Medway Queen to return to the Medway shortly

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Paddlesteamer Medway Queen is now afloat at her Bristol shipyard following major repair and restoration work, and preparations are being made to return her to the River Medway – when this will be depends on the availability of the tug to be used and then the state of tides and the weather.

The tug Christine, operated by AJ & Pratt of Rainham has been contracted for the tow.

This is great news – it will be wonderful once again to have a paddlesteamer on the Medway following the lovely Kingswear Castle’s move to the Dart.

I’ve asked the Medway Queen folks to add me to their press list so that I will be able to let readers know when she makes her big trip.

The plan, according to the MQ website is that she will berth at Gillingham Pier and that there will be a celebration event with the visitor centre will be open – although visitors will not be able to board the Medway Queen at this stage.

An escort of suitable vessels would be very attractive to mark the arrival of the paddlesteamer, but boats are asked to make their own arrangements and to avoid impeding the smooth running of the towing operation.

The Medway Queen folks need funds to carry out the completion work at Gillingham – why not take a look at their website and see what you can do!

Read more about the Medway Queen on the National Historic Ships website.