AWARD-WINNING heritage steamship, the ‘Daniel Adamson’, is celebrating six years of community engagement and education since it was restored and re-launched as a public passenger boat in 2016.
The occasion was marked with a VIP boat trip on Friday, May 6, heralding its first full season of boat trips along the River Weaver Navigation to the world’s first boat lift, Anderton Boat Lift in Northwich - linking together two of the North West’s great historic waterway attractions.
On board were representatives of dozens of partners, groups and organisations who have been associated or benefited from 'The Danny' 1903 Art Deco tug since its remarkable restoration led by volunteers.
Cheshire High Sheriff Jeannie France-Hayhurst, Peel Ports director Phil Hall, Tatton MP Esther McVey and representatives from the Canal & River Trust, National Lottery Heritage Fund, National Historic Ships, Riverside College, Halton MIND, Halton Council and the Cheshire Community Foundation were among more than 50 guests who enjoyed a 90-minute cruise through the Cheshire countryside.
The Danny is the last surviving steam-powered tug built on the Mersey and is part of the official National Historic Fleet, alongside such famous ships as the Cutty Sark and SS Great Britain.
It was rescued from the scrapyard by an amazing group of volunteers, led by Dan Cross, a professional Mersey tug skipper, and restored at Cammell Laird ship builders in Birkenhead, with the help of a £3.8million Heritage Lottery Fund grant.
This story of success, resilience and determination is now helping to inspire a new generation of youngsters and providing engaging experiences for adults and children from all walks of life.
Dan Cross, from the Daniel Adamson Preservation Society, said: "The last six years have been a remarkable journey and this special boat trip was to say thank you to the many people who have played a part in making the whole enterprise such a success.
"More than a hundred brilliant volunteers keep the ship afloat and run public boat trips on a regular basis, which then helps to support our extensive programme of public engagement and education.
"The Danny is far more than just a restored steamship, special though that is. The opportunities for education and enrichment that it presents have the power to change and improve lives, and that is priceless.”
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