THE old days of steam will be celebrated at the National Waterways Museum in Ellesmere Port during this month.
The local volunteer group, Cheshire Live Steamers, will bring to life the golden age of steam, as enthusiasts chat to visitors and exhibit their engines around the museum site on Saturday 21st and Sunday 22nd October. in a Miniature Steam Weekend.
The engines are all exact scaled replicas of original working traction engines and the like, which would have been a common sight on farms in the early 20th century, powering machines for ploughing, threshing and harvesting.
Historic engines
The museum’s Power Hall, which houses a permanent collection of historic engines will also be in full working order for the weekend. Volunteers will be on hand to explain how they work and for children, there will be a range of steam-related activities, all included in the entry ticket.
Ani Sutton, Visitor Attractions Manager with the Canal & River Trust, explained:
“Our Miniature Steam Weekend is the perfect start to the half term holidays for families, as well as providing a great opportunity for serious steam enthusiasts to chat to knowledgeable experts in the field.
“Many of the miniature traction engine owners built their own machines, which is an incredible achievement. The group meets monthly during the winter and attends many leading events and shows over the summer and we’re delighted to welcome them here."
Boat trips
The National Waterways Museum is open from 10am until 4pm every day during the half term holidays and entrance to the Miniature Steam Weekend is included in the standard museum price. Boat trips will also be available during the half term holiday week, with Wirral Community Narrowboat Trust running five trips a day along the Shropshire Union Canal.
There are many activities for children throughout the museum, with one area pictured.
Adult tickets cost £11.75, concessions £10.50, children £8.50 and families £28.50. Tickets give free entrance for a year. Boat trips are extra.