On this day, Waverley's last sailing day of the 2010 season, it is with deep regret that we have to record the passing of one of her greatest supporters during the 35 years that she has been under operational preservation. PSPS member Dr James Moore answered the call during the early days of the paddler's operation by Waverley Excursions and took on the significant task of distribution timetables, leaflets and publicity thoughout the Ayrshire coast and its hinterlands. His wife Mona also played a big part in this all important work. During the 1980s and 1990s Dr Moore served as the Chairman of Waverley Excursions Limited, the paddler's operating company, for a period of well over a decade. We will never know how he managed to fit in all of these tasks in parallel with his professional commitments as a surgeon in Ayr but we will be eternally thankful that his dedication to Waverley was so strong during that crucial period of her preservation. James and Mona continued to support the cause right into the current sailing season and it was good to see both of them on the upper deck of Waverley, enjoying the sunshine as the paddler cruised round Ailsa Craig from Ayr, on the final day of her main Clyde season at the end of August. Following his retirement a number of years ago he embarked on a project that had interested him over a prolonged period, researching and ultimately producing a fine little book on the history of the Port of Ayr.
To Dr Moore's widow Mona and the family we wish to record our sincere thanks for all of the hard work that he performed on a completely voluntary basis over the last 3 decades and offer our condolances on your sad loss - he will be long remembered by his many friends on the Waverley.
During her final sailings of 2010, 16th and 17th October, the Red Ensign at Waverley's stern will be flying at half mast as a mark of respect for her great friend and supporter Dr James Moore.
(Photo: Tom Dunlop)
Stuart Cameron
Scottish Branch Committee
