Dogdyke Pumping Station open day will be great

A historic pumping station will be opening its doors to visitors next month.

On Sunday, August 7, between 12.30pm and 4.30pm, both the pumping engines will be at work at Dogdyke Pumping Station, with the unique Wakefield built Bradley and Craven beam engine of 1856 being in steam.

This is a fantastic chance to see the only surviving steam powered beam engine built by this company. The engine drives a large scoop wheel pump of a type once common in the Fens.

Working alongside it is the Lincoln built 1940 Ruston and Hornsby oil engine, powering a Gwynnes’ centrifugal pump.

This is an example of the type of pump that replaced the steam engine - the engines have now been largely replaced by electric pumps.

On the same day, Dogdyke welcomes a display of the county’s unique breed of sheep, the Lincoln Longwool.

Members of the Lincoln Longwool Sheep Breeders Association, Jamie Quinn and Sue Oliver from Hall Farm, Messingham, will be showing their animals on the day.

The sheep on show will include Basil, a ram lamb who has become a bit of a media star.

Basil is said to be a bit of a hit with local school children and is a therapy sheep working with injured veterans.

Visitors will also see displays of the raw fleece and a demonstration of spinning.

Refreshments are available and in the pump attendant’s cottage and there is a museum featuring the history of land drainage, so there is plenty to see and do while you are there.

The site has ample car parking, accessible toilets and is wheelchair friendly. Dogs are also welcome on leads and admission is free.

However, donations are welcome to support the preservation of the site.

There are a number of ways to find Dogdyke Pumping Station.

Access is by Bridge Farm, east of Tattershall Bridge on the A153 Sleaford to Horncastle road, LN4 4JG.

Alternatively, the ‘what3word’ location is: shuttling.unopposed.stunning.

For further information visit www.dogdyke.com or call 07464 948549.