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CRSC Guestbook Web site convenor here. Welcome to the Guestbook all comments gratefuly received. I have now changed the procedure for messages appearing on the Guestbook .There will now be a delay in your message appearing on the Guestbook while it is reviewed for suitability. The delay should be no more than 12 hours.
04/09/2010 - Mr Iam looking for a poster of the Scotlands Wonderland MacBrayne Steamers(Waverly) can anyone help please. - John Woolley : janicepjohnw@btinternet.com
25/08/2010 - The article by Alex Rodger appeared in issue 5 of Clyde Steamers, pp7-8, "An Ambition Realised." Perhaps someone closer geographically to the inquirer can supply a photocopy.- Fraser G. MacHaffie
24/08/2010 - Mr A late neighbour was the son of Captain Alexander Findlay Rodger, but sadly passed away some 18 months ago. In clearing out his house, my neighbour's daughter found and gave me a copy of an article written by her Grand-father (probably around the time of WWII), which I believe was published in your journal (or by some very similarly-named society), but I've managed to mislay it. The article was about Captain Rodger's experiences on Clyde paddlesteamers. He was also a sea-going mariner, who sailed (and I mean sailed!) round the Horn. Having cleared out the house, my late neighbour's daughter is unable to readily lay her hands on another copy of the article. A local association to which I belong down here in the south of England will shortly be getting a visit from a group from Western Glasgow who have a historic connection with Captain A F Rodger, and I would like to present them with a copy of the article. Can anyone help, please? Very many thanks.- John Lambert : janjlambert@talktalk.net
07/08/2010 - Video or audio of William (Willie) C Fergus Hello, my name is Rhona Workman, and I am the grand daughter of former member and President Willie Fergus. I was wondering if anyone in the club have any existing audio or video or recordings of any of his many speeches and lectures, so that his great grand can see/hear him. Any help in this respect would be much appreciated.Many thanks Rhona Workman - Rhona Workman : rhona.workman@yahoo.co.uk
24/07/2010 - mr I would like to find which paddle steamers operated between Gourock and Dunoon during the war years 1940-45. Can anyone help me please. Also, was there a service from Gourock to Islay at that time and which vessel.- david brown : davidhbrown@btinternet.com
06/07/2010 - PS Lincoln Castle This really is the last chance for anyone who can possibly come up with a funded or even part-funded solution for the Inglis built, Ailsa engineered paddle steamer Lincoln Castle. She will go otherwise. All the information and regularly updated news is on the web page indicated. Thanks. Gordon- Gordon Stewart : tramscape@lineone.net http://paddlesteamers.awardspace.com/LincolnCastle.htm
30/06/2010 - Lochnell photos I took some of her when passing on Salters' Hampton Court (not my own boat!) and could e-mail one or two to anyone interested if they like to get in touch- Iain MacLeod : iainmacleod173@btinternet.com
28/06/2010 - LOCHNELL I've just been to Staines to see LOCHNELL and she looks as if she'll be there for a while. She's at a marina on the south bank of the Thames just above Bell Weir Lock as prevously noted. She's moored alongside other boats, making photographs difficult unless you have your own boat; the opposite bank has private houses. She has a plastic tent over part of the upper deck suggesting that repairs are underway.- Shieldsman
23/06/2010 - Lochnell - update Lochnell is now (22 June 2010) berthed just upstream of Bell Weir lock on the river Thames, close to Staines.- Iain MacLeod
22/06/2010 - I sailed on "Kingswear Castle" on Sat 19.6.10. Though due to cross the Thames estuary to Essex coast & Shoeburyness, weather conditions (squally, northerly force 5-7), prevented us leaving the Medway. We ventured to Sheerness, where the former Cal-Mac "Claymore" was berthed! Incidentally, we also passed the former mv "Torch" ,ex Clyde lights tender, in the Swale near Queenborough. She's recognisable, rather tatty, but no name or port of registry visible.- Colin Bassett
02/06/2010 - "Rochester Queen" is berthed on the Medway south of the M2 and continental main line viaducts. I took a run on the South Eastern high speed domestic service from St.Pancras to Ashford in May, getting a fleeting view of the former "Queen of Scots" as we zipped over the Medway viaduct at 125mph. An upriver cruise on "Kingswear Castle" will give a more leisurely view.- Colin Bassett
26/05/2010 - Mr. As son and Grandson of 2 of the engineers who built parts of most ships on the Clyde since mid 1800's, I am now returning home to The Clyde after too many years in exile, and would welcome joining The Club. Best Regards. (more info. please)- John McLellan McGregor : john.mcgregor10@btinternet.com
11/05/2010 - Lochnell - photo of the month May 2010 Lochnell's recent history in the past 5-6 years has been frequently documented and photographed on the clydesite/clydeshipping website. See also http://clydesights.com/2009/05/lochnell.htmlIn recent years she has frequently been anchored in the Holy Loch and as recently as December 2009 she was alongside at the sandbank marina. - Douglas Muir : dougmuir@acm.org
16/04/2010 - Mr I am seeking info on TS KG Vespecially at time of Dunkirk.My late father,same name,served in Engine Room. - Thomas Murray : murraytom@hotmail.co.uk
02/04/2010 - Rev. A year ago Donald Kelly posted the 1852 Marine Engineer Manual which I only just located at Scribd today. Unfortunately, my computer seems to freeze up when trying to go to the site. Could anyone direct me to where I might read/ download that manual? My thanks, Rev. Quincy Collin- Quincy Collins : quincy.collins@altonbaptist.ca
29/03/2010 - Mr Talking of QMIIs turbine being at the Science Museum Wroughton Store, I had occasion to visit Wroughton on business a few years ago. Directly behind the Midland Railway coal wagon that I was there to inspect was the boiler off Caledonia. That place is an absolute treasure trove of utterly fascinating items. Also sharing space with Caledonia's boiler are a complete BBC outside broadcast unit from the late '60s and a Limmer & Trinidad asphalting set-up with wagons, layers, rollers, etc.- David Barlow : david.barlow@baesystems.com
27/03/2010 - I looked in at Tilbury today. Queen Mary is still in the dock, visible from the Zeebrugge Ferry gate near Riverside. The funnels are now back in place after being lowered for passage of bridges. Photo opportunities poor today due to lorry trailers parked up in the way! The Gravesend ferry was operated by Duchess M, as normal, but the ferry crossing is under threat of closure with a local campaign to save it.- Colin Bassett
26/03/2010 - Williamson's Clyde Passenger Steamer Book Online I have reloaded Williamson's 1904-published Clyde Passenger Steamer book online in 11 PARTS, these preceeded by a "Read Me", on the 'scribd Clyde Steamers' archives as, for some unknown reason, the original file, uploaded at the end of January 2008, had failed to properly convert to scribd's webpage system - Remarkably, more than 6,000 people had looked at the original file upload and not one reported it faulty !The new uploads will make it easier for those with slower and 'dial-up' internet connections easier to load, complete with pictures and drawings etc. Donald Kelly - Donald Kelly : donald.kelly14@tiscali.co.uk http://www.scribd.com/Clyde%20Steamers
04/03/2010 - QM II turbines Just a correction about the whereabouts of the QM turbines. This info is accurate following discussions with the Science Museum and the Scottish Maritime Museum.In the early 1980s as part of her conversion two of her steam turbines were removed and donated to the Science Museum. Today just one steam turbine remains on board the ship. The Science Museum retains one of the donated steam turbines and it is stored at their Wroughton storage facility. However in the mid 1990s they donated their second steam turbine to the Scottish Maritime Museum who continue to look after it today and display it at their Irvine site. So in fact all three of her original steam turbines survive today. 1. On board the ship. 2. Science Museum Wroughton 3. Scottish Maritime Museum Irvine. The turbine in Irvine is soon to move inside the Linthouse Building at the SMM for display and conservation after many years outside. The SMM have two turbines from the King Edward and one of them is to go on display in the new Riverside Museum in Glasgow and thus freeing up space to relocate the QM turbine. - Alex Naughton www.clydesteamers.co.uk
24/02/2010 - Mr. In 1973 at Victoria, British Columbia, I viewed a book depicting Clyde Steamers of 1920's to 1950's vintage. It contained exceptional colour plates of all Paddle and Turbine vessels plying the Clyde in that period. I have searched, unsuccessfully, for a copy and will appreciate any advice and direction you may provide. Thank you.- James Willis : jazcat@shaw.ca
10/02/2010 - Queen Mary II's Turbines For Donald Macdonald :There is one (outside)at the Irvine Maritime Museum and the other 2 are in The Science Museum , London. Will be posting a photo on the Site- Gibbie Anderson : gibbie@gjanderson.freeserve.co.uk
02/02/2010 - Mr. Re February vessel in the calendar, 'Lochness' (1929) was built ,uniquely, in Harland & Wolff's Govan shipyard , not Denny's- Eric Smith
07/01/2010 - Graham Langmuir's Photo Negative Collection The collection is in the Glasgow University Archives and listed in an 11-page long PDF file at http://www.gla.ac.uk/media/media_60315_en.pdf - If you scroll down to the bottom of the document, you'll find the contact addresses etc. at the bottom of page 11.Langmuir, Graham Negative Collection; solicitor and steamer enthusiast, Glasgow, Scotland (GUAS Ref: UGD 238) Photographs of vessels, groups of passengers, ship yards and harbours 20th century Photographs of vessels include ships built by the following Scottish shipyards: • Scott & Sons (Bowling) Ltd, Bowling, West Dunbartonshire • James & George Thomson Ltd, Clydebank, West Dunbartonshire • Wood & Reid, Port Glasgow, Inverclyde • Robertson & Co, London • Caird & Co Ltd, Greenock, Inverclyde • John Reid & Co; Blackwood & Gordon • T Wingate & Co, Glasgow • Robert Duncan & Co; H McIntyre & Co, Paisley, Renfrewshire, and Alloa, Clackmannanshire • A & J Inglis, Glasgow Archive Services, 13 Thurso Street, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G11 6PE Tel: +44 (0) 141 330 5515 Fax: +44 (0) 141 330 2640 Email enquiries@archives.gla.ac.uk Website www.gla.ac.uk/archives There are also some interior shots of the 1935-built 'Talisman' on one of Colin Liddell's three 'Clyde Steamer Memory' videos, but I can't remember which ! These videos also have other internal Clyde Steamer shots too. Though you will not find any other mention of it, apart from in my own notes http://www.scribd.com/doc/1423575/Clyde-Steamer-Enthusiasts-Guide-A which is one of the documents in my own archive uploads at http://www.scribd.com/Clyde%20Steamers the little "Marchioness of Lorne", completed by shipyard apprentices because of a strike, had a "Page 3 girl", in marquetry, hidden behind a curtain in one of her lower saloons, its presence generally unknown to all ! There are indeed few interior shots of any of the Clyde Steamers and none of the ordinary shipping magazines of the day carried any internal photos though e.g. 'The Motor Ship' had some of the 1935 'Talisman' and her machinery. Hope this helps - Take Donald Kelly - Donald Kelly http://www.scribd.com/Clyde%20Steamers
