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
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.
‘Save the Waverley – Boiler Refit Appeal’ Launched
The official launch of the £2.3m 'Save the Waverley - Boiler Refit Appeal' took place at Waverley's Glasgow berth at noon on Saturday 15th June.
MV Solent Scene to Help Waverley Fundraising Appeal
The Wessex & Dart Branch has organised a special fundraising evening cruise from Poole Quay on the MV Solent Scene.
‘Save the Waverley – Boiler Refit Appeal’ Launches 15th June
Waverley Excursions has announced that 'Save The Waverley - Boiler Refit Appeal' will be launched on Saturday 15th June.
KC NHS SW Regional Flagship
Kingswear Castle was presented with her SW Regional Flagship of the Year pennant by National Historic Ships UK on Thursday 30th May.
KC Date for the Diary
Thursday 30th May will be the first day KC flies her new pennant as National Historic Ships SW Regional Flagship of the Year.
Lifeline Cash for Waverley Agreed
The PSPS has agreed an immediate cash injection of over £170,000 to fund the recent dry docking.
Daniel Adamson
Waverley's General Manager and Maid of the Loch's Chairman attended a function aboard the preserved steam tug/tender Daniel Adamson.
Waverley in the Press
The cancellation of Waverley's 2019 season received widespread media coverage across Scotland in the traditional media as well as being widely shared and discussed nationally online and via social media.
Waverley Withdrawn from Service for 2019
Waverley Excursions has announced that Waverley will not operate in 2019.
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.