a hull now Len!

It's great to see the Medway Queen slowly coming together after all these years, a fantastic achievement by all concerned!

Regards
Eddy

[lenknight]

Hello All,
Update re Medway Queen, rebuild of hull coming along now, almost 50% complete I am told. Does seem painfully slow at times.
However, have included some new photos (hopefully) below.

looking aft on the starboard side showing up to the main deck and nearly all the way to the stern.

The galley is now almost completely riveted

Looking forward from the port quarter (aft) we can see shell plating up to frame 18.

Rolling paddle blades.

[lenknight]

I have been told that all being well the new hull of the Medway Queen, as contracted, should be finished end of this year, possible tow back to the Medway Towns in January or thereabouts, we will see.
This is but a first stage to the preservation of this historic ship, it is but a long way yet to the finalised ship for sure, for the use we intend for her.
 But faint hearts never won fair lady for sure, we must be as determined as ever to see this project through to its intended rightful place within the Historic Fleet!
Len Knight MQPS.

[PeeWee]

looking good there,  back where she belongs before you know it.

[mjt60a]

just had a peek at the webcams and it looks like they've fitted the sponsons and paddle drums 

[john s]

To me there does not seem to be a lot of the origenal boat left.New hull deck paddles etc with odd few bits for good measure.Surely this should be called a replica? If the Waverly is having difficulty getting funding then how will this boat pay its way? I have fond memories of the real Medway Queen as a child.John.

[lenknight]

Dear John, and all,
True, the hull will be a new rebuild, with the original bow and aft rudder incorporated, they to being renovated/restored. Otherwise about 30 to 40% of the original ship will be restored within the hull, including the “Heart of Medway Queen” once again a working restored engine. A lot more could have been saved if more funds had been available at the time of how to move her from The Medway to Bristol, by pontoon, this could have cost well over half to three quarters of a million, as opposed to £250.000 to disassemble on site which we done, then send saved parts as requested to Bristol, some retain here on the Medway for restoration by ourselves with voluntary labour. All had to be done within a cost effective budget, so some parts of hull saved were not cost effective to save this way, so hence a new build (agreed by all parties). We had three million basically to spend at this stage (less than two from the Heritage lottery Fund), not six or more any other way.
Is she going to be cost effective to run in the future? only time will tell, it won’t be for the want of trying I assure you. It is quite plain that the society still has hurdles to overcome, mainly finance wise, we never have had a smooth ride, little hope yet, but after 25 years fighting, don’t intend to bow out now! 
Regards, Len Knight MQPS

[john s]

Thank you for your reply Len. I now understand more about why more of the vessal was not saved.Thank you. John.