06/01/2010 - Mr Graham Langmuir's Collection is in the Mitchell Library, you can view photocopies of his photo albums. I haven't checked recently, but it always used to be in the Glasgow Room. You ned to ask the librarian to open up the Langmuir Collections files on one of the computers, and that gives you a list of the albums with the numbers. You can order copies, but they are quite expensive.- Alistair Deayton
06/01/2010 - As a student in 1950 I spent three months as ssistant purser on Queen Mary 11. A busy job especially Glasgow Fair week. I have visited her when at the Thames embankment. They asked me if I knew where the turbines were. I didn't.- donald macdonald
06/01/2010 - Mr I have been trying to find on the net for some time now, photos of the interiors of clyde paddlers: Marchioness of Lorne (1935) Talisman(1935)Mercury(1934)Juno/Jupiter (1937)Marchioness of Graham. Photos of the main deck area engine room allys,engines,lounges.Does anyone know where such may be found? There seems to be lots of pics of exteriors but interiors seem be be rather scarce.The late Graham Langmuir told me he had taken interior shots of many of the clyde fleet so these and others must be around somewhere.There are photos of other ships interiors, most ntoably in The Clyde Passenger Steamer( Williamsonm) and on Sommerville's Colour on the Clyde, but web sources images seem less evident.- Peter Austin : Brandanne@gmail.com
02/01/2010 - Living in the south of England rather limits my Clyde steamer observations, but I took a run to Tilbury today (2.1.10), to sit in my parked car on the landing stage on an icy day & to observe shipping for a while. I was able to see & get a photo of Queen Mary laid up in dock. She is easily seen from the gateway for the Zeebrugge ferry, near the Riverside rail freight terminal. Incidentally Duchess M was off service on the Gravesend ferry, with Princess Pocahontas deputising. Marco Polo was alongside London Cruise Terminal.- Colin Bassett
19/12/2009 - Mr For Jermey Harthill:C L D Duckworth is commemorated by a stained glass window in East Sheen Parish Church which includes a small image of the paddle steamer Columba There is a photo of this in the new book "A MacBrayne Album" by Iain Quinn and myself. He was an Engineer Lieutenant on HMS Lion from 1918-1919, later worked for Cunard and joined the Burmah Oil Company in 1923, working in Burma, where he gathered information for the fleet history of the Irrawaddy Flotilla Company, together with Captain Chubb, wich was published posthumously as a monograph by the National Maritime Museum. - Alistair Deayton
05/12/2009 - Clansman as December's picture of the month reminds me of a brief winter visit to London around 1969 or 1970 when Clansman was tied up at Tower Pier for a few days as a floating exhibition for Scottish tourism. I can't find any reference to this venture in West Highland Steamers or in Clyde River & Other Steamers. I recall going aboard at Tower Pier, later taking a photo from Tower Bridge on a misty day. The car deck was used for the exhibition stands, while the cafeteria was open for a cuppa. Access was through the ferry door on the car deck. Although I'd seen Columba and Hebrides in East India Harbour, it was the first time I'd seen Clansman - and I'd not boarded any of the three pioneer MacBrayne car ferries before. When new the three ferries were chartered from the Secretary of State for Scotland - and registered in Leith. It is possible this may have been a factor in the winter run to London for Scottish tourism. At that stage the Armadale car ferry run was off in winter, freeing Clansman as spare ferry to relieve Columba and Hebrides in turn.- Colin Bassett
18/11/2009 - For Jeremy Harthill : Graham Langmuir was born 1910. Educated privately then Glasgow University graduating M.A.,LL.B whereafter he practiced law with several firms. WW2 service with Royal Army Ordinance Corps. Long time pillar and one of the founder members of our Club being a Past President and long serving Secretary from the early 50's till 1993. Died December 1994.Leslie Duckworth :- born November 1891. Graduated M.I.C.E. , A.M.I.N.A from Glasgow University. Died June 1953 - Gibbie Anderson
18/11/2009 - For Eric Smith : I had occasion to talk to Leslie Brown at our recent club meeting and he confirms your point. It is indeed Princess May. At this point "I will take the fifth" as they used to say in all the old gangster movies- Gibbie Anderson
10/11/2009 - Mr. Have just received my copy of the 2010 calendar and am delighted with the selection and quality of the photographs.However there is one error , the Loch Lomond steamer depicted for December is not the 'Prince Edward' but the 'Princess May'.The clue is in the 'head' of the ventilator above the fore saloon, a distinctive quadrant type on 'Princess May' whereas on 'Prince Edward' the similarly positioned ventilator is of the cowl type .- Eric Smith
09/11/2009 - Queen Mary going through London Plenty of photos are now posted and more will be added as they come in from the numerous photographers who were there to see her off. Keep checking the web pages if you are interested- Gordon Stewart http://turbinesteamers.freehostia.com/QueenMary.htm
06/11/2009 - Queen Mary : revised timng for tow from London I understand that the procedure will start earlier than the 10 am start originally anticipated on Monday. It is more likely to be between 7:30 and 8:00 am. She will then wait to go under Blackfriars Bridge at about 8:30 am. If you have any friends planning to be there, please let them know.. I will post any more information if and when I get it.- Gordon Stewart : tramscape@lineone.net http://turbinesteamers.freehostia.com
23/10/2009 - Queen Mary latest pictures QM is being made ready to pass under the bridges in London. I have posted a picture of how she currently looks with funnels now dismantled.....- Gordon Stewart : tramscape@lineone.net http://turbinesteamers.freehostia.com/QueenMary.htm
22/10/2009 - Latest pictures of Queen Mary Bang up to date photos of Queen Mary, with funnels now folded, have been posted on the website- Gordon Stewart : tramscape@lineone.net http://turbinesteamers.freehostia.com/QueenMary.htm
22/10/2009 - For George Wilson : The steamer in question was almost certainly P.S.Columba. There was another ship P.S.Iona which ran to Ardrishaig intermittantly but she never left from Glasgow in 1919- Gibbie Anderson
22/10/2009 - Queen Mary : Date She Leaves London I understand on good authority that Queen Mary is scheduled to be towed by three tugs from her berth at Waterloo Bridge on Monday November 9th beginning at 10 am or soon after, initially for Tilbury.if you could alert any of your friends and contacts who might be able to get down to see her move, photograph the event and e-mail me the images for the Queen Mary website I would be very grateful. Many thanks - Gordon Stewart : tramscape@ntlworld.com http://turbinesteamers.freehostia.com
13/10/2009 - More on LOCHMOR - photo of the month According to the September 'Cruising Monthly'(CCA), she is now JURASSIC SCENE, and is pictured on 7th Sept at Poole with WAVERLEY on the latter's Unofficial website.- Walter McCormick
28/09/2009 - 'Columba' sailing route c.1919 I am doing some family research. I am trying to piece together the details of my late grandfather's war service. Related to this is the fact that he was injured towards the end of WW1. To cut a long story short he apparently returned home aboard a steamboat travelling from the Broomielaw to Ardrishaig accompanied by two soldiers because he was still quite ill. Apparently the steamer went via Dunoon and Tighnabruaich (amongst other stops). This would have been in 1919 and according to some family members they think the steam boat may have been the 'Columba'. Is anyone able to shed any light on this for me? I know it is a rather peculiar query but I just want to put some finishing touches to my grandfather's story- George Wilson
27/09/2009 - I am seeking information about C L D Duckworth and G E Langmuir, if any member or contributors to this site could supply it I would be most grateful- Jeremy Hartill
25/09/2009 - P.S.Stirling Castle For John Nicolson:Duckworth & Langmuir record the engineer Robert Napier as owning and running Stirling Castle from 1820 ; first on the Firth of Forth and subsequently running a service from Glasgow to Inverness via the Caledonian Canal and Loch Ness. There are no details of her, or who constructed her but she was wrecked in 1828 when she went ashore at Inverscaddle Bay 3 miles above the Corran Narrows on the western shore of Loch Linnhe, this event being recorded as it led to the death of the then current Chief of Clanranald due to injuries he sustained in the incident- Gibbie Anderson : gibbie@gjanderson.freeserve.co.uk
21/09/2009 - P.S. Lincoln Castle Although she didn't spend long on the Clyde, at least she was built by Inglis, right where they are building the new Riverside Museum. Glasgow Museums presumably wouldn't want her, but she is now available for sale - cheaply. If anyone is hoping to have another paddle steamer on the Clyde there are increasingly few options left and L.C at least has a link with the centre of Glasgow. She could be used as a floating pub, a museum or, with her engines still there, it would not cost THAT much to refurbish for service in the long term compared with some other vessels. If you know of any suitable group, or are prepared to establish one, to take her on for one or all of these purposes I am happy to buy the ship (and more) for a suitable group. The ship is GBP 20k and it might take up to 10 times that to move her depending on the insurers. There won't be a better opportunity- Gordon Stewart http://paddlesteamers.freehostia.com/LincolnCastle.htm
14/09/2009 - TS Queen Mary - Her future Although we failed in our attempts to save QM for Glasgow, I can now say pretty confidently that she will survive, but in France. An entrepreneur intends to convert her into a hotal with 3 suites, 24 four-star and 18 three-star rooms, along with restaurant, bar and fitness centre. She will be moored in the port of la Rochelle, a popular resort on the Atlantic coast. She is planned to leave London under tow in october and undergo conversion in a 17-month long programme.- Gordon Stewart : tramscape@ntlworld.com http://turbinesteamers.freehostia.com/QueenMary.htm
07/09/2009 - The stirling castle paddle steamer I was looking for information on the paddlesteamer stirling castle which sank at the coran narrows loch linnhe in the 1820s- john nicolson
26/08/2009 - 1852 - Marine Steam Engineers Manual I have just uploaded an 1852-published "Marine Steam Engineers'Manual" to the Clyde Steamer 'archives' at http://www.scribd.com/doc/19110438/1852-Marine-Steam-Engineers-ManualWritten just 40 years after the appearance of Henry Bell's "Comet", the first successful seagoing steamship, this important manual covers everything necessary to know about the contruction and operation of engines and boilers of paddle and screw steamers of the period. The manual here includes machinery drawings, tables and details of some Clyde Steamers are included in a list at the end of the manual. The information here would have been 'stock-in-trade' to every Clyde Steamer engineer and the manual should be of great value to anyone interested in the tranistion from paddle to propellor driven propulsion. - Donald Kelly http://www.scribd.com/Clyde%20Steamers
