Wightlink is supporting a group of maritime history enthusiasts raising money to restore a well-known Isle of Wight landmark.
Dunkirk veteran The Medway Queen, an historic paddle steamer which eventually became a Newport nightclub, is under restoration in Kent. It will be fondly remembered by Islanders who socialised and met friends on board in the 1960s.
Richard Halton from the Medway Queen Preservation Society and the author of the definitive history of the ship, will be travelling to the Isle of Wight to represent the ship at the Island Harbour Fun Day on Saturday 3rd September 2016.
Richard says:
“We will have a display of photographs recording the ship’s history and will be selling and signing Medway Queen books to contribute to society funds.
“I am grateful to our friends at Wightlink for their support and to Island Harbour Marina for making space available to us during this anniversary year.
“Since the Dunkirk anniversary in May 2015 the Medway Queen Preservation Society has run a very successful sponsorship scheme based around ‘rescuing’ soldiers from the beaches. AirfixTM model soldiers can be saved in return for a minimum donation of £2.50. We are close to equalling the 1940 total of 7,000 men and a final push at Island Harbour Marina will get us there.”
Featured photo: Warners staff on board the Medway Queen // Sue Small
