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Origins
The
Paddle Steamer Preservation Society was formed in 1959 and is
today one of the most important and successful transport preservation
groups in the UK.
At the end of the 1950s,
several individuals were becoming alarmed at the number of well-loved
paddle steamers that were being withdrawn around the UK. Professor
Alan Robinson famously wrote a letter to the the Telegraph
highlighting the fact and encouraging the formation of a preservation
group to try and ensure that some of these vessels survived. The
Society modestly formed soon after and branches were formed around
the UK. The Society in those early days was very different to
the Society that exists today as it had no operational vessels
to operate. Instead, many charters were organised on the few remaining
paddle steamers left around the UK to publicise the unique atmosphere
that they offered and exhibitions were held to publicise the heritage
of the steamers.
By
the late 1960s, the Society was looking into preserving a paddle
steamer as by this time, almost all had disappeared. The Alumchine
bid failed and in 1971, the Kingswear Castle was offered
and purchased for £600 by the Society despite some opposition.
By the early 1970s, it looked like the last Clyde paddler the
Waverley would be withdrawn from service and a supporters
group was formed to highlight the uniqueness of this ship. The
rest as they say is history, as Waverley was offered to
the Paddle Steamer Preservation Society by her owners Caledonian
MacBrayne for the sum of just £1!
The Society then embarked
upon a massive refit of Waverley and she returned to service
amidst a blaze of publicity in 1975. Since that time, Waverley
has settled into an imaginative programme of cruises that now
take her all around the UK and far away from her native Firth
of Clyde. Who would have imagined such a thing in 1947!
With
the acquisition of the Balmoral as a consort to Waverley
in 1986, and the re-entry into service of the Kingswear
Castle in 1985 after a very lengthy refit, the Society has
had to confront an almost constant battle of fundraising and support
for three operational steamers. But throughout, the dedication
of Society Officers and members has ensured that all three vessels
have been given the support both monetary and through voluntary
efforts that they deserve. The most momentous of these was the
money raised for the Heritage Rebuild of Waverley between
2000 and 2002.
Today,
the Society continues to offer members the traditional opportunities
of attending meetings, assisting with the ships and operations
as well as offering cruising discounts. Why not join and help
to preserve these three unique steamers!
Join
the Paddle Steamer Presevation Society
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