Waverley in Loch Riddon 1975

During Waverley's first season in preservation Loch Riddon was a regular cruising destination on a Sunday afternoon. The following pictures have been kindly provided by Captain Murray Paterson which show Waverley on Sunday 3rd August 1975 making the turn into Loch Riddon after coming through the narrows and then turning in Loch Riddon before heading back through the narrows. Her turning circle allowed her to turn in one attempt although this is unlikely to be possible nowadays with yacht moorings etc. On this occasion as Waverley left Loch Riddon the Queen Mary can be seen passing through the narrows.




Waverley entering Loch Riddon Sunday 3rd August 1975



Waverley makes her turn in Loch Riddon

Waverley heads back towards the Kyles of Bute as Queen Mary passes through the narrows.



A typical scene in the early years of Waverley's preservation.

Many thanks to Murray for allowing these pictures to be shared on this blog. Any other pictures of Waverley in and around Loch Riddon would be most welcome, email them to pspscruising@hotmail.co.uk.

Paul Semple



PSPS Loch Riddon Charter May 1972

In May 1972 the PSPS Scottish Branch chartered Waverley sailing from Gourock,Wemyss Bay and Largs to Loch Riddon to land at Ormidale pier by the M.V. Rover, however on the day it was the M.V. The Second Snark which tendered to Waverley at Loch Riddon.

The following pictures were taken in May 1972 and permission has kindly been given to post them on this blog.



This picture was taken from The Second Snark as passengers board Waverley
at Gourock before departing for Wemyss Bay



A further close up of Waverley at Gourock



The Second Snark at Ormidale pier with Waverley at anchor in Loch Riddon

A view of Waverley taken from The Second Snark as she tenders to Waverley

For more pictures of Waverley and other steamers during the 70's click the following link, www.flickr.com/photos/malawirail/sets/72157594330129238

The planned charter to Ormidale this year should give plenty of photo opportunities for those passengers on The Second Snark either when sailing on her from/to Greenock or while landing at Ormidale from Waverley.

Tickets for the charter will be on sail at the next two Branch meetings on Friday 16th March and Friday 20th April (Branch AGM), postal booking forms will be sent out in the Spring issue of Paddle Wheels.

Paul Semple

PSPS Waverley Charters 2012

It is now confirmed that the PSPS (Scottish Branch) has organised two charters of Paddle Steamer Waverley this summer.

The first charter is the Branch Mid-Summer fundraising cruise from Greenock, Helensburgh & Blairmore cruising up Loch Long towards Arrochar. This will take place on Thursday 28th June.

The second charter is a day of celebration when on Sunday 8^th July the Scottish Branch and the Clyde River Steamer Club are jointly chartering Waverley for a cruise from Greenock, Helensburgh, Largs and Rothesay to Loch Riddon with the option of landing at Ormidale by tender. This charter will commemorate three events - the 40th Anniversary of the PSPS charter to Ormidale in May 1972, the 80th Anniversary of the founding of the CRSC in 1932, and the 80th Anniversary of the CRSC's first outing which was aboard P.S. Jupiter to Ormidale in 1932. The charter is in conjunction with the Coastal Cruising Association who are chartering the 1938 built M.V. The Second Snark from Greenock to Loch Riddon. The Second Snark will then act as tender to Waverley to allow a limited number of passengers a short time ashore. Tickets will also be sold through the CCA to allow a limited number of passengers to sail outward on either Waverley or The Second Snark and then return on the other vessel. It is hoped that as many members as possible from the PSPS, CRSC and CCA will support this cruise.

Further details of timings and fares for both charters will be released shortly.

The picture below shows Waverley at anchor in Loch Riddon in 1972 on the previous PSPS charter to Ormidale.


Photo by Gordon Wilson

 Other photos of Waverley in Loch Riddon are most welcome from members. Email them to pspscruising@hotmail.co.uk. Pictures of Waverley at Ormidale in 1972 or in Loch Riddon will be posted on this blog.

Paul Semple

A Victorian Waverley

The following video was recorded in June 2006 during Ilfracombe Victorian Week which takes place each year to celebrate lfracombe's bygone days. Visitors and locals will take part by dressing up in victorian costumes and parade at many venues throughout the week including of course Waverley. This particular video was recorded by Jon Davies, brother of Captain Luke Davies who was in command on the occasion when this video was taken. Jon has captured the atmosphere of the event and his video is well worth a look.

Paul Semple

Civic Reception

On Wednesday 13th December a Civic Reception was held in Glasgow City Chambers by the Lord Provost to recognise the importance of PS Waverley to Glasgow. Officers from PS Waverley & HMS Defender along with Directors from Waverley Excursions & Waverley Steam Navigation Company attended the reception. HMS Defender is one of the six Type 45 destroyers built on the Clyde and is officially affiliated with PS Waverley. Others present at the reception included politicians, major Waverley supporters and personnel from the tourism and heritage sectors. Below are some photos taken by Neil Warbrick.

The Lord Provost of Glasgow, Bob Winter and Chairman of WSN, Nick James.

Waverley's officers who attended the Civic Reception. Left to right, Chief Officer David Howie, Chief Engineer James Jardine, Senior Master Andy O'Brian, Chief Engineer Ken Henderson, Purser Simon Morgan & 2nd Mate John Simm.

Waverley's officers with officers from HMS Defender.

Paul Semple

Festive Cruise

Once again the Scottish Branch of the Paddle Steamer Preservation Society is organising a festive cruise on M.V. Cruiser from Greenock to Loch Goil with a call at Blairmore. There is also the option of enjoying a buffet lunch on board. The cruise is on Tuesday 27th December. M.V. Cruiser is scheduled to depart from Victoria Harbour, Greenock at 11a.m. and should return by about 3.30pm. Tickets are still available and the form for booking tickets can be downloaded by clicking the image below.

 

The Scottish Branch looks forward to welcoming you aboard for what is usually a very enjoyable and sociable event.


Scottish Branch Committee.

Winter Volunteers

Once again Waverley Excursions are asking for volunteers to assist with the winter overhaul work which is on-going on Waverley at her berth at the Science Centre in Glasgow.

Volunteers are asked to contact Waverley Excursions either by calling 0845 130 4647 or by e-mailing Waverley's chief engineer Ken Henderson at ken@waverleyexcursions.co.uk for more information. In particular volunteers who are skilled, trade or ex trade are required to assist on board weekdays 8am until 4pm. Saturday winter work parties will get underway in January.


Scottish Branch Committee