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end of the 1950s, several individuals were becoming alarmed at the number of well-loved paddle steamers that were being withdrawn around the UK.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 By the early 1970s, it looked like the last Clyde paddler the Waverley would be withdrawn from service and a supporters group was formed to highlight the uniqueness of this ship.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