The Volunteers Return

On Monday 6th July nine volunteers returned to the Medway Queen to continue with restoration work. Prior to this date Mick Appleyard had produced the return to work, post COVID-19, procedure document detailing how the workshop and Ship would operate; ensuring that the volunteers could work safely with social distancing. After some minor amendments the document was approved by the Board. In addition to this a detailed Risk Assessment was completed.

The workshop is now divided for one way social distancing (below right). A new signing on station has been set up with a slider board for attendance. The workshop mess room was cleaned out and made suitable for four volunteers only. New safety posters are displayed in the workshop and ship.

On board the ship a one way system has been set up on the main deck and the forward saloon is to be used as a mess room suitable for ten volunteers. At the first meal break Mick gave a team briefing on the approved return to work procedures detailing how the workshop and ship would operate (below left). The risk assessment was explained and then passed round for all to sign. David Howells then gave a briefing on the immediate tasks to be undertaken.

The activities carried out during the day included varnishing the new forward deck house in the workshop (right). The ship access ramp which was being worked on for the Ramsgate events prior to lockdown was taking up a lot of room so it was decided to put it in store above the paint store. This area was then cleaned up.
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The volunteers worked well under the new restrictions with no problems through the day but further reviews of working practices will take place as appropriate.
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Mick Appleyard (July 2020)

The society is always looking for new volunteers in all departments. However, with the Covid restrictions in place, there is insufficient capacity to make good use of additional workshop volunteers at present. As the other functions of the society also come back to life there will be a need for help on the admin/management side and with ship tours and other public facing roles. We have a specific need for someone to help with and expand our social media presence.            IF YOU CAN HELP, CONTACT [email protected]