Paddle Steamer Waverley, Inaugural visit to the River Thames April 1978

In 1978, following Waverley’s arrival at Newhaven on the 17th April a four week programme of cruises was offered on the River Thames and South Coast.
This venture was planned to re-coup the heavy financial losses incurred after the 1977 season. At this time of year the Waverley would normally still be moored in Glasgow being prepared for the forthcoming Clyde summer season.
In this video, we join Waverley on Saturday 29th April at Tower Pier for her first sail under the famous London Tower Bridge. As the bridge opens to allow Waverley passage we then follow her down river passing by Greenwich and on to Southend where a large expecting crowd eagerly awaits her arrival.
We are treated to a variety of on deck shots which clearly show us how the Waverley looked in 1978. The eagle eyed among you will note several changes from 1978 to her current layout.
This was to be the last season of Silver Service in the dining saloon and included are some fully restored images to record the appearance of the saloon before it was changed to cafeteria style catering the following year.
After a hugely successful visit to the River Thames, Waverley returned to the South Coast before heading North to Glasgow where she picked up her summer Clyde cruising schedule.

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