180617 Lion Salt Works

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HATTERS MIRROR CHECK Sunday 18th June 2017 Lion Salt Works A trip back in time to look into the production of salt in Cheshire was the theme of today’s ride-out with a visit to the Lion Salt Works at Marston just outside Northwich. Thanks to Pete (Two Pints) for coming up with this idea and for planning and leading the ride on what turned out to be one of the hottest days of the year so far. Starting at City Airport Barton, 16 bikes with 4 pillion riders set off on the A57 to cross over the Warburton Bridge heading towards Lymm. Then it was along some beautiful country roads taking us through Daresbury, Frodsham and Northwich to the destination at Marston, a short distance of around 35 miles. With the temperature already soaring Pete very thoughtfully organised a bottle of ice cold water for everyone as we were putting down the jiffy stands. This award winning museum, which opened in June 2015, stands on the site of the Lion Salt Works which was constructed in 1894 by Henry Ingram Thompson. The salt works ran on this site for almost 100 years eventually closing in June 1986. Walking through the restored buildings we were able to see how the salt works operated and the industry’s impact on mid-Cheshire’s people, economy and landscape. It was evident that it was not the nicest or healthiest of working environments with the workers, usually stripped to the waist, having to contend with the heat and the damp salt laden atmosphere. HATTERS MIRROR CHECK After the tour there were refreshments available at either the museum’s own on site café or at the Salt Barge pub across the road. HATTERS MIRROR CHECK The return journey took us towards Plumley and on to the Seven Sisters Farm for an afternoon ice cream stop which was most welcome given the temperature of the day. We managed to find some shade either in the barn or under the trees. The final leg of the ride was via Chelford and the A34 back towards Manchester. A really enjoyable day out with thanks to Pete for coming up with this one. Thank you also to Richard for taking on the rear marker duties. MG 30/06/17 .

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