The bridge had been under construction for the last seven years and has cost around £600million.Now the Daniel Adamson Trust is arranging cruises to view the new bridge.
Cruises start from Ellesmere Port then head under the new bridge to Runcorn and back again.
Cruises will be on ‘The Danny’, the fully restored Daniel Adamson Steam Ship dating from 1903.The cruise will take in Stanlow and Frodsham Marshes, a haven of birdlife and will pass under the original Runcorn Railway Bridge, which is also known as the Ethelfleda Bridge or the Britannia Bridge which opened in 1868. From there the cruise passes beneath 1961 Silver Jubilee bridge or locally known on the ship canal as “The Bird Cage” due to the thousands of nesting birds that make it their home. Then it passes through Old Quay swing-bridge, up past Whigg Wharf and the new nature reserve before approaching the Mersey Gateway Bridge.
It is the last surviving steam-powered tug to be built on the Mersey.The Danny ceased ‘paid employment’ in 1984 and its retirement led to a period of neglect before finally becoming a victim of vandalism and arson.
The final indignity was the price tag of a mere £1.00. It found a buyer and the Daniel Adamson Trust started the preservation process in 2004. An army of volunteers finally restored The Danny to full working order in 2015.
The Danny is now a unique ‘Art-Deco ship’with carpets, chairs, fabrics and tables all handcrafted locally to match the 1930’s originals. The Danny features a large, covered, promenade deck with seating. The Danny will accommodate up to 100 guests and can be hired for private cruises, events, dinners and receptions.
It can operate in ‘cruise mode’ or whilst static in key locations including Liverpool’s Albert Dock. A full catering package is available.
Details: http://www.thedanny.co.uk/
