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What a weekend for fun!
AFTER years of rain, the organisers of the tenth Whaley Bridge's Water Weekend (W3) were delighted that for once they had the perfect weather for their unique event.
Chairman Barrie Walker said: "It was better than we dared hope for.
"We've had the best event and the biggest crowds since the Weekend began for the Millennium. Thank you to everyone who supported us and had a good time."
Boat trips were the centre of the event, with many volunteers helping to man the three boats which plied the canal.
Families eager to experience the pleasure of this wonderful local asset waited for hours to get on the crowded boats. All trips were free, as they were last year.
Nearly 800 people took canal trips, about the same figure as last year when there was an extra boat. Organisers said that if there had been a few more hours – and an extra boat – the number taking a trip would have easily topped 1,000!
But there was much more to the weekend that boat trips. A top attraction was a 133-year-old steam engine, restored by the Debes brothers Hal and Guy of Portobello Engineering at Bowden Lane, Chapel-en-le-frith. The vast machine, No 2528, built as one of a pair by the Fowler company in 1875 to plough the huge farm fields of southern Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire, gave people a vivid insight into local history.
Music showed the creative force of New Mills. The United Co-op New Mills Band demonstrated its versatility, as did Groovediggers, a trio from the town, specialising in rhythm and blues. Another young group from New Mills, The Aerials with lead singer Owain Davies – an ex-member of Kinder Children's Choir – kept teenagers entertained.
Visitors also enjoyed looking at mini beasts, a Punch and Judy show and various stalls and attractions.
There was also a funfair in the adjacent car park.
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Weather for Buxton
Wednesday 08 February 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: -3 C to 0 C
Wind Speed: 12 mph
Wind direction: South east
Tomorrow
Light sleet
Temperature: 1 C to 2 C
Wind Speed: 8 mph
Wind direction: South west
