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
Funnels Off!
Progress towards Waverley's return to service has visibly taken a major step forward with the removal of both her funnels.
Waverley’s Revival Moves Forward
On Tuesday 14th January Waverley was towed from her berth in Glasgow downriver to Dales Marine Services shipyard in Greenock in preparation for her £2.3 million boiler refit.
Re-Boilering Waverley – 2000 and 2020
A look back to Waverley's re-boilering in 2000 to consider what is to come in 2020.
A New Home for Hamish
Hamish is now settling in to his new home having raised £251 towards the Waverley Boiler Refit Appeal.
Waverley Appeal Reaches £2.3 million Target
The fundraising appeal to save Waverley has reached its £2.3 million target after just seven months.
Support Waverley When Shopping Online
Paddle Steamer Waverley is now registered for both Amazon Smile and Easyfundraising. So whilst you shop online you can also raise money for Waverley.
Waverley’s New Boilers Take Shape
A progress update from Waverley Excursions Ltd. on the manufacture of Waverley's two new boilers.
Exclusive Waverley Sailing Discounts for PSPS Members
PSPS members can take advantage of exclusive multiple cruise discounts by purchasing Sailing Passes and/or Go Anywhere Vouchers for Waverley's 2020 season.
Hamish Offers Himself for the Boiler Appeal
Hamish, a much-travelled Waverley supporter and genuine Steiff bear, has offered himself for auction to raise funds for the Waverley Boiler Appeal.
3D Model of Waverley’s Original Boiler
Rotate, zoom and view a 3D model of Waverley's original 1947 boiler.
Waverley’s Boiler Refit Appeal Reaches £2.2m
The Waverley Boiler Refit Appeal is within £100,000 of the appeal target of £2.3m.
Captain Kuno Stein Retires
Captain Kuno Stein, who will be known to many PSPS members, has retired as a Lake Lucerne paddle steamer captain.
Successful AGM at Southampton
Over 60 members attended our Annual General Meeting in Southampton on the very wet Saturday afternoon of 26 October.
£1m Scottish Government Funding to Waverley
The Scottish Government have announced £1m funding for Waverley.
Forthcoming Events
- 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.
- Mar 7 Saturday“A Challenging Year with Waverley” – Paul SempleThe SuncliffBournemouthPaul Semple shares his experience of the past year as General Manager of Waverley.
- 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.