The 'PS Waverly'

 

The 'PS Waverley' is the last seagoing passenger-carrying paddle steamer in the world. 

She was named after Sir Walter Scott's first novel and was built in 1946 by A & J Inglis in Glasgow, Scotland to replace a 'PS Waverley' that was sunk in 1940 while helping to evacuate troops from Dunkirk.

Bought in 1974 by a registered charity, the Paddle Steamer Preservation Society (PSPS), and following a successful public fund-raising appeal, she was restored to her original 1946 appearance to operate passenger excursions around the British coast.

I recall how the vessel's owners decided to operate a short series of passenger tours in 1984 from Dublin port and docking at Wicklow Town, Arklow, and on one occasion onward to Rosslare. A shorter series of tours was conducted in 1985 when I decided to create a mural of the 'Waverley' on the East Pier. I included a Scottish flag in honour of the vessel's Scottish roots.

This coincided with my early years working as a postman in Wicklow Town and I managed to complete my postal runs early to  travel on all of the ship's East Coast of Ireland tours over those two years.

In particular, I have very fond memories of my passage to Rosslare in 1984. Supporting a children's art class in the town at the time, I arranged for a group of the children (8 - 12 years old) to accompany me on the excursion. The parents had their children travel in Victorian dress for the occasion which was a source of huge amazement and joy for the adult passengers and crew. Many of those children are now adults and parents themselves living today in the town who no doubt have similar wonderful memories of that special day.

The 'Waverley' had one further visit to Wicklow port in 2001. 

Over the years, the ship has had a series of extensive refits and much restoration work, including a new boiler and various  improvements to meet modern safety standards. She has circumnavigated Great Britain and continues every year to make extensive sailings around the country.

The photo of me retouching the 'Waverly' mural below can be regarded as a tribute to the man shown here - Jerry Donnelly, a retired engineer who used to walk on the East Pier several years ago. He was a true gentleman who would chat to me regularly and encourage me in my artwork. He derived great pleasure from my murals. Sadly, he passed way a few years ago. I treasure my memories of him R.I.P.