£45K development programme for Medway Queen
The Medway Queen Preservation Society is planning an ambitious development program for 2021 – covid and weather permitting. Even though much of the work will be undertaken by the society’s volunteer teams the total cost is expected to be in the region of £45,000. An appeal is being launched to cover the restoration and development work.
The work includes a temporary move to Ramsgate in the summer where the ship will be put on the slipway for overdue hull maintenance and painting, as originally planned for last year.
To get the maximum benefit from the visual improvement that hull painting will make, work relating to the promenade deck is planned. The replacement purser’s cabin is ready to be assembled on board. This, and the forward deck house, require a fully waterproof top covering.
A mast, currently in storage, will be refurbished and fitted, and the ship’s rails also require attention to improve both appearance and safety.
Design work has commenced on replacement deck seating around the rails and as free-standing units on the deck. The latter will be constructed in such a way as to allow for future fitting of life rafts should that become necessary.
The society is launching an appeal to help cover the 2021 restoration and development work programme.
More details about the appeal for funding – and volunteers – can be found online.
