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New Pipes for Snaefell Wheel 10 February 2004 The Water Authority is lending its support to the Laxey
Mines Research Group and their project to restore the Snaefell Wheel, with the
donation of 70 six inch diameter by six metre long plastic pipes.
The pipes, although no longer suitable for full potable water pressure regimes,
are to be used to bring water under gravity to the wheel which is to be set up
on the old Washing Floors in the Laxey Valley Gardens.
The idea was suggested by the Authority’s M+E Supervisor, Peter Cringle, himself
a personal contributor to the Snaefell Wheel project. He has been involved with
maintenance work on Laxey Wheel for 19 years and
has been providing invaluable input to the Snaefell Wheel project, offering
advice and practical help with mechanical engineering issues. Peter is now
helping plan the water system to provide the supply to turn the Snaefell Wheel
when it is assembled.
Patrick Heaton-Armstrong, Chief Executive of the Water Authority,
"We are delighted to help such an interesting community project and it is
entirely appropriate to offer assistance to an initiative involving water
engineering."
The Wheel was originally ordered by the Snaefell Mining Company in 1865 and
pumped water at the Snaefell Mines until 1910. Following research by Peter
Geddes of the Laxey Mines Research Group the Wheel was
located at a Mining Museum in Wales, from where it returned to the Island in
September 2003. The Laxey Mines Research Group still
need funds to help complete the project. If you would be interested to add your
name or company to this worthy project please contact pete.geddes@manx.net. More stories >>> |
