There is a lot going on at Beamish, as ever, so here is a summary of a few of the transport projects underway.  Preparations are also at an advanced stage for our Power from the Past event, 30th August – 2nd September, and I’ll post info on the invited exhibits here over the coming weeks…

Below:  Over recent years, we have seen a major increase in restoration, and subsequent maintenance work, on the varied transport and industry collections at Beamish.  This is, of course, very exciting, and the resulting increase in working collections have been a major feature of the Museum’s recent development.  With plans for the future formulating, and an obvious need to increase our sustainability, and look to train the next generation of staff and volunteers, a short term need is that of improving workshop (and working) facilities is clearly a priority.  So…  The workshops at Foulbridge are being refurbished and upgraded.  In the view below, what will now be the general engineering shop is seen receiving a concrete floor, which will be followed by insulation and lining of the space to greatly improve it as a working area.  A similar timber/joinery workshop will compliment this, with enhancements to other areas such as the machine shop, tram depot and vehicle workshop.  Work will continue over the next few months to bring these spaces into operation, and ensure they are full of lots of exciting projects…