A MAJOR Merseyside steamship preservation project received a cash windfall when another maritime society was wound-up.
The project to save Britain’s last steam tug-tender, Daniel Adamson, was boosted by a £9,200 donation from the Mersey Lightvessel Preservation Society.
As the former Mersey Bar lightship Planet is now owned by Manchester music entrepreneur Gary McClarnan, the society felt its role was now completed. Planet is temporarily berthed in Canning Dock East, although it could be moved to Salford.
Meantime, volunteers from the Daniel Adamson Preservation Society are working to put the veteran Tranmere-built, coal-fired vessel back into service.
It is hoped the 1903 tugboat will operate passenger trips on the Mersey, Weaver and Manchester Ship Canal, where it spent its working life until withdrawal in 1984.
Daniel Adamson is undergoing restoration in a permanent berth in Sandon Dock, Liverpool, courtesy of dockland owner, Peel Ports Mersey.
The Lightvessel Society’s donation will contribute to the £50,000 overhaul of Daniel Adamson’s engines.
United Utilities also donated a former pumproom adjacent to the berth, which is being converted by volunteers into a fully-functioning workshop for the project.
Halton Council has just awarded the society a third grant of £10,000, bringing its commitment to a total of £25,000.
The mission to save Daniel Adamson began in February 2004 when the tugboat, built for passenger ferry and barge-towing duties from Ellesmere Port to Liverpool, was to be scrapped.
The society bought the tug for £1 from the Manchester Ship Canal, before being laid-up at Ellesmere Port Boat Museum.
Stan McNally, Mersey Lightvessel Preservation Society chairman, said: “We looked at different preservation projects and decided Daniel Adamson was the most suitable to receive our remaining funds.”
Dan Cross, Daniel Adamson Preservation Society vice chairman, says: “We’re delighted the Mersey Light Vessel Society decided to give us this gift. Halton Borough Council is also showing huge commitment and belief in its return to Runcorn when Daniel Adamson is operational again.”
peter.elson
