September 9, 2005
Historic Balmoral ship passes by Burnham-On-Sea
Walkers along Burnham’s seafront were treated to a glimpse of an historic 50 year-old ship as it glided past the town on Friday morning.
The Balmoral was on its way along the River Parrett to Bridgwater to collect dozens of people on an organised excursion.
It was met in Burnham by the Bridgwater Bay Harbour Master near the town’s jetty and docked in Bridgwater shortly before 10am before setting sail a few minutes later with the passengers onboard.
The historic ship was built in Southampton in 1949 and operated under the Southampton Red Funnel Fleet for 20 years.
She then moved round to the Bristol Channel where she became the last member of P&A Campbell’s famous White Funnel Fleet. When they ceased operation in 1980, Balmoral moved to Dundee to become a floating restaurant, and there she stood, gradually falling into disrepair until she was rescued by the friends and supporters of the Waverley.
She returned to service in 1986 and to this day operates her main summer season in the Bristol Channel, offering day excursions to popular coastal resorts, as well as making visits to other ports & piers throughout the UK in Spring and Autumn.
Coastal cruising, once a great British tradition, remains alive and well in the care of Waverley Excursions and the operation of the Balmoral.
In Winter 2002,the Balmoral was fitted with new engines. The Project was dependent on nearly £150,000 being raised through the help of the Public Sector and local Councils, Supporter Societies and on-board fundraising activities which in turn secured a further £750,000 contribution from the Heritage Lottery Fund.
This money has now been used to replace the engines but has also helped carry out additional improvements to enhance passenger comfort.
The Balmoral can comfortably accommodate up to 750 passengers and has a self-serve restaurant on-board along with two licensed bars, heated observation lounge and the souvenir shop.
Tickets for excursions onboard the ship can be bought at Burnham-On-Sea Tourist Information Centre. Call 01278 787852 for more details.
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