A Trustee Board meeting agreed today that the planned members' preview (for MQPS members and their guests) would go ahead on Saturday 22nd January although some "tidying" work is needed on board and access may have to be restricted in certain areas. The ship is considered safe and secure but not all visitor preparation work has yet been completed - a true "preview"!

Opening times will be from 11am to 4pm with last admissions at 3pm. Access to the ship will be in tour parties as usual and we ask that all participants respect and follow any advice given on the day. 

All visits must start at the Medway Queen Visitor Centre and face masks must be worn in the Visitor Centre and on board Medway Queen. 

Photo: Medway Queen arriving back in Gillingham on 7th April - Bob Wilde

With work completed and the slipway winch repaired Medway Queen took to the waters of Ramsgate Harbour once more, and headed home to Gillingham Pier on Thursday 6th January. For all sorts of reasons she was there for longer than was originally intended but the restoration has moved forward and she looks magnificent. 

In the care of tugs, "Christine" and "Nipashore" she headed out to sea and around to the Thames Estuary before heading towards the river Medway. She berthed at Gillingham Pier on Friday 7th January to be welcomed back by well wishers and her regular volunteers. We need to re-instate the gangway and connect and commission all shore services before allowing visitors on board so please bear with us for a while.

Ramsgate departure image, above: David Stearne.
​Arrival, passing the locks, below: Paul Babington.
Arrival video, bottom: Bob Wilde.

As soon as details are confirmed we'll post opening arrangements so you can all come and see her in her new glory. In the meantime we need to begin replenishing the reserves to fund 2022's programme of work. Please visit the online shop or make a donation via our website.