A FUNDRAISING campaign has been launched in a bid to bring an historic piece of engineering back to life.
Volunteers from Lichfield Waterworks Trust have been working to renovate Sandfields Pumping Station.
But they are now hoping to raise £5,000 to get the Victorian Cornish Beam Engine moving for the first time in almost a century.
A spokesperson said:
“The Cornish Beam Engine is a unique piece of industrial heritage – and is one of only four surviving examples in the country.
“Built by Jonah and George Davies of Tipton and installed in 1873, the engine played a vital role during the Industrial Revolution, pumping clean water to the Black Country, helping to combat outbreaks of cholera and dramatically improve public health.”
The engine was taken out of service in 1927 and has not moved since.
The trust added:
“While our volunteers have the skills and expertise to carry out the preparation work to restore it to working order, we need financial support to purchase the specialist materials and expert external engineering experience required.
“Restoring movement twould transform Sandfields Pumping Station in a number of important ways. A working engine would significantly enhance the visitor experience, allowing people to see Victorian engineering in action rather than as a static exhibit. This would help attract more visitors to the site, generating vital income to support further restoration work.
“Seeing this immense structure move again would be a powerful and memorable experience.
“With your support, we can bring this incredible piece of history back to life. Every contribution will help us move closer to seeing the beam reciprocate once more, nearly 100 years after it last moved.”
People can donate via an online fundraising page.
