News

Many in the SBA will be saddened to hear of the death on 12th December of Mike Early. He was 86.

Mike ran ‘Emerald’ for many years as a steamer but as he grew older had her converted by Ian Rutter to 48v electric power. Mike was always a committed rally-goer and, despite his cancer, had this year licensed ‘Emerald’ for Windermere week and was all set to tow her northwards.

Mike was an immensely warm and always enthusiastic man with an uncrushable spirit. Although advised that ‘Emerald’ should not parade with the steamboats at the SBA 50th, he was determined to put in an appearance and to that end had very professional PVC lettering applied down each side of her hull reading ‘Old steamboats never die: they just run out of puff!’, but, sadly, his rebellion was not to be. In the event, he travelled by train and was too unwell to attend the Saturday evening gala dinner.

We extend condolences to Wendy and the family.

Mike’s funeral will be held at Wealdon Crematorium, Horam, near Heathfield, Sussex (p/c to use with satnav is TN21 0LH on Tuesday 11th January at1.00pm

Sam Wilkinson

We were saddened to learn in Christmas week that our most senior Vice President, Sam Wilkinson, died on 7th November, just short of his 100th birthday.

Truly a steamboating Elder Statesman, Sam was an extraordinarily accomplished engineer and a very well-loved member of the SBA.  He was also regarded as something of an oracle within the Association. As well as building and running his own steam cabin launch, ‘Saumarez V’, he built and developed engines and pumps for fellow members over many decades while answering endless technical questions posed by them on every conceivable aspect of steamboating.  ‘Sam Says’ was a regular and valued feature in our journal.

This brief announcement cannot do Sam justice and a full length obituary with input from a number of members is currently in preparation for publication in the Spring (March) edition of Funnel.                Mark Rudall

An SBA Member, Robin Gibson, has made us aware of a youtube video which has recently been produced in the US.  It's a fine reminder of the amazing preservation and voyage of the Eppleton Hall, well known to the SBA of course as mentioned in Funnel recently.  As he writes "There are a few details of which some pedants like myself may draw breath a little, but overall it's a very good job".  Watch the video on the website.  If the link has expired, go to the media/video page and look under 'Steamboats Abroad'.

The location and date of the 51st AGM and Social Event has been announced.  Details, registration and catering booking are available now on the website here.

This year the Marsh Group Volunteer Award has been awarded to two winners both connected to steamboats. They are the Daniel Adams Preservation Society of Liverpool and the Volunteers and trustees of the Steamship Shieldhall Charity of Southhampton.

The Shipshape Volunteer Award was awarded to the Ship Engineers of the Steam Tug Kerne Preservation Society and 

the Lifetime Achievement Award was given to Chris Heyes of the Steam Tug Kerne Preservation Society for 50yrs of committed volunteering.

Congratulations to everyone and especially to Chris.

Do you fancy a week of volunteering beside a picturesque loch working on one of the most iconic steam vessels still in service? 

SBA Member Adrian Greco has been speaking to the General Manager of the SWS management company and has a suggestion to Members of the SBA if they would like to lend a hand.

In the News & and Events tab, visible when you are logged-in, you will find a link to an extensive description of the plan.  You can contact Adrian directly to find out more - you can email him or find his phone number in the members' register (log in and look in the directory of members on the Members' page).

Preliminary notice: The dates for the 2022 Windermere Rally have been brought forward and are now Sunday 26th June to Friday 1st July 2022. It is also returning to its original base, the Windermere Motor Boat and Racing Club.

Please could you register your interest by visiting the Event's page and clicking the registration button or by emailing Malcolm Proud direct.

Also please note this is a registration of interest and registration proper for the event will have to be completed at a later date.

Members with deep pockets need to look at Berrybrooksteam.co.uk

As you should know we have set up a WhatsApp group for SBA members, and we have 20-some members signed up. You can sign up for the group via the links on the home page... however...

I (as the group admin) am having trouble adding some applicants, and there are (I think) two reasons for this:

1: you have to have installed the WhatsApp app on your mobile phone before I can add you to the group (i.e. before you apply), and that phone number is the one you need to add in your profile as "mobile phone".

2: you have to give the app all the permissions it asks for on your phone, in order for me to add you.... missing permissions means no entry - sorry these are WhatsApp's rules...

So, if you have applied and have not been added, please check the above two items, as without these being done there is nothing I can do - sorry.

PS - the processing at this end is VERY "manualmatic" (circa 10 minutes each!!!), so please apply slooowwwlllyyy..... :-)

A new Steamboat Rally will be held at Mylor Yacht Harbour River Fal  CORNWALL  .10th to 13th June   2022  with options to extend your stay if desired   ,For more information  contact  

Alan Davis  alan.verona0251@gmail.com