MONDAY. At Castlefields, Manchester
The 2008 trip thus far: 305 Locks; 560 Miles; 56 Swing\Lift Bridges. Bus pass journeys 20
Today was designated building spotting day. We left in a light drizzle, which turned to a downpour as we were approaching the Great Northern Railway building. The junction is dug up at present owing to a water main replacement. One of the workmen was accompanied by his dog, which was allowed to sit outside the site, but not inside. The dog was suitably attired for the area.
Nearing John Rylands Library, we took shelter under the overhang of the Royal Bank of Scotland building, wondering if we were the only people today to get something for nothing from them. We dodged from shelter to shelter and arrived close to the Arndale centre.
We found the Royal Exchange and began to explore inside. Yet another beautiful Manchester building; the seven sided steel and glass module ‘theatre in the round’ probably won an architectural award. I am sure that the intimate nature of the design, bringing actors and audience closer works well. It put me in mind of the lunar landing module and reinforced my taste for traditional construction.
The building was extensively damaged in the IRA bombing of 15 June 1996, the bomb being detonated some 55 yards away. Repairs costing £32 million were completed in 2 years with money provided by the Lottery; at last have I seen it used in a fashion which my narrow mind considers to be worthwhile.
The Old Wellington Inn is another interesting building which looks good from inside and out. It was dismantled completely and moved some 100 yards in 1999; when the Arndale and associated development was rebuilt following the bombing. We had lunch there (The old Wellington, not the Arndale) and it was not bad, a plateful of steak and ale pie, mixed veg. and mash for £6.95. There was enough room around each table so that you did feel at all crowded.
A boat came up and moored close to us; the owner had a problem. He had lost forward drive on a Hurth style gearbox as he came in to tie up. On their behalf, I telephoned River and Canal rescue who will attend in the morning and see how they are able to help with the repair. Both the boat owner and his wife were profoundly deaf, as were the friends on their own boat travelling with them. With the aid of pencil and paper and a lot of laughter; we managed to communicate successfully and happily.
They are both semi retired and should be back at work on 18th August. Let us hope that the repair can be completed tomorrow; they may have to change plans and go via Leeds and Liverpool canal as the Rochdale is closed owing to an ongoing pollution problem.
Weather – Heavy showers, brighter later.
