Sunday 12 January 2014

New PSPS Website

This will be the final posting made on this blog as a new PSPS National website has now gone live and will replace the previous PSPS site as well as the various Branch blogs. The new site has been created by Scottish Branch member Roy Tait. Roy has worked exceptionally hard over the past month or so to create the new site and in the coming months it is hoped that the new site will continue to expand and include on-line membership.

The Scottish Branch blog has been very successful with no less than 315 blogs posted since the site was created in May 2007. In total the blog has received over 200 000 hits with a peak number of hits in summer 2011 of just under 7000 per month.

I have only been a recent contributor to the blog and I would like to thank all those who have written articles, submitted pictures and sent information for posting.

The new PSPS National website has sections devoted to each Branch and all Branch news will now be posted on that site. It is hoped that blog postings will continue to be written and submitted to the Branch Committee as the new site develops.

New site address www.paddlesteamers.org

Click on the address above and read how PSPS members will gain FREE access to Friends of Waverley Sailing Membership in 2014 in addition to being able to purchase 20% cruising discount vouchers.

Paul Semple

Monday 30 December 2013

Festive Cruise 2013

Considering the recent weather which much of the UK has been experiencing over the festive period there was a little doubt cast over the Scottish Branch Festive Cruise as Saturday 28th approached but fortunately the weather abated sufficiently allowing the Branch charter to go ahead as planned on Clyde Marine 's M.V. Cruiser from Greenock to Blairmore and up Loch Long and Loch Goil turning off Carrick Castle.

In total 67 members and friends boarded Cruiser in time for the 11am departure which was dressed overall complete with PSPS flag. As Cruiser headed down river and over to Blairmore the rain stayed away but as we approached Blairmore it closed in which ensured everyone headed straight for the hall opposite the Pier after disembarking. A very warm reception was given at Blairmore complete with warm mince pies and mulled wine.


Passengers stream ashore at Blairmore Pier (KR)


Hospitality offered at Blairmore included mulled wine and warm mince pies (KR)


M.V. Cruiser at Blairmore (KR)

The PSPS flag is clearly visible complete with reindeer in the foreground (DS)


After lying at the pier for just over 30 minutes Cruiser departed Blairmore and headed up Loch Long before turning into Loch Goil. As she did lunch was served with each table been called up to the buffet as a shipping company. Familiar names such as Cunard, The Blue Funnel Line, Clan Line, Clyde Shipping Company and Union Castle were used to provide some interest and thanks are due to committee member Captain Murray Paterson for providing the details.

Carrick Castle (DS)

M.V. Cruiser having turned and heading back down Loch Goil (KR)


After Cruiser turned off Carrick Castle further warm mince pies were offered just in case anyone was still hungry. A raffle was held on the return journey back to Greenock which raised over £200 and thanks are due to all on board for supporting the raffle.

In all the weather could have been better but we were fortunate that the wind had eased off. Many thanks are due to all who supported the sailing and to committee members Peter Reid (Branch Chairman) and David Shirres for all their hard work in organising the event.

Photos provided by Keith Robertson (KR) and David Shirres (DS).

Paul Semple

Friday 6 December 2013

Join us on Saturday 28th December for our Festive Cruise


Our festive cruise on 28th December which leaves Greenock at 1100. We cruise to Loch Goil with a call at Blairmore and should be back at 1530.

With lunch the cost of adult and child tickets are respectively £29 and £22 or without lunch £21 and £15. Use the form below to order your tickets and send it to David Shirres with a cheque and stamped addressed envelope.

Please note the last date for postal bookings is 17th December.

After this date cruise tickets may be available but it will no longer possible to order lunch,

Do join us, we look forward to see you on board.

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