Many thanks for the replies guys.

So, knocking down the shed was part of the Liverpool regeneration I guess? Pity they couldn't fund a replacement. Mind you I seem to remember the old shed even then only offered partial cover - I'm sure half the roof was missing!

And on to the ferry:



Had no problems with the steam packet journey. Ferries were a bit smaller than the Calais-Dover ones I'm used and I'd heard the Irish sea could get a bit choppy but in the end my stomach remained undisturbed. Weather looked a bit ominous on the way towards Douglas.



But all was well. Douglas had a nice old fashioned seaside town feel to it, but not decayed or run down like so many other resorts were (and still are) around the UK. Packed with bikers everywhere it was a sight to warm the cockles of an IoM virgin's heart: