Dam Busted!

26th July 2008. The earth dam across the entrance to the new marina bas been removed to allow barges in and out. The canal water was muddy, as a result, for quite some distance in either direction but it is gradually clearing as the stuff settles. A few barges have already moved in and there are several more moored up along the canal towpath, presumeably waiting to take up their berths. The official opening is August and there is still some work to do on the facilities building but it looks as though it is now 'operational'.

Another ferry!

20th july 2008. The Stenna Pioneer moored after just arriving from Belfast. The old Isle of Man Steam Packet passenger terminal buildings, which had fallen into disrepair in recent years, have now been demolished and the area has been covered with tarmac. It's a visual improvement and, although it looks like a pay and display car park, it is actually an extension of the Ferry Company's holding compound for traffic for the Irish Sea route. 

Not what was planned, but still.....

20th July 2008. Fleetwood Tram Sunday. The North Euston Hotel was built to be the terminus of a direct rail link to London. A place where people spent a night before catching the ferry to/from Ireland. The railway never came but this engine finally did on the back of a low loader. Oh well....

Blackburn Fire Engine.

20th July 2008. Fleetwood Tram Sunday, in front of the North Euston Hotel, we spotted this old Blackburn Borough Fire Tender. We went for a quiet trip to the sea only to discover that the town was rammed with folk due to the event. Lots of classic vehicles, especially buses. The main street was closed off and packed with stalls and a fun fair. Helen picked up a couple of rare Ty Beanies from a 'all Beanies a quid' stall. Good day was had and we even saw the Lifeboat launched (with resultant rescue at sea) and an escape from arrest (with humorous Benny Hill style chase).

PS. Not sure who the fat little girl is on the left....I'm sure she wasn't there when I pressed the button. A bit scary, really.

The elusive Lion!

9th July 2008. Been looking for this for a while. The Larkhill/Bastwell area of Blackburn was once home to The Lion Buildings, and featured a carved lion on top of the retaining wall. The area has changed much and most of the wall has been replaced, but a small section remains with the lion still there.

Claudie in the field.

6th July 2008. Claudius in rare stationary mode. White blob to the upper left is a horse from the Barden Lane Stables, which is the field behind. 

Marina Facilities Building

6th July 2008. The water level in the marina basin is now at canal level and everything is looking good for the planned August opening. Finishing touches are being made to the car parks and landscaping. The main building is nearly complete externally, bar the roof.