Waverley and Balmoral

There was a short article on the Balmoral regarding its refurbishment on last nights Points West.

It's available on iplayer but only for the next few hours. The article starts at 11:07

http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b00ycvmj/BBC_Points_West_11_02_2011/

 

A short interview on BBC Radio Scotland regarding the precarious position Waverley is now in financially: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-13112807
Dan

 

Not the first time! I have some newspaper cuttings from the 80's saying final season ahead . . .

 

They never charged enough, £40 or so Southwold to London with bus back is a little cheap imho

 

I'd agree with that, I often compare their prices with that of a railtour. Waverley and Balmoral day trips are very cheap by comparison but the running costs not much different. Perhaps onboard catering could be stepped up and 'premier dining' cruises offered. Seems some new blood and ideas are needed . . the same old just isn't working . . .

It would be nice to see a couple of the railway magazines give Waverley some space and promote her LNER heritage . . . a letter I sent to the previous of Editor of Steam Railway promoted no response despite an offer to co-write and provide pictures free of charge, once Waverley stops trading a major gap will exist in our Railway and Maritime Heritage.

The operation of Balmoral which was purchased to support Waverley has made little or no contribution to the operation looking at the latrest trading figures in Paddle Wheels. She needs stationing on the Thames and South Coast and start generating some cash . . . 3 month season's for her aren't enough as i see it.

 

Continuing newspaper reports over the last few days about the doubtful future facing Waverley and Balmoral.

The BBC was filming on board and from a rib on Monday to be shown I believe on The One Show on BBC1 tonight (Wednesday).

Do we really want to lose scenes like this:

Waverley arriving Rothesay last Saturday.

 

Thanks for the 'heads up' on the TV tonight - will watch with trepidation.

 

Well it is a Paddle Steamer built for a railway company.... would make a grand addition to the National Collection!!

 

As such David you'd think the railway magazines would get behind her but it took some hassling before i got a small news item in Steam Railway.

 

I happened to speak to someone working in a Visitor Information Centre the other day who was not impressed by the publicity handouts issued in respect of the Waverley. The view was that this material was cluttered and not easy to read.

 

Next to last day of the season today - press reporting various outcomes of the appeal. Buckets being rattled but comments being made about see you next year as we leave piers.

A formal announcement is needed to clear air

In the meantime - its goodnight from my favourite skipper and a few more good Scottish hand pumped beers to help dinner settle

 

No mention on here yet that it has been reported that Eurolottery winner ~Colin Weir has supported the Waverley Appeal. I'm sure I saw it on the BBC news web site.

 

I have had this link sent to my by a friend. The report agrees with what you have seen but as yet I have not seen any official news release which gives further substance to these news reports:

http://www.thescottishsun.co.uk/scotsol/homepage/news/3925314/Lottery-pair-keep-steamer-afloat.html

 

From the BBC Scotland website: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-glasgow-west-15678523

 

That's great news, but not something that can be relied on every year.

Richard

 

Yes I saw it too, definitely Waverley. Looked safely tucked up on a reasonably calm stretch of water happily.

 

The Science Museum berth is right outside the BBC offices

We have sufficient funds for the 2012 refits purely due to individual generosity. What is now needed is high calibre commercial management across all our businesses and functions so that we don't need to endure a season like 2011 again.

Its PSPS Council on Saturday - there's a starter for ten!

 

Not wanting to teach the Waverley people to suck eggs, but has the corporate market been considered? Some heritage railways and other attractions have found it to be a reasonable earner.

 

Its not the PSPS that need a bomb under them!