Report - Soda Works, Wallerscote Island (Bridge Only) - Northwich - July 15

[Funlester]

We visited this place on a rainy Sunday morning but miss ready the entry info so only got on to the bridge and not in to the main buildings. We will be going back at some point now I know where we went wrong.
Also we did nip in the Northwich Auction House and Tea Rooms whilst we waited for the rain to relax and they do a rather good butty and had some rather good antiques in there.

History -
Founded by a couple of chaps named John Brunner and Ludwig Mond in 1973 they began producing soda ash about a year later. They used brine solution, ammonia and limestone to produce sodium carbonate in pure form. I understand that at its peak the factory produced 200,000 tons of soda ash a year meaning that the Brunner Mond company became the largest producer of the product in the country and the worlds largest alkali exporter. Wallerscote island Works was completed in 1926. the construction consists of silos and huge metal sheds although all were integral parts of the original structure. The company later became part of ICI which is now owned by Tata. Sodium Carbonate is a widely used in industry for casting and glass making. It is commonly used in chemistry as a base and an electrolyte. It is also used domestically in detergents, dyes and toothpaste as well as tasty sherbet sweets!



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[Funlester]

The plan changed when we only got on the bridge

Going back very soon to get in the other part of it.

 

[Styru]

Some great shots there, particularly like that clock! - nice one for sharing - look forward to the full report when you get back there

 

[Oxygen Thief]

Looks OK really.

"Mighty oaks from little acorns grow"

 

[Cuuvin]

Nice Pics! got in bridge only? no sweat. Hey ,that's whats exploring all about. Get out there, sus the situation , adapt to it & carry on! Otherwise might as well just jump on the tourist bus!
...waiting on part 2 ...

 

[Funlester]

Has someone been cleaning up this post as last nights fun and games have been removed?

 

[coolboyslim]

Good riddance aswell thx to whoever cleaned it up. Much better now. Great pics and good attempt next time maybe things will work out for you. Thx for report

 

[BrainL]

Yes, my head was hurting trying to work it out haha

On another note, what is it people mean by "jumping on the tourist bus" ?

 

[Bigian88]

If/when you get inside, its incredible for some wide-angle shots!

Lots of opportunities for detail shots too but some sections of it are extremely dark so take a tripod just incase

 

[coolboyslim]

Yes, my head was hurting trying to work it out haha

On another note, what is it people mean by "jumping on the tourist bus" ?

means a place that gets loads of people going. ie easy or very much well known. Good example camalot lol. And yea my head hurt aswell lol

 

[BrainL]

I had a feeling that's what was meant but when I posted a report of this place was told I'd jumped on the tourist bus haha.. I'm lost again, although doesn't take much with me

 

[coolboyslim]

Think at one stage it might have been semi tourist but now. Mmmm doubt it think people may allways have a go but most have give up

 

[Bigian88]

With active secca and hounds, I wouldnt call it touristy at all.

It's not like some other places which aren't guarded at all.

 

[Cuuvin]

Hey @Funlester ,hope ya didn't take my comment wrong ... "got in bridge only? no sweat. Hey ,that's whats exploring all about. Get out there, sus the situation , adapt to it & carry on! Otherwise might as well just jump on the tourist bus! " ... (American english & English english can be a bit wonky at times ) Was meant as a compliment, the way you carried on when things didn't go as planned. As opposed to some "tourist" wanker going " wah,wah ... 28DL ,.. (well you know that drill ! ) & we saw what happens to those who wank about ... . Keep on Truckin' (American english , again )


edit: Woops, see it was @BrainL making comments about a "tourist bus" (what i get from reading posts and eating lunch at the same time

 

[Paradox]

Oh dear sounds like we had a drama llama on - glad I missed that!! Nice report that though mate, thanks for sharing