MEMBERS from a Malvern society are looking for people to come forward to give two important artifacts of the town’s water heritage a brand new home.
The Owls Hole Pump and Engine once pumped Malvern Hills spring water in the district and the water from them was the main supply for numerous houses between 1947 and 1955.
The pump remained in situ in a derelict pumping station until 1994 when it was removed for renovation.
And after negotiations the original Crossley PH 1050 engine, which powered the pump, was also recovered from British Camp Reservoir water filter station in February 1995.
When the restoration work was completed it was decided to align the Crossley engine with the Owls Hole pump for the first time in 50 years.
The Owl Hole Pump and Engine have been given numerous public demonstrations and displays, particularly at the County Museum at Hartlebury, but members of the Malvern Hills Springs and Wells group would like to see them given a new lease of life.
Cora Weaver from the group said: “These two units are in store and have not seen the light of day for several years. We now seek a new custodian for them who would be able to bring them back to life once again.
“We consider it very important that people see this part of Malvern’s heritage so we’d like them to go to a museum or somewhere elsewhere they could be on display. They look fabulous when they’re running.
“They are special for many reasons but mainly because they show how water was transferred from springs into people’s homes before public water mains were laid on. ”
E-mail [email protected] for more information.
