A registered charity founded in 1959, we have about 2,500 members and through our associated charitable companies we operate the only two working paddle steamers in Great Britain; PS Waverley and PS Kingswear Castle.
The Society also supports other paddle steamer projects including PS Maid of the Loch and PS Medway Queen.
Without the PSPS there would no longer be the opportunity to sail on a Paddle Steamer in Great Britain.
Our aims are:
- to preserve paddle steamers in sailing condition;
- to educate the public in the historic significance of paddle steamers in the Nation's maritime and industrial heritage;
- to acquire, preserve and exhibit a collection of equipment and material associated with paddle steamers.
We have five branches covering all of Great Britain. Each branch organises regular talks, social and special events throughout the year. Please click on a branch below for more information.
- Bristol Channel Branch
- London & Home Counties Branch
- North of England & North Wales Branch
- Scottish Branch
- Wessex & Dart Branch
Charity no. 298328
Charity no. SC037603
PSPS Collection
The PSPS collection continues to expand with over 50,000 items. The Society holds the largest collection of materials related to Paddle Steamers including postcards, sailing bills, books, souvenirs and fittings from much loved steamers of the past. We welcome further donations to enhance our collection. Please contact the Society's Archive Trustee in the first instance.
A small selection of Waverley promotional material held in the PSPS Collection.
Latest National News
Our National AGM Approaches
It will take place in Southampton on 26 October. This post gives details of changes to train and ferry travel.
£1m Scottish Government Funding to Waverley
The Scottish Government have announced £1m funding for Waverley.
KC Donates to Waverley Boiler Appeal
The Paddle Steamer Kingswear Castle Trust has made a donation to the PSPS for the Waverley Boiler Refit Appeal.
60 Years of the PSPS – DVD Trailer
The trailer for the new DVD marking 60 years of the Society that saved the last of Britain's paddle steamers.
Waverley Appeal Update – Press Release
The latest Appeal news for Waverley; the total raised reaches £850,000.
Marking Our Diamond Anniversary
To commemorate the Society's Diamond Anniversary, two new publications have been crafted to tell our story, a hardback book and a DVD.
£150,000 Cash Boost for Waverley Appeal
The PSPS has made a grant of £150,000 to Waverley's Boiler Refit Appeal.
Alan Robinson
It is with deep regret that we announce the peaceful death of our Founder and President, Professor Alan Robinson on 29 August 2019, aged 99 years.
“New Boilers Ordered for the Iconic Paddle Steamer Waverley” – WEL Press Release
Waverley Excursions today issued a press release confirming that two new boilers have been ordered for Waverley however there is still much to do.
Forthcoming National Events
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Oct26SaturdayPSPS Annual General Meeting 2019The Mercure Southampton Centre Dolphin HotelSouthamptonThe thirty-second Annual General Meeting of the Paddle Steamer Preservation Society will be held in Southampton.
