Medway Queen Preservation Society

The Volunteers Return

8/7/2020

On Monday 6th July nine volunteers returned to the Medway Queen to continue with restoration work. Prior to this date Mick Appleyard had produced the return to work, post COVID-19, procedure document detailing how the workshop and Ship would operate; ensuring that the volunteers could work safely with social distancing. After some minor amendments the document was approved by the Board. In addition to this a detailed Risk Assessment was completed.

The workshop is now divided for one way social distancing (below right). A new signing on station has been set up with a slider board for attendance. The workshop mess room was cleaned out and made suitable for four volunteers only. New safety posters are displayed in the workshop and ship.

On board the ship a one way system has been set up on the main deck and the forward saloon is to be used as a mess room suitable for ten volunteers. At the first meal break Mick gave a team briefing on the approved return to work procedures detailing how the workshop and ship would operate (below left). The risk assessment was explained and then passed round for all to sign. David Howells then gave a briefing on the immediate tasks to be undertaken.

The activities carried out during the day included varnishing the new forward deck house in the workshop (right). The ship access ramp which was being worked on for the Ramsgate events prior to lockdown was taking up a lot of room so it was decided to put it in store above the paint store. This area was then cleaned up.

The volunteers worked well under the new restrictions with no problems through the day but further reviews of working practices will take place as appropriate.

Mick Appleyard (July 2020)

The society is always looking for new volunteers in all departments. However, with the Covid restrictions in place, there is insufficient capacity to make good use of additional workshop volunteers at present. As the other functions of the society also come back to life there will be a need for help on the admin/management side and with ship tours and other public facing roles. We have a specific need for someone to help with and expand our social media presence. IF YOU CAN HELP, CONTACT info@medwayqueen.co.uk

BOOKMARKS ARE BACK!!

5/7/2020

"Emergency supplies" of bookmarks have been rushed to the Wiltshire base of Medway Queen-West, primarily for sale with the memories of Dunkirk book.

The idea of a bookmark to go with your copy of the new Memories of Dunkirk book was so popular that stocks ran out and we had to re-order from the supplier. They are now available once more in a choice of 3 colours.

HMS Medway Queen - Memories of Dunkirk continues to sell well as reviews and supporting articles appear in the press. At present it is only available direct from the author but once we are able to safely reopen the ship and her visitor centre they will be available from there as well.

Order Your Copy Now

When that reopening does come we are going to need help! More volunteers are urgently needed in all departments including administration, marketing, PR etc. as well as crafts people to work on the ship. Hours and workload to suit yourself of course.

Volunteer Now

Pier Activity Centre Launched

25/6/2020

The latest addition to the Medway Queen website has just gone live - The Pier Activity Centre. It contains quizzes and puzzles together with craft and writing challenges for "kids of all ages". It is aimed at our younger friends but there's no specific age limit and anyone can have a go.

To get things moving please encourage the family to try their hand at the colouring sheets or writing a short story about Medway Queen. If you can't get them hooked, have a go yourself - I won't tell anyone!

Our friendly wizard is in charge, helped by his mate from Scandinavia. They want to start a gallery of completed pictures etc. on the website!

Just click on either image to get started.

Sad News - Dame Vera Lynn

18/6/2020

It is with great sadness that we received the news of Dame Vera's death earlier today.

Dame Vera Lynn DBE LLD M. Mus had been a supporter and Patron of the Medway Queen Preservation Society for many years. She supported the society, kept up with developments through our members' newsletter, Full Ahead, and was always prepared to chat when our team met her at various events.

It is short notice but we are told there will be a BBC tribute to Dame Vera at 7.30 this evening.

We extend our sympathy and condolences to Dame Vera's family at this sad time.

Book selling well

17/6/2020

Book Details

Sales of "HMS Medway Queen Memories of Dunkirk" have been fantastic. We're past break-even in less than 2 months beating the record set by "The Medway Queen Club" anniversary book in 2016. Every purchase swells the funds available for work on the ship!

With around 1/3 of the stock gone we can still handle more orders but there's a temporary delay on the souvenir bookmarks which can be ordered at the same time. The delay will, hopefully, not be longer than a few weeks so please be patient if you want a bookmark too.

Click the button (left) for details of the book and how to order. Once the Visitor Centre is able to open again they will be available there as well.

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The Volunteers Return

BOOKMARKS ARE BACK!!

Pier Activity Centre Launched

Sad News - Dame Vera Lynn

Book selling well

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