The Paddle Steamer Preservation Society - Wessex Branch

The Sanbanks Ferry

2012-01-31T01:29:00.000-08:00

Saturday 4th February 2012

at The Cliffside Hotel, East Overcliff Road, Bournemouth. BH1 3AG at 2pm

LIFE AND TIMES OF THE SANDBANKS FERRY

Come and join us for an illustrated history of the

Bournemouth - Swanage Motor Road and Ferry Company

Presented by Nick Gosney

Wessex Branch Annual General Meeting

2012-01-31T01:16:00.000-08:00

TheWessex Branch Annual General Meeting

will take place at The Cliffside Hotel, East Overcliff Drive, Bournemouth

at 1pm on Saturday 4th February 2012

A LIFE AT SEA with Captain Ian Clarke master of PS Waverley

2011-12-21T12:35:00.000-08:00

SATURDAY 7th JANUARY 2012 at 2pm

at The Holiday Inn, Herbert Walker Avenue, Southampton.

The Paddle Steamer Preservation Society Wessex Branch invites you to join us for a illustrated talk

'A LIFE AT SEA'

presented by Captain Ian Clark

Master of PS Waverley and MV Balmoral

We wish all our members and friends a Happy Christmas and New Year and look forward to seeing you at our forthcoming meetings and on board PS Waverley and MV Balmoral
during the 2012 South Coast sailing season.

Waverley South Coast

2011-10-26T03:54:00.000-07:00

PS Waverley approaching Swanage Bay

PS Waverley alongside Swanage Pier

PS Waverley alongside at Southampton

Crew of PS Waverley at Weymouth on 21st September 2011

All photographs by Chris Phillips Swanage

PSPS WESSEX BRANCH CHRISTMAS SOCIAL WEEKEND

2011-10-19T01:45:00.000-07:00

VISIT SWANAGE PIER ON SUNDAY (without PS Waverley)

PSPS Wessex Branch Programme of Meetings 2011-2012

2011-10-18T12:53:00.000-07:00

Waverley's South Coast Sailings

2011-08-22T20:32:00.000-07:00

Step aboard and join us for a Great Day Out

Paddle Steamer Waverley returns to the South Coast on Friday 2nd September for her annual visit and will be sailing from Bournemouth, Swanage, Weymouth, Southampton, Portsmouth, Worthing, and Yarmouth Isle of Wight until 22ndSeptember.

For full details of all sailings visit www.waverleyexcursions.co.uk

Waverley departing Swanage.

Balmoral's visit to the South Coast

2011-08-16T23:42:00.000-07:00

Balmoral made a short visit to the south coast sailing from Swanage and Weymouth

along the Dorset Coast on Monday 8th August 2011

MV Balmoral alongside Swanage Pier

MV Balmoral departing Weymouth

Photographs by C. Phillips Swanage

Paddle Steamer Waverley South Coast Sailings from the 2nd until 22nd September 2011

for full details go to www.waverleyexcursions.co.uk

PSPS - RED FUNNEL 150 Model Exhibition

2011-03-08T01:38:00.000-08:00

SOME OF THE MODELS EXHIBITED AT EAST COWES TOWN HALL ON Saturday 5th March

PS Lord Elgin - model built by Donald Jones

PS Gracie Fields - model built by Derek Warman

PS Bournemouth Queen - model built by Donald Jones

MV Carisbrooke Castle - model built by Donald Jones

MV Balmoral - model bult by Captain Peter Tambling

RED FUNNEL 150

2011-03-03T06:58:00.000-08:00

Join us for A Celebration of Red Funnel’s 150th Anniversary

An exhibition of ship models

and memorabilia of Red Funnel Ferries

Saturday 5 March, East Cowes Town Hall 1100 - 1630 hours

FREE ADMISSION - REFRESHMENTS AVAILABLE

At 1400 hours, talk by Hazel Nicholson MBE, Company Archivist, Red Funnel Ferries

“A History of Red Funnel”

Organised and Promoted by Paddle Steamer Preservation Society, Wessex Branch

Contact Chris Phillips 01983 867805 for further details

Swanage Pier HELP

2011-02-28T03:58:00.000-08:00

For full details about Swanage Pier visit

http://www.swanagepiertrust.com/

KINGSWEAR CASTLE

2011-02-23T07:19:00.000-08:00

GREAT DAY OUT SATURDAY JULY 2nd 2011

5½ HOUR UP RIVER CRUISE FROM CHATHAM TO NEW HYTHE AND DOWNRIVER TO DARNET NESS

ABOARD BRITAIN’S LAST OPERATIONAL COAL FIRED PADDLE STEAMER

THE 87 YEAR OLD

“KINGSWEAR CASTLE”

WITH OPTIONAL COACH CONNECTION FROM

BOURNEMOUTH, SOUTHAMPTON & FLEET SERVICES.

