Archive Issue 116

From: Waterways to Manchester Bridgewater Collieries wharf at Broadheath Bridge alongside Chester Road. After the Duke of Bridgewater’s death in 1803 his estate was managed by the Bridgewater Trustees until the 3rd Earl of Ellesmere inherited the estates when the Trust set up under the Duke’s will came to an end in 1903. Bridgewater Collieries was formed in 1921 by the 4th Earl and merged with other major colliery companies in the region in 1929 to form Manchester Collieries. Manchester Corporation Tramways opened to Stretford 1903 and the line was opened along the Chester Road to Sale on the 28th July 1906 reaching Timperley in August. The tram standards and trolley wires visible over the bridge here were ready for opening to a terminus a few hundred yards beyond Altrincham Station for an opening ceremony on the 10th May 1907. The canal bridges at Longford and Broadheath were both widened within a few years of the tramway’s opening as traffic increased. John Ryan Collection

From: In the Showroom The Austin Seven proved itself as a serious motor sport contender, and from its first official race event various modifications were employed, such as the fitting of special pistons and stronger valve springs, to make the car noticeably different from the standard model. From the experience gained in racing it was possible to offer some higher performance ‘Sports’ and ‘Super-Sports’ versions. This photograph taken at Brooklands in May 1931 shows car No. 56 taking a break for essential maintenance. Driven by J Reeves and W. E. Harker, the Austin was competing in the Junior Car Club ‘Double Twelve’ event. Ten Austin Sevens, four of them supercharged, were entered for the race. National Motor Museum