Sunday, May 23, 2010

Here's our girl being loaded onto the trailer by our favourite haulier Robby Kingswell...if you ever find yourself in a position to move a paddle steamer-he's your man!
Anyhow, the Monarch is now on her way and we'll update you just as soon as we can....TTFN

Friday, May 21, 2010

Monarch on Holiday

Monarch is due to be lifted out of the water today and will be heading down to Cornwall very shortly. I will meet her on Monday and take her up the Tamar to her holiday cottage in Calstock, where she will be the first paddle steamer to visit in 80 years!
Monarch will return to the Isle of Wight just after the Bank Holiday.

Catch you soon,

The Skip

Monday, May 17, 2010

Updates

Just as a reminder-Monarch is on her holidays from May 24th-June 1st and there will obviously be no Medina sailings during this time.

Last Saturday, the third annual Riverfest took place. It was the first event hosted by the Footprint Trust-and they provided some wonderful entertainment, stalls and activities for everybody. Newport Harbour looked really festive and fun and everybody involved should give themselves a pat on the back for coming together in such a short space of time.

The marshalls counted 4,100 visitors to the quay during the day, which isn't too bad....but next year it will be even bigger!!

We're working hard to make sure that Monarch is in tip top condition to make her transit up the Tamar and have replaced all of the engine gaskets, overhauled the pumps and finally got around to making my wheelhouse habitable again!! Many thanks to John Little for his carpentry skills and Len for overseeing the mechanical bits.

So, without wanting to tempt fate (.....yes, the Portsmouth fiasco is still ringing in my mind!) I think next weeks trip to Cornwall should be a good 'un.

When we're back, I'll post all of the Tamar photos on here-I imagine she'll look spectacular there.

The Skip

Friday, May 7, 2010

Monarch to Visit Cornwall

Monarch will be away in Cornwall from May 24th-June 1st for a private charter. We are delighted that once there, we will be able to offer a very limited public service between May 28-29th with help from the Calstock Ferry Service. Bookings need to be made through the Tamar Valley AONB Office, or by emailing tamarbookings@medinamonarch.co.uk.

We're working very hard at the moment, not only to arrange Monarch's excursion, but also for our part in the Riverfest. This will be a great family event happening on May 15th on Newport Quay-we will arrive in flotilla with other steam boats and the magnificent tall ships operated by the Little Brig Trust.

See you there!

The Skip