Too precious to lose
Waverley chief welcomes meeting boiler fund target but says the charity must learn from wider heritage sector. Hugh Dougherty reports.
PAUL Semple, Waverley Excursions general manager, wants to thank all who have donated to the LNER-built ship’s boiler replacement appeal after the fund met its £2.3 million target just six months after the appeal’s launch in June last year.
“I was amazed at just how quickly the money came in from individuals and from corporate bodies,” Paul said. “The heritage ships and boating movement supported us greatly, and I’d like to thank Towpath Talk readers, especially, for their support. Each time the magazine carried a news item on the appeal, we could track a rise in giving.”
Now, Waverley is set to have her new boilers fitted in time to take up her summer 2020 season on the Clyde and on UK coastal waters. But Paul is warning that unless the ship takes on board the same approach to continuous fundraising used by many heritage railways, steam museums and new-build steam locomotive projects, the world’s last sea-going paddle steamer’s future may not yet be guaranteed.
“It’s wonderful to have reached our appeal total,” said Paul, ”but what the appeal process has taught us is that we need regular giving throughout the year to ensure that we can meet the cost of maintenance, as well as building up reserves to help us meet unforeseen circumstances. We cannot rely on revenue alone and plan to introduce regular, year-round, continuous giving schemes.
“I learned a great deal from our heritage railway colleagues during the appeal, such as, for example, how new-build steam loco Tornado really owes its existence to direct debit, planned giving. It’s that kind of approach we need to adopt to keep Waverley sailing, for we’re aiming at her still being in service for her centenary in 2047.”
Work being done between now and the start of the season in May includes fitting the new boilers, being built by Cochran of Annan, new boiler controls and generators, as well as routine dry docking and sea trials, which will help guarantee the ship’s seaworthiness for at least the next 25 years.
“That’s thanks to all who supported our appeal,” said Paul. “What we’re asking now, from all steam lovers, is continuing and long-term support for Waverley as a unique survivor of pleasure steamers that were once such a feature of British coastal waters. She is simply too precious to lose.”