Brunel Dock Celebrates its 150th Anniversary with a Historic Cruise with the ‘Balmoral’
Brunel’s famous dock in Briton Ferry celebrates its 150th birthday next month, with a special birthday cruise from the town to Ilfracombe and back on the vintage ship MV Balmoral. The sailing will be on Wednesday 17th August 2011 from Briton Ferry.
Leader of the Council, Cllr Ali Thomas said: “This will be an important event for Briton Ferry Dock, which will see the Balmoral ship sail up the river and remind people of the time when the Dock was a thriving port, thanks to the genius of Isambard Kingdom Brunel. Neath Port Talbot Council is proud to support such an event”.
The floating dock with its unique single gate and the only one of its kind left in the world opened on 22nd August 1861, two years after Brunel’s death in 1859. Now, the Briton Ferry Brunel Preservation Group plan to restore the dock and return it to a waterway feature, regenerating this old industrial part of the town.
Local Councillor Hugh James for Briton Ferry West, Secretary and founder of the Brunel Dock group said:-
“We cannot see the 150th birthday of this historic work by the world famous engineer go un-recognised without some special celebration. We are delighted that the Waverley Excursions group, who own the MV Balmoral, built in 1949 and 62 years old itself, will play a key part in the celebrations on 17th August 2011”.
It will sail from Briton Ferry and The Quays Wharf, by the entrance to the Brunel Dock at 9.00am and return from Ilfracombe to Briton Ferry at around 9.00pm.
In addition to this with the support of Neath Port Talbot Council, the Brunel Dock Society will be putting on a history exhibition featuring Brunel railways and sea history during August the reception area of its offices The Quays, close to the restored dock tower and a smaller exhibition at Briton Ferry Library.
Councillor Hugh James said: “We hope to have some very interesting historic items, including the original nameplate of the well known Briton Ferry steam engine ‘The Doll’ on display.”
“We have completed the first phases of the regeneration scheme and we are now looking at further phases working very closely with Neath Port Talbot Council, the Welsh Government and other partners to restore and bring pride to this coastal part of Briton Ferry“.
Tickets for the historic birthday cruise are available locally from the Briton Ferry Booking Office at Mike’s Newsagent on Neath Road, Briton Ferry. Please telephone Mike’s Newsagent on 01639 813140 or contact Waverly Excursions direct on 0845 130 4647 or visit www.waverlyexcursions.co.uk. You will be able to pay on the day if space is still available.
Parking is available at Neath Port Talbot Council Offices, The Quays. The charge is £2 for the day.
