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All hands to the pump…

Both organisations have people who look outwards above the trivia of engine operation and both of these organisations act as one voice for their representative members and are capable of a show of strength in the face of the threat of misplaced or disadvantageous legislation – as well as acting as their members’ promotor in the wider tourist industry. Those single marque or single interest-type societies are normally affiliated to such organisations or they use the Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs as their ‘voice’ and to keep them alerted to items of potential mutual concern.

Step forward John Porter – a trustee of Kew Bridge Engines Trust – who thinks that the time is right for the 25 or so steam pumping stations to form an association and to act as one voice. A commendable idea and one that we at Old Glory would support in any way that we can. As John puts it: ‘The stationary steam movement has nothing. Yet, if one site has a major accident, we are all in trouble. I would like to see this improve.”

John is keen that as many people as possible among the steam fraternity know that there is a lot more to running these places than nit-picking discussions about the point of cut-off. Indeed the financial point of cut-off could be nearer than thought if an individual chose to sue a pumping station for putting them in A&E, or worse – the mortuary.

On the basis that all pumping stations probably share the same problems of cash flow, a dwindling off of older volunteers with steam experience – and being adequately prepared for a catastrophe – John is hosting a seminar in May (see news) on the ‘Future of Stationary Steam Museums’ in London and initial response has been enthusiastic. Scotland has its nattily-named AIIHMS – the Association of Independent Industrial Museums and Heritage Sites of Scotland, recognised by Scottish Government – but nothing exists along these lines in England and Wales.

Personally I feel that the ‘25 or so’ pumping stations alone would still be a pretty lone voice, and I would advocate the inclusion of industrial museums as well, regardless of the fact of whether they have pressure vessels in their care. An Industrial Museums Association possibly. Indeed the Heritage Railway Association embraces diesel and electrically-run railways among its membership for the greater good of the movement as an example of mutual benefit.

Good luck in your endeavours John, and see you at the seminar.

Drive It Day

There’s just time for a reminder for the FBHVC’s ‘Drive It Day’, which this year is Sunday 17 April. It’s the opportunity for you to show the rest of the population that they have a heritage, so do take your vehicle to the roads and promote our hobby, whether you have steam, commercial or a tractor. I am often travelling a few hundred miles on a Sunday and I always know when its ‘DID’  because of the random selection of vehicles that I encounter or pass as I motor through several counties.

Have a good one!

Colin Tyson
Editor