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
Our National AGM Approaches
It will take place in Southampton on 26 October. This post gives details of changes to train and ferry travel.
£1m Scottish Government Funding to Waverley
The Scottish Government have announced £1m funding for Waverley.
KC Donates to Waverley Boiler Appeal
The Paddle Steamer Kingswear Castle Trust has made a donation to the PSPS for the Waverley Boiler Refit Appeal.
60 Years of the PSPS – DVD Trailer
The trailer for the new DVD marking 60 years of the Society that saved the last of Britain's paddle steamers.
Waverley Appeal Update – Press Release
The latest Appeal news for Waverley; the total raised reaches £850,000.
Marking Our Diamond Anniversary
To commemorate the Society's Diamond Anniversary, two new publications have been crafted to tell our story, a hardback book and a DVD.
£150,000 Cash Boost for Waverley Appeal
The PSPS has made a grant of £150,000 to Waverley's Boiler Refit Appeal.
Alan Robinson
It is with deep regret that we announce the peaceful death of our Founder and President, Professor Alan Robinson on 29 August 2019, aged 99 years.
Solent Scene Fundraising Success
Over £1,600 was raised for Waverley's Boiler Refit Appeal on the Solent Scene cruise.
“New Boilers Ordered for the Iconic Paddle Steamer Waverley” – WEL Press Release
Waverley Excursions today issued a press release confirming that two new boilers have been ordered for Waverley however there is still much to do.
Kingswear Castle Evening Cruise
On 22 June 2019, Wessex & Dart Branch again took advantage of one of the 'promotional cruises' agreed when KC returned to the Dart.
Further PSPS Support of £82,000 for Waverley
A grant of £82,592 has been paid to WSN to fund more work done as a part of the 2018/2019 refit.
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.
Forthcoming Events
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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.
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Nov 16 Saturday“The Pioneering Roots of the PSPS – A Personal Perspective of a Southampton Schoolboy” – Peter LambThe SuncliffBournemouthTo mark the Diamond Jubilee Year, long standing member Peter Lamb shares his knowledge of how the society was formed and how it developed in its early years.
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Dec 7 SaturdayWessex & Dart Branch Christmas Lunch followed by “Solent Sunset 1946-1969” – Brian JacksonThe SuncliffBournemouthEnjoy a sociable lunch followed by an illustrated talk by Brian Jackson 'Solent Sunset 1946-1969'.
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Feb 1 SaturdayBranch AGM followed by “Sailing is Only Half the Fun!” – Ashley GillThe Holiday InnSouthamptonBranch AGM followed by an illustrated talk presented by Ashley Gill looking back over 30 years as a volunteer working on refits of a variety of steamers including Waverley, Balmoral, Medway Queen, Ryde and Southsea.
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Mar 7 Saturday“A Challenging Year with Waverley” – Paul SempleThe SuncliffBournemouthPaul Semple shares his experience of the past year as General Manager of Waverley.
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Apr 4 SaturdayArchive Film Show from the Collection of Phil FrickerEast Cowes Town HallIsle of WightFeaturing highlights from the collection of the late Phil Fricker from West Cowes taken in the 1960s and P & A Campbell’s film from the 1950s.