Bancroft Mill Engine Trust has, since its start in 1982, operated a policy of self funding for the day to day running and maintenance of the Museum. From time to time it has been necessary to obtain grants of money from various bodies in order to make considerable improvements, or to carry out essential work, so that the Museum may continue to run as a working experience for the benefit of the public. The Trust is staffed entirely by volunteers who have a large variety of skills and experience, and much of the work and improvements have been carried out by them.

Each year, the volunteers carry out a programme of continuing improvements to, both the engine and the buildings. Ongoing, is the Bradley Engine project, which the Trust has made the subject of a special fund, as it is such a large and long-term project. Throughout its existence, apart from some minor funding from mainly local bodies (such as the Civic Trust and Green Lantern) for smaller improvements, the Trust has received grant monies from Pendle Council (£2,000 in 1991 and £3,000 in 1996), and from The Heritage Lottery Fund (£66,000 in 1996), which helped to fund essential work on the Cornish boiler, chimney and buildings, needed to keep the Trust in operation. Further funding has been granted, in 2009.

One of the biggest and escalating costs to the Trust is insurance. This is required to insure the Cornish boiler, the buildings and against public liability claims. Earlier work in 2005 resulted in the museum’s electrical system being brought up to date, emergency lighting and a fire alarm system being installed. The Trust started 2006 with £814 and £1,500 in the Bradley Engine Account. Further funding was necessary to continue with the Bradley Engine installation.

From 2006 to 2009 much work has been completed including improvements to the engine and to the reception area and as a result of funding from PRISM, installation of the Bradley engine has commenced. The foundations are virtually complete and work has started on major components. There are a few parts missing and arrangements for the manufacture of these are in hand in mid 2009.

The Trust’s repair and maintenance capability is to be strengthened in 2009 with the addition of a centre lathe (a gift from a member) and larger drilling capacity will be provided by the installation of a pillar drilling machine already held. Funds need to be strengthened before 2010 to enable the Bradley Engine Project to continue.

Amongst the missing parts are most of the brasses for the main bearings and severe wear to the piston rod gland/bearings during the engine’s last years of operation mean that these parts should be replaced during assembly. Additionally a water supply to the condenser is planned, a new electrical system (both single and 3 phase) is necessary and the older gable end of the building requires civil engineering work. The original sliding doors are planned for replacement by traditional engine house windows rescued from Peter Green’s Mill at Bradley.

Membership numbers have increased in 2007/9 allowing time-consuming projects such as the Bradley Engine installation to continue without seriously depleting the hours available for
maintaining the Bancroft Engine, its auxiliaries and the infrastructure.

Co-operation with other organisations is considered desirable, additional attractions on steaming days are under active consideration in 2009 for 2010. A visit by the Craven Radio Amateur Group was an great success with many contacts made and much interest shown by those who spoke to the group both in the United Kingdom and overseas A further visit is planned for 2009. The Alvis Owners Club has also met at Bancroft during early 2009 and the August steaming saw a visit from a group of Town Criers.

text & images © 2009 Bancroft Mill Engine Trust