AN APPEAL has been launched to raise enough money to repair the boiler at the Crofton Beam Engines by the Kennet and Avon Canal Trust.

To keep the beam engines going the trust, as well as the volunteers at Crofton Beam Engines, need to raise £27,500 to carry out repairs on the 100-year-old Lancashire boiler. Following a safety inspection the team at Crofton were told that a significant amount of work was needed to be carried out over the winter.

Peter Turvey, 62, chairman of the Crofton branch of the Kennet and Avon Canal Trust, said: “These are the oldest working beam engines in the country and a very important element. They are unique and unless we raise the money to fix the boiler the engines will not be able to work. After a safety inspection we have been told we need to repair it if we want the engines to be used. So far we are about a third of the way there, so we are getting there slowly.”

As an incentive to donate to the appeal, the team are giving people the chance to take away a Crofton Boiler Bear when donating £10 or over as well as staging a grand prize draw.

“We have the Crofton Boiler Bears which act as a fundraising ambassador. If people come to the pumping station and make a donation of £10 or more then they can take one home with them. We are also holding the prize draw where people can buy a ticket for £1 each and have the chance of winning up to £100 worth of dining experiences or even £100 worth of beer,” added Mr Turvey.

The beam engines, which are located at the pumping station, date back to as early as 1812 and mark a significant time in British industrialisation.

“We have these wonderful engines and we have to get a substantial amount of money by October if the work is to start. The engines are a unique reminder of the times where Britain triumphed industrially. This shows the importance of steam power and is a very important part of this country’s history. It would be great to have younger generations take an interest in these engines and the history behind them,” Mr Turvey said.

Anyone interested in showing their support to the appeal can visit the pumping station between Burbage and Great Bedwyn or visit the website at www.croftonbeamengine.org