The National Waterways Museum

 A lot has changed since we last visited the Ellesmere Port museum. The jumble of boats in the dock that I remember from long ago has been drastically thinned out. National treasures have been identified, separated and given their space. Information boards have been erected so that we know what we are looking at. Original buildings continue to be restored and the whole enterprise has a much more organised feel to it. It is quite a remarkable set-up with a wealth of historic items on display in the museum itself and under cover in adjoining sheds. Like many such affairs, it depends very largely on the goodwill of enthusiastic volunteers for its continued survival and prosperity. Heritage lottery funding has also helped, of course.

We took the tourist narrow boat for a half hour trip along the Shropshire Union Canal. Our knowledgeable guide contributed in no small part to our enjoyment of the day. This trip took us beneath one railway bridge that is still in use next to Ellesmere Port signalbox No. 4 on the line from Hooton to Helsby [GWR and LNWR Joint], one bridge that was clearly abandoned long ago that led to adjacent sidings, and traces of a third line where tracks formerly served the nearby dock system.

Back at base, original mid-nineteenth century workers cottages have been refurbished and re-equipped with the domestic paraphernalia of the time. An extensive engine house holding an array of Victorian examples could unfortunately not be seen in action because the sole volunteer on duty there needed another colleague alongside him to start them up who was not forthcoming.

The VDU explained in just the right amount of detail how the port eventually developed to make use of the link with the Manchester Ship Canal from the 1890s, before its demise began in the mid-twentieth century, that then led to dereliction before its gradual renaissance in modern times.

The café was doing a roaring trade when we returned from our boat trip and we were very grateful for the enthusiastic welcome we had received from the many staff members and volunteers around the site.