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M V B a l m o r a l & P S W a v e r l e y
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Balmoral was built in Southampton in 1949 and operated under the Southampton Red Funnel Fleet
for 20 years. She then moved round to the Bristol Channel where she became the last member
of P&A Campbell's famous White Funnel Fleet.
When they ceased operation in 1980, Balmoral moved to Dundee to become a floating restaurant,
and there she stood, unsuccessful & gradually falling into disrepair, until she was rescued
by the friends & supporters of the Waverley.
She returned to service in 1986 and to this day operates her main summer season in the
Bristol Channel, offering day excursions to popular Coastal Resorts, as well as making
visits to other ports & piers throughout the UK in Spring & Autumn. Coastal cruising,
once a great British tradition, remains alive & well in the care of Waverley Excursions
and the operation of the Balmoral and Waverley.
In Winter 2002, Balmoral was fitted with new engines. The Project was dependent on nearly
£150k being raised through the help of the Public Sector & local Councils, Supporter
Societies and on-board Fund raising Activities which in turn secured a further £¾m
contribution from the Heritage Lottery Fund. This money has now been used to replace
the engines but has also helped carry out additional improvements to enhance passenger
comfort.
For more detailed information on the Balmoral, please visit the supporters website at
www.pswaverley.org.
Balmoral can comfortably accommodate up to 750 passengers and has a self-serve restaurant
on-board along with two licensed bars, heated observation lounge and the souvenir shop.
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Waverley - the last sea-going paddle steamer in the world. It is thought that this famous
ship is probably the most photographed ship in the world!
Built on the Clyde in 1947 - to replace the original Waverley that sunk off Dunkirk in 1940,
the Waverley was originally built to sail only between Craigendorran & Arrochar in
West Scotland. It is amazing to think that she now sails right round Britain offering
regular trips on the Clyde, the Thames, South Coast of England and the Bristol Channel
with other calls at various ports & piers throughout the UK.
£1 doesn't get you much these days, but in 1974 it bought a 693-tonne paddle steamer!
Mounting running costs left the then operators no choice but to withdraw Waverley from
service with the idea of preserving this unique ship. The Paddle Steamer Preservation Society
(PSPS) stepped in and took over the helm - for the princely sum of £1. It is a credit to the
Society and supporters that the Waverley became more than a museum and now operates a full
programme of cruises from Easter to October.
2003 saw the completion of a major restoration project, which returned Waverley to the
original 1940s style with which she was built. This has only been possible with major
grants from the Heritage Lottery Fund totalling over £6m and the PSPS. Contributions have
also come from Glasgow City Council, Scottish Enterprise Glasgow, the European Regional
Development Fund and local authorities. Waverley has been supported by the PSPS with a
vibrant membership of over 4,000 for 30 years but only the excellent partnership with the
HLF has provided Waverley with a viable long-term future.
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There are many books & videos on Waverley for those who wish a more in-depth look at her
long & varied history, or log on to the supporters website at www.pswaverley.org for more
information on both Waverley & Balmoral.
Owned by a registered Charity and British Registered to carry up to 800 passengers,
Waverley's on-board facilities include a self-service restaurant, two fully licensed bars,
heated observation lounge, 'Jeanie Deans' tearoom and a souvenir shop. A visit to the
engine room is a must on any trip to see the magnificent engines at work.
Waverley also has a disabled toilet on the main deck and the crew are trained & happy
to give every assistance to allow less-agile passengers to enjoy their day with us.
Details of South Coast sailings are given below.
To be sure of your tickets for any of the South Coast sailings, call 0845 130 4647
to book your tickets or book online at www.waverleyexcursions.co.uk.
You can also buy tickets on board when you sail.
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To be sure of your tickets for any of the South Coast sailings, call 0845 130 4647
to book your tickets or book online at www.waverleyexcursions.co.uk You can also buy
tickets on board when you sail.
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To be sure of your tickets for any of the South Coast sailings, call 0845 130 4647
to book your tickets or book online at www.waverleyexcursions.co.uk You can also buy
tickets on board when you sail.
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Rev:20070101
© 2007 isleofpurbeck.com
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