CPRE visit to century old Twyford Waterworks

As part of its 'Countryside Walks and Talks' programme for 2008, the Campaign to Protect Rural England (Hampshire) has organised a private tour around the historic Twyford Waterworks, near Winchester, on Tuesday 23rd September at 6.30 pm. The guided tour will last approximately 1 hour and will explain the processes, the operation and the history of the site.

Twyford Waterworks is a scheduled Ancient Monument and consists of a five acre site with numerous buildings, a chalk quarry, and meadowland all tucked away in the Hampshire Downs. It is a unique example among pumping stations and has been supplying clean water to the surrounding areas for an amazing 107 years!

The main building is architecturally interesting and dates back to the early 1900's. It holds the majority of original pumping equipment including: a 'Hathorn Davey' triple expansion steam pumping engine, three Babcock and Wilcox water tube boilers, working 1930's diesel pumping sets, as well as other assorted equipment.

Around the lime kilns and the meadows runs an industrial railway, which links the quarry to the kilns and is run on a water engine to haul the wagons, all demonstrating the historic importance of the industrial railway.

The tour guides are experts in most aspects of the Waterworks and will be happy to answer any questions you may have.

Becky French of CPRE who is helping to organise the visit said: "This is a really interesting trip, as there is a great deal of history at the site and many examples of old machinery. There is also meadowland and a nature reserve, so there's a lot to see. Please join us in our tour, where you can meet new people and have an enjoyable evening."

These events are very popular, so please return your application form as soon as possible, to avoid disappointment. There will be a charge of £4 for members and £6 for non-members. For all enquiries please contact Becky French: info@cprehampshire.org.uk or alternatively on 01962 843655.

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Notes to editors

CPRE Hampshire strives to promote the beauty, tranquility and diversity of the countryside of Hampshire by the sustainable use of land and other resources in town and country, and encouraging the biodiversity and well-being of rural communities.

For membership information on CPRE, please contact:
Pam Mason, administrator, CPRE Hampshire
Tel: 01962 843655
Email:admin@cprehampshire.org.uk

For event media enquiries, please contact:
Becky French, Media and Admin Assistant
Tel: 01962 843655
Email: info@cprehampshire.or.uk

For all media enquiries, please contact:
Keren Burney, media & communications officer, CPRE Hampshire
Tel: 01730 894123   Mobile: 07876 780065
Email: kburney000@aol.com

© Copyright. CPRE Hampshire, 2008. All Rights Reserved.