MATLOCK TRAVEL SOCIETY

R-L: Newstead Abbey and papplewick Pumping Station

On a beautiful warm and sunny day, our latest excursion to Papplewick Pumping Station and Newstead Abbey nearby proved to be a full and enjoyable day. First, at Papplewick we were welcomed with refreshments followed by an excellent tour of the grounds, lake and engine and boiler houses of the station, beautifully built and opened by the Victorians in 1884 to pump water to the growing city of Nottingham. The skill, artistry and craftsmanship of the architects and builders were reflected both inside and out and were quite remarkable. Even more remarkable was the machinery built and installed to pump the ground water from wells bored into sandstone, massive steam driven beam engines installed before the engine house was built around them.

In 1969 submersible electric pumps were installed but the pumping station is still in full working order and operates on a number of ‘steam’ days throughout the year.

We were welcomed at Newstead Abbey with a delicious buffet lunch followed by a comprehensive tour of the abbey, founded as an Augustinian Priory by Henry II in 1170. In 1536 when Henry VIII dissolved the monasteries, the Abbey passed to Sir John Byron of Colwick who made it his country house. Ultimately it became the home of the romantic poet Lord Byron during the early 19th century. The tour was both entertaining and full of interest and covered the whole history of the house. Afterwards we had time to walk round the gardens and parkland before our journey home.

Our next excursion is to Trentham Gardens, Staffordshire, on Tuesday 17 June. With a spectacular mile-long Capability Brown designed lake, Italianate gardens, woodland, Rivers of Grass, Floral Labyrinth, garden and crafts centre and leisure attractions, it should prove to be an enjoyable visit.

You will be welcome to join us. Please phone Marion on 01246 466925.