Medway Queen work programme, current and future
We are emerging from the effects of the pandemic and over-run of the Ramsgate project. The Board are now resetting the plan in line with available finances and projects may not be undertaken in the order shown below.
Sponsors and Supporters
We rely heavily of the generous support of our members and other individuals and organisations. We thank them all and, in particular, thank those who are contributing to the costs of this work programme.
We rely heavily of the generous support of our members and other individuals and organisations. We thank them all and, in particular, thank those who are contributing to the costs of this work programme.
Starboard paddle box fascia: PROJECT COMPLETED
The rebuild, needed to replace rotten timber, is nearing completion in our workshops and is the new fascia is expected to be installed soon. The port side fascia is in better condition and one theory is that it dries out quicker in the sun and doesn’t suffer so badly after getting wet.
This project has been funded from available society resources.
The rebuild, needed to replace rotten timber, is nearing completion in our workshops and is the new fascia is expected to be installed soon. The port side fascia is in better condition and one theory is that it dries out quicker in the sun and doesn’t suffer so badly after getting wet.
This project has been funded from available society resources.
On board toilets: a comprehensive design and project plan has been prepared by our workshop volunteers, led by Mick Appleyard. Preparatory work has started on installation of facilities. There will be male, female and disabled toilets on board with waste being piped ashore to the main sewer. The specification and cost estimate have grown (as they do!) and the project is costed at £37000. We have some funding towards this with a promise of further help. We have a charitable fund donation of £10,000 and one of our members has very generously donated £5,000 and has pledged to match pound for pound the donations given by other members to the project up to a given level.
Deck seating: (The original, pre-war configuration was 8 double sided units, 2 on the fore deck and 6 aft). Work on this project has been delayed by Covid and by the Ramsgate maintenance work. Our current estimate is for approximately £1200 per unit to allow for timber price inflation. We already have about £2000 sponsorship towards this from the earlier campaign and grants have been applied for. The seats will replicate the original buoyant units visually; but will not, initially, have a lifesaving capability. Detailed design work is complete and the aim is to improve the external appearance of the ship to complement the hull painting. It has been remarked that the decks appear “empty” and deck furniture is central to fixing that.
Install mast: £3500 budget: (Our marina contact’s estimate): crane hire £1000, rigging etc. £2000, sundries and contingency £500. We already have a suitable replacement mast but that needs some modification. Additional work will be needed for lighting. Like the seating and deck painting (below) this project will improve the appearance of the ship.
Paint deck plating: another labour intensive task that can be done by volunteers – if only we had a few more of you. It does need fine, dry weather though.
Access to crew quarters: £800 estimate: The original access was by a very steep stairway and this is under consideration. It would be more in keeping than the other option, which is installation of a watertight door from the lower forward saloon. Obtaining a second-hand unit, possibly from PS Ryde, has been considered but its condition is likely to be very poor after years entombed in salty mud.
Heating: would be beneficial to the venue in winter. Our early estimate was £7000 but that needs to be reviewed/confirmed when we are able to proceed.
Of course there is always continuing maintenance and small tasks which will also absorb resources – both practical and financial. Unglamorous, easily overlooked, but still very necessary.
Of course there is always continuing maintenance and small tasks which will also absorb resources – both practical and financial. Unglamorous, easily overlooked, but still very necessary.
