The engine at Robinson’s Shaft, part of the old South Crofty mine, was originally installed in 1903 and worked tirelessly for 52 years, pumping water from 335fathoms below ground during the mining of copper and tin. The engine came to rest in 1955 and has remained dormant ever since.
Now, as part of the £35 million Cornwall Council-led development of the site in to a World Heritage Site Exhibition and cultural centre, the grade 2* listed engine is being brought back to life by a skilled team of technicians from restoration company Dorothea.
The restoration is likely to take around four months and is a great opportunity for people interested in engines, mining or the Heartlands development to work alongside restoration experts to learn skills and be part of an incredibly important part of the Cornish mining story. Volunteering will also lead to gaining a qualification in a CSCS Green Card which Heartlands will fully fund.
Scott James, Programme Director at Heartlands said: “This is a great opportunity to be part of the Heartlands story and Cornish mining history in a really hands on way.
“We are looking for people interested in engines and mines to share this once in a lifetime experience. Volunteers will have the opportunity to gain the CSCS Green Card qualification and work alongside likeminded people for around two days per month from July to October, or as long as they can give.”
Richard Hocking from Volunteer Cornwall is helping Heartlands find suitable volunteers, he said: “It’s great that Heartlands is getting involved with National Volunteers’ Week by creating this unique opportunity.
“For anyone with an interest in Cornwall’s mining history or engineering in general, it’s a chance not to be missed. Being able to gain a CSCS Green Card is an added bonus, and will help the volunteer when looking for future employment.”
The development of Heartlands was made possible in 2008 thanks to a grant of £22.3 million from the Big Lottery Fund along with land gifted from the HCA and financial support from Cornwall Council.
To volunteer for the engine restoration project please contact Kirsty Davies on 01209 722323 or Kirsty.davies@cornwall.gov.uk
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