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Medway Queen Preservation Society
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Ramsgate - Getting stuck in!

31/8/2021

 
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The scaffolding is in place, hull cleaned and deck railings removed. At least one paddle box facia has been removed and work is underway cleaning the inside of the paddle sponson. One of many jobs that cannot be done at Gillingham Pier.

There is some evidence of the hull paint peeling, further proof that the work is essential. 
The Medway Queen's "Saturday Team" have been in Ramsgate Harbour, on Saturdays of course,  while the ship is there, and over the August Bank Holiday weekend, collecting donations towards the costs, recruiting new members and answering the public's many questions.  Seen here on what they claim is a "rare" break! Once the ship is back in Gillingham they'll revert to their usual format of showing people around the vessel. 
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​Photos: Chris Camp, Martin Goodhew, Bob Wilde.
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Work starts in Ramsgate

22/8/2021

 
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Photos: Brian Simmons
Top: On the slipway
​Above: Pressure washing the hull

Work has started in Ramsgate with hull cleaning the first job and a detailed assessment of the other areas where work is expected to be needed. Inevitably, some new concerns were raised and the scope of the work required has increased - followed closely by the expected cost! We are also commissioning some extra work that can be done more safely while the vessel is out of the water in a controlled environment.

Our main objective is a hull repaint and maintenance. The protective anodes need to be checked and the paddle wheels will be grit-blasted and repainted. The window frames will be re-varnished and the deck rails and stanchions replaced where necessary and sealed against the weather.

It is like taking your car to the garage for what you think is a simple fix and the mechanic does that sharp intake of breath! The difference here is that with a ship there tend to be more zeroes on the wrong end on the numbers. This will have some impact on our reserves and donations or sponsorship towards the costs would be very helpful.
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MQ on the Slipway

13/8/2021

 
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After around 3 weeks at the Commercial Quay Medway Queen was moved onto the Ramsgate Slipway yesterday (Thursday) afternoon.

The previous job, yacht Te Vega, left the slip on Tuesday and after necessary reconfiguring of the slipway Medway Queen was towed across the harbour and winched up the ramp.

Work can now start and the bill will rise. Any donations in support of this essential hull maintenance will be gratefully received!
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​All pictures courtesy of David Stearne.                                                                Click to view images below
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Oh well; back to Digital!

9/8/2021

 
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The colouring challenge is still up and running. Thanks to Mason for his entry, received yesterday.

With the ship in Ramsgate (for hull maintenance) for a while yet and the return date impossible to gauge with any pretence at accuracy we'll have to fall back on digital engagement, as we did in lockdown. The colouring activity and a writers' challenge are part of our digital Wheels of Time contribution. You can down-load the sheets to keep the kids (or yourself!) amused for a while and send them in for our online gallery. If you do this in conjunction with Wheels of Time we'll send you the code for an E-Badge.
Wheels of Time Page
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The Medway Queen website and other outreach activities were the reason behind the ship's "Regional Flagship 2020" award from National Historic Ships - England. In particular the Virtual Tour of Medway Queen on the website appealed to the judges but there's plenty more to see there and good preparation for your next "real" visit when that becomes possible. 
Virtual Tour
History in Minature
Odd Stuff

​There's more to come! Our contribution to this year's Heritage Open Days Festival will also be on line with a new "Food on Board" exhibition to fit the Festival's "Edible England" theme.
Opens on 10th September.

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Medway Queen Preservation Society
Gillingham Pier
Pier Approach Road
Gillingham, Kent
ME7 1RX
Tel: 44 (0) 1634 575717

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New Medway Steam Packet Company Ltd    Registered Company No. 2100358      Charity No. 296236   
  • Home
  • MQPS
    • About MQPS
    • 2022 Work program
    • Membership & Donations
    • Volunteers
    • The Team
    • Full Ahead
    • Talks and Presentations
    • Medway Queen - West & Wagons
    • NHS-UK
    • General Steam Navigation
    • HMS Medway
  • Visit and Contact
    • Visit & Contact
    • Support Group Events
    • Virtual Tour
    • Pier Activity Arcade
    • Wheels of Time
  • History
  • Online Shop
  • News