Claverton Pumping Station is preparing for more flooding over the coming winter months and is appealing for funds. The volunteer-run museum lies just outside Bath, where a group maintains the Grade I listed pumping station, dating from 1813.
Using a water-wheel, the station pumps 100,000 gallons of water an hour into the Kennet & Avon Canal to keep it topped up from the nearby River Avon. Unfortunately, as the pumping station is built next to the river the site floods on a yearly basis. From October-March, the lowest floor needs to be cleared to minimise any flood damage. With little space in the pumphouse itself the group relies on an outbuilding to store signs, benches, and parts of machines for the winter. The outbuildings are up the bank from the pumphouse, thus getting them away from all but the worst floods. However, their largest outbuilding has all but collapsed. They are looking to raise £2,500 towards helping the group to build a strong raised outbuilding that can survive even the worst floods. This new winter storage will help keep the pumping station preserved for future generations.
Details on how to donate can be found here: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/claverton-pumping-station
Industrial Heritage Networks 