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  • 01/04/2024
Ryhope Engines Museum has welcomed thousands of visitors to their Steam Weekend where people got to see the 1868 beam engines in operation.
Transcript
00:00 [Sounds of the museum]
00:17 Okay, so, so we've again gone here then at the museum?
00:20 It's been tremendous, Neil. We've had over two and a half thousand people already through the doors.
00:24 Most of those came yesterday when we had a classic car rally around the grounds.
00:28 We were very lucky with the weather. The weather's been superb.
00:32 And around about 2,000 people came yesterday alone.
00:35 And what else have you been able to do across the weekend?
00:37 As well as enjoying the beam engines that come and help us stoke the boilers,
00:41 the blacksmiths will make you something special on their anvil.
00:44 Come along and join in the fun.
00:46 And how important is it we preserve this part of Sunderland's history?
00:49 It's vital. This is the last of the giant steam-powered pumping stations in Wearside
00:54 and it's still operational over 150 years since it was built.
00:58 [Sounds of the museum]
01:18 Okay, just tell me about your visit today and what you've been up to see then.
01:22 We saw that they were actually running the steam engines today at the water pumping station.
01:30 And we thought it was a long-awaited experience.
01:34 And we came down and we've been really, really pleased with it.
01:38 To see everything working, the enthusiasm of the volunteers,
01:45 and the fact that they're keeping this place alive.
01:50 And we can come and see it. It's wonderful.
01:53 Obviously there's a blacksmith working next door. I understand you're getting something new as well, is that right?
01:57 Oh, I am, yes. I'm having a little candle holder made especially for me.
02:03 And enjoyed your visit?
02:04 Wonderful, yes.
02:05 Very much so, yeah.
02:07 [Sounds of the museum]

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