Turn on the Waterworks...... (From Hereford Times)

Turn on the Waterworks......

7:56am Saturday 27th October 2007

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Tucked away just off Broomy Hill, lies one of Herefordshire's hidden treasures....

If you've not been to the Hereford Waterworks museum before then you're missing out.
Tomorrow (Sunday 28th) is, I believe, the last time that the machines will be 'in steam' for this year. It's well worth popping to have a look. See www.waterworksmuseum.org.uk for details.

What's there ? Besides the smells, sounds and sights of working steam powered machines and engines you get a real sense of some of Herefordshire's history. There's a big pumping machine that used to be employed at the Rotherwas Munitions factory. I haven't seen it myself yet, but there is supposed to be a display about the Munitions there too.

The museum relatively recently benefitted from a grant (Lottery Heritage, I think) that allowed for the construction of a new building to house the tea shop, display area and engine rebuild room.

There are hands-on exhibits for the kids and various activities for them to do - finding Freddie the Frog being one ! Oh, and parents/grandparents there is a tea shop as I alluded to earlier.

I think I may try and 'convince' my lad that he wants to go, just so that I can go down !

I'm not sure if they'll be running tomorrow, but right next door to the Waterworks Museum is the Hereford Society of Model Engineers' railtrack and club-house. If you're lucky, the guys will be operating their trains for which you can buy tickets to have a ride.

Makes for a pleasant Sunday outing - without having to travel too far ! Parking can be the only issue, though.

A visit down there tends to bring out the Fred Dibnah in me....

...incidentally, there was some kind of plan recently hatched to try and buy Fred Dibnah's house in Bolton !! (Boton News ) The 'brains' behind this plan were looking for 350 or so people to contribute up to £1000 to buy his house and lands (including its own mineshaft!!) to keep it as a museum to the talent and enthusiasm that was embodied by Fred Dibnah. It's a shame that Bolton council, or whomever don't think a bit bigger and buy it and turn it into a museum and tourist attraction for Bolton.

Scarcely a day goes by without some new report telling us all about some natural peril that people in the world are facing. From tsunamis to hurricanes. Man-made calamities are also a constant threat. So, if you happen to have a spare £1.5 million and want to be prepared for all eventualities, why don't you buy an old missile base in the US ?

...and finally, good news for all you ginger haired people. Don't take any stick off anyone with the various childish taunts relating to the colour of your hair...

You were here first !

TTFN

Rob