The Heritage Lottery Fund has given permission to John Kempton, Chairman of the Medway Queen Preservation Society, to offer Mr David Abels the contract to build the hull of the Medway Queen.

Mr Abels own the Albion Dry Dock at Bristol and trades as David Abels (Boatbuilders).  He put in a quote to build the hull using traditional skills and following plans that date back to 1924 when the ship was originally built.

Special interest is expected as this will be the first fully-riveted ship to be built in an English shipyard for fifty years.  Modern health and safety standards, of course, will be adhered to throughout.  The little paddler has a famous neighbour in the shape of the SS Great Britain which is in the next dry-dock, within walking distance.

Brian Goodhew, spokesman for the Medway Queen Preservation Society, welcomed the excellent news.  He said, “I believe that now things are happening after many years people will take a renewed interest.  This is the first chapter in a new beginning.”