​The Kent based Wheels of Time scheme launched their 2022 programme on March 18th at Crabble Corn Mill, Dover. Pam Bathurst and Martin Goodhew were there on behalf of the Medway Queen Preservation Society.  Of course, Medway Queen is taking part again in 2022, digitally and for “real” visitors to the ship.
Children, led by Joshua and Erica Stanley, announced the start of the Scheme when they let off party cannons to mark the scheme’s start in 2022. The principal guest was Deputy-Lieutenant of Kent, Kate Fenwick DL, who was presented with a posy of flowers on her arrival by Charlotte Davis. 

A new venue/event for Medway Queen West (aka Reading Support Group) will be the South West Ship Show due to take place at the BAWA Social Club, 589 Southmead Road, Filton, BRISTOL, BS34 7RG, on Saturday, 2 April 2022. The show will be open from 10am to 3.30pm.

MQW is having a busy start to 2022 with 3 model railway events in March (Swindon, Basingstoke and Abingdon) and the SWSS in April. Two down, two to go at the time of writing! Among the items on sale from MQW will be a collection of Atlas 1/1200 scale model warships as well as signed copies of the "Medway Queen" and "PS Ryde" books, souvenirs and other items.

If you are going there stop by our stand and say hello.

Hurry, they're nearly all gone!

The Medway Queen Visitor Centre has a number of second hand maritime books for sale but they are going fast. If you are interested get down there on Saturday and take a look before they sell out!

I was lucky a couple of weeks ago and bought this copy of A. D. Devine's book "Dunkirk" published in 1945 in "conformity with the authorised economy standards". No illustrations but a fantastically detailed work containing multiple references to HMS Medway Queen and to HMS Queen of Thanet (another NMSPCo paddler) among many others. Once I have finished the book I'll put a piece together for Full Ahead.

Medway Queen West (Reading Support Group) have also received a donation of railway books including early back numbers of the "Southern Way" series and a number of similar titles. These will be on sale at the Basingstoke model railway show at the weekend but if you are interested in these email richardhalton1502@gmail.com for more details. These are in almost "as new" condition and have been priced at a bit below half the cover price. If you are interested in Southern area railways get in touch ASAP!

Richard Halton

Oyez, Oyez, Oyez!

​Medway Queen reopened to the public today, announced in style by Medway's Town Crier.

The ship is now open once more to the public on Saturdays from 11am to 4pm (last admissions 3pm). Guided tours by our knowledgeable and friendly guides. Come and see the ship; resplendent in her new paintwork. Learn about the history of this remarkable vessel and about the sterling work performed by our volunteer restoration team.

Photos: Bob Wilde

PS Medway Queen re-opens to the public on Saturday 12th February. The normal programme of ship tours with our knowledgeable volunteer guides will resume and the gift shop will be open with the full range of Medway Queen publications, the new PS Ryde book, 00 railway wagons and much more.

It's also an opportunity to find out about volunteering with the society, whether you are interested in the workshops, talking to the public on open days or helping to run the project in some way.