About the Medway Queen Preservation Society (MQPS)
The Medway Queen Preservation Society’s formal title is New Medway Steam Packet Co. which was the original company under which Medway Queen sailed as an excursion steamer. The MQPS is based in the Medway area of Kent and draws support throughout the UK and from around the world. They are a volunteer-led society, but employ professional help or contractors where appropriate in the restoration of the Medway Queen.
After many years of hard work, the society secured funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund and the European Regional Development Fund to rebuild the ship's hull and establish a base and workshop at Gillingham Pier. The hull rebuild was undertaken in Bristol and completed in late 2013. Medway Queen was towed back to Gillingham and is now moored at Gillingham Pier where she can be visited.
The Society aims to restore the ship and in so doing support all sections of the local community in the field of education and much more.
About the Medway Queen
The Medway Queen was launched in 1924 and entered service on Thames estuary routes in July of that year. She was an important part of the tourist scene until war was declared, when she was used as a minesweeper, as HMS Medway Queen, and worked to keep the seaways clear. She is also famous for her seven trips to Dunkirk in 1940.
After the war the ship returned to her excursion route until September 1963. One highlight was taking part in the Spithead Coronation Review in 1953. From 1966 until 1974 she hosted the “Medway Queen Club” on the Isle of Wight before being returned to the Medway, in derelict condition, for preservation in 1984.
The Medway Queen Preservation Society was formed in 1985 to support the restoration but was later forced to buy the vessel. She was re-floated and moved to Damhead Creek on the Isle of Grain in 1987. After years of lobbying and fund-raising the ship’s hull was completely rebuilt in Bristol between 2009 and 2013.
Medway Queen Virtual Tour
Board Medway Queen for a Virtual Tour here
Volunteering at Medway Queen
On board the ship the conservation volunteers fall into 4 groups; Woodwork, Metalwork (fabrication welding etc.), Engineering and Electrical although the lines are often blurred as they frequently work together.
A second team of volunteers runs the Medway Queen Visitor Centre and conducts tours of the ship. A further group, mainly trustees, manages the society and undertakes administrative roles including finance, PR and secretarial work.
More hands in all these areas at any skill level are always gratefully received! If you would like to help, please contact them for more information - contact details on their website, link below.
LATEST NEWS
January 2024: The MQPS announces their Centenary events programme Read more
September 2023: As part of plans for Centenary celebrations for the paddle steamer in April 2024, the MQPS is appealing for past crew, staff, anyone involved in the long restoration of the ship or with a story to tell about the ship and their experiences aboard, especially families of Dunkirk veterans saved by the ship, to get in touch and become part of the centenary celebrations. Read more
Find out more:
Follow them on social media:
