The Wind Energy Museum is a unique institution. It stands in Repps with Bastwick. This site is near Great Yarmouth, Norfolk. We are Britain's only historical collection. Our focus is on wind engines. We showcase the history of Norfolk drainage. A working scoop wheel demonstrates this. Our museum is a treasure. It preserves vital industrial heritage. We tell the story of wind power. It spans past, present, and future. This is a premier wind heritage site.
Our museum's story begins with Ronald "Bob" Morse. His lifelong fascination was remarkable. He loved windmills and windpumps. This passion ignited in Sussex. As a seven-year-old, he received a gift. It was a writing pad with a windmill. This sparked his interest deeply. It led to a life of preservation. He became dedicated to restoration. Windmills have centuries of history. Early examples appeared in Persia. They ground grain and pumped water. These early designs had horizontal sails. The technology spread globally.
European vertical-axis windmills emerged. This was in the 12th century. They became widespread across the continent. These towering structures were iconic. They became integral to local economies. In 1947, many mills faced demolition. Morse purchased the Thurne white tower mill. It was then derelict. This act saved a piece of history. Thurne Mill is now a landmark. It is frequently photographed. It features in many media. Morse's passion extended further. He collected numerous windpumps. These machines managed water. They were vital in rural areas.
Bob Morse amassed a unique collection. He sourced windpumps widely. Examples came from the UK. Others were from America and Australia. They span the 19th and early 20th centuries. His collection boasts rare exhibits. Some are the only surviving examples. This makes it a valuable resource. It illuminates wind-powered technology. Visitors see diverse pump examples. They learn about design evolution. It's a fascinating and comprehensive display. Our museum proudly houses this heritage. It is a national treasure.
Our museum occupies a large site. It spans 2.75 acres. The setting is tranquil. It sits amidst marshes. The Norfolk Broads surround us. Visitors explore the collection. They learn about history. The mechanics of wind power are explained. They enjoy the scenic beauty too. We feature full-scale wind pumps. There are also steam machinery exhibits. A unique waterwheel is on display. We offer working demonstrations. Models complement the larger pieces. Thurne Mill is part of our site. It is a beautiful wind pump.
We delve into various aspects. You see how wind pumped water. It drained unusable marshes. This transformed land for grazing. Early tower mills are showcased. These include 19th-century examples. Scoop wheels are a key feature. Their operation is demonstrated live. You understand how they work. The museum tells an in-depth story. It covers harnessing the wind's power. It takes visitors through history.
The Wind Energy Museum is inspiring. We aim to be educational. We provide a great day out. Schools and families visit us. Enthusiasts and locals are welcome. Our new Wind Energy Centre plans are ambitious. It will highlight the region's contributions. This includes past, present, and future. We will collaborate with industry. We will work with academia. We plan curriculum-aligned STEM activities. Resources will be available for schools. Practical hands-on experiences are planned. These support on-the-job training.
We raise awareness of jobs. We showcase opportunities in wind energy. We offer interactive engagement. This covers history and technology. It includes harnessing wind sustainably. We are forming new partnerships. These will be with wind farm companies. Both offshore and onshore operators. We will educate on climate change. We will promote renewable energy. New educational facilities are planned. Bespoke software will be commissioned. Curriculum lessons will be embedded. A new app will guide visitors.
The museum even participated in the Ice Bucket Challenge:
The video, titled 'Water Wheel #IceBucketChallenge', features a staff member getting soaked by the museum's working water wheel. It raised awareness for Motor Neurone Disease (MND), explaining the condition and encouraging donations to the Motor Neurone Disease Association. This demonstrates the museum's engagement with contemporary issues and its willingness to connect with a wider audience.
The museum is embarking on a new chapter. It is transforming into a Wind Energy Centre. This development is exciting. It explores wind energy history. It showcases future technologies. This includes wind, solar, and hydrogen. The new centre will engage the public. It will attract more tourists. School groups are a key focus. We plan partnerships with colleges. We will offer hands-on learning. This covers heritage engineering. It also includes future energy skills. We are looking forward to this expansion.
Specific benefits will be realized. Local employment opportunities will arise. Local services will be supported. We will host meetings and events. This includes East Wind and Wind Week. Global Wind Day will be celebrated here. Work experience will be offered. Apprenticeships and T-Levels will be supported. Workshops for traditional millwrighting skills are planned. This ensures heritage preservation. We are building for the future.
The Wind Energy Museum is now reopening. It had a three-year closure. This was due to the pandemic. We held a working weekend. 78 volunteers participated. They came from across the country. They helped restore the museum. Their skills are diverse. They include engineering and carpentry. They also cover other technical disciplines. They performed cleaning and painting. They greased and serviced exhibits. Grounds were refreshed with new plantings. Scale windmill models were repainted. Their dedication is truly inspiring. It shows how loved this place is. People come from far and wide. We have many new faces joining. This volunteer spirit powers our efforts.
The museum is largely outdoors. It is grass covered. Suitable clothing is recommended. Comfortable footwear is advised. We are wheelchair accessible. Mobility scooters are also welcome. Please note the ground is uneven. It can be a little bumpy. Ample free parking is available. Disabled parking is onsite too. We have an Eco Toilet. Our Heritage Hut Tea Rooms offer refreshments. You can find sweet and savoury options. Souvenirs are also available. We are open from April to September. Days are typically Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. Times are usually 11am-4pm. No booking is required for general entry. Group visits can be pre-arranged. We welcome school bookings.
We need your help! Volunteering is vital. It protects the museum's future. We have many dedicated volunteers. We always need more support. We hold regular volunteer days. Teams work on bigger tasks. These days are social events. Strangers become good friends. There is a great sense of achievement. General maintenance days are Tuesdays and Thursdays. We need help on open days too.
Roles include kitchen assistance.
Signage and meet-and-greet roles are needed.
Children's activities helpers are valued.
Preparing to open and close is essential.
Leaflet distribution is helpful. Promotional stalls need staffing.
General light gardening is always ongoing.
We need tour guides. Heritage walk guides are also needed.
Grounds maintenance is important.
Engineering and DIY skills are welcome.
Full training will be provided. Contact us to learn more. Your passion can make a difference. We are preserving history together. We look forward to your involvement.
