IN October the Waterworks Museum in Hereford became the centre for one day of the realm of hot-air engines in the UK. These enigmatic machines came after steam engines and before internal-combustion engines. They had their heyday in the 1890s and were developed from the original ideas of the Rev Robert Stirling, a Scottish clergyman, and are often referred to as Stirling engines in his honour.

Each year the Waterworks Museum works collaboratively with the Stirling Engine Society to bring a range of hot-air engines, including some of the latest experimental models, to Hereford for display to the public. There are Stirling engine enthusiasts all over the country and some travel from as far as East Anglia and Cornwall to display their latest engines in the exhibition.

The engines shown range from large models working from solar energy (or heat lamps if the sun is not shining) through small engines powering model vehicles to incredible examples which work purely from the heat in the palm of your hand. Visitors to the exhibition include engine enthusiasts together with the general public who are intrigued by engines which appear to work by magic, without steam, oil or petrol.

Next year will see the bicentenary of the first patent taken out by the Rev Robert Stirling in 1816. The national celebrations of this seminal event will be focussed on Hereford. The Waterworks Museum will host the event on October 9, working closely with the Stirling Engine Society, which will include new displays, video presentations and models operated by visitors. The culmination will be the largest gathering of full-size hot-air engines ever in Britain, all on working display. Everyone who owns a full-size hot-air engine is cordially invited to join this historic event. Please make contact through julianjwood@talktalk.net.