The chimney at Crofton Beam Engines dates from 1856. After being shortened in 1959 due to instability, it was restored to its original height in 1996. Without the chimney, there is insufficient draw of air through the boiler for the engines to operate.

In January, we experienced torrential rain followed by a period of sub-zero temperatures. As with historic buildings all over the South West, this caused damage to the pointing and brickwork on the chimney. So we commissioned a full survey, and unfortunately this has identified other issues which will need to be tackled before the start of next season.

Given the specialist skills required to work on the chimney, these repairs will be carried out by contractors, who will undertake the work this autumn. Our target for this appeal is £30,000, and we have already raised just over half of that. Help us raise the second half!