Zoe Attwood re-elected as chairwoman at the Ellenroad Society

Zoe Attwood (nee Renshaw) at Ellenroad Steam Museum

Zoe Attwood (nee Renshaw) was re-elected as chairwoman for the fourth year in a row at the Ellenroad Society AGM on Saturday 4 November.

She said: "It has been an exciting time at Ellenroad recently with the purchase of a new engine. The acquired engine was built by the Railway and General Engineering Company of Nottingham around the year of 1860.

"It is a single cylinder horizontal engine about twenty feet long with a flywheel that is ten feet in diameter. The engine, powered the Potclays factory in Etruria, Hanley, which manufactured materials for the ceramics industry. It was later removed to the Ellesmere Port Boat Museum, but it was too large to be in the building so sat outside on the roundabout for many years.

"The many years spent outside means that the engine needs a great deal of refurbishment to bring the engine back to working on steam. The volunteers at the steam museum can carry out much of the work needed, but the society needs to find the money to make new parts and to employ specialist contractors.

"The society is asking local people and businesses to contribute to the fund. Donations can be sent to the treasurer at the engine house. New volunteers would also be welcome to help the rebuild or to help run the museum.

"With all the big changes taking place, it is a privilege to be able to continue to lead the fantastic set of volunteers that give their time so eagerly."

The museum runs the largest remaining steam powered mill engine in the world once a month. It also demonstrates historic engines and machinery, as well as hosting local groups who hold exhibitions and performances.

Bookings for the additional events that support the monthly open days are being made and suggestions for the events are welcome.

Send to:

ellenroad@btinternet.com

The engine house opens on the first Sunday of the month with the exception of January. The entrance fee of £5 will remain in place.

Their next event is the Ellenroad Steam Museum Christmas Fair.

www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/events/48888/events-in-rochdale/ellenroad-steam-museum-christmas-fair