Sandwich Guildhall Museum, a member site, had agreed to host this year’s event. The Explorers announced the start of the scheme and all of the award winners let off party cannons to mark the occasion. Wheels of Time were delighted to have as their principal guest His Majesty’s representative, the Lord--Lieutenant of Kent, The Lady Colgrain, who was presented with a posy of flowers by Evelyn Batchelor. His Worship the Mayor of Sandwich, Cllr Jeff Franklin was in attendance to greet the Lord-Lieutenant and participated in the 2023 launch. Wheels of Time now has a total of 56 museums and heritage sites (including Medway Queen) across the county. The Lord-Lieutenant spent time at the tables, meeting many of the volunteers who were representing the heritage sites. Their stalls had been set up to showcase the sites and display something about their offerings. Bob Shrubb, Chair of the Scheme said: “Many of the museums and heritage sites that are members of the scheme are small volunteer run charities that really enjoy the benefits of participating in the scheme. We are delighted to add three more sites this year. The Lord-Lieutenant, The Lady Colgrain said a few words of thanks to everyone present and said “Wheels of Time and “Roamin’ Rex” certainly captures the imagination of those young participants who feel inspired to seek out your museums and heritage sites and to collect a badge and lanyard. Wheels of Time is so much more though, for whilst they attend your sites, our youngsters are broadening their knowledge and learning more about the wonderful history we have here in Kent.” Wheels of Time badges are FREE to collect by visiting the sites (normal entry fees apply). Opening dates, times and entry costs for individual sites can be found on http://wheelsoftime.uk.
Funding is key to these projects, as it always is. We also have to continue recovery from the spending at Ramsgate in 2021. We do have a generous offer from a member who will match donations (within limits) over the next few months so donate now and your generosity will be doubled.
Both ships started life in 1916 as purpose-built paddle minesweepers: HMS Atherstone and HMS Melton. After the war, in the 1920s, they were purchased by the New Medway company and converted for civilian use as PS Queen of Kent and PS Queen of Thanet. They operated under that flag until 1939 when they were requisitioned and became minesweepers again – under their new names as the original names were being used for existing naval ships. They returned to civilian use afterwards and were hastily converted back as stop-gap vessels while new build motor vessels were on order. In the late ‘40s they were sold to Red Funnel in Southampton for use as ferries. They were renamed Lorna Doone and Solent Queen respectively, but this proved to be a short-term reprieve and they were scrapped in 1951 and ’52.
Material, especially personal recollections, is expected to be harder to find than for Richard’s previous projects as these ships disappeared before cameras were in widespread use and so long ago that few people will now have first-hand memories of the ships. If you can help with any information or images, please contact Richard Halton by email on richardhalton1502@gmail.com Richard Halton
CREAM TEAS AVAILABLE ON BOARD!!
|
Archives
April 2024
|