Lynton, Lynmouth and Exmoor Advertiser, December 2019

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DECEMBER 2019 41
Medway Queen Report
Society AGM On Saturday 19 th October the society AGM took place. A piece of bad news
and a matter of concern is the loss of two of our Trustees. Brian Goodhew stood down after
very many years’ service; although you'll still see him in the Visitor Centre on Saturdays, and
David Howells decided not to stand for re-election this year. He too will continue to be
involved in the project as a volunteer. The board was already at full stretch before the loss of
these two Trustees and their responsibilities will have to be shared between the rest. We
need more people at the organisation level, whether trustees or volunteers. If you can help in any way with
organisation, planning and management of the project please get in touch.
Progress on board The aft deck house, constructed in our own workshops by our volunteers over the last few months,
is assuming its rightful place over the aft companionway on board. In excursion service Medway Queen had very
primitive weather protection for the aft companionway which would be seen as inadequate now, whether sailing or on
hire as a venue. When she performed a similar static role on the Isle of Wight a part-glazed deckhouse was installed to
give the necessary protection and security and work is now progressing to replace our temporary structure with
something more serviceable. Down on the main deck the aft saloon continues to make progress and work has started
to fit out the galley. Work progresses on the aft saloon deck head and painting will follow when complete. Other areas
in that compartment are coming along as previously reported – cases of continuing progress. Forward, in the galley,
modern hygienic units are being installed. This has to be “non-heritage” to meet modern requirements and the old
coke stove is unlikely to be welcome in today’s regulatory climate! The lower aft saloon will continue to be a display
area in 2020 and with the 80 th anniversary of the Dunkirk Evacuation approaching there is only one possible topic! We
had a Dunkirk themed display in there a couple of years ago and that will be enlarged and updated with new material
for the 2020 season.
Dunkirk 2020 Prince Michael of Kent mentioned the possibility of Medway Queen joining the 80 th anniversary event
when he visited the ship and we are keen to do that. Plans are in hand, but getting MQ to Ramsgate is not easy. The
ship is without power, the current focus being on preparation to earn revenue as a venue. As I mentioned last time,
she is overdue for hull painting which could be undertaken in the same movement sequence from Gillingham Pier. We
have funds allocated for the work on the hull but sponsorship would be very helpful towards the cost of the tow and
insurance for the voyage. A planned commemorative publication and other merchandising will contribute but we
expect to need about £10,000 in sponsorship for the exercise. Anything left over or raised at the event will support
further restoration. Private or commercial sponsorship would be very welcome. If you can help please contact the
Medway Queen Preservation Society at Gillingham Pier, Pier Approach Road, Gillingham, Kent. ME7 1RX. 01634
575717. Email to: info@medwayqueen.co.uk
Other News The “Wheels of Time” marketing scheme has reaped benefits for our visitor numbers with more families
coming to see the ship. No less than ten of our young visitors have chosen Medway Queen as the attraction to come
back to for the presentation of their awards for visiting sites in the scheme. They get a “Gold” badge for 30 sites and a
“Wheels of Time 2019 Award” for all 40. A tribute to the skill and patience of our Saturday Team who manage the
Visitor Centre and ship tours. Christmas cards: Last year in something of a last minute rush we produced a batch of
Christmas cards for sale in support of Medway Queen. They proved popular and we have repeated the exercise this
year with two designs available. The cards are approximately 6 inches square and printed on 350gsm card. The
message inside is “Merry Christmas”. They sell in packs of 10 for £6 (one design per pack) and UK P&P at £1.70 per
order. Ordering details are on our website or you can send a cheque payable to R. Halton, 2 Drury Close, Hook, Royal
Wootton Bassett. SN4 8EL.
That’s it for this issue – and this year. A very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you all.
Richard Halton
www.medwayqueen.co.uk
The New Medway Steam Packet Co. Ltd.
UK registered charity; 296236
advertise@lyntonadvertiser.com 01598 752788