Rope warmer

I had never seen one of these before.

In cold and damp weather, bell ropes can get stiff. This Heath Robinson device is simply a light bulb with a drain pipe attached into which the ropes can be fed. Apparently, it is very effective and only needs to be switched on an hour or two before ringing. This morning I went again to the Anderton Lift visitor centre which this time was open. It was a fascinating visit with lots of information about the local salt industry and the mechanics of the lift.
Afterwards I walked around the adjoining nature reserve.