11/08/2009 - Mr In the 2006 issue of Clyde Steamers, and the contribution by Iain MacLeod on Ayr steamers, there is a photograph on page 14 showing two crew members. I remember the crewman on the left who was named "Dougie" and I'm sure he was a regular on the "Hamilton" for many years. He sounded as if from the Western Isles but apart from that I don't know any more about him. Can anyone provide some more information ?- Jim Delargy
06/08/2009 - Marchioness of Lorne 1891 Gibbie Anderson re Marchioness of Lorne 1891.Thanks for your help regaeding this ship. I have found a few more photos, seems she firstly got a new after deckhouse, then the bridge deckhouse was slightly modified/rebuilt. she aquired paddlebox landing platforms, and the fore saloon was lengthened considerably . seems she carried two extra temporary lifeboats on forward sponsons during winter on Arran run also. - Clark Fitzpatrick
04/08/2009 - Website Convnor For Clark Fitzpatrick : The 1891 Marchioness of Lorne did indeed have the stair to the fore saloon in the small deckhouse under the bridge. As to the underbody colour it was green. The Caley did not change to red till 1923 ; the year she was broken up- Gibbie Anderson
01/08/2009 - Mr In reply to truleesincere, the only CSP paddler at Dunkirk was the Duchess of Fife.I would imagine Royal Navy archives would hav detaiuls of the crew - Alistair Deayton : alistaird@talktalk.net
29/07/2009 - Old man To the person who "wondered if anyone else bought photos from the same shop or knows anything about the old man who used to sell them back then."I am the son of the "old man" who in the sixties would be the same age as I am now (65). Some of the photos he sold were taken by me and all of the negatives were gifted to the Bute Museum some time after my father's death in 1989. Mike Blair is correct in saying that Wilkinson's shop sold them, but that was after Dad retired from the post office. Also of note is that a CRSC member was in the shop in the summer of 1962 and talked about the Club, inviting me to attend when I went up to Uni in that October. I have been a member ever since, but don't manage to get now - not due to old age, but because I stay in Haddington. - Russell Darling : russell_darling@btinternet.com
26/07/2009 - Marchioness of Lorne 1891 Marchioness of Lorne (1891) built by Russell & Co. Port Glasgow.I am drawing up rigging/side elevation plans for a model of the above paddler, I have a deck plan and photos to help. The model will feature her as she was altered with a extended fore saloon (circa about 1909) I am trying to find out the following... Was the small deck house under her bridge enlarged at this time, & did it include stairs down to the fore saloon? She originaly had stairs going down each side near with the funnel. Also did the aft deck house move astern at this time, to enclose the stairway down? This deck house was originaly between the paddleboxes. When did the Caledonian underbody colour change from green to red? I realise that this info may be lost...but if anyone had any clues/ideas/suggestions i'd be most grateful - Clark Fitzpatrick : djcfitz@aol.com
17/07/2009 - Still looking We are still attempting to identify any of the CSP paddle boats that may have been at Dunkirk. More than one of you have offered very helpful information, but as yet...still nothing. The question remains: how can we identify which of the CSP crafts were there and how can we locate a crew registry for the vessel to see if Joseph Devlin was aboard?- Truleesincere : tess_obenauf@msn.com
03/07/2009 - CRSC webpages 2000 to 2007 at Internet Archive.org I have discovered that internetarchive.org has a collection of over 1,000 old CRSC webpages, from 2000 to 2007, in its collection and I've put up a 2-page document about how-to access them at http://www.scribd.com/doc/17052751/INTERNET-ARCHIVE-Old-Website-Pages-Still-in-CyberspaceNeedless to say, there are no photographs on any of the archived webpages BUT, the GUESTBOOK page entries make interesting reading ! - Donald Kelly kintyreonrecord.co.uk
18/06/2009 - For Jim MacKintosh : Re Wemyss Bay Steamers. Send them to me ( Gibbie Anderson) I will e-mail you my address- Gibbie Anderson
18/06/2009 - Chairman, Caledonian Railway Association I need help in confirming the identity of steamers for a boolet being prepared on Wemyss Bay and would like to email them to you, but cannot attach them to this message.- Jim MacIntosh : macintosh_glenclune@sky.com
16/06/2009 - For Adrian Lee. No. The Paddle Steamer on the Ardrossan - Brodick run in 1953 was P.S.Caledonia (1934) There was a Glen Sannox on the run that year but she was a turbine steamer built in 1925 and witdrawn from service at the end of the 1953 season- Gibbie Anderson : gibbie@gjanderson.freeserve.co.uk
12/06/2009 - In 1953{?} I went on holiday to Arran, travelling on the steamer from Ardrossan. The steamer was a paddle steamer. I think her name was Glen Sannox. Is this dim and distant memory correct?- Adrian Lee : adrianlee@boltblue.com
25/05/2009 - Mr Hi. I have a print of the lucy ashton by Barrie h.f Clark (84). I,ve not been able to find many pics of the Lucy Ashton and not this one. I can,t find anywhere on your site to upload pics which i will gladly do. If you are interested in some pics let me know. Thanks A Varrechia.- Alan Varrechia : a.varrechia@tiscali.co.uk
20/05/2009 - Rothesay's Wee Boats A recent visit to Cornwall gave the chance to sail from St.Mawes to Falmouth and back. I was pleased to find "Queen of Falmouth" on duty, the former "Maid of Bute". Fitted with a modern wheelhouse, she is still much like the former Rothesay boat. Returning by way of the King Harry Chain Ferry my pleasure increased when "Queen of the Fal" was also noted in service - this was the former "Gay Queen". I travelled on one of the former Rothesay wee boats, and saw t'other in one day!- Colin Bassett
23/04/2009 - Tobermory Harbour Association This year is the 200 anniversary of the Mendelssohn's Birth and 180 years since the great composer visited Tobermory.As chair of the Tobermory Harbour Association I need help - please Mendelssohn and a friend left Oban on the 7th August 1829 on the paddle steamer the Ben Lomond and on to Tobermory. The ship anchors in the bay for the night. - Passengers sleep ashore. Next morning 8th round the north of Mull and on to Staffa and then onto Iona. Back to Tobermory for evening of the 8th. Stops for a 'short' night arriving in Oban at 06.30 on the 9th. There may have been a second ship the Atlantic Ocean. I understand these ships ran twice a week ?? Any help about the Ships would help us prepare to celebrate this event and add to the History Page on the Tobermory Harbour Association site Thanks Brian Swinbanks Chair Tobermory Harbour Association - Brian Swinbanks : kft@zetnet.co.uk tobermoryharbour.co.uk
23/04/2009 - Tobermory Harbour Association This year is the 200th anniversary of Mendelssohn's birth and 180 years since his visit to Tobermory. Date 7th August 1829. From Oban via Tobermory and on to Staffa and Iona and back via Tobermory arriving back in Oban at 06.30 on the 8th August. The ship was the BEN LOMOND. There may have been a second ship the ATLANTIC OCEAN (?). Any info on these ships would help the Tobermory Harbour Association to add detail to our History Page. We understand that the ships ran trips twice a week ? How big , how many passengers, from where???- Brian Swinbanks : kft@zetnet.co.uk
20/04/2009 - Denny-built excursion ship Fenerbahce If Queen Mary is not going to be saved for Glasgow, at least it is comforting to know that the 1953 Denny-built ferry MV Fenerbahce is being saved for Istanbul. The ship which was the blueprint for numerous subsequent ferries and is not dissimilar to a Clyde Steamer in design is now safely at the Rahmi M Koc museum on the Golden Horn. See the weblink below a good report about her.On a sadder note, the third last of the eight 1961-Fairfield built steamships for istanbul, Tegmen Ali Ihsan Kalmaz has not been saved and has just arrived at Aliaga for scrapping. SS Inkilap is preserved at Yalova and SS Turan Emeksiz has been converted to a plush small floating hotel at Guzelyali. With Delta Queen now out of operation in the USA, I think you now have to go to Bangladesh to sail on a Denny-built steamer. Full marks to Turkey for effort however - and another good reason to go to the fantastic city of Istanbul - Gordon Stewart : tramscape@lineone.net http://www.marineandcommerce.com/files/MC1208RahmiKoc.pdf
18/04/2009 - Queen Mary Sold We are led to believe that the contract for her sale was concluded earlier this week and she must leave the Thames within 90 days. We understand the buyers are French (but this is to be confirmed). Their intentions are as yet unknown. The Clyde Turbine Steamer Foundation made a genuine and serious attempt to "save" her and was well funded by certain extremely generous individuals. The problem was finding a berth, an a suitable owner / operator / revenue stream for her. Although we werepushing very hard with one of the few suitable organisations, M&B had the immediate offer of cash and took it. Unfortunately unless there is the involvement of a major corporation or a mega-rich individual, the prospects for saving ships such as QM are fraught with almost unsurmountable difficulties. Someone had to try for her and we tried very hard. I await more details about her fate- Gordon Stewart : tramscape@lineone.net http://turbinesteamers.awardspace.com/QueenMary.htm
17/04/2009 - PHOTOGRAPHS In answer to Graeme Roy's query, I think he is referring to Mr Darling (I was in the same class at Rothesay Academy as his son Russell). Mr Darling ran the Ardbeg Post Ofice in Wyndham Road and his photographs (cardboard framed A4 as I recall) were also on sale elsewhere, primarily in Wilkinson Newsagent in Montague Street, Rothesay. He photographed much of island life as well as steamers and ferries, including the old trams and I believe many of his photographs are on show in the Bute Museum in Stuart Street, Rothesay.- MIKE BLAIR : bracken.blair@btinternet.com
14/04/2009 - IONA / Pentalina FOR SALE IONA/Pentalina is advertised for sale at £300,000 on appolloduck brokerage list at http://commercial.apolloduck.co.uk/feature.phtml?id=105265- Donald Kelly : donald.kelly14@tiscali.co.uk
13/04/2009 - Mr I have recently acquired a ticket- 'Convalescent Home Child' for a journey from Partick to Dunoon and return. Presumably this applies to The West of Scotland Convalescent Home at Dunoon, but why was this important enough to generate special tickets and fares? Was the flow of patients really that great?- Phil Drake : philddrake@yahoo.co.uk
12/04/2009 - Mr Queen Mary II's advert for sale. Scroll down to see interior photoshttp://www.apolloduck.co.uk/feature.phtml?id=106613 - Robert McLuckie : robert@rmcluckie.wanadoo.co.uk http://www.apolloduck.co.uk/feature.phtml?id=106613
09/04/2009 - Mr My wife will think I'm having a mid life crisis for posting this question. But in the mid to late 1960's, when I was a boy, my family used to rent a house on the seafront out toward Ardbeg on Bute and most mornings I walked to what I think was Ardbeg Post Office where an elderly man sold what I believe to be mostly his own black and white photos (not postcards)of Clyde steamers and other Clyde shipping (some contemporary, some from the 20's/30's). He certainly spoke authoritatively about them and told me how I could take better photos myself( I think he developed some of mine which were rubbish).I have kept them all in an album and have a collection of 30+. I came across them recently and wondered if anyone else bought photos from the same shop or knows anything about the old man who used to sell them back then.- Graeme Roy : graeme.roy@btinternet.com
