Tees Cottage set for bear-y busy weekend of steam and family fun

A historic Darlington landmark is preparing to welcome families, history enthusiasts and teddy bears alike this weekend as Tees Cottage Pumping Station hosts a special Teddy Bears' Picnic event.

Tees Cottage Pumping Station, a remarkable example of Victorian engineering and local heritage owned by Northumbrian Water, is inviting visitors to enjoy a fun-filled day out while exploring one of the region's most important industrial heritage sites. 

Built in 1849 to help transform public health by providing clean drinking water to Darlington and surrounding areas across Teesside, the pumping station remained operational until being converted into a museum in 1980. 

Visitors attending the Teddy Bears' Picnic will have the opportunity to bring along their favourite teddy bear and enjoy a day packed with fun. Guests can see the station's impressive pumping engines and water pumps in action, watch traditional ironwork demonstrations in the historic smithy, take a ride on the miniature railway and relax in the café with a range of refreshments available. 

Vicky Cairns, Partnerships Consultant at Northumbrian Water, said: "We are immensely proud of our historic monument but most importantly of the longstanding partnership with the dedicated museum volunteers, who make public steaming weekends possible and work hard with us helping to preserve this important heritage site for generations to come. 

“Giving back to our local communities is something we are passionate about and do in lots of different ways. Whether that’s through in-kind donations of equipment, community grants, sponsorship or through our national award-winning employee volunteer programme, Just an Hour.” 

The volunteer-run museum is home to two original pumping engines, including one of the largest preserved rotative beam engines of its type in Europe. The site remains a fascinating example of Victorian architecture and engineering ingenuity. 

Trevor Sheard, Museum Chairman at Tees Cottage Pumping Station, said: "The volunteers are working hard behind the scenes to get the museum ready for opening the doors and our Teddy Bears' Picnic is always a wonderful event that brings together families, history lovers and the local community for a memorable day out. 

"There is so much to see and do around our wonderful site, from the steam-powered machinery and miniature railway to our demonstrations and exhibits. We look forward to welcoming visitors through our doors and sharing the local story of this unique heritage site.” 

As the museum continues to grow and develop, Tees Cottage Pumping Station also has some rare volunteering opportunities available. The museum is on the lookout for: 

• Volunteer Project Manager to support the ongoing planning and development of the historic site 

• Volunteer Grant Application Manager to help identify funding opportunities and secure investment that will enable the museum to continue its preservation, development and community engagement work. 

These volunteer roles offer a unique opportunity for individuals with project management, fundraising or heritage interests to make a lasting contribution to one of the North East's most treasured attractions.  

If you’re interested in applying, email your interest to Trevor Sheard to chairman@teescottage.co.uk. 

For more information visit about Tees Cottage Pumping Station and events, go to www.teescottage.co.uk