To all Southport U3A members, the Local History Group has 2 spare places left for the following trip which are now open to all U3A Members:
Local History Group Trip – 27 July 2022 to: The National Waterways Museum of Great Britain at Ellesmere Port (popularly known as the Ellesmere Port Boat Museum).
Information about the trip:
Run by the Canal and Riverboat Trust, the Ellesmere Port Boat Museum is situated over a seven-acre site. It includes many interesting features, audio and inter-active displays and regularly has working demonstrations for visitors to enjoy:
- Ellesmere Port’s historic Canal Docks Complex – the largest of its kind in Great Britain – designed and built by the renowned Victorian Civil Engineer, Thomas Telford.
- The ‘Island Warehouse Exhibition’ Hall – containing one of the largest collections of heritage canal memorabilia in the world.
- Over 50 historic canal boats on permanent display. Many other canal boats visit the Canal basin throughout the year, which adds further interest.
- Stables once used for canal boat horses and the Blacksmith’s Forge.
- Original canal ‘Porters’ Cottages– each cottage is in the style of a different period, to portray the sights and sounds of a different era. Behind the cottages, visitors can also visit the delightful, kitchen garden.
- The ‘Power Hall’ – which has a large collection of steam-powered engines including several working exhibits.
- There is a cafe serving light lunches and refreshments and picnic areas. Most of the Museum site is quite accessible but as some exhibits are outdoors, come prepared for the weather and flat footwear is recommended as some areas are uneven and may be slippery.
Cost: £25 per person which includes: group entry price; tea/coffee and biscuits on arrival; introductory talk about the history of canals and Ellesmere Port; a self-guided tour of the museum, coach travel and tip for the driver).
The coach will depart at 9.15 a.m. on the day of the trip, from Eastbank Street coach stop ( near the Atkinson Centre) and return to Southport approx. 5.15 pm.
Anyone wishing to join this trip, please join on Beacon, on the Groups webpage, by clicking the link for Local History – EP Boat Museum. All members joining the trip will be sent further details , including for making payment for the trip. You can also contact the leaders for this trip (Helen, Jean and Jessica) using their email links on the Southport U3a website – Local History Group webpage .“