07/04/2009 - mr I am trying to contact Colin M Liddle or a representative of his company. He produced a series of videos called "Clyde Steamer Memories" and I would like permission to use clips during our Heritage exhibition this summer in Colintraive.- alan poland : alpoland@btinternet.com
01/04/2009 - 1934 - Caledonia and Mercury and SMT Aeroplanes Last week's 'Buteman' newspaper's 'Bits from Bygone Bute' has a extract from 'The Rothesay Express' of Tuesday March 27, 1934 which tells us that "A number of Clyde Steamers will be out on Good Friday for the first time this year, the new LMS paddle steamer CALEDONIA will make her first trip to Rothesay on Saturday and the new MERCURY will take The Kyles of Bute run on Saturday and Monday".'The Rothesay Express' of that date also tells us that "A special feature of the weekend will be the flights by the SMT aeroplanes at Ettrick Bay, at reduced prices, on Saturday, Sunday and Monday - These flights proved very popular at the end of last summer (1934)". - Donald Kelly
31/03/2009 - TS Queen Mary future in doubt Former Clyde turbine steamer Queen Mary remains for sale but must leave her London berth putting her future at risk. A consortium is now formed and making a serious attempt to save Queen Mary, preferably for the Clyde, but we still need to attract serious and substantial benefactors to improve the chances of success. Please visit the web page noted below to see the latest position. If you can help, know anyone who can, or just wish to advise me of your support please let me know as soon as possible.Many thanks. Gordon - Gordon Stewart : tramscape@lineone.net http://turbinesteamers.awardspace.com/QueenMary.htm
15/03/2009 - mister I have been a paddle steamer fan all my life and a keen modelmaker of paddlers. In the late forties- early fifties a Glasgow company called SCOMOD produced several kits for working model paddlers and I have been searching for many years for someone who remembers or has experience of them! Can any one recollect hese kits and knows of a possible source of plans from SCOMOD?. regards, Walter Snowdon- Walter Snowdon : waltersnowdon@hotmail.co.uk
27/02/2009 - NEW Clyde Turbine Steamer Foundation website Gordon Stewart opened a new "Turbine" website at http://turbinesteamers.awardspace.com/ today and its front page has a wonderful 1968-taken photograph of the Duchess of Hamilton at Campbeltown.The new website aims to try and kick-start a campaign to re-site the last of the remaining Clyde turbine steamers, the Queen Mary, which replaced the old Clyde paddle steamer Caledonia as a floating bar-restaurant in London in the 1980's. Gordon Stewart also runs the huge and informative Paddle Steamer and Tramway photograph websites at http://website.lineone.net/~tramscape/ Donald Kelly, Kintyre - Donald Kelly
21/02/2009 - mr It is good to have Michael Anderson in London and keeping tabs on Queen Mary. She is a precious oiece of Clyde history even though vandalised! Clydebank expressed an interest in her some years ago and a Clyde home would certainly have merit. I look forward to Michael's next news and envy him his proximity to the old ship.- richard orr
12/02/2009 - Queen Mary Formally from Largs I now live in London and have frequently visited the Queen Mary currently moored on the Thames by Waterloo Bridge. I remember her well as a young boy. She is currently up for sale and I am in touch with the current owners who inform me they have struck a deal for a sale. She will not be staying on the Thames and will either be returning to the Clyde or going to the Medway. The current owners promise to keep me informed of developments and I will post news as I receive it.- Michael Anderson : manderson66@hotmail.co.uk
12/02/2009 - Glasgow Accommodation update My wife and I can report that we found the Eurohostel perfectly acceptable for an overnight stay. Being at the lower end of the price range it's not as plush as the more expensive places, but our double room (en suite)was clean and warm if a little smaller than some. Breakfast was basic, but as much as we needed. And it's right across the road from the CRSC meetings venue.- Ian Smith : ismith_standrews@bigfoot.com
09/02/2009 - Glasgow accommodation Mike Blair asks about special rates at Jury's Inn. I will be staying at the Eurohostel in Clyde Street this week - I'll let you know what it's like, but with single and double rooms available it seems well worth investigating: http://www.euro-hostels.co.uk/glasgow- Ian Smith : ismith_standrews@bigfoot.com
08/02/2009 - Mr Saint ColumbaMany thanks to your members for information about the grounding this ship. I have managed to get the photos I was Looking for from two scources - Argyll % Bute Rothesay library with copies of the Butemam newsoaper who ran an excellent article and photos (some ex Glas Herald) and the Sunday Mail Many thanks again Douglas Gillies - Douglas Gillies
07/02/2009 - Meetings Any joy with a special b and b rate in Jury's for meeting attendees yet?- Mike Blair : bracken.blair@btinternet.com
06/02/2009 - For Colin Bassett. You are correct Colin. My almost indecipherable scribbles taken at the Meeting say it is Ashton- Gibbie Anderson : gibbie@gjanderson.freeserve.co.uk
05/02/2009 - The picture on the Jan'09 club activities page shows either "Ashton" or "Leven" rather than "Wee Cumbrae". It looks like a very lively crossing. I doubt if the sailing would be permitted for a small vessel in those conditions these days!- Colin Bassett
03/02/2009 - Mr According to the latest CCA Newsletter the Clyde turbine steamer Queen Mary is now disused on the Thames. Given the importance of steam turbine power in the history of Clyde Shipbuilding, is there any chance she might be returned to the Clyde as an exhibit berthed at the new Glasgow Transport Museum? This may be the last chance to fill the gap in this aspect of shipping history. DC Kerr.- DC Kerr : shaleman@korstorphin.fsnet.co.uk
22/01/2009 - Mr The Saint Columba went aground in 1952 - I think at Ettrick Bay and I remebr seeing a photo of it on the front page of a Sunday paper with a ladder propped against the side high and dry. Any chance someone might know where I can get a copy of the photo- Douglas Gillies : gillies@dunavon.fsnet.co.uk
29/12/2008 - CSP Co. Steward Joe Devlin There was a Greenock-based steward by the name of Joe Devlin on the "Duchess of Montrose", she scrapped after the 1964 season, Joe certainly old enough to have been at Dunkirk BUT certainly not there on one of the CSP turbine steamers as none of these were at Dunkirk - The Chief Steward of the "Duchess of Montrose" in the 1950's and 1960's was one Jimmie Leckie, a native of Rothesay, who had begun his Clyde career with the old Glasgow and South-Western Railway steamers and it may be that Joe Devlin had served with Jimmie Leckie before the war and both perhaps then on one of the requisitioned CSP Co. paddle steamers which were called to Dunkirk - Joe, slimly built, had a great interest in the history of the Clyde steamers and, on one occasion, produced a silver-plated coffee pot which, with its various steamer and railway company crests engraved 'one inside another' and a lion's head for a spout, was eventually back-dated, partly via its hallmarks, to the 1870's, an almost identical coffee pot was later found on the "Queen Mary (II)", it used by her engine-room staff as a handy container for lubricating oil !- Donald Kelly : donald.kelly14@tiscali.co.uk http://www.scribd.com/people/view/220590-clyde-steamers and http://groups.msn.com/clydesteamers
16/12/2008 - I was wondering whether anyone may be able to help me. My Grandfather was part of a crew of a Caledonian Steamer during WWII and was involved in the Dunkirkevacuations, unfortunately we don't know which one and we were wondering whether anyone could help trace the correct Steamer. His name was Joseph Sheriff DEVLIN and he was a 2nd Steward. Any help will be most appreciated. - Den Tay
15/12/2008 - SCOT 11 Hull of " SCOT 11" was afloat off Ardmaleish yard this summer- P. M. Reid
22/11/2008 - QE2 in Dubai The Times published an article about the new role of the QE2, with an artists impression of the new site. This shows the funnel removed, with a new glass penthouse in its place, with the funnel located on a new dockside building which looks vaguely like a wheelhouse. If this artist's view really is the future for the QE2 - aaargh!- Colin Bassett
18/11/2008 - Robina Sorry Fraser (and everyone else ). mea culpa. It is of course Lochgoilhead. Must be something to do with the link between the brain and fingers. I will own up on this month's News Page- Gibbie Anderson
17/11/2008 - I'v been waiting for some else to point out that the photo of Robina in the October news page must surely be at Lochgoilhead and not Garelochhead.- Fraser G. MacHaffie : machafff@marietta.edu
29/10/2008 - Captain I would like to thank the club most sicerely for the review you did of my book "From Burma to Barra". I would like to point out that it was written as a labour of love and is not a commercial venture. I greatly appreciate the review which I hope will enable the small Gigha publishing company Ardminish Press to maybe clear its feet on this publication.Thanks again. - Sandy Ferguson : sandy@thefergusons.me.uk
25/10/2008 - Scot II I put "Scot II" into a search engine. It came up with an item from the Herald on Sunday in 2002. Scot II was derelict on the River Ness after a period serving as a bar. Some restoration had been carried out by British Waterways but budget limits stopped the job. At that point there was no news of any restart. I didn't see any update in the list of items found, so I can't give any further information.- Colin Bassett
20/10/2008 - Piermaster Kilcreggan I am looking for a model of the Mv "Seabus" are there any available? if not would anyone like to make one for me?- Gavin Walker : gavinawalker@gmail.com
22/09/2008 - Caldeonia / HMS Goatfell Thank you so much Gibbie Anderson for the information about Caledonia/HMS Goatfell 'Operation Dynamo' this explains the discrepancy in 'family stories' / much appreciated- lynn
18/09/2008 - Answer for Mike Blair Once again you have caught me out (shades of the date of my photo of Glen Sannox) It should be Dec'44 to Apr'45 that Caledonia/HMS Goatfell operated in the Sheldt.There is a mail shot coming up soon with all the material you are looking for. I have already posted the Syllabus on the Website - Gibbie Anderson
18/09/2008 - questions In totally pedantic mode - if Caledonia was returned to her owners on VE day plus 1, how could she be at Antwerp in June?Haven't received membership renewal info yet or syllabus...are they out yet or has my postman lost them? Thanks in advance Mike - mike blair : bracken.blair@btinternet.com
14/09/2008 - For Lynn Francis : HMS Goatfell ( P.S.Caledonia in peacetime )was requisitioned in Oct 1939 for service as a minesweeper. As part of the 11th Minesweeping Flotilla she was based at Rothesay engaged on sweeping the Firth of Clyde and it's approaches. In May 1940 in company with the rest of the Flotilla she was ordered to Dover to take part in Operation Dynamo but due to delays in coaling on the way south she arrived too late to take part in the evacuation. Thereafter she was based mainly down south at Milford Haven and the Thames where she was converted to an Anti Aircraft Ship in 1941. She then served at various times on The Humber ,Harwich and Weymouth. In June 1944 she was part of the Invasion Fleet operating off Omaha Beach and finished her service escorting convoys into Antwerp in Jun 1945 , She was returned to her owners on VE Day +1- Gibbie Anderson
