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Medway Queen Preservation Society
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Back to the Island again

22/4/2023

 
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​Sadly, we are still a long way from being able to take the ship to revisit her old home on the Isle of Wight, but the next best thing is for her representatives to take part in events on the Island. Over the years we have tried to do that from time to time, to look up old friends of the ship and to bring the latest news of her restoration, but it is a few years now since we were last able to do that. Medway Queen served as a clubhouse, restaurant and nightclub at what is now Island Harbour Marina from 1966 to 1974. 

Photo: Medway Queen Club direction sign.
This time "Medway Queen West" will take part in the model railway exhibition at Havenstreet on the Isle of Wight Steam Railway on Saturday and Sunday 13/14th May. Author Richard Halton will be on hand to sell signed copies of his “PS Ryde” book and his four “Medway Queen” books, including “The Medway Queen Club” published to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the club. This book contains first-hand accounts with illustrations of that period in the ship’s history. Richard is also interested in talking to anyone with information or memories of the two paddle excursion steamers purchased by Red Funnel from the Medway company in 1949. They started life as minesweepers in World War One, served as excursion ships between the wars, swept the seas again in the Second War and returned to excursion service afterwards. Red Funnel used them for a few years from 1949 as PS Lorna Doone and PS Solent Queen. In both cases they replaced older ships of the same names. If you are unable to attend the event Richard can be contacted by email: richardhalton1502@gmail.com.
  
The Medway Queen stand at the exhibition will be accompanied by “The Garden Railway” using N gauge trains and large scale figures to depict a 7¼ inch gauge miniature railway. The stand will have details of work being undertaken on the ship, full details of society membership (of course) and ranges of railway books and model accessories for sale to raise funds towards the continuing work on the ship. If you remember the “Medway Queen Club” stop by for a chat, if you don’t remember it, we’ll happily fill that gap in your knowledge of Island history.
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The Big Help Out

2/4/2023

 
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The Medway Queen Preservation Society is taking part in this recently announced feature of King Charles’ Coronation in May. The scheme’s website is still evolving, but the thinking behind it is that The Big Help Out will give everyone an opportunity to join in as a volunteer.
the big help out website

The official introduction states:

"To mark His Majesty The King’s Coronation thousands of organisations across the country are getting together to give us all the chance to help out in our own local communities. Starting on Monday 8th May there will be opportunities for everyone to join in. No matter what you are good at, there’ll be something to suit helping hands of all shapes and sizes! From checking in on someone who’d like a bit of company or volunteering for a charity the more of us who join in, the bigger help we will be."
Medway Queen and the Medway Queen Visitor Centre will be open for visits and tours on Monday May 8th (usual opening times) with an additional emphasis on recruiting new volunteers to help with the project.  Come along and have a chat with existing team members. We'll do our best to find something that interests you and fits with your existing life schedule.
Visit details
Photo, top shows some of our volunteers at the launch of our children's book last year.
Courtesy of Martin Goodhew.

Wheels of Time

26/3/2023

 
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Wheels of Time is a partnership of participating museums and heritage sites developed to encourage children and their families to explore heritage sites in Kent. The Wheels of Time 2023 season was launched with a 'bang', at Sandwich Guildhall Museum on Saturday 18th March, by some of the Heritage Explorers who have earned awards during the last year
MQ Visit Details
Wheels of Time

​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.
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Work programme 2023

8/3/2023

 
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Work has started on the installation of toilets on board Medway Queen. These will make a big difference to people visiting the ship - especially on wet days - and will make hiring the vessel for events a much more attractive proposition.

The woodworkers have nearly finished the starboard paddle box facia and are looking round for their next project. This is likely to be provision of deck seating - another useful visitor amenity! We have some donations towards this project and grants have been applied for.
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.
More project and donation details here

Opening the ship and off site events

27/1/2023

 
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Reminder: Medway Queen and her Visitor Centre open for the 2023 season TOMORROW. Don't miss it! Pam and her team will be ready to welcome you and to guide you round the ship.

Complete your visit with a cream tea on board Medway Queen!

Medway Queen West have also updated their event diary for the coming year - looks busy! We'll hope to see some of you at one or more of the shows.
MQ Visit Details
Medway Queen West Event Diary
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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
    • Work program
    • Links
    • Membership & Donations
    • Volunteers
    • The Team
    • Full Ahead
    • Talks and Presentations
    • Medway Queen - West & Wagons
    • NHS-UK
    • General Steam Navigation
    • HMS Medway
  • Visit and Contact
    • Events, Visit & Contact
    • Support Group Events
    • Virtual Tour
    • Pier Activity Arcade
    • Wheels of Time
    • HOD2023
  • History
  • Online Shop
  • News