Urgent Help needed for PS Ryde

[MarkYoungIW]

Please please, can everyone add their names to the following e-petition, and spread the word!!

Many thanks.

http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/PSRyde/

[StewartM]

Done.

[PaddleWheel]

And me.

[MarkYoungIW]

Thank you, the more the better, and anywhere you can spread the word, please do!!

Thanks again

[Bob Golder]

Signed and best of luck.

[MarkYoungIW]

Excellent, we have got over 100 sigs in the first 24 hours that the petition has been live.  Keep spreading the word everyone, far and wide.  On UK forums, even if they are not heritage based, explain the situation, most people have a heart and would be happy to support our cause.

Thanks again.

[PaddleWheel]

Posted it on a couple of model railway forums, got a couple of signatories.

[mjt60a]

Me Too 

[MarkYoungIW]

Good work.  Keep circulating the word.  We have 200 sigs this morning, which isnt bad, but it needs to be a lot more!!

I have been posting everywhere reminding people that when they go on holiday they visit attractions, and that most of those attractions needed help at one time or another.

There is some news starting to emerge on the Ryde front, so should be able to fill you in soon.

This really is the last chance though, so we all need to do everything we can.

Regards

[MarkYoungIW]

Just approaching 300 signatures this morning.  So far 100 a day which is excellent.  Isle of Wight Radio is broadcasting the plight this morning, so hopefully that will bring in more.  The Trust is busy with getting ready to renegotiate a deal, so fingers crossed.

All in all everything is being done that can be done.  We do need to get as many signatures as possible.  If not for Ryde, then for all the other ships that so desperately need protection!!

We the undersigned petition the Prime Minister to do everything possible to prevent the proposed imminent scrapping of the historic paddle steamer Ryde on the Isle of Wight. Ryde is one of only 200 vessels on the register of historic vessels. A veteran of World War II, and one of few remaining Paddle Steamers in the UK. The ship has been inspected by a shipyard and deemed viable for restoration. A Conservation Plan has been drawn up, and a Trust set up to steer its rescue and conservation, for which funding seems likely to be available.

We further petition to put legislation in hand to safeguard Ryde and similar historic vessels by law, by introducing protection such as is available for historic buildings. At present, short-term economic interests are overwhelmingly destructive to the conservation of ships. Britain is a historically seafaring nation and should be proud to preserve, display and operate surviving historic vessels, as glories in themselves, tourist attractions and educational tools for future generations. Once restored, Ryde will bring long-term economic benefit and civic pride to the communities it serves.

I notice quite a lot of people believing its too late because demolition has started.  At the moment, demolition has been stopped due to not having the correct licences, and it looks like it will be at least a month before it recommences.  Although some of the superstructure has been damaged by the works, the hull is largely intact.  We hope to have surveyours in very shortly to reassess the works needed to refloat her and get her to safety!!

[MarkYoungIW]

I notice today doubt is setting in on a Mamod forum:-

http://modelsteam.myfreeforum.org/sutra438139.php

If anyone here is a member, can they let people know she's not been demolished yet, although some damage has been done.

More than anything it would be great if someone can reiterate that it may well be too late, but if you dont try, you dont know.  We will be onboard her next week with a naval architect, so will be able to give more news, but as I say, at the moment the majority still seems to be intact.

If nobody is a member, I will try and sign up to the Mamod forum if I get a moment tommorrow.

Many thanks

[MarkYoungIW]

618 signatures so far, which is great.  We are working hard on trying to see if there is a workable solution with the Administrators at the moment to see what can be done.

The National Historic Ships and Paddle Steamer Preservation Society are giving us there support, and proving a great help, along with the companies we have been using to reinforce the feasability of this project.

We really are on a knife edge, but doing everything possible.

Thanks again, and as said before, the more signatures, the more influence it will have.  The fact it has gone over 500 should bring a response from No. 10.

Regards

[MarkYoungIW]

Naval Architects will be onboard Ryde at the end of next week, to assess where we are at now, and if it is still possible to move her, of if due to the works already done, any restoration would have to be started in situ.

I will keep you posted.

In the meantime we have over 700 signatures now (fast approaching 800), but obviously need more, so if your granny hasnt signed it (and assuming she likes Paddle Steamers), please help her do so!! 

Thanks

[MarkYoungIW]

The petition ends on Tueday (a run of 28 days), and it is about the reach a staggering 3000!!  Naturally we are grateful for all the support.  Now its just a case of hoping that the administrators can be persuaded to see the light, and negotiate towards a satisfactory deal so that the vessel isnt lost!!

Fingers tightly crossed, and thanks for all the help!!

With regards to the inspection, we are still discussing this, as quite an amount of damage has been caused, so a new removal strategy needs to be put in place (not quite as simple as it was!!)  We will publish our findings, just as soon as we have all the details.

[monarch]

I'll take the link off of the website now then...got to be quick as using the annual 30 day trial of dreamweaver....wish we had the money to buy the software-but all of our pennies go into lubricants and fuel!!

Are you on the water at this time of year as we need to grab some diesel sometime this week!?

TTFN, Matt