March 8, 2013 3.15 pm
This story is over 111 months old
In pictures: Archive of engineering history is saved in Lincoln
Engineering heritage: A vast archive of documents, photos and films spanning 150 years of Lincolnshire’s engineering history has been preserved for posterity in Lincoln.
Ray Hooley, who was responsible for collating much of the material in the archive over the decades. Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite
A vast archive of documents, photographs and films spanning 150 years of Lincolnshire’s engineering history has been preserved for posterity in Lincoln.
The Ruston Hornsby (Siemens) Archive contains nationally significant material revealing the central role played by Lincolnshire companies in England’s industrial heyday during the 19th and 20th centuries. Much of it has never been seen by the public before.
The collection includes documents dating back to the formation of Ruston, Proctor and Company in 1857 and details the company’s evolution through various incarnations, including Ruston and Hornsby, Ruston, Ruston Gas Turbines, Alstom and latterly Siemens.
The material was stored in a warehouse at Siemens’ Firth Road site in central Lincoln but needed to be moved because of the relocation of the company’s service business to new premises at Teal Park. Work to secure the collection and prepare it for removal began in 2010.
The materials have now been transferred safely into the repositories of Lincolnshire Archives. Film materials have been moved to the Media Archive for Central England (MACE) based at the University of Lincoln.
The project to secure, catalogue and display the archive is being led jointly by heritage specialists and enthusiasts from Siemens, Lincolnshire County Council and the University of Lincoln.
Professor David Sleight, Dean of Public Engagement at the University of Lincoln, said: “Once catalogued, it is anticipated that selected items from the archive will be digitised to make these important records accessible for researchers and the public locally, nationally and internationally. We pay tribute to those who carefully stored these records away over many years. We already know so many retired engineering workers who are keen to help, their collective memories will be vital to catalogue this archive before it is too late.”
Frank Carchedi, Director of Quality at Siemens in Lincoln, was instrumental in the project. He said: “The documents, plans, photographs and films contained in the archive are not just important to understanding the legacy of engineering in Lincolnshire, they provide an incredibly detailed account of how the industrial revolution in Britain was experienced by the people at its centre.”
Councillor Eddy Poll, Executive Member for Cultural Services at Lincolnshire County Council, said: “The next step is the cataloguing of the material and identifying the most significant items. A team of volunteers with knowledge of our industrial heritage will be needed to help with this, so if you think you can help please get in touch.”
People with a passion for industrial history or knowledge of Lincolnshire’s engineering past can volunteer. Basic training will be provided by heritage experts from Lincolnshire Archives. For volunteering to help catalogue material in the Ruston Hornsby (Siemens) Archive, contact Dr Mike Rogers on 01522 552029 or via email.
The Lincolnite welcomes your views. All comments are reactively-moderated and must obey the house rules. Please stay on topic and be respectful of other readers.
We are appealing for witnesses and dashcam footage after a collision caused serious injuries to a 23-year-old man.
Just before 3.30pm yesterday (2 July), we received reports of a collision on Barholm Road in Tallington. It involved a grey BMW 335D estate, a blue BMW 116D and an orange KTM motorcycle.
The motorcycle rider, a 23-year-old man, sustained serious injuries during the collision and was taken to hospital.
If you witnessed the incident and are yet to get in touch with us, please do so. If you have any other information or dashcam footage available that may have captured the road along the A1175 at the time of the collision, get in touch.
By calling 101 quoting incident 282 of 2 July.
By emailing [email protected] quoting incident 282 of 2 July in the subject line.
If you wish to remain anonymous, you can report via the independent charity CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111 or online.
The 2022 Destination Lincolnshire Tourism Excellence Awards are open for applications, and Destination Lincolnshire giving you the rare chance to co-create your application with Nell Barrington, a tourism awards veteran, who has helped hundreds of businesses write winning applications over the last 15 years – including national VisitEngland winners.
The Tourism Awards Masterclass is taking place on Tuesday 12 July at 11am for one-hour online. Laura Freer, Head of Marketing at Destination Lincolnshire said: “This is a golden opportunity, after years of hard work and heartache, to get your business and team recognised and rewarded.
“A well written application is key to achieving a coveted place on this year’s shortlist, and I’d encourage all tourism and visitor economy businesses who are thinking of entering – whether they are seasoned at writing award applications or not – to join us for this exclusive masterclass.
“Nell Barrington has worked with us and VisitEngland on the founding application processes of these awards, and she is perfectly placed to assist in co-creating applications that you can be proud of. This is a great opportunity for business development too – whether you are shortlisted for an award or not – discovering how to effectively apply for awards and talk up your business adds another string to your bow.
“Booking is essential and places are limited to just 35 – so be quick! This year we’ve made our masterclass available to partners and also to those who we are yet to work with for free. Call it an added bonus, after two years away from the awards circuit.
The awards masterclass is focussed on the application process, and it will spell out what the judges are looking for. You’ll learn how to make your application stand out from the local competition, helping your chances of going through to the national VisitEngland Awards in 2023.”
There are fifteen categories open for nominations from visitors attraction, accommodation providers, hospitality businesses and many more.
The deadline for nominations is July 29, with online judging starting on July 30 and mystery shopping from August 13. Finalists will be announced on Monday, August 15.
The awards ceremony will be held at the Engine Shed on October 21, and will be hosted by Lincs FM presenter, John Marshall.
The event is organised by Stonebow Media, publishers of The Lincolnite, to celebrate the best businesses in Greater Lincolnshire, alongside headline sponsors Lincoln College and Destination Lincolnshire.
We would also like to thank our other sponsors Visit Lincolnshire, Heart of Lincs, Duncan and Toplis and LNER, insight6 and EV Camel.
Whatsapp
