Celebrating 800 years of the word famous ferries...
Snowdrop & Royal Daffodil dry docking.
January 2013 saw the dry docking of both Snowdrop and Royal Daffodil for hull survey and re painting. Mersey Ferries acting Marine Superintendent Captain Robbie Quinn kindly took some fantastic photographs of the ferries whilst in dock, giving us a unique view of the boats - Additional images by Bill Taylor and Robert Foy.
Click on the slideshow to view FULL SIZE.
Mersey Ferries Society Group Gallery
Up on the bridge
The bridges of the ferries, even after refurbishment maintain a traditional feel. The following collection of images go behind the scenes and look at this little seen area of the vessels.
Historic image collection
Photographer David Christie has a fine collection of rare and beautiful images of the ferries. David has kindly given us permission to use them on this site. I am sure you will agree that they are stunning. Additional photographs are provided kindly by MFHG John Morris.
View aboard the MV Woodchurch wearing her original orange funnel colours of Birkenhead Corporation Ferrries. She is seen approaching the Pier Head landing stage from Woodside.
The Woodchurch & Overchurch lie together in Morpeth dock with an IOMSPC steamer behind. This photograph was taken by John Morris in the 1980s during the period when the Woodchurch was laid up for reasons of economy. You can see she is in poor condition here.
Taken from aboard the Egremont, the Overchurch comes alongside at Liverpool on a warm day in 1972. You can see here the skill of the ferry crews in berthing the ship in a space not much bigger than its own length.
View aboard the MV Woodchurch wearing her original orange funnel colours of Birkenhead Corporation Ferrries. She is seen approaching the Pier Head landing stage from Woodside.
Royal Daffodil II (1957) was powered by two Crossley diesel engines developing a total of 1,250 bhp. Here we can see Captain Wally Garbutt controlling her engine movements whilst approaching Morpeth Dock river lock. The telegraphs were manufactured by Chadburns & Co Ltd and were part of the 'Synchrostep' brand.
The brass wheel and compass binnacle were reinstated on the Royal Daffodil after her conversion from the Overchurch. The wheel was manufactured by Brown Brothers Ltd, Edinburgh and is the same model as those on the Mountwood and Woodchurch. The binnacle was manfactured by Chadburns & Co Ltd of Liverpool and originally had a brass hood with a small kerosene lamp. It is now electronically with a dimmer.
Captain Dave Langton brings the Royal Iris safely alongside Liverpool landing stage. Note the telegraph, whistle control and steering telegraph.
Royal Daffodil II (1957) was powered by two Crossley diesel engines developing a total of 1,250 bhp. Here we can see Captain Wally Garbutt controlling her engine movements whilst approaching Morpeth Dock river lock. The telegraphs were manufactured by Chadburns & Co Ltd and were part of the 'Synchrostep' brand.