At the presnet time the 2006 Waverley timetable is not yet ready however the forts trip should once again be going ahead, however…
The chance of boarding at Southend Pier is no longer an possible after the massive fire on Sunday (9th Octobar) night, over 130ft of the pier decking has been destroyed a number of buildings were also lost this includes the pub, shop, arcade, train station and 1889 pier head (old pier head) the resulting damage has seperated the newer pier head from the main neck of the pier rendering access impossible on foot.
The present estimates for a full reopening to the public is 2007 this would not include any facilitys and the resulting costs is though to be multi millions, luckly the pier was fully insured and a promise has been made by Southend Council to fully restore the pier.
You will still be able to vist the forts on board the Waverley by boarding at either Tower Pier (London Tower Bridge) or at the Tilbury Landing Stage (Essex).
Once I have dates of next years trip and any news on the access to the pier I will let you all know.
By: Old Fart - 26th August 2006 at 17:18
Sadly I will now not be able to go on this years Waverley trip, My mum is going to be in hospital for an operation.
Hope to book on the tall ship
By: Old Fart - 22nd August 2006 at 16:19
There is a second chance to view the Thames Forts via boat on the 21st/22nd October, the trip at £55 is a fair bit more expensive than the Waverley but the trip is longer at 5 hours and is on board the Worlds Largest Tall Ship the STS Sedov you can either relax on deck, visit the museum, get stuck in and help on the ropes or get ratted in the Russian Bar on board!
Places are very limited and there is a big question mark hanging over the trip at present, the leaflet I have, has it as on, but a few website only have the tall ship listed as visiting the pier and open to the public.
She is still well worth a visit as it will be the only UK visit by her this year, I will try and find out what is happening and let you all know.
Hope to book the Waverley this week possibly next.
By: Newforest - 24th June 2006 at 16:36
I’m registerd with the mailing service so as soon as the dates come out I will post them up here,
And here is the date for the Forts trip and it is leaving from Southend! Look forward to the trip report again! 🙂
http://www.waverleyexcursions.co.uk/tdisp.htm?port1=southend&port2=
By: Old Fart - 13th October 2005 at 13:24
I’m registerd with the mailing service so as soon as the dates come out I will post them up here,
By: GASML - 13th October 2005 at 11:14
Sad to hear about the damage to Southend Pier. Glad to hear though that the local authorities are not going take the ‘easy’ option that has resulted in the loss of so many others.
Just a thought, when we know when the Waverley will make her 2006 voyage, how about one or two historic aircraft owners arranging to be coincidentally ‘in the vicinity’; maintaining statutory 500 foot clearances of course!
By: Arabella-Cox - 13th October 2005 at 08:04
I haven’t been out to the Thames Port Fortifications but I have been on the Waverley and via Southend Pier to the Pool of London. I was amazed at her youthful age for a paddle steamer just after WW2. Again keeping this topic like the BofB Locos on track (sic) is of significance to Historic Aviation as how else would one be able to see at close range these ack ack forts without those other restorers keeping a dream alive for some.
By: Old Fart - 12th October 2005 at 23:52
You would not get sick on Waverley she dose rock a little but not much besides theres a bar on board!
By: Moggy C - 12th October 2005 at 22:49
Hmm,
Sounds interesting, but I’m not that good on boats 🙁
Moggy
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October 12, 2005 at 10:39 pm