Introduction:This site was first developed in 2004 and rewriten in 2010.Located in west London - UK, this is one of the early pumping stations providing water to London, or more correctly part of what was once a much larger site. The location is easily accessible, being near to both the A4 and M4 elevated and, surprisingly Kew Bridge. I first visited the site as a quick diversion when I found myself with time on my hands after being sent to the area for what turned out to be a very quick job. Frankly for some time it had been a site on the 'may do list' for some time and not much thought about, certainly not as one worthy of a longish and quite hellish journey just to see. As it turned out I was quite wrong and returned soon after with assorted Grandkids in tow during a week-end, as that's when they have engines in steam. We were a bit unlucky as we were on the weekend before Christmas and the main boiler was down for survey, so the engines in steam were rather limited. However, what they had going was impressive enough to mark the site for further investigation. On site I found that all the staff and volunteers there were friendly, interested and informative. The equipment on display was well cared for and, if not in working order, on its way to being so. Having Grandkids in tow meant that hunger strikes them soon after leaving the house. There is a cafe on site, which I approached with some caution as it, in many respects, reminded me of rather rough works canteens I have experienced or suchlike. Very in keeping with the ambiance of the building and function of the place with hindsight, but initially - humm. On a quirky note two of the engine drivers were very good looking young ladies, svelte, I think is the term, very head turning for an old man like me. However, I pointed these girls out to the 5year old grand-daughter, which perked her up no end as she realised then that she could grow up to play with these big toys as well. The interest and questions I had to field about the kit from her from then on was manifold!! |