September 1959

During September and October 1959, a number of letters appeared in the 'Telegraph' commentating on the sad and rapid decline of the paddle steamer around the shores of the UK. The first letter was written by Dr Alan Robinson who became the founder of the PSPS.

The Freshwater - the paddle steamer that was central to the formation of the PSPS

Support Grows

A flurry of letters then appeared in the 'Telegraph' supporting the formation of a society to support the dwindling number of UK paddle steamers. The letter opposite as well as those below are some of these replies and come form the PSPS Collection. Just over a month later, a public meeting was held at the Clwb y Cymry (Welsh Club) Oxford Circus on 30th October 1959 and a decision was made to form a Society. The first meeting of the Society was held at Southampton on 8th November 1959 when the name 'Paddle Steamer Preservation Society' was given to the society and the 15 persons present fixed an annual membership of 25 shillings.

Letters sent to the Telegraph in September and early October 1959 in support of Alan Robinson's original letter