News

I have been asked to pass on the following information.

'I am writing to let you know of the passing of David Abrahams of Surbiton, Surrey, who I am pretty certain was a longstanding SBA member.

David died on 5 November 2024 after a short illness. He was active almost to the very end and among other things had sailed on the paddle steamer Waverley and enjoyed a holiday in Wales last year.

The funeral will take place on Wednesday 15 January 2025 at St Paul's church, 280 Hook Road, Hook, Surrey, KT9 1PF, at 1.00 pm. No flowers have been requested. I believe that the service will be followed by a woodland burial, and a gathering at the church.'

Have been asked to report the death of Cory Luxmoore. He & his wife Kate were very active members of the SBS  some years ago. Newer members will obviously not remember them.

If anyone would like to attend his funeral they are most welcome.

Details: Wednesday 22nd January at 2pm at Sherborne Abbey. Afterwards the wake with Afternoon Tea will be held at The Sherborne, Newland,, Sherborne, DT9 3JG.

Reminder that the AGM is on the 15th March 2025 at The National Waterways Museum Ellesmere Port The booking form is on the website but if anyone is struggling assessing it there will be a hard copy in the next Funnel or you can contact me via chair@steamboatassociation.org.uk or text me on 07901 508210 with your information and I will sort the registration out.

There will be a Pre-Event Dinner at the Holiday Inn, Ellesmere Port on the Friday Night, 14th. If you require details of this please contact me using the details above. Bookings for this must be made by the 10th February and there is limited number of places.

Registration details are as follows;

Option 1, Basic Registration which includes tea/coffee included - free Option 2, Basic Registration plus buffet lunch - £11                                Option 3, Basic Registration plus Buffet Lunch plus Friday Night Dinner -                                                                                                                                   £47.50    Option 4, Basic Registration plus Friday Night Dinner, no buffet -  £36.50

Looking forward to seeing as many of you as possible there.

Regards

Dot (Chairman, Steam Boat Association of GB)

Details and booking form for the SBA AGM are now on the Events Page of the Website.

There is a member of Australia’s SBA who is travelling to Germany, then England and is very keen to meet members here. He says he doesn’t mind travelling around England to meet us. He was asked what his itinerary was, but he didn’t say.

If anyone would like to meet up with him please contact chair@steamboatassociation .org.uk.

Our 2025 AGM will be on Saturday 15th March at the National Waterways Museum, Ellesmere Port, Cheshire. Full details will be available in November. The Holiday in is within walking distance of the venue and I intend to approach them re reduced rate but there is also plenty of other accommodation near to the Museum.

Dot Bullough (Chairman, SBA)

At the request of the SBA Committee, SBA Services Limited (The SBAS) have instigated a new service to allow Overseas Visitors to SBA Events to obtain temporary Boiler Test Certificates from the SBAS.

These will be known as "TISRs" (Temporary Inspection Scheme Reports) and are provided under the normal Boiler Inspection Scheme. They can be valid for up to 60 days, need to be applied for typically 60 days before they are needed.

Such test can be requested via the Scheme Administrator, and you can see the updated booklet (Version 7.08, dated 29th May 2024), which describes the process and charges) on the SBAS pages of the site or download it from here

Malcolm Duckett, Company Secretary SBA Services Limited

Dear all, 

this is just a reminder that booking for "students" ("trainees") is now open for the "Keeping Your Feet Dry III" event on Windermere on Friday 13th September  - you can register via the Event listing (which you should be able to see on the home page). It's only £18 for the day.

Keeping Your Feet Dry III

EVENT DETAILS:

Following the successful Get Your Feet Wet on the River Wey, we have started running similar events on Windermere. This is our 3rd year.

It designed to be inexpensive, will be for a maximum of 16 people and will be highly informative and hands-on, with time on the water and the opportunity enjoy operating small marine steam plants of different kinds.

It's the ideal starting point if you are thinking of getting a steam boat, or just want to know more.

Registration for trainees is now open.

Further information here. A risk assessment is available here.

The handout which will be provided at the event may be downloaded here.

Owners of boats participating (Instructors) please register for the event and complete the event declaration form which can be found here

Remember: this is a public event designed to find NEW or potential steam-boaters, who are not necessarily SBA Members. So while SBA members are welcome to attend, consider telling your friends that this event is happening, and might provide a great introduction to the world of steam boating (and the SBA!)

Best regards

Steam Boat Association of Great Britain

Waverley, the World’s last seagoing paddle steamer, has been awarded the prestigious status of National Flagship of the Year by National Historic Ships UK. The award recognises the breadth and geographic coverage of Waverley’s sailings in addition to the extended sailing programme planned for 2024 with a record beating seventy ports and piers included within this year’s cruising itinerary.

There are some slightly adjusted draft accounts now on the website on the Events page/2024 AGM