02/09/2008 - HMS Goatfell I am researching family history. Does anyone have details of HMS Goatfell and her whereabouts from December 1939 until February 1941. Was she involved in the Evacuation of Dunkirk - Operation Dynamo?- Lynn : lynnfrancis2@gmail.com
26/08/2008 - Loch Eil in Bristol Courage kept Loch Eil open until hull maintenance was required. I don't recall the date of closure, but she survived to the late 1990s before going for scrap.I visited a couple of times in the 1970s, when she was kept in good condition. My last visit saw me turn away from the gangway due to loud music & rowdy behaviour (not by me!). Her MacBrayne colours retained initially had by this time been partially replaced by a garish blue band on the funnel.- Colin Bassett
17/08/2008 - Re mvARRAN, she called at: West Loch Tarbert, Gigha, Craighouse, Port Ellen, Port Askaig, Oban, Colonsay, Craignure, Tobermory, Coll, Tiree, Mallaig, Armadale & Portree. I think she also called at Lochaline and Kyle of Lochalsh, perhaps others could confirm that...Cheers Stuart - Stuart Craig : stuart.craig43@ntlworld.com
31/07/2008 - E-mail address Hi my e-mail is:donald.warden@dpag.ox.ac.uk Thanks - Donald Warden
23/07/2008 - MV Arran 1953 Can anyone give me a list of the piers MV Arran would have visited when she was off the Clyde.Thanks Donald - Donald Warden : donald.warden@dpag
22/07/2008 - CARS TO MILLPORT I was assistant purser on the Cowal in the 1970 and 1971 seasons, when she conveyed cars, morning and evening,between Millport and Largs. She did the same during the 1970-71 winter and was the main Millport ferry in the 1971-72 winter until the new Cumbrae Slip service opened in early March 1972. The Bute also used to make a call in the early afternoon most days in summer. I recall Largs was an awkward pier to load and unload cars, especially in the evening when we might also be unloading a boat load of day trippers at the same time.- Graeme Hogg
19/06/2008 - Mrs. I am researching the genealogy of Reginald Arthur Henry Wilkins born Frome, Somerset 1844. I have found that he received the Distinguished Services Medal on the Waverley during the First World War. He was doing some kind of dangerous work to do with mines in the Bristol Channel. This would be the first Waverley of course, the one built as 'Barry' sunk in 1941. What I want to know is about the men surving on the Waverley. Would some of them have been members of the original crew of the Waverley before the war? Or was only the ship recquisitioned? I have found on the National Archives record of a Reginald Arthur Wilkins who received the DSM in 1911 but he was in the Merchant Navy. Would this be the same person? Seems odd that it was before the war? Although I am experienced at researching military ancestors this is the first time I've searched for naval records. Does anyone have any advice?- Frances Lee : frances@mayleecat.com
09/06/2008 - MV.COWAL-PHOTOGRAPHIC ASSISTANCE I am currently building a scale model of MV Cowal.To ensure its accuracy ,I am in need of photographs showing the foredeck and the equipmet fitted ie.Anchor and rope winch,bollards,docking telegraph and rope bins.Any assistance would be greatly appreciated. - CRAIG M.DUTHIE : craig.duthie@ews-railway.co.uk
21/05/2008 - More on the Keppel's voyage Having looked at some websites,I see that the 106 mile Rhine/Main-Danube Canal was only 3 years old when Keppel traversed it in 1995 as part of a 2176-mile North Sea/Black Sea transit. Just in time!- Walter McCormick : waltandrita@supanet.com
19/05/2008 - The Keppel I greatly enjoyed Andrew Clark's 'The Story of the Keppel' in the recent Club Magazine, and dreamt of shots of 'Keppel' passing the Lorelei Rock on the Rhine, the Iron Gates on the Danube or amongst the horde of ferries at Istanbul. Just a dream - or does anyone know of any?- Walter McCormick : waltandrita@supanet.com
10/05/2008 - Lost Application Would the gentleman from Glasgow who applied to join us on 6 May 08 please re-submit his application. Unfortunately due to the amount of Spam I receive I inadvertently deleted his application also- Gibbie Anderson
01/05/2008 - Cars to Millport For a period around 1971-72, Cowal was allocated to a service to Millport from Largs and Fairlie (and also Tarbert via Brodick from Fairlie) and so routinely took cars to/from Largs from/to Millport. A problem was posed by the signal sitting right in the middle of the head of the pier at Largs and I think it was removed at that time. Before that the car ferries took cars from Wemyss Bay and Fairlie to Millport (Old) and Keppel but only occasionally from Largs. Tides permitting, Talisman would take cars from Wemyss Bay and Largs to Millport.- Fraser G. MacHaffie : machafff@marietta.edu
21/04/2008 - Mr Hello. I am researching the story of WW2 HMS Mercury which was a requisitioned Clyde paddle minesweeper. She was sunk off Ireland on Xmas Day 1940 having struck a mine. Did any of your members serve in her as a grey-painted warship or is there a photograph of her out there somewhere? Her war pennant number was J102 which was painted on both sides of the ship just forward of the bridge. She was a sister-ship to PS Caledonia which the navy renamed HMS Goatfell for the duration of the war. She was damaged but survived the war. I would be most grateful for any help any of your member can give me. Sincerely. Godfrey Dykes Bury St Edmunds Suffolk.- Godfrey DYKES : godfreydykes@msn.com
21/04/2008 - Mr Could Stewart d Redwood who wrote the article on Cluthas in the Clyde Steamers issue 30 contact me direct with regard to his article? Thanks.frankquinn@supanet.com - Frank Quinn : frankquinn@supanet.com
14/04/2008 - Car Ferry Calls @ Largs Prior to the slip being brought into service at Largs, did car ferries ever pick up vehicles at Largs pier ? A friend who spends holidays at Millport seems to think this was the case, but I can't recall this ever happening.- Jim Delargy : james.delargy@tesco.net
14/03/2008 - New Website A new website has been launched this week on the heritage of paddle and pleasure steamers in the UK. It uses material from the PSPS Collection of over 20,000 items. It also concentrates on the hertage of the three PSPS ships Waverley, Balmoral and Kingswear Castle. At the moment, there are small galleries of images but these will eventually contain several thousand photographs of ships such as Waverley. In addition, there will be regular online exhibitions. There is also a new paddle and pleasure steamer forum and we are very keen to promote this and see it become a vibrant part of the website.Regards, Andrew http://www.heritage steamers.co.uk http://groups.yahoo.com/group/heritagesteamers - Andrew Gladwell http://heritagesteamers.co.uk
20/02/2008 - To Helen Bradshaw - the Ullapool-Stornoway service commenced on 26 March 1973, the first ship being used was IONA, which until then had served Stornoway from Mallaig and Kyle of Lochalsh. IONA was replaced late in June that year by CLANSMAN, not the present vessel but one built in 1964 and which was converted specially for the Stornoway service. She in turn was replaced in the autumn of 1974 by SUILVEN, a popular ship which served Lewis faithfully for 21 years until current ISLE OF LEWIS was introduced in 1995.- John Newth
20/02/2008 - Mrs Does anyone know for certain in which year MacBrayne's began the service between Ullapool and Stornoway and also which vessel was the first to be used on that route?- Helen Bradshaw : helen.bradshaw@live.com
17/01/2008 - Waverley/Arran Talk 21st Feb Iain would be grateful if you could contact me for further details about this talk.- Iain Quinn : fiona.laing@btinternet.com
05/01/2008 - MV Lochranza at Lochranza MV Loch Ranza arrived at Lochranza pier tied up awaiting overhaul on Friday 4th January.Have photos of Loch Ranza and Loch Riddon on 13.40 to 13.45 run from Tarbert, also on video.- Alastair Shaw : alastair_shaw@hotmail.com
27/12/2007 - Maid Class Vessels-Photographic Assistance I am currently building a scale model of the Maid of Skelmorlie.To ensure its accuracy,I am in need of a photograph which gives a view of the funnel top on any of the four Maid class vessels which shows the position of exhaust pipes etc.Any assistance would be most appreciated- Craig Duthie : craig.duthie@ews-railway.co.uk
20/12/2007 - mr this week 50 years ago, the Ashton was posted missing as she shelterd from a tempestuous storm...too rough to lie at Millport and tide too high for Largs she rode the gale out in the river and eventually berthed at Fairlie allaying fears of her loss- mike blair : blairbrckn@aol.com
15/12/2007 - Ashton & Leven http://www.riverboatcruises.co.uk/http://www.maritimebritain.co.uk/MV%20Bristol%20Queen.html That do you??? awra best Frank - Frank Gradwell
09/12/2007 - Mr. Does anyone know what happened to the Ashton and the Leven? My parents were good friends of Rab Kerr (skipper of, I think, the Ashton) and we stayed with Rab and Mary opposite the bowling green above Millport. I travelled often on both vessels and was sometimes allowed to steer when around 12 years old (unimaginable nowadays). They used to berth alongside the puffer Saxon, owned by Walter Kerr, and on one occasion we helped to shore up a leaking plate so the vessel could continue in service. Again, unimaginable now.- Brian Chrystal : brianchrystal@btinternet.com
06/12/2007 - Saint Columba and Q.Mary II Mr. Paxton needs to contact the National Maritime Museum. The NMM holds the Denny Collection which contains builder's plans of the Saint Columba (Denny #970) and Queen Mary II (Denny #1262). (In the case of Saint Columba the files will also contain some plans showing Queen Alexandra which became Saint Columba.) The address for the National Maritime Museum is:Historic Photographs & Ship Plans Section, National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London SE10 9NF or, plansandphotos@nmm.ac.uk If planning to visit to NMM, please note that the plans will likely be in storage at the Woolwich Dockyard and an appointment is necessary. The condition and usefulness of plans for model building varies greatly. Good luck! - Fraser G. MacHaffie : Fraser.MacHaffie@marietta.edu
30/11/2007 - queen mary2 and tss saint columba i am looking for ship plans to build a sailing model of the above ships, can anyone help.- alan paxton : alanpaxton@fsmail.net
19/11/2007 - Keppel Pier Thank sounds a very good explaniation Gibbie. MV Keppel as Interceptor - hmmm. I recall when I worked in the bank getting her if I got out of work at the Cumbrae ferry crews mealbreak. Rounding the point with wind over tide -rice pudding skin and not pull off come to mind - but she was ours and we loved her for it!- Stewart Clinton
18/11/2007 - Keppel Pier For Stewart Clinton : There does not appear to be any connection to Admiral Keppel. The best explanation I have heard is from a gaelic speaking acquaintance (Mrs MacDonald of Lismore)that it is an anglicised version of 'ceapail or ceapadh'which means "stopping ,catching or intercepting" Certainly "stopping" would appear appropriate for a pier but I wonder what the crew of M.V.Keppel would think about their ship being known as "The Stopping Boat"- Gibbie Anderson
