Events and Exhibitions
2012
Opening of the 2012 season, Easter Sunday and Monday 9th / 10th April
Already taken place in 2011
Opening of the season, Easter Sunday and Monday 24th / 25th April
The 2011 season gets off to a flying start on Easter Sunday and Monday. Come along and see the many changes that have been put in place over the winter months including the Stott steam engine is ready for running, the Peter Brotherhood is in running condition, the Vickers-Petter is rebuilt and will run shortly and the trailer mounted Crossley has been fully stripped and is being overhauled.
The Craft Centre at the museum will also be open with demonstrations of wood turning, stone masonry and our blacksmiths at the forge. The museum will then be open every Friday, Saturday, Sunday & Bank Holidays.
Demonstrations of old crafts Various
Bodging (the traditional craft of working with green-wood using portable tools including a pole-lathe to turn chair legs, etc) while another volunteer, will be working at the forge. The power hammer has been installed, a wheelwrights shop is under construction and a tool shed is complete. Dates for craft demonstrations are:-
Sunday – 24th April Monday – 25th April Monday – 2nd May Monday – 30th May
Sunday 7th August Monday 29th August
Sunday 25th September
Poynton residents free admission Saturday 14th May
At last residents of Poynton have a good use for their Council Tax Bill, they can use it to gain a free visit to the museum on Saturday 14th May. See the many changes that have happened over the last few years, including the giant diorama of Poynton as it looked c1900.
Geoff Challinor, Chairman said “I am often told by local people that they have visited the museum but several years ago. Every year the museum changes and I thought it would be a great opportunity to show the enhancements to people who may not have been for a few years.”
The museum has won several awards of the years and is repeatedly told from visitors “ we had no idea you were so big or had so much to offer.” To help ensure all Poynton residents know just what we have to offer, we are offering free admission (for up to four people per household) on Saturday 14th May when they show at the door their 2011 Council Tax bill with an SK12 post code. Remember - children under 12 also receive free admission.
As well as the impressive collection of Internal Combustion engines and steam engines we regularly have demonstrations of ancient crafts – bodging and blacksmith work – and of course the giant model of Poynton c1900 showing the collieries of the area with local historian Roy Dudley available to answer residents questions.
Additionally, as the 14th May is also International Night of Museums (when museums across the world are asked to open late) we will not close at 5pm as normal but stay open until 8pm so you can enjoy engines at twilight.
Engines at Twilight Open until 20:00 Saturday 14th May 
The museum will once again be taking part in this International movemement by opening late. Many engines running with talks on how they work and engine development through the years. The scale model of Poynton c1900 showing all the collieries of the time will also be available to view.
Normal opening hours 10:00 - 17:00 then staying open until 20:00.
Poynton Collieries Walk Sunday 15th May
Join local coal mining expert David Kitching and the Rangers on a 5-7km (3-4 mile) walk round the Poynton area looking at some of the many relics of the industry, combined with an opportunity to continue your journey into the past with a discounted tour around the Anson Engine Museum. Timings are for walk only - Museum tour is optional. Time: 10.00am to 1.00pm Meeting point: Anson Engine Museum, Anson Road, Poynton, SK12 1TD (SJ941836) Leaders: David Kitching and Ranger Martin James Information: 01625 383700 - this is not organised by the museum so any details/information required please call the number shown to speak to one of the Rangers.
(Please wear suitable boots/clothing)
Fathers Day Sunday 19th June
What to give dad for his special day – why not a trip to see engines running and be fascinated by the machinery of yesteryear?
Geoff Challinor, Chairman of the museum on Anson Road, Poynton said “My dad encouraged my interest in engines by giving me one to restore when I was only 14. This is my opportunity to say “thanks” to dads everywhere by making it a special day here at the museum. We intend to have several of our engines running that day to make it a really special Fathers Day. We have offered this for the past couple of years and it is always popular. Families can treat their dad and make it a really special day out for all the family.”
