Back in action

In 1984 I was able to accompany Les Cawley to the premises of Messrs A Barton & Sons, wadding manufacturers, of Hazel Grove, Stockport, where he was dismantling the steam engine that had driven the mill. This horizontal cross-compound was built in 1903 by Stott & Co of Haslingden and had operated until 1960. Today I had the great pleasure of seeing the engine reassembled and turning over at the excellent Anson Engine Museum in Poynton. Currently only being rolled over by electric drive, it is hoped to have it back in steam later in 2010.