What do you think we should do with The Danny?
I● DEAS are being sought for how to put a historic Runcorn steam boat to good use as project backers seek to drum up interest across the borough including Widnes.
The Daniel Adamson, also known as The Danny, is once again cruising the region’s canals after a multimillion pound restoration project and scheme backers have launched a bid to find out how residents would like to make the most of it. A stall has been held at Runcorn Market and a further stall is to be set up at Widnes Market some time this summer and supporters are also hoping to make an appearance at the vintage rally in Victoria Park in Widnes.
Most of the ship’s life was based in Runcorn, from where it traversed the Manchester Ship Canal, even being used to ● Daniel Adamson hold parties for high society during its varied career as a luxury liner.
In one episode it was called off travelling to Manchester during the miners’ strike because the crew learned that there was a plan to put the boat into a lock in en route while full of VIPs resulting in thhe risk of a PR nightmare for the company.
The Danny was built in 1903 and was based from 1922-1984 in Runcorn, after which its future looked bleak until it was eventually saved from being scrapped when an enthusiast bought it for £1 in 2004.
A massive restoration followed and achieved its goal in part thanks to a £3.8m grant from The Heritage Lottery Fund.
It is now based at the Albert Dock in Liverpool but its history is firmly rooted in Halton, with most of its workforce having come from Runcorn and Widnes and having been berthed where The Deck apartments now stand.
Whilst static, The Danny now offers an interactive ‘story experience’, bringing to life its tales through tours which include real-life stories from past boat workers, sights, sounds of the past and storytellers. Colin Leonard, 70, of Runcorn, who worked on the boat in its heyday, said: “We had the stall at Runcorn Market last Tuesday but I spoke to the guy from the council about the possibility of having one in Widnes – there’s far more footfall in Widnes Market than in Runcorn.
“I want to get over to Widnes so people are more aware of it.
“It’s got great attachments to this area, it was berthed here, most of the crew were from Runcorn or Widnes.
“I want people to read about it and when they see us they will know a bit more.” ● Contact the group at www. thedanny.co.uk