13/11/2007 - ABC Car Ferries and Maid Class Ships I am currently building scale models of the above ships.To ensure the accuracy of both models,I am in need of photographs which give an aerial view of the funnel top and show the posn of exhaust pipes etc.Any assistance would be much appreciated.- Craig Duthie : craig.duthie@ews-railway.co.uk
11/11/2007 - Mr Can anyone enlighten as to how Keppel pier got its name?There was an admiral Keppel, but with no Ayrshire/Cumbrae connections. - Stewart Clinton : steam_train_guy@yahoo.co.uk
18/09/2007 - Mr Just returned from Sorrento,and the Maid of Skelmorlie is still going strong as the Ala. Like the web site.- Allan Summerfield
18/09/2007 - Mrs My grandmother was buried at sea from the First Cape Mail Steamer Kenilworth Castle in November 1915. I am trying to fin d out any information I can. Her name was Mabel Norrish sailing home with her husband ASrthur Norrish and their two children Deryck aged about eighteen months and three month old Joan. Please help.- Lorina Lumsden : lumsdenclacton@talktalk.net
15/08/2007 - Mr I have 2 or 3 good photos of the Waverley on her celebration weekend in June which may be suitable for your next magazine. Where can I email them to?- Jim McCreery (club member)
30/07/2007 - Mr I've recently acquired the Destination Frame & 4 boards of the MV Arran 1953.I'm interested in obtaining other boards especially Brodick, Wemyss Bay & Rothesay - can anyone help? Best wishes Donald - Donald Warden : donald.warden@dpag.ox.ac.uk
25/07/2007 - BUTE V ARGYLE Further to the external observations re the differences between our two sisters. On the upper outside pax deck on Bute the seats face forward while on Argyle they face aft. Next deck down internally the after seats on Argyle's port side face aft while on Bute they face forward on both sides. The aftermost four on Argyle face inwards like on the subway- MIKE BLAIR : blairbrckn@aol.com
02/06/2007 - Ships Monthly Collection. I'm looking for a good home for a collection of Ships Monthly magazines some of which date back to 1980. 1990 onwards are in binders.I'm happy to deliver the magazines to any address around Glasgow and west central Scotland. If anyone is interested please contact me for details. Duncan Wilson. - Duncan Wilson : duncanwilson1955@hotmail.com
16/05/2007 - Sunday Post Article As it was seemingly a letter in 'The Sunday Post' which triggered the start of The Clyde River Steamer Club away back in 1932, 'The Sunday Post' is proposing to publish a feature celebrating the club's 75th anniversary, the article, subject to space, being run on Sunday June 4, 2007.Steamer enthusiasts interested in tracking the summer sailings of the "Waverley", "Balmoral" and other ferries should click on Donald Kelly's Clyde Steamer website at http://groups.msn.com/clydesteamers and then on the Clyde and North Channel links to take them to their favourite ships. Donald Kelly - Donald Kelly : donald.kelly14@tiscali.co.uk http://groups.msn.com/clydesteamers
28/04/2007 - To Mark Stockdale :Re Pentalina B. Saw her myself on 29 Mar at Dunkirk when leaving on Maersk Dunkerque and featured it as a little news item on March's Club Activities. I was so pleased to see her that I said to another passenger "look - the old Iona" which produced the response :- que? and led me into another conversation in my schoolboy French - Gibbie Anderson
28/04/2007 - AN ORCADIAN IN FRANCE On arrival at Dunkerque on a Norfolk Line day trip yesterday I was pleased to see Pentalina B, former Iona, in the port. She's under charter on freight sailings from Dover. Seeing her again reminded me of an amazing weekend trip to Barra 30 years ago, with that rare crisp clear visibility and sea like glass.- Mark Stockdale
23/04/2007 - sv Loch Linnhe circa 1816 1323 tons Anyone have an idea how I could find out more about this sailing vessel (sch or brig'ine) built Glasgow 1816?John E Franklin Gravesend Kent - John E Franklin : john_e_franklin@hotmail.com
17/04/2007 - President For Mike Blair : On it's way to you. I will sort it out at this month's update- Gibbie Anderson : gibbie@gjanderson.freeserve.co.uk
17/04/2007 - CALEDONIA Thanks for the responses to my original question. Having lived in Rothesay all my life (63 years) I have done everything but stand on my head to see the pic reversed...any chance it could be displayed or even emailed to pit me oot a ma misery as I juct cant see it as Rothesay...Ta- mike blair : blairbrckn@aol.com
16/04/2007 - Mr For anyone who wasn't able to join KENILWORTH's last sailing, Strathclyde Passenger Transport have very kindly published the souvenir booklet by Ian McCrorie on line at http://www.spt.co.uk/ferry/kenilworth.pdfAnd there are a sequence of photos of the new SEABUS at http://cormagazines.fotopic.net/ - Mark Stockdale : nmarkstockdale@hotmail.com
03/04/2007 - Caledonia ---- which way is ight. The easiest way to tell if the photograph has been reversed is the position of Caledonia`s stern lifeboat. After the war it is was moved, so if you were standing on the stern looking forward the lefeboat would be on the RHS. So Gibbie is right the photograph on the 'About' page has been reversed.- Douglas Muir
27/03/2007 - P.S.Caledonia For Mike Blair. I have sent Gibbie Anderson a photograph taken from a hill behind Largs showing Toward Point to the right of the picture. I think I'm right in assuming that Toward is to the left in the "Caledonia" picture. If so, the Caledonia would be coming out of Rothesey and Gibbie's slide would, in fact, be in the right way. I hope this clarifies the matter.- Liam Corr
23/03/2007 - P.S.Caledonia. For Mike Blair and Gibbie Anderson. I grew up in Largs, although now live in Middlesex and only visit a couple of times a year. Although the background to the photograph in question, in terms of landscape is quite difficult to determine, I can see Mike’s point. It certainly looks like Cumbrae. But from the East or the West. Hard to say. I’ve done a lot of yachting in the area and know that the prevailing wind is from the South West. This being so, if the Caledonia was sailing West out of Largs the smoke from its funnel would be blowing North over its starboard side. As it is blowing over its port side, and assuming its blowing North, it would seem more likely that it was sailing East out of Rothsay.If that’s any help. - Liam Corr
19/03/2007 - KENILWORTH - SATURDAY MARCH 24 The MV Kenilworth will be operating her last Saturday in service this Saturday - Mar 24th. To mark this event SPT and Clyde Marine have published a booklet outlining the history of the route with particular emphasis on Kenilworth. This isn't any ordinary booklet, not only is it FREE to every fare paying passenger, but it has been written by Ian McCrorie, who has produced (as usual) a most interesting and excellently researched history of the route and the vessel. It is lavishly illustrated and will provide a most suitable souvenir of KENILWORTH. It is a limited edition as well and the only way to acquire one is to come on board on Saturday! Please try to come along on Saturday and give the old girl the send off she deserves.- Allan Comrie : allan.comrie@spt.co.uk spt.co.uk
15/03/2007 - For David Sinclair : There is nothing definite about how the departure time of Columba/St Columba was set for 07.11 One version has it as a pure marketing ploy. The other has it that this time was set to allow sufficient time to transfer the mail from either Central or St Enoch stations. This seems the more believable of the twoUNLESS ANYONE KNOWS DIFFERENT ? - Gibbie Anderson
08/03/2007 - P.S.Caledonia For Mike Blair : Apologies for the delay in answering your query; it took me this long to locate the slide in question which is one of my own and it was definitely taken at Rothesay. Now comes the painful part :- Somehow it has been reversed when put on the Site and this possibly explains why you think it is Largs- Gibbie Anderson
07/03/2007 - Is there any agreement or disagreement on my post of 01.11.06?- mike blair
03/03/2007 - mr Can anyone advise me please, why was the departure time, 7:11 am chosen by David Macbrayne for the departure from Glasgow for their P.S.Columba/T.S Saint Columba prior to World War 11- david sinclair : david_sinclair58@hotmail.com
26/02/2007 - Mr Re your Photo of the month the "Countess of Breadalbane". When I was a nipper growing up in Largs in the early sixties, the C of B was the largest of three small passenger ferries operation between Largs and Millport. The other two "Sister Vessels" were the "Ashton" and the "Leven". Other vessels such as the Maids of Skelmorlie etc and the Talisman called at Millport, but those three smaller boats could dock even when the outer part of the pier had fallen apart in a gale.- Liam Corr
24/02/2007 - Could member mr Peter Herriot (or a member of committie)contact me regarding a photograph in his Article "THE RAILWAY STEAMERS" on the internet site www.bristolqueen.com.I am a volunteer on the Sv Glenlee at glasgow harbour, as I am preparining a slide presentation on the CLUTHAs and would like to include a photograph of the Ashton in wartime guise - frank quinn : frankquinn@supanet.com
08/02/2007 - The CRSC calendar features “Duchess of Montrose” this month. My only trip on this steamer was in 1960, on the Saturday afternoon sailing round Ailsa Craig. Leaving Gourock at 2.00pm for Dunoon, Largs and, I think, Keppel only, the Duchess headed for Ailsa Craig, crossing the routes of various steamers and ferries en route. We passed “Glen Sannox”, my first close view of the big car ferry. Features of the trip, now gone, were the steamer band, and the flock of gulls diving for café waste tipped through a window! As we rounded Ailsa Craig a blast on the whistle brought many seabirds into the air. “Waverley” cruises round Ailsa Craig are now silent at the request of the RSPB, to avoid disturbing nesting birds. Our return to Gourock was at 9.00pm, making us one of the latest CSP steamers to tie up at the pier on Saturday night. A late running car ferry, struggling to lift on/off Saturday holiday traffic to/from Dunoon would be last in for the day. The day was rounded off for this 10 year old’s family with a fish supper from the chippy at Gourock’s former cinema.- Colin Bassett
08/02/2007 - Mr Your Photo of the Month for January of the Hovercraft reminded me of a relevant story. I hope it is not too long for the Guestbook and, if it is, I apologise. I had the unusual experience of having to work on it for a couple of days during, I think, the 1970 season. I was working as a Junior Purser on the Iona doing the Gourock-Dunoon run and was press-ganged on to the Hovercraft to issue the tickets because the deckhand who normally did this was unavailable. I was duly kitted out in a CSP jersey and cap for the occasion. From memory, the Hovercraft could carry about 50 passengers and undertook the journey from Largs to Millport in 7 (?) minutes. The tickets were issued using what looked to me to be a bus conductor's machine - similar to that used on the Waverley - but it wasn't very reliable and I couldn't get it to work properly. I had to resort to issuing paper tickets from an Excess fares book. This took a fair amount of time and I eventually had to go and ask the captain (George Cowan) if he wouldn't mind slowing down a bit because I had not finished issuing all the tickets. So a "high tech" journey that should have taken 7 minutes took 15 minutes because of the "low tech" ticket issue! It was certainly an experience - and made a pleasant change from Gourock-Dunoon.- Iain Morgan : iain@iainmorgan.fsnet.co.uk
