March 2010

- Facts -

Nomadic was saved from destruction three times, in 1945, 1969 and 2006.

Welcome to the Nomadic Preservation Society Website

The Nomadic Preservation Society was created in 2006 to promote the history, research and restoration of the SS Nomadic, one of the world’s most important historic ships. Built in Belfast by Harland and Wolff during 1910/11, she was purpose built as the 1st and 2nd class passenger tender to the White Star Line giants, Olympic and Titanic - and on 10th April 1912, she served Titanic on her one and only visit to Cherbourg, France. Over the years, she has carried such people as John Jacob Astor, Margaret (Molly) Brown, Charlie Chaplin, Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton to name but a few to such famous ships as Titanic, Oceanic, Olympic, Caronia, Queen Mary and Queen Elizabeth.

Designed under the guidance of famed Belfast Naval Architect, Thomas Andrews, this proud little steamer has survived to this day as the last remaining ship of the White Star Line. Saved from destruction in 2006 and returned to Belfast, she now lies in dry dock only a stone’s throw from where she was built. She now awaits full restoration back to her original specification by the Nomadic Charitable Trust, a voluntary body.

This website contains all there is to know about the SS Nomadic; her design, her service life, her various conversions and how she looks today. But the research never ends and on here is where you will find the latest news as well as a growing public discussion forum. As the world’s leading research organisation into the SS Nomadic, the Nomadic Preservation Society looks forward to welcoming you aboard.

Latest News

Members Meeting Outcome

News From The Recent Members Meeting

On the 19^th February, the NPS held its first meeting of the year. After a disappointing year in 2009, topped by the straight refusal of the Nomadic Charitable Trust to want to work with us, the society has regrouped and strengthened its resolve – and certainly there is a wind of change in the air. There was a strong turnout of members and despite the cold weather outside, they all left warmed after the various forms of fantastic news given to them during the evening.

To find out details of these, please visit the various threads soon to appear on our forum to read about them. However, to give you a taster, the main topics discussed are outlined below :-

1) The Nomadic Preservation Society is pleased to announce that we have gained Charitable Status – this is a hugely important step for the society and will greatly increase our exposure and chances of success as we move forward.

2) During a visit to the Nomadic's remaining lifeboat and panelling, a Heritage Lottery Fund executive and Ulster Folk and Transport Museum's Keeper of Transport, Michael McCaughan were both highly impressed by not only the artefacts themselves, but also by the way the NPS has handled this whole issue. There are some last minute details to tie down, but as it stands, the HLF are proposing to award the society a substantial amount towards not only the restoration of the boat, but also all of the required ancillary items.

3) The ship's 2 1^st Class port vestibule doors are now in the hands of Extern and are currently undergoing slow and careful restoration.

4) The structure of the society itself is changing as well – and for the better. We now have fixed dates for this year's remaining meetings – all to be held at our new home, the Belmont Tower (a lovely venue indeed) – and four publications a year (2 Lone Stars and 2 Crow's Nests).

5) We have welcomed 3 new Committee Members, Rupert Keyzar (2^nd term) and David and Ruth Young from Fermanagh with further expansion expected.

Certainly, this is going to be a fantastic year for the society and we hope you will join us!

NPS Supports Petition To Save The Paddle Ship 'Ryde'

The Nomadic Preservation Society is pleased to support the petition to save the Paddle Ship Ryde from destruction. For a while, it looked that she had been saved – however, liquidators for the creditors of the marina where the ship is located have decided to scrap her instead. In order to attempt to block this, a petition has been created and sent to the UK Prime Minister. This is a worthy cause and so we recommend all who read this, log on and add your name. The petition is already at well over 2,700 names, thus ensuring the Prime Minister has to either intervene or at the very least, respond.

Click on the link below to add your voice - if you need any persuading then look at the photo.....

PS Ryde Petition

With growing worldwide interest and fascination with historic steamships, we hope that the people can once again save a proud ship from obscurity/destruction.

Posted on 08/02/2010 - Read Full Story