The Wessex & Dart Branch is proud to represent the area where the Society was originally founded in 1959. It was while sailing on PS Freshwater between Lymington and Yarmouth that Professor Alan Robinson conceived the idea of the PSPS. We welcome PS Waverley to our area each September. In 2013 we encompassed the River Dart into our area in recognition of the paddle steamer Kingswear Castle being returned to her home waters after a number of years away. The branch organises a series of outings each summer and also a programme of winter meetings between each October and April which are shared between Bournemouth, Southampton, East Cowes and Dartmouth. These are open to members and non members alike and all are assured of a warm welcome.
Join the PSPS today and enjoy the many benefits of the Society by clicking here. If you have any questions about the Wessex & Dart Branch please feel free to contact the Branch Secretary below.
- Contact the Branch by post: c/o Flat 2, Grosvenor House, 3 Grosvenor Road, Bournemouth, BH4 8BQ
- Contact the Wessex & Dart Branch
Latest News
Viewing Queen Mary Cruise – Friday 28th June – Advance Notice
Unfortunately we are unable to offer a charter this Friday evening to view Queen Mary heading upriver to Glasgow.
‘Save the Waverley – Boiler Refit Appeal’ Launched
The official launch of the £2.3m 'Save the Waverley - Boiler Refit Appeal' took place at Waverley's Glasgow berth at noon on Saturday 15th June.
MV Solent Scene to Help Waverley Fundraising Appeal
The Wessex & Dart Branch has organised a special fundraising evening cruise from Poole Quay on the MV Solent Scene.
‘Save the Waverley – Boiler Refit Appeal’ Launches 15th June
Waverley Excursions has announced that 'Save The Waverley - Boiler Refit Appeal' will be launched on Saturday 15th June.
KC NHS SW Regional Flagship
Kingswear Castle was presented with her SW Regional Flagship of the Year pennant by National Historic Ships UK on Thursday 30th May.
KC Date for the Diary
Thursday 30th May will be the first day KC flies her new pennant as National Historic Ships SW Regional Flagship of the Year.
Lifeline Cash for Waverley Agreed
The PSPS has agreed an immediate cash injection of over £170,000 to fund the recent dry docking.
Daniel Adamson
Waverley's General Manager and Maid of the Loch's Chairman attended a function aboard the preserved steam tug/tender Daniel Adamson.
Waverley in the Press
The cancellation of Waverley's 2019 season received widespread media coverage across Scotland in the traditional media as well as being widely shared and discussed nationally online and via social media.
Waverley Withdrawn from Service for 2019
Waverley Excursions has announced that Waverley will not operate in 2019.
Waverley – First Sailings of 2019 Withdrawn
Statement by Waverley Excursions General Manager, Paul Semple.
Nominated Sailings 2019
The Wessex & Dart Branch are reintroducing nominated sailings to hopefully encourage a more social aspect of the Society where members may be able to meet one another.
Waverley Enters Dry Dock
A photographic essay of Waverley travelling down the Clyde for her annual dry-docking, a sure sign that a new sailing season is nearly upon us.
MHT Visit to KC
A group from the Maritime Heritage Trust visited Kingswear Castle in the undercover shipyard at Dartmouth on Friday 12th April.
“Waverley Prepares for New Season” – WEL Press Release
Waverley Excursions Ltd. (WEL) press release regarding Waverley's first move of the year, this coming Friday, to dry-dock in Greenock.
Forthcoming Events
-
Jul 10 WednesdayMV Solent Scene Evening Cruise to Raise Funds for the ‘Save the Waverley – Boiler Refit Appeal’Poole QuayThe Wessex & Dart Branch has organised a special fundraising evening cruise from Poole Quay on the MV Solent Scene to raise funds for the 'Save the Waverley - Boiler Refit Appeal'.
-
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.