The last day of the Heritage Open days Festival and our last "Odd Stuff" post.

Artist Harley Crossley allowed himself to be talked into producing his first Medway Queen painting, to be raffled in aid of society funds, many years ago now. Harley developed an interest in the ship and painted her again when the hull was being rebuilt in the Albion Dock in Bristol.

Sadly, Harley is no longer with us, otherwise I'm sure he would be busy painting another masterpiece in the newly restored aft saloon.

Originals in private collections.

Over the years we have used every possible route in fund raising. Before the Bristol rebuild when the old mast was found to be unusable in the rebuilt ship it was transformed into souvenir bowls to be sold in aid of the restoration.

​The bowls and other souvenirs were created for us in 2007 by the Kent Branch of the Association of Wood Turners of Great Britain.

Private Collection

Another souvenir from Medway Queen’s time on the Isle of Wight.

These sterling silver bracelet charms were one of the branded souvenir items sold on board. This one, a lucky find on an online auction site. The club also sold postcards, pin badges and collectable tea spoons. In the '70s the china in the restaurants was branded with an image of the two ships (Medway Queen and Ryde Queen). Couples holding their wedding reception on board were presented with an engraved souvenir cake knife.
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Private Collection

Medway Queen's time on the Isle of Wight is documented in "The Medway Queen" by Richard Halton and in the "Medway Queen Club" 50th anniversary book published in 2016.

Dunkirk Diary.

More from Jack Skinner. Jack kept a diary throughout the Dunkirk Evacuation, strictly against the rules but not giving away much detail. Typically understated for its time.

You can read more from the diary and other accounts by officers, crew and troops rescued by our ship in "HMS Medway Queen – Memories of Dunkirk”, available direct from the author or from the Medway Queen Visitor Centre.

Private Collection

Remember, Saturday is part of Heritage Open Days and ship tours are free of charge.

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A souvenir from the isle of Wight in the 1970s depicting the Medway Queen Club on one side and the Ryde Queen Boatel on the other.

Medway Queen served as a club/restaurant/disco on the Isle of Wight from 1966 to 1974.
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PSPS Collection

Lower picture a direction sign from Mill Lane showing the way to the club.

Private Collection