Blog Archives

Maintenance Catchup

31/7/2020

One of the reasons for the planned Ramsgate visit in May was to have the hull re-paint and inspection done on the slipway there. As we all know, that didn’t happen, so while the lockdown’s after effects are still with us the board have contracted the same company (EAPLtd, Chatham) to do what can be done at Gillingham Pier. This will comprise cleaning and repainting the hull above the waterline and sealing and over-plating the promenade deck to prevent water ingress.

Both tasks are weather dependent but the hope is that all will be complete by the latter part of August and we can then re-open the ship to the public and, take part in the Heritage Open Days Festival in some physical form alongside the planned digital participation. At the time of writing we are planning and preparing for that re-opening and our hope is that soon we will have a rain-proof, freshly painted ship open to the public on Saturdays. Albeit with a very close eye on social distancing and other hygiene measures.

Reminder - There are just 25 days to go on our web activity sponsor page. This hasn’t been as successful as we had hoped, but it is only one of several recent initiatives and, overall, the response has been very good. Thank you all.

Web Activity Sponsorship

Forward Deckhouse Rebuilt

25/7/2020

Ron's hard work pays off:-
Ron Vant, Engineer and self-taught Carpenter, has been working since November last year to build the new forward deck house. Ron has made his own drawings and sorted out the cheapest way to buy materials for the project. By buying rough-sawn bulk timber he has reduced the material cost by about 60%. From the rough timber he has cut and planed the wood in an economical way to build the deckhouse. He has worked continuously for three days per week up to lockdown to produce it in such a way as to be easily assembled on the ship. Throughout this process his extra pair of hands came from Jim Christie, who has been of great assistance, and was later joined by Bob Wilde.

The temporary deckhouse was installed in 2014 as a short term solution to make the ship secure and watertight and it has served its purpose. On Monday the 20th July 2020 all nine Volunteers who attended the ship set about removing the old deckhouse and fitting Ron's new one. Whilst carrying out social distancing one team started on the removal while the others started to transport the new sections to the ship. By our first break the old deckhouse had been completely removed. After morning break we set about erecting the sections of the new one which all went together without a hitch. All members of the team knitted together to get this completed on a very hot day.

By the end of the day the main structure was in place with roof on and deckhouse secure. This was only made possible by having a very well made structure with the quick assembly in mind. Well done Ron. The team, whilst working on a very hot day, showed the true spirit of the Medway Queen under Covid restrictions; they got the Job done.

On Wednesday, the 22nd July, the over flashings were fitted together with the roof completed ready for the coatings to be applied. Internally the false floor was removed and handrails re-instated to the companionway and it is now available for normal use although there is still some minor work to be done. The next phase is to refurbish the forward Captain’s cabin while the weather is still good followed by the whole structure being given its final coat of varnish.

Well done to Ron and the team for a great effort.

Mick Appleyard, July 2020

Flying the flag for Medway Queen!

13/7/2020

Margaret Stockman placed this display outside her house recently, to celebrate Medway Queen’s incredible Dunkirk achievement. It promotes the society and received lots of attention from passers-by. A lot of dog walkers heading for the bridleway next to the house pass this way. Margaret has been an enthusiastic supporter of Medway Queen for many years, helping out at shows with the Reading Support Group and making the quite lengthy journey to Gillingham to help out with events on the pier.

This latest venture shows that we can all do our bit to promote the cause. Whether with impromptu displays like this, something in the local library or contacting groups to see if they would like to host one of our illustrated talks on Medway Queen.

It all helps and we need more of it! Thanks Margaret!

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 [email protected]

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