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National Historic Ships UK acknowledges the financial support of its sponsors
The Medway Queen Preservation Society are celebrating the 2024 centenary of paddle steamer Medway Queen, with a programme of special events this April.
History:
Built by the Ailsa Shipbuilding Company of Troon, Scotland, Medway Queen was launched on St. George’s Day (23rd April) 1924. Her maiden voyage across the Thames Estuary was on Friday 18th July of that year, under the flag of the New Medway Steam Packet Company. Medway Queen’s standard route was then from Strood and Chatham to Southend, and then back across the estuary to Herne Bay. The excursion service was seasonal, usually starting at the Whitsun Bank Holiday weekend and terminating in September. She worked these routes from 1924 until the beginning of September 1939, and again from 1947 to 1963. The ship also offered special excursions and took part in events such as Chatham Navy Week and the 1937 and 1953 Spithead Naval Reviews.
During the Second World War, HMS Medway Queen was a commissioned minesweeper and took part in the evacuation of the troops from Dunkirk. Working out of Ramsgate most of the time, Medway Queen and her crew made seven return trips to the beaches or the East Mole at Dunkirk. They rescued thousands of men, and seven officers and crew received gallantry awards.
When her excursion work ceased the ship’s future was uncertain, but, in 1965, she was purchased to be a club house and restaurant on the Isle of Wight, at what was then called the “Medway Queen Marina” at Binfield. The “Medway Queen Club” opened in May 1966 and ran in various guises until the end of 1974. By the mid 1970s the ship was derelict. In 1984, she was sold and moved back to the Medway on a pontoon and berthed at St Mary's Wharf, Chatham. Shortly afterwards, the Medway Queen Preservation Society was formed.
Centenary events:
There will be a programme of special Centenary events in April 2024, including:
Saturday 20th April - Normal public open day. 11am to 4pm, last admission 3pm.
Sunday 21st April: Memorial service in Rochester Cathedral.
Monday 22nd April: Additional public Open Day from 10am.
Tuesday 23rd April: (centenary of Medway Queen’s launch) Further memorial events at the ship - invitees only.
Saturday 27th April 27th April: Public and Members' Day with additional sail past by the Association of Dunkirk Little Ships. The event will be followed by an evening of 1940s jazz music aboard the ship.
Adults are charged £7 for a ship tour (annual ticket). Accompanied under 16s go free. Tea and coffee is served on board on public days, and it is hoped that at least some of the new deck seating will be available (Ideally with sunshine of course).
Visiting Medway Queen:
The ship is open for public visiting on every Saturday until 7 December. Opening hours are 11am to 4pm (last admission strictly 3pm).
Location:
Gillingham Pier ME7 1RX
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Admission to the Medway Queen Visitor Centre is free. Ship tours are £7 per adult and free for accompanied under 16s.
Zone South East
