No that's not a spelling mistake, the Acton I'm referring to is Acton Bridge, near Northwich, on the River Weaver, Cheshire.

As for the steam, there was indeed plenty of action as will be seen from the accompanying photographs, largely courtesy of Dan Cross.

The annual 'steam party' at Acton Bridge dates back at least twenty years and is a great little event, the location provides space both for a good number of steam powered road vehicles as well as river access for (smaller) steam vessels too. Even better, the site boasts two really excellent pubs, 'The Leigh Arms' and the 'Horns Inn' both serving fine ales and excellent food. So what more could anyone want on nice sunny weekend. (Come on, within reason please!!)

The location is not far from the famous and magnificently restored Anderton Boat Lift, so it's a great day out for anyone with an interest in Britain's Industrial Heritage, so if you're reading this, that probably means YOU!

This year saw the return of a most popular visitor, the Steam Tug 'Kerne' back in steam after an absence, much to my surprise of over two years!  A lot of work has been carried by the 'Kerne's' people in that time, not least the partial re-tubing of the boiler. As you will recall 'Kerne' shared Monk's Ferry Dry-dock with the 'DA' earlier this year and our association dates almost from the formation of 'DAPS' as a society and still further with some individual members. Perhaps it's no surprise that some of the 'Kerne' 'crew' are 'DAPS' members as well and that wherever possible the two groups cooperate to their mutual benefit. It makes a great deal of sense and long may it continue. I have to say that stepping aboard once again was a delight and the immaculate condition of the vessel above and below decks was a credit to all involved. 

The first of Dan Cross's photographs, show 'Kerne' alongside and obviously a popular 'visitor attraction'  The next two show the 'stokehold' and a level of impressive cleanliness (see coal need not be dirty!!) to be proud of. Here 'Kerne's' Bob Adam shows Dan Cross how things might look in a year or two aboard the 'DA' In the other, a sight I doubt we'll ever see again, Dan with a shovel of coal trying his hand at firing!!

Bob (a DAPS member) kept watch aboard, but where were the rest of the crew??  A quick search found them safe and well in the garden of the Leigh Arms enjoying a pint, so naturally in the true 'spirit of steam' we joined them. Actually we nearly walked right past them, assuming in their gleaming white ('show') boilersuits they were scientists or at least from the Milk Marketing Board!!

Conversation not surprisingly centred on boilers, tubes, ash, clinker and natural draft, so perhaps understandably 'Mrs M' considered it a good time to have a walk with Dan's little lad Tom, no doubt an aspiring steam man of the future, but at just two and a half, not quite yet!

Interestingly the Weaver has recently benefited from some dredging as far as Acton, which if the 'DA' had been back in action, might with some judicious 'trimming' have allowed her participation. Without going into the politics of the navigation of the Weaver, it is to be hoped that the river will continue to be maintained and dredged in future years, so that one day 'DA' can play her part in proceedings and one weekend for everyone's diary. More details on 'Kerne' can be found on our Links page.

Finally some of those tremendous traction engines,  the first showing another 'friend' of the 'DA' This amazing 12 ton Burrell road locomotive is owned by Merseyside Museums and when not in operation resides in Bootle. Whenever she passes along the Dock Road near the 'DA's berth she greets us with a blast or two on her whistle, we wondered it was at first, but now we know.  As you can see a magnificent machine and a credit to her crew who spent six hours in the pouring rain to get her to Acton Bridge, now that's dedication!!