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
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.
Kingswear Castle Sparkles
Richard Clammer reports on his first sailing of the season aboard Kingswear Castle.
Paddle Steamer Monarch Trip
PS Monarch was recently chartered to the Wessex & Dart Branch for a trip from Wareham.
Kingswear Castle Enjoys the Sun
Kingswear Castle enjoys a sunny sail down the Dart last weekend.
PS Princess Elizabeth Peaks 1947
Most often associated with the Southampton to Cowes ferry and pottering about in the Solent, the Lizzie hit excursion peaks just after the Second World War.
Kingswear Castle Completes Final MCA Trials
Kingswear Castle has successfully completed her final running trials and had the Passenger Certificates renewed.
PSPS £10 Membership Offer – Join Now!
Join the PSPS today for only £10 and take advantage of our new members offer for a limited time.
Waverley’s 2018 Season – Starts Friday 25th May
Waverley’s 2018 Season begins on Friday 25th May. Here is a preview video of what’s to come.
Waverley’s First Cruises on the South Coast – On Film!
Waverley's first South Coast sailings in 1978 were captured on film and can now be seen on the PSPS YouTube channel.
PSPS to Support Maid of the Loch’s Return to Steam
PSPS pledges £50,000 to Maid of the Loch to help return the Paddle Steamer to service on Loch Lomond.
PS Waverley & Dunkirk – In the Words of Captain John E Cameron D.S.C.
An interview with Waverley's first Master, Captain John E Cameron D.S.C., where he describes the sinking of the 1899 Waverley at Dunkirk in May 1940.
Waverley’s First Visit to the South Coast
Waverley's first journey to the South Coast - April 1978. ...
Kingswear Castle’s 2018 Timetable
The Dartmouth Steam Railway & River Boat Company has just published its Paddle Steamer Kingswear Castle timetable for 2018.
Waverley’s Ambitious 1978 Southern Venture
2018 marks 40 years since Waverley's first visit to the South Coast and Thames in 1978.
Forthcoming Events
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Wessex & Dart BranchWaverley – South Coast SailingsPortsmouth, Southampton, Swanage, Yarmouth & WeymouthSouth Coast sailings by Waverley from 7th until 20th September.
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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 the 1960s', by Iain Quinn.
