28/12/2025
Facebook Update- 28 Dec 2025
Challenging times for the Ellenroad Steam Museum
For much of 2025 the Volunteers and Charity Trustees at Ellenroad Steam Museum have faced serious difficulties whenthey discovered serious structural problems had developed in the Victorian masonry and 105 year old roof trusses above the big engine.
We are so sorry it has not been possible to run the engines as intended once the structural emergency became apparent.
Structural Emergency
The scale of the structural challenges meant that although the main engine itself is in working order, its engine house had to be closed to volunteers and visitors alike a while the extent and root cause of roof problems were being researched by expert consulting engineers, laser surveyors and timber specialists engaged to analyse the cause.
Unfortunately, the hidden roof truss ends were found to have been made far too short in the first place, with inadequate bearings onto the masonry which over time has distorted the side walls. Just 3 days before the emergency propping could be installed, one truss dropped 250mm due to the unrestrained wall leaning out. Emergency structural propping and temporary steel ties have now been installed in coordination with Historic England to prevent further movement.
Regular laser monitoring at the necessary testing intervals has shown the temporary emergency works have now stabilised the structure, but permanent repairs must be completed before the big engine can be viewed and steamed again.Unfortunately, as well as the main Engine House, the Generator Room is also closed to visitors as access is via the closed big engine room, but the rest of the Museum remains accessible.
Major Building Conservation Project
The Structural Engineers’ reports make it clear that a major conservation project will be required to ensure the Steam Museum's resilience is restored and normal service resumed as soon as possible. The Charity has appointed consultants to check the whole of the building and ascertain when we may steam the beam engine again as it is connected to the failed wall. Design options for the most cost effective long term solution are in preparation so that a realistic overall project fund raising target can be prepared. This is all a lot of work and while continuing at pace, months of work will be needed to finalise the right solutions and raise sufficient funds before specialist contract works can commence.
Nevertheless, the regular work of the Volunteers continues every Sunday and Tuesday, as they continue to keep theseunique heritage assets in full working order. (If the main gateis not open on a Sunday or Tuesday visitors should telephone 07510 288546).
More information will be published on the Ellenroad website.
Fundraising campaign
A sub group has been set up to manage the technical and funding challenges the charity is confident it can handle with sufficient community support. In the meantime, the fund raising campaign group has already identified several promising leads and further ideas are being developed. Look out for the launch of the public campaign needed to maximise the six figure sum these essential works will need.
If you are able to donate towards this critically vital work, or even covenant a regular monthly amount by direct debit, please send your donations to:
ELLENROAD TRUST LTD, Bank Sort code 01-07-44 Account No. 07208650
The Ellenroad Trust and Volunteer Society Charities
ELLENROAD TRUST LIMITED. Charity number 700197
THE ELLENROAD STEAM MUSEUM SOCIETY. Charity number 1118643
