Local Member of Parliament, Kate Kniveton, has today (25/05/23) visited Claymills Pumping Station ahead of the popular local attraction’s ‘steaming’ weekend, where visitors will be able to see the fantastic Victorian engineering in action.
The Claymills Victorian Pumping Station was built in 1885 to deal with outputs from the huge beer industry in Burton. Today, Claymills Pumping Station is an Accredited Museum, rated on TripAdvisor as the number one thing to do in Burton upon Trent, and run entirely by volunteers.
As part of the local MP’s visit, Ms Kniveton met with a number of the Pumping Station’s Trustees including John Freeman CBE, Derek Goodman and Steve Goodman, who showed her round the engines on display. The Claymills Pumping Engine Trust, the charity responsible for preserving the site, celebrates its 30th anniversary later this year and will be holding a special event in the autumn to mark the occasion.
The latest steaming event takes place this Bank Holiday weekend on Sunday 28th and Monday 29th May between 10.00am and 5.00pm.
Commenting, Kate Kniveton MP said:
“The Claymills Pumping Station in Stretton is an incredible working example of Burton’s history coming alive for visitors to enjoy.
“However, this isn’t by chance, it is thanks to the hardworking efforts of the trustees and volunteers who are incredibly dedicated to restoring and preserving the engines for us and future generations to experience.
“I want to thank John, Derek, Steve and all the volunteers for the tour today. I wish them the very best for the upcoming steaming event this weekend as well as their 30th anniversary event later this year.”
Trustee of Claymills Pumping Station, John Freeman CBE added:
“We very much enjoyed showing Kate Kniveton MP around Claymills Pumping Station today, highlighting why we are the number one attraction in Burton on TripAdvisor.
“As Trustees, we are committed to the upkeep and preservation of these incredible pieces of Victorian engineering for future generations to see. We are also proud of our work with volunteers, especially our younger volunteers, and our work with families.
“We are looking forward to welcoming visitors to our steaming event this weekend and remain open at our usual times every Saturday and Thursday.”
