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.
Latest National News
Paddle Steamer Neuchâtel
Paddle Steamer Neuchâtel - the steamer that waited 45 years and cost £8 million to be returned to passenger service in 2014.
Membership Renewal
PSPS membership subscriptions are now due for those members who pay annually.
Waverley’s Financial Performance 2016/17
Graham Shankland, Finance Director and accountant to Waverley Steam Navigation and Waverley Excursions Ltd, has once again prepared a summary financial statement for the last financial year.
By Kingswear Castle to Totnes
A pictorial review by Martin Longhurst of one of Kingswear Castle's relatively rare return trips between Dartmouth and Totnes.
Ammersee Paddler Diessen
John Megoran, in his August 'Pictures of the Month' feature, takes a look at the paddler Diessen on the Ammersee near Munich.
Low Water Levels at Dresden Lead to Cancellations
A review of a recent visit to Dresden by Captain John Megoran.
Summer Paddle Wheels – Issue 232
The Summer issue of Paddle Wheels is now available to non-members.
Ammersee Paddler Herrsching
Check out Europe's latest paddler Herrsching built as recently as 2002.
71 Years Young!
The 16th June 2018 marks 71 years since Waverley's maiden voyage.
Paddling on at 80 – PS Lepcha of 1938
Some pictures of one of the 'Rocket' steamers still operating in Bangladesh.
Forthcoming National Events
-
NationalPSPS Annual General Meeting 2018Principal HotelYorkNotice is hereby given that the thirty first Annual General Meeting of the Paddle Steamer Preservation Society will be held in the Crown Room at the Principal Hotel, Station Road, York YO24 1AA at 1.30pm on Saturday 17th November 2018, followed by a presentation of 'Clyde Steamers in rare archive film, 1930s to 1976', by Iain Quinn.
