Paddle Steamer Ryde

The sad sight of PS Ryde taken on Saturday 2nd March 2013

The Wessex Branch

The Society

The Paddle Steamer Preservation Society (PSPS) is Britain's longest established, largest and most successful steamship preservation group. A registered charity founded in 1959, we have over 3000 members and through our associated companies we operate the only two working paddle steamers in Great Britain. Without the PSPS there would no longer be the opportunity to sail on a Paddle Steamer in Great Britain. Our Aims i) to preserve paddle steamers in sailing condition ii) to educate the public in the historic significance of paddle steamers in the Nation's maritime heritage. iii) to acquire, preserve and exhibit a collection of equipment and material associated with paddle steamers. Our Ships Flagship of our fleet is Waverley the last sea going paddle steamer in the world. Built in 1947 Waverley was gifted to the Society for just £1 in 1973. As well as operating on her native Clyde each summer she visits other coastal area around the UK including the south coast. Kingswear Castle is Britain's only operational coal-fired paddle steamer. Built in 1924 to sail on the River Dart she was purchased by the society in 1967. From 1985 until 2012 she sailed on the Thames and Medway, in 2013 she returns to the River Dart to offer cruises on her home waters. The society is composed of five branches: Wessex covering the south coast, Bristol Channel, London & Home Counties, Scottish and North of England.

Thursday 7 March 2013