THE little known role played by technology experts in Malvern during Britain’s triumph in the Second World War is to be celebrated at a brand-new museum at Great Malvern railway station.
In 1942, Prime Minister Winston Churchill ordered the evacuation of two top-secret government radar research establishments to the Worcestershire countryside to escape German bombardment.
The work carried out in Malvern was transformative to the war effort and subsequently to modern electronic technology worldwide.
Now, thanks in part to a grant from West Midlands Railway (WMR), the incredible story will be told at The Technology Station, situated in the historic Great Malvern station.
The museum’s features include interactive displays and information boards showcasing Malvern’s substantial international science and technology legacy, including: Radar, integrated circuits, electronic computers, Liquid Crystal Displays (LCDs), touch screens, x-ray detectors, Passive Infra-Red detectors (motion sensors), gas lasers and more.
The museum will also show how the Telecommunications Research Establishment and its successors made a major contribution to the culture, environment and development of Malvern.
Mike Burstow, from the Malvern Radar and Technology History Society, said: “We are delighted to unveil The Technology Station, which celebrates the remarkable impact the Malvern area has had on the technology.
“By linking stories of wartime research to the modern day, we hope to inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers.”
The Technology Station will open to the public on Wednesday, May 22. Its opening hours are 2pm to 6pm on Wednesdays and 10am to 2pm on Saturdays. Entry is free, with supporting donations optional.
Jonny Wiseman, customer experience director at WMR, said: “Our stations are at the heart of our communities and we are delighted to have supported the opening.
“I am certain this fascinating slice of history will prove popular with our customers and will build on Great Malvern’s existing status as a ‘destination station’.”
The exhibition is the scheme of Victoria Carman, visitor economy manager at Malvern Hills District Council.
It has been organised by The Malvern Radar and Technology History Society and is sponsored by WMR, Worcestershire Community Rail Partnership and Malvern Town Council.
The funding from WMR came through its Department for Transport-backed Customer and Communities Improvement Fund.
Visit www.mraths.org.uk for more information.
