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. 

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.

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.

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.