Full steam ahead

Ellenroad steam engine open day

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Ellenroad Engine House, housing the only fully-working cotton mill engine, held an open day on 5 July showcasing its various steam engines including the Victoria and Alexandra (1862).

The event attracted around 150 people throughout the day, with two tonnes of coal used as part of the demonstrations of the engines, only a tenth of what is expected to be used in a fully operational cotton mill.

Jack Maiden, whose involvement with the cotton industry history stemmed from his father, said he had a “pleasant day”.

Mr Maiden was never too far away from drama, as he discovered one engine required a new belt which was repaired on the evening before the event.

Though this is not the first time that Mr Maiden has visited the various engines, he is preparing to visit the museum again with the prospect of a new engine.

"It’s possible I’ll be back to look at that one in particular" said Mr Maiden.

Amusements offered on the day included the cooking of dinner, a meal wrapped in foil and placed into the fire-furnace, quite a contrast the traditional method of putting bacon and eggs straight onto a shovel.

Mr. Maiden recalls someone saying "Ay, but the taste’s not the same anymore".

For those who wanted to have taken a break from the steam engines the local meccano society had prepared a exhibit which included display models of beam engines, rail locomotives and robots.

There was an air display of a to-scale helicopter, as well as refreshments on site.

Click here for a full list of dates to experience the awesome power of the world's largest working mill engine in full steam.