07/02/2007 - Countess of Breadalbane For Douglas Muir : Ouch ! You are right of course ; it is not Millport ; it is Rothesay. However your other comment is incorrect. Have a look at www.shipsofcalmac.co.uk/h_countess_of_b.asp- Gibbie Anderson : gibbie@gjanderson.freeserve.co.uk
06/02/2007 - MR WHAT A WONDERFUL SITE PLEASE KEEP IT UP- MAGA OWERRI
05/02/2007 - PS Waverley Garlieston Someone has sent me some photos that they 'believe' were taken from the PS Waverley, sailing between Garlieston and Douglas on Saturday 29th May 2004. Do you know if this is correct, or do you know where I can check this information out?- Gus Rex : b.rex@dsl.pipex.com
03/02/2007 - February Photo of the Month According to Graeme Dunlop of CRSC, this is Rothesay not Millport. The Duchess of Hamilton in the background suggests Mr Dunlop to be correct.Argyll County Council subsidised a ferry service in 1971-2 to Blairmore only from Gourock. The ferry was usually Granny Kempock not the Countess. There was no service to Kilmun after it was abandoned in 1971. The Countess, or Countess of Kempock's usual employment was the ferry service to Helensburgh from Gourock. Its nice to get unusual pictures, but given your access to the club's library it would be nice to see items that haven't been published either in the last 5 years, or at all. Thanks for your otherwise hard work - Douglas Muir : dougmuir@acm.org
06/01/2007 - NEW CLYDE STEAMER WEBSITE A Good New Year To AllI have put up a NEW WEBSITE for CLYDE STEAMER ENTHUSIASTS at http://groups.msn.com/clydesteamers and, though there are still many photographs to add, the main texts are up and cover numerous less well known or only slightly understood aspects of the steamers' development, operation and history. For the more patient internet users, the website pages contain a series of "EDWARDIAN TIMETABLES" and "PIER-TO-PIER DISTANCE TABLES" which, to get their full and proper benefit, can be built into proper "composite" tables using Microsoft Word (or equivalent) and its "table insertions" and then printed off to give a proper overview of the complexity of the services - A short guide prefaces the tables to help along with any reconstructions. There is also a 'Ship Handling Guide' and a link to the "Ports of Call 3D" website which allows one to download a program where one can try and berth and un-berth a ship alongside a quay ! Too there are links to WEATHER PAGES and DAIILY NEWSPAPER SITES and . . . . . and . . . . . much much more, including AIS Ship Plotter pages where in real time (though not always on the 'River Clyde' page) you can watch and identify the various ship and ferry movements ! One of the MSN Group of websites, there is a "Joining Up" page as well ! The Kintyre 'sister site' also has other 'shipping pages' including an account of the stranding of the "LOCHIEL" in 1960 at http://groups.msn.com/kintyre/lochielssinking.msnw Have fun ! Donald Kelly - Donald Kelly groups.msn.com/clydesteamers
02/01/2007 - hi, i am building a scale working model of the clyde steamer King George V. I would appreciate any photos or film of this boat which would help me to get a better idea of the boats details. if anyone can help please email me.Thanks in advance Kim sue@torrance6.freeserve.co.uk - K. MacLean : sue@torrance6.freeserve.co.uk
13/12/2006 - Lochiel Memories Hi I would be very interested to hear from people who have any memories of the Lochiel - a Macbraynes boat that served the Islay run between 1939 and 1970. I am doing some research on the boat (www.lochiel1960.blogspot.com) - my interest being personal. I was on board as a13 week old baby when she hit rocks near West Loch Tarbert pier. Any stories/leads/photos etc would be most appreciated. Thanks. Steve- Steve Cranston : steve@stevecranston.com www.lochiel1960.blogspot.com
27/11/2006 - Columba Thanks Gibbie. that looks like Saint Columba did much the same as I remember Lochfyne doing. However we are talking different craft here. I was really looking for the time that the paddle steamer Columba arrived back at Broomielaw.Can we try again? Thanks Sheana - jean bowman
25/11/2006 - For Jean Bowman : St Columba stopped sailing from Glasgow at the outbreak of WW2 (4/9/39) When she resumed the service in 1947 it was from Gourock @ 09.30 arr; Ardrishaig 12.55 - dep; 13.05 arr; Gourock 16.35 . All I know about pre-war was her departure time from Glasgow 07.11- Gibbie Anderson : gibbie@gjanderson.freeserve.co.uk
24/11/2006 - Mr K. McBride may be interested to know that there is some excellent footage of MAID IF THE LOCH on the latest CRSC Video. She is seen being hauled out of the loch earlier this year.. If interested in a copy please let site convenor know.- Stuart Craig
23/11/2006 - RMS Columba Hullo Gibbie,I need to know what time the Columba left Ardrishaig and got back to Glasgow. Who else would I ask. Hope this is an easy one for you. Thanks, Jean - Jean Bowman
21/11/2006 - Queen Mary I can't confirm the correct shade of white of the Queen (messgae from gillon ferguson), but in recent times she was painted a horrifying shade of pale blue for a while!!!- K McBride
21/11/2006 - Maid of the Loch Relying on you guys for future news on the Maid. Had the chance to visit in 2001 and my heart leapt when she came into view from the car park. Brought back memories of my only 3 lochs tour in the late 60's when visiting my Grandparents. Thanks for your efforts- K McBride
21/11/2006 - Gibbie. Thank you for your messages/ newspaper article. When I tried to reply directly to you the delivery failed. So, in case you think I never received them....thanks.- Hayley Duffin
20/11/2006 - dr I was delighted to see Queen Mary on the thames with white funnels and superstructure could anyone even older than myself confirm that the shade of white is correct for Williamson steamers?- gillon ferguson : gillonf@aol.com
08/11/2006 - Gibbie. I am a long standing CRSC member who doesnt get to meetings often due to living "down south". I have some old Clyde steamer books I wish to sell. Would I be Ok to post this in the guest book. I merely want them to go to a good home and would negotiate a sensible price via the internet. Otherwise they will go on Ebay. Please email your thoughts. Many thanks. John Marshall- John Marshall
03/11/2006 - Millport Steamers/ Wartime steamers Hello! I am writing the text for the new 'Museum of the Cumbraes' to be displayed at Garrison House, Millport.I would be very grateful to anyone who has a photograph of a steamer during the war - either in military service, or in use on the Clyde. I heard they were painted grey. Also any general memories or photos of the steamer service to Millport would be wonderful. Thank you! - Hayley Duffin
01/11/2006 - Hi All,I think the picture of Caledonia on the 'About the Club'page is taken at Largs rather than Rothesay as stated. Mike Blair - mike blair
25/10/2006 - Correction to my last posting of Lucy Ashton with jet engines :- URL SHOULD BE - www.dself.dsl.pipex.com/MUSEUM/TRANSPORT/lucyasht/lucyasht.htm- Gibbie Anderson
24/10/2006 - For John Holmes : TSS Lochness ( the 3rd to bear the name ) entered service in July 1929- Gibbie Anderson : gibbie@gjanderso.freeserve.co.uk
24/10/2006 - For George D.Hurd : Lucy Ashton was a character in the Sir Walter Scott novel " Bride of Lammermoor". The North Bitish Railway Co had a policy of naming their ships after characters in his novels. I f you want to see what eventually became her see www.dself.dsl.pipex.com/MUSEUM/MUSEUM/TRANSPORT/lucyash/lucyash.htm- Gibbie Anderson
23/10/2006 - I have in my posession a booklet advertising summer tours by Macbrayne's steamers,this imcludes a map and timetables.I would very much like to put a date to this publication but the only clue I can find is a picture of the TSS LOCHNESS.The caption states that it is due on service about mid July,but which July?.The description quotes 208ft.long,38ft.wide and a capacity of 428 passengers.I would be pleased to hear from anyone who could give some dates for the steamer entering into service. - John J Holmes : busmanholmes@aol.com
23/10/2006 - Capt. USNR In 1942-1944 I was stationed at Base 2 at Roseneath-Portkil and made many crossings from Kilcreggan to Gourock on a lovely little craft the Lucy Ashton. I have a copy of a book somewhere on Clyde Steamers but it had no mention of her. Often wondered, who was Lucy Ashton? The Marchioness of Lorne was also in the same service at the time.- George D. Hurd : gdhurd@adelphia.net G. D. Hurd 567 EssexAve Gloucester, Ma. 01930
10/10/2006 - dr can you let me know if the gentleman who made resin models of clyde paddle steamers is stll in business? He moved to new premises in greenock about a year ago and asked me to postpone my order till he had made his move. i was a.purser 4 seasons mainly in jupiter for but also oncaledonia d of fife and king edward and for 3 days on lucy ashton. i would dearly like to obtain these replicas of the happiest time of my life.- bill roberts : wdaniel@iinet.net.au
03/10/2006 - CRSC Membership Sec The latest mailing to members will be in their hands in 2-3 days. This includes the syllabus; 2006 Magazine; photograph, calendar & Video order forms; and the subscription notice. REVIEWs 2005 and 2003 are ready and will be dispatched in about a week.- Stuart Craig
27/09/2006 - As a follow up to the recent exchange on the jet engines of the Lucy Ashton, I can add a bit more. The engines were four Rolls Royce Derwent V engines each rated to deliver a thrust of 3,600lb. at 14,500 R.P.M. The fuel was special quality aviation kerosene with a consumption of approx. 1 lb per hour per pound of thrust. This information comes from a paper delivered in 1951 by Maurice Denny of William Denny & Bros. to the International Conference of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers. If anyone is really into this I can supply a photocopy of this fairly technical paper which includes general arrangement plans, several detailed plans and a photograph of the modified Lucy under way. All I need is an address.- Fraser MacHaffie : Fraser.MacHaffie@marietta.edu
22/09/2006 - Cruiser Charter Due to lack of support for the excursion by Cruiser to the Millport illuminations on Saturday 23rd Sep the sailing has had to be cancelled. The Club apologises for the short notice of this cancellation- Gibbie Anderson
30/08/2006 - ms See what I mean?! Instant reply, great stuff thanks Gibbie. By the way my other half remembers a jet boat making a lot of noise off Gourock at the end of the fifites. It would fire up regularly just about the time that Saint Columba crossed the bay and keep going all through the morning. It wouldn't be Lucy by then but it would be interesting to know what was ging on. Thanks again for the Derwent info.- jean.bowman@btinternet.com
29/08/2006 - Lucy's Jets Jean , they were Rolls Royce Derwent engines- Gibbie Anderson
29/08/2006 - ms Hello Gibbie,Here is one I need some help with. The Lucy's jet engines..Rolls Royce or Pratt and Whitney? I always thought they were R/R Avons but some eminent nutter types have me thinking twice and I need to get it right for some history blurb I am writing just now.Not too difficult for you guys. I am sure somebody will know the answer in seconds. Thanks. - jean bowman
18/08/2006 - Waverley Paintings Just in case anyone is interested I have an Original Painting by Frank Colclough of "The Waverley leaving Millport"and a very unusual collage of The Waverley made from pieces of The Herald by Tony Montague. At Southside Art Gallery 26 Battlefield Road Langside Glasgow G42 9QH Tel: 0141 649 8888 - Derek Rankin : southsideart@btconnect.com www.southsideart.co.uk
