We've a history of bridge building here, with, amongst others, the Tamar Bridge, the Auckland Harbour Bridge, the Bosporus Bridge and the Sydney Harbour Bridge to our credit.
We built a bridge or two for ourselves, too, though only one, the Transporter Bridge (referred to by us Smoggies as simply 'the Transporter'), is still operational.
Passengers and cars are carried across the Tees in a gondola suspended from the bridge. Those reluctant to pay the 60p fare or simply feeling energetic can climb 210 steps, walk across the top and descend the steps on the other side.
Yesterday, the Boy jumped off the Transporter. This wasn't a desperate cry for help, you understand, but part of an organised bungee jump. Apparently people come to the Boro from far and wide to jump off the top of the bridge, in a bid to raise money for charity or just for the sheer hell of doing it.
The weather deteriorated as we waited from the safety of the viewing area, but it remained relatively calm (unlike me) so the jumps went ahead (apart from those who chickened out at the last minute).
If my dad had had his way, the jump wouldn't have been possible. The Transporter wouldn't be there at all. He wasn't a fan once industry in the town and therefore passenger numbers had declined and, prior to it being granted Grade 11 listed status, used to make his view on the then uncertain future of the bridge very clear:
'Melt the bugger down'.