Who We Are
The Crossness Engines Trust was set up in 1987 to restore the engines. A large part of the work is done by an unpaid volunteer workforce. Read our Vision and Mission statements for more information on our aims.
Why The Trust Exists
The Crossness Engines Trust, a registered charity, was set up in 1987 to restore the engines which represent a unique part of Britain's industrial heritage and an outstanding example of Victorian engineering. A large part of the restoration work so far carried out has been done entirely by an unpaid volunteer workforce.
How the Trust Operates
We are a Trust and are governed by Articles of Association, submitted to and approved by the Charity Commission.
The Trust currently has over 500 paid-up members.
Currently the work of the Trust is managed by a Board of Trustees, all of whom are unpaid. Sir Peter Bazalgette is President of the Trust he is the great-great-grandson of Sir Joseph Bazalgette, the engineer who designed London’s sewer system,. Much of the day to day work of conservation is done by a group of volunteers working in teams covering a range of tasks from engine restoration to gardening.
Our income is generated by:
- Running open days and guided tours;
- Commercial filming – the Beam Engine House had featured in a number of films and television programmes;
- Support from organisations such as the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Historic England and our landlord Thames Water Utilities;
- Donations
Note that some of the income generated from open days and guided tours may be used to release Landfill Communities Fund monies with a payment to a Landfill Operator.
Vision & Mission Statement
Vision
To be an inspirational, ethical and educational world heritage site conserving and sharing the iconic Crossness Pumping Station and developing the understanding of the environmental impact of wastewater and water services for future generations, with emphasis on generating awareness, pride & other benefits for the local area.
Mission
To conserve and maintain the Grade 1 and 2 Listed buildings, the engines, the site and collections of artefacts at Crossness, in order to interpret a unique part of London’s industrial heritage for the enjoyment, appreciation and education of a wide public.
Aiming to achieve Accredited Museum status, we will manage and conserve our collections and archives according to recognised standards. We will inspire an increasingly diverse range of visitors, volunteers and stakeholders, with clear interpretation, education and outreach through events and open days. We aim to upgrade the exhibitions and displays to explore themes that are both relevant and accessible to a wide range of audiences so that Crossness eventually becomes hIgh-profile heritage attraction within the Thames Gateway region.
We will integrate this with the heritage attractions of the area and we aim to provide a valuable resource to the local community for other activities and events. We will seek to secure the growth and development of the Trust’s membership and volunteer body and to develop the role of Crossness in training for both future volunteers and for the local community. Alongside a continuing and central role for the volunteers, the Trust will aim to secure a sustainable business model for its operations.