15/08/2006 - Talisman Paddle Steamer Our family used to own a holiday flat adjacent to the pier at Millport, and I spent every summer there all through the fifties up until 1965. I used to be one of the lads who worked on the Morrisons buses which met the steamers at the main pier & at Keppel pier where the cruise steamers called in like the Duchess of Montrose, Waverley etc. I can still remember them approaching keppel with the pipe / accordian music and full sing song in progress !!However "My" steamer was the Talisman, which called at Millport 3 times per day. I didn't need a watch, meals were timed to co-incide with it's arrival (lunch, tea etc). I would love to find some good photgraphs or paintings of the Talisman, as I have such fond memories of those days. Can anyone assist ??- Ross Kennedy : rossqhi@aol.com
14/08/2006 - Selling up PS Books & Postcards Hi AllJust to let you know I am selling up my Paddle Steamer and Piers Postcard Collection on ebay including some nice books over the next few weeks you can find them at Deltatango Vintage Postcards Shop thanks for looking Terry - Terry Cooper : t.cooper@deltatango.freeserve.co.uk http://stores.ebay.co.uk/Deltatango-Vintage-Postcards
07/08/2006 - King George V Hello all,I am trying to obtain a photo of the King George V that I can frame and give as a present. My family lived on Mull a long time ago and still talk about this beautiful old ship. - Stuart Hutchison : shutch8@tiscali.co.uk
04/08/2006 - Medway Queen Gibbie - yes, the news of the Heritage Lottery grant is very welcome - and, of course for any Club members who have forgotten, MQ was an Ailsa Troon product!- Walter McCormick
06/07/2006 - Partner, Ardminish Press, Isle of Gigha This small publishing company is hoping to produce a series of booklets on Clyde steamers, the Campbeltown and Glasgow Shipping Company, MacBraynes and other local buses, trains and planes. We are attempting to source relevant photographs, and wonder if your club could assist in any way.Kind regards Freddy Gillies - Freddy Gillies : enquiries@ardpress.co.uk www.ardpress.co.uk
29/06/2006 - A notable 60th anniversary! 29th June is a notable Clyde Steamer anniversary - for me, anyway, and there may be more out there. On Saturday 29th June 1946 the crowded Duchess of Hamilton made the stormiest crossing I have ever experienced to Arran. I was 13 and wildly excited that our family were returning to holiday in Arran for the first time since 1939. Wow! There was a bad storm over southern Scotland on that date, causing widespread damage. My memory is that once the D of H had left Fairlie and cleared the Cumbraes the seas were very high, but the ship charged into it at full speed the whole way across. I was exhilarated but many were ill! She missed Lochranza Pier on first pass but fortunately a line was secured second time of trying, and we were in. It was pouring as well as blowing a gale. What a re-introduction to the island after such a long break, but of course it was worth it. I've been playing my Harry James tapes today - Carnival and Trumpet Blues - because he was my favourite band leader of the time. Hope this isn't too long for you, Gibbie. You were the only people I could share this memory with.Cheers Andrew - Andrew Broom :
24/05/2006 - A solace version of the 8-day ticket? To Stewart,Gibbie and friends : Nice meeting you at the beginning of your May week on Mon. 15th. Guess what? My trip to Tarbert and home again involved 5 bus journeys,6 ferry crossings and 2 train journeys in one day.(at least the buses and 1 ferry crossing were free) It also revealed possibilities for variations on future days out.Hope your week went well. J.D. - Jim Delargy
12/05/2006 - i came here aby chanes. its a nice site.- onyeolu
03/05/2006 - Mr To Mr Stockdale. If you come out of the Hope Street exit from Central Station take a left down Hope Street, cross over Argyle St and continue down to north bank of river. Make your way right, pass the Casino on your left and continue on walk/cycle path to either of the pedestrian bridges. Bells Br is first. It will be open, as is the bridge a bit further on. Cross river and turn right - you will see Waverley ahead of you. moored to south bank adjacent to Science Centre and under the Glasgow Tower. Don't go up tower - you might be stuck for 5 hours!! Central to Waverley -allow 20 minutes Cheers- Stuart Craig
25/04/2006 - Mr Here's a nice easy question: what's the quickest walking route from central Glasgow to the Waverley terminal and can I guarantee the pedestrian bridges being open? And how long does it take please?- Mark Stockdale
18/04/2006 - Yacht building adverts, circa 1880-90 I'm desperately searching for adverts from the 1880s-1890s for ship yards and builders on the Clyde River. Can anyone recommend any books (or anywhere else!) where I may find such adverts? Any help would be gratefully received.- Vanessa Ridehalgh : vanessa.ridehalgh@gloriabooks.co.uk
02/04/2006 - Mr It may be of interest to members that a video detailing the history of The Invergarry and Fort Augustus Railway,has several shots which show the hull remains of the "Gairlochy"(ex-Sultan) at Onich Pier.There are also some photographs of the station and pier. The main focus of the video, of course, is about the railway itself.- Jim Delargy : james.delargy@tesco.net
30/03/2006 - Is it possible for the person responsible for selling club publications to contact me, please by email. I probably have an order, but have a couple of questions I wish to ask first. (I find email easier - my writing is almost illegible, hence the request!)- David Milne : dvdmilne@yahoo.com
24/02/2006 - To Ned : Re your search for photos of the first Duchess of Montrose. We have a considerable number in our archives . Drop me an e-mail and I will let you know how to obtain them- Gibbie Anderson : gibbie@gjanderson.freeserve.co.uk
24/02/2006 - Duchess Of Montrose (1902-1917) Greetings ,The very helpful Tom Lee informed me of your site - I'm looking for photographs of The Duchess of Montrose - A paddle steamer, built in 1902 by John Brown, successors to Thomson at Clydebank/Govan for the Caledonian Steam Packet Company , measured 322 tons, 210 feet x 25 feet. She was employed in Scottish waters initially on the Ayr station offering cruises on the lower Firth , later spent most of her time upstream on general railway connections until taken over by the Admiralty in May 1915 and coverted for use as a troopship and later a minesweeper as HMS Montrose/Duchess of Montrose . Mined and sunk near Gravelines off the French coast on March 18th 1917 . My Great Grandfather was lost in the sinking . Thanks in advance . - Ned
07/02/2006 - very good site keep it up please- obi@yahoo.com : obi@yahoo.com
26/01/2006 - Cally Isles Cally Isles left Aberdeenat 13:00 hrs today for trials for approx 4 hours then onroute back to take over from the clansman you can view photo at http:\\jinglyjangly.fotopic.net under the ships folder - Lenny Hartley
21/01/2006 - Vintage MacBrayne timetable I recently purchased a 1913 copy of MacBrayne's 'Summer Tours to the Highlands' on the Internet. A beautiful book- but, despite the seller's statement, it didn't include timetables, although my similar 1893 edition does so.Does anyone have a copy of a MacB's timetable from this era (after 1901, when Mallaig opened as a port, and before 1914) which they would be prepared to photocopy or scan for me in return for suitable payment? I would also be happy to send copies of other items from my collection in exchange- please contact me if interested- thanks. - Phil Drake : philddrake@yahoo.co.uk
11/01/2006 - Mystery Pier For James Delargey. Your best guess is correct. It is Kilcreggan- Gibbie Anderson
09/01/2006 - To Russel Darling. The photo of Glen Sannox you are questioning is one of my own and after much searching I have unearthed it and ( now comes the painful part ) have to admitt I have it recorded as 1971. At this point " I take the Fifth " as they say in all the old ganster movies- Gibbie Anderson
07/01/2006 - Mr Hello There;With Regard to the Photo of the Month this month the Ben-My- Chree. She did not serve in American waters at all. She was withdrawn early 1985 and was sold to American interests. However she was chartered back to the Steam Packet for the 1985 TT and was registered in Liverpool. Afterwards she languished in Birkenhead Docks for another 4 years before being sold for breaking in Spain. I would have loved to have been present for Iain's talk but being a member here on Merseyside it's a bit far to go! Regards Adrian Sweeney - Adrian Sweeney : shipsofmann@blueyonder.co.uk www.shipsofmann.org.uk
06/01/2006 - I would like to find a copy of Sailing in Loch Goil published by CRSC in 1979.Also looking for info on Hillside, originally planned as a hotel (c 1880) at Carrick Castle by, I believe,NB/LNER - Mark Morpurgo : mark@morvenlodge.co.uk
05/01/2006 - Glen Sannox on Club Object's Page The title to the photo of the Glen Sannox on the above page suggests that is 1963, but with a stern ramp, I would doubt the date!- Russell Darling : russell_darling@btinternet.com
05/01/2006 - Cannot imagine CRSC members saying anything that would require checking!!! Good on you. Have a great 2006- John McArthur : skye@bigpond.net.au
02/01/2006 - Campbeltown Steamer Drawings A Good New Year to the CRSC - The good news from Kintyre and Campbeltown is that The Kilbrannan Bar, at 90 Longrow, Campbeltown (up the Main Street from Campbeltown Pier and turn right after the new pedestrian crossing traffic lights - about 1/4 mile later walking, on right-hand side) - reopened on Christmas Eve.The Kilbrannan Bar was once owned by Neil Mitchell, Catering Superintendent of the old Campbeltown Steamers and principally Chief Steward of the "Davaar". When she was re-boilered in the winter of 1902/3, Neil Mitchell refitted The Kilbrannan Bar with the old bar counter, ship's doors, window glasses and 'Rennie Mackintosh' (1885-style) mirrors from the "Davaar" and these fittings have been refurbished by the bar's new owner Paul Upchurch who has also plans to cover one wall of the bar with photographs of the old Campbeltown steamers - "Gael", "Kintyre", "Kinloch", "Davaar", "Dalriada" etc. Paul Upchurch also wants to put models of the "Kintyre", "Davaar" and "Dalriada" into the bar. Does anyone know which of the archives holds these particular ships' plans ? Please e-mail me at donald.kelly14@tiscali.co.uk if you have the answer(s)! Good Searching and Good Sailing ! - Donald Kelly : donald.kelly14@tiscali.co.uk
19/12/2005 - Hello,Nice new setup. I have been reading the CRSC publication "1948" by Derek Crawford, and in particular, the photograph taken on board Lucy Ashton on page 24. I cannot pinpoint the pier she is berthed at, although Kilcreggan is my best attempt. If the date is 1948 it can't be one of the Gareloch piers, but there is a slight similarity to Tighnabruiach, but it couldn't be there either. The board advertising a local hotel seems to read St. Helens, so can anyone cast light on where this photograph was taken? - James Delargy : james.delargy@tesco.net
02/12/2005 - What a great improvement. Well done.- Duncan Wilson : duncanwilson1955@hotmail.com http://www.westhighlandsteamerclub.co.uk
10/11/2005 - Welcome back! We've all missed you!- Fraser
08/11/2005 - I like the new look.- Ian Smith |
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