Caledonia Sounds

Wednesday, 16 December 2009

Caledonia Sounds

(Words & Pics by John Easton)

A few pics of the late Colin MacDonald (distinguishable, of course, by the bushy beard) and his Caledonia Sounds during their long associaton with Waverley on the Clyde.
Research has confirmed that Colin, in fact, first appeared on Waverley in 1990 as a substitute for another band, which must accredit him with one of the longest day and night stands in musical history!!

Apart from entertaining in the Jeanie Deans lounge on Fridays and Saturdays, Colin was always keen to preserve the tradition of strolling musicians on deck when the heavens allowed and as can be seen other well revered Waverley devotees such as fiddler Jim Clark were always welcome to join the band on the run.

Inevitably there were changes in the Caledonia Sounds line-up over the years and the most recent trio were Colin, crooner Alex and Colin's chief comrade George on drums. Collectively they recorded a CD "Waverley Party Time" which was what Colin was all about!!! His repertoire from Scottish dance music to standards, swing, pop and golden oldies was remarkable. His devotion to Waverley was legend.

John Easton

The Society

The Paddle Steamer Preservation Society (PSPS) is Britain's longest established, largest and most successful steamship preservation group.
A registered charity founded in 1959, we have over 3000 members and through our associated charitable companies we operate the only two working paddle steamers in Great Britain.
Without the PSPS there would no longer be the opportunity to sail on a Paddle Steamer in Great Britain.

Our aims
i) to preserve paddle steamers in sailing condition
ii) to educate the public in the historic significance of paddle steamers in the Nation's maritime and industrial heritage
iii) to acquire, preserve and exhibit a collection of equipment and material associated with paddle steamers.

Our Ships

Flagship of our fleet is Waverley the last sea-going paddle steamer in the world. Built in 1947 Waverley was gifted to the Society for just £1. As well as operating on her native Clyde each summer she visits other coastal areas around the UK during the spring and autumn each year.

Kingswear Castle is Britain's only operational coal-fired paddle steamer. Built in 1924 to sail on the River Dart she was purchased by the Society in 1967. From 1985 until 2012 she sailed the Thames and Medway. In 2013 Kingswear Castle returned to the Dart where she now operates public sailings during the summer season.

The society is composed of five branches: Scottish, London & Home Counties, Bristol Channel, Wessex & Dart and North England - all of which help raise money to keep our paddle steamers sailing.

The Scottish Branch

The Scottish Branch was formed in 1969 by Douglas McGowan, now our Honorary Branch President. In November 1973 Douglas was invited to attend a meeting with CalMac which resulted in Paddle Steamer Waverley being gifted to the PSPS for £1! It was then on 8th August 1974 that the PSPS took ownership of the last sea-going paddle steamer in the world and her second career in preservation had begun. Since 1974 the Scottish Branch has been directly linked to supporting Waverley.

The Scottish Branch is proud of its achievements. We are an active and forward thinking branch with a thriving membership of over 800 - we are proud to be the branch which secured an operational future for Waverley. Our members are regularly involved with voluntary work which helps ensure Waverley continues to sail. During the summer sailing season we help raise funds through the Society's Grand Draw and our annual fundraising cruise on Waverley. The Branch meets in Glasgow each month during the non-sailing season (October - April) and we extend an invitation to join the Society and indeed join the Scottish Branch.

Wednesday, 16 December 2009