This was a comment by one of the parents who travelled on a Santa Cruise this year.  The sentiment was reflected in the short questionnaire we asked one member of each family to fill in.

The bookings for this year’s Santa Cruise have been a sell-out.  Out of the 13 cruises which sailed from Llanymynech Wharf , only 3 single seats remained unsold of the total 130  available.  During the half-hour cruise the children enjoyed meeting Father Christmas in his cabin and receiving a present whilst the adults enjoyed their mulled wine and mince pies.  The children were also offered squash and biscuits before they returned to Llanymynech Wharf .

Our very grateful thanks to all who volunteered to help make the trips so enjoyable for all who travelled on our Father Christmas Specials.  We apologise for the disappointed families we could not book on a boat this year.  In view of the success it is planned to run the Santa Cruise on four afternoons next year – on the two Saturdays and Sundays before Christmas.  Details available from 01691-920506.   Advance booking will again be essential.

Researching the 'Duchess Countess' History

We are endeavoring to find out more of the Duchess Countess history.  Some additional information has been gleaned from the David Owen Waterways Archive, The Waterways Trust (The Boat Museum Ellesmere Port) concerning the Duchess Countess and the Bridgewater Canal.

Duchess Countess is mentioned in a number of older publications devoted to canals and transport.  Unfortunately there are variations in date details in these together with other conflicting details concerning the working life of the Boat.

The following are some details which appear to be correct: -

The Duchess Countess was named after the wife of the Marques of Stafford and first Duke of Sutherland, the Duke of Bridgewater's successor.  Many early passenger carrying craft were converted cargo boats.  The Duchess Countess, believed to be the last horse-drawn canal packet boat to be built, was purpose-built as a 'mixed' traffic boat, passengers together with parcels and light freight.

The Duchess Countess began a fast service between Warrington (at the London Steps, Stockton Heath) and  Manchester with a crew of three, towed by a relay of fast horses in teams of two or three and driven by a uniformed Position.

When the Bridgewater Canal was taken over by the Manchester Ship Canal Company in 1887 the Duchess Countess was valued at one hundred and fifteen pounds.

We need to obtain details of the accommodation which was provided on the original Duchess Countess to assist in designing the fitting out of the new boat. The information at present available is of a general nature whereas specific layout details are required to build, as far as is possible and taking in to account current regulations, an accurate replica boat.

It is planned to look at the Bridgewater Archives held by Salford University in the hope that we will find more reliable information concerning the Duchess Countess,, the on board provision, the way in which it was operated and the span of its working life.

Chris Backshall