Historic radio link-up planned for pumping station open day
Radio enthusiasts will be trying to link up with the historic radio station at Grimeton in Sweden as part of the next open day at Dogdyke Steam Pumping Station.
The Lincolnshire heritage attraction near Tattershall will be holding its Radio Day on Sunday, July 5, between 12.30 and 4.30pm.
The Alexanderson Day celebrations will mark the opening of the historic Grimeton transmitter in Sweden in 1924.
It played a crucial role in early transatlantic wireless communication. Each year they broadcast to the world using the original equipment.
Radio ‘hams’ will be trying to contact them and if successful they will have a certificate sent to the pumping station.
Why not go along to see if they make contact and also explore some early radio technology with a display of military and domestic radios (find out what is meant by ‘the cats whisker). Turn the dial to Radio Luxembourg to hear where teenagers found their pop music in the 1950s and 60s as well as examine many other electronic devices from the past.
Admission free.
Both the 1856 Bradley and Craven steam pumping engine and the 1940 Lincoln built Ruston and Hornsby diesel pumping engine will be at work. Both these pumps once used to keep the land dry in the Tattershall and Coningsby area.
Admission is free, donations to keep the site working will be welcomed. Refreshments are available in the pump attendant’s cottage where there is a museum featuring the history of land drainage. There are bric-a-brac, tombola and plant stalls along with children’s games. The site has ample car parking, accessible toilets, is wheelchair and dog friendly.
Access is by Bridge Farm, east of Tattershall Bridge on the A153 Sleaford to Horncastle road, LN4 4JG.