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
Kingswear Castle Fundraising Cruise – Report
A report on the Kingswear Castle evening fundraising cruise on Saturday 28th July.
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.
Meet the Captain of Kingswear Castle
Kingswear Castle skipper Richie Swinglehurst will speak to the Wessex and Dart Branch on Saturday 13th October.
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.
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.
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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Wessex & Dart BranchRiver Dart SteamersRoyal Dart Yacht ClubKingswearAn illustrated talk by Richie Swindlehurst, one of PS Kingswear Castle's regular skippers.
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Wessex & Dart BranchArchive Film ShowThe Holiday InnSouthamptonMartin Oakway will be showing early 1960s film footage made available by our founder and President Professor Alan Robinson.
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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 rare archive film, 1930s to 1976', by Iain Quinn.
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Wessex & Dart BranchBranch AGM followed by “If only it could speak”The Holiday InnSouthamptonYour chance to question the Branch Committee followed by Richard Clammer's talk on the bell of the Paddle Steamer Prince and its eminent Victorian connections.
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