Medway Queen Club 50th Anniversary

Medway Queen Club 50th anniversary The Medway Queen Club operated on the Isle of Wight from May 1966 to late in 1974. It was initially a restaurant and nightclub later becoming a disco and cabaret venue when the PS Ryde joined her in 1972. The club was, of course, situated on board the Dunkirk veteran paddle steamer Medway Queen at what is now the Island Harbour Marina. Medway Queen had been withdrawn from excursion service in 1963 and was sold to Alan Ridett and his business partners in 1965. The club opened on Saturday 14th May 1966. It is also the anniversary of the marina which was closely associated with Medway Queen and originally shared her name. Happily the 50th anniversary this year also falls on a Saturday and a day of celebration is planned at Island Harbour Marina to mark the occasion and to raise funds for the Medway Queen Preservation Society who are restoring the ship to working order. As many readers will know the hull has been completely rebuilt with support from the Heritage Lottery Fund and the society is now raising the cash needed for fitting out the ship and to get the machinery working again. Medway Queen is currently berthed in Gillingham, Kent where she is open to visitors most weekends. Details: www.medwayqueen.co.uk A day of events is planned at Island Harbour starting at 11am and including illustrated talks on the history of the ship, guided tours of the marina lock control tower and Richardsons Yacht Services workshops. There will be static displays about the history of Medway Queen and it is hoped that anyone with memories and especially photographs or other memorabilia of Medway Queen or the marina will call in and share their knowledge with us. Other activities, including something for the children, are also being planned. In the evening (7pm) there will be a buffet dinner with entertainment from Dave Cannon of “Solent City Sounds”. Dave was one of the regular DJs on board Medway Queen and Ryde Queen when the club was functioning and has generously agreed to support this event. Admission during the day is free but dinner tickets will cost £15 per head. Advance booking for the dinner is essential and also recommended for groups wishing to attend one of the audio-visual talks or tours. Contact the Island Harbour Marina on 01983 539994 or email: info@island-harbour.co.uk A new book “The Medway Queen Club” will be launched during the day and signed copies will be available from the author, Richard Halton. Richard’s previous books on Medway Queen have proved very popular, with “The Medway Queen” history being reprinted after just 18 months. This latest book draws heavily on reminiscences by former staff members, musicians and visitors to the club. It is packed with photographs and memories of the Isle of Wight’s favourite floating nightclub. The book is A5 size with 64 pages and a glossy card cover. Like the Island Harbour events the book is a celebration of the Club’s memory and will raise funds for the ship’s restoration.

The anniversary is also to be marked with more modest photographic displays at other Isle of Wight venues throughout the summer season. As well as the marina, there will be displays at the Cowes Maritime Museum, Classic Boat Museum Gallery and the Island’s Bus Museum in Ryde. Swanage Pier is also hosting a display; other venues are being sought and the list may yet grow. Any venue interested in taking part should email mq.reading@ntlworld.com Illustrations Top - The Medway Queen Club at opening in 1966: PSPS Collection Centre - Visitors to the club in 1969: Sue Small Lower: A draft of the new book, currently being finalised Richard Halton, March 2016