Medway Queen

[Paulrjordan]

Talking of the Thames, David...has anyone heard what's happening
with "Medway Queen"? Maybe Ady could give us a "heads up" on this
historically important paddler. I ask this because I know they have
been struggling for resoration funds, and keeping the
project "afloat" is a constant stuggle. While I was
aboard "Waverley" on May 18th, an announcement was made over the
public address system that a further 3 million pounds had been
awarded to her to complete restoration of forward and crew areas.
Yet there seems to be so little in the way of financial aid finding
its way to "Medway Queen". It really would be a tragedy to lose this
paddler which is not only a classic example of the heyday of British
Excursion paddlers but was also responsible for the heroic rescue of
so many British soldiers from the beaches of Dunkirk.

Any info?

PJ

[Dallinson]

Paul.
If the Medway Queen is struggling for funds, what hope the poor old John H
Amos. The excursion steamers can at least earn their keep by carrying
passengers, more than the John H can do?
Any news of either welcome
David

[wsnowdon]

Good evening, its walter snowdon again I was on Medway Queen two
weeks ago and its acrying shame the way she is being neglected by the
maritime world . She is afloat and reasonably watertight but is in a
poor state. There is only a small force of volunteers to work on her
with very little funding or help. This is due to the fact that she is
not on the core list of ships for preservation in the UK. Why I dont
know. It .is time that the Paddlesteamer preservation society took a
much more active role in the preservation of this fine old ship.-
Meenwhile for anyone who is in the Medway area, she is open to the
public every Thursday.--

[Paulrjordan]

Your interesting posts begs questions, Walter:

1) WHAT IS PREVENTING THIS CLASSIC SHIP FROM BEING ON THE "CORE LIST"
when it is unquestionably so historically important.

2) WHAT ARE THE "WAVERLEY" PEOPLE (PPS) DOING RIGHT THAT THE "MQ"
PEOPLE ARE DOING WRONG?

3) WHY IS IT TAKING SO LONG TO OBTAIN LOTTERY FUNDS WHEN THEY HAVE
BEEN AVAILABLE FOR THE RESTORATION OF TWO OTHER OPERATING PADDLERS IN
THE UK?

4) WHAT IS PREVENTING THE PPS FROM BECOMING MORE ACTIVE IN SAVING MQ?

In the UK there are still THREE paddle steamers on the verge of
loss... "MQ", "John H. Amos", and "Ryde". Even if they could ALL be
restored, it would only I believe bring the entire British total to 6
operational paddle steamers....now how does that compare to steam
engines and sailing ships, airplanes...or even buildings? Is there
SOME KIND OF PROBLEM IN RESTORING PADDLE WHEELERS?

The fraction of the money apparently spent (squandered?) on Millenium
Celebrations in London would have MORE than paid for ALL these ships
to be restored TEN TIMES OVER! I simply don't get it!

You have only to take a short trip aboard "Waverley" to realise the
power and majesty of a steam fired paddle wheeler at full speed... it
is the epitome of grace and beauty afloat and a celebration of the
Industrial Revolution. I'm an ex Tall Ship sailor and Sailing
Instructor, and now that I've been aboard "Waverley", NOTHING
compares to the heartbeat of her mighty engines and the hypnotic
rhythm of her floats beating the water. It's a totally unique
experience and one essential to preserve for future generations to
enjoy.

The valiant folk attempting to bring back the "Medway Queen" are to
be lauded and although they have raised an astounding 250,000
pounds with almost no resources, their progress seems to be painfully
slow...it's simply not happenning fast enough and time is running out
for their beautiful ship! Is a new direction needed?

PJ

PS. Next week is both Canada's Birthday (July 1) and America's
Birthday (July 4)..so Happy Birthday to ALL our American and Canadian
Paddleducks and their wonderful model ships!