"Teds Clacton Belle": The story of William Edward (Ted) Groom, the Edwardian Paddle Steamer enthusiast, has been published by author Victoria Groom.
The book contains an introduction by Peter Box, who is the foremost authority on the Belle Steamers and who has several highly acclaimed pleasure steamer books to his name. "Teds Clacton Belle" is not a technical book but the true story of a very ordinary South London Gas Company employee who had a passion for Paddle Steamers and who salvaged furnishings and ephemera for the sheer pleasure of enriching his home. Much of the rescued items have survived and a large part of the collection is now in the safe custody of his Grand-daughter Victoria. She has painstakingly researched his life and 'Ted's Clacton Belle' by Victoria Groom is an enchanting story which will give pleasure to steamer enthusiasts and those who enjoy a good read alike. "Ted's Clacton Belle" also contains many of the previously unpublished photographs taken by Ted Groom in the early part of the twentieth century, along with photos of some of the artefacts that still survive. The book launch took place aboard PS Waverley on the London to Clacton trip.
Authors Victoria Groom and Peter Box on board PS Waverley at Clacton Pier at the book launch.
Victoria has kindly agreed that visitors to this site can have their copy of the book signed by her at no additional cost. See below for details.
The Book is available by Mail Order and enquiries should be made to the author, Victoria Groom, who can be contacted on
Telephone: UK 01200 447600
The cost of the book is £10.00 including packaging and posting in UK. Overseas orders should add £2.25 for postage and packing.
Cheques should be drawn in sterling, in the UK and payable to Victoria Groom.
If you mention Paddle Steamer Picture Gallery website when ordering, author Victoria will arrange for your copy to be signed.
At least £1.00 for every book purchased will go to the Medway Queen Preservation Society.
ISBN 1 898722 50 1