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Visitors to Wigan Pier Quarter will be able to see the magnificent
Trencherfield Mill Engine for free every Sunday from April.
Situated in its original setting, visitors can see the mighty engine,
hear talks from the engineers, and enjoy an exciting audio-visual show;
all at no cost.
Trencherfield Mill Engine is one of the largest and finest working
examples of its type. Built 100 years ago, this mammoth metal powerhouse
was regarded as a feat of industrial engineering.
Churning out a massive 2,500 horse power to feed the ever hungry
machinery of Trencherfield Mill, it played an instrumental role in
Wigan’s industrial development. In 2004 with the help of a successful
Heritage Lottery Fund bid and restoration project, the engine was
finally restored to its former glory.
Visitors are now once again able to awe at this giant’s immense size and
power, but more importantly, experience it working as it did all those
years ago - full steam ahead! Viewing slots available every Sunday are:
11am to 11.45am, and 1pm to 1.45pm. No booking is required.
Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust Heritage Services Manager Carole
Tyldesley said: “We really hope that local people and steam enthusiasts
will take advantage of this free opportunity and come along and
experience for themselves this incredible piece of machinery. It is a
fine working example of industrial engineering, situated right here on
your doorstep.”
“The AV show which accompanies the tour provides a fascinating insight
into the engine’s life from 1910 to the present day and a taster of what
life was like working in the Victorian mills. Visitors can also enjoy
cotton spinning demonstrations and put any questions they might have to
our engineers.”
Admission to the Engine is free during the designated times, but there
may be a small charge for special events and activities.
Throughout the year, the engine will host a calendar of family
activities and events. Visitors during the May half term can enjoy ‘Hard
Times - How We Used to Work’, a family activity exploring Wigan’s coal,
cotton and canal heritage and how important this was to local industry.
These sessions are suitable for children aged five to eleven years old
who must be accompanied by an adult. This event, priced at £3.50 per
person or £10.50 for a family of four, runs from 10.00am to 11.30am from
Wednesday 28th to Friday 30th May. For further information and to book a
place contact 01942 323666.
Group and education visits to the engine are also available during the
week but must be pre-booked. For further information please contact
Wigan Heritage Services learning team on 01942 828128.
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NOTES TO EDITORS: For further information on this press release please
contact Chris Dunbar, Media and Public Relations Manager, on 01942
486937 or at
c.dunbar@wlct.org
Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust: Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust is a
charitable trust working on behalf of Wigan Council to manage and
support leisure and cultural facilities, initiatives and events for over
300,000 residents in the Wigan Borough. See
www.wlct.org
Getting Wigan Active: Getting Wigan Active is Wigan Leisure and Culture
Trust’s vision to help people across the Wigan Borough to become more
physically, mentally and creatively active. It also aims to increase
community activity and to encourage good citizenship.
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Trencherfield Mill Engine
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