Marple locks on ITV

[Peter]

I'm amazed that Mark hasn't taken the opportunity to record his disappointment with Granada. When they originally proposed the programme they contacted The Marple Website to ask for archive photos. Our only request in return for the use of the images was a mention in the credits of the programme. Those who watched will have seen there were many on display in the programme but absolutely no mention of us!!! Poor show Granada!!!!

Incidentally I thought I looked quite cute!

[admin]

Although the programme was very positive, and good for Marple, I must admit I was mildly disappointed by a few things too. I noticed both the points that Aslan made (legging and sequence) and I also thought they got down the locks in some pretty big leaps, missing out lots of history on the way. I guess all that is constrained by the requirement to make a well-rounded programme, and they probably achieved that.

The biggest disappointment though was not the fault of the programme makers. Did you notice how when talking about the aqueduct, which is one of the most significant historical features on the entire canal network, all we got a proper view of was the viaduct and some old drawings and photos of the aqueduct. This is because it is impossible to get a decent view of the aqueduct from any angle due to the tangle of trees that have grown up and surrounded it. There are photographs from Victoria times that show what a magnificent structure it is but these cannot be replicated today, which I think is very sad. We are not making the most that we could of this grade I listed treasure and a scheduled ancient monument to boot.

Incidentally, if you want to know more detail about the history of the locks and canal, you can always take our virtual tour!

[Deniseam]

The 'out of order' thing will have happened because the programme flows better that way.  He got all the lock stuff out of the way and then did the tunnel and then the bridge (I think).  Would have liked to have had more about the history of the area which is inextricably linked in with the development of the canals and the buildings and industry around it.

[Aslan]

I saw this as well, and was a little confussed as to why they showed the route out of order (ie the tunnel at Hydebank before the discussion on the viaduct as heading from Marple towards Ashton)

Also thought that Fred might have made some reference to the fact Hydebank tunnel is one of the only true 'legging' tunnels left in the country as they showed the complete trip through it (true legging by the fact that there is no way of getting any person/horse through the tunnel - they have to levave the canal and re-join around the corner) Looked alot more pleasant on his barge than I remember doing it in a canoe!

But apart from those little niggles, it was quite a good programme. Nice to see things you recognise on TV.

[tina]

Just watching Fred go down the locks at Marple on ITV.

Marple looking good. Good to see Lots of local faces  '>
Well done all!