[photo: Jon Jolliffe]
PS Waverley, the last sea-going paddle steamer in the world, came back into service at the end of May with a belated Western Isles weekend. A winter survey had revealed damage to the furnaces and an unexpectedly serious deterioration in her boiler tubes. Since the boilers were newly fitted only ten years ago, this outcome was very unexpected and very disappointing.
Rectification work delayed the start of her 2009 sailing season but a full timetable of cruising opportunities has been put into operation. Waverley can be found in the Bristol Channel till late June, the Clyde for July and August and the South Coast in September. A considerable funding shortfall has to be made up and an appeal has gone out to Paddle Steamer Preservation Society members.
And Dylan?
Take a cruise and look carefully at the middle cylinder valve gear rocker!