Medway-Queen Ream-Blog

A bit of recycling…

One of our lovely clients, Mr and Mrs Thompson, who bought a Ream kitchen over 35 years ago decided that it was time for an upgrade. However, it seemed a shame to scrap a kitchen that was still in great condition. The Medway Queen needed a new kitchen in the Purser’s office, but budget restraints meant that a new kitchen was not feasible. The team on the Paddle steamer had to start brainstorming ideas on what their next steps could be.

Mr Thompson spends his spare time with a team of volunteers on the preserved Medway Queen Paddle steamer, where they work on restoring and maintaining the 100-year-old ship.

Whilst brainstorming, Mr Thompson had a great idea. He asked for his old kitchen to be left behind so that he was able to take it to their workshop on Gillingham pier where he and his team would adjust it to fit the Purser’s office. Not only was this a great way to keep costs down but was also a fantastic way to recycle a kitchen that was still in great condition.

The team on the Paddle steamer work hard to think outside the box to ensure they always come up with the most cost-effective but best ways to improve and restore the ship. The team who work on the ship are a skilled bunch. From engineers to naval experts, their wealth of knowledge and experience enables them to undertake the huge task of looking after the Medway Queen. After all, anything 100 years old must be looked after with extreme care and attention!

The Medway Queen and her restorations and improvements are all reliant on the contributions gained through both donations and money made from the tour of the ship and exhibitions. Recently the Paddle steamer was taken all the way to Ramsgate where the huge task of treating and repainting her exterior was undertaken. Without donations from the public, this would never have been possible!

We’re so pleased to be a part of the historic ship that saw the battle of Dunkirk, was requisitioned for the Royal Navy in 1939 and converted for minesweeping, and that was part of the post-war service wherein 1946/7 she was refitted and returned to civilian use.

Head over to their website to plan a day trip to see it and support the fantastic Medway Queen Preservation Society –https://www.medwayqueen.co.uk/

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