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.
Latest News
Two Days AgoNews Update KC 6th July 2020
Kingswear Castle returned to service Monday 6th July 2020 running harbour cruises from Dartmouth.
SaturdayKingswear Castle Update
On Friday 3rd July a surveyor was aboard to test Kingswear Castle's two boiler safety valves.
24th JuneKingswear Castle Update
Kingswear Castle is set to return to service on Monday 6th July taking the 12 noon harbour cruise from Dartmouth.
19th JuneWaverley Boiler Refit – Two Funnels!
The iconic look of Waverley is restored with the refitting of the forward funnel.
18th JuneKingswear Castle Refit Restarted.
Work has started again on completing Kingswear Castle's refit.
17th JuneWaverley Boiler Refit – One Funnel!
One down, one to go. The aft funnel is refitted as work to complete Waverley's boiler refit accelerates.
30th MayTake a virtual cruise on the Maid!
Support the Maid of the Loch by taking a virtual cruise of the full length of Loch Lomond.
23rd MayWaverley’s First Weekend in Operation Under Preservation
45 years ago this weekend Waverley was in the midst of her first weekend in operation under Waverley Steam Navigation.
15th AprilBill Prynne 1925-2020
Bill Prynne, who died aged 94 on Saturday 11th April, was PSPS Chairman for two stints, firstly for part of 1963 and then again from 1967 to 1976.
9th AprilNew Chairman Takes the Reins
The Council of Management appointed John Allen to be the Society's National Chairman on 28 March.
24th MarchDartmouth Update 2
A further update from the DSRRB Company, which runs Kingswear Castle on our behalf, in relation to coronavirus.
19th MarchDartmouth Update
Dartmouth Steam Railway and River Boat Company's statement relating to coronavirus.
14th MarchPS Curlip II Restoration
Paddle steamer enthusiasts may be interested in reading about and supporting the ongoing restoration of PS Curlip II in Australia.
