Daniel Adamson Preservation Society

Media Release

Historic Tug-Tender “Daniel Adamson” Refloated

On Sunday June 06, 2004 the historic 1903 Birkenhead built tug-tender “Daniel Adamson” was refloated at North Western Ship Repairers’ Clarence Dry Dock in Liverpool . The refloating of the “Daniel Adamson” marked the completion of the initial stage of the vessel’s restoration. The dry dock work being undertaken by North Western Ship Repairers and society volunteers"

During dry docking the “Daniel Adamson” had been surveyed to confirm the structural integrity of the hull. Following a successful survey the hull was grit blasted, primed and painted. The vessel’s sea valves were overhauled and a few minor hull repairs completed.

Commenting on the refloating of the vessel, Dan Cross, founding director of the Daniel Adamson Preservation Society said: “The first phase of the project to save the “Daniel Adamson” has now been successfully completed. The society is grateful for the support shown by many companies and individuals which have enabled the initial stages of the project to be undertaken in such a short timescale. However, the refloating of the vessel only marks the end of the beginning, not the beginning of the end. Much work remains to be done over the next few years before the “Daniel Adamson” can steam again.

Following completion of the dry docking the “Daniel Adamson” will move to a berth provided for the society by the Mersey Docks and Harbour Company for restoration work to continue.

NOTES FOR EDITORS

v      The Daniel Adamson Preservation Society has its own Internet web site were society members and others interested in the project can find out about more about the vessel and keep up to date with the latest news. www.danieladamson.co.uk

v      High resolution photographs of the Daniel Adamson in suitable for reproduction can be downloaded from http://www.danieladamson.co.uk/press/press.htm

v      “Daniel Adamson” is a unique twin screw steam tug-tender constructed for the Shropshire Union Canal and Railway Company by the Tranmere Bay Development Company of Birkenhead in 1903. She is listed on the National Register of Historic Vessels and is the sole survivor of her type.

v      Originally named “Ralph Brocklebank” the vessel was purchased by the Manchester Ship Canal Company in 1921 where she served as the company’s hospitality tender carrying guests and dignitaries on official tours of the canal until late 1984 when she was retired from service. Since then she has been a static exhibit at the Boat Museum , Ellesmere Port.

v      The Daniel Adamson Preservation Society, a not for profit organisation, was formed on 21^st February 2004 with the aim of saving this historic vessel and restoring her  to her former glory and to see her active again within the Cheshire and Merseyside areas.

v      The Society would like to acknowledge the support of Svitzer Marine, The Manchester Ship Canal Company, North Western Ship Builders and Repairers, Liverpool Pilots and the Mersey Docks and Harbour Company and a number of other organisations and individuals.

v      Details of the Daniel Adamson Preservation Society can be obtained from Patrick Crecraft – 8, Newlands, Naseby, Northampton NN6 6DE Tel: 01604 740144

Daniel Adamson Preservation Society Contacts:

Chairman:

Tony Hirst ,  39, Liverpool Road , Chester , CH2 1AB

Tel: 01244 373880

tony@thenterprises.fsnet.co.uk

Director

Dan Cross - 17 Cedardale Park, Barrows Green, Widnes  

Tel: 0151 4231393

Mobile : 07979865391

Email: dan@uptonrocks.fsnet.co.uk

Society Secretary / Membership Secretary

Patrick Crecraft – 8, Newlands, Naseby , Northampton NN6 6DE

Tel: 01604 740144

Email: pat@pcrecraft.freeserve.co.uk