Fares Cruise only £30 - Combined steamer & coach £39

Times Coach Pick-ups

Bournemouth Travel Interchange Depart : 07.15 Arrive Back : 20.30
Southampton Railway Station (‘Down’ side - platform 4) Depart : 07.55 Arrive Back : 19.50
(IF TRAVELLING FROM THE ISLE OF WIGHT CONNECT WITH THE FREE BUS LINK FROM THE TOWN QUAY)
Fleet Services (M3 – northbound) Depart : 09.20 Arrive Back : 19.00
(ALL DAY CAR PARKING £8 – INCLUDING £2 VOUCHER)

Cruise departs from - Chatham Historic Dockyard Depart : 11.30 Arrive Back : 17.00

Excursion information.

Catering : hot bacon rolls, sausage rolls, sandwiches, cakes, snacks, hot and cold drinks are available throughout the cruise from the “ships bar”.

Coach : Luxury coach with bathroom. A comfort stop will be made.

EXCURSION PROMOTED BY THE WESSEX BRANCH OF THE PADDLE STEAMER PRESERVATION SOCIETY IN CONJUNCTION WITH KINGSWEAR CASTLE EXCURSIONS UNDER WHOSE CONDITIONS PASSENGERS ARE CONVEYED

FOR FURTHER DETAILS AND TO BOOK YOUR TICKETS FOR THIS GREAT DAY OUT Telephone 0771 8934425 or email WessexBranchPSPS@aol.com

PURBECK CRUISE

2011-01-24T02:25:00.000-08:00

Purbeck Gem at Wareham

ALL ABOARD ! LUNCH CRUISE

on SATURDAY 21st MAY 2011

POOLE TO WAREHAM - ABOARD THE 'PURBECK GEM'

Depart Poole Quay 11.00 Return 16.00 (approx)

GLORIOUS CRUISE FROM POOLE QUAY ALONG THE RIVER FROME LANDING AT HISTORIC WAREHAM FOR ONE AND A HALF HOURS ASHORE WITH THE OPPORTUNITY TO TRANSFER AND ENJOY AN ONWARD UPRIVER LAUNCH CRUISE BEYOND WAREHAM BRIDGE

FARES AND CATERING (ADVANCE BOOKING ESSENTIAL)

Return fare Poole Quay to Wareham including lunch £17

Supplementary upriver launch cruise from Wareham £5 (Numbers limited to 48 on upriver cruise)

Lunch - A choice is available when booking, refreshments and bar open throughout the cruise

ABOUT THE CRUISE

'Purbeck Gem' (with ample covered accommodation) sails from the eastern end of Poole Quay, the cruise crosses Poole Harbour passing the Commercial Port, Hamworthy, The Special Boat Forces Base and along the picturesque River Frome returning from Wareham via the stunning 'Dorset Lakes' (Dorset's finest scenery)

CRUISE PROMOTED BY THE PADDLE STEAMER PRESERVATION (WESSEX BRANCH)

PASSENGERS ARE CONVEYED SUBJECT TO THE CONDITIONS OF CARRIAGE OF GREENSLADES PLEASURE BOATS AND WAREHAM BOAT HIRE

FOR FULL DETAILS CALL 07718934425 or E-Mail wessexbranchpsps@aol.com

RIVER FROME at WAREHAM

PSPS WESSEX BRANCH MEETINGS

2011-01-23T02:44:00.000-08:00

Paddle Steamer Preservation Society

Wessex Branch Meetings

Saturday 5th February 2011 at 2pm
at The Cliffside Hotel, East Overcliff Drive, Bournemouth, BH1 3AQ

"Waverley – Where we were, where we are and where we want to be”

Presented by Nick James Chairman of Waverley Steam Navigation Company Ltd

Saturday 5th March 2011 from 11am at East Cowes Town Hall

"All day celebration of 150 years of Red Funnel Steamers”

Display of paddle steamer models including PS Gracie Fields and PS Bournemouth Queen

with presentation by Hazel Nicholson, Company Archivist, at 2 p.m.

