Saturday 9 February 2013

Kingswear Castle Returns to Totnes

On Thursday 7th Febuary Kingswear Castle steamed up the River Dart to Totnes on a trial run. This was her first call at Totnes since 1965. Since her last visit Steamer Quay has been widened so there is now a reduced turning space to allow KC to cant before heading back down river to Dartmouth. Jeremy Gold, Chairman of Paddle Steamer Kingswear Castle Trust, took some pictures as KC was canted and has kindly provided them for use on this blog.


KC approaches Steamer Quay, note how narrow the River is. 
The cant rope is deployed to allow the steamer to be turned to head back down river.


KC starts to cant.


Nearly half way round.

Further round - over half way in the cant now.

All turned and heading for home.
Kingswear Castle will be going up on the Dartmouth Steam Railway and Riverboat Company's own slip on Tuesday 12th February. She will enter passenger service on Friday 29th March (Good Friday) with a special "Homecoming Charity Cruise" where all proceeds will be donated to the PSPS. Tickets are still available at www.dartmouthrailriver.co.uk/ or by calling 01803 555 872.

The Dartmouth Steam Railway and Riverboat Company is manged by Andrew Pooley who was aboard KC for the run to Totnes, he is pictured below onboard with Company Secretary & Financial Controller. Andrew addressed members of the PSPS at the last AGM in Bath in November when it was announced that KC would be returning to her home waters.

Andrew Pooley & John Jones

Paul Semple