The Diary of a Volunteer

17.4.2021

Volunteer Days have thankfully resumed, and progress continues apace. It’s wonderful to see so many of our volunteers returning and their assistance is invaluable in repairing some of the damage to the Balmoral caused by the forced closure of the ship due to the Covid-19 Pandemic.

We celebrated the birthday of one of our volunteers, Neil. 

In the engine room Phil continued doing a first class job rebuilding the Port Generator. Phil will be away for a while back to his full time job on his Dredger in the English Channel.  Also the Oily Water Separator was run on test – the
overboard monitor indicating 5ppm – safe enough to pump overboard.

Phil, Graham, Chris and Jeff continued with the Bridge Deck Steelwork Refurbishment. 

Testing of all bridge equipment was carried out by Andy, Dave and Jeff.

My Future My Choice were also on board getting ready for our first post-lockdown visit by school children. 

Graham Bell was also on board as Tony Byrne will be off to the PS Waverley for a few days. The school children enjoyed Graham’s tour of the engine room.

Balmoral also had a new neighbour arrive The Pelican.

30.4.2021

On Tuesday the 27th of April, Mac McKillop paid us a visit. Mac started volunteering in 2017 and was a great help in replacing all the mounts on the main engines. Unfortunately, since then, he has been seriously ill but is now recovering. It was good to see you again Mac.

This was also the week that P.S. Waverley went into Garvel dry dock.

While on the Balmoral, repairs were carried out to one of the shop windows as we had some unlawful boarders. Nigel continued with varnishing the window frames and seats outside the souvenir shop.  Inside the shop refurbishment work has been carried out and the steering flat is being tidied.