Saturday 2nd April 2011
at The Holiday Inn, Herbert Walker Avenue, Southampton. SO15 1HJ

Branch Annual General Meeting at 1pm
(Nominations for membership of the committee may be made by any member qualified to vote at the Branch AGM. Such nominations must be in writing, accompanied by the written concent of the member nominated and then forwarded to the branch secretary Peter Lamb)

followed at 2pm by “Maid of the Loch Restoration Project Britain's best chance for

another operational paddle steamer”

presented by John Beveridge who is travelling down from Scotland and will give us all the latest news about the Maid of The Loch

NON MEMBERS ARE WELCOME AT ALL OF OUR MEETINGS

for further information email WessexBranchPSPS@aol.com

Winter scenes at Swanage Pier

2011-01-23T02:00:00.000-08:00

Winter scene looking over Swanage Pier

Winter scene on Swanage Pier

We look forward to the warmer days and the return of Paddle Steamer Waverley to the South Coast and Swanage Pier during September.

Monarch

2010-11-06T14:05:00.000-07:00

Views of PS Monarch at her new home on the River Tamar at Morwellham Quay

photographs by Mike Doherty

Hollycombe - PS Caledonia's engine

2010-10-23T12:56:00.000-07:00

Hollycombe Steam in the Country working steam museum home of PS Caledonia's engine

PS Caledonia's engine is housed in a purpose built building at present it is not open to the public.

Volunteers are required to clean and prepare the engine for display and steaming and this would be an ideal project for the Wessex Branch who are looking for volunteers to help the Hollycombe team.

If you can help please email geoffrey.r@btinternet.com

for information about Hollycombe Steam in the Country visit www.hollycombe.co.uk

End of Season

2010-10-23T11:44:00.000-07:00

The 2010 season is now over
Thank you for your support during the season and we look forward to seeing you onboard in 2011
Keep checking this site for details of Wessex Branch Winter Meetings and future events next year

Queen Elizabeth

2010-10-20T13:11:00.000-07:00

On Tuesday 12th October P.S.Waverley operated a special cruise from Ryde, Portsmouth and Southampton to escort the new Cunard Liner our of Southampton at the start of her Maiden Voyage.

Queen Elizabeth alongside Southampton Ocean Terminal with the preserved Tug Tender Calshot

Waverley follows Queen Elizabeth down Southampton Water.

Queen Elizabeth viewed from Waverley

Queen Elizabeth sails into the sunset

Wessex Branch presentation to Purser Jim

2010-10-20T12:25:00.000-07:00

After 23 seasons on the Waverley Purser Jim is retiring at the end of the season, on the final south coast sailing of the season the Wessex Branch presented him with a card and cheque and wished him a long and happy retirement.

We will all miss Jim friendly face onboard in the coming seasons.

Peter Lamb making the presentation to Jim

Presentation to the Don's

2010-10-20T12:03:00.000-07:00

A presentation was made onboard Waverley on Wednesday 22nd September to mark the retirement the two Don's, Don Drayton and Don Thompson. For many years they have organised the daily raffles for the Wessex Branch onboard Waverley and Balmoral on the south coast raising many thousands of pounds.

Peter Tambling, Don Thompson and Don Drayton

Don Thompson, Purser Jim McFadzean, Captain Andy O'Brian and Don Drayton

Waverley commemorates the 70th anniversary of Dunkirk

2010-09-14T09:24:00.000-07:00

On Wednesday 8th September in the Western Solent paddle steamer Waverley stopped to commemorate the part played by her predecessor HMS Waverley during Operation Dynamo, the evacuation of Allied Forces from the beaches of Dunkirk 70 years ago.

The present Waverley was built in 1947 to replace HMS Waverley which was lost at Dunkirk. One of our local Isle of Wight steamers PS Gracie Fields was also lost. The 1899 built Waverley was bombed and sunk as she headed back to England from the beaches of Dunkirk. Her master at the time of her loss was Capt John Cameron. Although a non-swimmer Capt Cameron survived the sinking and became the first master of the present Waverley when she entered service on the Clyde in June 1947. Capt Cameron returned to the waters off Dunkirk on the present Waverley for the 40th anniversary and cast a wreath onto the sea.

