Thanks to Richard from the Medway Queen for this update and news of a new appeal. In his own words. Ed
Many readers will remember Medway Queen as a nightclub and restaurant on the Island.
Indeed media coverage earlier this year uncovered a number of memories and memorabilia from people who are still as enthusiastic as ever about the old ship.
Rebuild underway
Down in Bristol the rebuild is continuing and we can actually bring you pictures of an as yet unfinished after saloon and the port side engine room gangway. In Kent the apprentices are signed up and ready to start fitting out the ship as soon as she gets back to Medway.
The Medway Queen Preservation Society has been very successful in attracting Heritage Lottery Fund assistance and now European Regional Development Fund support for its apprentice training scheme.
Match funding needed
Both these sources of finance require substantial amounts of partnership funding to be raised and to assist with that the MQPS has joined Vodafone’s new charity donation scheme, JustTextGiving TM.
All you have to do is text “MQPS24 £5″ to 70070. You can specify any other monetary amount if you prefer. The amount will be collected via your phone bill and you will be given the opportunity to add Gift Aid which greatly increases the value of your donation at no additional cost to you.
Your donations will count
The cash will be used as match funding for the EU support and towards aspects of the project, such as the engine, which are not covered by grants.
I never thought I would be encouraging anyone to text but in this case “Get texting” please.
More details of the scheme on Vodafone’s web site. If you prefer a more old-fashioned approach, and would still like to help, please send your donation to Medway Queen Preservation Society, Gillingham Pier, Pier Approach Road, Gillingham. ME7 1RX.
We all appreciate that in these difficult times there are many competing funds for any available money.
Medway Queen will visit the Island once again
We do hope that in view of the amazing progress made over the last two years or so and the Medway Queen’s close connections with the Island in the past that you will feel able to support us.
In the not too distant future it should be possible to visit the ship in Kent and perhaps soon after that she will be in a position to start making return visits to all her friends.
Find out more about the Medway Queen by visiting her website.
