Threlkeld Vintage Excavators & Steam Train working weekend

This weekend Sept 18th & 19th Threlkeld Quarry hosts Europe’s biggest collection of working vintage excavators. Diggers, navvies and draglines which first shaped our landscape 50 years ago will be operated by dedicated enthusiasts of the Vintage Excavator Trust. Chairman Ian Hartland and volunteers have created a working quarry museum with underground mine tour and mineral exhibition. Pride of place is held by the steam train, Sir Tom the tank engine, which will operate all weekend.

Steam enthusiasts can support the trust to obtain and renovate the oldest surviving steam navvy in the world excavator. Volunteers have the opportunity to develop the principle working heritage centre of mining and quarrying in the Lake District. A photography competition gives the opportunity for outstanding pictures of vintage machines with Blencathra as a backdrop. One excavator bucket is big enough to drive a car in it.

VET member Richard was renovating an excavator when he discovered that his dad not only recognised the digger but drove it in WWII in London. Some visitors remember seeing machines from their childhood, other visitors marvel at the huge working machines that moved mountains.

For more information info@threlkeldquarry.co.uk www.threlkeldminingmuseum.co.uk
Threlkeld Quarry Museum closes at the end of September until April, but volunteers are still welcome to renovate and prepare for next season’s activities.