The Wessex Stationery Engine Club is inviting younger members to join its ranks and learn more about engineering and agricultural history in the process.
“The Wessex Stationery Engine Club is a group founded in 1978 with the main aim of rescuing, restoring and showing engines and vintage machinery from a bygone age,” explained Club Chairman Eric Gay.
“We already have a number of junior club members and are keen to attract even more so that we can pass on the knowledge and skills to a younger generation, so that the heritage of these important machines can be saved for future generations.”
Stationary engines are typically engines that were traditionally used to power industrial and agricultural machines. Today they are a common and popular site at agricultural and village shows, as well as providing their owners with a great hands-on way to enjoy and learn about engineering history.
Among those younger members of the Wessex Stationary Engine Club is 11 year old Tommy, who already owns a number of his own stationery engines. Tommy explained, “The smaller types of engines I can start on my own but the bigger ones I hold the blowtorch on the hot bulb ready for my dad to start. Before starting them up I usually go round them to oil them up which can get very messy!”
As well as supporting events across the West Country, the club runs a number of its own events which help to raise funds for charities including The Children’s Hospice South West.
If you would like to know more, you can attend one of the club’s regular meetings at the Old Down Inn at Emborough, near Shepton Mallet in Somerset on the last Monday of the month, from 8pm onwards, or call Eric Gay on 01225 754374.