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
Sandown 15th October 1962
Sandown left Portsmouth, sailed down the Western Solent, across Poole Bay, rounded Anvil Point and St. Albans Head bound for Weymouth.
Stadt Luzern Update
If you want a last trip on Stadt Luzern before she is withdrawn, you'll have to get your skates on.
Paddle Wheels Magazine – Latest Issue Published
The latest 'Paddle Wheels' magazine is available to all new PSPS members - join today!...
Bristol Queen Reactivated 4th October 1961
Having completed her season and been laid up for the winter, Bristol Queen was unexpectedly called back into service.
Wingfield Castle Update
Hartlepool Borough Council launch a new conservation plan for Wingfield Castle.
Empress Arrives on Medway 28th September 1945
Empress at the movies.
PSPS Supports Maid of the Loch
A statement from Paul Semple, PSPS National Chairman, on Maid of the Loch.
Heritage Lottery Fund Turn Down Maid of the Loch
A statement from John Beveridge, Chairman of Loch Lomond Steamship Company, in response to the the Heritage Lottery Fund's decision not to grant funds to the Maid of the Loch.
“Waverley on London’s River” DVD
A new DVD "Waverley on London's River" is now on sale.
Embassy’s Last Trip of Season 27th September 1963
PS Embassy’s last scheduled trips of the 1963 season did not quite go to plan.
Princess Elizabeth – The Final “Princess” Paddler!
A review of PS Princess Elizabeth’s 91 year career to date by PSPS member Peter Lamb.
Monarch For Sale
Anyone out there want to buy a paddle steamer? The paddle steamer Monarch is up for sale at an initial asking price of £75K.
Wingfield Castle Visit 24th September
Friends of the Maritime Heritage Trust are visiting Hartlepool Maritime Museum and HMS Trincomalee 23rd on Sunday and the maritime archive and Wingfield Castle on Monday 24th September.
KC’s Last Trip of the Season to Totnes
Kingswear Castle made her last trip of the 2018 season between Dartmouth and Totnes on 18th September.
Two Chris Phillips But Only One Chris Warren Aboard Waverley
Thank you to the Wessex Branch for supporting Waverley during her visit.
Forthcoming Events
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Wessex & Dart BranchEarly 1960s Film Footage of Paddle SteamersThe 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 BranchChristmas LunchThe SuncliffBournemouthEnjoy a sociable lunch followed by illustrated talk by Geoffrey Ryder "Cruise to the Falklands Islands and Cape Horn on MV Aurora." Booking is essential.
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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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Wessex & Dart BranchSolent Seaways – Railway owned and other Solent SteamersEast Cowes Town HallIsle of WightA talk by John Hendy.
