kittywake

Hi, This may be of interest to any boaters in the Wigan area on Bank holiday Monday 7th May 2012. Trencherfield Mill Heritage Day. 10am - 4:30pm The Trencherfield Mill Steam Engine is one of the largest and finest working examples of its type. Built over 100 years ago, this mammoth metal powerhouse was regarded as a feat of industrial engineering. Churning out a massive 2,500 horse power to feed the ever hungry machinery of Trencherfield Mill, it played an instrumental role in Wigan’s industrial development. In 2004 with the help of a successful Heritage Lottery Fund bid and restoration project, the engine was finally restored to its former glory. Visitors to Trencherfield Mill and the Wigan Pier Quarter are now once again able to awe at this giant’s immense size and power, but more importantly, experience it working as it did all those years ago - full steam ahead! An informative Audio Visual show and talks by the Engineers about the Mill Engine’s role and its immense power are included in visits. The Engineers also will be very happy to answer your questions and share their extensive knowledge. There will also be a range of events, activities & displays including - Boat Trips on-board 'The Kittywake ' Working & Pleasure boats & barges Minature Traction & steam engines Classic cars Classic bikes & scooters Fire engine displays Archery Climbing wall Craft fair Tombola & various other stalls Art & Photography displays Facepainting Ice cream & catering vans Kite Flying Also in attendence will be the BRILLIANT folk group ' CHONKINFECKLE ' With other local acoustic acts A. D. Cooke & Gary Hampson Everyone welcome - we hope to see lots of boaters there !! Further information is available at http://www.kittywake.co.uk Be there or be square

Very Sad News - Sincere Condolences to family and friends.

There have been many, many problems with the water levels in the Wigan area over the last 4 months, it all started with the very disruptive lock ladder installation programme, water levels have not recovered between lock 87, 88 and 89 - The dry dock lock, the DW stadium lock and the Pagefield lock at hell meadow. The ladder installation programme is now working up the Wigan flight, thus reducing the amount of water that can be sent down the flight to Wigan pier, this, coupled with the Scholes feed from the river Douglas being condemned and vandals emptying the pounds to get scrap metal from the canal have caused havoc with water levels, exposing many supermarket trolleys, fencing panels and other objects - it really isnt a good look, especially when you consider that the British waterways offices are located in this area. I counted 42 trolleys from B&Q and Asda in a 250 metre stretch of water at the rear of the DW stadium. I have just come back from a user group meeting at British waterways where i put across my concerns over water levels, rubbish in the canal and anti social behaviour. I was told that the Scholes feeder will cost £180,000 to repair /renew and that the work will be done sometime in 2010 - funding is apparently in place. In the mean time - pumps will be used to get the levels back up within a matter of days. The stoppages are planned to finish around the end of March. These disruptions have caused us many problems with the trip boat Kittywake, we have had to cancel lots of bookings in the last few weeks, not good for a small company with 6 employees especially in the current economic climate. As far as Wigan pier goes, there is still lots going on in the area, the Orwell re-opened a few months ago, there is some redevolpment happening at The Mayors boatyard and landscaping at Trencherfield mill, the steam engine is still running and is well worth a visit. We are in the process of organising some public cruises for 2010 ( in conjunction with Wigan Leisure & Culture Trust ) that feature a visit to the steam engine, followed by a trip on The Kittywake along the canal with cream cakes and tea - they were very popular in 2009 and very good value for money - details of these events and others at The Mill are available by calling WLCT - The History Shop on 01942 828128. The canals, the steam engine and the mills are all very important in Wigan's history and heritage, the towns wealth was built on them, it is vitally important that these facilities are used by local and regional people to ensure their survival, there are still a few people who work in these areas that are passionate about our heritage and it would be a very sad loss to see such people and facilities disappear.

Hello, For anyone who may be interested 'Kittywake' is up and running again at Wigan Pier. She can carry up to 41 passengers and is available for public cruises and private charter. Please take a look at our website www.kittywake.co.uk Thanks.