Waverley passes Isle of Arran in Campbeltown Loch on 14 August 2016: scenes likes this will not be repeated unless people respond to the appeal for donations to the paddler’s boiler replacement fund
Waverley’s boiler appeal has received a huge vote of confidence from the Clyde River Steamer Club in the shape of a £6,000 contribution.
An initial donation of £1,000 has already been handed over to Waverley Excursions Ltd, and CRSC has pledged a further £5,000 as a future contribution to the £2.3m appeal.
The presentation was made by CRSC President Roy Paterson to General Manager Paul Semple at WEL’s Lancefield Quay offices in Glasgow.
Paul Semple (centre) accepts a cheque for the Waverley boiler appeal from CRSC President Roy Paterson (right) and Vice-President Andrew Anderson (left)
Roy said the Club “wanted to make a positive effort to support the return to service of the last Clyde steamer. Our management committee had this very much in mind when discussing the donation.” He added that he hoped CRSC members would give their own individual support to the appeal.
In a letter of thanks, Paul Semple wrote: “I fully appreciate that the Club has limited reserves to fund projects beyond the immediate benefit to members, but I hope we can plan a nominated excursion within Waverley’s summer programme where members of the Club will be able to meet and sail together.”
Paul added: “I look forward to seeing many CRSC members stepping aboard a rejuvenated Waverley when she returns. Members will be able to take pride in knowing that the Club has played its part in securing a future for the last operational Clyde steamer.”
During overhaul at Greenock in April this year it was discovered that the condition of the boilers was worse than previously thought. The initial proposed repair could not guarantee further years of service.
It was decided to launch an appeal to fund the installation of new boilers and associated remedial work, all of which will require the lifting of the funnels and parts of the surrounding deck.
Buoyed by initial support for the appeal from well-wishers, WEL earlier this month put a down-payment on the boilers, which are to be manufactured by Cochran of Annan.
Since entering service in 1947 Waverley has twice had her boilers renewed. Without boilers she cannot raise steam — the essential means for driving the engines which power the paddles and make her move through the water.
Donations to the appeal can be made online at waverleyexcursions.co.uk or by calling 0141 243 2224
FAVOURITE WAVERLEY SCENES
At Keppel on 25 June 2014
At Largs on 15 August 2012
At Red Bay, County Antrim, on 21 June 2015
Leaving Brodick on 18 July 2013
At Port Ellen on 27 May 2014
Over the years Paul Semple has worked for Waverley in many guises: he is pictured here as Purser on 19 August 2012
At Blairmore on 21 August 2012
At Kyle of Lochalsh on 8 June 2012
Sandwiched between Loch Shira and Isle of Cumbrae at Largs Pier on 18 October 2015
Approaching Lochranza on 7 July 2013
Published on 18 July 2019.