If you want to join Geoff and the volunteers on Sunday June 19th, pop along between 10:00 - 17:00 to see the impressive collection of internal combustion and steam engines.
To add to the atmosphere that day many engines will be running; there is also a special Fathers Day Fun Sheet and remember, if you bring your dad along that day - he gets in free! The shop has a range of unusual gifts and hand made cards to make all dads and grandads feel extra special.
The museum also has a giant model of Poynton showing how the village looked c1900. The volunteers have spent over 4000 hours bringing the miniature village to life. It’s available to view and for those local to the area it is great fun working out where your house is now compared with the landscape of old collieries and railways.
Midsummer Mingle - calling all engine men Tuesday 21st June
Celebrate Midsummer and mingle with old engineering colleagues.
Everyone is invited along - particularly anyone who has worked in the engineering/engine manufacturing companies in the area, this will make it a reunion as well as a great day out.
Museum open 15:00 until 20:00. but most people will arrive for the barbeque around 6pm. Normal museum entry applies but includes a tasty Norbury Farm hotdog.
1000 Engine Rally, Chelford 25th / 26th June
The annual rally takes place at Chelford over the weekend, the organisers aim to take the Astle Park Rally forward as Europe's largest display of Vintage engines. Come and join in the fun. For more details see their website
Saturday evening 25th June museum open until 21:30 for annual visit.
Middlewood Way Open Day Sunday 17th July
This friendly fair is packed full of new attractions for 2011, with activities and events for young and old alike, click here for more details. The museum will once again be supporting the local activity, look out for our volunteers at our stand.
Poynton Show, Poynton Park Saturday 27th August
A great day out for all the family. Our volunteers will be supporting this show with and engine, stall and presenting the Les Cawley Memorial Trophy. See the show's website for more details.
Model T Ford Register of GB Friday 2nd September
The car park at the museum will be graced with several Model T Ford cars that day while the club members enjoy a visit to the museum. Come along and enjoy seeing these beautiful cars as well as your visit to the museum. Bring a camera.
Steam Days 24/25th September
There are few people who are not moved and enthralled by the sight and sound of a giant steam engine in motion. The power and majesty of the spinning flywheel ignites a spark deep inside and makes you wonder about the work and history of these industrial giants.
The Stott mill engine has been beautifully restored by our volunteers and it is now ready to run on live steam. The first public running of this engine will be Saturday 24th and Sunday 25th September. There is no additional charge to see the steam engine, normal museum entry applies. Museum open 10:00 - 17:00 both days.
Rolls Royce Griffon Engine 29/30th October 
What do they say about waiting for a bus ......
As well as the Napier Lion and the Stott engine "in steam" we are delighted to announce that Bill Richards will also be joining us for the weekend with his Rolls Royce Griffon V12, 36.7 litre Mk 58 on the back
of a trailer. Click here to see it being fired into life when it was last at the museum.
Photographs can be found in our Gallery here
Hope you can all come along to join us for what is looking to be a great finale to the season. Remember to turn the clocks back!
Napier Lion Engine 29/30th October 
Fantastic news - we have managed to enlist the services of a Napier Lion to end the season on a NOISY but exciting finale to the season.
Giant model of Poynton Weekends
Progress continues on the giant model showing how Poynton looked c1900. The volunteers have spent over 4,000 hours getting the detail just right. Come along and talk to the volunteers who have built it.
Click on this link to be able to see the detail of the model, zoom in to study the different parts.
Demonstrations of old crafts Various
Bodging (the traditional craft of working with green-wood using portable tools including a pole-lathe to turn 
chair legs, etc) while another volunteer, will be working at the forge. The power hammer has been installed, a wheelwrights shop is under construction and a tool shed is complete. Dates for the remaining craft demonstrations are:-
Saturday 29th Oct Sunday 30th October
“Turn the Clocks Back” closing weekend 29th/30th October
