Sister ship Balmoral with the paddle steamer Waverley

by Jamie Stephens

A campaign is under way to save a popular visitor to Kent's shores.

The Waverley is the world’s last sea-going paddle steamer, but this could be the last year she makes the journey to the area unless vital funding can be found.

A major increase in fuel prices has caused operating costs to soar and £350,000 needs to be raised to keep the Waverley and her sister ship the Balmoral afloat.

The ships take day trippers on journeys on the Thames throughout the summer and into the autumn, to places including Gravesend, Whitstable, Margate, Ramsgate, Folkestone and Dover.

As well as bringing joy to millions of passengers in her lifetime, the Waverley has also become a star in its own right, making her first big screen appearance in the new Sherlock Holmes film.

Waverley was sold to Paddle Steamer Preservation Society for £1 in 1975 and became renowned worldwide for its trips which take in some of the most beautiful coastlines in Britain.

Stopping at both Margate and Whitstable, the steamer has made hundreds of trips around the Kent coastline and down the Thames to the heart of London, but these pleasure trips could soon become a thing of the past.

So far £140,000 has been raised but the charity which owns the boat is urging local residents and tourists to help find the rest.

Nick James, Chairman of Waverley Steam Navigation Company Limited said: “It is vital we continue to raise the further £210,000 to 'Save the Waverley’ and secure her future and that of Balmoral.

“The only way we can ensure these beautiful historic ships can continue to sail is to appeal to local communities and tourists to get behind our campaign and come aboard Waverley or Balmoral or donate to the 'Save the Waverley’ fund.

“It is a fantastic day out for all the family and it would be a tragedy if this were to be the last summer sailing. We have exciting plans for 2012 but we must make sure we have the funds necessary for essential winter maintenance.”

To book tickets or make a donation, or for further information, visit the website at www.waverleyexcursions.co.uk or call the booking office on 0845 130 4647.