The fitting commemoration of the 70th anniversary of the loss of HMS Waverley was organised by the current Senior Master of the Waverley Steam Navigation Company, Captain Andy O'Brian

The following pictures were taken on the present Waverley when she visited the beaches of Dunkirk and a wreath was layed at the location HMS Waverley sank in 1940

Remembering our local steamer lost at Dunkirk PS Gracie Fields

Waverley departing Swanage on 9th September 2010

2010-09-10T08:51:00.000-07:00

Views of Paddle Steamer Waverley departing from Swanage Pier on Thursday 9th September 2010

Photographs by Chris Phillips of Swanage

First South Coast Sailing of the Year

2010-09-06T12:18:00.000-07:00

Paddle Steamer Waverley arrived in Weymouth on Wednesday 1st September

and commenced her South Coast Season on Friday 3rd September with a afternoon cruise along the Jurassic Coast to Lulwoth Cove.

Paddle Steamer Waverley at Weymouth Pleasure Pier

Waverley departing from Weymouth on Friday 3rd September

Waverley cruising along Dorset's Jurassic Coast

Waverley off the Dorset Coast

All photographs by Chris Phillips of Swanage

Shieldhall Cruise

2010-08-24T11:44:00.000-07:00

On Monday 23rd August a party of Wessex Members had an enjoyable cruise on the SS Shieldhall from Poole Town Quay to Southampton and were able to sample the fine sea going qualities of the ship on the crossing to the Needles. During the voyage visits were made to the bridge and engine room.

The branch committee plan to arrange more nominated sailings in the future,

Wessex Branch Christmas Lunch

2010-08-10T07:34:00.000-07:00

ALL MEMBERS AND FRIENDS ARE VERY WELCOME TO JOIN THE WESSEX BRANCH P.S.P.S FOR THEIR CHRISTMAS LUNCH

TO BE HELD ON SATURDAY 27th NOVEMBER 2010

AT THE BROCKENHURST MASONIC CENTRE GRIGG LANE, BROCKENHURST SO42 7PG

GUESTS ARE WELCOME FROM 11.30 AND LUNCH IS SERVED AT 13.00

TICKETS ARE REASONABLY PRICED AT £18.50

AND MUST BE PURCHASED FROM : DONALD HIETT, 17 BON ACCORD ROAD, SWANAGE BH12 2DN TEL : 01929-426080

PLEASE MAKE CHEQUES PAYABLE TO : P.S.P.S. WESSEX BRANCH (KINDLY ENCLOSE A S.A.E.)

BROCKENHURST STATION IS ON THE MAIN WATERLOO – WEYMOUTH LINE . THE VENUE IS TEN MINUTES STROLL FROM THE STATION.

VEGETARIAN OPTION AVAILABLE – MUST BE ORDERED WHEN BOOKING

Wessex Branch National A.G.M. Weekend Events

2010-07-20T12:05:00.000-07:00

PADDLE STEAMER PRESERVATION SOCIETY WESSEX BRANCH

NATIONAL A.G.M. WEEKEND SATURDAY 6th SUNDAY 7th NOVEMBER 2010

Saturday 6th November.

SPECIAL TWO HOUR SOUTHAMPTON DOCKS, RIVERS &; WHARFS LUNCH CRUISE

ABOARD THE LUXURIOUS “PRINCESS CAROLINE”

DEPARTING OCEAN VILLAGE 11.30 ARRIVE BACK 13.30

CONNECTING COACH DEPARTS :

SOUTHAMPTON STATION (DOWN SIDE) AT 11.00

& TOWN QUAY/RED JET TERMINAL LANDWARD END AT 11.15

(Coach must be pre-booked - Guests will be conveyed back after the meeting)

WELCOME ABOARD “PRINCESS CAROLINE” OCEAN VILLAGE SO14 3TJ

Heated Saloons - Onsite Parking - Two Fully Stocked Bars

Fare : £25 INCLUSIVE OF LUNCH – Vegetable Soup & a selection of Breads + Chicken Chasseur & Potatoes

ADVANCE BOOKING ESSENTIAL

FOR THOSE PASSENGERS WHO ARE INELIGIBLE TO ATTEND THE A.G.M. WE ARE DELIGHTED TO OFFER A COMPLIMENTARY COACH TOUR OF THE HISTORIC CITY OF SOUTHAMPTON AND ITS ENVIRONS

FEATURING THE ‘TITANIC’ TRAIL DEPARTING OCEAN VILLAGE AT 14.00

A SHORT WALKING BREAK WILL BE TAKEN DURING THE TOUR AND SUITABLE OUTDOOR CLOTHING SHOULD BE WORN. THE COACH WILL RETURN PASSENGERS TO THE HOLIDAY INN FOR REFRESHMENT AND AN OPPORTUNITY TO ENJOY THE POST-MEETING ILLUSTRATED TALK

(Coach must be pre-booked )

Sunday 7th November.

