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Bellfield Road, HIGH WYCOMBE, HP13 5XX

Situated in Bellfield Road HP13 5HP, this Kingdom Hall has midweek meetings on Wednesdays and Thursdays at 7.15pm, and weekend meetings on Sundays at 10.00am and 2.00pm. The blue "jw.org" notice on the building refers to their website.

Amazingly this is over two years following closure and the place appears unchanged. I was on my way to London and just called by and grabbed a quick shot. The works is completely gone and there is new development on the site. It is commemorated in a local street name.

Situated in Bellfield Road HP13 5HP, this pub is named in honour of High Wycombe's history as a mill town. The river Wye that runs through that town was used to power mills from the 11th century and, over the years, these mills have produced everything from woven cloth to paper. Lace manufacturing became a huge part of the town's economy in the 17th century and remained as such until the 19th century. To reflect this, the name "Spindle and Thread" was chosen.

From the petrol pump.

Furniture works that closed about 1990 and is probably now demolished. Contained two steam engines, one at work right to the end. Both removed for preservation. While the site was working, access was always denied. Following closure Mr Glenister allowed this visit by the Stationary Engine Research Group (now the International Stationary Steam Engine Society) and about 60-70 people turned up.

Recently closed (1990) furniture manufacturer that had used a stationary steam engine to the death. The Stationary Engine Research Group were allowed this final visit and the place was totally thronged.

This furniture company was notable for having one of the last working stationary steam engines in the country and equally notable for denying enthusiasts access to it. The company ceased trading in 1990 and Mr Glenister then allowed a sizable group of enthusiasts in, when nothing was working, in exchange for a donation to his church. This was my only visit inside the works but I had seen the other engine running through a window while stood on a colleague's shoulders. This engine had not run for some time as can be judged from the clutter. It is a compound overtype by Marshall Sons & Co Ltd, Gainsborough, No. 10666 of 1883. The cylinders are probably 9" & 14" x 16". It was designed for 60 brake horsepower. It was allegedly retired from full-time work in 1927 but was on standby until circa 1968. It was removed in 1997 for preservation in a private collection in Gloucestershire and I have seen it run there.

This furniture company was notable for having one of the last working stationary steam engines in the country and equally notable for denying enthusiasts access to it. The company ceased trading in 1990 and Mr Glenister then allowed a sizable group of enthusiasts in, when nothing was working, in exchange for a donation to his church. This was my only visit inside the works but I had seen this engine running through a window while stood on a colleague's shoulders. This is a horizontal tandem compound with Lentz valve gear, built by Davey, Paxman of Colchester, No. 18581 of 1914, installed second hand in 1927. The cylinders are 10.5" & 17" x 18". It ran at 212 revolutions per minute and developed 220 horsepower. The flywheel is 7' diameter and sits next to a shaft mounted alternator. The smaller electric motor like device on the left is the DC exciter to supply the field coils of the alternator. This machine is in store, dismantled in Somerset. I hope that it does get re-erected one day.

This furniture company was notable for having one of the last working stationary steam engines in the country and equally notable for denying enthusiasts access to it. The company ceased trading in 1990 and Mr Glenister then allowed a sizable group of enthusiasts in, when nothing was working, in exchange for a donation to his church. This was my only visit inside the works but I had seen this engine running through a window while stood on a colleague's shoulders. This is a horizontal tandem compound with Lentz valve gear, built by Davey, Paxman of Colchester, No. 18581 of 1914, installed second hand in 1927. The cylinders are 10.5" & 17" x 18". It ran at 212 revolutions per minute and developed 220 horsepower. The flywheel is 7' diameter and sits next to a shaft mounted alternator. The hand wheel on the high pressure cylinder is the engine's stop valve (never a start valve). The big cylindrical structure on the wall is a steam water separator to help keep water out of the engine (a good idea). This machine is in store, dismantled in Somerset. I hope that it does get re-erected one day.