Calling all engine men of Manchester!

13th June 2011

Categories: Modern History News

Midsummer is a time of magic and wonder-working.  Following in this tradition the Anson Engine Museum in Poynton is planning a Midsummer Mingle on Tuesday 21^st  June 2011 from 15:00 until 20:00 with a little wonder-making of it’s own. 

Everyone is invited along - particularly anyone who has worked in the engineering/engine manufacturing companies in the area, this will make it a reunion as well as a great day out. 

As there were a great many engine companies in and around Manchester this is a call to the Gardner engineers of Patricroft; the Crossley Brothers craftsmen of Openshaw; National engine builders from Ashton-under-Lyne; Russell Newbery workers from Altrincham; Bates & Scholes of Denton; Furnival engine and printing press manufacturers of Reddish; employees of Mirrlees, Bickerton & Day and not forgetting all the other names that go along with the company – Blackstone, Ruston, Hornsby, MAN, etc.  If your business was not mentioned here still come along and join in the fun; sorry to have missed you of the list but there are so many great companies from this area. We have engines from all of the above companies and a great many more in our collection of over 200 engines.

Peter Wood, one of the museum Volunteers and ex Mirrlees Personnel Manager, has agreed to co-ordinate and organise the day.  He explains “On Midsummer's Day, many bonfires used to be burnt all over the country. Our acknowledgement of this is to have a barbeque commencing at 6pm which I think will be the main social activity of the day.”

As several of our volunteers are retired employees of Mirrlees Bickerton and Day there will be a display of Mirrlees memorabilia over the years, some never before seen in public. This will add an additional touch of magic to the evening.

Since Midsummer last year the museum has made several improvements including more engines under cover; more engines running and in particular the 8 cylinder Brotherhood. The Steam Section at the museum has also benefited from many enhancements and now has steam running the engines.

In the Local History area the volunteers are putting the finishing touches to a giant model of Poynton showing how the village looked c1900 showing all the railways and collieries that dotted the landscape at the time.  There is certainly plenty to see and enjoy. It will be a great opportunity for colleagues to get together and chat about the old days and exchange anecdotes.  Please tell your friends and come and join us for our Midsummer Mingle on Tuesday 21^st June from 15:00 until 20:00.

Normal museum entry fee will apply but will include a tasty Norbury Farm hot dog for those attending the barbeque.  Details of how to find the museum can be found on their award winning website www.enginemuseum.org