Our Society welcomed Debra Nicholson, Curator of the Morse Collection Museum, and her volunteer Paul to our meeting. Debra and Paul gave us a joint enlightening presentation on the beginning of wind power. They talked to us about how Bob Morse started the Wind Energy Museum, now sited at Repps with Bastwick near the Broadland village of Thurne, and how he started and developed the collection of engines.
Bob was an engineer who moved from Sussex in 1947 when he purchased and restored Thurne Dyke Drainage Mill. Bob then began to rescue and restore derelict Wind Pumps from around the UK, Australia and America, the oldest on display dating back to the early 1800s. He lovingly added his restored machines to his unique collection and opened his doors to the general pubic.
Debra and Paul showed us many slides of restored pumps and explained their workings very comprehensively. It was good to hear that there is much enthusiasm for Bob's lifetime work, which is to be continued by Debra and her band of enthusiastic volunteers .
The Wind Energy Museum is open throughout the summer months, and there is also a guided walk within the three acre site. Strawberry teas are also available. Charity fund raising has also been organised – abseiling from the highest pump! Further details can be found on The Morse Collection Repps with Bastwick website.
Margaret White