Rebuilt Ferry 'Medway Queen' Re-dedicated, Awaits Refit Tow

The 'Medway Queen Preservation Society' (MQPS) reports progress on the restoration of the historic UK River Medway passenger ferry.

The re-dedication ceremony was held in the Albion Shipyard in Bristol, and now the tow to Gillingham in Kent (on the same River Medway) is eagerly awaited.

The Society say that it is impossible to overstate the achievement of the Albion Dockyard in building this, the first fully rivetted steel hull in the UK for well over 50 years. They have applied a mix of old and new techniques to rebuild a 1924 sip to its original specification.

The Society's focus now shifts to the refit stage which will take place in Gillingham. They say they are aware that they have considerable funds to raise for this and speed will be governed largely by progress in that direction. A specific requirement here is the tow itself.

The Society do have the necessary funding and a tug (the Christine) has been contracted for the job, but the they are looking for corporate sponsors who would like their logo on the ship's rails for her journey.

About the Society
The Medway Queen Preservation Society, a registered charity is based in the Medway area of Kent, but draws support from all around the world. Its a volunteer led society, but employs professionals for the refit of the ship.
The society's aim is to restore the PS Medway Queen and bring her back to operating condition, as well as creating work for young people and long term unemployed.
With the support of the EU Regional Development Fund, and the Heritage Lottery Fund, MQPS has set up an apprentice training workshop where the restoration will be completed.

http://www.medwayqueen.co.uk/