Forward Companion Way (Stair) Cover

Completed in 2020, the forward companion  way cover was designed, built, and installed by the workshop crew. ​The design matches the Aft Companion Way Cover that was previously installed. They would have been open to the elements. The forward and aft covers provide both security and shelter from the elements, helping to keep the lower saloons dry.

Purser's Cabin

​Completed in 2021. The pursers cabin is situated behind the funnel. ​This was designed, built, and installed by the workshop crew. The design matches the forward and Aft Stair Covers. The aim was to replicate the original Pursers cabin where passengers would have purchased their tickets. The Pursers Cabin has been fitted with cabinets to replicate what it would have looked like.

Captain's Cabin

Completed in 2022. Due to careful planning of cutting wood on previous projects, this was fitted without the need to purchase any additional materials, other than the seat cushion.

Bar

Completed in 2021. This is situated in the upper rear saloon. An art deco style was adopted for the design of the bar and the side cabinets. This was designed, built, and installed by the workshop crew. This project was fully funded by donations

Onboard shop

Completed in 2022. It is located in the forward saloon. This was designed, built, and installed by the workshop crew. It complements the style of the bar in the rear saloon. Due to careful planning of cutting wood on previous projects, this counter was built without the need to purchase any additional materials

Rebuilding the starboard Paddle Wheel Fascia

Completed in 2023. The paddle wheel fascia was badly rotted and beyond repair. Pictured with the completed fascia, on the right is the Carpentry Workshop Lead Ron Vant, who is assisted by Bob Wilde on the left.

There are around 70 pieces, most of which are different lengths and shapes, and weighing around ¾ tonne, it is probably one of the most challenging projects the workshop crew have undertaken recently. There were no drawings that matched the fascia that was taken off. Using the remains of the fascia Ron and Bob had to work out the design, construction and build of the cover. They recorded each stage of construction and produced a booklet with detailed photos. This is available to purchase as a publication from the visitor centre. See link below to purchase the booklet on line.  

We would like to acknowledge the generosity Of Brewers Decorators Centres towards this project, which completed below budget.

Building the Paddle Box Fascia booklet

Deck Seating

The six new completed deck seats were loaded on to the ship on Monday 1 April 2024. They have been temporarily placed on the sponsons; two behind each paddle wheel cover and one in front of each paddle wheel. Once the centenary celebrations are over at the end of April 2024, they will be moved to the rear deck.

All components were made in the workshop by the workshop crew. They are based on the original design of the deck seats.
We will not be replacing the seats that were against the railings around the deck as this would not meet prevailing safety requirements.

This project was completed below budget.

Pub Sign

There was a pub in Street End Road, Chatham called the Medway Queen. It opened on 1967 and closed in 2014. The original pub sign was donated to the Medway Queen Preservation Society and is displayed in the visitor centre. We had a replica sign sign made and mounted it on the original post and framework. In April 2024 the crew erected the sign in the car park so that is is visible from the quay side road.

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The new bench seats in the Forward Saloon have been completed. This used the wood from the pews donated by St Nichols Church, Strood. There is also a matching bench on the port side. Each section had to be individually cut to match the hull as it curves towards the bow, both horizontally and vertically, plus the changing angles of the deck. 

Follow these links to see:-

Projects Currently in progress

Future Projects