I was with the French Group and delighted when I realised that The Kingswear Castle was starting its tourist cruises that day. The group all agreed to me suggestion for a trip. It was particularly poignant for me as I had chartered her a few times when she was based in Chatham (the first time in connection with MOG 2000). In 2012 I arranged for two charters as part of MOG13 - but at the end of 2012 learnt that she was moving to Dartmouth.
She is the only coal fired paddle steamer in the UK - possible one of very few left in Europe - though the oldest paddle steamer in the World is the Danish Hjejlen still powered by its original engine from 1861.
If any TM'er is in the Dartmouth area I strongly recommend they take a trip on Kingswear Castle.
Quentin