COMBINED BOAT CRUISE &; VINTAGE MOTOR COACH TOUR OF THE ISLE OF WIGHT

WITH A LUNCH STOP AT HISTORIC TOTLAND BAY PIER.

Sail away from Southampton Town Quay at 10.30 aboard the scheduled Red Funnel car/passenger ferry.

Arrive Cowes at 11.30 to join a beautifully restored Bedford ‘OB’ 1949 vintage coach.

A gentle tour around West Wight will be given with a stop at historic Totland Bay Pier for lunch.

(Lunch will comprise a main meal portion of : Leek &; Potato or Plum Tomato and Basil Soup &; Baguette)

Passengers will have the opportunity to view the displayed posters and photos harking back to the days when Totland Bay was a very pivotal calling point, particularly, for the paddle steamers operated by COSENS & CO. & RED FUNNEL STEAMERS. The last paddle steamer to use the pier was the “EMBASSY” in 1966 although for a few subsequent years it was served by the motor vessels “SWANAGE QUEEN” & “BOURNEMOUTH QUEEN”. Our own “BALMORAL” made a one-off special call in 1993. Since then the pier has changed hands a number of times but, alas, its condition has deteriorated and it is unlikely vessels will make calls in the future.

Tickets for the coach tour and lunch are reasonably priced at £20 and must be purchased in advance

Passengers travelling from the mainland will be responsible for the purchase of their Red Funnel off-peak day return tickets that can be obtained prior to embarkation. : Adult £12.60 Senior £8.30

The return sailing from Cowes will be at 15.00 arriving at Southampton at 16.00

FOR BOOKING FORM, DETAILS OF LOCAL ACCOMMODATION OR ANY OTHER ADVICE

PLEASE CALL PETER LAMB 0771-8934425

OR EMAIL WessexBranch@aol.com

WESSEX BRANCH DISPLAY AND PUBLICITY UNIT

2010-07-20T10:15:00.000-07:00

Visit the display of Paddle Steamer models including PS Waverley and PS Freshwater

plus a large display of paddle steamer photographs and handbills

Full details of Waverley and Balmoral's sailings in all areas available

also Great Dorset Steam Fair information and advance ticket sales

July 23rd, 24th & 25th - Netley Marsh Steam & Craft Fair at Netley Marsh

near Totton signed from junction 2 of the M27

7th and 8th August - West Somerset Railway Association

Steam Fayre & Vintage Vehicle Rally at Norton Fitzwarren

14th and 15th August - Weald & Downland Open Air Museum Steam Festival

at Singleton near Chichester

20th, 21st & 22nd August - Purbeck Rally and Autojumble

at Worgret Road, Wareham

27th to 30th August - 36th Annual Island Steam Show

at the Isle of Wight Steam Railway, Havenstreet Station

1st to 5th September - 42nd Great Dorset Steam Fair

at Tarrant Hinton Nr Blandford

(Advance tickets for the Great Dorset Steam Fair on sale at all events prior to the steam fair)

We look forward to meeting you at some of the above events

PS Monarch Cruise

2010-07-07T09:35:00.000-07:00

PS Monarch

The Wessex Branch have organised a special sailing from East Cowes on Wednesday 14th July on the

P S Monarch for a cruise up the River Medina

The Monarch has a capacity for 12 passengers and will undertake one hour cruises

from East Cowes (adjacent to the Red Funnel Terminal)

departing at 15.15 and 16.15

For further details contact WessexBranchPSPS@aol.com

South Coast Sailings by MV Balmoral

2010-07-07T09:19:00.000-07:00

Balmoral at West Bay

M.V. Balmoral will visit her former home waters on the South Coast from the 16th until 20th July with sailings from West Bay, Bournemouth and Yarmouth on Friday 16th.

A special coach connection will operate from Bournemouth to connect with the sailing from West Bay for details contact WessexBranchPSPS@aol.com

Saturday 17th July Balmoral sails from Portsmouth, Ryde and Worthing towards Beachy Head, on Sunday 18th July from Portsmouth to Yarmouth, Bournemouth, Swanage and along the Jurassic Coast. Monday 19th July she cruises Round the Isle of Wight from Portsmouth and Ryde before heading for the Thames area.

Full details of all sailings on Waverley Excursions http://www.waverleyexcursions.co.uk/

Welcome to the Wessex Branch Blog

2010-04-28T03:45:00.001-07:00

Greetings from the Wessex Branch of the Paddle Steamer Preservation Society.