Lincoln Castle....for sale

[lenknight]

Press release by the PSPS
 24th May, 2010


“The council of management of the Paddle Steamer Preservation Society held a meeting in London on Saturday to discuss the present plight of the Humber paddle steamer Lincoln Castle and to investigate whether the society was in a position to help out with saving the paddle steamer from rumoured demolition. After much discussion the council agreed that the society was unable to accept the generous offer by Mr.Johnson to take ownership of the vessel because of a number of concerns which had been discovered from a survey which had been undertaken by a marine surveyor.
 As a charitable concern the PSPS has to consider carefully at all times how society funds are spent and it was felt that it was not appropriate that funds should be re-directed at this time away from the present fleet towards another project.
Since the meeting on Saturday it has come to the attention of the Paddle Steamer Preservation Society that in fact a deal had already been struck to save the ship and the new owner is a Terry Jackson who has plans to invest into the ship some finance to secure her future. The society would like to wish Mr.Jackson all the very best with his project to restore Lincoln Castle and if the PSPS can be of any assistance with it we would be only too delighted to discuss his ideas further.”

Malcolm Palmer Public Relations and Promotions Officer
Monday 24th May, 2010
End of release

It is but sad, a UK paddler to all intents and purpose in good fettle, is likely going to be scrapped.  All those that could well stop this disgraceful event, and are not, should hang their heads in shame

Len Knight.

[Channel]

Len,

I don't think too much should be read into this press release. Since it was released the situation has changed somewhat.

I just hope not too much is taken on by the PSPS who's funds are already being drained by poor seasons . . we do have a great example of this class of paddler in the shape of Wingfield Castle in great hands with a secure future after all.

There's not too many of us young ones around to take paddlers forward!!!

Chris

[lenknight]

The Lincoln Castle is being cut up for scrap.We of the Lincoln Castle Preservation Society are trying to stop that,and to buy her,but the owner seems not to want it saving.What a great loss it is.The last coal fired paddle steamer opperating in Britain is being scrapped.

(On page No1 instead of No4 from Ian)

I am so sorry Ian, my heart bleeds for you, reminiscing of 25years ago, when a few of us stood by the ‘Medway Queen’ at Chatham Dockyard wall, which to all intents and purpose was called a sunken wreck, just the Promenade deck above water at high tide, knowing that she was to be scrapped if we did not come up with the money the receivers wanted for her, being £15.000.  We had raised £5.000, but nowhere near enough; we were but ordinary working folk, of no momentary substance other than our basic income.
We retreated to the ‘Command House’ pub, to drown our sorrows, but some of us were brave enough to suggest (after a few pints) to re mortgage our homes to get the £10.000 we needed, that’s determination and dedication for sure (all paid back in a few years).
This we did, and although hard work, and many pitfalls, never gave up, from the few, we were in a few years many, most were as determined as the few were.
But sadly, if the owners are reluctant to sell, just like the Ryde, what can you do?
 I am not suggesting for a moment you follow suite mortgage wise, in these uncertain days, but sadly not enough basic determination in our land today, too much talking and not doing on all sides, mainly those that could well help if need be, too much greed today, sorry mate.

Included a picture of th MQ when at Chatham Dockyard.

Len Knight.