Barge trip

[Bob Abell 2Participant @bobabell2]

As mentioned elsewhere, we had a chartered barge trip today, from the Bridgewater canal, along the River Irwell and into the Manchester Ship Canal

It was a special occasion for Family, long lost relatives that we only see on solemn occasions and friends and for once, we had the weather on our side!

Attached are a selection of photos recording our lovely day out

Hope you find the photos of some interest……….Bob

[Bob Abell 2Participant @bobabell2]

[Bob Abell 2Participant @bobabell2]

The tour starts from Potato Wharf, Castlefield, on the Bridgewater canal

A very historic area, built during the Victorian days, and dare I say it?…….Built when Brunel was a lad!

The bridge in the background is the famous Manchester to Liverpool railway, which opened in 1830 and was the first railway station to be built in Great Britaln, opened by the Duke of Wellington of Waterloo fame. Close by is an area infamous for the Peterloo Massacre!

[Bob Abell 2Participant @bobabell2]

Once on board, we start with a glass of Champagne!……….Buck Fizz, actually

All very nice?

[Bob Abell 2Participant @bobabell2]

At one stage we enter central Manchester along the River Irwell

I think this is Blackfriars bridge in Salford?

The river was once one of the most polluted rivers in England, but is now quite clean and can be fished

[Bob Abell 2Participant @bobabell2]

During the outward cruise……Bong!………Dinner is served!

For starters………Fried mushroom salad with Black Puddin` of course!

Main meal………….Roast chicken etc………,,,,,and the bar is open!……………….Since I`m not driving………Whooppee!

Suddenly……….It went strangely quiet!

[Bob Abell 2Participant @bobabell2]

Some time later we broke out into the Ship Canal………It was like an inland sea!

It must have been a grand sight in the old days, about thirty years ago?……Seeing the ocean going ships and liners!

Approaching Media City……A spectacular newly developed area, housing among others……the new Coronation Street set, the BBC and ITV studios, Lowry Centre and art gallery and the Imperial War museum

[Bob Abell 2Participant @bobabell2]

At Salford Quays, we have about one and a half hours to have a look round the shops, galleries , War museum…..etc

We are berthed under the bridge

General view of the very impressive area

It actually looks like a foreign country!

[Bob Abell 2Participant @bobabell2]

On the way back, the sweet course was served, along with some more grog of course

Along the way back, we pass Old Trafford…..Home of Manchester United Football Club

Oo! Arr!………Cantona!…….They used to shout………..Some time ago

Home of the Stars…….Rooney……Best……..Law……..Charlton…….Giggs……etc

Sorry about that, chaps

Bob

[Bob Abell 2Participant @bobabell2]

Here we are back at Potato Wharf after a wonderful hilarious day out

Hope you enjoyed the story and photos, chaps?

It may look a bit grotty in parts, but what an interesting area?

Science museum, Aircraft museum, Railway museum, printing museum, art gallery, extensive canal system, Roman fort, cathedral, Manchester Museum, Industrial Revolution everywhere, ocean going ships………etc

Bye………Bob

Bob

[Colin BishopModerator @colinbishop34627]

You obviously had a great time Bob, thanks for sharing it.

Colin

[Peter FitnessParticipant @peterfitness34857]

Marvellous photos Bob, and the weather certainly was good.

BTW, I think you missed a few of the Stars…Scholes, Bruce, Hughes, Keane and the Nevilles among them, not to mention Busby and Ferguson.

Peter.

[Bob Abell 2Participant @bobabell2]

Thank you, Colin and Peter

I didn't want to over do it with the famous names, since there are so many of them!

I would like to mention that my sister, who organised the event, used to dance with Duncan Edwards at the local church dances

And another tit bit……A chap on our table was related to Daniel Adamson……The founder of the Manchester Ship Canal

Another nice day today, chaps!

Bob

[Bob Abell 2Participant @bobabell2]

Sorry Peter

It wasn't Duncan Edwards, it was Roger Byrne

Bob

[LARRY WHETTONParticipant @larrywhetton68737]

Hi Bob,

NIce to se you had a nice time, some good pictures,

worked in Cheadle Hume way back , when i did a tour granarda studios…….

when the corrio was filmed there plus a mock of no10 and parliment set …

and walked the famous cobbles, met elsie tanner and ken barlow, and the famous mini cauldwell

happy days …………cheers Larry….

[ashley needhamParticipant @ashleyneedham69188]

Bob. Very pleasant looking barge you were on. Nice pictures.

One wonders what the trip would have been like under a lowering sky and pouring with rain. That would have made a bit more of the Brunellian atmosphere!

Ashley

[Bob Abell 2Participant @bobabell2]

Thank you Ashley

We had that sort of weather last Christmas!

The canal was frozen over!

Bob

[Tony HadleyParticipant @tonyhadley]

Bob,

Looked like an excellent trip, which yourself and all enjoyed.

Last year we went on the Manchester Ship Canal excursion which is run by Mersey Ferries. Journey was cut short at Warrington as there was a problem with the canal. They sent us tickets for a replacement journey which we hope to take later this year.

Tony.

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