The rebuilding of one of all East Coast yachtsmen’s favourite historic ships has stalled through lack of funds. Work continues on the paddle-steamer Medway Queen at Gillingham Pier on the River Medway in Kent, but ‘it is severely constrained by available resources,’according to the paddler’s preservation society.

Urgently needed funds are being raised with a new book: Medway Queen – rebuilding the hull. The book contains a short summary of the ship’s history followed by the story of her rebuild in Bristol with many photographs taken in the dockyard during the project and many behind the scenes shots from the yard’s workshops and elsewhere. The story includes the re-dedication ceremony in July 2013, the tow to Medway and the ship’s arrival at Gillingham Pier. Besides many previously unseen pictures from the dockyard there are some historical shots previously unseen.

The new book has been co-authored by Bob Stokes (Project Manager) and Richard Halton. Cover price is £12-50. The book can be purchased from the Visitor Centre or MQPS event stands or can be ordered by post or through www.medwayqueen.co.uk Please send orders and your cheque to “MQPS (Sales)”, 46 Brockenhurst Close, Wigmore, Gillingham, Kent. ME8 0HG. “The Medway Queen” history was reprinted this summer, with support from The Worshipful Company of Grocers, and is also available via all of our outlets, as is a range of other promotional goods.